Paris observation decks: 15 viewpoints with ticket prices

From above, Paris reads like a map. A ticket to the top of the Eiffel Tower costs €36.70 (as of 09/2026, climbing rates), making it the most expensive observation point in the city.

You won't cover all fifteen viewpoints in a single trip, and that's fine. What matters more is choosing spots with different angles: some people want the city beneath their feet, others want the Eiffel Tower itself in the frame. We've rounded up Paris observation decks by height and price, and added free terraces and rooftop restaurants.

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What to know about Paris observation decks

💡 In short:

• Online tickets save time: you'll wait longer at the tower ticket offices than at the viewpoint itself.
• Start with free spots: the Institut du Monde Arabe terrace and the Belleville Park hill are open to everyone without a ticket.
• Split your visits by time of day: do the towers in the morning, save rooftop restaurants for the evening.
• Prices and hours: 09/2026, verified on the official Eiffel Tower website.

The viewpoints fall into three groups: towers with tickets and time slots, free terraces, and rooftop restaurants where the view is included in your dinner bill. Below is a quick comparison table, followed by a detailed breakdown of each spot.

If you only have half a day, pick one tower and one free spot. That way you'll see the city from above without rushing and won't spend time on three climbs in a row.

1. Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower offers three viewing levels: 57 meters, 115 meters, and the summit at 276 meters (according to the tower's ticket page). The most expensive ticket, to the top level by elevator, costs €36.70 (as of 09/2026, same source).

You can climb to the first and second levels by stairs: the ticket is cheaper and the line is shorter. Some travelers go up during the day and come back in the evening, when the city lights come on.

The tower has two restaurants, one of which, Le Jules Verne, occupies the second level. Book a table in advance, otherwise only seats without a view will be left.

• The catch: on the first level, some tables are in the center of the room, with no view of the city. Ask for a window seat.
• Best timing: first ascent in the morning, before tour groups arrive.
• Online tickets: convenient to get on Tiqets.

2. Montparnasse Tower

The Montparnasse Tower terrace takes you up to the 59th floor, 210 meters (according to the official website). From here, the Eiffel Tower stands directly ahead, and you see it in full, not as a sliver behind rooftops.

The building was constructed as an office skyscraper, and Paris received it with hostility. A few years after it opened, the city banned new high-rises of this kind in the historic center, so for a long time Montparnasse remained the only skyscraper within the city limits.

Critics call the tower one of the ugliest buildings in the world, and that is part of the local tradition. It is worth going up at least for the reverse view: the city lies beneath you like a scale model with traffic moving through the streets.

• The catch: the tower itself does not beautify Paris, but it gives you the best view of it.
• Ticket: the rooftop terrace of Montparnasse Tower is sold online.

3. Arc de Triomphe

© Lawrence W.K. Ho · CC BY-SAPhoto: Lawrence W.K. Ho, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

The Arc de Triomphe observation deck opens at a height of 50 meters (according to the official website). Admission costs €16-22 depending on the season (as of 09/2026, same source).

Napoleon commissioned the arch in honor of his victories, but he never saw it finished: construction dragged on for decades. The monument is older than the Eiffel Tower and stands on Place Charles de Gaulle, where twelve avenues converge.

From above, this fan pattern reads in full: the Champs-Élysées, the La Défense district on the horizon, the Eiffel Tower to the left. In the evening, the lights along the avenues look especially striking.

• How to get there: enter through the Passage du Souvenir underpass on the north side of the Champs-Élysées.
• Who it's for: if you want to see the Champs-Élysées, La Défense, and the Eiffel Tower in one panorama.
• Tickets: skip the line to the arch rooftop.

4. Centre Pompidou

© Zairon · CC BY-SAPhoto: Zairon, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Since fall 2025, the Centre Pompidou has been closed for renovation until 2030 (according to the official website). The rooftop observation deck and the Georges restaurant are currently unavailable, so it makes sense to plan this stop for your next trip.

The building's exterior is still worth your attention. The pipes, escalators, and ventilation systems are routed along the facade and color-coded: this isn't decoration added after the fact, it was part of the original design.

For your current trip, find an alternative. You can take in the Beaubourg district panorama from the surrounding streets, and in the evening you'll see the facade lit up from the square.

• The catch: you can't get to the rooftop until 2030, so you'll have to replace the view with a walk around the area.
• What to do instead: Beaubourg district walking tours on GetYourGuide.

5. Pantheon

© Juliette.jacquemont · CC BY-SAPhoto: Juliette.jacquemont, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

The Pantheon stands in the Latin Quarter, on the hill of Sainte-Genevieve. Below is a burial vault: Victor Hugo, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Emile Zola, and Pierre and Marie Curie are buried here.

The climb begins inside the building. You enter the hall and make your way up a narrow spiral staircase, then a steep set of stairs to the dome. From there you can see the Luxembourg Palace, the Seine, the Church of Saint-Sulpice, and the domes of the Sorbonne.

Notre-Dame Cathedral and Sacre-Coeur are best viewed from here. Check tickets and opening hours on the official Pantheon website.

