Where to Get the Best Free Views of the Eiffel Tower (2022 Edition)

Last edited: May 16, 2023

There are few monuments more iconic and well-known than the Eiffel Tower. While first time visitors might want to make a trek up the tower to see the iron maiden up close, I think the best view of the tower requires you to take at least a few steps back. After five visits to Paris, here is my list of my favorite free views of the Eiffel Tower.

Find a map here for your convenience. Enjoy!

Av. de New York | Port Debilly

Head to the 16th arrondisement and walk along the Av. de New York. The walkway near Pont d'Iéna will likely be busy with fellow travelers trying to snap a photo or two. To appreciate the view in a more spacious and less chaotic environment simply walk down one of the sets of stairs to get to the long dock-adjacent platform Port Debilly. Alternatively take in a pristine view by walking further down Av. de New York.

I like to start at the Av. de New York and Rue le Nôtre intersection and take a few pictures before walking northeast (tower is on your right) along Av. de New York and eventually walking down one of the sets of stairs along the dock to get to Port Debilly.

Av. de Camoens

Not too far from Av. de New York is Av. de Camoens, a quiet street in the 16th arrondisement perfect for getting an uninterrupted view of the monument framed by a couple Parisian buildings. The views by the stairs are picturesque, and the whole walk along the short street is lovely, especially as more and more of the tower gracefully comes into eyeview.

Pont d’Iéna

Although you can get a nice view of the tower from a few of the bridges along the Seine, only Pont d’Iéna offers such a front and center experience. As previously mentioned, this bridge does tend to get fairly crowded, but you’re just down the street from more peaceful viewing spots like Av. de New York and Av. de Camoens.

Champ de Mars

For perhaps the most iconic view of the tower head to the Champ de Mars. First hit up Rue Cler Market Street or a French grocery store like Carrefour for some picnic essentials like a baguette, wine, and cheese. Afterwards head to the park and enjoy a simple but tasty meal with a view.

For a two-in-one experience arrive to the tower just before sunset to catch the last bit of natural light on the monument. Then hang around until dusk to see the tower be illuminated and to catch the first light show of the night. Each evening, and every hour on the hour until 1AM the tower sparkles for five minutes. It’s mesmerizing to see, and this is one of the best spots to appreciate the tower sparkle up close.

Palais de Chaillot

The Palais de Chaillot is a well-known spot. If you see the marble floors and a handful of miniature Eiffel Tower vendors, you know that you’ve arrived. Although this place tends to be a bit more busy and currently has clusters of construction, it should not be skipped if you’re in the area (which you will be if you hit up Av. de Camoens). For a more dramatic perspective you can head a little further back and see the view from Place du Trocadero. I believe you can also go forward and around to the left and get a stellar shot on the stairs as well.

Av. de Suffren

Along Av. de Suffren there is the short street Rue de Buenos Aires where you’ll find a beautiful, albeit busy view of the tower, wonderfully framed with lush trees and classic Parisian architecture.

Rue St Dominique

At the intersection of Rue St. Dominique and Rue Surcouf you can get a lovely view of the tower, surrounded by the bustling streets of this intersection in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. Feel free to walk around a bit to find the most ideal angle for your photo. At the far end of Rue St Dominique (the side closest to the tower) there’s a bench outside of Cafe Le Dome (not recommending the café, just the photo spot) where you can sit and take a dazzling photo with the tower in the background.

Av. Rapp

Along Av. Rapp there are plenty of cross streets perfect for taking in the tower. The most well-known of these streets is Rue de l’Université, but Rue de Monttessuy and Rue du Géneral Camou offer similar views with typically less people.

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann

The rooftop of this mall is another gorgeous spot to get a view of the tower and the surrounding city. Afterwards you can get a drink on the terrace or indulge in a little shopping.

Pont de Bir Hakeim | Metro Line 6

The Pont de Bir Hakeim is a bridge with a walking path that offers a angular view of the tower. You can also take the metro across the bridge to get an even better and more elevated view, although it is a fleeting one.

If you ride Metro Line 6 you can also get a beautiful shot of the tower on your right when traveling between the Bir Hakeim and Passy stops. You can also get the same shot when riding the opposite direction but there is the slight chance of the metro heading the other direction passing in front of you when you’re in view of the tower. Now this one isn’t completely free, you do have to pay a couple Euros to ride the metro (or really test your luck), but if you’re passing through anyway it works out really nicely. I haven’t personally gotten a shot here but you can see what I mean here and here.

Paris, Etc.

All the places mentioned above are free to visit. However, if you want an even more immersive experience you can always book a restaurant visit, river cruise, or accommodation with a view of the tower.

What’s next?

Want more Paris tips? Read 43 Classic & Local Experiences to Have in Paris next.

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Where to Get the Best Views of the Eiffel Tower