15 Instagram-Worthy Places In Paris
Best Places to Take Pictures in Paris
Want to take some Instagram-worthy photos in the city of love? Then you’ve come to the right place!
In this post, I’ll not only show you the most beautiful places in Paris for truly stunning photos, but also give you tips on when is the best time to take your perfect photo. To help you find the best places to photograph in Paris as easily as possible, I’ve also put an interactive map at the end of this post that includes all the places in Paris mentioned in this post.
This article contains referral links. If you buy or book something through these links, I receive a small commission. You will not be charged anything extra and you can easily support me in creating more blog posts. A huge thank you, Jil.
As a beautiful city, it is notorious for its many photographers and Instagrammers who want to capture its beauty. Due to the variety of sights that this city has to offer, in this post I’ve compiled what I think are the 15 most beautiful Instagram spots in Paris to help you get around the city better and so that you already know in advance when each place is worth stopping by. So if you’re following the call of “Paris is calling” and planning your trip to the city of love, be sure to put the following Instagram spots on your bucket list.
1. Trocadéro
From the Trocadéro, you’ll undoubtedly have the best view of the Eiffel Tower. This easily makes it one of the best photo spots in Paris.
The Trocadéro platform offers a wide and virtually unobstructed view of Before you plan your photos at the platform, you should take note of the following; you’ve probably already seen many photos taken at the Place Du Trocadéro, many of which have people standing or sitting at the edge of the platform. Meanwhile, a wooden barrier with fences has been erected around the platform, so unfortunately you can’t get on it. Don’t let that discourage you though, the possibilities are endless here nonetheless.
After you visit the Trocadéro platform, you should head over to the Trocadéro stairs before you leave the grounds. The stairs are a great place to take photos with the Eiffel Tower in the background. Here, you just have to make sure that once again you don’t have the wooden barrier in the picture. The architecture of the stairs provides an opportunity for varied poses for your Instagram photo.
From the Trocadéro steps, you can get to the Trocadero gardens and fountain in a direct way. Here you can also take stunning pictures with the Eiffel Tower in the background. If you keep walking towards the Eiffel Tower from here, you’ll pass the carousel near Avenue New York and (if you’re in Paris in the spring) some cherry trees.
Location: Google Link
How to get there: take metro line 6 or 9 and get off at the “Trocadéro” metro station.
Tip: The Trocadero is usually packed with people, so it’s almost impossible to take a photo without people unless you’re willing to get up early for this. In the early morning hours, the main square, the stairs as well as the Trocadéro gardens are less busy and the light at sunrise is really stunningly beautiful. Despite the early hour, you’re sure to encounter other photographers shortly after sunrise.
Beware: Trocadéro is a popular place for pickpockets. So never leave your belongings unattended.
2. Rue de l’Universite
Rue de L’Université in the 7th arrondissement of Paris is one of the most beautiful streets in Paris. From the cobblestone street you have a fantastic panoramic view of the Eiffel Tower. Along the street there are historic buildings with classic Parisian architecture that make for an impressive Instagram photo.
The street is quite long. So if you’re looking for the best spot for your photo, I recommend walking to the end of Rue de l’Universite. You can then frame the Eiffel Tower between the buildings for an impressive Instagram backdrop. Meanwhile, cars are no longer allowed to park in the street, which increases the likelihood of getting the perfect photo. But for this you meet many people here, if you are not there early in the morning, because the place has long ceased to be a secret.
Location: Google Link
How to get there: take the 42nd bus and get off at the “Tour Eiffel” stop or, if you’re already in the area, just walk there for a few minutes from the Eiffel Tower. Make sure you walk to the right end of the street (towards number 225).
Tip: The street is usually busy during the day, so it’s best to go in the morning. I went in the morning just after the Trocadéro and there was only one couple already there.
3. AVENUE DE CAMOËNS
In the 16th arrondissement at the end of Avenue de Camoëns, a pretty balustrade with a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower awaits you. The street is quiet and charming, with cobblestones, historic buildings and streetlights. So the ideal place to play with different settings of your camera in peace.
Avenue de Camoëns is a not so well-known photo spot that significantly less people visit than other listed places in this list. Thus, this street provides the perfect backdrop for stunning yet casual photos against the backdrop of the Iron Lady. Unfortunately, at the time I was last in Paris, the building in the background was undergoing facade work. I hope these are already completed by the time you travel to Paris.
Location: Google Link
How to get there: take the metro line 6 to “Passy” or the 32 bus to the bus station “Scheffer”. If you’re already at the Eiffel Tower, it’s only 10 minutes to Avenue de Camoëns. Just walk up the stone steps, turn around at the end of the steps and enjoy the view.
