10 incredible sunset spots in Paris you have to check out

From its world-class museums to its incredible dining scene, Paris has no problem keeping visitors entertained for days on end. But as you’re racing from one arrondissement to another fueled by fresh croissants and pastel-colored macarons, take the time to slow down and catch a sunset — you won’t regret it.

In a city as enchanting as Paris, any kind of sunset is worth seeing, but there’s something extra magical about seeing the sky transform into a real-life Monet painting from the rooftop terrace of the Arc de Triomphe or the steps of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. If you’re wondering where to watch the spectacle, these are the best sunset spots in Paris, including where exactly to go in the Eiffel Tower for unbeatable views.

1. Arc de Triomphe

Standing tall at the end of the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris’ most famous monuments. It also offers one of the best sunset views in Paris with its rooftop terrace. From there, not only do you get a 360-degree vista of the city, but you also find other landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Cœur Basilica in your view.

Know before you go

• It’s 284 steps up to the top, but there is an elevator available to those who need it.
• It’s a popular sunset spot, so expect crowds and aim to get there about an hour before.

Address

l. Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris

Opening hours

Tuesday, 11:00 AM–10:30 PM
Wednesday–Monday, 10:00 AM–10:30 PM

2. Eiffel Tower

What’s more iconic than watching the sunset in Paris from the Eiffel Tower? Thrill-seekers should head up to the very top, about 276 meters above the city, where there are two observation floors — one indoor and another open-air. Many prefer to watch the sunset from the second floor, though, since you’re still high up but can make out landmarks more easily.

Know before you go

• Eiffel Tower tickets go on sale 60 days in advance, so book ahead — it’s the busiest and most popular time to visit, so sunset time slots sell out.
• Plan to visit 1 to 2 hours before the sun actually sets to factor in delays with security and the elevator.

Address

Av. Gustave Eiffel, 75007 Paris

Opening hours

Every day, 9:30 AM–11:00 PM

3. Sacré-Cœur Basilica

At the top of the Montmartre hill, Sacré-Cœur Basilica is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Paris, whether you’re sitting on the front steps of the famous white-domed church or climbing the nearly 300 narrow steps to the top (there’s no elevator). This hill happens to be the highest natural point in the city.

Know before you go

• It’s free to enter the church, but there’s a fee for visiting the dome.
• The dome’s opening hours can vary depending on the season, so check that the last entry time still works for catching the sunset.

Address

35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris

Opening hours

Every day, 6:30 AM–10:30 PM

4. Pont Alexandre III

Paris is full of beautiful bridges stretching across the Seine River, but the prettiest of them all has to be Pont Alexandre III. Crossing from the Champs-Élysées quarter in the 8th arrondissement to Invalides in the 7th arrondissement, this ornate bridge is a stunning spot to watch the sunset in Paris.

Know before you go

• Don’t be surprised if you find yourself caught between some proposals or couples’ photoshoots while at this romantic destination.
• To get the Eiffel Tower in your view, stand on the right bank (the north side).

Address

Pont Alexandre III, 75008 Paris

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

5. Terrass” Hotel Rooftop

When talking about the best rooftops in Paris for watching the sunset, you have to mention the rooftop bar at Terrass” Hotel. You don’t need to be a guest at this four-star hotel in Montmartre to sip on some cocktails and enjoy the city views from its 7th floor.

Know before you go

• The rooftop bar doesn’t take reservations, and there can be a line during peak hours.
• Since the rooftop can be covered in bad weather and also heated during winter, it’s a good sunset spot year-round.

Address

12-14 Rue Joseph de Maistre, 75018 Paris

Opening hours

Sunday–Monday, 3:30 PM–11:30 PM
Tuesday–Saturday, 3:30 PM–6:30 PM

6. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

Over in the 19th arrondissement, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is one of the city’s largest green spaces. It’s also hilly, which makes it a great sunset spot in Paris, offering views over the Montmartre district. Better still for those traveling Paris on a budget, it’s free to enter.

Know before you go

• Get to the Temple de la Sibylle early to watch the sunset from the highest point in the park.
• Bring a blanket and some provisions to set up a sunset picnic on the hills by the lake.

Address

1-7 Rue Botzaris, 75019 Paris

Opening hours

7:00 AM–10:00 PM every day from May to September
7:00 AM–8:00 PM every day from October to April

7. Galeries Lafayette Haussmann

You may know Galeries Lafayette Haussmann as the massive flagship store where you can shop ‘til you drop, but it also has one of the best rooftops in Paris for watching the sunset — and it’s totally free to visit. Head up to the 8th-floor terrace, where you can see the Palais Garnier, Eiffel Tower, and more in the distance.

Know before you go

• Given the opening hours, you can only catch the sunset here from late fall to early spring.
• You can bring your own drinks and snacks for a little sunset picnic on the rooftop.

Address

40 Bd Haussmann, 75009 Paris

Opening hours

Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–8:00 PM
Sunday, 11:00 AM–8:00 PM

8. Seine

See an incredible sunset and get a new perspective of Paris aboard a Seine river cruise. Whether you opt for a sightseeing tour aboard a bâteau-mouche (one of the long river boats) or a private cruise, you can relax with a glass in hand as the sky changes and you float by the city’s beautiful buildings.

Know before you go

• This is a better option when the weather is nice, as you’ll want to be on the top deck for the best sunset views.
• If you’re doing a dinner cruise, reserve a seat at the front of the boat to get the bigger bay window view.