If you’re thinking about seeing the city from above, you must also ask the question of what is the prettiest area of Paris? We believe that trying to find an answer in the City of Lights is an impossible task — it’s like choosing a favorite child or the most beautiful snowflake of the first snowfall of the year. No neighborhood in Paris is the same — each and every last one of them is rich with culture, architectural wonders, history and an intrinsically French vibe in a completely different way from the rest.
This fact bodes well for travelers that are spoiled rotten with iconic sights: No matter what viewpoint you choose from our list, you’re guaranteed to witness the most stunning panorama of your life! The sights are definitely worth the trip over, but the stress of planning your itinerary might get in the way of enjoying yourself. That is where we come into play — we have prepared a thorough guide on the best viewpoints in Paris, with all the details you might need to plan your outings. Enjoy!
What are the best viewpoints in Paris?
Objectively speaking, Paris as a whole is the chicest travel destination one can dream of visiting someday. If you expect to get the whole “Emily in Paris” experience, including berets, baguettes and beyond, or if you try to get under Paris’ skin, with all of its secrets and dark dreams, “Belle de jour” style, — you will get exactly what you want. From bohemian Montmartre to business-everything and modern La Défense, from rebellious Le Marais (home to Paris’ both gay and Jewish communities) to the most stylish and expensive Passy, — Paris never ceases to amaze those who are looking for answers, adventure and romance.
We recommend you seek out opportunities to view the city from above to get familiar with its unique flair. Maybe some of our listed photo scenic spots with panoramic views of the City of Love will give you the feeling of wonder and amazement you’re bound to be searching for. Onwards!
Sacré-Cœur
Free, but visiting the Dome is €8
Arguably one of the best viewpoints in Paris, Sacré-Cœur is located in the most charming hilltop neighborhood of Montmartre. Also known as the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, Sacré-Cœur is the second famous church in Paris, conceding only to the ill-fated Notre-Dame cathedral, which is now being restored after a horrible fire (with promises for the grand opening set for the far end of 2024!). Speaking of being in second place, Sacré-Cœur is also the second-highest point in Paris, losing almost 90 meters in height to the crowd-favorite (but hated by Maupassant) Eiffel Tower. Still, Sacré-Cœur’s astonishing stature attracts swarms of tourists every year, all of them driven by desire to observe the fantastic views of the city from above.
When you get to the famous Sacré-Cœur steps, the church looks magnificent and imposing up above. To get to the Basilica itself, you have to climb around 270 steps, stopping and turning once in a while to catch glimpses of the Eiffel Tower and the Notre-Dame cathedral coming into view behind you. Thankfully, you can take a funicular (cable car) to get to the top: It takes only a couple of minutes and costs the same as a metro ticket. No need to break a sweat; although you would be judged by the ghost of Cary Grant — the Hollywood heartbreaker who always took the stairs.
Once you reach the entrance to the Sacré-Cœur, you get the spectacular sweeping views of the French capital: All clear vistas and white-washed architecture. One can stop here, but you can get even higher, bracing another 300 steps of the spiral staircase to the dome of Sacré-Cœur. This time, there’s no easy alternative, since there’s no elevator. The panorama of Paris, in our opinion, is well worth the strenuous climb, so do with this information as you please!
The entrance to the Basilica itself is free, so you can marvel at the largest mosaic in France — “Christ in Glory”, and one of the largest bells in the world — “La Savoyarde” without paying, but the entrance fee to the Dome is €8 for adults.
Fun fact: Weighing almost 19 tons (!), the iconic bell had to be carried to the church by 28 horses (!!). It is said that the sounds of La Savoyarde can be heard from 10 kilometers (!!!) away.
Opening Hours of Basilica: daily, 6.30 a.m. – 10.30 p.m.;
Opening Hours of Dome: daily, 10.30 a.m. – 8.30 p.m.;
Suggested tour: Sacré-Coeur and Montmartre Tour with Expert Guide
Arc de Triomphe
Entry fee is €16
Despite having the reputation of being one of the most coveted tourist attractions in Paris, not many people know that the Arc de Triomphe has a rooftop observation deck that offers spectacular views of the city.
Standing in the middle of the Place Charles de Gaulle (often referred to as the Place de l'Etoile), the Arc de Triomphe emulates everything Napoleon aspired it to be — power, beauty, and grandeur. It looks tall and unapproachable — the constant traffic around it backs up the claims of the building’s stand-offish demeanor.
