14 Best Places to See the Eiffel Tower Sparkle
I remember the first time I saw the Eiffel Tower, it was the day I landed in France for the first time ever at 20 years old. I was here to spend a few days post Christmas with my then-boyfriend (now-husband). I walked into his family home and from every window in the apartment you overlooked the lush Jardin du Luxembourg with the Eiffel Tower in the distance. It was incredible. I can't remember what we did that first day (probably just walk around to survive jetlag haha) but that view would become my "everyday" only a year later when I moved to France. For me, THAT was my best view of the city of lights: watching from the dinner table, or the couch, or laying on my bed. I arrived in the DEAD of winter and those winter months can be so gray and brutal. The early morning can sometimes be so foggy the iron lady would stay hidden. But she's dependable. Every day at sunset her champagne lights sparkle thanks to her light-sensitive twilight sensors. The first sparkle is for 5 minutes after dusk and then she lights up every hour on the hour with the final show at 11PM. I love seeing her clear beacon spotlight turning around lighting up the city. It doesn't get old. I've been here a decade and it's a life long love affair now.
Some Facts:
As the iconic symbol of Paris, the Eiffel Tower is a must-see for any visitor to the City of Love. Standing at a towering 324 meters, it's hard to miss this majestic structure from almost any vantage point in the city. Gustave Eiffel was the architect who created this for the 1889 worlds fair and Pierre Bideau was the genius behind the beautiful lighting that has made it an icon. If you really want to take in the full beauty and grandeur of the tour eiffel, there are certain spots where the view is simply unbeatable. Whether you're looking to get pictures of the Eiffel tower, best Eiffel tower photo spots, or just the best views of the Eiffel tower sparkling at night, we've got them all:
1. The Place du Trocadero
One of the best places and definitely a popular spot to view the Eiffel Tower is from Trocadero. Located just across the Seine river, the Trocadero offers a stunning panoramic view of the tower, and is especially beautiful at night when the tower is illuminated. The Trocadéro is a platform that was created with the intention to view the Eiffel Tower. Of the many popular attractions in Paris, this is absolutely a must-see.
If you're visiting Paris during the cherry blossom season, consider visiting the Eiffel Tower early in the morning. In the gardens of the Trocadero there are cherry blossoms and it's especially beautiful to see the two together and is a great way to start your day in the city.
Pro tip: If you want to extend your visit and enjoy the eiffel tower light show while you dine, get a reservation at the restaurant Girafe, it's delicious and with this incredible view.
Metro station: Trocadéro
2. Champ de Mars
Another great spot to view or take Eiffel Tower photos is from Champ de Mars. This sprawling park is located at the base of the tower, and offers plenty of green space to picnic, relax, and take in the views. This is a great respite from the long lines to go up to the top of the Eiffel Tower. You can seriously have the best time here in this park just picnicking with a baguette and cheese. It's great for families, kids, and young people too because they can run around, there are multiple carousels, jungle gyms, and large open spaces for everyone of every age to enjoy.
If you are planning to go up to the top of the tower, I'd highly recommend purchasing tickets in advance. While there is a ticket office there at the base of the tower the lines can be really long during the high travel periods of the year. And don't forget, the Eiffel Tower is Paris's most famous landmark.
Pro tip: For a fine dining experience with an incredible view just next door is the restaurant Les Ombres located on top of the Musée de Quai Branley. There is panoramic floor to ceiling glass windows!
Metro: Bir Hakeim, École Militaire, or La Motte Piquet
3. Seine River Cruise
For a unique view of the Eiffel Tower, consider taking a Seine river cruise. This will allow you to view the tower from the water, and is a great way to see the city from a different perspective. We love Les Vedettes du Pont Neuf and love that they're conveniently located in the city center, just a quick walk from the Louvre and Notre Dame Cathedral. You'll need to pay for a ticket on board but really it's a small commission for such a great view. We've also heard amazing feedback from clients about the dinner cruises with Yachts de Paris
Metro: Pont Neuf
PS: I made a video about our boat ride with Les Vedettes de Pont Neuf, here it is:
4. Arc de Triomphe
If you're looking for a more historical view of the Eiffel Tower, make your way to the Arc de Triomphe. Located at the end of the Champs-Elysees, this iconic monument offers a beautiful view of the tower in the distance, and is a great spot for photos. This is also where the military parade starts for Bastille Day. To access the Arc de Triomphe it's located in the center of an enormous 10 lane roundabout, so it's a good idea to use the designated stairs that go UNDER the roundabout to access it so you don't play frogger with your life. You will need to purchase a ticket to get to the top, you can do that at their ticket office on the day of or online.