Tip: Avenue de Camoëns is somewhat hidden, so it’s not as crowded as some of the other destinations on this list. However, sunrise and sunset are particularly nice moments to capture the city in golden light.
4. ARC DE TRIOMPHE DE L’ÉTOILE
The 19th century monument is located at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, in the middle of the Place Charles de Gaulle. Its interior and exterior surfaces are engraved with the names of all French victories and generals.
Since the Arc de Triomphe is located at a busy intersection where 12 different avenues meet, the traffic circle is also correspondingly busy. If you want to take a photo in front of the national monument, you should therefore pay close attention to the traffic.
Most tourists stop to admire the grandeur of the arch from below, but you shouldn’t miss the incredible view of the city from the Arc de Triomphe. The 284 steps to climb to the very top may seem intimidating at first, but it’s definitely worth it for the panoramic view. A ticket to the panoramic terrace starts at 14 USD per person. I recommend buying a Skip-the-Line Arc de Triomphe Rooftop Ticket in advance – you’ll save time and get to see more.
Location: Google Link
How to get there: there are numerous bus stops and metro stations in the immediate vicinity of the Arc de Triomphe.
Opening hours of the roof terrace: 10.00 a.m. – 10.30 p.m.
Tip: The traffic circle around the Arc de Triomphe is very busy during the day and evening. If you want to avoid heavy traffic for your perfect photo, you should be there early in the morning. However, with a bit of patience, great photos can also be taken during the day.
5. PONT D‘LÉNA
Paris has numerous beautiful bridges on the Seine, but the Pont d’léna is one of the most extraordinary of them all, as it connects the Eiffel Tower with the Trocadéro. It is undoubtedly one of the best Paris Instagram spots and you can photograph many different angles here.
The Pont d’Iena was first built in 1814, making it over 200 years old with beautiful architecture. If you want to take a photo in the middle of the bridge, you should go early in the morning. At this time there are hardly any people and cars there. However, if you want to have a photo sitting on the wall or right on the water, then the time doesn’t matter. You just need some patience to have a photo without photobombers.
A real highlight for me was seeing the Eiffel Tower at night. Check out the Pont d’l’éna towards evening when the Eiffel Tower sparkles and creates a beautiful reflection on the Seine.
Location: Google Link
How to get there: there are numerous bus stops near the Pont d’léna and also some metro stations, such as “Léna” and “Trocadéro”.
Tip: Even though the Pont d’Iena is busy, you can take stunning photos of the Eiffel Tower during the day as well as in the evening or at night, which gives you a lot of flexibility in planning.
6. MUSÉE DU LOUVRE
Even if art is not your thing, the Louvre is still worth a visit. It is one of the most beautiful museums in the world and houses thousands of works of art, including paintings, sculptures, jewels and many more impressive and diverse exhibits.
Since the queues for this attraction can be very long, I, therefore, recommend the Louvre-Museum Timed-Entrance Ticket. With this ticket, you book a specific time for your visit to the Musée du Louvre, so you can relax and avoid the queues and spend your time in the museum instead of standing in line. The ticket costs 21 USD per person.
If you only want to visit the museum from the outside, that’s perfectly fine. There are plenty of photo opportunities in the museum’s courtyard. With the iconic glass pyramids and the gorgeous buildings around it, the Musée du Louvre is undoubtedly one of the most Instagrammable places in Paris and the best part is that visiting the grounds is completely free!
Location: Google Link
How to get there: take metro line 1 and get off at the “Louvre – Rivoli” or “Palais-Royal – Musée du Louvre” stop.
Opening hours: 09.00 a.m. – 06.00 p.m., closed on Tuesdays
Tip: Since the Louvre is one of the most visited sights in Paris, it is teeming with tourists during the day. If you want photos without hundreds of people in the background, get there early in the morning before the museum opens or on Tuesdays when the museum is closed.
7. PONT ALEXANDRE III
You’ll find the most beautiful bridge in Paris a few minute’s walk from the Petit Palace.
The Pont Alexandre III is a massive arch bridge that stretches across the Seine. The bridge was built in 1900 and it is simply beautiful with its golden sculptures and dark street lamps. From the bridge, you have a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower, which makes a great backdrop for your Instagram photo. There are so many ways to take different photos from this spot, so get creative and try some poses with the historic lampposts and or the Eiffel Tower and the Seine together in one picture.
Location: Google Link
How to get there: take metro line 8 or get off at the “Gare des Invalides” stop. You can reach the bridge in a few minutes on foot. Alternatively, there are numerous bus stops in the immediate vicinity of Pont Alexandre III.