The arc itself is an amazing photo opportunity, especially at sunset. However, if you want to get the best view of the Eiffel Tower, you need to find an underground tunnel that leads to the base of the Arc de Triomphe, avoiding the chaos of cars above. Once at the base, put on your walking shoes and get ready to ascend almost 300 steps to the rooftop. You can also ride an elevator close to the top, still walking 60-ish steps up. It’s a workout, but the best view point in Paris is totally worth the struggle! It’s a unique viewpoint, with panoramic vistas of the city at your fingertips.
The Eiffel Tower is a stone’s throw away from the observation deck of the Arc de Triomphe, so you can take this chance to get some close-up shots of the structure. There’s also an interactive museum inside detailing the history of the arc, including its arduous 30-years-long build and the ideas behind it. Entry to the monument costs €16 per adult. However, there’s free admission for those under 18 — so bring your younglings along for the visit!
Opening Hours: Until 30th September: Wed – Mon: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. (Tue 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.);
closes 30 min early from October 1st to March 31;
Arc de Triomphe Rooftop Tickets: Book on Getyourguide
The Printemps Haussmann terrace
Free
Known as Paris’s best kept secret, the terrace of Galeries Lafayette Haussmann — the city’s most lavish and grand department store — is the best free viewpoint in Paris. Located near the Opera Garnier, the mall consists of three buildings. You need to look for the main one in order to get to the viewpoint: It is helpful to remember that there are perfume and make up stores on the ground floor of the desired building, which makes your search much easier.
The rooftop is located on the eighth floor — you can take the elevator up top. However, due to the truly mind-boggling number of customers all year round, it can take a while for it to stop at your level, so we suggest making use of the escalators located in the middle of each floor. Remember that the escalators become narrower and narrower when you get closer to the top, so if you’re travelling with children, leave the tram for this particular visit at the hotel or simply wait for the elevator.
The rooftop often hosts unique Parisian pop-up restaurants, so you can enjoy a meal or a simple drink while taking in the amazing panoramic views. The best view opens up on the Opera Garnier, but you can also spot the Eiffel Tower, the business district of La Défense and the top of the Arc de Triomphe. The terrace is not a hidden spot, yet much less crowded than other big stars of Paris. It’s rather a hang-out space, and you can also do some shopping (light or hard, depending on your budget) while you are trying to reach the top.
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 20 p.m.;
Sunday: 11 a.m. – 20 p.m.
Centre Pompidou
Free
Since the first days of its opening in 1977, the Centre Pompidou has been the talk of the town due to its unique appearance. The inner workings of the building have been put in multicolored tubes on the outside of the structure; the look that made the exterior of the museum a daring architectural marvel and a topic of controversy among the critics.
- Today, the Centre Pompidou is home to the National Museum of Modern Art, containing the largest collection of modern and contemporary art in Europe! You don’t want to put off visiting this attraction, since it is set to be closed in summer of 2025 for five years (!) of renovation work.
The Centre Pompidou is a uniquely designed space sprawled over six levels, which include permanent and temporary exhibition galleries, two cinemas, a dance space, a library, a theater and a kids’ space. There are two places you can eat at; one, more budget-friendly, on the ground floor and the Georges Restaurant on the rooftop: The latter combines the best city views and a fine dining experience. The restaurant is a perfect place to crash after the museum is closed and, cocktail in hand, marvel at the best night view of Paris.
You don’t have to wait until dark to enjoy the spectacular views from the top of the Centre Pompidou, and you also don’t have to pay full admission fee to get the experience. The rooftop viewpoint, naturally called the “View of Paris” is free! The panoramic vistas of the Parisian skyline are a must-see from the Centre Pompidou; plus, you can take pictures of other sought-after landmarks, like the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Cœur.
Full price for museum and exhibitions (Musée National d'Art Moderne collection + exhibitions) is €15, reduced ticket is €12. The cost of admission is free on the first Sunday of each month, so don’t waste this opportunity if you have it!
Opening Hours: Wednesday – Monday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.;
Tuesday: closed;
Centre Pompidou Tickets (required if you want to visit the exhibition): Book on Getyourguide
The Eiffel Tower
From €15
You’re probably wondering why we haven’t put the Eiffel Tower — the ultimate crème de la crème of the best viewpoints in Paris — at the forefront of our list and our answer is simple: We already know you want to experience this particular view, so why not throw a few lesser known spots your way?
