The Best Spots In Paris For Unforgettable Views, According To A Tourist

We all want the destinations of our dreams to look just as we've imagined when we step off the tarmac. Unfortunately, I've found that this is rarely the case, and the cities on our bucket lists often don't live up to the hype in our minds. But when I walked down the avenues of Paris and gazed at its legendary, romantic sites, it surpassed every one of my daydreams and then some. The view was so stunning that an accordion strumming along felt more natural than the sun itself!

Nicknamed the City of Lights, I quickly realized why Paris has rightly been called one of the most beautiful cities on the planet. That beauty starts with its architecture, which often utilizes neutral colors and opulent exteriors. Without many skyscrapers or structures more than five stories high, it's easy to enjoy Paris' breathtaking views.

I rounded up the best places to enjoy these sights, ranging from a glass clock façade to the iconic Eiffel Tower. From these spots, you can see Paris in one sweeping view for a memory that lasts long after an Instagram post. To create this list, I considered the viewpoints I felt offered the best scenery during my visit to Paris. I also evaluated which sites had the most and best reviews on Tripadvisor and Google, as well as those that were most acclaimed for their views according to travel guides and blogs.

Located on the legendary Avenue des Champs-Élysées, one of the busiest streets in Paris, it felt as though the Arc de Triomphe was at the center of the world. This noble archway towers over bustling Paris, as it has since its completion in 1836, when it was commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte. But on top of the 164-foot-high monument, which is the highest on the street, it felt like the world had stopped. From its outdoor terrace, visitors can see nearly every renowned structure in the city, including the Pantheon, the Eiffel Tower, and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, all via panoramic views. They can even identify and learn about them thanks to a digital device on the terrace.

"Would definitely recommend booking to go on top of the Arc de Triomphe," wrote one past visitor on Tripadvisor. "Lovely views from the top seeing the Eiffel Tower and the Champs Elysees." The Arc de Triomphe has earned 4.5 stars from more than 46,000 reviews on Tripadvisor.

To get to this monument located at the crux of a dozen streets, people need to buy tickets ranging from €16 to €22, depending on the season. Tickets are available throughout the year from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. or 10:30 p.m. Then, they'll need to climb a 240-step winding staircase. Those with mobility issues can use an elevator for most of the way, but they'll still have to climb 46 steps to the top.

This list wouldn't be complete without the Eiffel Tower, which is the most iconic spot in Paris, whether you take its elevators to the top or not. But you'd better decide quickly. Tickets to climb this 18-story monument book out up to 60 days in advance, and it's been visited by more than 250 million people. Tickets range from €14.50 to climb 1,665 stairs to €36.10 to take the elevators. Without a reservation, you can expect to wait in line for up to two hours.

But according to Tripadvisor users, it's worth it. The Eiffel Tower has earned 4.6 stars from more than 143,000 reviews. "It was a beautiful experience, it is a beautiful building and when you go to the top you have a beautiful view of Paris, you can see the Arc de triomphe, and lots of beautiful buildings," wrote one past visitor on Tripadvisor.

To see those gorgeous views and buildings, visitors will trek up to 900 feet in the air. However, the best views are 400 feet up on the second floor of the tower, where there is an observation deck. On this floor, there's the French restaurant Le Jules Verne. Conversely, views from the top are obstructed by wiring, although they are accessible via a popular see-through elevator. The top also has a champagne bar. To see the most spectacular views, arrive at the Eiffel Tower at this time, according to Rick Steves.

Most people visit Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann, the flagship location of the French department store chain, to shop at more than 3,000 stores including Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. It dates back to 1893 and is visited by thousands of people every day. However, you don't need to spend a single euro to enjoy the department store's hidden gem. It's free to visit Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann's weather-dependent terrace, nestled on the top floor. Open 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., it offers one of the only free high-up views of Paris, featuring sights of Opéra Garnier, Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Eiffel Tower. People can even see the store's iconic, 141-foot-tall Art Nouveau-style dome from here, adorned with stained glass.

"This is such a magnificent department store with epic views of Paris from the rooftop," wrote one past visitor on Tripadvisor. "The photos do not do it justice. You must visit this iconic department store if in Paris, there's nothing quite like it." Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann has earned 4.2 stars from more than 7,900 reviews on Tripadvisor.

If you want to enjoy a snack with your view, Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann's terrace has stands for ice cream and coffee, as well as the Cube Bar. From here, people can order everything from champagne to foie gras. A family-friendly spot, the terrace also has virtual reality telescopes for both kids and adults that showcase what Paris looked like a century ago.

