14 Best Places to See the Eiffel Tower Sparkle in Paris

Updated October 13, 2026

The Eiffel Tower sparkles for 5 minutes at the start of every hour after dark, with the last show at 11PM. As a Paris photographer who has lived here for over a decade, these are my 14 best places to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle in Paris. Almost all of them are free. In this post you will find a map, the closest metro stops, what to wear and answers to the most common questions.

Short on time? Go to Trocadéro for the classic view, Pont de Bir-Hakeim for the lights reflecting on the Seine, or Rue de l’Université to see her up close.

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 every window in the apartment 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 that the iron lady stays 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 About the Eiffel Tower

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 330 meters, it’s hard to miss this majestic structure from almost any vantage point in the city.

Gustave Eiffel was the engineer whose company built this for the 1889 World’s 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:

Map: Where to View the Eiffel Tower in Paris

Open the map in Google Maps to save it to your phone.

1. Place du Trocadéro: Iconic View of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

One of the best places and definitely a popular spot to view the Eiffel Tower in Paris 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.

A local secret: by the time the tower sparkles, this platform is packed. At sunrise it is nearly empty, which is why we photograph here first thing in the morning. Here is what a Trocadéro sunrise photoshoot looks like.

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: Trocadéro

2. Champ de Mars: Where to See the Eiffel Tower in Paris

Another great spot to view or take Eiffel Tower photos in Paris 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 du Quai Branly. There is panoramic floor to ceiling glass windows!

Metro: Bir Hakeim, École Militaire, or La Motte Piquet

3. Seine River Cruise: Moving View of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

For a unique view of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, 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 of our boat ride with Les Vedettes du Pont Neuf.

4. Arc de Triomphe: View of the Eiffel Tower

If you’re looking for a more historical view of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, 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: View of the Eiffel Tower

One of the most romantic spots to view the Eiffel Tower in Paris 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 de Camoëns (16th Arrondissement): Secret Spot for an Eiffel Tower View

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 Haussmann 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: Best Place to See the Eiffel Tower in Paris

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 Galliera: Where to See the Eiffel Tower in Paris

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 Tokyo: View of the Eiffel Tower

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: View of the Eiffel Tower

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, Pont des Arts, and the Tower sparkling 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

Watch the view from Pont Neuf on our Instagram.

 

11. Tuileries and Louvre Museum Garden: View of the Eiffel Tower

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: Up Close to the Eiffel Tower

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.

Bonus: 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: View of the Eiffel Tower

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

My Other Favorite Spots to See the Eiffel Tower

• Rue Saint-Dominique, close to our favorite cafés around the Eiffel Tower
• Shangri-La Hotel
• Peninsula Hotel
• Ferris Wheel in the Tuileries
• Square Rapp
• The Sacré-Cœur Dome in Montmartre

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.

What to Wear to Watch the Eiffel Tower Sparkle

You will be standing still outside after dark, often next to the river, and it gets cooler than you expect, even in summer. Here is what I would have with me.

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• A layer: a light jacket or sweater from spring to fall, and a proper wool coat in winter
• A trench coat, because it is Paris
• Comfortable shoes for the cobblestones and the stairs, like my Adidas
• A travel umbrella that fits in your bag
• A bag you can keep closed and in front of you in a crowd, like a Longchamp bag

Planning outfits for photos? Read what to wear for a Paris photo shoot, or see my full packing guides for fall, winter and summer.

Eiffel Tower Sparkle FAQ

Ready to Book Your Paris Photoshoot?

You have found your spot for the sparkle. Now go home with a portrait of you in front of her, not just a photo of the tower.

• When: Mornings, just after sunrise, when the city is quiet
• Who: Families, couples, engagements and proposals, and solo travelers, with an English-speaking team
• Your photos: Viewed the same day at our studio in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
• Session fee: From €150, packages up to €2,750. Inquire for our full price list.