Last Updated on October 21, 2025 by Maika Cotton | Published: May 21, 2020
You don’t have to look hard for something beautiful in Paris, but you must look a bit harder for that perfect Instagram shot. Part of traveling to a new destination means making sure you record your most amazing experiences. After all, you want to share them with friends, family, and your followers! For some, Paris offers a once-in-a-lifetime trip, while others may only live it through your photos. Make them beautiful, make them count, and watch that engagement number grow!
If you’re searching for the best Paris travel tips or planning your Paris itinerary, you have landed in the right place. Need some help getting started? Here are our top Instagrammable spots in Paris—both the iconic, can’t-miss shots and the photo ops only locals know. Whether you visit for the first time or chase new Paris photography opportunities, these locations belong on your ultimate Paris sightseeing adventure.
The Eiffel Tower
No one visits Paris without capturing the classic shot of the Eiffel Tower. You can find amazing views just next to the Trocadero metro station. However, if that spot feels too crowded for your liking, approach the famous tower from the back. Get off the metro at École Militaire and walk through the gardens. You earn bonus points if you manage to get that clear blue sky and the cherry trees in bloom. This location remains a must for anyone curating a Paris itinerary or searching for those classic Paris Instagram spots.
Did you really go to Paris if you didn’t get a shot of the Eiffel Tower?
Paris’ doors
Paris’ huge doors stand out as totally iconic. Pick a door—any door—for that understated but quintessentially Parisian image. If you enjoy Paris photography, these doors provide a creative way to capture the city’s unique charm.
Of course, not all doors look the same, and our favorites lie in le Marais. It’s a picturesque door paradise: carved wooden inlays, jeweled colors, and stone-sculpted faces guard each porte. We also love sneaking a peek into the interior courtyards.
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Discover doors with intricate historic details
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Find colorful facades perfect for vibrant photos
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Capture secret glimpses into beautiful courtyards
If you never thought doors could be beautiful, you haven’t been to Paris. Photo credit: Dale Cruse
Palais-Royal
Palais-Royal once housed some of the city’s top up-and-coming shops, artist studios, and writers’ lodgings, but now offers a calm sanctuary away from some of the capital’s busiest streets. Located a stone’s throw from the Louvre, tiled floors and stone arcades surround beautifully kept formal gardens, complete with square-topped trees and chic flower displays. The sculpture by celebrated French artist Daniel Buren provides a perfect photo op, as does the uber-trendy Café Kitsuné, nestled in the northwest corner of the gardens. Seek out the perfect flat white in a setting made for Instagram.
Whether you seek Paris travel tips or unique Paris Instagram spots, you should include the Palais-Royal in your Paris itinerary.
The breathtaking exterior of the Palais-Royal. Photo credit: soomness
Covered passageways
The passages couverts served as the shopping arcades of old Paris, and a bylaw still decrees they must house only small or boutique businesses. You’ll find some of the best boutique shopping in the Passage du Grand Cerf or Galerie Vero Dodat, while Galerie Vivienne and Passage des Panoramas both offer great places to eat and drink.
Each passage boasts its own distinctive character. We especially love the mosaiced floor and round cupola of Galerie Vivienne, and the glass ceilings and old-fashioned signs of Passage Jouffroy. Because each one appears as photogenic as the last, you really can’t go wrong exploring the passageways. So, if you’re mapping out your Paris itinerary or seeking authentic Paris travel tips, don’t miss these hidden gems ideal for Paris photography and sightseeing.
READ MORE: Hidden Paris: Passageways
The attention to detail in the Galerie Vivienne is nothing short of breathtaking. Photo credit: Joe deSousa
Galeries Lafayette
Shoppers at Galeries Lafayette have admired its ornamental glass dome for more than 100 years. This perfect example of art deco in Paris shines over seven levels of shoppers. Edith Piàf once gave a concert from the seventh floor, but that’s not the only reason we love the top of the building. On the quiet top floor, you also enjoy amazing rooftop views of the Eiffel Tower.
For those in search of Paris sightseeing highlights, or a unique spot for Paris photography, Galeries Lafayette offers both a shopping fix and a stunning Paris Instagram spot.
