Top Places to Visit in Paris, a complete guide to a perfect Parisian Getaway. Map Included!
Check out our list of the top places to visit in Paris. Make sure to scroll down to the bottom to check out a map of all the locations so you can easily plan out your holiday.
1. Trocadéro:
This is by far one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower and arguably the most photographed spot in Paris. There are so many unique photo opportunities at Trocadero. Some of our favorite are on the ledge, stairs and straight in front of the tower. Come here for sunrise!
2. Gardens at Trocadéro:
Walk down the steps of Trocadéro and head towards the Eiffel Tower, the grass, park benches and trees provide unique perspectives of the Eiffel Tower. Don’t forget to snap a photo by the merry-go-round with the Eiffel Tower in the background. This is by far one of our favorite photos we’ve ever taken.
3. Side streets between Avenue de la Bourdonnais and Avenue Rapp:
There are a few side streets between these two main streets where you can snap some great photos. These have quickly become a must photographed angle of the Eiffel Tower. Take a stroll and find an angle that you like best.
4. Inception Bridge:
Pont de Bir-Hakeim is a bridge located to the west of the Eiffel Tower. This bridge was made famous by the movie Inception and if you didn’t see the movie we highly recommend it’s definitely one of our top favorite movies of all time. Inception movie aside, this bridge is a must to photograph because it has awesome views of the Eiffel Tower and the symmetry of the bridge makes for awesome leading lines shots. Be on alert for bicyclists since this is a bike path!
5. Arc de Triomphe:
The Arc is one of the most famous locations in Paris, second only to the Eiffel Tower … personal opinion. It is definitely a must visit spot if you’re hunting for instagram shots. If you get there early you’ll be one of the only people there and can get some great photos and angles. We got there late but were still able to get great photos, I actually think the cars in the background circling around the Arc provide great background and movement to the photos.
6. Pont Alexandre III:
Pont Alexandre III is also referred to as the deck arch bridge. It’s located next to Esplanade Des Invalides. This bridge is so beautiful and offers up many great photo opportunities at any time of day. You can catch some beautiful sunsets here with a view of the Eiffel Tower, or come back at dusk when all the lights are on to get some stunning night time shots.
7. Sacre-Coeur:
This church located in the Montmartre district is simply stunning and the photo opportunities are endless. Grab photos of the Basilica itself and then head up the stairs to get amazing views of Paris from 130m up. The Basilica is the second highest structure in Paris so believe me when I say the views are stunning.
8. Le Consulat:
You might have seen this famous cafe floating around Instagram. Influencers from far and wide line up to get a photo in front of this famous cafe. I wonder if people are so interested in it because it’s trendy or because of the rich history behind this charming little cafe. Le Consulat is one of the oldest cafes in Montmartre and was once frequented by the likes of Picasso, Sisley, Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec and Monet. So you can make the argument that if it’s good enough for the world’s most famous artists of all time it’s good enough for the grammers.
9. Streets of Montmartre:
Montmartre is located just behind the Sacre-Coeur. It is by far our favorite place in Paris. The cute windy streets, the amazing cafes on every corner is so photogenic. Go and explore this area and photograph away, you will not be disappointed.
BONUS 1: Wall of Love
Bonus tip: If you’re here, take a walk to Square Jehan Rictus and visit the I Love You Wall. It’s a giant wall with the words “I Love You” written in over 300 languages.
10. Palace Royal
Palace Royal is a must see for all photographers. There are so many beautiful photo opportunities here you can spend all day just here alone. Everything from the gardens to the architectural design, make for beautiful photo opportunities. Plus, this place is a symmetrical dream, everything is in perfect symmetry, from the columns to the fountains to the trees. I was definitely in my happy place here.
BONUS 2: Sinking Building
Ok so here’s the deal, this building is not sinking, it peeks out from behind a steep hill so to the untrained eye it looks like a regular building but if you take a photo and turn your image slightly to the left – BOOM! It looks as if the building is sinking. So here’s how you find it: head up the steps of Sacre-Coeur and just before going up the steps of the main entrance to the Basilica turn to your right and you should see the red building just behind the grassy hill.
Photography tip: When taking a photo be sure to lean a little so that when you turn your image you appear to be sitting straight.
Check out the map below to easily find all the locations!
Hope you found our list of the top places to visit in Paris helpful.
Check out our other post here for more helpful travel guides and tips.
Cheers,
Natty
