Paris Viewpoints

Walking and getting lost in the charming streets of Paris is one of the most recommended things you can do. However, climbing to any of the viewpoints in Paris is even more impressive and absolutely unmissable.

Montparnasse Tower

Here you'll find some of the fastest elevators in Europe, whisking you up in just 38 seconds. If you think that's impressive, just wait until you see the stunning views of the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre and the iconic Arc de Triomphe.

Although the terrace is currently closed, you can buy your Montparnasse Tower tickets and take in the incredible 360° view of Paris from the 56th floor.

• Dirección: 33 Av. du Maine, 75015.

Sacré-Cœur, one of the free viewpoints in Paris

Walk up the hill or take the funicular to enjoy the views from Sacré-Cœur, which include the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, the famous Opéra Garnier and other iconic landmarks.

If you prefer, you can also climb the 300 steps leading to the dome for an even more privileged vantage point. This costs €6 per person, but it is absolutely worth it.

When you visit, we recommend taking this guided tour of Sacré-Cœur.

Galeries Lafayette

Another fantastic viewpoint in Paris — and a free one at that — is located on the terrace of the Galeries Lafayette, on the 7th floor. This department store offers vistas espectaculares de París that include the majority of Paris's landmarks.

Get your eyes (and your camera) ready for this stunning display of beauty and charm of the French capital, in a landscape that features the Eiffel Tower in the background and the Opéra Garnier just nearby.

• Dirección: 40 Bd Haussmann, 75009.

Institut du Monde Arabe, one of the best free viewpoints in Paris

A lesser-known gem when it comes to impresionantes vistas parisinas is the observation terrace on the ninth floor of the Institut du Monde Arabe. This building already impresses with its glass facade and Islamic geometric motifs, but that is not all.

• Dirección: 1 Rue des Fossés Saint-Bernard, 75005.

Arc de Triomphe Viewpoint

In addition to being one of the most famous and iconic monuments, the Arc de Triomphe is also one of the best viewpoints in Paris. Many visitors prefer it for su relativa baja altura, which offers the chance to see the city and its points of interest in greater detail.

Looking down the Champs-Élysées toward the Louvre, toward La Défense and, of course, having one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower makes it truly special. It looks beautiful during the day, of course, but watching sunset over Paris from here is unlike anything else.

Buy your Arc de Triomphe ticket, children under 18 get in free.

• Dirección: Pl. Charles de Gaulle, 75008.

Centre Pompidou

Head up to the sixth-floor terrace and treat yourself to views of the rooftops of Sacré-Cœur, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Palais-Royal, countless Parisian streets, and, of course, the Eiffel Tower.

You can buy Centre Pompidou tickets and enjoy both the museum and the views, but if you're short on time or just want to head up to the terrace, you can also pay just €5 for that privilege alone. It's the best thing about this place.

• Dirección: Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004.

Trocadéro Square: the Best Views of the Eiffel Tower

That said, many tourists have the same idea. Of course, it's an open square, it's free, there are no stairs to climb or lines to wait in — so don't be surprised if it's packed with crowds of people taking turns to pose for the camera at virtually any hour.

• Dirección: Pl. du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, 75016.

Printemps Haussmann

While most people head to Galeries Lafayette for one of the best terraces in Paris — as it is a more popular department store than its counterpart — another equally impressive option is the one at los cercanos almacenes Printemps Haussmann.

The lovely café Déli-Cieuxused to be here, but it is currently closed.

• Dirección: 64 Bd Haussmann, 75009.

Belleville Park

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From the top of the park you can see the Eiffel Tower and the rooftops of Paris with their characteristic grey hue. The best thing about visiting this spot is that no estará tan abarrotado like other free viewpoints in Paris, so it's perfect if you want to avoid large crowds.

• Dirección: 47 Rue des Couronnes, 75020

Quai du Branly Museum

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Accessing this rooftop terrace in Paris is completely free, though you are expected to order something at the restaurant, of course. And if you're already here, why not buy tickets for the Quai du Branly Museum? Its fascinating exhibition will take you on an anthropological journey around the world.

• Dirección: 37 Quai Jacques Chirac, 75007.

Fondation Louis Vuitton Terrace

Want to see Paris from above at a lesser-known and less crowded viewpoint? The terrace of the Fondation Louis Vuitton is exactly where you need to go. This building, in addition to hosting various contemporary art exhibitions, offers incredible views of the French capital.

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Thanks to its location, expect to enjoy enviable panoramic views of Paris, with La Défense and the vast Bois de Boulogne (or Boulogne Forest) taking center stage. Buy your tickets for the Fondation Louis Vuitton.

• Dirección: 8 Av. du Mahatma Gandhi, 75116.

Eiffel Tower

The vast majority of viewpoints in Paris feature the great Iron Lady as their centerpiece, but the Eiffel Tower itself is also a privileged spot from which to see the city in all its splendor.

This iconic wrought-iron tower rises 330 meters high and tiene 3 niveles. The first is famous for its glass floor, while the second is well known for housing the Michelin-starred restaurant Jules Verne, one of the restaurants with the best views in Paris.

Check out our Eiffel Tower page to find out the best way to access each of its levels.

• Dirección: Champ de Mars, 5 Av. Anatole France, 75007.