The 10 Best Eiffel Tower Photo Spots

Do you want to take some photos of the Eiffel Tower but you’re not sure where to go? The Eiffel Tower is without a doubt the most photographed landmark in Paris. In this blog post I give you a list of Eiffel Tower photo spots that will give you those iconic photos!

I’ve seen the Eiffel Tower countless times (and taken just as many photos) but my jaw still drops every time I see it. I love how the iron lady can pop up when you least expect it: around a corner, between streets or on your metro ride. It offers the prettiest views when walking around Paris.

Despite my obsession with the Eiffel Tower, there are some Eiffel Tower photo spots that stand out from the rest. Continue reading for a full list, including both classic and more secret Eiffel Tower photo spots.

➳ Want to visit more Instagram photography locations in Paris? Let my 14 Best Photo Spots in Paris guide show you around.

Where is the Eiffel Tower?

The Eiffel Tower is located in the 7th arrondissement, in southwestern Paris. The Eiffel Tower area has the river Seine on one side, and the big park Champ de Mars on the other side. Many of the Eiffel Tower photography locations included in this blog post are located in the 7th, 8th or 16th arrondissements. These are the areas surrounding the Eiffel Tower, and where you’ll get the best Eiffel Tower views.

I’ll include a map for you to get an overview of the photo spots.

➳ Are you visiting Paris for the first time? Let my travel guide 4 Days in Paris help you plan your tip!

Map of the best Eiffel Tower photo spots

This Google map points out all the Eiffel Tower photo spots you should not miss during your trip to Paris.

How do you take good pictures of the Eiffel Tower?

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most popular photo spots in Paris, which means it can be crowded and challenging to photograph. Here are some tips on how to take good pictures of the Eiffel Tower:

1. Different angles and perspectives: The Eiffel Tower can be photographed from countless angles and perspectives. Try shooting from directly below to capture its intricate metalwork or from afar to get the entire structure in the frame.
2. Time of day: Lighting plays a key role in photography, and the Eiffel Tower is no exception. Sunrise and sunset provide the best natural lighting, creating a beautiful, soft glow on the tower.
3. Avoid the crowds: Speaking of sunrise… The earlier you get to a place, the greater your chance of having it all to yourself. This will probably make the biggest difference to your Eiffel Tower photo. Try 6 am if you have the energy.

➳ Read more: See all your hotel options in Paris

Below you’ll find a list of the 10 best Eiffel Tower photo spots, including how to get there. Let’s dive in!

1. Place du Trocadero

Enjoy the greatest view of the Eiffel Tower from Place du Trocadero. Even though this square is very popular among tourists, it’s still the best place for impressive Eiffel Tower photos.

Due to its popularity it can be hard to photograph the Eiffel Tower without other people disturbing your picture, but it’s not impossible. My best tips for a people-free picture is to go there early, preferably during sunrise. Besides being the least crowded time of the day, you also get to see the sun coming up from the perfect angle.

Place du Trocadero offers many photogenic angles. Here are my favorites:

• The main square
• The staircase leading down to Trocadéro Gardens
• The carousel down by Avenue des Nations Unies (see it on Google Maps here!)

Closest metro station: Trocadéro (line 6 or 9)

2. Pont d’Iéna

Not far from Trocadéro you find Pont d’Iéna, the bridge crossing river Seine that connects the Trocadéro Gardens with the Eiffel Tower and Champ de Mars park. From Pont d’Iéna you have the Eiffel Tower right in front of you, and can get a soft-looking photo with the Eiffel Tower blurred in the background. For an even more dramatic look you should come here in the evening to see the tower sparkle.

Closest metro station: Trocadéro (line 6 or 9), Iéna (line 9) or Champ de Mars Tour Eiffel (RER C)

3. Avenue de Cameons

Just a short walk from Place du Trocadero lies Avenue de Cameons, a small but very Parisian street with a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower. This street has become Instagram-famous lately, and I understand why. The silence, the beautiful buildings, the balconies facing the Eiffel Tower and the stairs leading down to Boulevard Delessert.

Due to the Instagram trend, you can not count on being alone here (you can nowhere in Paris). When I was at Avenue de Cameons there were a few other couples taking photos, but it wasn’t crowded. If you want a better chance at being alone, go there early in the morning.

