Paris with a view: the Eiffel Tower vs Tour Montparnasse

Both towers are showstoppers—but which Paris view comes out on top?

It’s the ultimate Paris dilemma: which of the city’s two towering titans has the best views? We’ve got all the deets on the Eiffel Tower or Tour Montparnasse—and not just what you can see from up top. We also cover off the best photo ops, nearby attractions, local eateries, cool bars and more. Dive in as we help you decide which Parisian giant to scale first…

Tower top trumps

Eiffel Tower

Paris’s steel superstar, built for the 1889 World’s Fair
324 meters tall with three levels to explore
Panoramic viewing decks, glass floor, and a Champagne Bar at the top
So many photo ops you’ll wish your phone battery lasted forever
Open year-round, day and night, and illuminated at dusk

Tour Montparnasse

Sleek, modern office tower with an lofty 360° view platform
Soars 210 meters above Paris, with indoor and outdoor decks
Instant panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower itself—and far fewer crowds
Interactive exhibition space and rooftop bar
Open late, especially stunning at sunset

Sounds good, tell me more...

Eiffel Tower

Let’s be honest, the Eiffel Tower is a bucket-list adventure right from the moment you glimpse that iconic ironwork soaring above the city’s rooftops. Designed by Gustave Eiffel, the tower is as Parisian as croissants, chic berets and street-side cafés. Whether you start with a stroll around its gardens or head straight up, every stage of your visit delivers a fresh thrill. The first and second floors channel a playground vibe—imagine a glass floor under your feet, immersive exhibits charting the tower’s history, and even an eco-friendly wind station. Hop up to the viewing platforms and you’ll spot major (and minor) Parisian landmarks in every direction. Feeling peckish? Order a crêpe or go full-on gourmet at Madame Brasserie on the first floor.

But nothing compares to stepping out at the summit. From here, the city swirls below—the snaking Seine, those broad boulevards, that ocean of Parisian rooftops, and icons including the Sacré-Coeur and, well, Tour Montparnasse. There’s a sense of magic at sunset, especially when the Eiffel Tower’s nightly light show kicks off. And for those with a romantic side, don’t miss the Champagne Bar for sky-high toasts above the city.

Tour Montparnasse

Tour Montparnasse might look rather understated and austere next to the fancy-dancy Eiffel, but step inside and you’ll get the chance to experience a whole new perspective on Paris. Zipping up 56 floors in 38 seconds (yes, really!), you emerge onto a spacious indoor observation deck buzzing with energy. Floor-to-ceiling windows reveal an unparalleled cityscape—including the Eiffel Tower cutting a grand silhouette across Paris (the one thing you can’t see from the Eiffel Tower, of course, is the Eiffel Tower itself!)

Use the interactive digital guides to spot landmarks and dive into quirky Parisian trivia. When the weather’s good, head to the open-air terrace and feel the breeze as you take in a panoramic sweep from Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur to the glittering Seine. For style points (and cocktails), the rooftop terrace bar is tough to match.

Montparnasse is less crowded than its more famous rival—you’re never rushed, so linger for those change-of-light moments at dusk or turn up after dark to see Paris sparkle. And with sun loungers, photo zones and pop-up events, the tower knows how to keep things fresh.

Ok, so which is most impressive?

This one’s kind of a no-brainer: the Eiffel Tower is a global icon with well-deserved legendary status, and brings a real sense of occasion to your Paris vacation. Standing beneath its lattice of steel or riding up the elevators delivers a thrill that’s hard to beat. Every detail here—from the sheer height (tallest landmark in Paris), historical clout and iconic light show—creates memories for the ages. You get to tell everyone back home you ‘did’ the Eiffel, after all.

Which one is more fun?

When it comes to playful experiences, the Eiffel Tower goes above and beyond. Glass floors for a stomach-tingling view, treasure hunts for kids and occasional pop-up installations keep the visit dynamic, with surprises around every corner. The tower’s structure itself is a playground, whether you’re peering through its latticework or finding the best view for your social feed.

Tour Montparnasse follows closely behind, thanks to innovative digital guides and occasional rooftop yoga or DJ nights. But with its epic sense of scale, the Eiffel Tower edges ahead for fun-chasers.

Which is more beautiful?

