one direction tour eiffel

Eiffel Tower, France

Tour the world’s most visited monument

A closer look at the Eiffel Tower

Since its construction in 1889, more than 250 million people have visited Paris’ iconic Eiffel Tower. An architectural feat for the time, the Eiffel Tower was the first monument in the world designed to reach the symbolic height of 1000 feet. The ‘Grande Dame de Fer’, remained the highest monument in the world for more than 40 years (today that title is held by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai). The Eiffel Tower remains the most visited monument globally.

In order to capture the imagery, the Google Maps team followed in the footsteps of the 7 million annual visitors and ascended multiple floors of the Tower. Using the Street View Trolley (designed especially for monuments and museums) they collected 360-degree views of the monument’s architecture and its expansive views over Paris.

View of Paris from the Eiffel Tower

Experience the journey.

Learn more about this collection at the Google Cultural Institute, featuring 3 immersive online exhibitions .

The Google Maps team carrying the trolley up stairs to access all areas of the Eiffel Tower.

Pascale Milite, Google Maps, pushing the trolley around the perimeter of the observation deck.

The Street View trolley was developed to easily capture museums, sculptures, and monuments.

The Eiffel Tower was the first monument in the world designed to reach the symbolic height of 1000 feet.

Trek the Eiffel Tower with Google Maps

Explore more views of the eiffel tower.

Welcome to the Eiffel Tower visitor’s guide

The 2nd floor

The 1st floor.

The esplanade

West garden

East garden

Official eiffel tower tour guide for your mobile.

The Eiffel Tower mobile guide provides you with all the information you need to make the most of your visit to the Eiffel Tower. In it, you will discover all the services available: restaurants, refreshments, shops, restrooms, etc. A multidimensional map will allow you to orient yourselft to the floors and gardens, without missing any of the cultural and historical information about the Tower.

History and Culture

How tall is the Eiffel Tower? When was it build? Did they really intend to demolish it? Since when has the tower been illuminated? Where is Gustave Eiffel's office located? Must see sites on each floor: the square, gardens, 1st floor, 2nd floor, the summit. The Eiffel Tower, a world icon, has also been a source of inspiration for many artists. During your visit, we will introduce you to some of these works of art.

Important statistics

So, you think you know the Tower? But do you know how long it took to build it? Discover all the important statistics about the Tower during your visit.

A magnificent view

Incredibly majestic, the Eiffel Tower dominates Paris. It offers a magnificent view of the entire city. Revealing, on you climb up, an infinite number of perspectives. The panorama on the 2nd floor is exceptional, revealing details of the closest monuments and the intermingling of streets and avenues designed by Baron Haussmann. From the summit, the view is breathtaking: with your hair tousled by the wind that blows most of the time, you will be surprised by the silence that reigns there, the city noises that reach the summit are quite muffled. Our tour guide will introduce you to one of the most fabulous monuments ever built by man.

Where to Get the Best View of the Eiffel Tower

Admiring the Eiffel Tower is a part of the magic of Paris. This guide includes my favourite Eiffel Tower views & experiences, day and night.

There may be affiliate links within this post which provide me with a small commission, at no cost to you. Find more information here: Privacy & Disclosure .

Updated October 2022

This guide to enjoying the best Eiffel Tower views is a combination of moments from my three most recent trips to Paris.  In 2019 I visited with my husband and in the fall of 2021 I took a solo trip to Paris and enjoyed 10 magical days on my own in my favourite city. I just returned from a third trip with close girlfriends; we were celebrating a special birthday.  There are specific tips here for how, where  and when to see the Eiffel Tower, with all spots marked on a Google map. You will also find a collection of favorite Paris moments that I hope will help you plan your own special trip.

Because the Eiffel Tower is so popular, I appreciate the chance to enjoy it away from the crowds, so I’ve included a few less popular spots with beautiful Eiffel Tower views.

Paris & The Best Views of the Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower Views - Daytime

Rue de l'Université

One of my favourite spots to see the Eiffel Tower during the day is in the 7th arrondissement. The Rue de l’Université is a residential street which ends at the Champ de Mars park. This little stretch from the Avenue de la Bourdonnais has pretty architecture and the leafy setting of the park at it’s end. The reason I like it during the day is the charming architecture perfectly frames the view of the Eiffel Tower. At night, that’s sort of lost, although the tower is still gorgeous of course.

You’ll get lovely views and photos here, but the word is out, so be prepared to get strategic with your photo taking or wait for a lull in visitors. (I wasn’t exactly alone when this photo was taken on my solo trip – it required a little editing). 

This photo was taken on my solo trip to Paris in September 2021. I spent 10 marvelous days on my own and have written all about it here with suggestions for making the most of your time: Solo Trip to Paris – Complete Guide. 

Promenade Marie de Roumanie

A daytime stroll on the  Promenade Marie de Roumanie on the Left Bank of the Seine gives you a lovely view of the Eiffel Tower. If you happen to be with small children walk along the promenade toward the Pont d’léna, the 19th century bridge located closest to the tower. You’ll find a carousel here with an Eiffel Tower view – you can enjoy the scenery while the children enjoy a ride. (Note that the carousel typically closes around 8 pm.)

Museum of Architecture & Patrimoine

After your stroll along the Left Bank, you can cross the Pont d’léna bridge to the Right Bank and visit a wonderful little lesser-known museum, the Cité de l’Architecture & Du Patrimoine. It offers a collection of French architecture, from the Middle Ages to present day. It’s located in the Palais de Chaillot building at the Trocadero and its secret is the lovely views you will enjoy from inside the museum: its windows frame a gorgeous view of the Eiffel Tower.

 It is open some evenings so check current times if you want to visit during sunset which would be gorgeous. There’s also a 4-star (expensive) restaurant here called Girafe. It has a terrace with gorgeous Eiffel Tower views. (Open for lunch and dinner and reservations recommended.)

Best Views of the Eiffel Tower at Night​

If daytime views of the Eiffel Tower are beautiful, evening views are pure magic. Evening in Paris is my favourite time;  daytime itineraries make way for more relaxed enjoyment and lights make the city sparkle. The Louvre Museum takes on a magical glow, glimmering boats glide along the Seine, and the Eiffel Tower comes to life.

Place du Trocadero

The Eiffel Tower is on Paris’s Left Bank in the 7th arrondissement and the Place Du Trocadero is directly across the river. On a recent trip when my husband and I were staying in the 16th at a hotel called Le Dokhan’s , we walked from the hotel toward the Place Du Trocadero to get our first evening glimpse of “ La Dame de Fer”,   the Iron Lady.  

The Place Du Trocadero is a  large paved esplanade, lined by splendid museums . It was busy with children flying twirly paper helicopters and lines formed at carts preparing delicious smelling crepes. And there was a lot of photo taking.

I could see why. I looked out over the Jardins du Trocadero and it felt as if we had arrived in a grand open theatre with the Eiffel Tower performing on a stage below.  The star of the show glowed against a velvet sky. I had a “pinch me, I’m in Paris” moment. This was a spectacular vantage point – I understood why many people say it’s their favourite place for views of the Eiffel Tower.  

Aglow with twinkling lights, I had a  “pinch me, I’m in Paris” moment

And then, the tower came to life. What seemed like a thousand orbs of light flashed on and off in dramatic sequence. I had forgotten that this five-minute light show, “Illuminations”, occurs on the hour, from dusk to 1 am. Our timing was lucky. 

To add to the effect of 20,000 flashing bulbs, a beam of light was projected from the tower, radiating up to 80 kilometres, apparently. It was mesmerizing. 

We walked toward the end of the terrace, where broad steps descend to the Trocadéro Gardens and on to the Seine. The view from here was even better, but the chance to take a good photo was not.  We snapped a few shots, but with so many people, it was a challenge. 

Instead I took a few photos of   the tower, with the beautiful golden statues of the Palais de Chaillot . The Palais  was built in 1937 for the World’s Fair (as were the Trocadero Gardens), and its symmetrical wings are very striking . It has  three museums and a restaurant, so is also worth daytime exploration. 

I wanted to walk down the steps and admire the Jardins du Trocadéro and its gorgeous fountains. We might have also had a better chance at a photo there, but we were jet-lagged, so returned to the hotel. It was a lovely first evening in Paris. 

Parc du Champ-de-Mars

In the 7th arrondissement, just in front of the Eiffel Tower is a lovely green-space called the Champ-de-Mars. It’s a wide-open lawn with spectacular Eiffel Tower views and the perfect place to bring a picnic or bottle of wine. You’ll probably be sharing this space with many other people, but the view is so marvelous, you won’t mind. If you visit in the evening, make sure you stay long enough to see the Eiffel Tower come to life.

Eiffel Tower Views from The Seine

We met a friend for dinner at a traditional French Seafood restaurant, Le Grand Café Capucines. After dinner he suggested we rent scooters and see some of the Paris sites at night. (This friend is 22.) I was hesitant to ride a scooter in Paris, but we agreed to try it and go very slowly. Our first stop was the Louvre.

The Louvre was gorgeous at night and it was a treat to see it without the crowds. We also stopped at the beautiful Palais Garnier, the Paris opera house.  

We carried on to the path which follows the right bank of the Seine and soon the Eiffel Tower revealed itself in the distance. We passed Le Grand Palais and stopped to sit. It was nice to have a break from the scooter  – although it’s fun, I find them nerve wracking. I actually don’t recommend it, I think they are too dangerous. But we did take some fun photos with a wonderful view of the Eiffel Tower.

We continued along the Seine and the view became even more lovely, with the tower’s twinkling lights reflected in the river.  We parked the scooters just beyond the Pont de l’Alma (Alma Bridge) and sat admiring the pretty scene with hardly anyone else around. It was a complete contrast to the Trocadero.

The right bank of the Seine was the perfect place to admire the Eiffel Tower at night. We were far enough away to see it all and close enough to feel as if we were right there. The boats and the lights on the river added to the ambiance.  

We felt as though we had the scene to ourselves. My husband and I decided to snap some photos since it was j ust our little Parisian trio: Me, Sean, & La Tour Eiffel.

I would recommend this walk along the Right Bank. For a shorter walk, start at the Pont Alexander. If you don’t want a walk, just the Eiffel Tower view, get off at the Alma Marceau Metro station and walk down to the Seine. You should be well positioned for a pretty view and great photo opportunities.

The Eiffel Tower from Le Metro

Le Metro? Stay with me. One evening we went to Saint-Germain-des-Prés, in the 6th arrondissement to have dinner at Le Procope. This is a quintessential bistro experience at what’s considered the oldest cafe in P aris , dating to 1686. W riters and intellectuals famously gathered here, among them Rousseau and Diderot, and a hat of Napoleon Bonaparte’s is on display here. Yes, it was actually Napoleon’s hat – I did ask the waiter. 

Le Procope feels like it should be very touristy but it was suggested to us by a Parisian friend, because Parisians also come here.  We really enjoyed it. This is the place to order Duck Confit, or Coq au Vin, if you haven’t yet tried one of the Paris bistro classics. 

Our dinner at Le Procope required a Metro trip on line 6 which crosses over the Seine on the Pont de Bir-Hakeim (Bir-Hakeim Bridge) and offers a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower and the lights of the river. 

There was something special about passing over the Seine at night – we were elevated with  an unobstructed view. I think the surprise of it made it one of my favourite Eiffel Tower views of the trip. E ven a Metro ride can feel magical in Paris. 

Rooftop Cocktails with Eiffel Tower Views

I asked our concierge at Le Dokhan’s where to go for a special cocktail in Paris.  He did not hesitate: The Peninsula Paris .  This stunning hotel was built in 1908 and has a fascinating history. It was a field hospital in World War I and headquarters of the German high command during the German occupation of Paris in World War II. In between the wars, it served as the offices for the French Ministry of Defense. 

