7 Beautiful Views In Paris You Can't Miss

Paris Travel Guide: Where To Find The Best Views In Paris (with Map & Tips)

One of our favourite things to do when visiting a new city is to find a spot that offers a view from above. It’s a great way to get your bearings and take in the city’s beauty all at once. When it comes to breathtaking viewpoints, Paris is truly one of the best. Whether it's your first visit to the city or you're returning to discover new perspectives, this guide to the best views in Paris has something for everyone - from free viewpoints and family-friendly spots to hidden gems and the best Eiffel Tower views.

We've included practical information for each location, including how to get there, the best time to visit and tips to make the most of the experience. At the end, we’ve also included general tips and a handy map to help you plan your route. Let’s explore!

01. The Eiffel Tower.

Best For: The Most Iconic Experience.

We had to kick off this list with the most iconic spot - The Eiffel Tower. As the most popular viewpoint in Paris, attracting close to seven million visitors each year, the Eiffel Tower offers one of the best panoramic views of the city. From the second floor and the summit, you can enjoy a full 360 degree view of Paris and easily spot notable landmarks including the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, Sacré-Cœur and the Seine.

Yes, it’s touristy. Yes it's busy. And yes, it's the most expensive entry on our list, but it's on so many people's bucket lists for a reason - the view is absolutely spectacular. To celebrate ticking off this iconic Paris experience, there's even a small champagne bar at the summit where you can treat yourself to drinks and macarons, though be prepared to pay a premium for the privilege.

Be sure to dress in layers, especially during cooler months, as the viewing area is outdoors and exposed to the elements. The walkway around the top is quite narrow, so be prepared for crowds, especially during peak times.

For the best experience, we recommend visiting as early in the day as possible to avoid the largest crowds. To save time (and your legs) we also suggest booking a lift ticket to the second floor, rather than taking the stairs, and from there the lift to the top. Summit-access tickets, especially for popular time slots such as sunset, often sell out weeks or even months ahead, so planning is essential to tick this experience off your bucket list. Tickets go on sale 60 days in advance, so make sure to plan ahead.

Price: €23 - €37 per adult for summit-access tickets.

Tips: Book tickets months in advance.

Best Time of Day To Visit: Early to avoid the crowds.

Location: Av. Gustave Eiffel, 75007 Paris, France

Nearest Metro: Trocadéro (Lines 6 & 9) or Bir-Hakeim (Line 6)

Website: www.toureiffel.paris

02. Montparnasse Tower.

Best For: Far-Reaching Views Across Paris.

From the busiest viewpoint on the list to the quite possibly the quietest, Montparnasse Tower (Tour Montparnasse) offers one of the most underrated views of Paris. Standing at 210 meters tall, it’s one of Paris' highest buildings, and its 56th floor observation deck provides what we think is one of the best views of the city - with the Eiffel Tower perfectly in view.

Tour Montparnasse is located outside of the main tourist areas, which can make it a little less convenient to reach. And while the view is expansive, the height and distance mean that some landmarks can appear smaller from this vantage point. And while it may not have the icon status of the Eiffel Tower, it more than makes up for it in comfort and space. The observation deck allows for both indoor and outdoor viewing, offering year-round access and shelter from the windy conditions.

In addition to the views, visitors can also learn about the city’s history through an immersive virtual reality experience, making it a great stop for both curious visitors and families.

Sunset is a particularly great time to visit. While it does draw more visitors at this time, the large open-air rooftop feels far less congested than at the Eiffel Tower, offering a full 360 degree view of Paris, with the Eiffel Tower prominent in the view.

Tickets are generally much easier to book, even last minute, and the queues are much smaller than at other paid for viewpoints. As of 2025, entry starts from €23.50 per adult, with combo tickets available if you'd like to compare both daytime and nighttime views. Kids go free on Wednesdays and Sundays too, making it a great option if your're visiting Paris with kids.

Until October 31st 2025, the observation deck also features Panoramart, a playful art installation created by French illustrator Aurélien Jeanney.

