Let’s be honest : everyone dreams of that perfect Eiffel Tower photo 😍. As Paris photographers, we’ve discovered dozens of incredible spots beyond the classic Trocadéro view. After capturing thousands of photos for our clients, we’re sharing our complete insider’s guide to the best Eiffel Tower photo locations (the ones that will make your Instagram followers go ” HOW did you find that angle 🤩🤩🤩 ?!“). Grab your camera (or phone!), we’re taking you on a local photographer’s tour of the absolute best Eiffel Tower photo locations.
Table of Contents
Where is the Eiffel Tower? 📍
The Eiffel Tower is located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, standing as the city’s most iconic landmark.
You can easily reach it by metro:
- Trocadéro (Lines 6 & 9)
- Bir-Hakeim (Line 6)
- École Militaire (Line 8)
- Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel (RER C)
🥖 Insider tip: When taking a taxi and saying “Tour Eiffel“, they’ll most likely drop you off at Trocadéro which is actually perfect since it’s one of the best photo spots! 😉
Map of Best Eiffel Tower Photo Spots 🗺️
Before diving into each location’s details, here’s our interactive map of all the photo spots we’ll be covering in this guide. Save it on your phone, you’ll thank us later 😜!
Most Famous Eiffel Tower Photo Locations: Classic Spots ✨
Trocadero: The Ultimate Tower View 🌟
The Trocadero is THE most iconic spot for your Eiffel Tower photos, and there’s a reason why it’s featured all over Instagram!
📍 Location : Trocadéro
🗺️ Getting There: Take the metro to Trocadéro station (Lines 6 & 9).
⏰ Timing is Everything: The best time to visit is during sunrise, between 6 and 9 AM. At this magical hour, you’ll find the plaza nearly empty and enjoy the most beautiful golden light. If you prefer evening shots, visit between 10 and 11 PM to capture the Tower’s sparkling lights, which occur for 5 minutes at the beginning of every hour until 1AM. We strongly recommend avoiding the hours between 11 AM and 8 PM, as the crowds can make photography challenging.
📸 Photography Guide: Begin your photo session at the top of the main stairs for that classic panoramic view. For a more peaceful experience, head to the side staircases, which are typically much less crowded than the central area. Don’t forget to explore the beautiful gardens below, they offer unique perspectives and showcase stunning flowers during spring. Early morning light also creates stunning reflections on the plaza floor, perfect for creative shots. Red outfits photograph great, anytime.
⚠️ Important Updates & Safety Tips: Due to recent renovations, it’s no longer possible to sit or climb on the plaza walls. I’m sorry to break it out to you but those Instagram photos you might have seen are from the past. The Trocadero area is unfortunately known for pickpockets, so always keep your belongings close and stay alert. Be particularly wary of the cup and ball games, these are scams targeting tourists and should be avoided entirely. The side staircases and gardens tend to be safer and quieter than the main plaza.
Champ de Mars: Perfect Picnic Photos 🌟
📍 Location: Champ de Mars
🚇 Getting There: The Champ de Mars is accessible from two metro stations: École Militaire (Line 8) and Bir-Hakeim (Line 6). From both stations, you’ll need to walk approximately 5 minutes to reach the park entrance.
⏰ Best Time to Visit: The optimal photography time is during golden hour, approximately 2 hours before sunset. Early mornings, between 7-9 AM, offer peaceful conditions with minimal crowds. The park tends to be most crowded between 11 AM until dark, especially during summer months.
📸 Photography Guide & Tips: Want to level up your photos? Pack a neutral-colored picnic blanket (channeling your inner Emily in Paris moment!), and maybe grab some macarons from a local pâtisserie for that extra Parisian touch. The morning grass can be a bit “humide” as we say in French, so do a quick check before setting up your petit déjeuner spread.
⚠️ Updates & Safety Tips: During summer, parts of the Champ de Mars are often closed for events and concerts. You can check the Paris events calendar before planning your shoot to avoid any surprises. Don’t worry though, the park is huge and you’ll always find a beautiful spot for your photos! While the Champ de Mars is pretty safe, keep your belongings close during your picnic setup (especially your croissants, they’re too good to lose! 😉).
Best Bridges for Eiffel Tower Photography 🌉
Pont Alexandre III: Golden Hour Magic ✨
📍 Location: Pont Alexandre III
🚇 Getting There: Take the metro to Champs-Élysées-Clemenceau (Lines 1 & 13) or Invalides (Lines 8 & 13).