If there’s a more visually stunning shopping center than the Galeries Lafayette, we’d like to see it. Photo credit: Olivier Bruchez
Sing it from the rooftops
The Parisian rooftop shot never loses its charm. If you can’t rent an Airbnb with a rooftop view, make your way to Le Perchoir, a trendy rooftop cocktail bar in the east of the city. It provides a great view over the pointed patchwork of city roofs to the majestic Sacre Coeur on the hill of Montmartre. Their second address, Le Perchoir Marais offers amazing views of Hôtel de Ville (city hall) and the same great cocktail menu.
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Enjoy panoramic views of Paris’ rooftops and landmarks
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Sip on expertly crafted cocktails in a chic setting
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Snap photos of the sunset over Montmartre
If you want Paris travel tips for the best views or wish to spice up your Paris photography collection, you must add these rooftops to your Paris sightseeing list.
The stunning view from Le Perchoir to Montmartre. Photo credit: Sam Nabi
Best bistro shot
Paris offers a lot of choices when it comes to that perfectly photogenic bistro. If you want cute cracked floor tiles and Formica, head to Café du Coin. Located in Paris’ trendy 11th arrondissement, it also serves as a natural wine lover’s paradise and general cool kid hangout.
But maybe you seek the prettiest façade? In that case, check out Au Vieux Paris on the Île Saint Louis. Built in 1512 and classified as a historic monument by the City of Paris, the trailing wisteria and ancient sign add to the village feel of this tiny backstreet.
If you want a classic interior, visit Aux Lyonnais. Open since 1890, it hosted scenes from “Midnight in Paris,” and now belongs to France’s most famous, most decorated chef Alain Ducasse. Not only does the decor look amazing, but the food will blow your mind too.
When planning your Paris itinerary, you should visit these bistros for a meal and for authentic Paris photography.
Haussman’s playground
Paris stands out for its Haussmannian architecture, and you can discover amazing monuments that capture the architect’s 19th-century vision of the perfect city. Of course, you must visit the Opéra Garnier and the Arc de Triomphe, but the Haussmann-style apartment buildings truly feel the most quintessentially Parisian. Take a walk around any arrondissement and you will find impressive buildings, but some of our favorites can be found on rue Benjamin Franklin 75016 (near the Trocadero), rue Lagrange 75005 (near Notre Dame), or at the Bastille.
For those looking for Paris travel tips, a stroll through these neighborhoods delivers top-tier Paris sightseeing and endless inspiration for Paris photography.
Paris’ characteristic architecture is even prettier in person. Photo credit: Sheila Sund
Pont Alexandre III
The Seine river, winding through the French capital, provides the setting for some of the most iconic Parisian shots. Bridges let you capture the perfect portrait, and our favorite is Pont Alexandre III, complete with double lanterns and gold leafing. Framed on either side of the river by the Grand Palais and Hôtel Invalides, this bridge stands out as the most opulent of all the Parisian bridges.
If your Paris itinerary includes Paris sightseeing by the river, you must not miss this gorgeous spot for your Paris photography collection.
Never thought a bridge could be so photogenic? We’d like to introduce you to Pont Alexandre III. Photo credit: Pierre Blaché
Louvre Pyramid
You will find yourself among many lining up to stand on the square posts and pose with the iconic Louvre pyramid, but for good reason. Modern architecture meets an 18th-century palace here, and the contemporary entrance to antique palatial collections never disappoints. Everyone loves it when the tip of the pyramid and the tip of your finger line up for that well-known shot. It’s a classic that will never get old.
No Paris sightseeing mission or Paris itinerary is complete without this classic shot—whether you consider yourself a casual tourist or a Paris photography fan.
FAQ: Paris Travel Tips, Instagram Spots & More
What are the best Paris Instagram spots for first-time visitors?
For first-timers, must-see Instagram spots in Paris include the Eiffel Tower from Trocadero, the Louvre Pyramid, Pont Alexandre III, and the covered passageways like Galerie Vivienne. These make perfect stops for both Paris sightseeing and capturing memorable Paris photography.
How can I plan my Paris itinerary to include both famous and hidden Instagrammable spots?
The best Paris itinerary mixes icons like the Eiffel Tower, Galeries Lafayette, and the Louvre with local favorites such as Le Marais doors, Palais-Royal, and the passageways. Start with Paris travel tips from locals or travel blogs to find a balance of crowd-pleasers and hidden gems.
What’s the best time of day for Paris photography at these locations?
Early morning or late afternoon works best for most Paris Instagram spots. The light feels soft, crowds remain smaller, and you get that magical golden-hour glow—essential for standout Paris photography.