Price: From €23.50 per adult when bought in advance.

Tips: Book online to skip the queue.

Best Time of Day To Visit: Sunset.

Location: 33 Av. du Maine, 75015 Paris, France

Nearest Metro: Montparnasse-Bienvenüe (Lines 4, 6, 12, 13)

Website: www.tourmontparnasse56.com

03. Steps Of The Sacré-Cœur, Montmartre.

Best For: A Relaxed Vibe & People Watching.

Sat at the highest natural point in Paris, the steps in front of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre offers the most charming view of the city. While you may not be as high up as the summit of the Eiffel Tower or the Montparnasse Tower, the steps from the basilica provides a sweeping view across Montmartre's charming rooftops, with Paris laid out below.

The Eiffel Tower isn’t prominently visible from the main steps, so if you're looking for a beautiful Eiffel Tower view, this may not be the ideal spot. Though in winter, when the trees are bare, you can catch a glimpse of the tower peeking through the trees to the right.

But more than the view itself, the atmosphere is partly what makes this spot so special. Musicians often play live on the steps, people gather with drinks and snacks and there’s a relaxed but lively energy, especially at sunset. It’s also completely free, making it a great choice if you’re visiting Paris on a budget.

Getting to the steps of the Sacré-Cœur is simple but involves a fairly steep climb. If you’d rather save your energy you can take the Montmartre funicular, which is a quick ride to the top and included in a regular metro ticket.

Read Next: 1 Day in Montmartre Itinerary.

Price: Free.

Tips: Be wary of pickpockets and common tourist scams in the area.

Best Time of Day To Visit: Sunrise for lower crowds. Sunset for a lively atmosphere.

Location: 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, France

Nearest Metro: Anvers (Line 2) & Abbesses (Line 12)

04. The Top of the Sacré-Cœur.

Best For: Panoramic Views Over Paris.

If you're looking for a view of the Eiffel Tower whilst in Montmartre you can climb to the top of the Sacré-Cœur dome where you’ll be greeted by a 360 degree panoramic view that rivals any in the city. Unlike the view from the steps below, the Eiffel Tower is clearly visible from the dome, along with other landmarks such as Notre-Dame.

Access to the dome is possible via a climb of nearly 300 narrow spiral steps. The staircase was not designed for the thousands of daily visitors it now sees, so it can feel a little claustrophobic, especially at busier times. But if you’re up for a little adventure, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most beautiful views in Paris. As there is no lift, this experience is not recommended for those with mobility issues or those with a fear of narrow spaces.

There is a small fee of €8 per adult to access the dome, which offers excellent value compared to other ticketed viewpoints in Paris. Tickets cannot be booked in advance, but can be purchased on the day of your visit at the ticket office, located to the side of the basilica.

Price: Entry to the Basilica is free, but dome access is €8 per adult.

Best Time of Day To Visit: Early in the day for lower crowds.

Location: 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, France

Nearest Metro: Anvers (Line 2) & Abbesses (Line 12)

Website: www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com

05. Rooftop Of Galeries Lafayette.

Best For: The Best Free View.

Not only is Galeries Lafayette a great spot for shopping whilst in Paris, it is also home to one of the city's most beautiful and accessible rooftop terraces. Make your way up the many escalators of this grand department store and you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view over central Paris. From here, you can see the Opéra Garnier up close, along with views of the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Cœur.

The terrace can get busy, especially on clear days and at sunset, so we'd recommend visiting early for a more peaceful experience. Also be sure to check that the rooftop is open before you go - the first time we visited, after making our way up the seemingly endless escalators, we were met with "rooftop closed" signs. Learn from our mistake and double-check ahead of time.

The rooftop is spacious and mostly accessible via escalators, making it a more comfortable option for families and anyone looking to avoid a strenuous climb. However, full wheelchair access is unfortunately not possible, as the final section to the terrace involves a couple of staircases.

During the summer months, the terrace is occasionally home to pop-up restaurants and bars, offering a stylish spot to enjoy a drink or a meal with the Paris skyline as your backdrop.