The rooftop bar, known as “Le Rooftop” is on the 6th floor of the hotel, a perfect vantage point for views across the Paris’s 16th arrondissement.

In one direction is Montmartre and in the other, the Eiffel Tower. Around the corner is the Arc de Triomphe, so you could visit it at the same time and enjoy another gorgeous view of the Eiffel Tower from the top of the Arc. (Ticket required.)

Le Rooftop is expensive, requiring a minimum spend of 26€ per person, essentially the cost of a special cocktail. But it is charming and beautiful, and if you are asking me, special cocktail experiences in special places are worth the splurge.

On my most recent trip in September of 2021, I visited another rooftop bar, this one at the new CitizenM Hotel Champs Elysees . The CloudM bar is located on the 6th floor. Order a Kir Royale (champagne and creme de cassis) and go to the outdoor terrace which  faces the Champs Elysees. Try to time it for the Illuminations light show on the hour. You are a distance from the tower here but it’s still a very pretty Eiffel Tower view, and drinks are more reasonably priced at CloudM than the fancier hotels nearby. 

Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise

I had done a Seine river cruise on a past trip, but a daytime one. I decided to try a dinner cruise with  Bateaux Parisiens hoping to enjoy wonderful evening views of Paris from the river. The pier is very near the tower, but the cruise began by heading away from it. So it wasn’t until the end of the trip that we got to really enjoy a view of the Eiffel Tower. It was well worth the wait; it was spectacular. Even with a little rain on this September evening, the tower appeared shimmering on the banks of the Seine during the last few minutes of the cruise. With its reflection in the water the view was lovely and we were able to enjoy it as we disembarked, as well. 

I thought the food, service and views along the river were fantastic. The Seine River Cruise was one of my favourite experiences on my recent trip to Paris. (Full review coming). You can learn more here: Bateaux Parisiens. 

No matter how many times I visit Paris, whether I’m with my husband or solo as I was on my most recent trip, I never tire of seeing the Eiffel Tower. At sunset from one of Paris’s beautiful bridges or watching it sparkle against the night sky, I get that “pinch me, I’m in Paris” feeling each and every time. 

Paris: Where to Stay Near the Eiffel Tower

Le Dokhan's in the Stylish 16th

I loved our stay at Le Dokhan’s a charming Belle Epoque-Style hotel in the 16th arrondissement. The rooms are beautiful and the service was excellent. It has Paris’s cutest elevator made from vintage Louis Vuitton steamer trunks and an adorable champagne bar. If you don’t drink champagne, the included continental breakfast is served here as well. And it’s a walk to the Eiffel Tower. (Full review coming soon.) 

Affordable Paris - Hotel Muguet with Eiffel Tower Views

If you are looking for a budget-friendly option near the Eiffel Tower, I stayed most recently at the Hotel Muguet . It’s a three-star hotel where you can reserve for as little as 130 euros a night in high season – less at other times. If you want to splurge, some rooms offer Eiffel Tower views (these are more expensive). I thought it was great value with comfortable, well-appointed rooms, and a wonderful location. 

Join Midlife Globetrotter. Receive a monthly newsletter with travel ideas for women, planning tips, midlife stories and living-well inspiration!

More Paris!

Planning a trip to Paris? You might also enjoy:

Find & Book a Holiday Apartment in Paris

Things to Do in Paris at Night

Affordable French Clothing Brands – Shopping in Paris

Beyond Paris

If you would like to explore France beyond Paris, I highly recommend the Loire Valley because it is so easy to reach from Paris and the lovely countryside is filled with beautiful chateaux to explore. For more information, see my travel guide to the Loire Valley and my favourite French country hotel, Le Moulin Brégeon  (pictured above).

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

FOR UPDATES & MIDLIFE INSPIRATION

Please check your email for confirmation. 

I’m glad you’re here. Can we talk about midlife? I reached my late 40’s, realized my kids were growing up, and adventure began calling in a new way: big travel adventures as well as everyday ones. I want Midlife Globetrotter to be a place where we explore how to add a sense of fun, freedom and meaning to these precious years. Let’s celebrate how far we’ve come, and all that’s ahead.

LET'S CONNECT!

• Destinations
• Travel Planning
• Solo Travel
• Make Travel Matter

More to Explore

Best Paris Croissants

Hawaii Travel Tips

Exploring the Chateaux of the Loire Valley

How to Rent a Holiday Apartment in Paris

Things to do in Paris at Night

A Solo Trip to Paris – Complete Guide

Quick links.

• [email protected]

© COPYRIGHT Midlife Globetrotter 2020-2024

Privacy & Disclosures

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

12 Things to See at the Eiffel Tower in 2024

Sean Finelli Last Updated: May 28, 2024

Planning to visit the Eiffel Tower and you’re wondering if there is more to it than an elevator? The Eiffel Tower feels more like a small city with restaurants, café’s, shops, and even a champagne bar! This article lists out the top things you should see and do while visiting the Eiffel Tower.

Pro travel tip: If you’re heading to Paris, bookmark this article in your browser so you can circle back to it when you’re climbing the Eiffel Tower!  We also offer an array of highly-rated Paris tours which feature some of the city’s most famous landmarks including the Eiffel Tower.

12 Things You Shouldn’t Miss at the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is without argument the national symbol of Paris and possibly France. It was built for tourism and remains one of the most visited sites in the world over a hundred years after being built. Some choose to see it from the outside but like the Colosseum, Vatican, and Sagrada Familia – it’s worth it to go inside.

This article is pretty rare in its existence. Most articles talk about having a picnic on Champ de Mars or what to do near the Eiffel Tower , which we also have but our goal in writing this was to list things to do while actually inside the Eiffel Tower. Hopefully, it helps you figure out what type of tickets to purchase and how to visit. Check out our beautifully designed page dedicated to the Eiffel Tower when you’re done.

• The Champagne Bar
• Macaroon Bar
• Le Jules Verne
• Madame Brasserie
• Gustave’s Spiral Staircase
• The 1st Level of the Eiffel Tower
• Historical Interactive Installation (1st Floor)
• Glass Floors of the 1st Level
• Bust of Gustave Eiffel
• The Esplanade

How much is the ticket for the Eiffel Tower?

The cost of tickets to the Eiffel Tower varies depending on the level you wish to visit and whether you choose to take the stairs or the lift. Here is a quick summary of ticket types and prices.

If you’re considering a guided tour, and trust us, it’s worth it, prices range from €60 to €130. The Eiffel Tower is a Parisian icon, which means it’s always bustling with crowds. Plus, tickets are limited, making it even more challenging to secure entry.

That’s why we highly recommend joining a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower. Not only will you skip the lines, but you’ll also gain fascinating insights and stories from knowledgeable local guides. It’s an experience that adds so much more depth to your visit!

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  best Eiffel Tower tours to take and why .

1. The Champagne Bar

What else do you want to do while standing 906 feet over Paris on top of the world’s most romantic building other than having a glass of French champagne? Don’t worry, champagne is not mandatory but definitely recommended. This little bar also serves non-alcoholic beverages.

You can and should spend some time wondering the Eiffel Tower on your own, but we highly recommend enter via one of our Eiffel Tower tours. It enriches the experience and takes the stress out of planning. Also, check out our Paris tours and add to your experience at many Parisian attractions!

2. The Summit

The summit is the most unique level of the Eiffel tower. The area quickly changes from massive sprawling decks to the size of a small city apartment. The third floor, or summit, is 906 feet high (276m) and the platform is 820 square feet. This is without argument the best view of Paris and at minimum the highest view. The only way up is the elevator and tickets are extremely limited.

3. Macaroon Bar

Like Macaroons? If you answered yes then you have yet another reason to go up the Eiffel Tower! This is a pretty simple spot to grab some of these French favorites. You can eat them there or take them to go.

4. Le Jules Verne

Le Jules Vern e will run you 190€ – 230€ per person for dinner excluding beverages. A five-course and seven-course menu respectively.

This is a starting point as you are going to want a drink. So, if you can, you should . Let this be your reward for a successful year or positive life event but know going into it that you will spend a pretty penny.

They have a more affordable, he scoffs, menu at 105€ for lunch excluding beverages. It is a 3-course tasting menu that makes a very pleasant experience.

Eating at the Jules Verne is a special experience for anyone who can afford it. The restaurant has succeeded in receiving 1 Michelin star under all four chefs who have run Le Jules Verne.

Making a Reservation at Jules Verne :

You can book here. They release times slots 90 days in advance so forget about booking a year ahead.

You have two choices, the Main Rooms (looking at the city) and the Alcove (looking at the interior). Main Rooms obviously go first although the website tries to sell the benefits of the Alcove.

Lunch: From 12pm to 1.30 pm Dinner: From 7pm to 9pm

5. 2nd Floor

The 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower is 377 feet tall (115 m) and just under 5000 square feet, about 1/3 the size of the 1st floor. As you get to the 2nd floor, you’ll realize these levels are most dedicated to relaxation and the view. There are many places to shop and eat.

6. Madame Brasserie

Madame Brasserie is the new restaurant located on the 1st floor of the Tower. This restaurant has just been renovated and it’s worth a stop. It’s a beautiful and tasty place to eat for a price, of course.

The price tag for your meal will sit around €75 per person so it is something to consider. I am a bit of a bon vivant when I travel so I would reduce my hotel budget by €75 and use those funds for this fine dining that’s open all day.

• Priority access to 1st level of Eiffel Tower
• A high-quality meal crafted Thierry Marx who received two Michelin stars at Sur-Mesure
• An experience you will not forget

For me, it is a no-brainer. If you can plan ahead far enough to get the reservation, you should save the extra €150 for you and another person to enjoy this experience.

Remember, smart attire is a must—no sportswear or flip-flops allowed!

Make a Reservation

You can make a reservation here .

Prices range from 70 to 100+ euros per person.

Dinner service times:

First seating: 6:30 PM Second seating: 9:00 PM

Location: 1st floor

7. Gustave’s Spiral Staircase

The original Eiffel Tower had a massive spiral staircase that used to lead up to the summit from the 2nd floor. Imagine almost 600 feet of the spiral staircase? That would be enough to make your head spin.

Eventually, the staircase was taken down and sold. I would imagine the incredibly wealthy would love an Eiffel Tower original staircase in their house. You can find one original 15 foot stretch of stairs on the first level which is an interesting red-ish color. A cool piece of history to check out while there. Imagine all the important historical figures that must have walked up at one time or another?

8. The 1st Level of the Eiffel Tower

The first floor of the Eiffel Tower is an observation deck that is accessible to visitors by stairs or elevator. While you can visit this floor and not visit the others, there is no ticket for only the 1st floor. You’ll have to purchase a ticket to the 2nd floor to see the first.

The first floor is 187 feet (57 m) tall and almost 15 thousand square feet of space. Fifteen thousand square feet is a very large space so the Parisians decided to add in some really cool things to do.

9. Historical Interactive Installation (1st Floor)

Along the outer passageway of the Eiffel Tower is a historical installation that is interesting for children and adults alike. You’ll see the height relationship between Eiffel Tower and other famous buildings on our planet as well as touchscreens and more. The installation is pretty cool and makes the experience much more interactive.

10. Glass Floors of the 1st Level

One of the highlights of the 1st floor, other than the view, is the large glass floor that allows you to look hundreds of feet below you. It also shows the interesting construction of the tower which is a theme on every floor.

