20 Places to Go for the Best Views in Paris
Paris Views from the top! Check out this eclectic mix of popular & hidden gems with the most spectacular panoramas of exotic & exquisite locations in Paris.
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1. Terrasse du Printemps Haussmann2. Hôtel Dame des Arts Rooftop Bar3. Parc de Belleville4. Parc de Saint-Cloud, Saint-Cloud5. Les Ombres, Musée du quai Branly6. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont7. Tour Saint-Jacques8. Monsieur Bleu restaurant, Palais de Tokyo9. Musée d’Orsay10. Institut du Monde Arabe (Arab World Institute)11. Bar le Perchoir12. Arc de Triomphe13. Place du Trocadéro14. Palais de Chaillot15. Galeries Lafayette16. Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris (Notre-Dame Cathedral)17. La Basilique du Sacré Cœur (Sacré Coeur Basilica)18. Centre Georges Pompidou19. La tour Eiffel (Eiffel Tower)20. La tour Montparnasse / Montparnasse TowerHere are some FAQs about Best Views in ParisTourists troop to Paris each year to get an eyeful of the most famous sights.
A common complaint, however, is the huge crowd. On this list, I try to come up with a good mix of popular and not-so-popular places that offer the best views in Paris. So whether you like quiet parks, lively rooftop bars, trendy restaurants, famous landmarks, museums, or nondescript locations, there’s bound to be something here for you to enjoy.
1. Terrasse du Printemps Haussmann
64 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris, France
For a less crowded area to view a sweeping vantage of Paris, head over to Printemps Haussmann. The Printemps department store located in Boulevard Haussmann at the 9th arrondissement boasts of a lovely view of Paris from its terrace. Terrace access depends on the space and its opening conditions; check the store’s current visitor information before you go.
If you want to enjoy French dishes or enjoy a snack while soaking in the lovely scenes, you can also try Perruche, the current rooftop restaurant on the ninth floor of Printemps; check bookings and access conditions.
2. Hôtel Dame des Arts Rooftop Bar
Hôtel Dame des Arts – 4 rue Danton – 75006 Paris
At the former Holiday Inn location on rue Danton, the Hôtel Dame des Arts rooftop bar treats you to a stunning 360-degree view of Paris, including the twinkling lights of the Eiffel. Take note though that this coveted spot is mostly filled with hotel guests as well as locals. So make sure to get a reservation in advance.
To avoid a huge crowd, try visiting around opening time. The rooftop bar’s schedule varies by season, so check the current opening hours.
Doesn’t this give you a unique yet romantic Paris view?
3. Parc de Belleville
47 Rue des Couronnes, 75020 Paris, France
Located in the 20th arrondissement of Paris, Parc de Belleville is considered as the city’s highest park. With its height of 108 meters above sea level comes some of the loveliest panoramas of Paris. To access the best views, head over to the summit of the park. You’ll find a huge terrace there that is the perfect spot to take your panoramic shots.
Known for more than just its amazing perspective of the city from high up, the picturesque park is also a great place for you to sit down and enjoy a picnic amid its fountains and various flora. The Maison de l’Air building formerly housed a small museum about air pollution; it is no longer that museum, so check its current use and access.
4. Parc de Saint-Cloud, Saint-Cloud
Château de Saint-Cloud, 92210 Saint-Cloud, France
For the next entry, we have another beautiful park, the Parc de Saint-Cloud located in Hauts-de-Seine to the west of Paris. The park offers many outstanding viewpoints of Paris spanning the skyscrapers of La Défense, Butte Montmartre, the Eiffel Tower, Montparnasse Tower, and many more.
Aside from the amazing panoramic Paris view, you can also take a stroll and discover the park’s many pathways (the entire area is 460 hectares), jog, have a picnic, take endless photo shoots, visit the small museum and the various structures, check out the former location of the chateau, and Marie Antoinette’s rose garden, or enjoy a quiet sunny afternoon reading a book. The choice is yours.
The best part, however, is that you can do this for free because entrance to the park is absolutely FREE. It is also open every day year-round from morning until evening.
