Post Overview: Best views of the Eiffel Tower
Nothing in Paris is more instantly recognizable than the Eiffel Tower. It wasn’t always an icon, though. Throughout history it appeared that its future was anything but certain. Luckily The Iron Lady, which was initially intended to be a temporary exhibit, has swiftly become a symbol of an entire country.
Numerous people all over the world find inspiration in the Eiffel Tower. With a height of 1,063 feet, the tower is visible from a great distance but it can be difficult knowing where to go to get the best views of the Eiffel Tower.
That’s where I come in! In this guide I am going to cover the best spots to grab epic views of the Eiffel Tower. This includes public spaces, hotels and even restaurants where you can grab the photo of a lifetime.
Make sure your camera roll is empty and your battery is charged because there is no way you’re leaving Paris without multiple photoshoots with views of the Eiffel Tower looming in the background!
So without further ado, let’s get right into it.
The (short) History of the Eiffel Tower
Before diving into the best views of the Eiffel Tower, allow me to share the short-history of the beloved landmark.
The genesis: The Eiffel Tower was constructed in 1889 to celebrate the 100th year anniversary of the French Revolution. 1889 also happened to be the same year Paris was hosting the Exposition Universelle (the World Fair).
The World Fair at the time was akin to the Olympics. Hosted by a different country every few years, it served as an opportunity for nations to parade their successes in technology, engineering and culture.
The only issue was that France was struggling economically and spirits were low. But they didn’t give up that easy. In an effort to boost morale they set out to build the tallest building in the world and showcase it at the World Fair.
Not only did they succeed, the Eiffel Tower ended up being twice the height of the previous tallest structure at the time (the Washington Monument). Talk about being an overachiever!
The Eiffel Tower brought in so many visitors that Paris was able to thrive thanks to the influx of tourists. That’s still true to this day, too. Ask any visitor what they plan on doing in Paris and one of the first answers will be visiting the Eiffel Tower.
The structure was not only ahead of its time, but it completely changed the world and what was considered possible from that moment on. The Eiffel Tower inspired countless imaginations for generations, and may it long continue to do so!
Further reading: 15 Exciting Facts About The Eiffel Tower (You May Not Know!)
Best Eiffel Tower Views
Metro 6: between Passy and Bir Hakeim
A mundane trip on the metro becomes a romantic voyage when you get stunning views of the Eiffel Tower. Indeed, the Metro 6 between the Passy and Bir Hakeim stations gives you a brief but inspiring glimpse of The Iron Lady.
Whenever I take the line I tell myself to play the part of an unfazed local and keep my nose buried in a book to look cool, but man it’s impossible to not be stunned.
The train comes out from underground through a blaze of sunlight, crossing the famed Seine River.
As your eyes adjust to the brightness you get one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower.
The tower is to the north of the metro line. If you’re riding from Passy to Bir-Hakeim that means look to the left of the direction the train is heading. From Bir-Hakeim to Passy it’ll be on the right.
Avenue de New York
If you’re looking to enjoy some of the best views of the Eiffel Tower next to the water, look no further. The only things seperating Avenue de New York and the Eiffel Tower is the Seine River.
As you can imagine, the already picturesque background just turned more charming thanks to the calmness of the water. There’s a handful of cafes and restaurants around the area that make killing time easy. I recommend visiting in the evening and sitting at a cafe until dusk to enjoy the twinkling lights.
The fact that there is nothing blocking the Iron Lady makes Avenue de New York one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower for taking pictures. The street is long, allowing multiple angles and several openings for those iconic Instagram pictures.
Pont Alexandre III
The Pont Alexandre III is the bridge that connects the Champs-Elysee with the Hotel des Invalides, one of the best museums in Paris. If you fancy yourself a photographer, this is one of the best spots to head to with your camera in Paris, period.
Even better it has some of the best views of the Eiffel Tower. The tower is not as close as one would like, but the ornate lamps, golden accents and statues leave you so much room to play with and frame a beautiful picture.
