There’s no doubt that beautiful, fashionable, romantic Paris is among the most photogenic cities in the entire world–and in today’s modern age, that means that there’s no shortage of Instagrammable places in Paris!
Whether you’re hunting down photo spots in Paris to snap perfect angles for Instagram (or for TikTok, as the case may be), or simply want to use this list as a bit of a scavenger hunt to help you find some photogenic places in Paris you might have otherwise missed, these Paris photography spots have you covered.
And don’t worry: with a list this long, maps are a requirement!
We’ve included a map of all these Paris Instagram spots at the bottom of this post, so you’ll easily be able to find them.
From iconic highlights like the Arc de Triomphe and the streets of Montmartre to offbeat options you may not have heard of, here are the most Instagrammable places to take pictures in Paris!
Table of Contents
Most Instagrammable Places in Paris
Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Stunning Sacré-Cœur stands tall over Montmartre and is among the most popular Instagram spots in Paris–and luckily, it’s pretty from just about any angle, inside and out.
Keeping Sacré-Cœur at your back while standing in front of it is an incredible view of its own: the view of Paris from the steps of Sacré-Cœur is absolutely sublime.
Want an even better view?
Climb to the top of the basilica for a similar view… that also features the architectural details of the basilica and the Eiffel Tower.
It’s one of our absolute favorite views in Paris!
(And you’ll notice that views of Sacré-Cœur itself feature in a lot more of these photography locations in Paris–it may be a close second to the Eiffel in number of times featured).
Square Louise-Michel + the Carrousel de Saint-Pierre
Exactly 222 steps below Sacré-Cœur, in the picturesque Square Louise-Michel, sits the beautiful Carrousel de Saint-Pierre.
If you look up from there, you’ll be able to capture both the colorful carousel and the stately basilica in one beautiful shot!
Sinking House Optical Illusion Near Sacré-Cœur
As you climb down the hill in front of Sacré-Cœur toward Square Louise-Michel, look to the right.
Here you’ll see a brick building jutting out from the green hill.
A twist of the camera gives this popular optical illusion: the sinking house of Montmartre!
Rue du Chevalier de la Barre
This pretty street in Montmartre is full of souvenir shops and small restaurants–but it dead-ends into Sacré-Cœur, which makes it incredibly photogenic!
We love the view at all times of day, but it’s particularly gorgeous at night:
Square Marcel Bleustein Blanchet
If you start circling Sacré-Coeur after enjoying views from the front, you’ll eventually come to the lovely Square Marcel Bleustein Blanchet, which is home to one of the loveliest views of the basilica!
This small park is located behind Sacré-Coeur, and thanks in large part to its location, is a delightfully uncrowded hidden gem in Montmartre.
From here, you can take a deep breath and enjoy gorgeous views without fighting for space or asking touts to leave you alone.
La Maison Rose
This pretty, pink building nestled in Montmartre is among the most #instagramfamous places in Paris, but it has been famous for far longer!
Picasso himself used to frequent this cafe, along with many other writers and artists.
Rue de l’Abreuvoir
La Maison Rose may be one of the most popular photo spots in Paris, but honestly, I prefer the street that is right next door!
Walk down Rue de l’Abreuvoir after snapping your shots of La Maison Rose, and you’ll be rewarded with a picture-perfect view of Montmartre’s rooftops–complete with a small peek of the domes of Sacré-Coeur.
Galeries Lafayette
The famous (and gigantic) Galeries Lafayette department store is well worth photographing in Paris, especially in these two spots:
Interior Dome of Galeries Lafayette
The interior of the Galeries Lafayette dome (the cosmetics department is located on the ground floor underneath it if you’re having trouble locating it) is absolutely stunning, but never more so than at Christmas, when the decor is truly magnificent.
There’s also a skybridge open that will allow you to walk out into the center of the dome for even better views.
I’ll be honest, it tested my fear of heights a bit, but the photos are lovely!
Rooftop View From Galeries Lafayette
The rooftop of the Galeries Lafayette is easily one of the most Instagrammable places in Paris, offering gorgeous views of the city.
Most notably, the Palais Garnier is right in front of the view, and the Eiffel Tower is clearly visible to one side.
The rooftop is free to visit–another point in its favor–though there is a cafe if you’d like to grab a cup of coffee while there.
Notre Dame
There may be no better place to take pictures in Paris than Notre Dame–and it’s finally reopened! (Towers included, as of September 2025).
Some of the best views of Notre Dame’s exterior are from the Pont de l’Archevêché, from across the Seine, and, of course, from the square in front of the cathedral.