⏰ Best Time to Visit: The most spectacular photos happen during golden hour, just before sunset. The ornate golden statues of the bridge catch the light perfectly at this time. Early mornings are also beautiful and much quieter.
📸 Photography Guide & Tips: This is Paris’s most ornate bridge, and it’s absolutely perfect for those romantic shots! The best spot is right in the middle of the bridge, where you can capture both the Eiffel Tower and those gorgeous golden statues in one frame. For a unique perspective, try shooting from the riverside walkway below, you’ll get the bridge’s beautiful arches framing the Tower!
Pont Bir-Hakeim: Iconic Architecture Views 🌟
📍 Location: Bir Hakeim Bridge
🚇 Getting There: Take the metro to Bir-Hakeim or Passy station (Line 6). The station is directly on the bridge.
⏰ Best Time to Visit: Early morning (6-8 AM) offers the best light and fewest people.
📸 Photography Guide & Tips: This is that iconic bridge you’ve seen all over Instagram! The best spot? Head to the pedestrian walkway and look for the spots between the columns, each one creates a perfect frame for the Tower! The metro passing overhead can actually add a cool urban vibe to your photos!
Pont d’Iéna: Direct Tower Access 🎯
📍 Location: Iéna Bridge
🚇 Getting There: Take the metro to Trocadéro (Lines 6 & 9) or Bir-Hakeim (Line 6), then walk a few minutes to reach the bridge.
⏰ Best Time to Visit: Early morning is absolutely THE best time to visit : we’re talking sunrise hours when the city is still waking up. Avoid afternoons and sunset hours : trust us on this one! One work : CROWD.
📸 Photography Guide & Tips: This bridge gives you one of the closest views of the Tower, you’re literally walking straight towards it! You can also head down to the riverside paths below the bridge for a unique perspective that most tourists don’t know about. You’ll get stunning shots with barely anyone in the background! Want to capture something magical? The Tower sparkles for 5 minutes at the beginning of every hour once night falls (until 1 AM). These twinkling lights make for absolutely dreamy photos!
⚠️ Updates & Safety Tips: Since the Olympic Games, the middle section of the bridge has been pedestrianized, making it much safer for photos. However, this is still a very popular tourist spot, so we strongly recommend avoiding afternoon and sunset hours, it gets incredibly crowded and unfortunately attracts pickpockets. Stick to morning visits for both better photos and a safer experience. If you do visit in the evening for the sparkle show, stay aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings close.
Passerelle Debilly: Hidden Gem Views 💎
📍 Location: Passerelle Debilly
🚇 Getting There: The closest metro stations are Trocadéro (Lines 6 & 9) or Iéna (Line 9). This pedestrian bridge is located between Pont d’Iéna and Pont de l’Alma.
⏰ Best Time to Visit: The best photos happen during sunset when the light creates beautiful reflections on the Seine. Early mornings are also perfect for peaceful shots without the crowds.
📸 Photography Guide & Tips: This hidden gem is one of our favorite spots for intimate Tower views! As this is a pedestrian-only bridge, it’s generally quieter than other spots and offers some of the most stunning close-up shots of the Eiffel Tower.
⚠️ Safety Tips: You’ll probably see vendors selling “love locks” on the bridge, while it might seem romantic, these are usually a tourist trap with extremely inflated prices. Skip the padlock purchase and focus on capturing those magical photos instead! ✨
Hidden Streets with Eiffel Tower Views: Local Secrets 🌟
Rue de l’Université: Instagram’s Famous Spot 📸
📍 Location: 228 Rue de l’Université
🚇 Getting There: Take the metro to Alma-Marceau (Line 9) or RER C to Pont de l’Alma. It’s about a 7-minute walk from either station.
⏰ Best Time to Visit: Early morning is your best friend here (we’re talking 6-8 AM). This spot has become incredibly popular on Instagram, so arriving early is crucial for those crowd-free shots.
📸 Photography Guide & Tips : The view is simply magical, imagine a charming Parisian street leading directly to the Eiffel Tower. The best spot for photos is right in the middle of the street, where the Tower appears to be perfectly centered between the buildings.
⚠️ Updates & Safety Tips: Remember this is a residential street, so be respectful of locals going about their day.
Rue de Buenos Aires: Quiet Photo Location 🤫
📍 Location: 1 Rue de Buenos Aires
🚇 Getting There: Take the metro to Trocadéro (Lines 6 & 9) or Boissière (Line 6).
⏰ Best Time to Visit: This street is much more flexible with timing since it’s less known. While early morning (7-9 AM) still offers the best light, you can get great shots here throughout the day.