Metro: Charles de Gaulle Étoile
5. Pont Alexandre III
One of the most romantic spots to view the Eiffel Tower is from Pont Alexandre III. This ornate bridge built for the world fair and named after the Russian Tzar, offers a beautiful view of the tower in the distance. It's especially stunning at night when the tower is illuminated with its sparkling lights. You can access the quai de Seine right here, it's a beautiful walk between here and to the base of the Eiffel Tower. In the summer you have floating gardens and lots of stands where you can grab a bottle of rosé and sit and enjoy your evening apéro.
Metro: Invalides, Champs Elysees Clemenceau
6. Avenue des Camoëns (16th arrondissement)
This is more of a hidden spot but it's right around the corner from the Trocadéro. This is at the end of a cobble stone street and the top of a staircase. You see the Eiffel Tower peeking through the Haussman style buildings and it really does feel epic. It's definitely on our "most instagrammable places" list.
Metro: Trocadéro, Passy
7. Pont de Bir-Hakeim
A short walk from the tower, this is a contender for best view of the Eiffel Tower for sure. This is right in the middle of a bridge so when it's night time and you're overlooking the water that's reflecting all the beautiful golden lights in it, it does feel extra special with the perfect view. This is also one of the best photo spots for Paris photo sessions!
Metro: Bir-Hakeim
8. Palais Galiera
This is a lesser known museum with a gorgeous little park in the back of it. It's located just across from the Palais de Tokyo. You have a really lovely view of the tower from the steps in the back of the museum.
Metro: Iéna
9. Palais de Toyko
Home of some incredible modern art expos the outdoor area has a lovely view of the tower! There are a few restaurants here, if you'd like to dine with a view, choose the terrace seating at Monsieur Bleu
Metro: Iéna
10. Pont Neuf
Pont Neuf has beautiful views of the Eiffel tower in the distance. Stop and sit in one of the little cubbies and enjoy the view overlooking the Seine of the Louvre, the Academie Française, Pone des Arts, and the Tower sparking behind it all. I find Pont Neuf to be an especially magical place at all times of day with one of the best views of Paris.
Metro: Pont Neuf
Here’s a view
11. Tuileries/ Louvre Museum Garden
From many places in the Tuileries garden you have a view of the tower in the distance. From the far end of the Tuileries closest to Place de la Concorde, you have a great view of the Place de la Concorde Obelisk and the tower right behind it.
Metro: Concorde
12. Rue de Buenos Aires and Rue de L'Université (7th Arrondissement)
One of the best spots to view the Eiffel Tower is from Rue de l’Université and Rue de Buenos Aires. Both are located next to the tower on opposite sides, these streets offer a stunning view of the tower, and is a great place to take photos. We LOVE these streets for their charming cobblestones and iconic views so close to the Eiffel Tower.
Pro tip: Get a seat outside at the Castel Cafe and watch peoples faces as they turn the corner and see the tower for the first time so close up. You will not stop smiling. It's amazing.
Metro: Bir-Hakeim (for Rue des Buenos Aires), Pont de L'Alma (for Rue de L'Université)
13. Promenade Marie de Roumanie
This one is a bit hidden even though it's RIGHT next to the tower. What I absolutely LOVE about it is that it's just a walk with some benches but my goodness in June the flowers are spectacular. It's COVERED in roses of so many colors. There's a really cute carousel right at the start of this Promenade at the base of the Eiffel Tower.
Metro: Bir Hakeim
14. River Seine
Finally, one of the most peaceful spots to view the Eiffel Tower is from the banks of the River Seine. Here, you can take in the stunning views of the tower while relaxing on the river's edge. I like to go down the stairs right next to the Pont Iéna across the river from the Eiffel Tower. You have a number of houseboats here and it's a good place for a calm stroll.
Metro: Trocadéro
Other notable spots with epic and different views:
Rue Saint-Dominique
Shangri-La Hotel
Penninsula Hotel
Ferris Wheel in the Tuileries
Square Rapp
The Sacre-Coeur Dome
Overall, there are countless spots throughout Paris where you can view the Eiffel Tower in all its splendor. On this list we tried to make it walking accessible and all in public places where you wouldn't need to pay an entry fee, or in the two you do, they're very minimal. Whether you're looking for a romantic spot, a historical view, or a bird's eye view, there's something for everyone when it comes to admiring this iconic structure. So, no matter where you are in the city, you're sure to find the right place to take in the beauty of the Eiffel Tower sparkle.
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