11. Bust of Gustave Eiffel

The only real attraction in the Esplanade area other than the view from below is the bust of Gustave Eiffel. If you are not familiar, Gustave Eiffel is credited for the design and installation of the Eiffel Tower. You can read the full history of Gustave Eiffel in our guide to visiting the Eiffel Tower . Scroll down to the section on History & Construction.

The bust was inaugurated in 1929 and sculpted by Antoine Bourdelle. It sits at the corner of the North food of the tower and you might as well add it to your list so you can put a face to the name “Eiffel”. Its gold (most likely leaf) so it will be hard to miss.

12. The Esplanade

The Esplanade is basically the ground area below the Eiffel Tower where people wait and gather before going up the tower. It is a wide-open space that used to be open but now is completely enclosed to help with security. A great spot to understand the enormity of the structure is to stand right underneath it and look up.

Visiting the Eiffel Tower is more difficult than learning what to see – that is the fun part! Tickets sell out fast and the area is full of hustle and bustle. Our guided tours take the guesswork out, always include admissions, and some include Seine River cruises!

Where To Stay in Paris

With a city as magnificent as Paris, it can be hard to find the perfect hotel at the perfect price. Explore the best hotels and places to stay in these incredible neighborhoods in Paris.

About Sean Finelli

Sean is a co-founder and owner of The Tour Guy and its subsidiary The Roman Guy. He studied finance and statistics, but that is his "Dr. Jekyll" side! His "Mr. Hyde" is in love with travel, art, history, and culture. Sean has read libraries of historical text and believes that all internet content should come from books. A practice he follows!

Reader Interactions

Comments (4).

July 22, 2022

Great tips and info. I can not find any information on point 8 – Buffet? We won’t have much time due to the plans for the day (to venture out for a quick bite) and this seems to be the best option.

I can only find info on the other venues – 2 fine dining and champagne bar.

Any info for this is much appreciated!

August 2, 2022

Glad you liked the tips and hope you enjoy your trip! There isn’t much to say about the snack bar as it really is just a place to grab ready-to-go food. If you’re in a hurry, it’s probably your best bet. Here’s the official site for the Eiffel Tower eateries. https://www.toureiffel.paris/en/restaurants-shops

October 11, 2022

I visited Old Eiffel often in 1956 and 1957. On my last trip there I picked up a torch cut rivet from the 3rd stage, It whizzed by my head and body. That original 1895 relic from that monument is now for sale.

October 20, 2022

Wow that is amazing! Great piece of history to have!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Travel Blog
• In The Press

POLICY & TERMS

• Cancellation Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy

Best entrances at the Eiffel Tower to bookmark

Things to do in Paris Paris Attractions Landmarks in Paris Eiffel Tower Eiffel Tower Entrances Explained

Paris, the city of love, light, and baguettes! In the heart of this romantic city stands the majestic Eiffel Tower. Many visitors flock to Paris only to brave the long lines and get to the center of this beautiful monolith. What visitors may not know is that navigating the tower can be somewhat confusing as it is a bit of a labyrinth. There are many entrances to the Eiffel Tower which include 700+ stairs and/or many elevators or lifts. However, you need separate tickets to the summit via the second-floor elevator if you don’t want to be stranded amid a sea of visitors.

You will find various other ways to observe the tower in all its iconic glory on your Eiffel Tower Tour . To avoid any last-minute anxiety, it is best to acquaint yourself with each of these, well in advance. Climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower entrance with Headout’s guide to each of its five entrance types for a smooth and hassle-free visit.

Eiffel Tower Entrances

First, the esplanade on the ground floor has two entrances for entry into the Eiffel Tower i.e. the East and South Entrances, where visitors are required to go through a security check. The East entrance is recommended for entry as it is less crowded and gives you a good chance to explore the gardens.

1. Stairs Entrance to the Eiffel Tower

To avoid the long lines that crowd the elevators, many visitors prefer the Eiffel Tower stair entrance to the 1st and 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower. The wait time for the stairs is relatively short as many visitors prefer the elevators because there are 700 or so steps to the second floor. As you would expect, only fit visitors are allowed on the staircase and those with lower mobility such as senior citizens or persons with disabilities are directed to the lifts. Expect to climb the stairs in about 20-30 minutes depending on how long you wait on each floor. The stairs are open from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM for the entire year save for 27, 28, 29 December when the Eiffel Tower is open until 12:45 am.

2. Elevator Entrance (1st and 2nd Floor)

The three elevators – North, East and West pillars – at the Eiffel Tower will take you to the 1st and 2nd floors from the ground floor. Be warned as the queues in front of the elevators can last for hours so you may be better off opting for the Headout Eiffel Tower Morning Access pass. The Elevator entrance ticket does not grant you access to the summit i.e. on top of the Eiffel Tower. The elevator entrance is open from 9:30 AM to 11:45 PM throughout the year except on 27, 28, 29 December when the last ascent is before 11:30 PM and the tower is open until 12:45 AM.

3. Stairs Entrance + Summit Elevator to the Eiffel Tower

The stairs entrance Eiffel Tower ticket also comes with an option to choose the elevator ride to the summit of the tower . Out of all five ticket types, only this ticket needs to be purchased on-site at the Eiffel Tower, only, as the rest are available online. With the HeadOut Morning Access with Summit Option, you can easily circumvent the ticket queues that can last for hours. You can access the first and second floor via stairs and the summit is accessible via two double-cabin electric elevators.

4. Elevator Entrance (To the Top)

The elevator entrance takes you right to the top of the Eiffel Tower with access to both lifts. The timings remain the same as for the elevator entrances. There are no stairs involved with this pass, however, the wait time may be longer as you have to wait in front of both the elevators. We recommend pre-purchasing your Eiffel Tower elevator tickets beforehand to save time that could be spent gazing at Paris while walking on the see-through floor, through the telescopes on the second-floor or from the top.

Elevator Entrance (Priority Tickets)

Related Read: Check out four tried & tested hacks to Skip The Lines at Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower: Getting there

The Eiffel Tower stands on Champs de Mars in Paris and can be spotted from miles away as it stands apart from the rest of the city. There are many ways to get to the Eiffel Tower from anywhere in the city of Paris. Visitors can take the bus, train, or metro to reach the gardens where the Eiffel Tower is located. Here are a few efficient and timesaving ways to reach the tower in record time.

If you decide to take the bus to the Eiffel Tower, the closest stop, Eiffel Tower, is on line 82 and line 42. Bus 82 drops you near the Carousel of the Eiffel Tower and it is only a 1-minute walk from there. Bus 42 will drop you on the other side towards the east pillar which is a 4-minute walk to the tower.

The RER is the rapid transit system that runs through Paris and other parts of France. Line C of RER takes you to the Eiffel Tower after which it is an 8-minute walk to the garden from the south pillar.

The Eiffel Tower is served by 3 metro lines, but the metro exits are at least 10 minutes away from the garden. Line 6 is the nearest with the Bir-Hakeim stop which is an 11-minute walk away. Line 8 at Ecole Militaire takes about 15 minutes to reach the Eiffel Tower and Line 9 is the farthest stop from the tower which will take 28 minutes.

If you are feeling adventurous, you can rent a bike with Velib . There are various stations on the bike route that stop as close as a minute away from the Eiffel Tower. Avenue Octave Gerard Station, Avenue Rapp Station, and Avenue de Suffren station are some of the stops that you can choose.

Cars are another efficient way to reach the Eiffel Tower and the tower offers provision for it with covered parking areas. The closest one to the Eiffel Tower is on Quai Branly, which is only 300-metres away. You can check the official website for more details.

A scenic route along the Seine and a stop by the Eiffel Tower on a boat? Yes, that is another amazing way to see the tower decked out from the river Seine. The boats dock at Batobus Tour Eiffel which is only a five-minute’ walk from the Tower.

If you are planning to visit the Eiffel Tower straight from the airport, the nearest airport to the tower is Paris Orly. As the main International airport in France, Paris Charles de Gaulle airport runs buses by Blablabus every 30 minutes directly to the Eiffel Tower, which is an hour away.

Eiffel Tower entrances: Visiting tips

• If you want to save yourself the trouble of waiting in line for tickets, then make sure to book online. Whether you want to book the stair entrance or the elevator Eiffel Tower entrance tickets, be wary of the time it would take to climb to the top of the tower.
• The security at the Esplanade is strict, so remember to bring IDs for the entire group, even children.
• The Tower does not permit storage of items such as suitcases, non-folding buggies and prams.
• Although most of the tickets for the entrances can be booked online, the stair entrance tickets with access to the summit can only be purchased on-site.
• Take your time at each of the three floors as they all have something unique to offer. From restaurants in the Eiffel tower like Le Jules Verne to the see-through floor, the tower is a buffet of activities.
• The Eiffel Tower dazzles in thousands of twinkling lights each night, every five-minutes on the hour. For the best way to experience this mesmerizing event, take the Paris by Night pass that also offers priority access to other iconic places in France, like the Louvre and Notre Dame.
• Opening hours of the Eiffel Tower are crucial if you want to make it in time. The Tower is open throughout the year from 9:30 AM until 11:45 PM except for New Year’s Eve when it closes at 9:00 PM.

Is the Eiffel Tower accessible for people with disabilities?

Visitors who use a wheelchair may access the 1st and 2nd floors via the large-capacity lifts, but entry to the summit is restricted for medical and security reasons.

How can I get to the Eiffel Tower via public transport?

The Eiffel Tower is served via various modes of transportation that take visitors to nearby stops along Champs de Mars and quai Branly. You can choose to travel by bus, metro, RER, and bicycles. It is best to check the official website as it provides a detailed access map to get to the Eiffel Tower.

Is it possible to alter the date or time on my Eiffel Tower tickets?

Most Eiffel Tower tickets cannot be modified or exchanged. Check the summary of purchase before confirming your transaction so you can choose the exact time-slot, date and entrance type (stairs or elevators).

How long does it take to navigate the Eiffel Tower from the ground floor to the summit?  

A tour of the Eiffel Tower can take anywhere between 1½ to 2½ hours depending on the amount of time you take exploring each floor and the wait times.

What are the timings for visiting the Eiffel Tower?  

The Eiffel Tower is open year-round from 9:30 AM till 11:45 PM. On New Year’s Eve, the Tower closes at 9:00 PM.

Does the Eiffel Tower accommodate child-friendly amenities?  

The Eiffel Tower has baby-changing facilities on each floor and folding buggies can be carried on the elevators.

Is the security strict at the Eiffel Tower entrances?    

There are rigorous security measures in place at the Eiffel Tower and visitors are required to maintain decorum. Lying on benches, displaying banners, or walking barefoot is prohibited.

Ready to explore Paris?

Here are the top recommended things to do in Paris . Don't forget to check out our Paris Travel Guide for itineraries, tips and hacks to explore the best of Paris, curation of the best hotels, restaurants and more.

A self-confessed armchair traveling expert, Saba hopes to master the art of time travel next. Her favorite pastimes include lamenting that she was born in the wrong decade, noodling around on the guitar, and writing unfinished songs. She is currently working on building a functioning time travel machine and wishes Doctor Who was a real person.

Be a smart traveler

The first to know about trending destinations, travel deals, tips and all things travel.

How to get to the Eiffel Tower?

The Eiffel Tower is located on the left bank of the Seine River in the heart of Paris, as a symbol of France’s rich history and architectural innovation.

The exact address of the Eiffel Tower is Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France . 

Thanks to Paris’s well-developed and well-connected transportation system, the Eiffel Tower is easily accessible from every part of the city. 

A lot of Public transportation options like Buses, trains, metro, RER, cars and even boats are available that one can use to get to the Eiffel Tower. 

You can choose any means of transportation to find your way to the Eiffel Tower .