If you don't want to tackle crowds for an Eiffel Tower view, then hop on Resy instead and get a reservation at Les Ombres. Located on the fifth floor of the Musée du quai Branly Jacques Chirac, Les Ombres is a French and Mediterranean restaurant. It offers lunch and dinner prix fixe menus with dishes such as Pierre Duplantier chicken with duck foie gras. The food, made by Chef Alexandre Sempéré, ranges from €58 to €158. Here are some more iconic French dishes you should try. But before you do so, check out this guide to learn how to save big on dining out in Paris. 

On the restaurant's outdoor patio, visitors will be in the shadows of the Iron Lady, as it's less than a mile from Paris' most famous landmark. That's also where Les Ombres gets its name, as it translates to "the shadows" in English. However, this is no dim and dark hangout — the sunny Les Ombres has lots of greenery for a secret garden feel.

"The setting, to begin with, is exceptional," wrote one past visitor on Google. "The architecture allows you to enjoy the Paris sky, including a magnificent view of the Eiffel Tower. The terrace is pretty, well appointed and very pleasant for a drink before dinner." Les Ombres has earned 4.1 stars from more than 2,800 reviews on Google.

Montparnasse Tower is one of the most controversial and mysterious spots on this list. A glass and steel office building, it's been criticized for its modern style that sticks out like a stale macaron in Paris' sea of elegant buildings. Plus, it sometimes vibrates for unknown reasons, and its elevator — the site of several unfortunate events — is thought to be haunted. But whether you love or hate it, this 689-foot tower has some crazy views, helping to attract 3.5 million people per year to what was long the city's tallest building.

To see it, people should book tickets to the observation deck on the 56^th floor, which start at €23.50 in advance or €26 at the door. Or, for a truly one-of-a-kind experience, book one of the observation deck's yoga sessions for €32. A visit to the observation deck will include a ride on the fastest elevator on the continent, flying upwards in a little more than half a minute. In an indoor space surrounded by massive windows, you'll be able to gaze nearly 25 miles in all directions. Or, head up to the 59^th floor to the outdoor rooftop terrace.

"Taking the elevator to the very top of the Montparnasse skyscraper allows you to see the entire Paris skyline," wrote one past visitor on Tripadvisor. "The view from the 57th or 56th floor is insane." Montparnasse Tower has earned 4.3 stars from more than 5,800 reviews on Tripadvisor.

Across the street from the Louvre, it's unsurprising that Musée d'Orsay often falls by the wayside as visitors flock to its famous neighbor. However, this small-but-mighty art museum is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to artwork and views. Within the museum's 220,000 square feet are 3,000 famous works, two of which are "Nymphéas bleus," a water lily painting by Claude Monet, and "Starry Night Over The Rhone" by Vincent Van Gogh.

Being that the building used to be a train station, Musée d'Orsay still has an enormous clock on the fifth floor. This floor is where several Impressionist artworks are displayed. Through the glass clock face that dates back more than a century, visitors can see all of Paris, including the Seine River, Montmartre Hill, and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. The views through this Belle Époque-style clock often attract a line of people eager to relish the sights. To see even more all-encompassing views, head to the museum's seasonal terrace, which is also on the fifth floor. All of it will cost you €47.90 for admission to the museum, which includes an audio tour.

Musée d'Orsay has earned 4.7 stars on Tripadvisor from over 67,500 reviews. "The Museum building itself is beautiful, with some wonderful interior architecture," wrote one past visitor on Tripadvisor. "The views from upstairs through the clocks is dramatic."

Being that it's on the Montaigne Sainte Geneviève — one of the tallest hills on the southern bank of the Seine River — the Pantheon has amazing views from 272 feet up. From a dome at the top of the building, otherwise known as the Panorama, visitors can see Paris' landmarks from every angle, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Montparnasse Tower. Signage identifies each famous structure. To get to the Panorama, people need to climb 206 stone steps, with several stops and benches to pause for a breather. Tickets for the Panorama, which are a few euros more than general admission, are only available seasonally and during good weather.

"Fantastic place to visit especially if you want a panoramic view of the city. Lots to see inside including the burial vaults below. remember that it is 206 steps to the top so be prepared!" wrote one past visitor on Tripadvisor. The Pantheon has earned 4.3 stars from more than 4,800 reviews on Tripadvisor.

That's not all because of the Pantheon's showstopping views. The colossal, neoclassical-style building, dating back to 1791, is a mausoleum for France's 81 most notable figures. Inside, people ranging from writer Victor Hugo to Renaissance figure Josephine Baker are laid to rest. Throughout the building is a pendulum that once proved the rotation of the Earth, as well as artwork depicting some of the people buried in the Pantheon.

