Planning a trip to Paris comes with one of the best dilemmas: should you start your adventure by heading sky-high at the Eiffel Tower or surveying the city from the Arc de Triomphe? Both offer legendary views, heaps of history, and unforgettable ways to soak up the Parisian vibe. In this guide, we’ll compare everything from family fun and foodie hotspots to how to snap the perfect photo—so all you have to do is pick your favourite and let Paris work its magic.
The lowdown
Eiffel Tower
- Paris’s tallest structure at 330 meters (with multiple viewing platforms).
- Built in 1889 for the World’s Fair—originally meant to be temporary!
- Three viewing levels with panoramic city views (the top platform puts he whole city at your feet).
- Take the lift or climb 674 steps to the second level for a serious leg workout.
- Glass floor and open-air walkways—dizzying but exhilarating!
- Two restaurants, a champagne bar, and countless photo opportunities.
- Lit up at night with a sparkling light show every hour after sunset.
Arc de Triomphe
- Stands proudly at the top of the Champs-Élysées.
- Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to honour French armies.
- 284 steps up to the rooftop terrace for amazing views of the Eiffel Tower and Paris’s boulevards.
- Home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and a daily torch-lighting ceremony.
- Gorgeous sculpted friezes and grand arches—so much history to discover.
- Central location that’s walkable from other must-see Paris spots.
- Less crowded than the Eiffel Tower and still offers top-notch panoramas.
Sounds fab, tell me more...
Sounds fab, tell me more...
The Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe pack plenty of wow factor into your Paris trip. The Eiffel Tower rises from the Champs de Mars like a giant iron exclamation mark, instantly recognizable and equipped to deliver maximum thrills from its glass floors and open-air observation decks. Whether you take the lift or get the thighs burning on the stairs, every level serves up something new—restaurants with city views, fun exhibits and a classic Parisian buzz. On a clear day (or a sparkling night), you can spot everything from Montmartre’s Sacré-Cœur to the meandering River Seine.
Over at the Arc de Triomphe, things feel a touch more regal with wide stone steps taking you up past intricate sculpted panels and heroic statues. Once on the roof, the city’s famous avenues fan out around you, with the Eiffel Tower shimmering on the skyline. It’s a history lover’s dream, packed with tales of France’s past, and the daily flame rekindling at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier keeps things feeling personal and meaningful.
Each attraction delivers in its own way—whether you’re craving all-action vertical adventure or sweeping city views with a side of French history.
Which is most impressive?
If we’re talking showstoppers, the Eiffel Tower steals the spotlight. There’s something about seeing that intricate lattice structure up close, then rising up through its framework to views that stretch for miles. Add in the engineering brilliance, the feeling of being at the very top of Paris, and a glittery night-time light display, and it’s quite simply a whole experience in itself. While we love the Arc de Triomphe for its history and setting, the Eiffel Tower is pure Parisian magic from top to bottom.
And which is more fun?
For pure playful energy, we’d say the Eiffel Tower. From the climb itself (stairs fans, unite!) to interactive touch screens, glass floors to challenge your nerves, and the simple joy of ordering a glass of bubbly on the top deck—there’s always something going on. If you’re travelling with little ones or just want sheer excitement, the Tower’s combination of adventure, learning and theater is tough to top. The Arc de Triomphe serves up a quieter, more contemplative vibe, perfect for history and architecture buffs.
Which is more beautiful?
The Arc de Triomphe takes the prize for classic Parisian beauty. Carved details, grand arches, and the symmetry of the twelve radiating avenues combine to create a scene straight out of a painting. During golden hour, sunset transforms the stonework into a soft, warm canvas, and the atmosphere is simply lovely. Of course, the Eiffel Tower is striking too—especially when it sparkles—but for elegant French design, the Arc de Triomphe just edges it.
Which has the better view?
Which has the better view?
No contest—the Eiffel Tower offers unbeatable, sweeping views over the whole city. Climb to the top for a true birds-eye vista, with Paris’s patchwork of rooftops, the river winding through, and the city lights sparkling at dusk. The Arc de Triomphe provides a fantastic perspective of the city’s grand avenues and its star-shaped street layout, plus a beautiful Eiffel Tower view. Still, nothing quite compares to standing atop Paris itself, and that’s what the Eiffel Tower delivers.