You’ll also find the “Point Zero” marking the geographic center of Paris here!
The interior is also gorgeous, but for the absolute best Paris photo spot in or around Notre Dame, head to the top.
There’s nothing like views of the Paris skyline with Notre Dame’s iconic gargoyles in the foreground!
Trocadero
Obviously, any guide to the most Instagrammable locations in Paris has to include the beautiful Trocadero!
This iconic spot overlooks the Eiffel Tower and is among the most famous photography locations on the planet!
Everyone photographs the balcony and staircase when they visit Trocadero–and while both are lovely, be sure to head down to the carousel for a different view of the Eiffel Tower as well.
Shakespeare and Company
This famous English-language bookstore is insanely photogenic–but you’ll have to content yourself with photos of the charming exterior only, because no photos are allowed inside!
The outside of Shakespeare and Company still allows plenty of lovely photo opportunities, though, and the interior is well worth experiencing with your camera put away.
Don’t miss the view of Notre Dame from the second-story window!
Abbey Bookshop
Unlike Shakespeare & Company, the delightful Abbey Bookshop does allow interior photos.
And while it’s worth snapping some, it’s actually the lovely exterior that’s most photogenic here!
Odette Cafe
The gorgeous Odette Cafe is located at the dead-end of a cobblestone street–what more could you ask for when looking for photo spots in Paris?
It’s famous for its choux à la crème (cream puffs), so be sure to duck inside to try some!
Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole
Covered in wisteria in the spring and decorated beautifully for Christmas in the winter, the incredibly photogenic Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole is easily one of the most photogenic cafes in Paris!
For the best shots of Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole, arrive before it opens.
However, since it doesn’t open until 12:00 PM each day, you’ll have plenty of time to reach it in the off-hours when searching for the best photo spots in Paris.
Le Consulat Cafe
Surrounded on either side by winding cobblestone streets and decorated in vibrant color, Le Consulat deserves a place on any list of the most Instagrammable places in Paris.
It’s also an excellent place to rest your feet if you’re worn out from exploring all the cool things to do in Montmartre!
Sainte-Chapelle
Built in the 13th century to house Christian relics, Sainte-Chapelle is (in my totally biased opinion) the prettiest house of worship in Paris and also easily one of the prettiest in the world.
Just look at that stained glass… and then marvel at the fact that it is around 70% original!
Sainte-Chapelle can be competitive to get into, so we recommend booking your ticket in advance.
Rue de l’Université
Lined with beautiful, classically Parisian buildings–think lovely stone and wrought-iron balconies–and dead-ending abruptly into the Eiffel Tower, it’s hard to imagine a more photogenic place in Paris than the end of Rue de l’Université.
The street is quite long, so if you’re looking for the best spot for photos, we recommend putting your directions on for 223 Rue de l’Université, which will put you in roughly the right place.
This has long been one of my favorite places to take pictures in Paris: it’s simply hard to beat!
Avenue Rapp
Wide and gorgeous, Avenue Rapp is an excellent place for photography in Paris–but there are a couple of spots in particular to keep an eye out for.
Don’t miss the beautiful Eiffel Tower views that peek out from side streets as you stroll down Avenue Rapp!
If you want a specific spot to search for, turn off Avenue Rapp onto Rue du General Camou.
Be sure to also seek out 29 Avenue Rapp in particular.
Wild, intricate, and full of symbolism (check out the depictions of Adam and Eve on either corner above the door), 29 Avenue Rapp looks more like it belongs in Barcelona than Paris–and it’s definitely an excellent place for Paris photography!
Palais Garnier (AKA the Paris Opera House)
The Palais Garnier, with its gilded rooms and magnificent architecture, is absolutely among our favorite photo spots in Paris.
Its best angles include its gorgeous staircases and exterior balcony, but one photo spot in the Palais Garnier ranks above all others: the Hall of Mirrors.
Eerily reminiscent of the one at Versailles, the only appropriate word to describe the Hall of Mirrors in the Palais Garnier is opulent.
Like Sainte-Chapelle, the Palais Garnier does sell out, so it’s best to book your timed-entry ticket ahead of time.
For the best photos, consider booking a slot first thing in the morning or right before it closes in the evening (but you’ll need to book well in advance for that!).
Les Bouquinistes
The beautiful book (and Parisian souvenir) sellers set up along the banks of the Seine, especially near Île de la Cité, are easily among the best photography spots in Paris!
Just be cautious and keep an eye out for “no photo” signs, as not all the sellers like their wares to be photographed.
