
02 Sep The Best Places to take Photos with the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is the most famous landmark in Paris! Nicknamed the “Iron Lady”, it was built from 1887 to 1889 to be the entrance to the 1889 World’s Fair. Since then, the Eiffel Tower has become an iconic symbol of Paris and France, and everyone loves it! As a Parisian photographer, I know the best places to take photos with the Eiffel Tower. After years of chasing all the Instagram photos spots with the Iron Lady, I gathered quite a lot of options! Therefore, I have made for you a list of all the best places to capture the Eiffel Tower with their exact location and my photography tips.
Table of Contents
Esplanade du Trocadéro
The Esplanade du Trocadéro (aka Parvis de Droits de l’Homme) is a large public square located in the 16th arrondissement across the Seine and in front of the Eiffel Tower. It’s located on a hill (arranged for the 1867 World’s Fair) so it offers an unbeatable view on the Iron Lady. Therefore, it’s one of the best places to capture the Eiffel Tower! People from all over the world come here to admire it!
It has been under renovation from May 2020 until Dec 2022 and it’s now fully accessible! But FYI you cannot sit or stand on the ledge anymore. They added some pointy stones at the top of all the ledge parts and the staircases to prevent people from sitting or standing there.
Location: Esplanade du Trocadéro
My secret tips: This place is very popular and extremely touristy. So, if you want to take good photos here, I highly recommend coming at sunrise. The earlier you arrive in the morning, the less people you will see.
On a side note you really have to pay attention to your belongings here! Because it’s touristy, there are many thieves in this area. Please keep this in mind when you walk around and when you take your photos. Do not let any of your bags unattended.
The Stairs in Trocadéro
From the large Esplanade du Trocadéro, you can go down a series of stairs to get closer to the Eiffel Tower. There are 2 staircases: one on the right side and one on the left side. These stairs create a great photo spot with the Eiffel Tower and that’s why you can see them all over Instagram!
These staircases were under renovation from May 2020 until Dec 2022 and they are now fully accessible! But FYI you cannot sit or stand on the staircase ledge anymore. They added some pointy stones at the top to prevent people from sitting or standing there.
Location: Trocadéro Stairs
My secret tips: like the Esplanade du Trocadero, this place is popular and touristy. So, it’s always better if you arrive here in the morning. But it’s still possible to take some good photos during the day/ in the evening if you are patient. Usually, people do not stay too long here, so you can just wait until someone leaves to get a spot to take a photo with the Eiffel Tower! And again, pay attention to your belongings!
Trocadéro Gardens
Once you have come down the stairs you will arrive in Trocadero gardens (Jardins du Trocadéro). You will find two green spaces on both sides and a large fountain in the middle. The fountain is usually full of water in summer and empty in winter.
These beautiful gardens are especially interesting in spring! In April you have some pretty pink cherry blossoms. The gardens at this time of the year are at the top of the most instagrammable places with the Eiffel Tower! And then in May you have paulownia trees blooming some purple flowers all along the right and left alleys: it’s magical! There are also a few chestnut trees offering some red blooms at the same time. You will find more info about the exact dates of the blooms in my article about spring in Paris.
There used to be a carousel at the end of the right side of the gardens, which was one of the best Eiffel Tower Instagram photo spots. but it has been removed since the pandemic. Hopefully they will put it back once tourism is “back to some kind of normal”.
Location: Trocadéro Gardens
My secret tips: I recommend you take your photos here in the morning to avoid the crowd. It gets more complicated in the afternoon and evening.
Rue de l’Université
Rue de l’Université in the 7th arrondissement is one of the prettiest streets in Paris! Not only the buildings here have the typical Haussmannian architecture, but they have a direct view on the Iron Lady! It’s very picturesque and of course one of the best places to take photos with the Eiffel Tower!
Because of the trees, the ambiance in the street changes a lot depending on the seasons. In winter because the branches of the trees don’t wear leaves, you can see the Eiffel Tower better. But the trees with their leaves provide a nice environment around it in the other seasons!
Location: Rue de l’Université
My secret tips: Because this street offers such a fantastic perspective of the Eiffel Tower, it’s very popular amongst tourists and photographers. Also it’s very close to the entrance of the Eiffel Tower for the visitors, so there is always some pedestrian traffic all day long. You should see less people here early in the morning. But it’s possible to take a photo during the day if you are patient.