And speaking of the lamps, the Pont Alexandre III offers one of the most romantic views of the Eiffel Tower. After the sun dips below the horizon and the lights start coming on there is a warm glow on the bridge that could be a scene from a fairy tale.
That’s why you’ll find it full of locals and lovebirds hanging out on the bridge as the sun goes down. Folks will even visit solo, romanticizing their own life as if they were the main character in a movie.
Address: Pont Alexandre III, 75008 Paris
Rue de l’Université
We’ve all seen the photos of a picturesque street that leads nowhere and dead ends at the base of the Eiffel Tower and thought, “I need to go there.” I know I’m guilty, the pictures are too enticing not to visit.
Well my friends, I’m here to make finding the street easier. The street’s name is Rue de l’Universite and it has one of the most impressive views of the Eiffel Tower.
The cobblestone streets and charming foliage tease the Iron Lady in the background. The scene is an influencer’s dream come true! But you don’t have to have a bajillion followers to snag a photo.
You’d also think that with the fame the spot has garnered on social media it’d be a minefield of tripods and selfie sticks, but the street is surprisingly quiet. I’m not going to lie and say you’ll have it to yourself, but more often than not there you won’t be fighting folks for a place to snag a quick picture.
L’Howea
L’Howea is a charming flower store at the corner of the Rue de Monttessuy and Avenue Rapp. Although there isn’t a place to sit or hang-out, strolling past the flower shop offers one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower.
The outdoor display of blooms add an enchanting pop of color to the idyllic scene. Even better, swinging by for a bouquet as you enjoy the views of the Eiffel Tower is one of the most memorable things to do while in Paris.
The street behind the flower shop, the Rue de Monttessuy is a popular place to take photos with the Iron Lady. With that said – bring a friend to snap your pictures since it’s a busy street and you need to stay focused to avoid an accident!
Address: 18 Av. Rapp, 75007 Paris
Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
One of the best views of the Eiffel Tower comes from Galeries Lafayette, a luxury department store catered to those with no self-control of their spending (aka, me).
The store itself is stunning and does a great job creating an atmosphere of class and grandeur. There are golden accents, tiled floors and a dome that could just as well be found in a Renaissance-era church.
I’ve learned (for my wallet’s sake) to make a beeline for the elevator and head straight up to the rooftop terrace. Once at the top it’s easy to lose track of time delighting in the views of the Eiffel Tower and the City of Light.
If you find yourself working up an appetite you’ll be better served at the rooftop bar. This way you can rest your feet and have a drink while still enjoying the views of the Eiffel Tower and the rest of Paris.
Further reading: Need more wallet friendly activities? Check out 30 Fantastic Free Things to Do in Paris (That’ll Make Your Wallet Happy).
Address: 40 Bd Haussmann, 75009 Paris
Arc de Triomphe (Observation Deck)
The first time I visited Paris my mom claimed to have purchased tickets for us to check out Arc de Triomphe. Having lived in New York City previously I assumed the arch was similar to the Washington Square Arch and no purchase was necessary to visit.
To my surprise, Arc de Triomph does in fact sell tickets allowing you inside the arch all the way to the top! Now every time I’m in Paris I make an effort to swing by and take in some of the best views of the Eiffel Tower.
The top of the arch offers unobstructed panoramic views of the city. It’s especially iconic in the evening when the Eiffel Tower lights up. I will mention though, there are no elevators
In order to get to the top of Arc de Triomphe, you’ll need to climb a steep set of stairs (284 steps… you learn a lot about a person during this time). The stairs lead to a rooftop terrace, where you get some of the most breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower.
Plan ahead and book tickets here (current cost is 13€ per person). There’s also a little museum at the top that’s worth perusing for a while, it’s very interesting.
Address: Pl. Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris
Trocadero Gardens & Steps
The base of the tower is made up of four sides. Two face the streets and deal with oncoming traffic, whilst the other two offer some of the best views of the Eiffel Tower for folks to enjoy.
