Best ways to see Eiffel Tower
In many ways, there is always a way to admire the design masterpiece of the Eiffel Tower—whether from up close or from afar. One memorable option is to take a scenic boat ride along the Seine River, where you can enjoy beautiful views of the tower from the water. It all depends on where you are and where you go. If you live nearby, you can appreciate its beauty from morning until late at night.
Boat
If you love seeing the Eiffel Tower during the day but don’t have enough time to visit it up close, you can take a boat bus along the Seine River, which will bring you directly to the tower at the end of the route.
Alternatively, you can join a night cruise on the Seine and admire the Eiffel Tower illuminated in the evening. Every night, the tower sparkles with a dazzling light show—if you happen to arrive at the right moment, you’ll see it shimmering like stars in the sky.
With Batobus, discover Paris and its iconic monuments aboard the city’s only hop-on hop-off river service
On the top of Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
The café on the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette Haussmann offers reasonably priced meals. You can enjoy an afternoon tea there before heading to the glass-enclosed panoramic terrace, where transparent walls surround you with sweeping views of Paris’s most iconic scenery.
Lafayette Café
Where can you witness the breathtaking combination of the Eiffel Tower, the elegant rooftops of Parisian architecture, and a stunning sunset? Perhaps the answer is the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette Haussmann.
You can head up to the rooftop terrace of Galeries Lafayette in the late afternoon with a coffee in hand and take in one of the most iconic views of Paris. Before you lies a sweeping panorama of classic Parisian streets, timeless French rooftops, and refined architecture.
If you choose to stay until sunset, you’ll be rewarded with a magical scene: a soft pink sky blending with the city’s iconic rooftops and the graceful silhouette of the Eiffel Tower. As evening falls, lights begin to glow across the buildings, creating a warm contrast against the rosy hues of the sky. The result is a mesmerizing view—pink sunset tones intertwined with golden city lights—capturing the true romance of what one might call “pink Paris.”
Lafayette Café
Location: 8th floor, Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
Access: Free during store hours
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00-20:30, Sunday 11:00-20:00
Best Photo Time: Golden hour (1 hour before sunset)
Elevator Access: 7th floor, then stairs to rooftop
Batobus Paris Hop On Hop Off Boat Tours
If you’re looking for a relaxed yet efficient way to experience the highlights of Paris in a limited time, cruising along the Seine River is one of the most rewarding options.
With a hop-on, hop-off system similar to a sightseeing bus, services like Batobus Paris Seine allow you to explore the city at your own pace. The route includes nine conveniently located stops, each positioned near some of Paris’s most iconic landmarks—from the grandeur of the Eiffel Tower, to the artistic treasures of the Louvre Museum, and the historic beauty of Notre-Dame Cathedral.
With a 24-hour pass (typically around €23 for adults) or a 48-hour pass (typically around €27 for adults), you can board and disembark freely throughout the day during operating hours. Tickets are easy to purchase directly at the boarding points, making it a convenient option even for spontaneous plans. Just be mindful of the schedule—the boats generally run from morning until around 7:30 PM, which is usually the last return departure.
For the most memorable experience, consider boarding in the late afternoon. As the sun begins to set, the city transforms—golden light reflects off the river and bathes the historic architecture in a warm glow, offering a breathtaking perspective of Paris that’s difficult to match from the streets.
Opening Hours
Sunday to Wednesday 10:00 AM to 07:00 PM
Thursday to Saturday10:00 AM to 08:00 PM
round-trip loop : 2 hours
The 9 Batobus stops
Eiffel Tower / Musée d’Orsay / Saint-Germain-des-Prés / Notre-Dame Cathedral / Jardin des Plantes / Hôtel de Ville / Louvre Museum / Champs-Élysées (near Place de la Concorde) / Beaugrenelle
To view Tour Eiffel from the boat
Stay Hotels nearby
Another simple way to enjoy frequent views of the Eiffel Tower is to stay in a nearby neighborhood, such as the 7th arrondissement of Paris. The 7th arrondissement of Paris is one of the city’s most prestigious and elegant districts, located on the Left Bank of the Seine River.
Alberte Hôtel is one of the places to stay with a great location.
From this area, the tower is often just a short walk away—usually within about ten minutes. As you move through the streets, whether you’re stopping at a café or heading toward nearby attractions, the Eiffel Tower naturally appears in the background, becoming part of your everyday surroundings.
Before visiting the Eiffel Tower, you can start your evening with a relaxed French dinner nearby. Along streets such as Rue Cler, you’ll find a variety of casual yet charming options—from famous savory French crêpe galette at BREIZH CAFÉ’S to simple French bistros.
After your meal, take an easy walk toward the Eiffel Tower. As the city lights begin to come on, the atmosphere becomes quieter and more reflective, offering a pleasant way to spend the evening and experience Paris at a slower pace.
In the evening, the experience becomes even more distinctive. A quiet walk near the tower allows you to see it illuminated at night, along with its subtle sparkling light display. Afterwards, you can simply walk back to your hotel, ending the day in a calm and memorable way.
Where to stay near Eiffel Tower
Things to do nearby → link
Best views of Eiffel Tower → link