Pont d’Iéna
Pont d’Iéna is the bridge located right in front of the Eiffel Tower. Therefore, you will easily understand why it’s part of the best places to capture the Eiffel Tower! You can take your photos on each side of the bridge, and it looks quite stunning!
Location: Pont d’Iéna
My secret tips: because of its location at the feet of the Eiffel Tower, a lot of people are walking on this bridge during the day. Coming in the morning will ensure you to have better photos. Especially if you want to take your photos from the middle of the bridge, you have to come here as early as possible at sunrise. Many cars are driving here, so I encourage you to be very careful and not take any risks!
Below Pont d’Iéna on the left side
If you go down the bridge Pont d’Iéna on the left side to access the quais de Seine, you will find a great viewpoint of the Eiffel Tower and the river. There is a staircase to allow you to go below the bridge a bit further from the bridge itself on that left side. It’s one of my favorite places to take picnic photos with the Eiffel Tower and the Seine in the background!
Location: Below Pont d’Iéna on the left side
My secret tips: this place is rather empty during the day so you can come whenever you want. But it can get busy at sunset as it’s a good viewpoint of the Eiffel Tower. That’s why I also recommend you come here if you want to see it sparkling in the evening!
Below Pont d’Iéna on the right side
You can also go down the bridge Pont d’Iéna on the right side. The stairs are very close to the bridge itself on that side. Here you can take some photos from two good perspectives: one is between the bridge and a boat, and the second one a bit further on the right side on the quais de Seine. This spot is also a very good one for picnic photos!
Location: Below Pont d’Iéna on the right side
My secret tips: this place is usually empty so you can come here easily at any time of the day to take photos with the Eiffel Tower. Like the other side, it’s a perfect spot to see it sparkling in the evening!
Avenue de New York
Avenue de New York is the perpendicular avenue of Pont d’Iena. It offers a great unobstructed view of the Iron Lady and therefore it’s highly appreciated by photographers! Instagram influencers especially love to capture this spot with the sign “Avenue de New York”: it’s one of the most instagrammable places with Eiffel Tower view!
Location: Avenue de New York
My secret tips: except at the end of the day when the Eiffel Tower is sparkling, people are usually not dwelling in that spot. So, it’s pretty easy to take some photos here at any time of the day.
Pont de Bir Hakeim
The bridge Pont de Bir Hakeim is one of the most stunning bridges in Paris! This explains why it is one of the best places to take photos of the Eiffel Tower! It’s so picturesque that it was featured in many movies – like the famous Inception with Leonardo Di Caprio.
This steel bridge was built at the beginning of the 20th century at the northern tip of the Île aux Cygnes, a small artificial island on the river Seine. It has 2 levels: the first one is for cars, bikes, and pedestrians, and the second one at the top is for the metro.
The bridge of Bir Hakeim offers many different perspectives, this is what makes it even more interesting for photographers!
Location: Pont de Bir Hakeim
My secret tips: this bridge is highly appreciated by photographers and videographers, so you might not be alone enjoying its beautiful views on the Eiffel Tower. Nevertheless, you can try at different times of the day, if you are patient you will manage to get your beautiful photos with the Eiffel Tower!
Avenue de Camoëns
Avenue de Camoëns is a little street located not far from Trocadero. It features a staircase at the end of it with a balcony. This is one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower in Paris! Here you can take some photos at the balcony, but also in the stairs. Additionally, you can admire a beautiful door with intricate details on the right side.
Location: Avenue de Camoëns
My secret tips: This is a very popular spot amongst photographers would it be for personal but also professional photoshoots. So, you might not be the only one around here: be patient. Nevertheless, you can come here at any time of the day.
Champ de Mars
The Champ de Mars is the big park at the feet at the Eiffel Tower. Its 243 hectares offer a privileged position to look at the Iron Lady! That’s one of the reasons why it’s one of the best places to take photos of the Eiffel! It’s also one of the best parks and gardens in Paris! It’s a nice place for a walk and for a picnic.
Location: Champ de Mars
My secret tips: this park of the Champ de Mars is very popular amongst tourists all year long and amongst locals in summer for picnics. So I recommend you come here in the morning if you want to take some photos without too many people. Nevertheless, the light here is better at sunset, so if you don’t mind some people in the background, you can come later in the day!