The Eiffel Tower is the first answer you get when you Google “Where to find the best view in Paris”, and the algorithm isn’t wrong on this one. A topic of controversy, like the Centre Pompidou, the Eiffel Tower wasn’t adored by many when it was first constructed as the centerpiece of the 1889 World's Fair. There’s a widely known saying by Guy de Maupassant explaining that he used to lunch often at a restaurant high in the Eiffel Tower because “it’s the only place in Paris where I don’t have to see it”.
To Guy’s disapproval, the public admiration of the tower grew over the years and now it is the most visited and photographed landmark in the capital of France. Around 25,000 people visit the tower every day, which can mean really long queues. We suggest booking your ticket in advance.
The top floor of the Eiffel Tower will take your breath away — its 276 meters up in the air, with only the antennae above and the whole of Paris in front of you for as far as the eye can see. There’s a champagne bar on the top floor, so you can cheers to being in the highest place in Paris with a glass of bubbly. For a clearer look of Parisian attractions — the Seine, the Louvre, Montmartre — head straight to one of the best viewpoints in Paris, and that is the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. Apart from fantastic views of the city, the 2nd floor is also home to the favored Jules Verne Restaurant (get ready for a Michelin star experience!). Keep in mind that there are different ticket rates, with access either to 2nd or top floor, lift or stairs, etc. The average ticket price is around €25.
Seize the opportunity of a romantic Eiffel Tower experience in the heart of Paris, the City of Love, the City of Light. Let The Iron Lady make your life a fairytale, even if for a day!
Opening Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. – midnight
The Ferris Wheel at Tuileries Gardens
From €12
The Ferris Wheel, or The Roue de Paris, was originally located at the Place de la Concorde, near the Egyptian obelisk. In recent years though, it got moved to a greener setting — to the Tuileries Gardens. The Wheel is a 60-meter tall structure that can be disassembled and transported to any place in the world. The attraction has already traveled quite a bit: Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Germany, etc. The Ferris Wheel is extremely popular among tourists: Great views across the Seine to the Eiffel Tower, up the Champs-Élysées, and over to Montmartre cannot leave anybody impartial to them.
One of the best things to do in Paris if you’re traveling with kids is taking a 20-minute ferris wheel ride. The kids will be in awe of the heights the ride takes them to, while you enjoy the sweeping Paris views. The wheel runs until midnight every night, and it becomes one of the best photo spots in Paris during golden hour and sunset. If you care more for a romantic side of the City of Lights, take a ride on the wheel when it gets dark — you will be dazzled by the glittering city below.
The Ferris Wheel is a great excuse to overcome your fear of heights — both the ascend and descend are slow and steady, plus, you have an audio guide to keep your mind busy with a few fun tidbits about the area where the attraction is located. The price of a ticket was €12 per person the last time we were here (it is for sure a tad more than that now), which seems to be a fair amount to be able to have a bird’s-eye view over the city and the best night view of Paris.
Though many visitors complain about the cleanliness of the car glass, we were lucky enough to avoid this problem. Still, different weather conditions might be in the way of a clear view and there is a possibility of glare ruining night pictures. The queues are longer during Christmas time, since the ride is closely associated with the holidays in the minds of tourists and locals alike, usually being open from mid-November and long after the celebrations have subsided.
Side note: The wheel is one of the most elusive attractions on our list. There isn’t a place online that can clearly state whether the wheel is there or not on the dates of your trip. Your best bet before making a trek all the way to its *supposed* location is asking around: Your (hopefully) friendly waiter would know all the deets, that’s for sure!
Opening Hours: Daily, 10.30 a.m. – midnight
Panthéon
From €13
Often referred to as the “balcony of Paris”, the Panthéon’s viewing platform should be on every tourist’s list of where to find the best view in Paris. Located in the Latin Quarter, the grandiose building is a short walk away from such sights as the University of Sorbonne and the Luxembourg Gardens. Now a secular temple, Panthéon used to be a church built in the name of Sainte-Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris.
The building itself looks imposing and regal, but once you learn that its crypt contains tombs of the Grands Hommes, with plenty of space for future Greatest Men (and Women, shout out to Marie Curie and 5 other femmes to be put in the Pantheon, thus recognizing their accomplishments), you get a funny (leaning hard on uneasy), even grotesque feeling inside.
