How to take great photos with the Eiffel Tower in the background, one of the most popular attractions in Europe and the world, you’ll want to explore a few iconic spots that not only capture the tower’s majesty but also allow you to soak in the atmosphere of Paris. Taking great photos in front of the Eiffel Tower is about more than just finding the right angle – it’s about exploring the unique character of Paris. Each location offers a different vibe, from the elegant heights of Trocadéro to the hidden streets of Rue de l’Université, cover photo of this article.
Whether you're looking for a romantic shot, a dynamic architectural composition, or just a classic Parisian view, these spots will provide the perfect backdrop. Below is a detailed guide on where to take the best Eiffel Tower photos, with nearby cafes and hotels for a full Parisian experience. But if you still want to wake up and see the tower from your window or balcony, then my article Best Views of the Eiffel Tower will help you find a suitable hotel.
Overview: The Trocadéro Gardens/Jardins du Trocadéro are hands down the most famous spot to photograph the Eiffel Tower. Located across the Seine River from the tower, it offers an uninterrupted, elevated view that perfectly frames the structure. This location is particularly popular at sunrise and sunset, as the soft lighting enhances the tower’s grandeur. In the early morning, the area tends to be less crowded, making it the ideal time for pictures. The Trocadéro is not just about photos, though; it’s a beautiful area filled with fountains, statues, and expansive staircases that create dynamic compositions. You can play with the geometric lines of the platform for different perspectives, or use the fountains to create a dramatic foreground. → MAP
Amazing location to take photos of Eiffel Tower, this spot not to be missed when arriving in Paris.
→ Time of Day: Visit at sunrise for the best lighting and minimal crowds. → Unique Angles: Use the large staircases to create a sense of depth in your photo. → Night Shots: Visit in the evening to capture the Eiffel Tower sparkling during its nightly light shows, which happen for five minutes at the start of every hour after dark.
→ Café de l'Homme: Located right in the Trocadéro, this upscale café offers a stunning terrace view of the Eiffel Tower, perfect for a post-photo coffee break. → Le Malabar: A cozy spot just a short walk from Trocadéro, ideal for a more casual Parisian café experience.
→ Shangri-La Hotel: This luxury hotel, just a 10-minute walk from Trocadéro, offers some rooms with direct Eiffel Tower views. It's a former royal residence and perfect for a sophisticated stay.. → Eiffel Trocadero: Offer stunning view of Eiffel Tower, set in an 18th-century building, in 16th arrondissement.
Overview: The Pont d'Iéna is the bridge that connects the Trocadéro with the Eiffel Tower, providing an excellent mid-river perspective. The beauty of this location lies in the ability to capture both the tower and the Seine, making for a quintessentially Parisian shot. Standing on the bridge, you can photograph the tower with boats passing underneath, adding to the Parisian vibe. This spot is ideal for day or night photography. During the day, you’ll get a clear view of the Eiffel Tower against the sky, while at night, the reflections on the Seine create a magical atmosphere. → MAP
→ Symmetry: Stand in the middle of the bridge to capture a perfectly symmetrical shot with the Eiffel Tower centered in the frame. → Night Photography: The reflection of the tower lights on the Seine adds an extra layer of romance to nighttime photos. → Movement: Try capturing the passing riverboats to add a dynamic element to your photos.
→ Café Gustave:: A charming café near the tower, perfect for a break after a photo session. They serve great coffee and croissants. → Le Bistro Parisien: Located on the Seine River, this bistro offers lovely views and classic French cuisine. A great spot for lunch or dinner with the Eiffel Tower in sight.
→ Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel: A 4-star hotel just a few steps from the bridge, offering modern rooms with balconies that overlook the Eiffel Tower. → Hôtel La Comtesse: A boutique hotel blending contemporary and traditional Parisian decor, located just a short walk from the Pont d'Iéna. Many rooms offer Eiffel Tower views.
Overview: For a more relaxed setting, the Champ de Mars park, located at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, is a fantastic location. This wide, green space offers various angles to capture the tower, from up close or farther back for a broader shot of the tower amidst the park’s greenery. It’s a favorite spot for picnics, and you’ll often see locals and tourists alike enjoying a laid-back afternoon with the tower looming in the background. In spring and summer, the park’s flowers add vibrant colors to your photos, and in winter, the bare trees create a stark contrast that still highlights the Eiffel Tower’s beauty. → MAP
→ Picnic Shot: Bring a picnic blanket, a baguette, and some wine to create a relaxed Parisian picnic scene with the Eiffel Tower behind you. → Wide Angle: Use the expanse of the park to capture the tower with lots of open sky or trees framing it. → Nighttime Glow: The tower is beautifully lit up at night, and from Champ de Mars, you can get close enough to capture its illuminated steelwork.