The terrace isn't the only rooftop respite at Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann, which consists of three different buildings. Atop the men's store is Perruche, a Mediterranean and Provençal rooftop bar and restaurant that offers all-encompassing views of the city as far as the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. With a name that translates to "parakeet" in English, it's a summer hangout with pops of yellow, a brick-floored dining room lined with floor-to-ceiling windows, and plenty of greenery. With so much greenery, birds are often attracted to this massive restaurant, which spans nearly 5,382 square feet.

Due to its indoor dining room, it's open year-round, although the outdoor area is seasonal. Alongside the stunning views, people can order lunch and dinner dishes such as Provençal beef tartare with egg yolk and pomme paille, and Bouillabaisse-style cod with potatoes and fennel. Finish off your visit at the most mouthwatering bakeries in Paris, according to locals. Dishes at Perruche can also be enjoyed alongside live music. It's a busy, beloved spot, especially when the weather is nice — just ask its Google reviewers.

"Perruche has become one of my favorite rooftop escapes in Paris," wrote one past visitor on Google. "The moment you step out onto the terrace, the city opens up in every direction, and the view alone feels worth the trip. Soft music, lush plants, and comfortable seating create an atmosphere that invites you to slow down and stay a while." The restaurant has earned 4.2 stars on Google from about 3,900 reviews.

Notice how many times we've mentioned how the views on this list span all the way to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica? That's because this Byzantine-style church is so high up that its dome was the highest spot in the city before the Eiffel Tower's completion in 1889. The views from here are so beautiful that many of the millions of people who visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica don't even go inside. Instead, they head straight to the dome, which costs €4 to €8 per person, depending on their age and the number of people in the group. From there, they'll be able to see the Eiffel Tower, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Montparnasse Tower, and more.

"Visiting the Basilica of the Sacred Heart was an unforgettable experience," wrote one past visitor on Tripadvisor. "Located on the top of Montmartre hill, it offers breathtaking panoramic views over all of Paris, especially at sunset, when the city is tinged with golden colors." The basilica has earned 4.5 stars from more than 39,600 reviews on Tripadvisor.

Unfortunately, the climb isn't suitable for everyone, as there is no elevator and people must trek 280 steps to get to the dome. However, those with mobility access can still reach the church, as there is a funicular to its home on a tall Montmartre hill. Within the church, they'll see a 19-ton bell, which is one of the largest on the planet, as well as a crypt with more than a dozen chapels.

You don't need to sweat through climbing hundreds of stairs — or even make your way through a crowd — to see some of Paris' best views. Instead, just meander along the Seine River, which is one of the longest rivers in France and runs through the heart of Paris. Views from this river are so beautiful that they have inspired countless artists, including Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, and Georges Seurat. And best of all, you can enjoy the same views that they have — for free. Walk along the river or take a river cruise and enjoy distinctive viewpoints of some of Paris' flagship landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Musée d'Orsay, the Louvre, Grand Palais, Petit Palais, and more. Simply follow Rick Steves' tips on how to pass the time on the Seine River like a Paris local.

"A relaxing cruise on the Seine River to see the city's landmarks from a different perspective," wrote one past visitor on Tripadvisor. "We started the day from Eiffel Tower and took the cruise from there, it was totally worth it. View of the city and the river itself was amazing." The Seine River has earned 4.6 stars from about 25,800 reviews on Tripadvisor.

As a square featuring lush gardens, museums, and its most popular element — the Eiffel Tower — the Trocadéro is the lifeblood of Paris, with the touch of greenery that this city yearns for. From here, people can get an unbeatable view of the Iron Lady and also enjoy special events, as this is where Bastille Day is celebrated annually. A whopping 10,000 square feet of gardens form the base of the Trocadéro and surround the Eiffel Tower. It's equipped with 20 water cannons as well as two of the most notorious statues in Paris.

"The Trocadéro area offers one of the most spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower in Paris," wrote one past visitor on Tripadvisor. "Situated across the Seine River from the iconic landmark, it provides a perfect vantage point for admiring the tower's beauty, especially at night when it's illuminated." The Trocadéro has garnered 4.5 stars from more than 6,300 reviews on Tripadvisor. However, the Trocadéro is no hidden gem. The notorious square gets plenty of crowds. To beat them, get here before 8:30 a.m.

With a skyline practically made for views due to elegant, uniform structures that don't block one from the next, it wasn't easy for me to decide which spots in Paris were the best for views. To do so, I first considered which ones I personally felt were the most wow-worthy based on my visit there. Then, I determined which had the best and most reviews on Tripadvisor or Google, so I knew I wasn't the only one who was rocked by the view through my camera. 

All of the spots on this list have at least 4.1 stars and thousands of reviews. Finally, I researched travel guides and blogs to see which places were best known for their scenery, as some are more known for their viewpoints than anything else. After you're done checking out all of these spots, head to these best day trips from Paris.