Where to Get the Best Free Views of the Eiffel Tower
Last updated: August 15, 2024
There are few monuments more iconic and well-known than the Eiffel Tower. While first time visitors might want to trek up the tower to see the Iron Lady up close, I think the best view of the tower requires you to take at least a few steps back.
After five visits to Paris, here is my list of my favorite free views of the Eiffel Tower. Enjoy!
Av. de Camoens
Head to Av. de Camoens, a quiet street in the 16th arrondissement perfect for getting a mostly uninterrupted view of the monument framed by a couple of Parisian buildings. The views by the stairs are picturesque, and the whole walk along the short street is lovely, especially as more and more of the tower gracefully comes into view.
Av. de New York
Not too far from Av. de Camoens is Av. de New York, located in the 16th arrondissement. The walkway near Pont d'Iéna will likely be busy with fellow travelers trying to snap a photo or two. To appreciate the view in a more spacious and less chaotic environment simply walk down one of the sets of stairs to get to the long dock-adjacent platform Port Debilly. Alternatively, take in a pristine view by walking further down Av. de New York.
I like to start at the Av. de New York and Rue le Nôtre intersection and take a few pictures before walking northeast (the tower is on your right) along Av. de New York and eventually walking down one of the sets of stairs along the dock to get to Port Debilly.
Port Debilly | Flamme de la Liberté
Once at Port Debilly walk along the Seine heading northeast. This lower-level pathway is fairly long so you’ll find plenty of open pockets to snap pictures at as you walk along the dock. Just before you reach Pont de l’Alma (around Flame of Liberty) head up the closest steps and get another picture with the tower. There’ll be more people up here, but it’s worth it! Since this is a thicker part of the Seine you’ll get a truly marvelous riverside snapshot.
Pont d’Iéna
Although you can get a nice view of the tower from a few of the bridges along the Seine, only Pont d’Iéna offers such a front-and-center experience. As previously mentioned, this bridge does tend to get fairly crowded, but you’re just down the street from more peaceful viewing spots like Av. de New York and Av. de Camoens.
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Champ-de-Mars
For perhaps the most iconic view of the tower head to the Champ-de-Mars. First, hit up Rue Cler Market Street or a French grocery store like Carrefour for some picnic essentials like a baguette, wine, berries, and cheese. Afterwards, head to the park and enjoy a simple but tasty meal with a view.
For a two-in-one experience arrive to the tower just before sunset to catch the last bit of natural light on the monument. Then hang around until dusk to see the tower be illuminated and to catch the first light show of the night. Each evening, and every hour on the hour until 1 AM the tower sparkles for five minutes. It’s mesmerizing to see, and this is one of the best spots to appreciate the tower sparkle up close. Typically the first sparkle sesh of the night starts at 8 PM, but you can double check the current schedule here.
Palais de Chaillot
The Palais de Chaillot is a well-known spot. If you see the marble floors and a handful of vendors selling miniature Eiffel Towers, you know you’re in the right spot. Although this place tends to be a bit more busy, it should not be skipped if you’re in the area (which you will be if you hit up Av. de Camoens). For a more dramatic perspective, you can head a little further back and see the view from Place du Trocadero. I believe you can also go forward and around to the left and get a stellar shot on the stairs as well.
Av. de Suffren | Rue Buenos-Ayres
Along Av. de Suffren there is the short cross street Rue Buenos-Ayres where you’ll find a beautiful, albeit busy view of the tower, wonderfully framed with lush trees and classic Parisian architecture.
Rue Saint-Dominique | Rue Surcouf
At the intersection of Rue Saint-Dominique and Rue Surcouf, you can get a lovely view of the tower, surrounded by the bustling 7th arrondissement streets. Feel free to walk around a bit to find the most ideal angle for your photo. At the far end of Rue St Dominique (the side closest to the tower), there’s a bench outside of Cafe Le Dome (not recommending the café, just the photo spot) where you can sit and take a dazzling photo with the tower in the background.
Av. Rapp | Rue de l’Université
Along Av. Rapp, there are a couple of nice cross streets, great for taking in the tower. The most well-known of these streets is Rue de l’Université, but you can walk around to find a similar angle with fewer people.
Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
The rooftop of this centuries-old mall is another gorgeous (and free!) spot to get a view of the tower and the surrounding city. Afterward, you can get a drink on the terrace or indulge in a little shopping.
Pont de Bir-Hakeim | Metro Line 6
The Pont de Bir-Hakeim is a beautiful bridge with a walking path that offers an angular view of the tower and Seine. You can navigate to France Reborn to find the path.
You can also take the metro across the elevated track to get an even better and more elevated view, but keep in mind this view is fleeting. To get this view ride Metro Line 6 and stay photo-ready, with your camera facing to the right between the Bir-Hakeim and Passy stops. You can also get the same shot (on your left this time) when riding in the opposite direction, but there is a slight chance of the metro heading the other way passing in front of you when you’re within view of the tower.
Now this one isn’t free, you do have to pay a couple of Euros to ride the metro (or really test your luck), but if you’re passing through anyway it works out nicely. I haven’t personally gotten a shot here but you can get an idea for what I’m talking about here.
Paris, etc.
All the places listed above are free to visit. However, if you want an even more immersive experience you can always book a restaurant visit, river cruise, or accommodation with a view of the tower.
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