On one side, there is a large green space, Champs de Mars (which we’ll get to next). And on the other side is Trocadero Gardens. The Trocadeo Gardens are continuously crowded with eager artists, children playing in the various water features and running around, and weary individuals resting their feet.
When the sun is out, you’ll have a hard time finding an empty spot to sit. With an abundance of seating options at your fingertips you’ll be able to enjoy some of the best views of the Eiffel Tower comfortably.
Something to note: Keep a look out for scammers as this is a hotspot for them, and just politely decline their offers. Since this area is heavily populated by tourists there will be a lot of souvenir vendors and performers, so bring cash if interested.
Address: Pl. du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, 75016 Paris
Champs de Mars
Arguably the best views of the Eiffel Tower can be had at Champs de Mars. Not only that, but it’s one of the easiest spots to hang out for hours catching the Iron Lady change throughout the day.
Located in the seventh arrondissement, the public green space sits at the foot of the tower offering uninterrupted views of the Eiffel Tower. Expect to find locals sprawled out on picnic blankets, nursing a bottle of rose, waiting for the sun to set and the tower to light up.
There are a few stands peppered around the lawn that offer quick bites, drinks and my favorite, crepes!
Champs de Mars is a spot where folks from all over the world come to take an iconic photo since it’s one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower. I recommend swinging by earlier in the day to get a photo without crowds. Or come closer to dusk (with a baguette and wine in hand) and park yourself in front of the tower and watch her sparkle.
Further Reading: Looking for more date night ideas? Check out 25 Romantic Things to Do in Paris (That’ll Make You Fall in Love Again).
Address: 2 All. Adrienne Lecouvreur, 75007 Paris
Restaurants With View of Eiffel Tower
Francette
What better way to take in epic views of the Eiffel Tower than over a delicious dinner? And I’ll do you one better by recommending a restaurant located on the water!
Francette is a waterfront cruise ship that functions as a 3 storied restaurant. Each story offers a different experience but if you’re after a restaurant with great views of the Eiffel Tower, I suggest floor 0 or +1 (the penthouse aka the terrace).
You’ll be hard pressed finding a better restaurant with views of the Eiffel Tower than Francette. Why do I make such a bold claim? Maybe it’s because the restaurant is located directly in front of the Iron Lady. 😉
In full transparency, the food is exactly what you’d expect from a touristy place like this. By no means is the food bad, but to say it will blow your mind would be a lie. However, I can attest from first-hand experience that the service and the views alone are 100% worth the effort of making reservations.
Even if you just come by for drinks and appetizers, you won’t leave disappointed knowing you’re at one of the best restaurants with killer views of the Eiffel Tower.
Address: 1 Port de Suffren, 75007 Paris
II Sorrentino
If you’re a sucker for carbs and have a craving for delicious Italian food, one of the best restaurants with views of the Eiffel Tower is Il Sorrentino. Located about a block or two away from the tower, the views (especially at night) are stunning.
Grabbing a table outside is non-negotiable so you can enjoy some of the best views of the Eiffel Tower while going to town on your pasta. Speaking of pasta, hopefully you enjoy it cheesy since the signature move at Il Sorrentino is cooking the pasta in a cheese wheel!
The restaurant is on the smaller side so making reservations in advance is ideal. However, we’ve had plenty of luck walking in on random days and being sat.
My biggest complaint is that the service has always been hit or miss. Some days the service is great and others were less than ideal. With that in mind, I recommend not letting poor service taint an otherwise dreamy views of the Eiffel Tower.
Address: 4 Rue de Monttessuy, 75007 Paris
Les Ombres
Les Ombres is a spot where elegance and class meet on the rooftop terrace and offer some of the best views of the Eiffel Tower. The modernized rooftop restaurant is the perfect setting to celebrate any occasion and to treat yourself every once in a while.
Offering different variations of three to six-course meals, you can expect to pay a pretty penny if you choose to dine here. If at all helpful, you can expect to pay roughly €60 – €160 a person.