Café Le Recrutement
Café le Recrutement has become one of these most instagrammable places with the Eiffel Tower since a few years! People love to capture it, because this Café is located in rue Saint Dominique with a direct view of the Eiffel Tower. With its red façade and typical Parisian look, it’s really picturesque!
Location: Le Recrutement Café
My secret tips: You can come here at any time of the day to take some photos. Just pay attention to the traffic.
Café Au Canon des Invalides
The Café Au Canon des Invalides is located not far from Café le Recrutement. It’s also located in Rue Saint Dominique, so it has the same amazing view of the Eiffel Tower! The façade of this Parisian café is white and it’s super photogenic!
Location: Café Au Canon des Invalides
My secret tips: You can come here at any time of the day to take some photos.
Passerelle Debilly
Passerelle Debilly is a pedestrian bridge over the Seine located between Palais de Tokyo and Quai Branly Museum. This metallic through arch bridge is not so famous (hence never busy), but it offers one of the best Eiffel Tower views! Two good reasons to check it out!
Location: Passerelle Debilly
My secret tips: this bridge is not too touristy so you can come here at any time of the day. But FYI the light is better at sunset. It’s a great spot to see the Eiffel Tower sparkling!
Port Debilly
Port Debilly is the name of one of the “Quais de Seine” and it’s located between the Pont d’Iéna and the Pont de Bir Hakeim. It offers a pretty nice view of the Eiffel Tower!
This spot is a hidden gem because not many people know about it. Port Debilly is especially interesting in April/May with the wisteria, it’s one of the most photogenic places in Paris in spring!
Location: Port Debilly
My secret tips: this spot is really quiet so you can easily come here whenever you want to take some photos. FYI there is sometimes a car or a bike parked along the banks so you might have to deal with it.
Pont Alexandre III
Pont Alexandre III is one of the most famous and iconic bridges in Paris. And of course it’s also one of the most instagrammable places in Paris! This elegant bridge with Art Nouveau Style was built for the World’s Fair of 1900. It was classified as a “Monument Historique” in 1975. Additionally Pont Alexandre III offers a great view on the Iron Lady, although further from the other spots listed before. That’s why I didn’t hesitate to add it to the list of the best places to take photos with the Eiffel Tower
Location: Pont Alexandre III
My secret tips: Pont Alexandre III is quite accessible all day long. The best moment of the day is to take pictures here is at sunset. You will probably see a few photoshoots at that time of the day, but it’s always possible to take some great pictures!
Square Rapp
Square Rapp is a hidden gem in Paris! This little alley located in the 7th arrondissement is surrounded by beautiful Art Deco and Art Nouveau buildings. It also offers a very interesting view of the Eiffel Tower!
Location: Square Rapp
My secret tips: Square Rapp is very quiet, you can come here whenever you want. Please respect the inhabitants of the area!
Rue de Monttessuy
Rue de Monttessuy is one of the streets of the 7th arrondissement with an Eiffel Tower view. It’s maybe not the most picturesque of the area BUT if you are looking for a less popular place to take photos of the Eiffel Tower, it will be a good option!
There is a flower shop at the beginning of the street named L’Howea, in case you need some flowers for your photos 🙂 . It’s apparently be the most expensive one of the neighborhood, but it has beautiful flowers!
Location: rue de Monttessuy
My secret tips: you can come to rue de Monttessuy at any time of the day. It’s not really a famous instagrammable spot, so you won’t be bothered by other photographers or tourists. You will just have to pay attention to the traffic.
Photo Travel Guide to Paris
In this Complete Photo Travel Guide to Paris you will find all the most photogenic places in Paris with local tips and how to capture them at their best. It includes Hotels and Airbnb with a view and Instagrammable cafes and restaurants with a ton of Paris travel tips!
Plan your next photogenic vacation in Paris with my expert advice as a local content creator and the ones of the talented @TinaLee !
This Photo Travel Guide to Paris includes:
- A private Website with all the locations and multiple filter functions
- 100+ Google Maps pinpoints
- A PDF with 100+ locations with photo examples and detailed information
In Conclusion…
As you can see, there is no shortage of great places to take photos with the Eiffel Tower in Paris! This is a non exhaustive list and I will keep on adding the best photo spots of the Eiffel Tower that I will find in the future 🙂 .