It’s a bit of a running joke among Parisians that the best thing about the view from Tour Montparnasse is that you can’t see Tour Montparnasse. Sure, the views here (especially of the Eiffel Tower) are great, but the tower itself ain’t much to look at.

The Eiffel Tower, on the other hand, is an architectural masterpiece, recognized across the world, and absolute manna for Insta addicts.

Which has the better views?

View of the Eiffel Tower from Tour Montparnasse

This one’s nearly impossible to call. Perhaps the key thing to remember is that, if you want to catch great views of the Eiffel Tower, you’ll need to choose Tour Montparnasse–it boasts some of the finest views of the Iron Lady in town.

On the other hand, the Eiffel Tower’s central position means the whole of Paris unfurls beneath your feet, with views that can stretch up to 40 miles on a clear day, taking in Montmartre, the Bois de Boulogne, Mont Valérien and beyond.

A dead heat, we reckon.

How do I get there?

Eiffel Tower:

Hop on Metro Line 6 and get off at Bir-Hakeim, or catch Line 9 to Trocadéro for an unbeatable first glimpse of the tower as you approach. Multiple city buses stop nearby. RER Line C will land you at Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel. Each route leaves you with a short, scenic walk—often through leafy riverside parks.

Tour Montparnasse:

Take Metro Lines 4, 6, 12, or 13 to Montparnasse-Bienvenüe station—it’s directly beneath the tower! Arriving by train? Gare Montparnasse is one of Paris’s main rail hubs, connecting you to both the Metro and the TGV. Surface buses and taxis stop all around the tower’s base, and plenty of cycle lanes and Vélib’ bike hire stations dot the neighborhood.

Best choice for families, couples or friends

Both towers are family-friendly, couple-ready, and perfect for groups of friends, but each has its sweet spot. The Eiffel Tower is best with families who want the full Paris story—kids adore the multi-level climbs, glass floor, treasure hunts and outdoor playgrounds nearby. It’s also unbeatable for couples seeking ‘wow’ selfie moments, especially at night.

Tour Montparnasse has a quieter vibe, with less queuing and more space to spread out. Friends will love the rooftop bar and chill-out areas, and couples will find the open-air terrace at sunset feels both private and spectacular. Families seeking pram-friendly, elevator-only access will appreciate Montparnasse’s speedy lifts and modern layout. Both towers provide wonderful memories with your favorite travel companions, but the Eiffel Tower wins on pure “we’re in Paris!” excitement, while Montparnasse suits those who prefer a more relaxed, no-rush atmosphere.

My kids are world-class fidgets – which has more ‘hands on’ activities?

The Eiffel Tower pulls ahead for fidgety kids and curious mini explorers. The first level boasts not just panoramic decks, but also a transparent glass floor for that fun vertigo moment, plus educational exhibits and seasonal scavenger hunts that add a playful spin to discovering history. Older kids will enjoy reading fun facts, peering through viewing telescopes, and running around the wide, enclosed walkways. You’ll often bump into street performers and entertainers around the Champ de Mars below, adding to the lively, family-friendly vibe. Heck, there’s even an old-school carousel here.

What’s the accessibility like?

Both towers strive for accessibility, but there are notable differences.

The Eiffel Tower provides elevator service to all main levels (except the very top for those with certain mobility restrictions), as well as accessible restrooms and priority queuing for those with reduced mobility. The grounds are stroller- and wheelchair-friendly, and staff are on hand to assist. If you’re visiting with a wheelchair, you can reach the first and second floors without issue, but the summit is only accessible by stairs.

Tour Montparnasse boasts step-free access the whole way—elevators shoot straight to the 56th floor in less than 40 seconds, with spacious, wheelchair-accessible viewing areas inside and out. The overall layout is modern, roomy and simple to navigate for wheelchair users, families with strollers, or anyone who prefers to dodge the stairs. For visitors with mobility challenges, Tour Montparnasse is the more accessible choice.

Any good lunch spots nearby?

Eiffel Tower area

Le Café de l’Homme (Place du Trocadéro): Modern brasserie with front-row Eiffel Tower views; refined French classics like duck confit and a signature lobster linguine, all served on a sunny terrace.
Les Cocottes (Rue Saint-Dominique): Casual and lively; don’t miss their roast chicken cocotte or the famous apple tart served in a rustic pan.
La Crêperie Suzette (Rue de Monttessuy): For something budget-friendly, cozy up for Parisian crêpes—try the ham and cheese galette or the sweet ‘Suzette’ citrus classic.
Marché Saxe-Breteuil (walking distance): For picnic lovers, gather fresh cheeses, charcuterie, and fruit for a DIY meal to-go at this open-air market with a view.

