Travelling to the Eiffel Tower in Paris can be a long-awaited dream. This was the case for Insider Lifestyle Reporter Maria Noyen, who visited the landmark in 2022. Upon arrival, however, she was disappointed by the sheer number of tourists blocking each other’s view of the tower. This is a common narrative for many travellers who hope to capture the perfect photo of the famous landmark.

Yet, Noyen discovered that the Debilly footbridge, just a few minutes’ walk away, also provided sweeping views of the Eiffel Tower and the Seine River. Here, she was able to happily snap her desired photo amidst the thousands of love locks hung on the bridge.

There are other photo spots around Paris where you can capture the Eiffel Tower in its encapsulated Parisian beauty. We list a few spots in this article alongside recommended camera gear.

Recommended gear

While many tourists are content to use their smartphones, dedicated photographers should aim to use better equipment. That’s because each photo spot shows a different perspective of the landmark, making it important for people to use tools that optimally capture the landmark from a distance. Having the right camera gear is important if you want to capture different shots. For drone shots, the DJI Mavic 3 and Mini 3 Pro are both very effective, while the Sony A7RIII mirrorless full-frame camera is perfect for capturing street-level urban photos.

To supplement a good camera, you also need the right lens. There are many different camera lenses you can buy online that allow you to create the right mood, selectively manipulate the depth of field, and provide access to a variety of subjects whether near or far, large or microscopic. The AF performance of the Sony FE 24-70mm is ideal for portrait photography, as it gives you the range to get high-res images regardless of your position, while the “Art F1.4” standard of the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 makes the lens perfect for capturing night shots. The Sony 16-35mm GM is also a lens that has been tried and tested for travel photography. To easily carry your equipment around, look to invest in a backpack like the Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L.

Best photo spots

The stairs of Trocadero

The Trocadero is easily the most popular place where tourists take photos of the Eiffel Tower. This makes it difficult to capture a good photo here without crowds in the background. However, the stairs of Trocadero are a different story. The high wall of the stairs hides most of the pavement, cutting out the crowds of tourists from view. A 50mm zoom lens could then create a shallow depth of field to bring the background closer, making the Eiffel Tower appear nearer to you than it actually is.

Port Debilly

Besides taking a picture from the Debilly footbridge, you can snap the Eiffel Tower from the promenade below Voie Georges Pompidou. This area, Port Debilly, is almost always empty and sits at the perfect angle where you can capture a backdrop of gentle golden light during sunset. For more scenic photos, you can use a wide-angle lens to showcase the entire tower while simultaneously featuring the tranquil waters of the River Seine.

Musée Quai Branly

Parisians love idling among the rooftops to gaze upon the city’s stunning lights. This makes terraces and balconies a popular addition to many famous attractions. The next time you visit the Musée Quai Branly to admire the collection of indigenous art, head up to the panoramic terrace. This offers great views of the Eiffel Tower and the River Seine, and you can snap the landscape using 35mm frames. Next, you can head over to the museum’s all-glass restaurant, Les Ombres, where diners can enjoy close-up views of the tower alongside a gastronomic meal.

Take your time to explore the City of Lights, and find the perfect spot to capture the Eiffel Tower. These pictures will carry the memory of your travels, and you will have your own unique token of the famous landmark.