5. Les Ombres, Musée du quai Branly
27 Quai Branly, 75007 Paris, France
Another place where you can catch a panoramic 360-degree view of Paris is at the Les Ombres restaurant at the famous Musée du quai Branly. If this museum is already a part of your itinerary, why not take a quick stop at Les Ombres? Both inside and outside seating can give you plenty of gorgeous Parisian views including the Eiffel Tower, which stands in plain view.
The restaurant has a lot of gourmet options to whet your appetite, and it is perfect for lunch as well as dinner. The menu can be a little bit pricey though, so if it’s not within your budget, don’t worry, there are plenty more sights to choose from below.
6. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
1 Rue Botzaris, 75019 Paris, France
Another gorgeous park which is perfect for a picnic while soaking in the scenic views of Paris. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, the 5th largest park in Paris, is far from average. With its scenic lake, fields, trees, and pathways perfectly complemented with a breathtaking view of Paris, this one is truly a sight to see.
7. Tour Saint-Jacques
39 Rue de Rivoli, 75004 Paris, France
If you are looking for one of the less crowded spots to view a dazzling 360-degree panorama of Paris, head over to Tour Saint-Jacques. Take note, however, that the climb is not for those with weak knees, claustrophobia, vertigo, heart problems, or shortness of breath. The small staircase that will take you up to the top is around 300 steps. Young children may not be permitted to go up.
The gothic tower is open to the public only on certain days, and the number of visitors each day is limited. The best thing to do is check the current schedule and book your tickets in advance for the guided tour. Despite all these, don’t worry, the view will be totally worth it.
8. Monsieur Bleu restaurant, Palais de Tokyo
13 Avenue du Président Wilson, 75116 Paris, France
If you are one who likes to chill out with food and a good view of the Seine and the Eiffel Tower, here is a restaurant that should be right up your alley. Monsieur Bleu restaurant can be found in the new wing of Palais de Tokyo contemporary arts center. It is open late every day, so check the current hours before you drop by! The terrace is open in the warmer months and perfect for lovely days out.
9. Musée d’Orsay
1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris, France
You already know Musée d’Orsay as one of the most famous galleries in France. It is home to works by great masters such as Monet, Renoir, and Cézanne. But did you also know that when you head up to the clock tower, you can catch a wonderful view overlooking the Louvre and Seine, going all the way to Sacré-Cœur?
There are two clock faces in the museum, but the one located on the fifth floor in the North-East corner has the better view. From here, you can see part of the Louvre, the Jardin des Tuileries and its ferris wheel (in season), vibrant Haussmann buildings, the lovely Seine, and then Sacré-Cœur in the distance.
10. Institut du Monde Arabe (Arab World Institute)
1 rue des Fossés Saint-Bernard 75005 Paris
Another lesser known gem when it comes to jaw-dropping Parisian views can be found on the ninth floor observation terrace of Institut du Monde Arabe. Just go up via the elevator or take the steps up to the ninth floor. There you can enjoy a view spanning Notre Dame and the Marais, Île de la Cité, the Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation, and the Seine.
The terrace is open during museum hours, so check the current schedule before you go. If you are in the mood for an afternoon coffee or tea while admiring the stunning vista, you can also kick back and relax at the café-restaurant on the 9th floor.
11. Bar le Perchoir
14 Rue Crespin du Gast, 75011
Feel like sipping a cocktail while music plays in the background and the lights of Paris twinkle behind you? The place for that would be the rooftop bar of le Perchoir. Unfortunately, many others have the same idea as you so be prepared to come early. The bar works on a first-come, first-served basis with limited capacity, and it opens in the late afternoon (earlier on weekends), so check the current opening hours and you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the 360-degree rooftop Paris view.
Bar le Perchoir is not a place where you can just stumble into by chance. You will have to look for it specifically. The old office building where it’s housed is located in an industrial district and there are no markings outside the door. On busy days, however, the snaking queues outside the front door should be a telltale sign that you’re in the right place.
Once you’re in, you’ll find that it will be worth it. Sunset over Paris, drink in hand? Perfect.