How do I get there?
Eiffel Tower
- Metro: Bir-Hakeim (Line 6) is about a 10-minute stroll away.
- RER: Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel (Line C) is even closer.
Arc de Triomphe
- Metro: Charles de Gaulle – Étoile (Lines 1, 2, 6).
- RER: Charles de Gaulle – Étoile (Line A).
Best choice for families, couples or friends
Families will love the Eiffel Tower’s activity-packed environment, interactive exhibits and space to run around on the Champ de Mars. All the excitement keeps even the most restless kiddos engaged.
Couples often head for the romance of the Arc de Triomphe at sunset. There’s something extra special about lingering over the city vista with the Eiffel Tower on the horizon, far from the bustle below.
Groups of friends get a kick out of both, but if you’re after buzz and people-watching—as well as the chance to toast your adventure with views from on high—head for the Eiffel Tower.
I’ve got fidgety kids to entertain – which has more ‘hands on’ activities?
The Eiffel Tower takes the top spot for fidgety kids and curious minds. At the Tower, you’ll find a number of child-friendly information panels, augmented reality features and creative displays explaining how the structure was built. They’ll love peering through telescopes, stretching their legs on the stairs, standing on the glass floor and joining in family-focused treasure hunts if you plan ahead. The Champ de Mars park is perfect for running off any remaining steam post-climb, too.
What’s the accessibility like?
What’s the accessibility like?
Both attractions have made big strides in welcoming everyone. The Eiffel Tower features ramps, lifts to the first and second levels and special assistance for wheelchair users up to the second floor (the top deck isn’t yet accessible by wheelchair due to space restrictions). Service staff and priority queues help guests who need additional support.
The Arc de Triomphe features a lift for wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility (an attendant can assist)—then a handful of steps lead to the terrace, with plenty of places to rest along the way. Both have accessible restrooms.
Best lunch spots nearby?
By the Eiffel Tower:
- Le Jules Verne: For a proper Paris splurge nothing beats dining high above Paris in this Michelin-starred restaurant on the Tower itself. It’s French cuisine with real wow factor, and the view is—unsurprisingly—spectacular.
- Carette: Just across from the Trocadéro, Carette invites you to eat Paris’s fluffiest pastries and croissants amid high ceilings, marble-tops and buttery light streaming through vast windows. Their quiches, tartines and signature hot chocolate are legendary, making it a top spot for a classic Parisian lunch—with Eiffel Tower views as a bonus.
- Le Relais de la Tour: A relaxed menu of bistro classics just a short stroll from the Seine—think confit duck, croque-monsieur and steak tartare. Friendly service, a leafy terrace and a crowd of happy locals make it a good-value find.
- Rue Cler Market: If you’d rather piece together an al fresco picnic, head to Rue Cler, one of Paris’s prettiest food streets, just northeast of the Tower. Here you can build your own baguette, cheese and charcuterie feast, grabbing pastries or macarons for dessert and strolling back to the Champ de Mars for lunch on the grass with tower views.
By the Arc de Triomphe
- Ladurée Champs-Élysées: The gilded salon is as Parisian as it gets. Pop in for a club sandwich or Niçoise salad, then treat yourself to pastel-hued macarons, signature pastries and perfect people-watching.
- Brasserie Lorraine: Just two blocks from the Arc, this grand brasserie is famous for fresh seafood platters, tender steaks and a lively, Belle Époque atmosphere—chandeliers, marble counters and all.
- La Casa di Sergio: On Rue de Presbourg, this Italian trattoria draws in tourists and locals for affordable, flavour-packed pizzas, pastas and salads. The staff are famously welcoming, and portions are hearty—perfect fuel after a morning of monument-hopping.
- Le Drugstore: A chic, design-led spot right on the Champs-Élysées, serving grilled lobster and truffle pizza amid modernist décor and floor-to-ceiling windows. Pricey, but the ambience is pure Paris glamour.