After satisfying your thirst for history and feasting your eyes on the awe-inspiring interior (don’t forget to check out the famous Foucault Pendulum which demonstrates Earth’s rotation), might we suggest heading up to the cupola — the famed Parisian balcony — to admire the panoramic view of the city.
Be ready for a 206-step plus some climb, but you have probably already figured out that you have to eat your Wheaties to get a decent view of the city over here. If you’re wondering where to find the best view in Paris, even after every place we’ve already mentioned, look no further — overlooking the Latin Quarter, the 360° panorama opens up on the Eiffel Tower, the Centre Pompidou, the Arc de Triomphe, the neighborhoods of Montmartre and La Défense, and all of the Parisian rooftops melting into the horizon. What a treat! One adult ticket for the inside access costs €13, plus, you have to pay an additional €3.50 to access the panorama.
Opening Hours: From April 1 to September 30: 10 a.m. – 4.30 p.m.; from October 1 to October 31: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.;
Panthéon Admission Ticket: Book on Getyourguide
Montparnasse Tower
From €25
When night falls, the observation deck of the Montparnasse Tower has the best view of the Eiffel Tower as it lights up and glistens in the dark. You’re front and center for this unforgettable show!
Side note: Before we go all into the details of this particular viewpoint, you must learn a weird thing about photographing France’s main tower! Fun fact: The pictures you take of the lit up tower are under copyright law, so you cannot use them for profit. But go ahead, share them with your friends, you won’t be prosecuted for an insta story or a reel.
You absolutely cannot miss the Montparnasse Tower — it’s the tallest building and the only skyscraper in central Paris. At the impressive height of 210 meters, this slick structure looms over the rest of the classic Parisian architecture. Many people find it to be ugly-looking, but it seems that the same was once said about the Eiffel Tower and the Centre Pompidou, and they operate just fine. As a recent addition to the Paris skyline — it was inaugurated in 1973 — the tower still needs some time to win over the public due to its modern look.
In addition to having one of the most unique photo spots as well as the best viewpoint in Paris when it comes to the Iron Lady (the Eiffel Tower), many other prominent sights can be captured with your camera lens here: The Panthéon, the Louvre, Les Invalides, and Sacré-Cœur. The views are definitely a must-see!
The access to the observation deck of the tower is the easiest we’ve described so far. An impressively fast elevator (38 seconds to go up 200 meters is pretty badass) will take you to the 56th floor, then you take a couple more steps and you’re here! Three floors up and you get to the rooftop terrace that has more to offer than just the view (additional entertainment costs extra, but totally worth the money, in our opinion). A regular adult ticket costs €25 (€21 online), but there’s also a Night & Day ticket which is good for two separate visits in a span of 48 hours that costs €42.
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 9.30 a.m. – 10.30 p.m.;
on Fridays, Saturdays and the eve of public holidays: 9.30 a.m. – 11 p.m.;
Montparnasse Entry Ticket: Book on Getyourguide
Terrass” Rooftop Bar
While we do have a list of the best rooftop bars and restaurants in Paris further down in the article, we couldn’t wait to share this particular location! Found in the lovely neighborhood of Montmartre, Terrass” Rooftop Bar is nestled on the 7th floor of Terrass” Hôtel. Sharing the space with Edmond Restaurant, there are both indoor and outdoor seating options. We definitely suggest making sure you get a table in the first row to get the most well-rounded experience of a magical view over the city.
It doesn’t matter what your plans are: Whether you want to watch the sunset with your family and friends or enjoy a romantic moment overlooking the City of Lights, — the bar has you covered. There is an extensive cocktail menu, plus a snack menu to go with the drinks. Enjoy a hot beverage during Tea Time or choose among a plethora of craft cocktails, superbly picked wines and spirits — it’s all up to you. The bar staff is professional and will make your Parisian experience the best (and booziest) it can be.
The bar is open all year round and is heated in the colder months so the guests don’t have to sacrifice the opportunity to see the stunning view of the Eiffel Tower and most of Paris’ skyline. There are no reservations for the bar, it is subject to availability, so do your best to plan your time of visit. Alternatively, you can make a reservation for the Edmond Restaurant and explore its modern French cuisine; sit inside until a space opens up on the terrace. That way, you get the best of both worlds, Hannah Montana style.
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 3.30 p.m. – 12.30 p.m.;
Monday & Sunday: 3.30 p.m. – 11.30 p.m.
