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Few sights in the world compare to the magic of seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle against the Paris night sky. Whether it’s your first visit to the City of Light or your tenth, that first glimpse still takes your breath away.

As a travel advisor who’s spent countless hours exploring Paris, I’ve rounded up my favorite places to experience the city’s most iconic view, from picture-perfect parks and rooftops to elegant restaurants and unique experiences you’ll remember forever.

Best Outdoor Views

1. Trocadéro Gardens

If you want the classic Eiffel Tower photo, Trocadéro is where you’ll find it. With wide-open views, fountains, and plenty of photo ops, this is the spot you’ve seen in every postcard. Visit early in the morning for minimal crowds, or come at sunset to watch the lights come on as the city glows in golden hues.

Travel Tip: Arrive 30 minutes before sunset for the best lighting, and stay to see the tower sparkle on the hour after dark!

2. Champ de Mars

For a relaxed picnic vibe with unbeatable views, head to the Champ de Mars, the massive park stretching right in front of the tower. Grab a baguette, cheese, and a bottle of wine from a nearby market and settle in for a true Parisian experience.

Travel Tip: If you’re traveling with kids, this is a great family-friendly option. There’s plenty of space to run around while parents enjoy the view.

3. Pont de Bir-Hakeim

Made famous by movies like Inception, Pont de Bir-Hakeim offers one of the most cinematic views of the Eiffel Tower. The bridge’s symmetrical arches frame the tower perfectly, and it’s a less-crowded alternative to Trocadéro.

Travel Tip: Visit early morning or just before sunset to catch the perfect golden-hour glow without the crowds.

4. Rue de l’Université

Hidden among Paris’s charming streets, Rue de l’Université offers a quieter, local feel with postcard-worthy views of the tower framed by Haussmann-style buildings.

Travel Tip: This is a popular photography spot for influencers, so if you want a photo without the crowd, go early in the morning.

5. Avenue de Camoëns

This hidden gem is a quiet cobblestone street that ends in a stunning viewpoint of the Eiffel Tower. It’s one of my favorite “secret” photo locations in Paris, and it’s perfect for couples or anyone wanting a less touristy angle.

Travel Tip: Combine it with a walk from Trocadéro for an easy and picturesque detour.

Restaurants and Rooftop Views

6. Le Café de l’Homme (Trocadéro)

Located right at Trocadéro, this elegant restaurant pairs contemporary French cuisine with unbeatable Eiffel Tower views. It’s perfect for a romantic dinner or special occasion.

Travel Tip: Book in advance and request an outdoor table for a front-row seat to the Eiffel Tower light show.

7. Les Ombres (Musée du Quai Branly)

Perched on the rooftop of the Musée du Quai Branly, Les Ombres offers a fine dining experience literally under the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. At night, the tower feels close enough to touch!

Travel Tip: Time your reservation around sunset. The tower sparkles while you dine. It’s pure Parisian magic.

8. Girafe (Place du Trocadéro)

Chic and trendy with an Art Deco vibe, Girafe serves upscale seafood and has one of the most glamorous terraces in Paris. It’s also a celebrity favorite, so don’t be surprised if you spot someone famous while enjoying your meal.

Travel Tip: Dress up! Girafe has a stylish crowd and makes for incredible Eiffel Tower photos.

9. Shangri-La Paris (La Bauhinia or L’Abeille)

Once a royal residence, this five-star hotel offers Michelin-starred dining with a view that’s straight out of a dream. Whether you dine at La Bauhinia or the two-star L’Abeille, you’ll experience world-class cuisine with the Eiffel Tower glittering right outside the window.

Travel Tip: Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, consider booking afternoon tea or cocktails at Le Bar Botaniste for a taste of Parisian luxury.

10. Sequoia Rooftop Bar (Hotel Kimpton St Honoré)

For a laid-back yet luxurious experience, head to Sequoia, a chic rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city and the Eiffel Tower in the distance.

Travel Tip: Go for sunset cocktails. The atmosphere is stylish but relaxed, and the views are picture-perfect.

11. Le Perchoir (Marais or Menilmontant)

This trendy rooftop bar is all about boho-chic vibes, creative cocktails, and distant but beautiful Eiffel Tower views. It’s a favorite among locals and a great way to experience Paris beyond the tourist spots.

Travel Tip: Arrive early as it’s popular with Parisians after work!

Unique Experiences with Eiffel Tower Views

12. Seine River Dinner Cruise

Seeing the Eiffel Tower from the water gives a whole new perspective on Paris. As you float down the Seine, you’ll pass under historic bridges, past elegant architecture, and end your journey with the tower shimmering on the riverbank.

Travel Tip: Book a sunset or dinner cruise with Bateaux Parisiens or Ducasse sur Seine for a truly romantic evening.

13. Carousel Ride at Trocadéro

For families (or the young at heart), the vintage carousel near Trocadéro offers a whimsical way to enjoy the Eiffel Tower view.

Travel Tip: It’s a great photo opportunity, especially with kids, and the lights are magical at dusk.

14. Picnic at Sunset

If fine dining isn’t your style, create your own experience! Pack a Parisian picnic and enjoy the sparkling tower from the banks of the Seine or Champ de Mars.

Travel Tip: Grab supplies from a local market like Rue Cler, a charming street filled with bakeries, cheese shops, and florists just steps from the tower.

See It From Above

15. Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck

For the best panoramic view of the Eiffel Tower, rather than from it, take the elevator up to the 56th floor of the Montparnasse Tower. You’ll see the Iron Lady standing tall against the Paris skyline, and bonus that you won’t have to deal with the lines at the Eiffel Tower itself.

Travel Tip: The rooftop bar offers a beautiful setting for a sunset toast with a glass of champagne.

16. The Eiffel Tower Itself

Of course, nothing compares to seeing Paris from the Eiffel Tower. Whether you go up to the second floor or the summit, you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the city’s rooftops, monuments, and winding streets.

Travel Tip: Book tickets in advance to skip the long lines, and if possible, go near sunset for the best of both worlds, daylight views and city lights.

Where to Stay Near the Eiffel Tower

Paris is made up of distinct neighborhoods (“arrondissements”), each with its own charm. Here are a few favorites for different budgets and styles:

Budget: Yooma Urban Lodge Eiffel Tower – A trendy, family-friendly hotel just a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, Yooma Urban Lodge offers compact yet cleverly designed rooms (including family and bunk options) at an affordable price.
Moderate: Le Pradey – A chic 4-star boutique hotel steps from the Louvre and Tuileries Gardens, offering elegant rooms with Parisian flair and modern comforts in the heart of the 1st arrondissement.
Luxury: Le Meurice – A historic palace hotel overlooking the Tuileries Gardens, offering world-class service and a quintessential Parisian experience.

Travel Advisor Tip: Paris hotels can fill up fast during summer and the holiday. Reach out early so I can help secure the best rooms, rates, and perks through my travel advisor network.

Ready to See the Eiffel Tower for Yourself?

Whether you’re sipping champagne from a rooftop bar, gliding down the Seine at sunset, or enjoying a family picnic in the park, there’s no shortage of magical ways to experience Paris’s most famous landmark.

Ready to plan your dream trip to Paris? Let me help you design the perfect itinerary from hotels and dining to skip-the-line experiences and hidden gems. Contact me here to start planning your Paris adventure today!

Where to Find the Best Views of the Eiffel Tower