Paris is one of those cities that looks incredible no matter where you stand. But climb high enough and you’ll see the city from a whole new perspective.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best Paris sightseeing places to see the city from above: iconic observation decks, hilltop neighborhoods, rooftop bars, and a few lesser-known spots that are worth the detour.
So, are you ready to see Paris from the top? Here's where to go!
1. Eiffel Tower observation deck
The view from Eiffel Tower’s summit
There's no Paris sightseeing place quite like the Eiffel Tower, and going up it is a completely different experience from photographing it from the ground. From the second-floor platform, you can already view the city and Seine below, but if you want the full panorama, the summit is worth every step (or lift ride).
At 276 meters up, the summit observation deck gives you a 360° view across Paris that stretches up to 70 km on a clear day. You'll spot landmarks like Notre-Dame, Sacré-Cœur, and the Arc de Triomphe all at once. Visit at golden hour for warm light over the city, or stay for dark to catch the Eiffel Tower's iconic light show from above.
Klook Tip: Book your Eiffel Tower summit tour in advance, as timed-entry tickets sell out weeks ahead, especially in summer. Morning slots on weekdays tend to have shorter queues.
2. Montparnasse Tower view
View from Montparnasse Tower
Ask a local about the best view in Paris, and many will tell you it's from Montparnasse Tower, not because it's the prettiest building, but because it's the only elevated spot in the city where you can see the Eiffel Tower as part of the skyline. From up here, the tower is perfectly within a broad sweep of the city, making it one of the most photographed views in Paris.
The Montparnasse Tower observation deck sits at 210 meters on the 56th floor, with an open-air terrace on the 59th that's ideal for photos without glass in the way. It's usually less crowded than the Eiffel Tower and often gets overlooked by tourists, which works in your favor.
Klook Tip: Grab your Montparnasse Tower observation deck ticket ahead of time to skip the queue at the door. The open-air terrace on the 59th floor gives you the clearest, unobstructed shots.
3. Arc de Triomphe rooftop
View from the top of Arc de Triomphe
From the Arc de Triomphe rooftop (or technically the terrace at the top of the monument), you’ll see one of the most scenic views in Paris: twelve grand boulevards going outward from the roundabout below, with the Champs-Élysées stretching toward the Louvre in one direction and the Voie Triomphale continuing to La Défense in the other.
It's one of the few Paris sightseeing places where the view is almost entirely about the urban geometry of the city rather than a single landmark. At 50 meters high, it's not the tallest spot in Paris, but the perspective is unlike anything else. Come at sunset when the streetlights along the Champs-Élysées begin to glow, and the roundabout below turns into a river of headlights.
Klook Tip: Book your Arc de Triomphe entry ticket in advance to avoid queues at the entrance. The staircase to the top is 284 steps, although there’s no lift (but well worth it).
4. Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur view
View from Montmartre
For the best free view in Paris, head to Montmartre. This hilltop neighborhood is 130 meters above the city, and the view from the steps and esplanade in front of Sacré-Cœur is one of the best in Paris. On a clear day you can see all the way across the city and beyond, with a wide, open panorama that’s completely different from a glass-enclosed observation deck.
The Sacré-Cœur view is especially good at sunrise, before the crowds arrive, or just before sunset when the city starts to take on a golden tone. The neighborhood itself adds to the experience; cobbled streets, artists' studios, and café terraces make wandering Montmartre one of the most enjoyable Paris sightseeing experiences in its own right.
To know more about the neighborhood's history and artistic roots, consider joining a Montmartre guided walking tour. You'll explore iconic spots like the 'Wall of I Love You' and Place du Tertre before finishing with a guided visit to the Basilica.
5. Seine River cruise, Paris
Seine River cruise in Paris
Views of Paris don't always have to come from above; sometimes the best perspective is at water level. A Seine River cruise in Paris gives you a completely different angle on the city's most iconic landmarks: you'll cruise past Notre-Dame, the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay, and the Eiffel Tower from the river, watching them shift in size and light as you drift along.
6. Parc de Belleville
Parc de Belleville in Paris | Photo by Chabe01 on Wikimedia
If you want to sightsee in Paris without paying a single euro, Parc de Belleville is one of the city's most underrated spots. Located in the 20th arrondissement, this terraced park climbs to 108 meters above sea level, higher than the top of Notre-Dame, and looks out across the rooftops and skyline toward the west.
It's a favorite with locals, especially in summer when groups gather on the terraces with picnics and a bottle of wine. The view isn't as polished as the paid observation decks, but it's authentic, and the relaxed atmosphere makes it a great spot to spend an hour or two.
FAQs about Paris sightseeing places
What is the best viewpoint in Paris?
The best viewpoint depends on your priorities. If you want the highest and most iconic panorama, the Eiffel Tower summit is the best with its 360° view across the entire city. For a view that includes the Eiffel Tower as part of the skyline, Montparnasse Tower is the top choice.
Where can you see the Eiffel Tower from above in Paris?
Montparnasse Tower is the best place to see the Eiffel Tower from above. At 210 meters high, its observation deck and open-air terrace on the 59th floor give you a clear, unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower as part of a wide city panorama.
Is the Montparnasse Tower worth it for the view?
Yes, especially if you want to see the Eiffel Tower as part of your panorama, which isn't possible from the Eiffel Tower itself. The Montparnasse Tower observation deck is typically less crowded than the Eiffel Tower, the queues are shorter, and tickets are slightly more affordable.
What is the best free viewpoint in Paris?
Montmartre is the best free viewpoint in Paris. The esplanade in front of the Sacré-Cœur basilica looks out over a wide stretch of the city from 130 meters above sea level. Parc de Belleville in the 20th arrondissement is another excellent free option, as it's less touristy and gives you an authentic local atmosphere alongside the panoramic city view.
Which Paris rooftop bar has the best view of the city?
Perruche at Printemps Haussmann is consistently ranked among the best Paris rooftop bars for views, with a wide terrace overlooking the Opera district and Sacré-Cœur. Terrass Hotel in Montmartre is another top pick, especially for evening visits when the city lights up.
Paris is even better from the top
Paris at street level is already one of the world's great cities. But get above the rooftops, from an observation deck, a hilltop park, or a terrace bar, and the whole place opens up in a new way.
Pick one or two that match your trip and your budget, book your tickets in advance on Klook for the paid spots, and try to time at least one visit around sunset. That's when Paris really does look its best.
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