📸 Photography Guide & Tips: Here’s a little secret that most Instagram influencers haven’t discovered yet: this street offers practically the same stunning view as the famous Rue de l’Université, but without the crowds!
⚠️ Updates & Safety Tips: While this street is quieter, remember it’s still a residential area. Be respectful of locals and keep noise levels down.
Avenue de Camoëns: Elegant Perspective ✨
📍 Location: 1 Avenue de Camoëns
🚇 Getting There: Take the metro to Passy (Line 6) or Trocadéro (Lines 6 & 9). The street is about a 5-minute walk from either station.
⏰ Best Time to Visit: Early morning (7-9 AM) offers the best lighting and fewest people.
📸 Photography Guide & Tips : This elegant little street is a true hidden gem! What makes it special? The beautiful stone archway perfectly frames the Eiffel Tower, creating an absolutely stunning composition make this spot perfect for those elegant, editorial-style photos. The stairs offer multiple levels for photos, try both standing and sitting poses.
⚠️ Updates & Safety Tips: This is a quiet residential street, so please be mindful of noise levels. While it’s becoming more popular with photographers, it’s still relatively peaceful compared to other spots.
Rue Monttessuy: Perfect Tower Alignment 🎯
📍 Location: Rue de Monttessuy
🚇 Getting There: Take the metro to Alma-Marceau (Line 9) or RER C to Pont de l’Alma. It’s about a 5-minute walk from either station.
⏰ Best Time to Visit: Early morning (7-9 AM) provides the best lighting and quietest atmosphere. Unlike some other spots, this street stays relatively peaceful throughout the day.
Rue Sainte-Dominique: Classic Paris Frame 🎀
📍 Location: Rue Sainte-Dominique
🚇 Getting There: Take the metro to École Militaire (Line 8) or La Tour-Maubourg (Line 8). The street is about a 5 minute walk from either station.
⏰ Best Time to Visit: Early morning (7-9 AM) offers the best light and minimal traffic. This street is particularly magical during golden hour when the sun softly illuminates the building facades.
📸 Photography Guide & Tips: Rue Sainte-Dominique is a true Parisian treasure! What makes this spot so special? It’s one of the most authentically Parisian streets in the 7th arrondissement, with its typical cafés, small boutiques, and of course, that incredible Eiffel Tower view. Position yourself near the cafés, they add that perfect Parisian touch to your photos!
Secret Eiffel Tower Photo Spots: Hidden Gems 🗝️
Palais Galliera: Architectural Dream Shot 👗
📍 Location: Palais Galliera
🚇 Getting There: Take the metro to Iéna (Line 9) or Alma-Marceau (Line 9). The palace is about a 5-minute walk from either station.
⏰ Best Time to Visit: Early morning offers the best lighting and fewest visitors.
📸 Photography Guide: This spot is extra special, it’s Paris’s Fashion Museum, and the architecture is absolutely perfect for elegant photos! The grand staircase is your best friend here, it’s perfect for those princess moment shots. If you don’t know what to wear for your photoshoot in Paris our luxury dresses (from 240€ for rental) look absolutely magical against the palace’s classical architecture. Pro tip: use the columns to frame your shots, and don’t miss the grand staircase with the Eiffel Tower in the background creates the most incredible backdrop.
Place du Mexique: Local’s Favorite View 🤫
📍 Location: Place du Mexique
🚇 Getting There: Take the metro to Boissière (Line 6). The spot is just a 3-minute walk from the station.
⏰ Best Time to Visit: Unlike most Eiffel Tower photo spots, this hidden gem is peaceful throughout the day. While the morning light is beautiful, you can get great shots here anytime!
📸 Photography Guide: While the Eiffel Tower appears a bit smaller from this angle, this charming square offers something even more valuable : tranquility! You’ll rarely find other photographers or tourists here, making it perfect for peaceful, unhurried photos.
Riverside Eiffel Tower Views: Seine Perspectives 💫
Quais de Seine: Romantic River Views 🌊
🚇 Getting There: Take the metro to Bir-Hakeim (Line 6) or RER C to Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel. The riverside is easily accessible from either station.
⏰ Best Time to Visit: Early morning for peaceful shots, or golden hour for romantic sunset vibes. The Seine takes on a magical glow during these times!
📸 Photography Guide & Tips : The Seine riverbanks offer some of the most romantic views of the Eiffel Tower in Paris! Walk along the riverbank to find your perfect angle, each spot offers a slightly different perspective of the Tower.