Tour Montparnasse area

Ciel de Paris (56th floor, Montparnasse Tower): Elevate lunch—literally! Admire the view, enjoy modern French plates like sea bass ceviche or raspberry millefeuille, and sip a glass of Champagne above the city clouds.
La Coupole (Boulevard Montparnasse): Historic Art Deco restaurant renowned for its seafood platters and a festive, buzzy ambiance that channels old-school Paris.
Le Petit Josselin (Rue du Montparnasse): For a wallet-friendly stop, grab a seat at one of Paris’s best crêperies; the salted butter caramel crêpe is a rite of passage.
Marché Edgar Quinet: Local weekday market bursting with food stalls, from Moroccan couscous to classic baguettes, ready for a quick, on-the-go bite.

Where can I snap the best photos?

Eiffel Tower

Take that classic selfie from Trocadéro Square—especially at sunrise when the light is dreamy and crowds are low.
Photograph the tower from beneath to capture its intricate ironwork; don’t miss the view up through the glass floor for a frame-within-a-frame moment.
Night is unmissable. The tower sparkles for five minutes on the hour after dusk—stand at Champ de Mars or along the Seine for the full effect.

Tour Montparnasse

Head straight to the open-air deck. You’ll snap the entire Paris skyline, with the Eiffel Tower front and center—especially perfect at sunset when the sky glows.
Explore different angles on the roof for photos of Montmartre, the Panthéon, and the classic geometry of all those Haussmann buildings below.
Visit daytime for bright vistas and late at night for city lights. Glass panel cutouts let you avoid pesky reflections in your shots.

We’re done and we fancy a drink – any good bars nearby?

Eiffel Tower area

Bar à Champagne (Eiffel Summit): Splurge-worthy and memorable—clink glasses of brut or rosé with all of Paris sparkling below.
Chez Francis (Place de l’Alma): Elegant yet unstuffy, great for a kir royal (blackcurrant liqueur topped with Champagne) and people-watching through full-length windows.
Le Champ de Mars Café: Cozy, lively, and wallet-friendly; go for a classic French ‘demi’ beer and enjoy the vintage art on the walls.

Tour Montparnasse area

360 Café (Tour Montparnasse rooftop): Sip signature cocktails like the ‘Montparnasse Mule’ or a French mojito as the city glows all around you.
Le Select: This Art Deco favorite has welcomed writers for decades; try the espresso martini or a citrusy spritz at the bar.
La Cerise: Dive-bar ambiance, affordable craft beers, indie music and a relaxed, local crowd. Perfect for winding down or planning your next move.

Any other good stuff nearby?

Eiffel Tower area

Champ de Mars gardens: Lush open lawns perfect for strolling, picnicking or enjoying street performers without spending a cent.
Musée du quai Branly: Dive into art and cultures from Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas—its leafy gardens and stylized modern exterior are worth a detour.
Batobus river shuttle: Hop on and glide along the Seine for a unique perspective on city landmarks.

Montparnasse area

Montparnasse Cemetery: A tranquil space famous for the graves of luminaries like Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre. It’s peaceful, atmospheric and free.
Rue de la Gaité theaters: Historic playhouses (some offering discounted or free shows on special dates), cozy cafés and a lively arts scene.
Jardin Atlantique: A dazzling rooftop park built above the train station, decked out with gardens, fountains and striking modern art.

In summary…

We love both the Eiffel Tower and Tour Montparnasse for their unique vibes, show-stopper views, and all the ways they let you experience Paris from above. One is legendary and full of Parisian energy; the other offers sweeping vistas and a laid-back escape from the crowds—as well as some of the best Eiffel Tower views in the city. But why choose just one? With The Paris Pass®, you can do both (and squeeze even more fun out of Paris) while saving on entry fees. Mix and match, climb high, and make the most of your Paris days—every minute (and every view) is yours for the taking.

Looking for more Paris inspo? Hunt out the best Instagrammable spots in the city, and come over all mushy with our guide to Paris’s most romantic places.

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