Closest metro station: Trocadéro (line 6 or 9)

4. Rue Saint-Dominique

Rue Saint-Dominique is a very long street from where you, at certain parts, have a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower. I suggest you go to the corner of Rue Saint-Dominique – Rue Surcouf, where the cute café Au Canon des Invalides is located. From here you have the Eiffel Tower at a perfect angle at the end of the street.

Rue Saint-Dominique is a busy street, with lots of restaurants, shops, traffic and people. Getting a perfectly balanced photo, with not too many cars or other people, can be hard. My best tip is to be patient and wait for the right moment.

Bonus tip: Don’t go here in the evening/during sunset! You risk getting a troublesome backlight that complicates your photo session.

Closest metro station: La Tour-Maubourg (line 8)

5. Square Rapp

Square Rapp is a small dead-end street in the 7th arrondissement, just off Avenue Rapp. It does not look like much to the world when you pass it, but when you stand in the square and turn around, you get a magnificent view of the Eiffel Tower.

This is kind of a secret spot to view the Eiffel Tower from. It’s quiet and basically tourist-free. That being said, as this is a residential area of Paris, be respectful and don’t disturb the people living there.

Closest metro station: École Militaire (line 8) or Pont de l’Alma (RER C)

6. Champ de Mars

Champ de Mars is the big garden where the Eiffel Tower is located. From this garden you have an impressive view of the Eiffel Tower – almost as impressive as from Trocadéro or Pont d’Iéna.

Champ de Mars is a popular spot for a picnic, which is also a great photo opportunity. Bring a picnic basket and make a day out of it!

Closest metro station: École Militaire (line 8)

7. Bir-Hakeim bridge

Bir-Hakeim bridge crosses the Seine river and connects the 15th and 16th arrondissement. If you cross the bridge by foot, you will encounter some fantastic photo options. The bridge posts create a beautiful frame around the Eiffel Tower. A unique Eiffel Tower photo spot, to say the least!

Closest metro station: Bir Hakeim or Passy (line 6)

8. Arc de Triomphe

If you want a great view of the Parisian skyline, with the Eiffel Tower included, you should head up to the top of Arc de Triomphe. You won’t find an elevator here, only stairs – and a lot of them. But it’s worth it! From the top to get an epic view of the Eiffel Tower, among the many characteristic Parisian rooftops.

The tickets to Arc de Triomphe upper deck are free of charge if you are an EU resident under 26 years old, otherwise you’ll have to pay 13 €.

Closest metro station: Charles de Gaulle Etoile (line 1, 2 and 6 + RER A)

9. Perruche rooftop restaurant

If you want to combine a great view of the Eiffel Tower with a drink, then I suggest you go to Perruche rooftop restaurant. Perruche is located on the top floor of the Printemps department store in the 9th arrondissement. You can come for dinner or just a pre-dinner drink and enjoy a view of the entire city, including the majestic Eiffel Tower.

Closest metro station: Havre – Caumartin (line 3 and 9)

10. Rue de l’Université

Okay, so I strategically put this photo spot as my last tip. If you’ve researched Eiffel Tower photo spots on Instagram, you probably haven’t missed Rue de l’Université. The street is indeed very cute, and offers an impressive view of the Eiffel Tower. However, due to its popularity on Instagram, this street is now filled with tourists trying to snap that perfect Instagram photo.

Yes, the street has the Parisian charm with the cobblestones and beautiful architecture. But due to its popularity it’s hard to get a photo without other people. If you want to give it a try you should get there early in the morning.

Closest metro station: Pont de l’Alma (RER C)

When does the Eiffel Tower sparkle?

Want to take photos of the Eiffel Tower at night? The Eiffel Tower sparkles every evening after dusk for 5 minutes. It starts at the beginning of each hour. The last sparkle occurs at 11 pm, and the Eiffel Tower lighting is switched off completely at 11.45 pm.

Since the sun sets at different times throughout the year, the Eiffel Tower lights time differs depending on the season. The lights are triggered automatically by nightfall sensors. Make sure to check at what time the sun sets so you know when the first sparkle occurs.

Where to stay near the Eiffel Tower?

Waking up to the view of the Eiffel Tower is something many people dream of. Here are two great accommodation options with Eiffel Tower view. 

Hotel recommendations near the Eiffel Tower:

• Hotel Duquesne Eiffel
• Jardins Eiffel

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