🥖 Local Tips: Here’s what real Parisians do: grab a baguette from your local boulangerie, some cheese from the fromagerie, maybe a bottle of wine (très français!), and head to the Seine banks for a sunset picnic! It’s a cherished local tradition to gather with friends on the quais, enjoy some drinks and snacks while watching the sun paint the sky in pink and orange hues. Stay until nightfall to catch the Tower’s sparkle show, she twinkles for 5 minutes at the beginning of every hour until 1 AM. This is Paris living at its finest! ✨ The best spots for this sunset picnic are between Pont de l’Alma and Pont d’Iéna. Just remember to bring a small blanket to sit on, and don’t forget your bottle opener (nothing worse than a bottle of wine you can’t open, trust us, we’ve been there! 😉).
Port Debilly
📍 Location: Port Debilly
🚇 Getting There: Take the metro to Trocadéro (Lines 6 & 9), Iéna (Line 9) or Passy (line 6) then walk down to the riverside.
⏰ Best Time to Visit: Spring is absolutely magical here! From mid-April to early May, the wisteria (or ‘glycine‘ as we say in French) creates the most incredible purple canopy. For general visits, sunset offers stunning golden light, while early mornings are peaceful and perfect for photos.
Avenue de New York: Elegant Promenade 🌅
📍 Location: Avenue de New York
🚇 Getting There: Take the metro to Alma-Marceau (Line 9) or RER C to Pont de l’Alma. The avenue runs along the Seine’s right bank.
⏰ Best Time to Visit: Early morning (7-9 AM) offers peaceful photo opportunities. This spot is also magical during sunset, when the light reflects off the Seine.
Café Views: Perfect Tower Coffee Spots ☕
Café Le Recrutement
📍 Location: Le Recrutement
🚇 Getting There: Take the metro to École Militaire (Line 8). The café is just a 2 minute walk from the station.
⏰ Best Time to Visit: Early morning (8-10 AM) is perfect for breakfast photos with fewer crowds. The café opens at 7:30 AM, making it ideal for those morning coffee shots!
📸 Photography Guide & Tips: This charming café offers one of the most Instagrammable breakfast views in Paris! Situated right on the corner with a perfect view of the Eiffel Tower, it’s the ideal spot for those “morning in Paris” shots. Order a café crème and a croissant for that perfect Parisian breakfast shot. The outdoor terrace offers several great angles with the Tower in the background. Pro tip: the corner tables give you the best view, but any outdoor seat will offer a lovely Tower perspective! ✨
⚠️ Updates & Safety Tips: As this is a working café, it’s polite to order something if you’re taking photos. The staff is usually very friendly and used to photographers. During peak hours, try to be mindful of other customers enjoying their meals.
Café au Canon des Invalides
📍 Location: Au Canon des Invalides
🚇 Getting There: Take the metro to Invalides (Lines 8 & 13) or La Tour-Maubourg (Line 8).
⏰ Best Time to Visit: The café opens at 8 AM. Morning hours (8-10 AM) offer the best light and a peaceful atmosphere.
⚠️ Updates & Safety Tips: Remember to order something if you’re taking photos, their croissants are délicieux 😋 !
Frequently Asked Questions About Eiffel Tower Photos 📸
When does the Eiffel Tower sparkle?
The Eiffel Tower sparkles for 5 minutes at the beginning of every hour, from sunset until 1 AM.
What’s the best time of day for Eiffel Tower photos?
Early morning (6-8 AM) is the absolute best time for photos! You’ll avoid crowds, enjoy beautiful soft light, and have most spots almost to yourself. If you’re not an early bird, golden hour (1-2 hours before sunset) can also be magical, just expect more people around.
Which metro station is best for Eiffel Tower photos?
Trocadéro (Lines 6 & 9) gives you access to the most iconic views. However, Bir-Hakeim (Line 6) and École Militaire (Line 8) are also excellent starting points, depending on which photo spots you’re planning to visit.
Now that you know all of the best Eiffel Tower photo spots, why not make your Paris photos truly magical? While exploring these locations on your own can be fun, nothing beats the expertise of a local photographer who knows exactly when and where to capture that perfect shot.
Our Paris photo sessions start at 250€ for a 1 hour shoot, including 10 professionally edited photos. Want to make it extra special? Add professional makeup and choose from our collection of over 150+ stunning dresses designed to fit every body type. Plus, we’ll capture your experience in a social media video to remember every magical moment!
Ready to create some Paris magic? Fill out our contact form with your preferred dates, we’ll take care of the rest! ✨