→ Boulangerie du Champ de Mars: Just steps from the park, this spot is perfect for a light meal or a coffee after a stroll. → Café Constant: A local favorite offering delicious, simple French cuisine, located about a 10-minute walk from Champ de Mars.
→ Hotel Duquesne Eiffel: A boutique hotel offering charming, traditionally decorated rooms with views of the Eiffel Tower → Le Cinq Codet:: A boutique hotel blending contemporary and traditional Parisian decor, located just a short walk from the Pont d'Iéna. Many rooms offer Eiffel Tower views.
Overview: If you want a more hidden, intimate view of the Eiffel Tower, head to Rue de l’Université. This narrow street in the 7th arrondissement offers a unique perspective, with the Eiffel Tower perfectly framed between elegant Parisian buildings. It’s a less crowded location, making it ideal for more personal or fashion-focused photo shoots. The juxtaposition of the tower with the charming Haussmannian architecture creates a quintessentially Parisian feel. This spot is popular among Instagram influencers and professional photographers because it combines the iconic tower with a quieter, more local atmosphere. I recommend coming here between 07:00-09:00 AM, Rue de l’Université/Av. de la Bourdonnais.. → MAP
→ Fashion Shots: This is a great spot to capture the perfect “Parisian chic” look, with the Eiffel Tower as a sophisticated backdrop. → Framing: Use the buildings on either side to create a natural frame around the tower. → Quiet Moments: Visit early in the morning for the quietest experience, or late afternoon when the light softens.
→ Carette: Located nearby in Trocadéro, this beautiful patisserie and tea room is a must-visit for a classic Parisian café experience. → Café Le Recrutement: A lively, traditional café where you can enjoy a coffee or glass of wine while soaking in the neighborhood’s local vibes.
→ Hôtel La Comtesse: A boutique hotel blending contemporary and traditional Parisian decor, located just a short walk from the Pont d'Iéna. Many rooms offer Eiffel Tower views. → Hotel La Bourdonnais: A refined, elegant hotel just a short walk away, offering modern comforts with a Parisian touch.
Overview: Rue de Monttessuy is a charming street located just a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, offering one of the most intimate views of this iconic landmark. What makes this location stand out is its proximity to the tower, combined with a quiet, residential atmosphere that gives you a chance to capture unique, street-level photos of the Eiffel Tower rising dramatically between traditional Parisian buildings. It’s a favorite spot for photographers seeking a blend of everyday Parisian life and the grandeur of the tower. This street is perfect if you want to capture the Eiffel Tower in a way that feels personal and local. With beautiful Haussmann-style buildings flanking the street, you can create a composition that highlights both the urban charm of Paris and its famous tower. → MAP
→ Walking: As you walk down Rue de Monttessuy, the view of the Eiffel Tower changes depending on where you are, giving you the opportunity for a wide variety of photos. You can start near Avenue Rapp for a full-frontal shot, then explore further along the street for more creative angles. → Parisian Elements: Take advantage of the street lamps, balconies, and typical Parisian doors to add texture and depth to your photos. The juxtaposition of everyday life against the grandeur of the Eiffel Tower is what makes this location truly special. → Day-to-Night Transition: Rue de Monttessuy is especially charming in the evening as the Eiffel Tower lights up. The soft glow of streetlights combined with the tower’s sparkling lights makes for an enchanting shot that encapsulates the magic of Paris by night.
→ Café Constant:: Just a short walk from Rue de Monttessuy, this cozy Parisian café offers a perfect spot to relax after your photoshoot. Their French bistro dishes are a hit, and you can enjoy a delightful meal while soaking in the local atmosphere. → Boulangerie du Champ de Mars: And again this cafe, yes, this is one of the best places I got a cappuccino and a croissant on my trip to Paris, morning vibe!
→ Shangri-La Hotel: his luxury hotel, just a 10-minute walk from Trocadéro, offers some rooms with direct Eiffel Tower views. It's a former royal residence and perfect for a sophisticated stay.. → Hotel La Bourdonnais: A refined, elegant hotel just a short walk away, offering modern comforts with a Parisian touch.
