Paris Things to Do Views

The 8 Best Viewpoints in Paris (2026)

Updated November 2026 · 8 picks

The best views in Paris in 2026 are from the Eiffel Tower summit, the Arc de Triomphe roof looking down the Champs-Élysées, the steps and dome of Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre, the Notre-Dame towers, and free terraces at Galeries Lafayette and the Institut du monde arabe.

Paris is a low city, so even a modest height gives a wide view. The paid viewpoints (Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame towers, Sacré-Cœur dome) need timed tickets in high season; the free ones (department-store rooftops, the Institut du monde arabe terrace, Parc de Belleville, Trocadéro) are first come, first served. Go at sunset, or after dark, when the Eiffel Tower sparkles for five minutes on the hour. For more, see our Paris attractions and free things to do.

1. Eiffel Tower — Champ de Mars, 7th

The highest view in Paris, from the summit or the second floor.

$$ Mid-range

The Eiffel Tower has two viewing levels plus the summit. The second floor gives the best balance of height and detail, with monuments still recognizable; the summit gives the widest panorama.

Book timed tickets online and go at sunset to see the city in daylight and lights.

Good to know: Take the stairs to the second floor for a cheaper ticket and shorter lines.

Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris

Google Maps Website

2. Arc de Triomphe rooftop — Champs-Élysées, 8th

A rooftop view of the Champs-Élysées and the Eiffel Tower.

$ Budget

The roof of the Arc de Triomphe looks straight down the Champs-Élysées toward the Louvre, with twelve avenues radiating from Place de l'Étoile and the Eiffel Tower close by. You climb a spiral staircase of about 280 steps.

Go at sunset for the best light. Reach it through the underground passage, not across the traffic.

Good to know: Use the underpass from the north side of the Champs-Élysées to reach the Arc safely.

Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris

Google Maps Website

3. Sacré-Cœur and its dome — Montmartre, 18th

The best free view of Paris from Montmartre hill.

The steps in front of Sacré-Cœur, on top of Montmartre hill, give a wide, free view over the city. For more height, climb the basilica's dome, which has a fee and about 300 steps.

Go early in the morning to avoid crowds. Walk down through Montmartre's backstreets afterward.

Good to know: Take the funicular up if your legs are tired; it uses a regular metro ticket.

35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris

Google Maps Website

4. Notre-Dame towers — Île de la Cité, 4th

Gargoyles and a view over the Seine from the cathedral towers.

$ Budget

The towers of Notre-Dame reopened to visitors after the cathedral's restoration. The climb takes you past the gargoyles to a view over the Seine, the islands and the Latin Quarter.

Book timed tickets ahead, as numbers are limited. The climb is steep and narrow.

Good to know: Book the first slot of the day for the shortest wait.

6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Place Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris

Google Maps Website

5. Galeries Lafayette rooftop — Opéra, 9th

A free rooftop terrace with views of the Opéra and the Eiffel Tower.

The Galeries Lafayette Haussmann department store has a rooftop terrace with a free view over the Opéra Garnier, the rooftops and the Eiffel Tower in the distance. Look up at the store's stained-glass dome on the way.

Combine it with shopping or a visit to the Opéra Garnier.

Good to know: Take the escalators to the top floor and follow the signs to the terrace; check opening hours, which change with the season.

40 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris

Google Maps

6. Institut du monde arabe terrace — Latin Quarter, 5th

A free terrace with views over the Seine and Notre-Dame.

The Institut du monde arabe has a rooftop terrace with a free view over the Seine, the Île Saint-Louis and Notre-Dame. The building's facade of light-sensitive metal panels is itself worth seeing.

It suits a quiet break near the Jardin des Plantes.

Good to know: Take the elevator to the ninth floor.

1 Rue des Fossés Saint-Bernard, 75005 Paris

Google Maps Website

7. Trocadéro — Trocadéro, 16th

The classic Eiffel Tower photo spot, across the river.

The esplanade of the Palais de Chaillot at Trocadéro gives the classic full-height view of the Eiffel Tower across the Seine. It is free and open at all hours.

Go at sunrise for photos without crowds, or after dark for the sparkle on the hour.

Good to know: Walk down through the Trocadéro gardens and cross the Pont d'Iéna to the tower.

Place du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, 75116 Paris

Google Maps

8. Parc de Belleville — Belleville, 20th

A free hilltop view over the whole city, without the crowds.

Parc de Belleville climbs a hill in the east of Paris, and its top terrace gives a wide view over the city to the Eiffel Tower. It is free and far less crowded than Montmartre.

Come at sunset, then eat in Belleville's Asian restaurants.

Good to know: Enter from Rue Piat for the terrace at the top.

47 Rue des Couronnes, 75020 Paris

Google Maps

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best view of Paris?

The Eiffel Tower summit gives the highest view, but many prefer the Arc de Triomphe roof, because it includes the Eiffel Tower and looks straight down the Champs-Élysées. Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre has the best free view.

Where can I see Paris from above for free?

The steps of Sacré-Cœur, the terrace of the Galeries Lafayette Haussmann store, the terrace of the Institut du monde arabe, Parc de Belleville and the Trocadéro esplanade all have free views.

Where is the best place to see the Eiffel Tower?

The Trocadéro esplanade across the river is the classic spot. The Champ de Mars, the Pont de Bir-Hakeim and the Arc de Triomphe roof are other favorites.

When does the Eiffel Tower sparkle?

After dark, the tower's lights sparkle for five minutes at the start of every hour, until the lights go off late at night.

Do I need to book the Eiffel Tower?

Yes, ideally. Book timed tickets on the official website as early as you can, especially from spring to autumn. Tickets to the summit sell out first.

1. Eiffel Tower — Champ de Mars, 7th

2. Arc de Triomphe rooftop — Champs-Élysées, 8th

3. Sacré-Cœur and its dome — Montmartre, 18th

4. Notre-Dame towers — Île de la Cité, 4th

5. Galeries Lafayette rooftop — Opéra, 9th

6. Institut du monde arabe terrace — Latin Quarter, 5th

7. Trocadéro — Trocadéro, 16th

8. Parc de Belleville — Belleville, 20th

Frequently asked questions

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