When is the Best Time to Photograph the Eiffel Tower?

There’s a reason why La Dame de Fer is one of the most photographed landmarks in the world.

Adorned with its majestic lights and elegant form, it embodies the finest qualities of the city of love, and inspires awe in visitors from around the world.

Still, if you’re planning a photo session with the Eiffel Tower, you’d best come prepared.

The unceasing throngs of crowds, the weather, the lighting, the spots—there are many challenges you have to overcome to get the best snaps.

When is the best time to photograph the Eiffel Tower?

We get that question a lot.

So, here’s a quick yet comprehensive time and location guide to help you capture the most wondrous photographs of the Iron Lady.

The Best Times to Capture the Eiffel Tower

Did you know that the Eiffel Tower attracts over 25,000 tourists every day? While that’s certainly a fascinating tidbit, it poses considerable difficulties for a photographer.

Still, the number of tourists largely depends on the time of day, the weather, and the season, so you can certainly sneak in a few jaw-droppingly stunning images of La Dame de Fer.

Sunrise

If you want to avoid the crowd, sunrise is the best time to schedule your photography session with the Eiffel Tower.

Many visitors, couples, and photographers do this to get beautiful snaps of the Iron Lady without moving people in the background.

There are plenty of perks to shooting during sunrise. Lighting, for instance, will be fantastic, offering the best chances for capturing the mesmerizing Parisian landscape. We call this moment of pure lighting heaven the golden hour.

Just picture the majestic landmark bathed in the golden radiance of morning light, creating a magical atmosphere for your snaps. The serene ambiance of the usually bustling avenues also ensures an uninterrupted and intimate session.

The time for sunrise will depend on the season. While the Parisian skylines usually wake by 5 AM, the winter season can push it back as late as 9 AM.

You can check out timeanddate.com for an accurate forecast.

Morning

If you happen to miss the mark for sunrise, don’t worry. You’ll have plenty of time to slip in a few gorgeous captures before the crowd pours into the streets.

Busy times around the Eiffel Tower usually begin at 9 AM. And even after that, there will be plenty of areas where the crowds don’t frequent.

The Eiffel Tower Gardens, for one, is a fantastic spot for morning photography. This way, you get up close with La Dame de Fer, with great lush backdrops of historically gorgeous flora and structure.

Mid-morning will be a great time for general photography as well. However, with the sun already high, you might notice more vivid shadows ruining your shots.

These hitches will worsen throughout the day, so you’d best plan your photoshoot 1 to 2 hours after sunrise. By mid-day, the sunlight and shadows will only turn harsher with the sun directly overhead.

Night

Paris is simply magical at night. The Haussmann architecture, the labyrinthian corridors of streets, and the dazzling city lights enveloping the entire city offer a unique charm perfect for night photography.

Most photographers begin their night sessions by 5 PM when the sun starts sinking low on the horizon during winter. In summer, when daytime is at its longest, sunset typically happens around 9 PM.

• More: Guide to Stunning Night Photography in Paris

Season

One of the reasons the Eiffel Tower is a favorite among photographers is it looks stunning regardless of the season.

Paris in springtime, for instance, has amazing lighting. The soft, diffused sunlight casts a flattering glow on your subjects, making your snaps appear ethereal.

The cherry blossom trees and flora surrounding La Dame de Fer will also be in full bloom, adding a touch of gorgeous pink to your shots.

Bathed in shades of lovely gray, Paris in winter is a magnificent sight to behold, both in camera and the naked eye.

Blanketed in ivory-white snow sheets, the streets of the city of love will lend stunning visuals to your snaps. Moreover, winter light will be softer, lending a calm and serene atmosphere.

Most importantly, you get the entire city for yourself, with fewer tourists scampering around.

Of course, summer and autumn are just as great for photographing the Eiffel Tower. Autumn, for one, transforms the Parisian landscape into a stunning canvas of warm colors.

The sunlight can turn too harsh for photography during summer, though. But you can always get around that by scheduling your shoots in the early morning or at dusk for softer lighting.

Best Spots to Take Photos of the Eiffel Tower

Now that you know the best times for capturing images of the Eiffel Tower, we’d be remiss not to let you in on the prime locations with the best views for your Paris snaps.

Place du Trocadero

This elevated, open space across the Seine River is one of the most popular spots, if not the most popular, to capture photos with stunning views of the Iron Lady.

Place du Trocadero’s gorgeous marble floor, life-like statues, and lush gardens provide plenty of opportunities for the most creative shots. Angle your camera right and you can appear as tall as the tower itself!

• More: Quirky, Lesser-Known Places to Photograph in Paris

Rue de l’Université

Running beside Champ de Mars is a street renowned for its superb angle of the Eiffel Tower. From here, you can snap breathtaking street photos of the Iron Lady, while flaunting the awe-inspiring Parisian architecture and flora.

Bir Hakeim Bridge

Follow the Seine River and you can stumble upon another must-visit spot for anyone looking to capture the beauty of the Eiffel Tower: Bir Hakeim Bridge. Constructed in 1905, the old pedestrian lane offers a wonderful vista to aim your camera.

Besides the Seine River, Bir Hakeim Bridge has the best view of La Dame de Fer during sunrise, placing the sun directly behind the tower.

• More: Eiffel Tower Smartphone Tricks for Insta-Worthy Shots

Final Thoughts

Planning is crucial to make the most lasting memories in the city of love. If you want to capture La Dame de Fer at its best angles, you want to time your snaps as best as you can, when the crowd is sparse and the lighting is perfect.

So, be sure to remember the tips we talked about here. It might take a little patience, but capturing the Eiffel Tower in all its magnificence will be worth it!