Overview: is a vibrant Parisian street that offers an exceptional view of the Eiffel Tower framed by typical Parisian buildings. Located in the 7th arrondissement, this street is lined with chic boutiques, cafés, and restaurants. As you walk along the street, the Eiffel Tower seemingly emerges between the rooftops, creating the perfect Parisian scene for photography. What makes Rue Saint-Dominique special is the way the Eiffel Tower seamlessly blends into the everyday life of this bustling street. It’s a fantastic spot to capture the essence of Parisian daily life with the tower as a stunning backdrop. I recommend coming here between 07:00-09:00 AM, Rue Saint-Dominique/Bd de la Tour-Maubourg/Rue Cler.. → MAP
→ Street-Level Shots: Stand at the intersections of Rue Saint-Dominique with Avenue de la Bourdonnais, Bd de la Tour-Maubourg or Rue Cler for the best framing of the Eiffel Tower between Parisian buildings. → Parisian Life: Capture the street activity, with locals walking by and café tables spilling out onto the sidewalk, all while the Eiffel Tower looms gracefully in the background. → Golden Hour: The golden hour here adds warmth to the Parisian architecture, making it a fantastic time for taking richly lit photos of the street and tower.
→ Les Cocottes: A cozy bistro by Chef Christian Constant offering hearty, traditional French food. It’s one of the most well-known dining spots on Rue Saint-Dominique, perfect for a post-photo session lunch. → Le Malabar: A small café with outdoor seating where you can enjoy a coffee while getting a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower from the street. → Le Recrutement: Romantic spot to enjoy French cuisine on the corner of Rue Saint-Dominique/Bd de la Tour-Maubourg.
→ Hôtel Duquesne Eiffel: Located on Rue Saint-Dominique, this charming hotel offers rooms with a view of the Eiffel Tower. Its traditional decor and cozy atmosphere make it a great choice for travelers who want a quintessentially Parisian stay. → Cler Hotel: Just a short walk away, this modern hotel offers contemporary rooms with balconies that provide a view of the Eiffel Tower. Its location in the heart of the 7th arrondissement makes it an ideal base.
→ Le Cinq Codet: A luxury hotel offering stylish, art-deco-inspired rooms and suites. Some rooms feature private terraces with views of the Eiffel Tower.
Overview: For those looking for an architectural backdrop as well as the Eiffel Tower, the Pont de Bir-Hakeim offers one of the most cinematic views of the tower. This double-decker bridge is famous for its appearance in films like Inception and provides both striking views of the tower and dramatic archways that make your photo compositions stand out. The symmetry and the long lines of the bridge’s steel supports make it perfect for artistic photography. Whether you want to capture the tower in the background or focus more on the bridge’s design, Bir-Hakeim offers a unique way to showcase both the tower and Paris’s industrial beauty. → MAP
→ Leading Lines: Use the bridge’s structure to create leading lines that draw the eye to the Eiffel Tower in the background → Wide Shot: This location is ideal for wide-angle shots that incorporate both the tower and the bridge’s architecture. → Reflection: After rain, the wet surface of the bridge creates amazing reflections of the tower.
→ Le Pont de Seine: A bistro located right next to the bridge, offering lovely views of the Seine and the Eiffel Tower. → Café Beaugrenelle: A modern café in the nearby Beaugrenelle shopping center, perfect for a coffee break after a long day of shooting.
→ Hotel Eiffel Seine: A charming boutique hotel near Bir-Hakeim bridge, with rooms featuring modern décor and a short walk to the Eiffel Tower. → Hôtel Eiffel Saint Charles: The Eiffel Saint Charles sits 900 metres from the world famous Eiffel Tower in Paris’ 15th arrondissement
Overview: Avenue de Camoëns is a quiet, hidden gem that offers a postcard-perfect view of the Eiffel Tower framed by elegant Parisian architecture. The short street leads to a staircase at the end, where the tower looms in the background. It’s a peaceful spot that gives you an unobstructed view without the crowds you’ll find at more popular locations like Trocadéro. This location is perfect for anyone looking for a more private, charming spot for their photos. The classic Parisian buildings flanking the tower provide an elegant, urban contrast to the towering steel. → MAP
→ Framing: The stairway and buildings on either side naturally frame the Eiffel Tower, creating a perfect vertical shot. → Time of Day: The lighting is best in the morning when the sun illuminates the buildings, adding a warm glow to your photos. → Outfit Inspiration: This spot lends itself to fashion-forward shots, as it blends modern and historical aesthetics.
→ Café de l’Alma: A trendy café offering a great selection of breakfast dishes and coffee. Its modern design makes it a perfect stop after your photo session. → Le Passy: A quaint café just a short walk away, offering an authentic Parisian atmosphere. Their outdoor seating is great for people-watching and soaking up the Parisian vibe.