How to get to the Eiffel Tower by Metro

To reach the Eiffel Tower by Metro in Paris, you can use the following guidelines:

Closest Metro Stations : The Eiffel Tower is accessible via several Metro stations, but the closest ones are:

• Trocadéro (Lines 6 and 9)
• École Militaire (Line 8)
• Bir-Hakeim (Line 6)

Choosing Your Route :

• If you’re coming from the center of Paris or areas connected by Line 6 or Line 9, you can directly head to Trocadéro . This station offers one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower right as you exit the station.
• If you’re closer to Line 8, head towards École Militaire . From there, it’s a straight walk to the Eiffel Tower.
• Bir-Hakeim is another good option, especially if you’re traveling on Line 6. It’s one stop away from Trocadéro, on the opposite side of the Seine river, and offers a pleasant walk towards the Eiffel Tower.

From the Metro Station to the Eiffel Tower :

• From Trocadéro : Exit the station and enjoy the stunning view of the Eiffel Tower across the Seine. You can walk down the gardens (Jardins du Trocadéro) and cross the Iéna Bridge to reach the Eiffel Tower.
• From École Militaire : After exiting the station, walk north towards the Champ de Mars, and you will see the Eiffel Tower right in front of you.
• From Bir-Hakeim : This station offers a view of the Eiffel Tower as you approach it. After exiting, walk towards the river, cross the Seine via the nearby bridge, and you’ll find yourself at the base of the Eiffel Tower.

Tickets and Passes : You can buy single journey tickets (t+ ticket) or a day pass (Paris Visite travel pass) from any Metro station. These are valid for the Metro, buses, trams, and RER trains within the specified zones.

Getting to the Eiffel Tower by Bus

Paris has an extensive bus network that can get you close to the Eiffel Tower. Here are the key bus lines:

Bus Lines : Several bus lines serve the vicinity of the Eiffel Tower. Notably:

• Line 82 stops at “ Tour Eiffel ” which is very close to the tower.
• Line 42 stops at “Tour Eiffel” as well, offering a good option from various parts of Paris.
• Line 69 also passes close, stopping at “ Champ de Mars .”

Planning Your Trip : You can use the RATP website or mobile app to plan your trip and find the best bus route from your location to the Eiffel Tower. Enter your starting location and “Tour Eiffel or Eiffel Tower” as your destination.

From the Bus Stop to the Eiffel Tower : Once you get off at the bus stop nearest to the Eiffel Tower (likely “Tour Eiffel” for Lines 82 and 42, or “Champ de Mars” for Line 69), it’s just a short walk to the tower itself. The area is pedestrian-friendly, and the tower is easily visible and accessible from these stops.

How to reach Eiffel Tower by RER

By RER (Train):

The RER system also provides access to the Eiffel Tower, particularly via Line C.

Closest RER Station : The nearest RER station is Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel on RER C. This line runs parallel to the Seine River and serves many major attractions in Paris.

Choosing Your Route : If you’re traveling from within Paris or from the suburbs, look for any RER C train that stops at “Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel.” If you’re connecting from another Metro or RER line, you may need to transfer at a station like Saint-Michel Notre-Dame or Invalides.

From the RER Station to the Eiffel Tower : Exiting the Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel station, you’ll find yourself very close to the Eiffel Tower. The station exits near the river, and from there, it’s a straightforward walk to the tower, following the signs or the flow of tourists.

If you are already at the Eiffel Tower and want to make your way to the Louvre Museum or the famous Arc de Triomphe, check our articles on the Eiffel Tower to Louvre and Eiffel Tower to Arc de Triomphe to get insights on the best transportation option for your trip.

How to get to the Eiffel Tower by Car?

If you’re driving, you can use a GPS to navigate to the Eiffel Tower.

The Eiffel Tower is connected to all the suburbs by a map of road networks.

The time it takes and the shortest path to reach the tower can vary depending on the starting point.

For reference, starting from the 1st arrondissement of Paris , the shortest route to the Eiffel Tower is via Quai d’Orsay. 

But you are likely to face more traffic on this route. You can also use Av. de New York, as it’s the fastest route to the tower.

Another choice is to drive to the tower via Rue la Boétie.

However, you must know that the tower does not provide any parking facilities.

If you still need to take a car to the tower, you can find several nearby paid parking lots that you can opt for.

The Quai Branly Museum underground parking is one of the closest to the Eiffel Tower. Parking rates can vary, except around €4 to €6 per hour.

Getting to the Eiffel Tower by Boat

Did you know that you can reach the Eiffel Tower by Boat as well? Isn’t it exciting?

You can get to the tower by boat via the Seine River. 

It is an excellent way to get to the attraction while enjoying the boat ride along the Seine. You can also book an Eiffel Tower and Seine River Combo Cruise for a more wholesome experience.

Going by boat, you should get off at the Batobus-Tour Eiffel stop . 

It’s a 4-minute walk to the attraction from this stop.

Read our comprehensive article on the Seine River Cruise with Eiffel Tower combo tour tickets.

Walking To the Eiffel Tower

Walking to the Eiffel Tower is a pleasant experience if you’re staying in central Paris.

The tower is visible from various parts of the city, making it easier to navigate towards.

Walking allows you to enjoy the beautiful streets and architecture of Paris.

How to get to the Eiffel Tower By Taxi or Ride-Sharing?

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Paris.

You can hail a taxi on the street, use a taxi stand, or book a ride through your preferred app.

This is a convenient option if you prefer not to navigate public transport or are traveling in a group.

Suggested Articles

Eiffel Tower Tickets

Combo Tickets for the Louvre and Eiffel Tower!

Eiffel Tower and Seine River Cruise Combo Ticket!

Eiffel Tower Stairs Tickets: A Climbing Experience!

Eiffel Tower Guided Tour with Complete Elevator Access!

Eiffel Tower Second Floor Tickets with Elevator Access!

Eiffel Tower Summit Tickets with Elevator & Host Assistance!

How Long Does a Tour of the Eiffel Tower Take?

Feature Image: Nacroba / Getty Images

Find Us online

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Attractions

Destinations

Travel Tips

Subscribe to Newsletter

© 2024 Vacatis

Walking in Paris — 5 perfect walks through Paris with maps

By: Author Emily

Posted on Last updated: November 27, 2023

The quaint cobblestone streets, winding alleys and Haussman buildings — the ones with the stone facades and wrought iron railings — that you picture when you think of a Paris postcard are all very much real. Walking through Paris is definitely the best way to explore those scenes.

While Paris is incredibly walkable,  it’s also quite big. To help narrow the scope, we’ve put put together a few walking routes that will guide you through some of the best parts of Paris. In this guide, we’ll explore Paris on foot with the help of five detailed maps.

These walking routes are designed with first-time visitors it mind. They offer a self-guided walking tour through some of the most beautiful neighborhoods, most popular tourist attractions and most charming streets in Paris.

Wander … but within reason

The French have a term — Flâner — which means to wander aimlessly through a city. There’s no similar word in English, and I would argue that’s because we’re bad at it. And by “we,” I guess I mean Americans.

I recently moved to New York and there is no wandering here. Even in Central Park, everyone has somewhere to be. And they’re not just trying to get there , they’re usually working out the next five places they need to be, too.

Neither is inherently better. Simply a difference in speed and lifestyles from two sides of the pond.

But what happens when a New Yorker goes to Paris and all the tips say to wander aimlessly but their Type A brain simply cannot do that? What about the people who want to wander, but within reason?

Enter this post. We’re here for the people who need a little direction more than “Just explore!”

On these maps, we’ve plotted the city’s top attractions, noted some of the most beautiful streets and flagged our favorite stops along the way. But from there, you can amble through nearby alleys, pop into hidden cafes and discover your own favorite spots to really make the journey your own.

We’ve drawn the box but you can color inside and outside the lines however you choose.

Paris walking routes explored in this post

• Arc de Triomphe to Pont de Arts — A must-do for first time visitors
• Latin Quarter & the isles — A balance of city energy and quiet streets
• Le Marais — A trendy neighborhood in a historic setting
• Montmartre — A beloved and beautiful art district on a hill with great views
• Eiffel Tower & the Seine — A charming walk through a Paris postcard

Arc de Triomphe to Pont de Arts Walking Guide

This is my favorite way to start a trip to Paris. Whether this is your first time in Paris or you’re a repeat visitor, this walk is a great way see many of Paris’ iconic sights in one long stretch. It features the city’s most famous boulevard, a beautiful park, iconic views and shopping galore.

This walking route in full is about 3 miles. If you were walking straight through, it would take about an hour. We don’t recommend that, though. There are so many things you can see and do along this walk that you could easily fill an entire day if you wanted.

Arc de Triomphe

Champs-élysées.

• Tuileries Gardens
• Pont de Arts

A few quick tips for using this map.

• To view the map in Google Maps, click the expand icon on the top right corner.
• Click the star icon to save the map to your Google account for later.
• To access the map next time, open Google Maps > click the Saved tab > click Maps.

Tips for this walk

• Don’t start too early. Most of the stores at the start of this walk don’t open until 10 or 11 AM. Take some time to enjoy breakfast and coffee before you head out for the day.
• Book tickets in advance. If you want to visit the top of the Arc de Triomphe or go inside the Louvre , it’s best to book a timed ticket in advance. Popular dates and times can book up days in advance.
• The Louvre deserves an entire day . That said, if you’d like to go inside the Louvre we’d recommend doing it on a different day and arrive when they open if possible. It’s a huge museum and it gets very crowded, especially in the afternoon. On this walk, we recommend just stopping by the pyramid and maybe the shops below.
• Eat along the way. There are plenty of cafes and street food vendors along this route. I don’t specifically call out many throughout this post because there are options everywhere. I’d personally recommend picking up small bites everytime you pass something yummy, like a crepe from a street vendor in Champs-Élysées Gardens, an appetizer at a bar off Saint-Honoré and ice cream in Tuileries Garden.

The view from the top of the Arc de Triomphe

Self-guided walk from Arc de Triomphe to Pont de Arts

This walk begins at Arc de Triomphe. The best way to get there will usually be by train, but it may vary based on your exact hotel location. The nearest Metro strops are Kléber station which serves the 6 train and  George V or Argentine which serves the 1 train.

Arc de Triomphe is located in the center of a busy traffic circle. Do not attempt to walk to the monument from street level. There is a pedestrian tunnel with access points (marked in yellow below) on Champs-Élysées and Grande Armée streets that will lead you to the base of the Arc de Triomphe. This is where the entrance to the monument is located, but you can also visit the base at street level for free.

You can go inside and to the top of the Arc de Triomphe. Timed entry tickets are required and cost €13 for adults. Everyone under 18 is free. The views from the top are incredible and it’s a great alternative to going to the top of the Eiffel Tower .

Even if you aren’t going inside the moment, it’s still worth seeing it from the street. The best views are on Champs-Élysées, which is convenient because that’s where we’re heading next.

One of the most famous, most filmed and most beautiful streets in Paris is Champs-Élysées. It’s akin to Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Oxford Street in London and Fifth Avenue in New York.

The street is lined with trees, which are stunning all the time but even more so in autumn and Christmastime. There’s tons of shops and stores, ranging from Zara to Louis Vuitton. Whether you’re shopping or window shopping, you are likely to be dazzled along the way.

Some of my favorite shops along Champs-Élysées are:

• Disney Store: They have always have a line up of Paris-specific Disney merchandise and lots of toys that kids will love to look at (and ask for).
• Galeries Lafayette: This is a great indoor mall to warm up in the winter or cool off in the summer.
• Nike House of Innovation: This store is a fusion of Nike Store and science museum. It’s a fun stop for the athlete and/or toddlers in your family.
• Ladurée : This pastry shop is famous for their macarons. They have many locations all over Paris (and the world). This location has a full sit-down restaurant (reservations recommended), but they also have a separate line to get treats to go.