Price: Free.

Tip: Galeries Lafayette is spread over multiple buildings. The rooftop observation deck is the one listed below. It's easy to find on Google Maps.

Best Time of Day To Visit: Early for fewer crowds. Sunset for the best light, but expect it to be busy.

Location: 40 Bd Haussmann, 75009 Paris, France

Nearest Metro: Chaussée d'Antin — La Fayette (Lines 7 & 9)

Website: haussmann.galerieslafayette.com

06. Arc de Triomphe.

Best For: Eiffel Tower Views At Sunset.

We’ll admit - we’re a little biased when it comes to the Arc de Triomphe. It was the first viewpoint we ever visited in Paris, almost 10 years ago, and the experience has truly stayed with us. If you only have time to do one viewpoint while you're here, make it this one.

Standing atop this important monument, you’re treated to one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower in the entire city. If Paris is the Eiffel Tower for you, this is the view to experience. The tower feels so close and is beautifully framed, especially as the sun begins to set. You'll also get a dramatic view of the chaotic roundabout circling the Arc, and see how the avenues of Paris fan out in perfect symmetry from this central point - it’s a great way to understand the layout of the city.

It’s not the most accessible viewpoint, with over 280 steps to the top and no elevator unless you qualify for lift access due to a disability. However, if you have good mobility, the climb is absolutely worth it. And unlike the Eiffel Tower, the Arc is often less crowded, offering a more relaxed viewing experience. Be sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid the queues.

The best time to visit is at sunset. Stay a little longer to watch the Eiffel Tower light up and sparkle on the hour - a magical moment that makes the effort to reach the top more than worthwhile.

Price: €13 per adult.

Tip: Access the Arc via the underground passage - don't attempt to cross the roundabout.

Best Time to Visit: Sunset and evening. Stay to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle on the hour.

Location: Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008, Paris

Nearest Metro: Charles de Gaulle – Étoile (Lines 1, 2 & 6)

Website: www.paris-arc-de-triomphe.fr

07. Towers of Notre-Dame (Upon Reopening)

Best For: Gothic Detail & A Historic Viewpoint.

When the towers of Notre-Dame reopen, this iconic viewpoint will once again become one of the most meaningful climbs in Paris. After the devastating fire in 2019, which caused significant damage, the reopening of the towers will mark an emotional return of one of the city’s most beloved landmarks.

Climbing the towers is expected to offer more than just a city view, it will be a chance to experience centuries of history up close. Visitors are set to pass Notre-Dame's famous chimera and gargoyles and at the top experience great views across the Seine, the Île de la Cité and the Eiffel Tower.

The climb is likely to be steep and narrow, with over 380 steps and no lift access, so this experience won't be suitable for everyone.

Once reopened (September 2025) early in the day and during the week will likely be the best time to visit

Price: No details on pricing yet.

Best Time to Visit: Mid-week, early in the day.

Location: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame - Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France

Nearest Metro: Cité (Line 4)

Website: www.notredamedeparis.fr

Extra Tips for Enjoying Paris Viewpoints.

We hope you found this guide to the best viewpoints in Paris helpful. If you’re planning to visit any of these spots, here are a few general tips to help you make the most of the experience:

• Visit early to avoid peak crowds, especially at popular spots like the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur and Notre Dame.

• Even in summer, it can get breezy at the top. Bring an extra layer to stay comfortable.

• Keep your belongings secure. These areas are often crowded and can be hotspots for pickpockets.

• Be aware of common tourist scams. Avoid schemes like the friendship bracelet trick and petitions handed to you by strangers. These schemes are very common around the main tourist areas, especially Montmartre.

• Buy tickets only from official sites or trusted third-party vendors.

  
  
  
  

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Is your favourite on our list? Let us know which viewpoints we should visit on our next trip to Paris in the comment box below. Be sure to check out our other Paris planning posts here.

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(Montparnasse sunset photo by Henrique Ferreira | Sacre Coeur photo by Anis Zahedifard)