Kelsey Heinrichs: London-based UK Travel Blogger
Have you ever dreamed of taking the *perfect* Parisian picture just like your favourite Influencer? Or wondered where is the best spot to take a photo with the Eiffel Tower? Or simply wanted to take a capture a nice moment on your next trip Paris?
In this guide I’ll share 30 of the best Instagrammable places in Paris for those not-so-candidly-candids. As well as sharing photography tips and tricks to get the perfect shot, I’ll also share some hidden gems that are off the beaten path as well as the most Instagrammable restaurants/cafes and beautiful hotels in Paris. I’ve also included an up to date Google Map with the exact locations too.
POST NAVIGATION
Rue de Rivoli, 75001
View of the Eiffel Tower? Check! That typical Haussmann style architecture that defines Paris? Check! An aesthetic bunch of flowers from the flower shop across the street? Nailed it.
This is one of my favourite photo spots in Paris because it’s just SO Parisian.
Tip: Unfortunately there is an eye-sore of a stop sign directly next to the flower shop however with a good angle you can cover it (in the above photo it’s hidden by my big head).
Place du Trocadéro, 75016
You’ve seen this pose a million times before on your Instagram newsfeed. It’s almost a tourist right of passage when visiting Paris.
There are hundreds of spots to take a selfie with the Eiffel Tower but if you head to the Trocadéro for sunrise you will be rewarded. At this time in the AM there is hardly anyone around (unless you don’t count the token couple doing their newly engaged photoshoot with a bouquet of balloons).
75116 Paris
This charming little street has the most perfect Parisian backdrop with a view of the Eiffel Tower. Even more so in Autumn when the trees turn a vivid auburn colour. Once a secret smoking spot for local teenagers, this street has now gained popularity online so I’d suggest arriving on a weekend morning when most locals are still asleep.
3 Port Debilly, 75016
Could this photo BE any more Parisian? Extra points if you use a baguette as a photo prop. This view of the Eiffel Tower can be reached from Port Devilly. We had the place to ourselves for ages (unlike other Instagrammable places in Paris and it’s such a lovely view of the Eiffel Tower – just watch out for the bird poop!
Recommended: Book a river cruise to get an up-close shot of the Eiffel Tower as you float by on the Seine river.
225 Rue de l'Université, 75007
The perfect Parisian street with a view of the iron lady. This street can get extremely busy with people trying to snap a pic so I recommend coming here early to catch the golden light. If you want to prioritise one location to get up at the crack of dawn for then I would definitely recommend this one.
Rue du Maréchal Harispe, 75007
Click here for the specific location of where I took the above photo. Anyone who’s been to the Champ de Mars in Spring/Summer/Autumn knows that it’s impossible to get a shot of the Eiffel Tower without sharing your photo with hundreds of picnic grazing tourists.
However, on my most recent Paris trip, we found a wee footpath where you can get an uninterrupted selfie with the Eiffel Tower.
If you’re travelling solo to Paris or want someone to take epic photos of you & your partner/family, consider booking a professional photographer, with prices from £20 per session. You will receive a range of professionally edited photos at various locations near the Eiffel Tower and memories that will last a lifetime.
Rue de Rivoli, 75001
Ah, the Louvre. The perfect contrast of the modern abstract pyramid structures surrounded by iconic 19th-century architecture. This location is a no-brainer really. I often get asked how I got my photo here without any people in the background. We took this photo at 8 am in October – just as the sun had finished rising. There were a few people dotted about, so we circled around the pyramids into we found an angle that was tourist-less.
Tip: The Louvre is actually closed on Tuesdays which makes it a perfect time to visit to get your Insta fix.
Pl. Charles de Gaulle, 75008
How do you get a good/mostly empty photo with the Arc de Triomphe? Nope, you don’t need to get here at the crack of dawn. The secret is? Walk to the bloody other side. There was a massive queue of tourists on the opposite side, each lining up to get the perfect snap, dodging traffic in the process. And I ain’t about to risk my life for a pic, sis.