Champs-Élysées Gardens

At the south-east end of Champs-Élysées, the shops give way to a garden. It’s lovely to walk thought, but it’s not the best for siting and staying awhile. (We’ve got an even more beautiful garden coming up in a bit.)

There are several theaters throughout the gardens. Along the way, you’ll also pass the Grand Palais and Petit Palais (museums) and Élysée Palace (official residence of the French president).

At the end of the garden you’ll run into Place de la Concorde. The plaza is basically a really busy traffic intersection with an Egyptian obelisk in the center. My recommendation? Skip it. Instead, turn left on Rue Royale and walk a block to Rue Saint-Honoré.

Rue Saint-Honoré

This street is your high-end fashion street. Designer brands like Hermès, Versace, Fendi and Christian Louboutin all have storefronts on Rue Saint-Honoré between Avenue de Marigny and where the street ends near the Louvre.

Even if $1,500 shoes are out of your budget, the window shopping alone is worth even a short stroll down this street. Plus, like I said, a detour down this street is better than crossing the traffic puzzle at Place de la Concorde.

If you’re looking to wander, this is a good area to do it. There are lots of side streets in this area that lead to unique shops, fancy hotels and swanky cafes and bars.

One of the most famous stops around here is Angelina, which is famous for their decadent hot chocolate. It’s a high-end, sit-down restaurant though, so dress accordingly. Because it’s so famous, reservations are recommend because they get very crowded. (Be sure to book early, too. They book up well over a month in advance.)

There’s also several places for fancy cocktails in cozy, immaculately decorated bars. Some of the most popular picks in the area are Bar Hemingway (inside the Ritz Paris), Bar 8 (inside the Mandarin Oriental) and Harry’s New York.

I buy designer things so infrequently that I take photos marking it as a life event

Tuileries Garden

After some shopping and maybe some light day-drinking, cut back to Tuileries Garden. This is one of the most beautiful gardens in Paris. If you were looking for a green space to relax, maybe have a picnic or let the kids play for a bit, this is the spot. (By the way, if you’re visiting Paris with kids be sure to check out this post for all our best tips.)

You don’t have to walk down every pathway in the park, but try a few different ones! You’ll find outdoor cafes, several ponds and fountains, and interesting sculptures. The grounds are immaculately landscaped with beautiful trees, flowers and bushes which really shine in the spring and fall. There’s also a great playground, which the kids will love.

At the southeastern end of the garden, you’ll run into what looks like the Arc de Triomphe. Don’t worry. You didn’t find a wormhole and travel back two miles to where you started your day. This is a second and slightly smaller monument called Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, and it was designed at the same time as the Arc de Triomphe.

Louvre Museum

Just beyond Tuileries Gardens is the world famous Louvre art museum. The iconic glass pyramid is in an open plaza above the entrance to the museum. The plaza is a popular place for photos, souvenir shopping from street vendors, and just general relaxing with a view.

Below the plaza is Carrousel du Louvre, which is an indoor shopping mall with a food court. To get down there, look for one of the stairways around the edge of the plaza. A lot of people don’t know is that there’s also an inverted glass pyramid below ground, and this is where you’ll find it. Pretty cool!

Now, if you’re planning to visit the museum, you could certainly do that in the afternoon after making this walk. Alternatively, you could flip this walk and start at the Louvre and do the rest in reverse order. However, we don’t think it’s worth trying to smoosh the Louvre into an otherwise busy day.

The Louvre is gigantic and it’s hard to see everything even with a full day. If you want to go inside, we recommend getting the earliest entry time you can and spending a relaxing, long day there.

Pont des Arts

Exit the Louvre and head towards the Seine. Look for the Pont des Arts pedestrian bridge. It’s between Pont du Carrousel (a car traffic bridge) and Île de la Cité (an island in the middle of the river).

The bridge offers excellent views all around. You can see the Eiffel Tower in one direction and Pont Neuf on the either. There are benches along the way to relax after a long day.

If you’re heading home after Pont des Arts, the nearest Metro stop is Pont Neuf, which serves the 7 train.

View of Pont Neuf from Pont des Arts

Continue your Journey

• Peruse used books and art prints at the bouquinistes, the iconic green box stalls along the Seine
• Enjoy a meal or a coffee at a classic cafe in Saint Germain, maybe Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots
• Start your next walk through Latin Quarter & the isles

Latin Quarter & the isles Walking Tour

The Latin Quarter is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Paris, dating back more than 2,000 years. It has winding streets and tiny alleys that are filled with lively cafes, very old buildings and bookshops galore. It’s a mesh of tourist traps and authentic history, dotted with museums and gardens for good measure. The district is home to Sorbonne University, and the student population keeps the area young.

The isles refer to Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis, which are literal islands in the middle of the Siene. They comprise quaint shopping streets, famous churches and maybe the best ice cream in Paris. It’s a bit quieter than the banks on either side, but they’re delightful neighborhoods for a stroll.

This walk isn’t short and clocks in at just under 4 miles. But with breaks for meals and coffee along the way, it actually fills a day quite nicely.

• Shakespeare & Company

Île Saint-Louis

Rue Mouffetard

Luxembourg Gardens

As a reminder, here are some quick tips for using this map.

• Plan this walk on a Saturday . In order to feel the energy of this area, you want to visit when it’s got some life to it and that’s typically the weekend. The Rue Mouffetard market closes on Sunday afternoon, which is why we suggest Saturday specifically. Do note that many places are closed on Mondays.
• Bring cash (Euros) . Most restaurants and cafes in this area will take credit cards, but most street vendors don’t. Cash will be helpful for other odds and end purchases too, like renting a tiny sail boat to float around the pond in Luxembourg Gardens.
• The gardens are best in the summer. During the summer months, the gardens in Paris are alive . Not only are they the most beautiful during that time, but they’re also a social hub for tourists and locals alike. In the later fall and winter months, they can feel quite desolate.
• If you have little ones, split this walk over two days. This is a long walk and will wipe out most adults. I originally planned this walk with our toddler, but they totally crashed half way through. If you’re co-travellers have little legs, make this one a two-day journey.
• Skip Jardin des Plantes if you have to. If this walk is too long or you’re short on time and have to cut something, cut Jardin des Plantes. It’s out of the way and not a must see, so it’s a good way to shorten this day up a bit. That might mean skipping Rue Mouffetard, too.

Self-guided walk through Latin Quarter & the isles

This walk begins at at Pont Neuf, which is a famous bridge that passes through Île de la Cité. Ideally you would take the 7 train and get off at Pont Neuf. However, depending on where you’re staying, you could also take the 4 or 10 trains to Odéon. From there you could walk back to Pont Neuf or just skip the bridge and head straight to Fontaine Saint-Michel.

If you walked across Pont des Arts pedestrian bridge as part of the previous walking route, you’ll have already gotten a great view of Pont Neuf.

This stone bridge was first opened for use in 1604 and is the oldest bridge over the Seine that’s still in use today. There are 381 stone masks, or mascarons, carved into the bridge which represent mythical divinities. There’s also a large statue of Henry IV where the bridge crosses Île de la Cité.

After crossing the bridge to the Left Bank, walk along the south side of the Seine. Peek at the many bouquinistes, which are the little shop stalls in the green boxes. They sell art prints, books, little souvenirs and other odds and ends. It’s hard to believe something so cute and notoriously French actually exists in real life.

Fontaine Saint-Michel

In a couple blocks you’ll come to a second bridge, Pont Saint-Michel. Turn right (away from the Seine) and you’ll run into Fontaine Saint-Michele.

This is a stone fountain in a square, which was constructed in 1860. The square around it is often bustling with tourists passing through. There’s not much seating, so people will sit along the base of the fountain itself. You can usually see a street musician or dance troupe performing in front of it.

You don’t need to stay long here, but it’s a great entry point to the Latin Quarter.

Rue de la Huchette

Just across Boulevard Saint-Michele from the fountain is Rue de la Huchette. This two block street is one of the oldest in Paris. It’s famous for having the highest concentration of restaurants in the city — none of them particularly good.

The tiny pedestrian street is cramped with souvenir shops, pubs and creperies. Lining the street are many old buildings with their own stories to tell. One dates back to the 1600s. Another is said to have been a residence of Napoleon Bonaparte.

The street is very touristy, but that’s okay! Most people reading this are tourists and you shouldn’t feel bad about doing popular things. Get a Nutella crepe and let yourself go.

While you’re in this area, it’s a good time explore some of the side streets. I’d recommend popping south a few blocks to the The Abbey Bookshop.

Shakespeare and Company

Just past the end of Rue de la Huchette is Shakespeare and Company. The bookstore opened in 1951 and quickly became a literary beacon for English writers in Paris. Today, there’s often a line out the door to get into the cramped bookshop.

Fun story. The owner, inspired by his own experience with the kindness of strangers, always allowed creatives to sleep for free in the book shop. The invitation was open to writers, artists and other intellectuals, and there were three rules. Each guest had to read a book a day, help the shopkeep for a couple hours, and write a one-page autobiography. Today, thousands of biographies have been collected and archived in the shop.

You should actually read the history of the founder and the bookshop, which is told much more eloquently here .

Attached to the bookstore is a cafe by the same name. I can’t come to Paris and not stop here for a cappuccino and this Paris institution.

Right across the river from Shakespeare & Company is Notre Dame cathedral.

I have been to almost 50 countries and have visited houses of worship in all of them. Nothing hit me quite like walking into Notre Dame on my first visit in 2017. I know that’s probably the most cliche favorite church to have, but it’s mine.

Unfortunately, the inside of Notre Dame is still closed after a fire in 2019 burned much of the cathedral. You can still access the courtyard in front of it and see the church and the famous gargoyles from the outside.

Pass around the back of Notre Dame and cross over Pont Saint-Louis onto Île Saint-Louis. Step onto the island and you’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time and maybe teleported to a small French village. It’s quaint and quiet, but don’t read that as boring. There are darling boutiques, amazing restaurants and somehow less crowds than the rest of Paris.

Focus your attention on Rue Saint-Louis en l’Île, the main street that runs through the heart of the island. In a few blocks you’ll hit Berthillon ice cream shop. People argue it’s the best ice cream in all of Paris. The shop’s been around and run by the same family since the 1950s. I must confess, we haven’t actually tried it! The timing just didn’t work out for us, but it’s on our bucket list for sure.

When you’re done exploring the island, cross back to the Left Bank via Pont de la Tournelle or Pont de Sully.

Tino Rossi Garden & Jardin des Plantes

Now it’s time to relax with a bit of nature. The next part of this walk starts at Tino Rossi Garden. It’s a wonderful transition from the bustle of the city to the serenity of Jardin des Plantes.

Jardin des Plantes is a huge botanical garden. About half the garden space is a ticked zoo, which costs €10-13 per person. For the sake of time during this busy day though, we’d suggest skipping the zoo. Instead, follow the paths that cuts straight through the southern portion of the gardens.

Now we’re back to shopping and eating. After Jardin des Plantes, head toward Square Saint-Médard. There are a few ways to get there and any will work. This square has an open air market which is open most days except Sunday afternoon and Monday.

After the market, head north on Rue Mouffetard. The street is so charming and beautiful, from the shops to the buildings themselves. It’s another one of the oldest streets in Paris and its said to have been the main inspiration for Victor Hugo when he wrote Les Miserables.

When Rue Mouffetard hits Rue Clovis, turn left and head to Luxembourg Gardens. Be sure to take note of the Pantheon as you pass by. This is also a popular attraction to visit, but this long walk doesn’t leave time to go inside.