12. Arc de Triomphe
Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France
Another option for those who want to avoid the long queues at the Eiffel Tower is a climb up the iconic Arc de Triomphe. Be prepared for a bit of a workout though. The climb to the top is 284 steps, but once you’re up above 50 meters from the ground in the observation deck, the view and the photographs you’ll be taking home will be worth it.
From there you can see for miles and miles and enjoy the spectacular sights of Grande Arche de la Défense, the perfect symmetry of the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, the Tuileries Gardens, and up to the Sacré Coeur. Whether you prefer to visit during the day or at dusk when darkness cloaks the city and millions of lights begin to flicker, the choice is up to you.
13. Place du Trocadéro
No trip to Paris would be complete without that touristy shot with the Eiffel Tower looming behind your back. If you would like one yourself, the Place du Trocadéro is most likely right up your alley. A lot of tourists have this same idea though, so it’s usually packed with crowds of people taking turns at posing for the camera with their friends and family (or with selfie sticks).
If you want to avoid the crowd, try dropping by earlier, say at sunrise. Or go for a quick jog or stroll from 6 am to 6:30 am and enjoy a little quiet time…or plenty of jump shot photos. It’s totally up to you.
14. Palais de Chaillot
1 Place du Trocadéro, 75016 Paris, France
By Filip Maljković from Pancevo, Serbia – Eiffel Tower, CC BY-SA 2.0
Another building which offers a picture-perfect view is the Palais de Chaillot. Also located on the Place du Trocadéro in the 16th arrondissement, it sits atop the summit of Chaillot hill. From the steps up to the terrace and to the top platform, you can get one of the best postcard photos of the Eiffel Tower.
There are a number of galleries and a theater inside the Palais de Chaillot. You might want to visit those as well, or you can go to the cafe in the left wing to kick back and enjoy an Eiffel Tower view.
Admit it, when you think of Paris view, you think of this picturesque setting!
15. Galeries Lafayette
40, Boulevard Haussmann 75009 Paris
I mentioned Printemps department store earlier on this list. Just a little walk away is another popular shopping destination and one that also boasts a spectacular view – Galeries Lafayette. Just like Printemps, you can access the rooftop deck for free!
Check the current Galeries Lafayette Haussmann roof-terrace opening hours before visiting. During bad weather, the terrace is also closed. But on clear sunny days, however, you get to enjoy lovely views of Paris including Opéra Garnier, Eiffel Tower, Sacré Coeur, and the vibrant Haussmannian architecture of the neighboring buildings. There are plenty of gorgeous sights to take in from this viewpoint, so feast your eyes, and get your cameras ready!
16. Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris (Notre-Dame Cathedral)
This gothic masterpiece located on the Île de la Cité is also a great place to catch amazing Parisian views. The towers reopened to visitors in September 2025, after the 2019 fire. If you’re willing to climb the 424 steps to the top of the western façade, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of the sprawling city.
To do that though, you will need to book a time slot in advance. You’ll need to purchase your ticket (or use an eligible Paris Museum Pass; advance reservation is still required).
The visit starts in the south tower, where you climb the narrow staircase up to the belfry, before reaching the terraces and the walkway between the towers, and then you come back down through the north tower. Along the way, you can take as many snapshots as you want of the gargoyles and the views. You can also see the 13-ton Emmanuel bell in the south tower. For details like opening hours, ticket prices, and tours, visit their site here.
17. La Basilique du Sacré Cœur (Sacré Coeur Basilica)
35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, France
Perched atop the hilly Montmartre, Sacré Coeur may be one of those tourist traps that some people would want to avoid, but standing at about 130 meters above sea level, you can’t discount the fact that it offers one of the best viewpoints on Paris.
One of the best places to capture a postcard-perfect view of Paris is from the panoramic viewpoint at the parvis of Sacré Coeur Basilica. But if you want to go even higher up, you can reach the dome where the 360-degree view of Paris will take your breath away.
18. Centre Georges Pompidou
Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris, France
For a splendid view of the Marais, Notre Dame, Sacré-Cœur, Les Halles, and the colourful neighborhood this side of Paris, go to the Centre Georges Pompidou (note that the Centre Pompidou closed in September 2025 for a major renovation expected to last until 2030, so this viewpoint is not available for now). Once it reopens, you can opt to spend time ogling some of the best modern art pieces, but if you’re just here for the view, you can purchase a ticket at the National Museum of Modern Art at the center and take the elevator up to the top.