Unless you want a perfectly symmetrical photo a la Wes Anderson, talk a walk around and you’ll find plenty of spots where you won’t have to wait to get your photo – which means more time for more wine!
82 Bd de Clichy, 75018
The Moulin Rouge during the day seems oddly peaceful. Though if you want to get a shot without any cars you’ll have to be patient – just head to the traffic island in the middle of Boulevard de Clichy for a safe spot to take pics.
Pont Alexandre III, 75008
This 19th-century Art Nouveau-style bridge on the river Seine is the perfect spot for an impromptu photo shoot worthy of the pages of Vogue. The above photo was taken on an iPhone, so if you’ve got no gear and no idea, simply rock up to this ornate bridge for a guaranteed chic pic.
Place d'Armes, 78000
Technically outside of Paris, however, the Palace of Versailles is definitely worth a visit for its unparalleled beauty and French Baroque architecture. Not to mention the famous Hall of Mirrors which is something you really have to experience in person. The trip itself is doable in half a day and a lot cheaper than I originally expected. You need to catch the RER line C5 train which costs €8 for a return trip from central Paris, followed by a 5-minute stroll to get in.
Entry is FREE every first Sunday from November to March. Otherwise, I recommend getting a Full Access Ticket which includes access to the whole estate and guaranteed entry time so you can avoid spending hours in the queue outside.
along the banks of the Seine
The only bookstore in the world that is separated by a river! The banks of the Seine river are dotted with green metal stands selling second-hand books, comics and prints. The stalls first appear in the 16th century and are not only a great spot for photos but also for finding rare antique books.
93 Rue de Rivoli, 75001
Probably the most expensive Caffe latte you’ll ever drink during your time on this planet, however, I would argue that it’s worth it for the view of the Louvre. Le Café Marly may get a bad rep for its overpriced pastries and arrogant staff, however, I find a “bonjour” and a smile goes a long way with the waiters and they’ll honestly leave you to it. It’s the perfect spot to people-watch and get a few snaps while you’re at it.
24 Rue Chanoinesse, 75004
One of the oldest restaurants in Paris, right near the Notre Dame. If you visit in Spring the facade will be covered in a beautiful spray of wisteria. It can be extremely busy when it’s open so the best time to take a snap is when it’s closed – anytime before 11 am every day or between 3-6 pm on weekdays.
25 Pl. des Vosges, 75003
With three locations across Paris, you can’t miss a visit to Carette – a gorgeous tearoom which serves one of the best hot chocolates in Paris. With French bistro-style chairs and aesthetically pleasing cakes, macarons and pastries galore, this is the perfect Parisian backdrop for your photos.
Want to level up your travel photos? You don’t need to be a professional photographer in order to take amazing photos. I’ve put together a guide on my recommended camera equipment including smartphone accessories, as well as some editing tips & tricks.
62 Rue Mazarine, 75006
Located near the Notre Dame, this chic restaurant features stunning interiors and cuisine to match. With a massive skylight, this eatery provides optimal natural lighting throughout the day, perfect for snapping photos. In the evenings, Terrasse de l’Alcazar truly comes alive with performances from drag queens.
20bis Rue de Douai, 75009
Arguably one of the most Instagrammable restaurants in Paris. Italian food in Paris? Oui Oui! This magenta restaurant situated over 4 floors in the Pigalle neighbourhood of Paris. Pink Mamma do the best Italian food and every floor is an Instagram heaven – make sure to check out the rooftop!
Tip: make a booking for 12pm when the restaurants opens for lunch service. Queue 15 minutes early for a higher chance of being seated on the top floor.
84 Quai de Jemmapes, 75010
Hands down one of the coolest spots I’ve been to and the ONLY place in Paris you can order a Caribbean-style punch bowl straight from a bar built inside a pirate ship. Yes, really!
The interiors of Le Comptoir Général look like they belong on a Disney movie set. Head here on a Friday night for their reggae dance floor and return on Sunday for their Franco-African style brunch.