Hotels with a view
One of the most burning questions that every person planning a trip to the City of Love has on their mind is “Where to stay in Paris?”. Of course, there are thousands of hotels and hostels at different price ranges and different distances from the city center to choose from, but there is only a handful that provides spectacular views out of your room window.
Due to a particular way that Paris’s streets are constructed, the view of the main tourist attractions is extremely limited. Who doesn’t want to wake up and have a hot cup of café au lait with a croissant or a pain au chocolat and gaze at the Eiffel Tower standing there all beautiful in the morning light? Sounds like a dream, being able to have a permanent view without having to leave your hotel room, standing in line and going up a couple hundred steps! The hotels we are vouching for are Hotel Regina Louvre and Hotel le Walt. There are more of course, but it’s a topic for another time.
- 5* Hotel Regina Louvre (from €450 a night) — settled in the heart of Paris, Hotel Regina is surrounded with famous sights: The Louvre and Tuileries Gardens are literally across the street, that’s how cool it is. The view of the Eiffel Tower in the distance is a prized possession of some of the hotel rooms. If you’re a creator on Instagram and you are wondering where to find the best photo spots in Paris, look no further! From stunning views out of the window, spectacular room décor and the famous Ladurée right in the building, it can’t get better than this! Enjoy a macaron or two, walk around the hotel in the beautiful streets in Paris and be ready to spend lavishly, since the average price of one room for two guests a night is around €500. You only live once, right?
- 4* Hotel le Walt (from €250 per night) — a more affordable version compared to Hotel Regina, Hotel le Walt is set withing a mere 10-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower: You can actually see it teasing a traveler in the distance out of a hotel room window. It’s a smaller boutique hotel, which means less people, more peace and quiet, and more attentive staff. If you plan to get a more relaxing and leisurely experience out of your trip to Paris, we definitely recommend you book a room at Hotel le Walt.
Planning your itinerary around these viewpoints already? We have a map that will make this job a hundred times easier.
Best photo spots in Paris
Since the City of Light has the reputation of being one of the most beautiful and picturesque places in the world, it’s no wonder that Paris is considered to be the top destination for photographers from all over the globe. Professional or amateur, home-use only or with the intention of using the pics for profit, for Facebook profile picture change or Instagram photo dump — every intention of a Paris visitor boils down to one question: What are the best photo spots in Paris?
The truth is, you get an amazing photo opportunity anywhere you look in Paris. Sometimes you don’t even have to leave your hotel room — Parisian architecture is easily recognizable with the right kinds of props: Café au lait, croissant, beret, bouquet of fresh flowers, etc. If you do decide to venture outside for your ultimate Parisian adventure, we’ve compiled a list of the best photo spots of the capital of France. Here it goes:
Le Recrutement Café
With its traditionally French red awnings, the café catches your eye when you stroll by, even though the elephant in the room — the Iron Lady — commands your attention when you see her appearing at the end of the street. The café is pretty fair-priced considering its location within walking distance of the Tower.
You can try traditional French cuisine here: L’escargots, French onion soup, or Croque Madame. Enjoy a glass of champagne with your meal to look extra rosy-cheeked in your picture near the café. Overall, the whole neighborhood around the Tower might surprise you with some pretty unexpected photo opportunities: Cozy cobblestone streets, small traditional houses on either side, local shops, — all the while the Eiffel Tower is peeking out of the corner.
The Louvre Museum
Even if your travel itinerary doesn’t give you enough time for a tour inside of the museum itself (say goodbye to the pic in front of Mona Lisa, the line for a closer look of the world-famous painting is incredibly long, all year round), sneak in 15 minutes to admire the exterior and snap some pictures in the process.
Thanks to the contrast of geometric shapes of the pyramid compared to the rest of the buildings around it, you have a unique background for your picture. The Louvre’s courtyard is particularly dreamy during golden hour, so try to make use of the last rays of the sun setting over the hill and play with the glare. We personally love the angle you get when you look at the Louvre from the entrance gate, it makes for a nice framing for a picture.
Moulin Rouge
Located in our personal favorite neighborhood of Montmartre, Moulin Rouge is one of the most popular places to take iconic pictures in Paris. The all-red exterior, the little windmill on the roof¬ — everything works as a nice backdrop for a photo.