→ Hotel Maison FL: This is the 16th arr. of Paris, is just 800 metres from the Eiffel Tower. It offers an on-site restaurant, concierge service and business centre and is just a 3-minute walk from Metro Station. → Passy Eiffel: Also Passy Eiffel is just 700 metres from Trocadéro, where you can get the best view of the Eiffel Tower, this place is first on my list.
Overview: The Pont Alexandre III is one of the most ornate and beautiful bridges in Paris, and it offers breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower in the distance. The bridge itself is a work of art, with its golden statues, intricate lamps, and elegant arches. From this location, you can capture the Eiffel Tower peeking over the Seine, with the lavish architecture of the bridge in the foreground. This spot is perfect for anyone who wants to incorporate more than just the Eiffel Tower into their photos. The bridge’s grandeur adds a layer of luxury and history to your shots, making it one of the most photogenic spots in the city. → MAP
→ Wide Shots: Use the entire width of the bridge to capture both its detailed architecture and the Eiffel Tower in the distance. → Golden Hour: The golden statues atop the bridge glow beautifully during sunset, making this time ideal for warm, radiant photos. → Reflection: On a clear day, the reflection of the bridge and Eiffel Tower in the Seine creates a mesmerizing image.
→ Le Mini Palais: Located at the nearby Grand Palais, this café and restaurant offers a refined setting with delicious French cuisine, perfect for a meal after a long day of shooting. → Café Le Franklin: A charming café just across the Seine, offering a cozy atmosphere and excellent coffee with views of the river.
→ Hôtel Pont Royal: A charming boutique hotel near Bir-Hakeim bridge, with rooms featuring modern décor and a short walk to the Eiffel Tower. → Hôtel Saint James Paris: The Eiffel Saint Charles sits 900 metres from the world famous Eiffel Tower in Paris’ 15th arrondissement.
Overview: If you want to combine shopping with incredible views of the Eiffel Tower, head to the Galeries Lafayette Rooftop. This famous department store in the 9th arrondissement has a rooftop terrace that offers stunning panoramic views of Paris, with the Eiffel Tower standing tall in the distance. The rooftop is free to access and is often less crowded than other observation points, making it a great spot for photography. The terrace offers 360-degree views, so you can capture not only the Eiffel Tower but also other famous Parisian landmarks like the Opéra Garnier and Montmartre. → MAP
→ Elevated Shot: Use the height of the rooftop to capture a wide cityscape, with the Eiffel Tower emerging from the horizon. → Fashionable Backdrop: Given its location at a high-end department store, this is a great spot for fashionable, editorial-style shots. → Clear Skies: The view is best on a clear day when the Eiffel Tower is fully visible without haze.
→ La Terrasse (Galeries Lafayette): Located on the rooftop itself, this café offers snacks and drinks with unbeatable views of the Eiffel Tower. → Café de la Paix: A legendary Parisian café located nearby, perfect for a luxurious coffee break or meal after shopping.
→ Hôtel Indigo Paris - Opéra: The hotels is near Opera, 300 metres from the Garnier Opera House and 450 metres from Place Vendôme. → Hotel Mogador: Situated in Paris, 500 metres from Opéra Garnier and a 4-minute walk from Mogador theater, also near Fragonard Perfume Museum.
Overview: For those looking for a lesser-known spot to photograph the Eiffel Tower from afar, Parc de Belleville offers a stunning view of the entire Paris skyline, with the Eiffel Tower standing proudly in the distance. This park is located in the 20th arrondissement, away from the main tourist areas, making it a quieter and more local spot for capturing unique photos of the tower. There are also football and basketball courts near the park.
→ Panoramic Views: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the entire Paris skyline with the Eiffel Tower in the background. → Sunset Shots: The sunset from this park is particularly beautiful, as the light reflects off the city and bathes the Eiffel Tower in a golden glow. → Picnic Backdrop: So this is like Champ de Mars, this park is a great spot for a relaxed, picnic-style shot with the Eiffel Tower in the background.
→ Le Vieux Belleville: A cozy café that offers live music, traditional French cuisine, and a wonderful local atmosphere. → ROND - Sarrazin et Calvados: If you are hungry after visiting the Belleville area, try this restaurant. Most customers say that they serve excellent cookies and delicious pancakes.
→ Hotel Scarlett: Hotel Scarlett is set in Paris in the Ile de France Region, 1.6 km from Place de la République → Novotel Paris 20 Belleville: Situated in Paris, 500 metres from Opéra Garnier and a 4-minute walk from Mogador theater, also near Fragonard Perfume Museum.