Luxembourg Gardens is my favorite park in all of Paris. In the summer, the flowers are stunning, while in the fall the changing leaves steal the show. Take some time wandering through the gardens, but be sure to take some time to sit near the pond in front of Luxembourg Palace.

In the summer, there’s a small stand near the pond where you can rent wooden boats to sail on the pond in the summer. Theres a great story about the boats, which you can read here .

• Visit the observation deck at Montparnasse Tower and enjoy a cocktail on the roof with views of the entire city at sunset
• Continuing your shopping spree on Boulevard Saint-Germain
• Get a glass of wine at a charming local bar like Chez Georges or Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels
• Start your next walk through Le Marais

Le Marais Walking Guide

The Marais has so much personality. It’s historic but trendy. Religious but LGBT friendly. Urban but quaint.

My desire to explore Le Marais is what inspired me to write this entire post. Everything I read about the neighborhood said “just go and walk around” or “it’s a great place to get lost.” I do not do well with these types of directions. I always end up on the wrong streets and wasting time in places that honestly aren’t that great.

So if you also want to explore Le Marais, but want to know just where to explore, I’ve got you covered. This route passes through some of the main shopping streets, landmarks and squares in the heart of Le Marais. With some basic landmarks flagged, you’ll feel empowered to take a few extra turns along the way as you Flâner .

Saint-Jacques Tower

Rue de rivoli, place des vosges, jewish quarter, marché des enfants rouges, square du temple.

• Get coffee first. Not far from start of this walk is Motors Coffee. It’s a great coffee shop with killer banana Nutella bread. Start here.
• Start in the afternoon . This neighborhood is slow to wake up. Come in the afternoon for the best energy. It’s also a good place to be in the evening, as there’s a wide array of bars and restaurants.
• Consider a guided tour . There’s a lot of really deep and interesting history in Le Marais. If you’re into that sort of thing, there are several free walking tours through the area, like this one .
• Wander within reason . I’ve noted the high streets and notable sights on this map, but I’ve also noted a larger general area that represents the heart of Le Marais. If you have time and interest, wandering down any of these streets will serve you well.

Self-guided walk through Le Marais

This walking tour begins at Saint-Jacques Tower. To get there by train, take the 1, 4, 7, 11 or 14 trains to Châtelet station.

The tower you see today is all that remains of a 16th century church that was destroyed during the French Revolution. For €12, you can climb 300 steps to the top of the tower. It’s usually not too crowded. The tower is only open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM – 6 PM.

Even if you don’t go inside, the tower is beautiful to look at and surrounded by a lovely and quaint garden. There’s a small playground on one side for children, too.

Continue east down Rue de Rivoli. This is a one of the mail thoroughfares that cut through Le Marais and it’s lined with lots of big-box and thrift stores and also restaurants. There are lots of cool buildings along the way, including one you literally can’t miss, Hôtel de Ville. This massive building primarily serves as a government building, but they do occasionally have public exhibitions and guided tours.

Consider a detour off this main street to see Saint-Gervais church, Rue des Barres or Mémorial de la Shoah holocaust memorial. There are cute boutiques and some really interesting, really old buildings in this area.

Try to make it back to Rue de Rivoli by Saint Paul Station. If you have little ones, there’s a small carousel ride that might quickly become their favorite thing about their Paris trip.

Next up is the main square in Les Marais, Place des Vosges. It’s a perfectly square park that even has square trees! It’s a popular square that’s great people watching and relaxing.

Many reviews I read said that Place des Vosges was too crowded and to seek out less popular squares like Place Sainte-Catherine. I disagree. I think the energy at Place des Vosges is why you should go there.

Exit the park onto Rue des Francs Bourgeois, which another main shopping street. This one is features more high end designers and boutiques like Maje and Ted Baker.

Turn left onto Rue Pavée and then right on Rue des Rosiers and you’ll have found the soul of the Jewish Quarter. This short street is filled with jewish restaurants, bookshops and synagogues. There is so much history in this area if you know where to look. I’d highly recommend this article which talks about the history in much more depth.

If you’re hungry, this is a good place to pick up some falafel. L’As du Fallafel is the most popular pick.

Rue Vieille du Temple

Rue des Rosiers and the Jewish quarter ends at Rue Vieille du Temple. This is another photogenic shopping street with high-end boutiques and charming cafes.

Some of the cutest portions of this street are actually to the left between the Jewish Quarter and Rue de Rivoli. If you have time, walk a few blocks out of your way through that section. Alternatively, you can just turn right and head north right off the bat for an abridged version of this street.

When you run into a large 6-way interchange, turn left onto Rue de Bretagne. This street will lead you to Marché des Enfants Rouges, the oldest food market in Paris.

This market has vendors selling fresh produce and meats, but also full restaurants with bar and table service. It’s a popular place to get a meal in a unique setting.

Personally, this market didn’t do it for me. It was smaller than I expected (much smaller than Borough Market , which is what I was picturing) and nothing really stood out to me to try (granted, I’m a vegetarian). Instead of waiting for a table at the cramped restaurants, we walked a bit up the road and got pizza at a cafe. (Also uninspired, I know, but at least we were comfortable.)

Round out your time in Le Marais with a visit to Square du Temple. It’s a beautiful garden with a memorial to Elie Wlesel, playground and pond.

We actually had to cut our day a little short and didn’t make it all the way here, but I’d prioritize it next time.

• Visit a museum such as the National Archives Museum, Picasso Museum or the Museum of the Art and History of Judaism.
• Get cocktails! This area is known for it’s nightlife, but even an early drink in the area is fun. Try Candelaria (speakeasy) or read this list for best bars in the area.
• Head over La Coulée Verte Paris, an elevated garden on an old train line (similar in concept to the High Line in New York City)
• Start your next walk through Montmartre

Montmartre Walking Guide

Montmartre is often people’s favorite place in Paris and with good reason. It has winding cobble stone streets, artists painting portraits, views over most of Paris, and it’s literally topped off with a breathtaking basilica.

This is another area that can get a bad rap for being “too touristy,” but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go. This walking route will guide you through the main areas of the neighborhood, which yes, includes the tourist attractions along the way.

Montmartre isn’t just about the attractions, though. The best way to enjoy the area is simply to spend time there. By that I mean sit on the steps for awhile. Plan to get a meal at a street-side cafe. Go into the shops and stores. If you’re just checking off sights, the neighborhood will just pass you by.

For that reason, this walk is much shorter in distance than the first three. It’s just over a mile. The neighborhood isn’t that big, so even if you wander off the path, which is encouraged, you still won’t be covering too much distance. This walk can be covered in about half a day.

Montmartre Funicular

Sacré-cœur, place du tertre, rue de l’abreuvoir, le bateau-lavoir, moulin rouge.

• Dine at a charming cafe. Montmartre is dripping with Instagrammable cafes. Le Consulat, La Maison Rose, La Taverne de Montmartre and Le Potager are all highly rated and beautiful restaurants in the area.
• Take a mini Picasso tour . The renowned painter Pueblo Picasso lived and painted in Montmartre for many years. You can see his house, studio and favorite spots in the neighborhood. Here’s a great guide that details the history and exact locations of all things Picasso in Montmartre.
• Come during different times on different trips . During your first trip to Paris, I’d suggest visiting in the early afternoon when it’s the most busy, but then try different times during subsequent visits. Come in the evening and watch the sunset from the steps of Square Louise Michel. If you want to get a portrait, come around 11 when they set up for the best pick of artists.
• Plan your route wisely. If you look at Google maps, it’s easy to feel like you can move around the district pretty quickly. Be warned! The neighborhood of Montmartre has a huge hill in the middle, which is what Sacré-Cœur sits atop. I’d suggest taking the funicular up, seeing everything at the top at once, then working your way down as you explore the rest of the neighborhood.

Self-guided walk through Montmartre

This route begins in the center of the Montmartre neighborhood at the Abbesses subway station, which serves the 12 train. Alternatively, you could take the 2 train to Pigalle station and walk up Rue des Martyrs to Rue Yvonne le Tac.

Walk along Rue Yvonne le Tac and then Rue Tardieu till you reach the base of Square Louise Michel. Just about everyone will be making the same walk between Abbesses and the square, so the street is always lively.

A funicular is a type of cable-based train that is usually used on very steep hills, and Montmartre has one. There are several different stair cases that lead up the hill, including the notable steps up Square Louise Michel, but the funicular is the easiest way to get to the top.

The base of the Montmartre funicular is located here in the southwest corner of Square Louise Michel. You can use a Paris Metro travel card or single ride ticket to ride the funicular. There is a ticket kiosk near the entrance to the funicular where you can purchase a ticket if you don’t already have one. You cannot tap to pay with a credit card on Paris Metro transportation, including the funicular.

It’s a short trip to the top and a car departs every few minutes. The funicular just makes one stop, which is at the top of the hill here . When you exit, turn right and you’re just steps away from Sacré-Cœur.

Sacré-Cœur is the basilica at the top of Montmartre. The church was consecrated in 1919. It was initially proposed as a way for France to seek religious redemption for kidnapping the pope under Napoleon. (You can read about that wild story here .)

Sacré-Cœur is free to enter and is open daily from 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM. Inside there are several statues, stained glass windows, and an immaculate pipe organ built by the same person who built the organ for Notre Dame. The organ is played on Sundays during mass and evening prayer at 4PM. For a small fee — for which they accept credit cards or cash — you can light a prayer candle inside the church.

You can also go to the top of the dome at Sacré-Cœur. The dome is open everyday from 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM and costs €7 for adults. There is no elevator to the top, so you’ll need to be able to climb 300 steps. I’ve never actually been to the top of the dome because the views from the ground are so good.

Square Louise Michel

The basilica sits at the top of Square Louise Michel. Before you continue with this walk, take a short break on the steps here and enjoy the view.

The square is lined with steps which are always filled with people enjoying the sweeping views of Paris. There’s often street performers and hawkers selling beers right from the cardboard case. The cops will always come and shut them down, but they always come right back. It’s a fun dance.

This is one of my favorite views in Paris. It’s also a great place to see the sun set if you’re here in the evening.

Pass the church and make your way to Place du Tertre. The small streets along the way have lots of souvenir shops, food vendors like creperies and ice cream shops, and a couple small art galleries. I’d suggest walking, but there’s also a cute little train that you can take.

Place du Tertre has capitalized on the artsy past of this neighborhood. Today it’s filled with artist painting portraits and selling their work. The outside of the square is all open-air cafes filled with people sipping wine and people watching.

If you’re looking to get a portrait drawn, come around 11 when they’re setting up. The best artists can get lines quickly. If you’re just coming to observe, come in the afternoon when it’s the most crowded.

Leave (some of) the crowds behind and make your way down to Rue de l’Abreuvoir. This means taking a steep walk down the hill on Rue des Saules until you see the unmissable pink and green La Maison Rose restaurant.

If you go straight past it, you’ll actually see Clos Montmartre. It’s the oldest operating vineyard in Paris; not something you’d expect to find in the middle of a city. It is not typically open to the public (minus a few special tours throughout the year), but you can see the vines from the street.

Back at our pink restaurant, though, turn onto Rue de l’Abreuvoir.

This street is beautiful. There are stone walls dripping with ivy, charming Parisian buildings and cobblestone sidewalks. It’s a delightful stroll and photographer’s dream. It’s a short street and it ends at the statue of the boobs (aka Buste de Dalida).

Just around the corner you’ll hit Square Suzanne Buisson. If you need a break and/or if the kids want to play, make a pit stop here. It’s a small square, but it’s a good respite.

Next, make your way toward Place Émile Goudeau. The route in my map above will take you down a tiny alley, which may feel like the wrong way but isn’t. Just keep going and you’ll soon hit the cobblestone square.