The incredible views of the Eiffel Tower from this restaurant are hard to beat (especially if you’re looking to see the tower without crowds). Which makes the price tag worth it in my opinion. The quality of food followed by the top-tier service also help lessen the blow.
This is one of the best restaurants with views of the Eiffel Tower if you are visiting Paris for an anniversary or birthday. Also, the natural light filling the space makes for great photo-taking lighting!
Address: 27 Quai Jacques Chirac, 75007 Paris
Girafe
Dining under the open sky, enjoying the best views of the Eiffel Tower and sipping a glass of wine sounds like a pipe-dream. However thanks to Girafe, a seafood restaurant, you can now treat yourself to one of the most unforgettable meals of your life!
You’ll find the fine dining establishment inside the Cite de l’architecture et du Patrimoine, a museum dedicated to French architecture. The restaurant itself is a masterclass in hospitality and aesthetics, because it’s as beautiful as the food is delicious.
A seafood lover will be right at home at Girafe and the restaurant has a full bar to quench any thirsty members of your party. As you’d expect with a restaurant offering views of the Eiffel Tower the prices at Girafe are on the high end, but the quality of food is well worth it.
Girafe is one of the best restaurants with views of the Eiffel Tower to celebrate a special occasion but you’ll have to put in some legwork to snag a reservation. They’re not offered online so you’ll have to call, but in my experience getting someone on the other end is nearly impossible.
My suggestion is to head to Girafe on your first or second day in Paris and make a reservation in person. Ideally they’ll have something available and if not you can check out some of our other recommendations of restaurants with views of the Eiffel Tower.
Address: 1 Pl. du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, 75016 Paris
Gigi
I’m hesitant to mention Gigi as one of the best restaurants with views of the Eiffel Tower for a few reasons. Personally, the prices simply aren’t worth it. With other great restaurants on the list that offer just as great as views, I think you can skip out on Gigi’s and not feel bad about it.
Secondly, the service is too hit or miss for me to comfortably recommend visiting. Gigi’s is essentially a restaurant with views of the Eiffel Tower that social media caught wind of and the trendy vibes are enticing.
However, I have also had friends who visit and come back only to sing their praises. In full transparency Gigi’s does offer some stunning views of the Iron Lady, especially from the terrace.
Serving Italian food in a gorgeous setting, you can’t deny the charming atmosphere and the elegance the room oozes. If you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion, I can understand the draw Gigi’s has.
But overall, this is not a personal pick of mine. I added it to the list since it’s grown in popularity and I want you to have all options worth considering so you can make your own educated choice.
Address: 15 Av. Montaigne, 75008 Paris
Monsieur Bleu
Monsieur Bleu is a popular Parisian restaurant offering stunning views of the Eiffel Tower. You can visit for brunch, lunch and dinner and always leave satisfied and if you’re lucky, with a buzz.
The restaurant serves French staples including a variety of fish, meats and vegetables. The vast cuisine makes this an ideal restaurant with views of the Eiffel Tower to bring a group of friends since everyone can find something to suit their fancy.
And for those of us who love to watch the Iron Lady’s lights there are few better restaurants than Monsieur Blue. The tower sparkles at the beginning of every hour after sundown for five minutes, and since Monseiur Bleu is open until 2AM you’ll have the best views of the Eiffel Tower for a couple rounds of lights.
Address: Palais de Tokyo, 20 Av. de New York, 75116 Paris
Hotels With Views of The Eiffel Tower
Plaza Tour Eiffel
As you’d expect, hotels with views of the Eiffel Tower come at a premium price-point. The Plaza Tour Eiffel is one of the best values considering you can book their Superior Eiffel Tower View Room for as low as €350.
Before you look it up and notice you only get views the tip of the Eiffel Tower from the room you should know it’s still a pretty sight, especially when the lights come on.
I won’t sugarcoat it and say it’s “one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower” but for this price point it’s about all you’ll get. If you find something better, please send it my way!
Address: 32 Rue Greuze, 75016 Paris
Le Metropolitan
Le Metropolitan caught my eye when researching the best hotels with views of the Eiffel Tower largely because of the round windows. Hear me out – I know it’s absurd to rent a hotel room just to take a picture, but it’s a pretty iconic picture.