Maybe do a cabaret-themed photo shoot? When in Rome… no, when in Paris! Capitalize on the opportunity to take pictures outside of the building, because if you’re fortunate enough to get tickets for a show, photos are not allowed inside!
Eiffel Tower, Trocadéro Square
Combining best Paris photo spots with the amazing view of the Eiffel Tower, the Trocadéro Square is best visited at sunrise. The particularly stubborn tourists usually wake up as early as 6 a.m. for the opportunity to snap a picture with no other people in the frame, which is so impressive for someone on a holiday! We appreciate the dedication and love the early morning light for the best results.
Considered to be one of the best Paris street photography locations, the Trocadéro Square is a large space with many different points and angles with the Tower always looming in the frame. More experienced photographers head straight for the Trocadero stairs, where the view of the Eiffel Tower isn’t obstructed by anything due to a little elevation. If you want to get a closer look of the Eiffel Tower, go over to the Champs de Mars! It is a beautiful garden right next to the Eiffel Tower, best visited in springtime for a nice addition of beautiful cherry blossoms in your pictures!
Le Refuge
Another café on our list, Le Refuge blends in beautifully with its surroundings, making you believe you’re in a scene of your favorite French film. A typical Parisian street, if you stand on top of the stairs, you can get all of its details in one frame: The oh-so-French café, a classic red Metropolitan sign of Lamarck-Caulaincourt station, cute Parisian houses and cool French locals.
Sadly, the café got closed and is no longer operating: Its terrace was always a perfect spot to people-watch, enjoy the weather and a cup of hot beverage, all the while getting ready to post a romantic reel of your surroundings. But the atmosphere of the spot stays the same: Come here and see for yourself, the authenticity of this place prevails, no matter the circumstances. Quelle magnifique journée!
Latin Quarter
There can never be too many Paris photography locations, especially in the coolest neighborhood of the City of Love. Street photography thrives here, since there are tons of students going about their day, looking chic, nonchalant and artsy in the Latin Quarter. Evenings are especially busy here due to many budget-friendly cafes opening their doors to those hungry not only for knowledge, but for some onion soup as well.
We consider best free views in Paris to be those of small Parisian streets and local shops and eateries. There are many places of interest in the Latin Quarter, some of them include, but are not limited to: The Pantheon, Jardin des Plantes and the National Museum of Natural History. Everybody can find something for themselves here, in the most vibrant area of the city.
Rooftop restaurants and bars in Paris
While we’ve already mentioned a couple of nice places merging wonderful Paris views and great food, there are many more you absolutely need to explore. When you’re on a journey to find the best viewpoints in Paris, why not wine and dine yourself at the same time?
- L'Oiseau Blanc — a Michelin star restaurant located on the rooftop of the Hotel The Peninsula Paris. The restaurant offers spectacular views of Paris rooftops and the Eiffel Tower. It’s expensive, but the dining experience is truly unforgettable.
- Sequoia — decorated like a garden, the restaurant/bar sits atop of the Kimpton St Honoré Paris. Contemporary appetizers will delight your taste buds while you enjoy a panoramic view of the city. The wine list is also extensive, proving the restaurant to be THE place for a well-rounded wine and dine experience.
- Mūn — classy outdoor terrace with sweeping views over the Champs-Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower will delight you with Asian fusion cuisine in the heart of France. Asia-inspired cocktails are a must for a full experience. Their website uses the slogan “In the Mun for love” which is an exciting reference for any cinephile who unknowingly wanders into the establishment.
- Créatures Paris — with a seasonal and 100% vegetarian menu, this restaurant is both classically Mediterranean in style and trendy by Parisian standards. Situated on the rooftop of the Galeries Lafayette department store, it provides a 360-degree view to all the guests hungry for exciting pairings of fruits and vegetables.
- La Suite Girafe — fresh seafood and amazing view of the Eiffel Tower — do we really need to say more? A hidden place, it’s so good you will not want to share this secret of a restaurant with others. However, we urge you to not be greedy, and share the hot goss with the class!
- Hôtel Raphael Rooftop — again, a pricey and elevated experience, but oh, the views, the views… Sitting on the top of a five-star Hotel Raphael, the restaurant will sweep you off your feet with the best panoramas of Paris: The Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées, the Eiffel Tower and Sacré Cœur, — with a nice pairing of food that is meant to be shared, you will never forget this place, we guarantee it. After dark, the best night view of Paris will go well with a cocktail of your choice.