Tip: At sunset, the bridge shines in golden splendour. However, since the bridge is very popular, there are also correspondingly many people on site. If you want to have the bridge to yourself, you should go there early in the morning.
8. PETIT PALAIS
One of the lesser-known Instagram spots in Paris is the Golden Gate at the Petit Palais in the 8th arrondissement! For a photo in front of the dazzling gate, be sure to stop by either before the museum opens or after it closes. But besides the Golden Gate, the interior of the Petit Palais has a lot to offer as well. Take some time out in the garden of the beautiful café or stroll through the museum itself – the permanent exhibition is free. There are plenty of photo opportunities to be discovered. If you happen to be in Paris in the spring, be sure to go see the cherry blossoms in the courtyard.
Location: Google Link
How to get there: take metro line 1 or 13 and get off at the Champs-Élysées – Clemenceau stop. Alternatively, you can take the 72 or 93 bus to the “Grand Palais” stop. The Petit Palais is located directly opposite the Grand Palais.
Opening hours: 10.00 a.m. – 06.00 p.m., closed on Mondays and holidays.
Tip: If you want to take a picture with the golden door, you should go to the Petit Palais when the museum is closed.
9. PALAIS ROYAL
The Palais Royal is located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris directly across from the Louvre. The former palace can be visited for free and houses iconic black and white striped columns in the courtyard. They are called Les Deux Plateaux, or Les Colonnes de Buren. It is a permanent display of nearly 260 columns made of Carrara marble with black and white stripes forming a kind of checkerboard pattern. The courtyard looks simply stunning and is one of the most famous Instagram spots in Paris.
Besides the Colonnes de Buren, the Palais Royal has other Instagram-worthy locations to offer: One is the former palace’s own garden, with its symmetrical rows of trees and classic green chairs strategically placed next to a beautiful fountain. On the other, the open passages frame both the columns and the garden and look simply beautiful in both sunshine and rain.
Location: Google Link
How to get there: take metro line 1 or 7 and get off at the “Palais-Royal – Musée du Louvre” stop.
Tip: During the day, the courtyard of the Palais Royal is very busy. If you want to take pictures with the iconic black and white striped columns, you should go in the morning to avoid crowds.
10. METRO STATION LAMARCK-CAULAINCOURT
One of the most beautiful metro stations is located in Lamarck-Caulaincourt. This metro station provides the perfect backdrop for an authentic Parisian photo. With historic buildings featuring classic Parisian architecture along the street and red accents, this metro station in the 18th arrondissement of Paris is simply beautiful. This photo spot is less known, but since it is a regular metro station, there are a correspondingly large number of people.
Location: Google Link
How to get there: take metro line 12 and get off at the “Lamarck-Caulaincourt” stop.
Tip: Should you not want strangers in your photo, you’ll have to get here early in the morning.
11. BASILIKA SACRÉ-COEUR
Located in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, the Sacré Coeur Basilica is one of the highest points in the city and offers one of the best-unobstructed views of Paris. Sacré-Coeur is a beautiful Roman Catholic church in the heart of Montmartre. It is one of the most visited churches in Paris and a beautiful photo spot.
After admiring the impressive exterior and interior of the basilica, you should walk down the steps of the basilica. From there, you can easily take stunning photos with the white basilica in the background or turn to the other side to photograph the city. There are a lot of people in front of the basilica as well as on the green area during the day and in the evening. Should you want a photo without the crowd, you should come early in the morning or have some patience during the day. At the foot of the Basilica gardens, you will find a small carousel also called Carrousel de Saint-Pierre. With the Basilica and the carousel in the background, you can take great and varied photos with a special charm. Behind the Sacré Coeur, you will find beautiful streets and more sensational photo opportunities of the basilica with fewer people.
Location: Google Link
How to get there: take metro line 2 and get off at the “Anveres” stop or take metro line 12 and get off at the “Abbesses” stop. From the stop, you can walk up the stone steps to the Sacré-Coeur or if you feel like less effort, take the cable car.
Tip: If you want to have the basilica all to yourself, unfortunately, you’ll have to be there pretty early in the morning. If you plan a photo with a little more distance to the basilica, then you are more flexible in terms of time. The photo in front of the carousel, for example, was taken in the late afternoon.
12. NOTRE-DAME
Notre Dame is one of the most famous Gothic cathedrals in Europe and one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris. Unfortunately, after a devastating fire in April 2019, it is not possible to enter the cathedral. Reconstruction is still underway, but it’s worth checking out the intact west facade with its famous rose window and bell towers, even if you can only admire it from the outside.