Sleeping Beauty’s Castle at Disneyland Paris
Want to seek out a completely different kind of Paris Instagram photo?
Head to Disneyland Paris for some classic theme park shots, and the chance to photograph what just may be the prettiest Disney park castle of them all!
(Don’t miss the gigantic dragon underneath the castle, either–it’s quite impressive.)
Luxembourg Gardens
Inspired by the also-stunning Boboli Gardens in Florence, there’s no doubt that the Luxembourg Gardens deserve to be counted among the most Instagrammable places in Paris year-round–but summer is when they truly shine.
Don’t miss the Medici fountain while you’re there!
Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe, standing proud in the center of the Champs-Élysées, is absolutely one of the best places in Paris to take pictures.
Some of its best angles include shooting from the center of the Champs-Élysées, from around the edges of the Champs-Élysées, and directly next to and underneath the arch (the details are stunning up close).
Plus, of course, there’s the obvious: the view from the top!
The rooftop is the ultimate IG spot for the Arc de Triomphe, and the view from the top of the arch is incredibly beautiful.
You can book timed-entry tickets to visit the roof of the Arc de Triomphe here, and read our full guide to visiting the arch here.
Rue Cremieux
Want to feel like you’ve been to Notting Hill without leaving Paris?
Head to the charming Rue Cremieux to photograph some of the most colorful houses in Paris!
Colonnes de Buren (Le Deux Plateaux)
The Colonnes de Buren may be one of the most popular Instagram spots in Paris these days, but in the mid-1980s when they were installed, their modern vibe and black-and-white stripes were considered jarring and not at all suitable to their home in the inner courtyard of the Palais Royale.
… Much like the pyramids in front of the Louvre were, and for the matter, the Eiffel Tower itself!
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and time will tell if these will grow to be a classic.
For now, though, they’re a fun stop when you’re sightseeing near the Louvre in Paris.
Metro Signs of Paris
Paris’ metro signs are incredibly iconic, and there’s no shortage of opportunities around the city to photograph them!
This is the entrance to the Abbesses Station, which is one of our favorites, but there are dozens of gorgeous stations to choose from:
Line 6 of the Paris Metro (Between Passy and Bir-Hakeim)
Want to catch views of the Eiffel Tower from a moving train?
If so, head to Line 6 of the Paris metro, traveling toward Nation.
You’ll soon find yourself crossing the Seine, with picture-perfect, blink-and-you’ll-miss it views of the Eiffel Tower!
I’ve been lucky enough to experience this on a beautiful day, but wasn’t fast enough to photograph it–have your camera ready if you want photos!
Here’s what the view is like from a bit further away (that’s the Bir-Hakeim Bridge in the photo).
Ibex73, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Moulin Rouge
Touristy, colorful, and easily recognizable: there’s nowhere quite like the famous Moulin Rouge windmill!
Located in Pigalle, close to Montmartre, it’s easy to snap a photo of the front while in Paris.
Montparnasse Tower
Tall and imposing, Montparnasse Tower itself often considered the ugliest building in the city (and I can’t say I’m inclined to argue).
… But the view from the top features one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower in Paris!
Plus, as a bonus, your skyline photos from the Montparnasse Tower don’t, you know, actually feature the Montparnasse Tower.
You can book timed-entry tickets here, and read our full guide to visiting Montparnasse Tower here!
The Banks and Bridges of the Seine
Strolling along the Banks of the Seine and across its many bridges provides ample opportunity for photography in Paris!
If you want some tried-and-true spots, try the views from the Pont des Arts or Pont Alexander III!
And, of course, from some of the absolute best views of Paris from the Seine, you can get beyond the banks and enjoy a Seine river cruise (we loved ours).
Louvre Pyramids
The sparkling glass pyramids of the Louvre are iconic!
(Though some Parisians still aren’t fond of that idea–as I mentioned above, they weren’t exactly popular when they were installed in the 1980s).
Don’t miss a chance to snap photos here, and arrive early (or late) if you can!
Not only are the pyramids among the most popular photo spots in Paris, but the large pyramid also serves as the entrance the Louvre, so it’s constantly crowded when the museum is open.
Musée d’Orsay
Built into what used to be the Gare d’Orsay train station, the art in the Musée d’Orsay is truly phenomenal… and the building is pretty amazing too.
If you want to see some of the prettiest places to take photos in Paris, head to the balconies overlooking the entirety of the central alcove of the museum (they’re easy to find), and the famous clocks!
Located on the 5th floor of the museum, the Musée d’Orsay clocks are one of the most well-known photo spots in Paris.