Which one is your favorite?
If you are looking for more information about Paris, I have written a lot of articles about this beautiful city! Have a look at all my Paris articles here. You will find travel tips, some of the best places to takes photos and some foodie recommendations.
If you are interested in doing a photoshoot in Paris, you can hire me as your photographer! I can take you to all of these best places with an Eiffel Tower view and to many other ones!
Additionally, I offer my services as a food concierge in Paris. So in case you want to have bespoke restaurant recommendations for your stay in Paris, I will help you find the best places to eat!
Do not hesitate to leave your questions in the comment section below or drop me an email!
Alma
Posted at 12:31h, 30 OctoberParis and the Eiffel Tower is definitely photogenic!
Limitlesssecrets
Posted at 16:44h, 31 OctoberI cannot say better than that! The Iron Lady is adding so much value to this beautiful city!
Terri
Posted at 12:35h, 30 OctoberI am homesick for Paris after seeing your gorgeous photos.
Limitlesssecrets
Posted at 16:44h, 31 OctoberI hope you can go back soon to Paris Terri!
Krista
Posted at 12:50h, 30 OctoberI love all of these photo spots! It’s sometimes difficult to get photos of the Eiffel Tower without tourists in, so it’s good to know lots of locations to go to.
Limitlesssecrets
Posted at 16:45h, 31 OctoberThat’s why I shared all my photography and local tips Krista! I want everyone to get good photos with the Eiffel Tower!
Alex
Posted at 13:05h, 30 OctoberWhat great suggestions! Your photos are gorgeous!!
Limitlesssecrets
Posted at 16:45h, 31 OctoberThank you for the compliment Alex!
Ketki
Posted at 14:13h, 30 OctoberLove these photo spots. I wish I knew them before when I visited them 5 years back. But there is always a reason to visit again, right 😉
Limitlesssecrets
Posted at 16:46h, 31 OctoberExactly Ketki! Paris is waiting for you!
Elena Pappalardo
Posted at 14:53h, 30 OctoberI absolutely love all of these locations and how you’ve captured them to perfection. Many of them I’ve had the pleasure to see in person, but some I will need to check out on a future trip! Thank you for the beautiful inspiration 🙂
Limitlesssecrets
Posted at 16:47h, 31 OctoberYou are so welcome Elena! Now you have plenty of options for your future photos!
Anita Sane
Posted at 17:10h, 30 OctoberThanks for sharing those awesome places for photoops. I love photography and they might be useful for me in my future trips
Limitlesssecrets
Posted at 16:48h, 31 OctoberI shared all my best tips for Paris lovers Anita! I hope you can see them all yourself!
Pam
Posted at 19:46h, 30 OctoberYou found some incredible places! I also love your outfits! Great pot for anyone visiting Paris!
Limitlesssecrets
Posted at 16:48h, 31 OctoberI hope you will be able to see them yourself Pam!
simplyjolayne
Posted at 19:53h, 30 OctoberWhat a treat to call Paris home! And kudos to your amazing photographer. Not sure that it would be so easy to travel with amazing outfits for every shot, but I would love to follow your footsteps and take some fantastic photos in each spot.
Limitlesssecrets
Posted at 16:50h, 31 OctoberI love to live here Jolayne! And thank you for the compliment, I am myself a photographer and all the photos you see in my blog or on my Instagram are coming out of my own vision 🙂 ! Do not hesitate to contact me for a photoshoot in Paris 😉
Christina
Posted at 20:56h, 30 OctoberGreat suggestions and great shots.
Limitlesssecrets
Posted at 16:50h, 31 OctoberThank you Christina!
Paula Martinelli
Posted at 22:51h, 30 OctoberHow to not be obsessed with your photos???? Absolutely gorgeous! OMG…I have visited Paris so many times and I don’t have one single cute picture at the tower, makes me want to go back and dress pretty for at least one good memory. Thanks for the inspiration.
Limitlesssecrets
Posted at 16:51h, 31 OctoberThanks a lot for your kind words Paula! Now you have all the info to take the best photos of you with the Eiffel Tower during your next trip to Paris!
