8 best views in Paris: Rooftops, towers, and more

Between art museums and culinary delights, you're unlikely to run out of things to do in Paris — but don't forget to take time to soak up the city itself. Many of the most famous buildings have rooftops or observation decks with stunning panoramas of iconic Parisian sights, including the Eiffel Tower. You can even take in the city's landmarks on a Seine river cruise or from one of its parks.

This guide contains some of the best views in Paris. You'll discover unexpected locations to get a great perspective of the city as well as places that offer free views.

Where to get the best views in Paris

Best observation decks in Paris: Eiffel Tower and Montparnasse Tower

Best unexpected places to see the skyline in Paris: Arc de Triomphe

Best free views in Paris: Champ de Mars

Best rooftop and observation deck views in Paris

1. Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower, Paris' iconic landmark and national symbol, is the world's most-visited tourist destination, with an observation deck situated 276 meters up and a spectacular view of Paris. You'll travel to the top of the tower in a glass-walled elevator, which is worth the ticket price alone, before seeing the breathtaking views of the city below.

Best time to go

See Paris from this vantage point during sunset, when the buildings below start to twinkle with light.

Address and opening hours

Av. Gustave Eiffel, 75007 Paris. Open every day, 9:00 AM–midnight.

2. Montparnasse Tower

The Montparnasse Tower is a 210-meter skyscraper in the Montparnasse neighborhood that offers a unique panorama of the city and plenty of opportunities for gorgeous photos of Paris. In fact, many people prefer this view of the city so that they can admire the Eiffel Tower.

Insider tip

Don't forget to see what the rest of what this neighborhood has to offer while you're here. A Montparnasse tour lets you explore this area, which was popular with famous authors like Ernest Hemingway.

Address and opening hours

33 Av. du Maine, 75015 Paris. Open Sunday–Thursday 9:30 AM–10:30 PM and Friday–Saturday 9:30 AM–11:00 PM.

Unexpected places to get great views of Paris

3. Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe is far from being the tallest building in Paris. However, this historic monument, which honors those who died during the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars, provides one of the best vistas in the city. You'll get a bird's-eye view of the Champs-Élysées and its famous buildings and even, on a clear day, the La Défense business district.

Insider tip

There's no elevator in the Arc de Triomphe, so you'll need to climb 284 steps to get to the top. Be sure you wear a good pair of walking shoes.

Address and opening hours

Pl. Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris. Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 10:00 AM–10:30 PM, and Tuesday, 11:00 AM–10:30 PM.

4. River Seine

Not all the best views of Paris are from above. The Seine, the river that meanders through the center of the city, is a fantastic place to take in world-famous landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century.

Insider tip

A cruise lets you experience Paris from the Seine, and you can find options that cater to all budgets. For an even more indulgent experience, consider a dinner cruise.

5. Pantheon

The Pantheon is an overlooked gem in Paris, offering one of the most beautiful views in the city. It has a small rooftop that overlooks all of the famous landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame. Plus, you get to experience the interior of this 18th-century monument, which was once the highest point in Paris.

Best time to go

Not as popular as other views in Paris, the Pantheon is a good choice for those who want to avoid huge crowds. However, for an even more peaceful experience, visit the monument in the early morning when there are fewer people out and about.

Address and opening hours

Pl. du Panthéon, 75005 Paris. Open every day 10:00 AM–6:30 PM.

Free places to get a great view of Paris

6. Champ de Mars

Champ de Mars is the perfectly manicured garden that surrounds the Eiffel Tower. Free and open to the public, it offers breathtaking views of the tower from ground level and is one of the best Paris photography spots.

Insider tip

Champ de Mars is a great place to have a picnic, so bring some food and enjoy the sights over a meal. Head over just before sunset to see the daily switch-on of the twinkling Eiffel Tower lights — on the hour from dusk to 1:00 AM.

Address and opening hours

Champs de Mars, 75007 Paris. Open 24 hours.

7. Parc de Belleville

Located in Belleville in the 20th arrondissement, some distance from Paris' most-visited landmarks, Parc de Belleville provides a little serenity in one of the world's busiest cities. It also has a great view of the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, making it a worthy addition to your itinerary.

Insider tip

In addition to the free view, you'll also find beautiful flowers and water features at Parc de Belleville, making it one of the most scenic spots in Paris. Don't forget to explore the surrounding Belleville neighborhood, which is known for its street art.

Address and opening hours

47 Rue des Couronnes, 75020 Paris. Open Monday–Friday 8:00 AM–7:30 PM and Saturday–Sunday 9:00 AM–7:30 PM

8. Galeries Lafayette Haussmann

Surprisingly, you can get a great free view of the Paris skyline from one of its famous department stores. The rooftop at the Galeries Lafayette, located on the sixth floor, overlooks Boulevard Haussmann in Paris' 9th arrondissement, a tree-lined thoroughfare created by Napoleon III.

Insider tip

You'll also find a cafe on the Galeries Lafayette rooftop, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee while taking in local sights like Palais Garnier.

Address and opening hours

40 Bd Haussmann, 75009 Paris. Monday–Saturday 10:00 AM–8:30 PM and Sunday 11:00 AM–8:00 PM.

FAQs

What are the best views in Paris?

You're spoiled for choice! The Eiffel Tower is one of the tallest structures in the city and offers stunning panoramas, and is a must-visit for your first time in Paris. However, lesser-known vantage points, such as the one at the Pantheon, let you experience the Paris skyline without the crowds. You can also take a walking tour to see more of Paris.

What is the best view of the Eiffel Tower?

The Montparnasse Tower lets you see Paris' most famous landmark from high up, while Champ de Mars offers great ground-level views. Why not do both?

What are the best free views in Paris?

Champ de Mars, Parc de Belleville, and Galeries Lafayette Haussmann provide awesome Paris views at no cost. That means you can see the best of the city even if you're on a budget.

What is the best sunset view in Paris?

The Eiffel Tower. Fun fact: traveling to the structure’s summit when the sun sets is a unique experience.

What is the best time of the year to visit Paris?

Paris is pretty packed all year round. However, late spring and early fall are a little less busy, allowing you to enjoy stunning views without so many crowds.