The square looks out onto Le Bateau-Lavoir, which was the studio rented by Picasso when he moved to Paris. The original studio was destroyed, and the building today is the the renovated version. To this day, the building serves as an artists’ residence. It is not open for tours.

Even if you are not interested in art history, it’s still a cool place to say you’ve been. And at the very least, it’s a good signpost on your journey through the neighborhood.

Rue des Abbesses

As your Montmartre walking tour comes to an end, make your way back to the main street of Rue des Abbesses. You should arrive on the street not far from where you started at the train station. This time you’re going to go the other way. This section of the street has — you guessed it — shops and restaurants.

This stretch feels a bit less touristy than the other direction and is more practical stores versus souvenir shops. It’s a good place to get an ice cream or a glass of wine. Otherwise, this walk can probably be done briskly as you’re out of the more classical Montmartre area at this point.

While you’re in the area, it’s worth it to finish your day at Moulin Rouge. Yes, that Moulin Rouge.

The venue has been hosting shows and performances since 1889, and today operates as a dinner theater. For about €200 a person, you can enjoy a full meal and performance at this iconic theater.

Even if you don’t go inside, it’s worth it to see the marquee and legendary red windmill. There is a median in the middle of street where you can safely stand and take photos.

• Continue exploring Clichy Street, which is famous for its countless sex shops
• Walk over the suspension bridge at Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. To get there, take the 2 train from Blanche station across from Moulin Rouge to Colonel Fabien and then walk about 10 minutes to the park.
• Get cocktails at Lulu White, voted one of the best cocktail bars on Paris .
• Start your next walk around the Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower & the Seine Walking Guide

We’ve made it to the Eiffel Tower, and this walk is truly all about the Iron Lady. This section focuses on getting to the Eiffel Tower and enjoying all the best views of it. It’s a good idea to pair this walk with your visit to the Eiffel Tower, otherwise you may find portions of this walk redundant.

Technically, this walk in full is about 4 miles. That said, you can certainly make it much shorter by cutting down the portions on Rue Saint-Dominique and/or along the Seine.

Rue Saint-Dominique

Champ de mars, eiffel tower, trocadéro gardens, pont alexandre iii.

• Have a plan for getting Eiffel Tower tickets . If you’d like to go up into the Eiffel Tower in the afternoon or evening, be sure to book your ticket in advance. Tickets go on sale 60 days in advance and book up quick, especially for the summit. Otherwise, plan to arrive 15 to 30 minutes before the tower opens in the morning to beat the crowns.
• Start at Bleu Olive . This coffee shop is conveniently located near the start of Rue Cler. It’s a good option for breakfast to begin your day or for a coffee to take with you. Note: they’re closed on Sundays and don’t open till 10 AM on Saturday.
• Avoid Mondays. Many stores are closed on Mondays, which will make parts of this walk less fun.
• Take this walk in reverse . The walk along the Right Bank (north side) of the Seine offers stunning views of the Eiffel Tower. If you flip this route, you’ll be approaching the Eiffel tower and can enjoy the view the whole time.
• Bring a blanket. If you have a small packable picnic blanket , bring it on this walk. It’ll be nice to have if you spend time sitting on the grass at Trocadéro Gardens.
• Enjoy this walk in the evening . If you start around 2 or 3 PM (Tuesday – Saturday), you’ll enjoy a bustling market on Rue Cler and a lovely early evening at the Eiffel Tower. Watch the sun set from Trocadéro Gardens and then enjoy the City of Light by night as you walk along the Seine. Perfection.

Self-guided walk around the Eiffel Tower

The best place to start this walk is the La Tour-Maubourg station which serves the 8 train. If that’s not convenient, you can also take the 13 train to Varenne station. Head west on Rue de Grenelle until you reach Rue Cler.

Rue Cler is often said to be the most beautiful street in Paris. The market street is only one block long, but it’s jam packed with shops selling the freshest produce, local meat, French cheese, wine, pastries and more. It’s like it was made to build the perfect picnic basket to take to Champ de Mars.

Tuesday through Saturday the shops are open from 8 or 9 AM till about 7 PM. The market is only open until 2 PM on Sundays and nearly all the shops are closed on Mondays.

At the end of Rue Cler you’ll hit Rue Saint-Dominique. This street is lined with traditional Hausmann buildings, which is probably what you picture when you think of Paris. It’s a popular shopping street with Eiffel Tower views.

Most of the shopping is to your right, but the Eiffel tower is to your left. If you really are not interested in shopping or are pressed for time, you can turn left after Rue Cler and enjoy a smaller segment of this beautiful street. But if you have extra time, I’d recommend turning right so you get a bit more out of it. Continue walking until you hit Boulevard de la Tour-Maubourg. Then turn around and head back down Rue Saint-Dominique until you hit Champ de Mars.

Champ de Mars is iconic, but to be honest, it’s never what I want it to be. I always pictured it to be an open, flat park when you can have a picnic under the Eiffel Tower. However, there’s actually lots of trees and I feel like there’s always construction. I’d suggest walking through it, but if you’re looking for a place to sit I’d argue Trocadéro Gardens is better.

What Champ de Mars does offer, though, is a great approach to the Eiffel Tower. She looms large from this angle and you will be itching to visit the summit.

Ah yes. We’ve made it 7,000 words into this post before finally making it to the Eiffel Tower.

If you’re planning to go inside, be sure to check out my complete visitor guide to the Eiffel Tower . It has tips for where to enter, how to avoid lines, best floor order to visit the tower and more.

If you’re not planning to go to the top of the tower, you can still technically walk underneath it. To get there, you will need to pass through the security. Follow the signs for visitors who do not yet have tickets. After security, you’ll have access to the plaza at the base of the tower and can see it right up close. If you’re not going up, just skip the lines for the ticket office and proceed to an exit.

If you aren’t interested in passing underneath the Eiffel tower, you can simply walk around the outer perimeter and carry on to Pont d’Iéna. There’s also a carousel right by bridge, which is a highlight for children and Instagrammers alike.

If you ask me, the best views of the Eiffel Tower are from Trocadéro Gardens. This is the garden I picture when I think of picnics in front of the Eiffel Tower. From this hill, you’re treated to the best views of the tower, plus the Seine and its bridges. It has a great view of the tower any time, but one of my favorite times to come here is in the early evening when the sun sets and the tower starts to light up.

There’s lots of grass space to sit, so it’s nice to have a blanket. There’s also  food vendors at the base of the gardens, so pick up a crepes or drink before you head up the hill. You’ll also usually find hawkers unofficially selling Champagne and beer, which can actually be quite nice. It’s technically illegal to drink in Paris parks, but police are generally very lenient with beer and wine.

NOTE: In the provided map, Google does not think you can cross Avenue de New York at near the Eiffel Tower, but you can. There is a pedestrian walk sign at the street light here. So you can ignore that detour. 

Walk along the Seine

After you’ve enjoyed a good long sit at Trocadéro Gardens, continue your walk along the Seine for even more beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower. I like to the follow the north side of the river, which eventually becomes Jardin d’Erivan. This riverside garden is lined with trees which become truly stunning in the fall.

At each bridge you pass, turn around to get another epic view of the Eiffel Tower. You’ll pass three, counting Debilly Footbridge, before you get to Pont Alexandre III.

This decorative bridge was built in the late 1800s. It’s a lovely bridge, but mostly I note it here as one final amazing view of the Eiffel Tower. You can still see it from the next bridge too, but it really starts to hide at that point.

If you cross this bridge, you’ll head into Esplanade des Invalides which leads right back to where this walk began. Alternatively, if you turn left and head away from the river, you’ll pass between the Petit and Grand Palais and on to Champs-Élysées. And just like that, our walks have come full circle.

• Continue walking along the Seine, passing Tuileries Garden and onward toward the isles
• Take a boat cruise along the Seine and see Paris from a new perspective
• For a family dinner, get pizza at the hip and delicious Mokus l’Écureuil near Trocadéro Gardens

More From This Trip

• British Airways Business Class Review – 777 from JFK to LHR
• London Travel Guide
• Things to do in London with Kids – Family Travel Guide + Tips
• How to Use the London Underground – A Beginner’s Guide to the Tube
• Bankside Hotel London Review
• London Eye Visitor Guide – How to Visit the Iconic Ferris Wheel in London
• Stonehenge Visitor Guide + Inner Circle Tour Review
• Little Venice London Boat Ride Guide & Review
• Visiting London Transport Museum
• Complete Guide to Big Ben in London
• Borough Market Visitor Guide
• Best Views of Paris that Aren’t the Eiffel Tower
• Visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris – A Complete Guide
• Walking in Paris – 5 perfect walks through Paris with maps
• Paris with Kids – Planning Guide, Things To Do & Tips
• Montparnasse Tower Visitor Guide + Tips
• Amsterdam with Kids – Planning Guide, Things To Do & Sample Itinerary

Monday 28th of August 2023

thank you for actually being objective as to what you can skip! me & my feet appreciate it!

Thursday 7th of September 2023

Oh good! I'm happy to hear that! I hope you have a great trip!

Tuesday 21st of March 2023

This is a stunning post. Top marks for the maps of the routes! And a great read. Thank you.

• All Paris Attractions
• Paris Museums
• Paris Statues
• Paris Monuments
• Paris Landmarks
• Paris Squares
• Paris Bridges
• Paris Gardens & Parks
• Paris Restaurants
• All Paris Entertainment
• Paris Cabarets
• Paris Night Clubs
• Paris Circuses
• Paris Theatres & Operas
• Paris Music & Concerts
• Paris Bars
• Top Attractions
• Paris City Life
• Eiffel Tower
• Musee du Louvre
• Notre Dame Cathedral
• River Seine
• Paris Transport Systems
• Paris Metro Maps
• Paris Bus Maps
• Paris Night Bus Maps
• Paris RER Train Maps
• Paris Tram Maps
• CDG Airport
• Orly Airport
• Disneyland Paris
• Chateau de Versailles
• Paris Sightseeing Tours
• All Paris Accommodation
• Paris 1 Star Hotels
• Paris 2 Star Hotels
• Paris 3 Star Hotels
• Paris 4 Star Hotels
• Paris 5 Star Hotels
• Paris Palace Hotels
• Paris ApartHotels
• Paris Unusual
• Paris Hostels
• Paris B&B
• Campsites France
• Paris Tourist Info Maps
• Paris Public Toilets
• Paris Drinking Water Fountains
• Jardins du Trocadero
• Jardin des Tuileries
• Jardin du Luxembourg
• Paris Photos
• Paris Videos
• France Videos
• Travel Guides
• Paris History

How to get to the Eiffel Tower in Paris using public transport

Eiffel tower transport map of metro lines, trains, bus lines with stops, connections and street plan.

How to get to Eiffel Tower public transport maps available:

Eiffel Tower Metro lines

Paris metro line 6 map with stations, connections and points of interest.

Metro line 6 stops:

Metro line 6 main transport connections:, metro line 6 map formats available:, paris metro line 8 map with stations, connections and points of interest.

Metro line 8 stops:

Metro line 8 main transport connections:, metro line 8 map formats available:, paris metro line 9 map with stations, connections and points of interest.

Metro line 9 stops:

Metro line 9 main transport connections:, metro line 9 map formats available:, eiffel tower train lines, yellow rer c train line map showing station stops, line branches, transport connections and zones.

Paris RER C train line stops:

Paris rer c train line main transport connections:, live train times:, paris rer c train line maps available:, eiffel tower daytime bus lines, ratp paris bus line 22 with stops, connections and street plan.