Sharyn
Posted at 03:09h, 31 OctoberThere are so many places to take great photos of the Eiffel Tower. I love all your dresses!
Limitlesssecrets
Posted at 16:52h, 31 OctoberThank you Sharyn! I am chasing the best places to take photos with the Eiffel Tower since a few years and keep on discovering good spots!
Paula Waanders
Posted at 08:00h, 31 OctoberOh, I love them all! All your outfits are always so on point. I can’t wait to come back soon to see more of these places and more brunches with you!
Limitlesssecrets
Posted at 16:53h, 31 OctoberYes Paula! I always love to share my best addresses for brunch and for photos 🙂
Hannah
Posted at 08:35h, 31 OctoberThese photo spots are beautiful! What magical photos of the Eiffel Tower! I’m going to save your guide for my next trip to Paris so I can try them out myself! Thanks for sharing these great places to take photos of the Eiffel Tower!
Limitlesssecrets
Posted at 16:55h, 31 OctoberThank you Hannah! Paris and the Eiffel Tower make the best background for photos and I hope you can experience it too!
Neha
Posted at 18:20h, 31 OctoberSuch dreamy pics. I really want to visit Paris and Eiffel Tower some day. Will def check your recommendations. Thanks for sharing
Limitlesssecrets
Posted at 17:51h, 01 NovemberI am so glad you like my suggestions for Eiffel Tower photo spots Neha! Paris will be waiting for your visit!
Sarah
Posted at 20:14h, 31 OctoberOh my word! I can’t deal with these gorgeous photos! You’ve definitely nailed some incredible spots to take with the Eiffel Towel! Saving for when I can go!! Thank you!
Limitlesssecrets
Posted at 17:52h, 01 NovemberThank you very much for your nice compliments Sarah! The Eiffel Tower offers so many beautiful perspectives!
Susanna
Posted at 14:54h, 01 NovemberYour photos are so lovely, Ophélie! I’ve been to Paris three times and I only have a grand total of 2 photos of the Eiffel tower because the thought of going to the actual tower stresses me out, due to crowds. I love that you can take so many great photos from unique viewpoints around the city – I need to go back and get some quality photos. Thanks for sharing!
Limitlesssecrets
Posted at 17:54h, 01 NovemberI am happy to share my recommendations with you Susanna! With all the tips I gave in the article you will find plenty of options with no crowds at any time of the day!
Ada
Posted at 15:11h, 01 NovemberYour Eiffel Tower photos are absolutely stunning. I really love your outfits too! Pinning this post in hops I’ll be able to return to Paris soon to grab some shots in these locations!
Limitlesssecrets
Posted at 17:55h, 01 NovemberThank you for your feedback Ada! I am sure you will love to take your next photos in Paris!
Cristina
Posted at 20:21h, 01 NovemberYour pictures are stunning, and I love your secret tips. I cannot wait to go back to Paris and take photos in these locations. Thank you for sharing.
Limitlesssecrets
Posted at 21:36h, 06 NovemberI am glad that you appreciate my local Parisian tips Cristina! I hope you can experience all of these places by yourself soon!
Denise
Posted at 19:39h, 03 NovemberI just left Paris and would have loved this guide! I will definitely use it on my next visit!
Limitlesssecrets
Posted at 21:36h, 06 NovemberI am glad I can help you re-discover Paris Denise!
Cosette
Posted at 15:58h, 06 DecemberSome stunning places to photograph the eiffel tower. We’ve done a few of these places, a few of the officious ones and the passerelle Debilly. Some new places to cover the next time we visit Paris.
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Posted at 15:26h, 06 February[…] secret tip: Do not miss any of the best places to admire the Eiffel Tower! I added all my local tips to take the best photos of the Iron Lady 🙂 […]
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Posted at 15:59h, 15 March[…] the Champs de Mars at the feet of the Eiffel […]
Laura
Posted at 11:23h, 16 NovemberThank you for this article ! Really helpful <3
Limitlesssecrets
Posted at 15:26h, 20 NovemberI’m so glad it was useful to you Laura! Thanks for your feedback <3
Ron
Posted at 15:32h, 30 SeptemberWonderful romantic Paris near Tour Eiffel ! Thank you, Madam !
Ron
Posted at 11:05h, 21 OctoberWonderful romantic Parisian Style, Madam !