Where are the best photo opportunities?
Where are the best photo opportunities?
The Eiffel Tower is, quite simply, one big photo op—especially from the Trocadéro platform across the river. Early morning or just before sunset, when the crowds thin and the light softens, you’ll capture the full tower soaring above the fountains and gardens. For creative shots, get lower for epic sky-backdrop angles, or brave the glass floor for a fun, vertiginous snap.
Inside the Tower, look out from each viewing platform to photograph Montmartre, the Seine and sunset views across the whole city. And don’t forget to snap the sparkling light show, which runs for five minutes every hour after dusk.
The Arc de Triomphe rewards you some amazing photos of the Eiffel Tower itself. From the rooftop terrace at golden hour, you can nail wide panoramas showing the city’s radiating boulevards (it’s the famous ‘star’ junction for a reason) and the Tower rising in the distance. The base of the monument offers brilliant closeups of its sculpted reliefs and arches—especially atmospheric at night, when everything is beautifully lit.
We’re finished and thirsty – is there a decent bar nearby?
By the Eiffel Tower
- Bar à Champagne: Grab a glass of bubbly right at the Tower’s summit—cheers to the best view in Paris!
- Le Bal de la Marine: Just by the river at Pont d’Iéna, find this boat-bar with a deck for cocktails and champagne as the lights of Paris drift by—casual, with a gentle breeze.
- Au Bon Accueil: Order a glass of local wine or a spritz on the leafy terrace. This neighbourhood favourite on Rue de Monttessuy also runs a great happy hour.
By the Arc de Triomphe
- L’Atelier Étoile de Joël Robuchon: For a high-end experience, slip into this sleek space for elegant cocktails like their signature ‘Etoile’ (Champagne, St-Germain, lemon) or a perfectly crafted French 75.
- Sir Winston: Enjoy British-inspired cocktails and craft beers with a twist of Parisian style in dark-wood, armchair comfort. Their ‘Winston Mule’ is refreshing after a long day.
- Publicis Drugstore Bar: Modern, buzzy and glass-fronted. Sip on their creative ‘Paris Nuit’ concoction (gin, violet liqueur, citrus). It’s also a fab spot for people-watching on the Champs-Élysées.
Any other good stuff nearby?
By the Eiffel Tower
- Musée Quai Branly: This striking museum, just a five-minute walk away, houses a stunning collection of indigenous art from Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas. The vertical garden on the exterior wall is worth a look even if you’re pressed for time.
- River Seine Cruises: Right beneath the Eiffel Tower, hop aboard a boat for a classic sightseeing cruise—daytime is charming, but sunset or after-dark cruises are an unforgettable way to see the illuminated city.
- Trocadéro Gardens: These beautifully landscaped terraces are perfect for photos, picnics and people-watching, especially at golden hour.
By the Arc de Triomphe
- Champs-Élysées: One of the world’s most recognisable avenues, lined with flagship stores, cafés, theaters and cinemas. Nighttime strolls under the avenue’s twinkling lights are almost a Paris rite of passage.
- Parc Monceau: A hidden gem, this romantic park blends winding paths, statues and a small lake—ideal for a peaceful escape from the urban buzz, only 15 minutes’ walk from the Arc.
- Palais de la Découverte: Just down the road, satisfy curious minds with interactive science and astronomy exhibits—especially great if you’ve got kids (or are just a big kid at heart).
In summary…
In summary…
When it comes to Paris, you simply can’t go wrong with the Eiffel Tower or the Arc de Triomphe. Each delivers an unforgettable experience—whether you crave sky-high thrills and city-sized views, or regal history and classic French elegance. With a Paris Pass, you don’t have to choose just one. Unlock fast-track entry, impressive savings, and seamless sightseeing across the city’s greatest attractions—including both of these Paris legends. Want to experience the City of Light like a pro? Pick up The Paris Pass® and start your adventure today!
Enjoyed this? Then you might also like our guides to the highest view points in Paris and to all the free things you can do near the Arc de Triomphe.
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