18 Rue Norvins, 75018 Paris
You can find this French cafe in the cobblestone streets of Montmartre. Get here before it opens at 11 am to get a shot sans people and stay for a crêpe.
172 Bd Saint-Germain, 75006
This iconic cafe was famous long before it featured in Emily in Paris due to its plant-covered exterior and overpriced (and let’s be honest, basic) menu. To beat the crowds at Café de Flore, make a booking for 7.30 am on Sunday when this coffeehouse opens and most Parisians are hungover. Or alternatively at 10.30 am on a weekday when the morning rush is over and most locals are at their laptops for the work day.
While I really can’t recommend the service or quality of food, it’s okay just not great. This spot is still worth going to purely to people-watch. I spotted multiple Birkin bags and their fabulous owners during our visit.
2 Rue de l'Abreuvoir, 75018
A charming little restaurant in Montmartre with a not-so-charming owner. This location is straight out of a fairytale but please heed my warning: photograph this place just before it opens at 12 pm, as the owner is very aggressive towards photographers (I’ve previously talked about my experience here).
I mean I get it, I totally understand when your customers are dining, you don’t want dozens of invasive lenses pointing in their direction. Even though I considerately arrived here at 11 am to quickly take a photo of the exterior before the outside tables & chairs had even been set, I was still yelled at. There are plenty of other restaurants in Paris anyway.
75 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008
A photography location that doubles-up as a snack stop is a big yes from me! This particular shop is extremely elegant with stunning decorations that represent the French Art de Vivre
8 Rue Vivienne, 75002
Outside of Galerie Vivienne (a beautiful shopping centre located north of the Louvre) you will find an aesthetically pleasing shop window filled with books. Most people will walk past it however it’s definitely Instagram-worthy if you love neutral backgrounds for your photos. Head to 8 Rue Vivienne for the exact location but make sure to check out Librairie Jousseaume while you’re in the atea.
75012 Paris
Fashion bloggers eat your heart out. This rainbow street is filled with dozens of charming pastel-coloured houses. You could potentially bring several outfits to this location and photograph multiple looks. Be mindful, as some houses have “no photography” signs – please be quiet as this is a residential street. Please don’t leave any trash behind either.
53 Rue des Trois Frères, 75018
Tucked away in the hills of Montmarte there is a vintage green photo booth. While you can’t get your passport photos done here, you can get those undeniably cool black & white photo prints for 3€. The retro signage outside makes this the perfect photo opp too.
1 place du Parvis de, 75004
At the next block over you will find the oldest hospital in Paris, Hôtel–Dieu. Inside there is a beautiful courtyard. I did get a few weird looks from security when taking these pictures but rest-assured entry is free and it’s a beautiful building with lots of 7th-century architecture to marvel at. Be aware: it’s closed on weekends.
43 Rue de Valois, 75001
Just near the Louvre, in the middle of Paris is this little “village in the city” that includes a beautiful garden and the Insta-famous contemporary sculpture ‘Les Deux Plateaux’ by Daniel Buren. Here you will also find the trendy Café Kitsuné where you can get an amazing flat white.
5 Rue de Marivaux, 75002
La Maison Favart is one of the oldest hotels in Paris, dating all the way back to 1824. It’s full of fascinating history and a whimsical romance story, with an invitingly warm and intimate atmosphere. The hotel offers 39 lavish rooms which are beautifully decorated with 18th-century Parisian textiles and finishes, fit for an Insta-Queen.
25 Av. Montaigne, 75008
If you can afford to stay at the iconic Hôtel Plaza Athénée, then lucky you! But if you’re like me, a mere peasant, then you can simply rock up to the front of this fancy af hotel and start snapping away. Bonus points if you wear red to match the geraniums.
17 Bd Poissonnière, 75002
Every aspect of the rooms at Hotel des Grands Boulevards are designed and considered down to the very last detail – room key and all. On my previous trip to Paris, we stayed in their Junior Suite which featured one of the MOST Instagrammable pink bathrooms I have ever laid my eyes on. If you love boutique hotels, lively atmosphere and rooftop bars.
xx Kelsey
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