Don’t forget to peek through the clocks and admire their capabilities as windows, too! You can see Sacré-Coeur, the Seine, and plenty more from the clocks.
Like most of the top attractions in Paris, you’ll need timed-entry tickets here, so be sure to plan ahead!
Rue Cler Market
It may be a bit touristy… but it’s also gorgeous!
If you want a chance to photograph all kinds of fresh food for sale in Paris, head to the gorgeous Rue Cler Market.
For a less-famous alternative, head to Rue des Martyrs!
Doors of the Petit Palais
The golden doors of the Petit Palais are definitely one of the most Instagrammable places in Paris!
To snap photos of them closed (and therefore at their most photogenic), be sure to arrive before the museum opens at 10:00 AM or on a Monday, when it’s closed all day.
On the other hand, the interior of the building contains a gorgeous art museum that is completely free to visit, so if you stop by during business hours, you’ll have a chance to enjoy the museum!
Hôtel de Ville
Intricately beautiful and centrally located, the exterior of the Hôtel de Ville makes the perfect backdrop when looking for beautiful photography spots in Paris!
However, don’t be fooled by the name–the Hôtel de Ville isn’t somewhere you can check into for a good night’s rest.
It’s actually the city administration building of Paris!
Looking for the carousel that once lived here? It’s still around, but no longer 365 days a year. Instead, you’ll find it set out for special events.
It’s reliably around for the Christmas market that’s held in front of Hôtel de Ville each year!
Au Canon des Invalides Brasserie (Rue Saint-Dominique)
You can never have too many Eiffel Tower views when looking for the most Instagrammable places in Paris!
The exterior of Au Canon des Invalides Brasserie is another great one.
Corner of Avenue Silvestre de Sacy & Avenue Élisée-Reclus
We happened upon this corner accidentally when strolling near the Eiffel Tower, but it is too insanely photogenic not to mention!
Just look at those (uncrowded, at least when we visited) Eiffel Tower views:
Tips for Taking Pictures in Paris
Be respectful.
I always feel like it’s a bit of overkill to include these sections on photo guides to different cities… but I’ve seen plenty of misbehaving photographers when traveling, and ultimately, we can all always use a reminder to play nice.
Paris is very, very used to photographers and being photographed, but being respectful when snapping away is still extremely important.
Always keep in mind respect for the city, its citizens, and its other visitors when photographing the most Instagrammable places in Paris.
Don’t climb on or touch anything (buildings, balconies, you name it) that should not be climbed on or touched.
Be sure not to trespass (the homeowners on Rue Cremieux have had issues with this).
Show respect for your fellow visitors and photographers, too–be polite, and don’t hog spots if you see other people waiting.
In other words, just be a reasonable person. It’s not that hard, and we’ll all be better off for it.
Get acquainted with the metro.
Paris is an enormous city, and it goes without saying that many of these Paris Instagram spots are not located anywhere near each other, though some do come in clusters (those in Montmartre, those near the Eiffel Tower, those on and near Île de la Cité, etc).
The metro is the easiest way to get around Paris, and will be a huge help in finding many of these places!
To use the metro, you’ll want to purchase a Navigo Easy Pass at a metro station or download the RAPT app to buy (and validate) tickets on your phone.
You can get details on setting up the pass and/or your phone here.
Be prepared to get up early.
Especially at the more popular spots, being early will pay off in a big way.
Not only will you be able to photograph Paris without the crowds, but the light will be more likely to work in your favor!
We recommend getting up at sunrise to visit some of these Paris photo spots at least once!
Don’t be afraid to get creative.
Paris is ridiculously photogenic, and no list of photo spots in Paris could hope to encompass all the excellent places to snap photos here.
While some spots (looking at you, Trocadero) can get crowded, it’s incredibly easy to find unique angles to enjoy both Paris’ famous and less famous landmarks.
Half the fun of photographing Paris is the excuse to explore so much of it, and many of my favorite photos from Paris are of places and things we just happened across along the way.
Paris is a fun place to photograph with props (and they make great souvenirs).
Cheesy? Yes. But also fun!
Berets, baguettes, macarons, peonies–if you like to mix things up by including props in your photos, Paris is the perfect place to enjoy a dash of whimsy.
Plus, many things that make fun props also make for excellent Paris souvenirs (and/or snacks).
Map of the Best Photo Spots in Paris
Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.
So glad I found your site!! We had a European trip set for this year that sadly we had to cancel. Paris was on the itinerary and I am actually finding a few things to add to the trip!!!
Fingers crossed you can reschedule soon! 🙂