8 of My Favorite Places to See the Eiffel Tower

One of the questions I’m often asked is, “Does seeing the Eiffel Tower ever get old?” Without batting an eye, I quickly answer “No, it certainly doesn’t!” One of my favorite things is coming across a view that I’d not discovered previously. Whether at my home in the 7th arrondissement or clear across the city, spotting Paris’ iconic landmark is a bit of a sport for me.

Favorite Places to See the Eiffel Tower

When I first moved to Paris five-and-a-half years ago, I could see the Eiffel Tower from the window in my tiny studio in the 8th arrondissement. I can’t remember a time that I didn’t stop and watch the hourly light show. That, as well as walking the city, was my entertainment when money was tight. Even after all of these years, I still love to wander and discover different Eiffel Tower vantage points, as well as revisit some of my old favorites. A post that’s long overdue, here are eight of my favorite places to view the Eiffel Tower, from open-air rooftops to the most hidden alleyways.

Rue Saint-Dominique

If you follow anyone on Instagram that spends any time in Paris then you’re likely familiar with this view. And if you watch my Instagram Stories then you’ve probably seen this perspective more times that you care to remember. Well, for two years, this little stretch of Rue Saint-Dominique was where I lived. That’s right; every time I walked outside of my building’s door, this was my view. Not bad, I must say.

Place de la Concorde

Many of the best places to view the Eiffel Tower are actually iconic Paris locations themselves. One of these is at Place de la Concorde and Rue de Rivoli. Here, at the corner of the Tuileries Gardens sits the famous Lion au Serpent statue. Standing in this historic part of the city, you can feel the history while admiring the most iconic Paris landmark of all in the distance — the Eiffel Tower. The great thing about the view from along the Tuileries fence is that you also get to see the Luxor Obelisk, the Place de la Concorde fountains, Assemblée Nationale, the Grand Palais, Hôtel de Talleyrand, Jeu de Paume, and Hôtel de Crillon.

Galeries Lafayette Rooftop Terrace

My readers know I love Galeries Lafayette, so it should come as no surprise that the rooftop on the 7th floor of the department store is one of my favorite places to admire the tower. The Terrace at Galeries Lafayette offers spectacular 180-degree views of Notre Dame, Sacre Coeur, Palais Garnier, and sprawling city rooftops too. Weather permitting, the rooftop is open daily, and access is free of charge.

Paris Palace Hotels

I love hotels, and Paris has no shortage of incredible ones! In France, the government designates hotels that have exceptional history and luxury with the “Palace” distinction. Most of these Palace hotels offer some of the best views of Madame Eiffel from their rooms, restaurants, and bars. A few to consider are the Four Seasons George V, Plaza Athénée (AKA, the hotel from Sex in the City), Shangri-La, Le Bristol, Le Meurice, The Peninsula, and La Réserve. Although not a Palace, I equally love Hôtel Raphael, located next to The Peninsula.

Rue Berton

Rue Berton is one of my secret spots in the city. This narrow, cobblestoned street is tucked in the side of a hill and surrounded by lush greenery. Rather than the 16th arrondissement, Rue Berton feels like it’s in a tiny French village, if it weren’t for the Iron Lady standing tall between the buildings. It’s one of few places where it’s possible to sneak photos of the tower without a person in sight. Head to where Rue Berton passes alongside the Auguste Perret building for this iconic view.

Avenue du President Wilson

Step off the train at the metro station Trocadero and stroll along Avenue du President Wilson. Here, near Palais de Tokyo, at the stairs on the right side of the sidewalk is one of most spectacular places to view the Eiffel Tower. Those steep steps have served as my Stairmaster on many occasions. The reward each time I make it to the top is the view of Madame Eiffel, with the historic Parisian buildings in the foreground. That’s certainly worth the sore knees.

Rue de l’Université

There’s nothing quite like viewing the Eiffel Tower from a location where everyday Parisian life is taking place. Rue de l’Universite is a long road through the 6th and 7th arrondissements. As one of the city’s most prestigious streets, it transects some of the most beautiful and sought after real estate in Paris.

That’s why the corner of Rue de l’Universite and Avenue de la Bourdonnais is one of my favorite places to view the Eiffel Tower. Here, the Haussmanian buildings frame the Iron Lady like an antique gilt frame. It’s a view I enjoy even more at night, when the windows of Parisian apartment buildings glow in the foreground, and the tower shines behind.

Square Rapp

Square Rapp is one of the most secluded places to view the Eiffel Tower. Walk down Avenue Rapp and you just might miss the entrance to the square. After all, the famously ornate Jules Lavirotte building just on the corner catches most everyone’s attention. If you follow me on Instagram, then you know it’s been a long-time dream to live in Square Rapp. The surrounding buildings feature ornate architecture, wrought iron terraces and other unique architectural elements that set my heart aflutter. The fact that the Eiffel Tower is perfectly centered between the two corner buildings is just an added bonus.

There you have it — eight of my favorite places to see the Eiffel Tower. I have countless others, but I can’t share all of my secrets now, can I?