Seeing the Eiffel Tower in person is definitely a bucket list item! To truly appreciate the splendor of Paris’ Iron Lady, you need to see it from different perspectives. We searched high and low (literally) and found 7 of the most spectacular places to take photos of the Eiffel Tower!
Best Places to Take Photos of the Eiffel Tower
Table of Contents
- 1. Place du Trocadero
- 2. Pont de Bir-Hakeim Bridge
- 3. Champ de Mars
- 4. Rue de l’Universite
- 5. Arc de Triomphe
- 6. Galleries Lafayette
- 7. The Pantheon
1. Place du Trocadero
Place du Trocadero is the most popular spot in Paris to take photos of the Eiffel Tower.
Trocadero Square is a sunny plaza located atop the bottom floor of the Palais de Chaillot and is flanked by two wings of the building.
Today the Palais de Chaillot houses several museums and the square offers uninterrupted views of the Eiffel Tower.
You’ll find a staircase on each side of the square leading down to the Trocadero Gardens. This is also a popular place to take photos with the Eiffel Tower in the background.
The crowning jewel of the Trocadero Gardens is the Fountain of Warsaw. The fountain puts on an impressive show with its 20 water cannons.
When the water is placid it provides the perfect glass reflection for the Eiffel Tower. Unfortunately, the fountain was undergoing maintenance while we were visiting.
You’ll also find a vintage carousel located in the right corner of the garden that provides the perfect photo op.
The square and gardens are bustling with tourists, come early in the morning if you want to be able to capture a view without the crowds.
As you walk to the end of the square, cross over the crosswalk in front of the bridge to capture another great shot.
2. Pont de Bir-Hakeim Bridge
From the Trocadero Gardens, head right along the Seine riverfront and you’ll reach the Pont de Bir-Hakeim Bridge.
This industrial two-level bridge offers pedestrian and vehicle access on the bottom level with a railway on the top.
The Pont de Bir-Hakeim Bridge boasts a unique view of the Eiffel Tower with the steel columns and hanging lanterns adding interest in photos.
This bridge can also be seen in a few different Hollywood movies, such as Inception and National Treasure: Book of Secrets.
As you continue across the bridge, you’ll pass over the island of Île aux Cygnes. It is here that visitors can view a replica of the Statue of Liberty.
3. Champ de Mars
As you cross over the Seine River you’ll find Champ de Mars, a large public garden surrounding the Eiffel Tower.
These grounds were once used for drills and marching grounds by the French military.
Today you can find an enchanting cosmopolitan park with unrivaled views of the Grande Dame of Paris.
When the weather is warm, grab a blanket and baguette sandwiches to enjoy a sun-dappled picnic on the lawn.
As the sun sets, this is the best spot to get unspoiled views of the dazzling light show.
*Related Post: While you’re planning your trip to Paris, be sure to check out our guide for Paris in 4 Days: The Ambitious Traveler’s Guide
4. Rue de l’Universite
As you explore around the south bank of the Seine River, you’ll discover hidden views of the Eiffel Tower peeking up between the maze of narrow streets and alleyways.
One of the best places to view the Eiffel Tower is where Rue de l’Universite dead ends at Avenue de la Bourdonnais. Here you’ll have a clear sight of the Eiffel Tower tucked between buildings.
Another great view is near the Le Recrutement Cafe on the corner of Boulevard de la Tour-Maubourg and Rue Saint-Dominique.
Wander around the neighborhood and you are sure to discover your own hidden views of the Eiffel Tower.
5. Arc de Triomphe
My favorite place to take photos of the Eiffel Tower is from the top of the Arc de Triomphe. Climb the 284-step spiral staircase to access the rooftop viewing platform.
From here, you’ll be able to capture the Eiffel Tower rising majestically above the city buildings.
Tickets are required to access the viewing platform. Admission is 8 euros for adults and free for youth 17 years and younger.
Skip the line tickets are also available through third-party vendors. Entry is free on the first Sunday of each month during the offseason.
The viewing platform is open until 10:30 or 11 pm each night, depending on the season. The lines are much shorter at night and the view is absolutely spectacular.
6. Galleries Lafayette
The Galleries Lafayette shopping center offers commanding views of the city and Eiffel Tower, and the best part is that it is free!
The 7th-floor rooftop terrace can be reached by escalator in the main department store.
As you look out across the city, you can capture the neighboring Paris Opera House and the Eiffel Tower in the same frame. You can also see as far out as Notre Dame and the Sacre Coeur.
The terrace is open from 9:30 am to 8:30 pm Monday-Saturday and 11 am to 8 pm Sundays.
7. The Pantheon
The Pantheon is a revered mausoleum whose crypt is the final resting place for some of France’s most influential citizens.
I would highly recommend visiting the Pantheon to absorb the history and pay your respects, but it is also a great place to soak in the views of the city and the Eiffel Tower from the dome.
The dome can be accessed with a guide at an additional cost of 2 euros. Check the site for hours. Entry to the Pantheon is 9 euros for adults and free for youth 17 years and younger. Free entry is also available during the offseason on the first Sunday of the month.
The dome was closed the day we were there, but I still loved the view of the Eiffel Tower as you step out of the Pantheon. The Eiffel Tower stands out among the cluster of buildings directly in front of the Pantheon steps.
I hope this guide has helped you discover a few of the best places to take photos of the Eiffel Tower, it truly is a remarkable experience to see it in person!
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- 12 Places Not to Miss in Montmartre
- 36 Bucket List Things to Do in Paris
- First Time Guide to the Palace of Versailles
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