- Les Ombres — French and contemporary cuisine meant to be enjoyed in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, hence the name of the restaurant — The Shadows. Perched on the roof terrace of the Musée du quai Branly, the restaurant is upscale and classy in nature. Dress up and make a night out of it, Paris will take you on the wonderful journey of romance, pleasure, and self-discovery. Lush greenery used in the décor will make for a great place to confess your feelings in a private setting.
- Skyline Paris Lounge & Bar — located in the business district of La Défense, this no-reservations needed bar is a great place to sip on some pre-dinner drinks, talk money and look onto the breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower. Open all night, with DJ sets, Skyline is exactly what a person wants after a full day of stressful work. Ladies and friends, if you want to find a French finance bro, this is the place for you. Happy hunting!
- Skybar Paris — sitting at 115 meters overlooking the city, this is the highest rooftop bar in Paris: It’s located on the 32nd (!) floor of the Pullman Paris Montparnasse. Asian fusion cuisine paired with other-worldly cocktails, this futuristic bar offers you a bird’s-eye view of the City of Love. We recommend visiting the bar after the sunset, so you might wonder — is it the lights glistening in the distance or is it champagne bubbles messing with my vision? Could be both, of course. Come and find out!
- Perruche — sat on the top floor of the Printemps Haussmann shopping center, Men’s store to be exact, this place is a solace after spending a whole day shopping and sight-seeing. Crafted cocktails created by masterful mixologists, a good variety of delicious food, and a head-spinning panoramic view are what we call the necessary finer things in life. Family-friendly space that becomes a meeting place for the youth after the lights come on, Perruche is a bar you would want to visit at least once during your stay, we promise you.
Travel tips for visiting Paris
Now that the heartbreakingly beautiful views of the City of Love are all accounted for, it’s time to talk business: There are many things you must know before traveling to Paris, but we boiled them down to a short list. This is the essential gist that you can read to get the Paris vibe just right the next time you come here:
- Hop-on Hop-off bus tours are also quite efficient and convenient visiting a lot of attractions.
- If you’re in the city on the first Sunday of a month, check and see if the places you want to visit are free to enter on this day.
- Book everything in advance. This is a vital step when it comes to preserving your mental well-being while traveling.
- Don’t throw out your train ticket right away, you need it to exit the station and to prove that you paid, otherwise you can get fined.
- Have manners! There’s a cliché that French people are mean and hate it when foreigners try to speak French, but in reality, a simple “Bonjour” will make your interaction with a French person that much more enjoyable from the get-go, even if it’s the only word you know. Do not disappoint your Duolingo owl. It will kill your family!
- Make use of vast public transportation options. Do not rent a car, since it is a little tricky to drive in the city. Do not hail a cab in the street either, the ride will cost you an arm and a leg. If you don’t want to spend any money on transportation at all, then put on your walking shoes. The great thing is that Paris is a walkable city and you can explore the most famous attractions by foot.
- Try not to get robbed in crowded public places: Keep your belongings close and be aware of your surroundings. Paris is no stranger to pickpockets.
- Most menu prices already include a 10-15% tip, but if you have money to spare and are satisfied with the service, try making the waiter’s day better by leaving a nice tip.
- If your most burning question when planning a trip is “Where can I take pictures in Paris?” then get ready to wake up at dawn and sacrifice a few hours of sleep to get that shot you wanted. Also, while we’re on the topic somewhat adjacent to electronics, don’t forget the adaptor!
- The most beautiful time to visit Paris is spring, because all of the gardens are practically swimming in cherry blossoms during it. Early winter is the cheapest season to visit Paris. If you want to avoid crowds, do not come to the City of Love in summertime, it is booked and busy!
- Do sample every kind of French desert and pastry like a modern Marie Antoinette — it’s the law when visiting Paris. We are joking, but also kinda not.
- Pay extra for an audio guide when touring the sights, it’s nice to learn history of the places you’re visiting. Also, pay close attention to tour guides.
- Take lots of pictures and, most important of all, have fun!
We hope that our thorough list of the iconic (and lesser-known) viewpoints of Paris will prove itself useful for your next trip to the City of Lights! Trust us, seeing the city open up in front of you, all its neat street rows and stunning buildings, will make your head dizzy with excitement! Just thinking about the view of the Eiffel Tower or the Arc de Triomphe almost forces us to book our next flight to Paris right away — meet you there?