• The catch: a narrow spiral staircase leads to the dome, and the climb takes longer than you'd expect.
• Tickets: you can get Pantheon tickets on Tiqets in advance.

6. Institut du Monde Arabe

© Gerd Eichmann · CC BY-SAPhoto: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The Institut du Monde Arabe opened in 1987 as a joint project between France and twenty-two Middle Eastern countries (according to the official website). The institute focuses on research and cultural exchange, but travelers come here for the ninth-floor terrace.

Access to the terrace is free, which is rare: a view over the city center without a ticket. From here you'll see Notre-Dame, the Seine, Île Saint-Louis, the Marais district, and the Eiffel Tower in the distance.

The rooftop restaurant Le Zyriab by Noura serves Moroccan and Lebanese cuisine. Book a table an hour before sunset so the panorama and dinner coincide.

• Who it's for: if you want a free view of the historic center and the Seine.
• Good to know: the terrace is open during the institute's opening hours; check the schedule on the institute's page.

7. Montmartre

© John Martinez Pavliga from San Pablo, USA · CC BYPhoto: John Martinez Pavliga from San Pablo, USA, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Montmartre is the highest natural point in Paris, a hill with steep streets and staircases. Van Gogh, Picasso, Renoir, and Modigliani lived and worked here, which is why the neighborhood still holds its bohemian reputation.

The hill offers views over the north and the city center; on clear days the horizon stretches far beyond the outskirts. Walk up from the metro, through streets with a vineyard and artists' studios.

There are plenty of cafes at the bottom and on the slopes, but the view itself is free and open around the clock. You can come at dawn or after sunset, when the tour groups have already left.

• The catch: the area around the basilica and the staircases gets crowded in summer; early morning is quieter.
• Tours: Montmartre tour on GetYourGuide with a guide through the backstreets.

8. Sacré-Cœur Basilica

© Chabe01 · CC BY-SAPhoto: Chabe01, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Sacré-Cœur crowns Montmartre, the highest natural point in Paris.

The viewing platform is on the dome, and access is paid. From there you can see the old quarters with their narrow streets, the modern avenues in the north of the city, and the city outskirts on the horizon.

For tickets and opening hours, check the basilica's official website. Entry to the basilica itself is free; you only pay for the dome.

• The catch: climbing the dome costs extra, but the panorama is almost as good as from the tower.

9. Palais de Chaillot

Palais de Chaillot sits on a rise on the right bank of the Seine, facing the Eiffel Tower. It was built for the World's Fair, and today it is the best free spot to see the tower in its entirety.

The viewing area is the terrace between the two pavilions. Behind it begins the Trocadéro Gardens with their long staircases and fountains, and to the right you can see the Champ de Mars.

The panorama looks best in the evening: the tower lights up, and sightseeing boats pass along the Seine. Arrive half an hour before sunset to grab a spot by the parapet.

• Who it's for: if you want to photograph the Eiffel Tower in full and without a ticket.
• The catch: on clear evenings there are a lot of people by the parapet; in the morning it's empty.

10. Parc André Citroën

© Guilhem Vellut from Paris, France · CC BYPhoto: Guilhem Vellut from Paris, France, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Parc André Citroën is laid out on the left bank of the Seine, on the site of a former car factory. The landscape here is futuristic: terraces, garden mazes, and plants set among concrete.

In the upper part of the park stand two greenhouses with exotic plants, and between them is a square with fountains. Beyond that begin the themed gardens: the White Garden, the Black Garden, the Garden of Metamorphoses, and the Garden of Movement.

The viewing experience here is unusual. A tethered balloon lifts you up, and above the park you find yourself with almost no one around: only a small group fits on board.

• The catch: flights depend on the weather; in strong winds the balloon does not operate.

11. Tour Saint-Jacques

© Jorge Láscar from Melbourne, Australia · CC BYPhoto: Jorge Láscar from Melbourne, Australia, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Tour Saint-Jacques was once the bell tower of the Gothic church of Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie, but the tower is all that remains of it. The tower was built between 1509 and 1523 and survived both destruction and a long restoration.

The physicist and mathematician Blaise Pascal worked here. After many years of closure, the tower has reopened to visitors.

From the upper level you can see Île de la Cité, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Seine, and the Latin Quarter. If you are walking along Rue de Rivoli, stop by the tower; it stands right next to it.

• Who it's for: if you want to see a panorama of the center without long lines.

12. Théâtre des Champs-Élysées

© Jean-Pierre Dalbéra · CC BYPhoto: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Théâtre des Champs-Élysées is not on the Champs-Élysées but on Avenue Montaigne. The building is considered one of the most beautiful in Paris, and its stage has hosted the finest orchestras, singers, and ballerinas.

People come here not only for performances. On the theater's roof is the restaurant Maison Blanche with panoramic glazing and a terrace on the second level, and both levels offer views of the city.

From the dining room and the terrace you will see the Eiffel Tower, the Seine embankments, and Les Invalides. In the evening the lights in the city's windows read better, so dinner here makes sense to schedule late.

• Who it's for: if you want to combine dinner and a panorama in the city center.