The Iron Lady is framed perfectly by a round window large enough you can sit in. It’s like a scene straight out of a postcard! With that said, the views of the Eiffel Tower are the biggest reasons to book the hotel.
The rooms are small and work well for a quick one or two nights. However if you’re traveling for a longer period of time I’d look for a hotel that’s more accommodating.
The Eiffel Tower Suite which is the room with the circular window starts at around €500 per night. There is also an Eiffel Suite View Room that has views of the tower with regular windows starting at €450 per night.
Address: 10 Pl. de Mexico, 75116 Paris
Hyatt Regency Etoile
A friendly face most Americans will recognize, the Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile is further removed from the Eiffel Tower but since it’s a skyscraper the views are still magnificent.
In fact, as Paris’ tallest hotel you not only get views of the Eiffel Tower but of the city as a whole. If you look out the window after sunset lights start coming on and you come to appreciate why Paris is known as The City of Light.
The hotel is enormous with close to 1000 rooms, a bar, a restaurant and its own mini-market. In sum, the Hyatt Regency Etoile is one of the best hotels with views of the Eiffel Tower if you want more than just the views.
The Eiffel Tower Suite ranges anywhere from €400 to €800 per night, depending on the time of year. With that said Hyatt is a global company and frequently offers specials and discounts. My best piece of advice is to keep an eye on their website.
Address: 3 Pl. du Général Kœnig, 75017 Paris
Shangri-La Paris
If you’re looking for the best hotel with views of the Eiffel Tower it’s the Shangri-La Paris, period. This place is the definition of luxury and there is no better place to treat yo-self while in Paris.
For starters, it’s the former home of Prince Roland Bonaparte, a grandson of Napoleon Bonaparte’s younger brother. As such you know it was designed with the highest architectural craftsmanship of the time.
And you’ll be pleased to learn that out of its 100 rooms more than half offer views of the Eiffel Tower. This hotel is one of the most talked about on social media thanks to its opulent decor.
I daydream of recreating an iconic photo I’ve seen online, wrapped in a blanket (or even better, in a bubble bath!) and delighting in the views of the Eiffel Tower while sipping champagne from the bottle. But the best I’ll get is a daydream because an average night at the Shangri-La Paris runs around €2,000 (yikes!). And that price tag doubles for rooms with views of the Eiffel Tower.
Address: 10 Av. d’Iéna, 75116 Paris
Hotel Plaza Athénée
Okay let’s say hypothetically the Shangri-La Paris isn’t a luxurious enough hotel for you. What now? Call a cab to the Hotel Plaza Athénée, the epitome of a five-star hotel.
Here you will find suites worthy of hosting world leaders and the service (and prices) to match. The Eiffel Suite is an impressive 1,022 square feet (which is larger than the my apartment in NYC). And the space has a separate living room, walk in closets and a complimentary, welcome bottle of champagne.
As the name suggests you’ll have a riveting view of the Eiffel Tower thanks to its floor to ceiling windows. I encourage you to partake in as many of the room’s amenities as possible because a night in the suite will cost north of €15,000 a night.
Address: 25 Av. Montaigne, 75008 Paris
Where to see the Eiffel Tower (Post Summary)
- Champs de Mars
- Trocadero Gardens & steps
- Arc de Triomphe
- Galeries Lafayette
- L’Howea
- Rue de l’Universite
- Pont Alexandre III
- Avenue de New York
- Metro 6: between Passy and Bir Hakeim
- Francette
- II Sorrentino
- Les Ombres
- Girafe
- Gigi
- Monsieur Bleu
- Plaza Tour Eiffel
- Le Metropolitan
- Hyatt Regency Etoile
- Shangri-La Paris
- Hotel Plaza Athénée
Map of the Best Views of Eiffel Tower
And there you have it folks — the best views of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Comment down below if you think we missed a spot.
Au revoir!
What do you think?