For your perfect Instagram photo, though, you’ll have to get a little creative. That’s because there are construction barriers in front of the cathedral, making it practically impossible to take a nice photo right in front of it. So for a photo with the iconic exterior, you’ll have to shoot from a bit further away so the barriers are out of sight. I recommend you to go to Pont Saint-Michel or Petit Pont and take a photo from here. You can sit well on the parapet of the bridge and make sure at the same time that no people in the background are photographed.
Location: Google Link
How to get there: take metro line 4 and get off at the “Cité” stop.
Tip: With a little patience, you can get a nice photo here at any time of the day.
13. PASSAGE DU GRAND CERF.
On a long walk through Paris, you’ll eventually come across one of the many covered passages that can be found throughout the city. My favourite passage is the Passage du Grand Cerf in the 2nd arrondissement of Paris. It connects Rue Saint-Denis with the Montorgueil district. The passage is lined with small designer and jewellery stores that offer unique, high-quality, but also inexpensive goods.
For your perfect photo, you can either stroll along the passage, admire the displays of the small stores or enjoy a coffee in one of the local cafes. Since the arcade has a glass roof, you can stop by in any weather. Of course, the light is most beautiful when the sun is shining, but it can also, therefore, get warm relatively quickly under the glass roof.
Location: Google Link
How to get there: take metro line 4 and get off at the “Etienne Marcel” or “Réaumur Sébastopol” stop.
Tip: The Passage du Grand Cerf. is a bit off the beaten path and can be visited at any time of day.
14. Pastry Shop Odette
If you’re looking for the sweetest pastry shop in Paris, be sure to stop by Odette near Notre-Dame. The charming storefront makes this pastry shop one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in Paris. With the tall buildings, cobblestone streets to the incredibly cute and also warped Odette pastry shop, the street is great for taking photos. Especially since it’s in a quiet area of Paris, so you might as well have the whole street to yourself and thus try out all the poses you can think of.
Even if you just wanted to stop by Rue Saint-Julien le Pauvre for a photo, I can only recommend that you take a short break and try one or more of the delicacies on offer. The café is best known for its delicious cream puffs, the Choux Pastry. The small pastry costs just under 2-3 USD and is available in many different varieties.
Location: Google Link
How to get there: there are several metro stations and bus stops in the immediate vicinity. Should you have been to Notre Dame before, you can also just walk.
Opening hours: 10.00 a.m. – 07.30 p.m.
Tip: After taking this classic photo in front of the pastry shop, turn around and walk left onto Rue Galande, which is just a few steps away. The curves of the cobblestones set off the buildings beautifully and make for a really nice perspective.
15. district Montmartre
The Montmartre neighbourhood feels like a small French village on a hill. Montmartre is a beautiful artists’ neighbourhood in the 18th arrondissement and truly a unique gem. With its charming cafes, tiny houses, and perceived maze of winding cobblestone streets, I think the neighbourhood is a must-see when visiting the City of Love.
Montmartre has quite a few Instagram-worthy places to offer, one of which is La Maison Rose. A cute pink building at the end of Rue de l’Abreuvoir. Due to the popularity of this place as a photo location, it can be difficult to take a photo without having other people in the background, especially since La Maison Rose is a restaurant. There are fewer people at the pink restaurant in the morning, but the street is most beautifully lit at sunset.
After you take your photo in front of La Maison Rose, I recommend going down Rue de l’Abreuvoir. Even though Rue de l’Abreuvoir looks like an ordinary street, at first sight, it unfolds all its beauty when you look back to La Maison Rose at the end of the street. From this street, you can take really beautiful photos. Rue de l’Abreuvoir is beautiful at any time of the year, but I find in autumn the true beauty of this place comes out when yellow and red leaves climb up the facades and the street shines in different colours.
Montmartre also has many other beautiful corners to offer, such as the main square where artists paint and sell artwork throughout the day. Strolling along there and enjoying the charm of this charming district is wonderful. If you want to explore more of Montmartre and learn about its history at the same time, you should book a Walking Tour of Montmartre for 17 USD per person in advance.
Location: Google Link
How to get there: take bus number 40 and get off at the “Saules-Cortot” stop. Alternatively, you can walk 5 minutes from Sacré-Coeur to Rue de l’Abreuvoir.
Tip: Try to arrive in the morning when the restaurant is still closed. At this time, the street is quieter and the restaurant’s guests often don’t like to be photographed with.
Final thoughts
Paris is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and a true Instagram paradise. I hope my overview and interactive map help you find your way around the city and take some epic photos.
Have fun in Paris