13. Parc de Belleville

© Mbzt · CC BYPhoto: Mbzt, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Parc de Belleville sits away from the tourist routes, and that is its main advantage. Here you will find quiet, greenery, terraces, and waterfalls, including the longest cascade in the city.

The park is home to the Maison de l'Air museum, and the paths are walked by locals rather than tour groups. In summer the flower beds bloom, and quiet benches hide on the slopes.

The park's hill is one of the highest points in Paris, so the panorama from here is wide. You can see the whole city, and no one blocks your view.

• The catch: from the center you have to take the metro to the park; there is no quick route.

14. Le W Rooftop Restaurant at the Warwick

© Yann Caradec from Paris, France · CC BY-SAPhoto: Yann Caradec from Paris, France, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Le W restaurant operates on the top floor of the Warwick Champs-Élysées hotel. From the terrace you get the Champs-Élysées and the Eiffel Tower at the same time, a rare combination: near the tower you usually see only the tower itself.

The cuisine and service here are top-notch, so book a sunset table in advance. Dinner and the panorama come on one bill.

• Who it's for: if you want dinner with a view of the Eiffel Tower and the city's main avenue.
• Not for: if you are looking for an inexpensive dinner option.
• Hotel: you can compare rooms at the Warwick Paris on Trip.com before your trip.

15. L'Oiseau Blanc Restaurant

© PPR 19 · CC BY-SAPhoto: PPR 19, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

L'Oiseau Blanc is named after the aircraft in which Charles Nungesser and François Coli attempted to cross the Atlantic. The pilots went missing, and the name "White Bird" went down in aviation history.

The interior carries the theme: panoramic windows echo the aircraft's outline, and the decor includes aviation details. The cuisine is French, and the menu changes daily.

In the evening, you can see the Eiffel Tower's illumination from here, and the city in warm lights looks calmer. If you want to combine dinner with the tower's evening show, book a table in advance.

• Who it's for: if you're interested in high-level cuisine and the aviation theme in the interior.
• Not for: if you want a simple dinner without formalities.
• Hotel: the restaurant operates on the rooftop of Peninsula Paris, check rooms on Trip.com in advance.

Tickets and opening hours: what to check in advance

Viewing platform schedules change by season, and that's the main source of surprises. In summer, sites stay open longer; in winter, they close earlier, and some platforms have a day off.

Prices also depend on the season: at the Arc de Triomphe, the difference between summer and winter reaches several euros (as of 09/2026, official website).

Check three things before buying: whether the site is closed for renovation work (as happened with the Centre Pompidou), whether the platform has a day off, and whether tickets are sold in time slots.

If you don't want to cross-check schedules across a dozen websites, start with two pages: Eiffel Tower fares and Montparnasse Tower tickets. They also list opening hours for the current season.

Paris viewing platforms on a map

We've put all fifteen spots on one map. Open it on your phone and build a route as you walk: distances between platforms in the center are short.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Which Paris viewing platforms are free?

You can go up to the terrace of the Institut du Monde Arabe on the ninth floor and to the hill in Parc de Belleville for free. A full view of the Eiffel Tower is open from the Palais de Chaillot esplanade and from Trocadéro Gardens, where no ticket is needed at all. These spots don't replace the towers, but they give you a good view without spending anything.

How much does it cost to go up the Eiffel Tower?

Going up to the top by elevator costs €36.70 (as of 09/2026, tickets to the top). A ticket to the second level is cheaper, and the walking part of the route via the stairs lowers the price even further. Buy online: the line at the tower's ticket offices is longer than the one on the viewing platform itself.

What is currently closed to visitors in Paris?

The Centre Pompidou has been closed for renovation since autumn 2025 and will reopen only in 2030 (as of 09/2026, center's website). Its viewing platform and the Georges restaurant are unavailable. The other platforms on the list are operating, but you should check the schedule before your trip.

Where is the best view of the Eiffel Tower itself?

You can see the tower in full from the Palais de Chaillot esplanade and from Trocadéro Gardens: these are free spots where people come at sunset. The second option is the Montparnasse Tower terrace, where the tower stands directly ahead and there's no urban development in the frame.

How much time should you allow for one viewing platform?

A platform with an ascent takes an hour or an hour and a half: part of the time is eaten up by security screening, the elevator, and the exit line. If you're going to a rooftop restaurant, add the same amount again. In one day, it's realistic to cover two or three spots; after that, the city blends into one panorama.

In short: what's worth booking

You can't cover fifteen viewpoints in one trip, so choose based on your goal.

• If you want a view of the Eiffel Tower itself: go with the free Palais de Chaillot and a ticket to the Montparnasse terrace.

• If you want to see the whole city: a ticket to the top of the Eiffel Tower and the Sacré-Cœur dome in the evening.

• If you like quiet: Belleville Park during the day and the streets of Montmartre at dawn.

• If you're after impressions and food: rooms at Warwick Paris and dinner on the hotel rooftop.

Book your first ascent in advance, and leave the other viewpoints for on the spot: that way you can adjust your route to the weather and your energy level.