Before the closure, another option was to dine in the ultra trendy Le Georges Restaurant and Bar against a backdrop of the City of Lights. This is a historical recommendation; check dining availability after the centre reopens.
19. La tour Eiffel (Eiffel Tower)
Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France
Any list of the best views of Paris won’t ever be complete without this landmark. The Eiffel Tower is hands down the most popular in this category. Considered as the highest viewing point in the entire city, you can see as far as the outskirts and the suburbs when you’re on the third platform.
If you move lower to the second platform, you will get a much closer view of Paris to be able to appreciate the details better. You can clearly see the Arc de Triomphe, Sacré-Cœur, the towers of Notre Dame, and lots of other prominent buildings.
One major concern though is the ridiculous throngs of people and the long queues that can make it difficult for you to enjoy the view. If you would rather not brave this kind of crowd, consider other options. There is one more below.
20. La tour Montparnasse / Montparnasse Tower
33 Avenue du Maine, 75015 Paris, France
Some say the Eiffel Tower is too far west to offer a stunning view of Paris. These are probably the same people who would prefer the view from Tour Montparnasse. You can’t blame them though. The observatory closed on March 31, 2026 for works expected to last several years, with no fixed reopening date announced. Before the closure, from high up at the observation deck you could enjoy one of the very best panoramic views of Paris. Additional points for the lesser crowd. Whether at the 56th floor indoor observation deck or on the 59th floor open-air rooftop terrace, the 360-degree views were incredibly stunning. Check the operator’s reopening information before planning a visit.
Before the closure, visitors could be whisked up 689 feet to watch the sun go down or see the sparkling lights of Paris. Le Ciel de Paris on the 56th floor was a dining recommendation for the same view. Check the current reopening and dining information before booking; access is unavailable during the works.
Here are some FAQs about Best Views in Paris
When is the best time to go to Paris?
This is subject to opinion, but if you had to pick a specific time of year that is the best for visiting the city, summer is a popular option. This is because the days are long, so there is plenty of daylight to enjoy the views Paris has to offer. If you’re not a fan of crowds, then try going to Paris from April to June, or October to early November. The weather is refreshingly cool, and the tourist crowds are thin.
What is the best restaurant in Paris?
There are many restaurants in Paris you must visit, but a few top picks from us are Septime, Le Chateaubriand, and Vivant 2.
Septime is a French restaurant located in the Faubourg Saint-Antoine area, and is one of Bertrand Grébaut’s most popular establishments. Year after year, the menu and taste reinvents itself with bold yet invigorating flavours. Le Chateaubriand was known for the menu developed by self-taught Basque chef Iñaki Aizpitarte, and the dishes are just as colourful and explorative. And finally, our original Vivant 2 recommendation dates from Pierre Touitou’s time there and his explosive dishes; check the current team and menu. The venue is also stunning, with a sensual yet classy ambience. Vivant 2 also boasts over a hundred different wines, so it is the perfect place for wine lovers.
Where is the best area to stay in Paris?
There is no absolute best area, or arrondissement, in Paris. It depends entirely on what you need, or want, when visiting the city. For first-time visitors, we recommend the Rue Cler. For someplace more chic, with a better atmosphere, and surprisingly family-friendly despite its nightlife, try the Marais area. If you want luxury, try the Champs-Élysées. Foodies have a lot of choice, as several areas boast amazing restaurants and bistros for a gastronomic delight, including Montmartre, Pigalle, and Bastille. Wherever you pick, be sure to research the location so that you can plan the best trip to Paris for your itinerary.
Why is Paris the best city?
Based on personal opinion, Paris is the best city to experience all kinds of things. Cuisine, art, history! There’s fashion and food for people who love going out, and stunning views all around. There’s always something for everyone, and things to do whenever you visit.
Not to mention, the Parisian people and culture make this city the place to express your passion, be it 4am in a ballgown with a bottle of champagne, or dancing in the middle of the day in Montmartre. You’re encouraged to be all that you are in Paris – well, within reason!