Paris bus line 22 stops:

Paris bus line 22 main transport connections:, paris bus 22 route maps available:, paris bus 22 timetables:, ratp paris bus 28 map with stops, connections and street plan.

Paris bus line 28 stops:

Paris bus line 28 main transport connections:, paris bus 28 route maps available:, paris bus 28 timetables:, ratp paris bus line 30 with stops, connections and route plan.

Paris bus line 30 stops:

Paris bus line 30 main transport connections:, paris bus 30 route maps available:, paris bus 30 timetables:, ratp paris bus line 32 with stops, connections and street plan.

Paris bus line 32 stops:

Paris bus line 32 main transport connections:, paris bus 32 route maps available:, paris bus 32 timetables:.

RATP Paris bus line 42 with stops, connections and street plan

Paris bus line 42 stops:

Paris bus line 42 main transport connections:, paris bus 42 route maps available:, paris bus 42 timetables:, ratp paris bus 63 map with stops, connections and street plan.

Paris bus line 63 stops:

Paris bus line 63 main transport connections:, paris bus 63 route maps available:, paris bus 63 timetables:, ratp paris bus line 69 with stops, connections and street plan.

Paris bus line 69 stops:

Paris bus line 69 main transport connections:, paris bus 69 route maps available:, paris bus 69 timetables:, ratp paris bus 72 map with stops, connections and street plan.

Paris bus line 72 stops:

Paris bus line 72 main transport connections:, paris bus 72 route maps available:, paris bus 72 timetables:, ratp paris bus line 80 with stops, connections and street plan.

Paris bus line 80 stops:

Paris bus line 80 main transport connections:, paris bus 80 route maps available:, paris bus 80 timetables:, ratp paris bus line 82 with stops, connections and street plan.

Paris bus line 82 stops:

Paris bus line 82 main transport connections:, paris bus 82 route maps available:, paris bus 82 timetables:, ratp paris bus line 86 with stops, connections and street plan.

Paris bus line 86 stops:

Paris bus line 86 main transport connections:, paris bus 86 route maps available:, paris bus 86 timetables:, ratp paris bus line 92 with stops, connections and street plan.

Paris bus line 92 stops:

Paris bus line 92 main transport connections:, paris bus 92 route maps available:, paris bus 92 timetables:.

Eiffel Tower night bus lines

Paris noctilien night bus n53 map with stops and transport connections.

Paris night bus line N53 stops:

Paris night bus n53 route maps available:, paris night bus n53 timetables:, eiffel tower sightseeing tour buses, paris open tour bus sightseeing tour map for blue, red and green bus lines with stops and timetables.

Open Tour Blue bus tour stops:

Paris open tour bus sightseeing tour maps with stops and timetables:, big bus paris sightseeing tour map for red and blue bus lines with stops and timetables.

Big Bus Paris Red Route stops:

Big bus paris daytime sightseeing tour maps with stops and timetables:, paris batobus map with river stops, timetables and ticket prices.

Batobus main transport connections:

Batobus ticket prices:, batobus water bus maps, timetables and ticket prices available:, for more detail information on the batobus see:, eiffel tower shuttle buses, le bus direct 1 orly airport to place de charles de gaulle map with stops, timetables and ticket information.

Le Bus Direct 1 stops:

Le bus direct 1 ticket pricing:, download le bus direct 1 route map, timetables and ticket info:, le bus direct 2 charles de gaulle airport to eiffel tower map with stops, timetables and ticket information.

Le Bus Direct 2 stops:

Le bus direct 2 ticket pricing 2020:, download le bus direct 2 route map, timetables and ticket info:.

Disneyland Express shuttle bus service from the Eiffel Tower or Gare du Nord in Paris to Disneyland Paris theme parks

Disneyland Express shuttle bus 2 stops:

Disneyland express shuttle bus and amusement park ticket costs:, disneyland express shuttle bus timetables, costs and maps available:, versailles express buses map with stops, timetables and ticket prices.

Versailles Express bus pick up points:

Versailles express bus ticket prices:, buying versailles express bus tickets:, download versailles express bus maps with timetables and ticket prices:, eiffel tower access plan and public services, access plan of transport and entrances for the eiffel tower.

Paris Eiffel Tower access plans available:

Address and contact details, related information, attractions close by, related transport maps, paris airport transport maps.

• Visit Our Blog about Russia to know more about Russian sights, history
• Check out our Russian cities and regions guides
• Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to better understand Russia
• Info about getting Russian visa , the main airports , how to rent an apartment
• Our Expert answers your questions about Russia, some tips about sending flowers

Russian regions

• Altay republic
• Irkutsk oblast
• Kemerovo oblast
• Khakassia republic
• Krasnoyarsk krai
• Novosibirsk oblast
• Omsk oblast
• Tomsk oblast
• Tuva republic
• Map of Russia
• All cities and regions
• Blog about Russia
• News from Russia
• How to get a visa
• Flights to Russia
• Russian hotels
• Renting apartments
• Russian currency
• FIFA World Cup 2018
• Submit an article
• Flowers to Russia
• Ask our Expert

Omsk city, Russia

The capital city of Omsk oblast .

Omsk - Overview

Omsk is one of the largest cities in Russia, a major scientific, cultural, sports, transport, and industrial center. The administrative center of Omsk Oblast, it is the second most populous city in Siberia.

The population of Omsk is about 1,126,000 (2022), the area - 567 sq. km.

The phone code - +7 3812, the postal codes - 644000-644246.

Omsk city flag

Omsk city coat of arms.

Omsk city map, Russia

Omsk city latest news and posts from our blog:.

10 November, 2019 / Tomsk - the view from above .

3 July, 2016 / Omsk - the view from above .

20 October, 2012 / The bear at the gate .

2 August, 2012 / Omsk city from bird's eye view .

14 December, 2011 / Time-lapse video of Omsk city .

More posts..

History of Omsk

Foundation of omsk.

The need to build a Russian fortress on the banks of the Irtysh at the mouth of the Om River arose in connection with the steppe nomadic peoples. In particular, with the Oirats, whose tribes in the first decades of the 17th century began to appear within the borders of the Russian state being under the onslaught of their external enemies and as a result of internal civil strife. However, various foreign and domestic political problems of Russia hindered the development and defense of the South Siberian borders.

The situation changed only at the beginning of the 18th century, when the Russian conquest of Siberia intensified. Since Peter I paid great attention to geographical research in the south, the expeditions of that time combined socio-political tasks and tasks of scientific research.

One of such expeditions was led by the Russian military and statesman, associate of Peter I, Major General Ivan Bukhgolts. The goals of the expedition, numbering about 3,000 people, were to search for ore and gold deposits, the discovery of trade routes to India and China, as well as the construction of towns on the Irtysh River.

The expedition left Tobolsk to the south along the Irtysh in July 1715. In the spring of 1716, after a conflict with the Dzungars in the north of today’s Kazakhstan, the remnants of the expedition (about 700 people) withdrew to the mouth of the Om River, where they laid a new fortress named Omsky ostrog (fortified settlement).

According to the census of 1725, 992 people lived in the fortress, in 1742 - 1,092 people. From the first years of its existence, it served as a place of exile for prisoners. After serving hard labor and imprisonment, a lot of them stayed in Omsk for permanent residence.

More Historical Facts…

Omsk in the second half of the 18th century

The ethnic composition of the region’s population was formed in the process of settling the territory. Russians, Germans, Ukrainians, Poles, Belarusians, and representatives of many other nationalities were sent here to serve or were exiled. The indigenous people of the region were the Siberian Tatars and Kazakhs, who switched to a sedentary lifestyle.

The foundation of the second Omsk fortress took place in 1762. The first fortress, although it occupied a favorable geographical position, was wooden and, by the middle of the 18th century, it was dilapidated. In 1765, new stone fortifications were constructed. The first stone structure of the fortress was the Resurrection Military Cathedral, built in 1773 and preserved to this day.

In the end of the 18th century, the Omsk fortress was one of the largest structures in the eastern part of the Russian Empire, its area was more than 30 hectares. In 1782, it was transformed into a town named Omsk within the Tobolsk Governorate. In 1785, the coat of arms of Omsk was approved.

Omsk became the center of management of the Siberian transport routes and the Siberian Cossack army, which not only guarded the South Siberian borders, but also made a huge contribution to the economic development of the steppe expanses of Kazakhstan, the annexation of Central Asia to the Russian Empire.

Omsk in the 19th century

The fire of 1819 destroyed almost half of the town including the archive and the magistrate of Omsk with all the first archival documents. Therefore information about the life of Omsk in the 18th - early 19th centuries is scarce and fragmentary. In 1825, the population of the town was about 9,000 people.

In 1829, the town’s development plan was approved. It was made by the famous Petersburg architect V.I. Geste, who took the city of St. Petersburg as a model with its wide avenues, huge neighborhoods, fountains, cast-iron bridges, and an abundance of green spaces.

The composition of the population of Omsk was not quite usual. In the middle of the 19th century, since Omsk was the center of the military and civil administration, the proportion of the military in the local population reached about 60%.

Fyodor Dostoevsky (one of the greatest psychological novelists in world literature), who served a term of hard labor in the Omsk prison in 1850-1854, in a letter to his brother gave Omsk the following description: “Omsk is a disgusting town. There are almost no trees. In summer, heat and wind with sand, in winter, a snowstorm. I have not seen nature. The town is dirty, military and highly depraved.”

By the second half of the 19th century, Omsk in its development outstripped many steppe towns and became not only an administrative, but also a commercial and industrial center. In 1861, in Omsk, there were 2,122 houses (31 stone houses), 34 factories and plants, about 20 thousand residents.

In 1892, the construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway began, which gave a new impetus to the economy of Siberian towns and positively influenced Omsk. The development of the Trans-Siberian Railway caused an increase in the urban population due to migrants who came to work from the central part of the Russian Empire. According to the 1897 census, 37.3 thousand people lived in Omsk. The town had 14 streets with a total length of more than 140 km and 13 squares.

Omsk in the first half of the 20th century

The beginning of the 20th century was a time of great changes for Siberia. Mass peasant colonization caused a sharp leap in the development of the region’s economy, primarily its agrarian sector, and the Trans-Siberian Railway ensured the inclusion of the local economy in the system of the All-Russian and European markets.

Due to its favorable economic and geographical position - at the intersection of the railway and the Irtysh River, in the middle of a vast agricultural territory - Omsk quickly turned into a large transport, trade and industrial center of Western Siberia and Governor-Generalship of the Steppes (Eastern and Central Kazakhstan).

Wholesale trade in bread, butter and other agricultural products was concentrated here. Omsk also became one of the industrial, social and cultural centers of Western Siberia. By 1903, the city’s population grew to 60 thousand people. In 1914, it had about 134.8 thousand residents. Omsk became the most populous city in Siberia.

During the Civil War on the territory of the former Russian Empire, from June 1918 to November 1919, Omsk was the residence of the Supreme Ruler of Russia, Admiral Alexander Kolchak, who declared this city the capital of white Russia opposing red Russia of the Bolsheviks. Soviet power was finally established in the city in 1920.

In the summer of 1921, an event took place that had a decisive impact on the cultural and economic life of Omsk. The functions of the administrative center of Siberia were transferred from it to the city of Novonikolaevsk (future Novosibirsk). In 1934, Omsk became the administrative center of a separate Omsk Oblast.

Over the years of industrialization, Omsk became one of the largest centers for agricultural engineering in the USSR. The metal-working industry also developed at a rapid pace. In 1939, Omsk numbered more than 288 thousand people.

During the Second World War, about 200 industrial enterprises were evacuated to Omsk, as well as 60 hospitals, dozens of educational institutions, theaters, museums, and hundreds of thousands of refugees.

Omsk after the Second World War

In the post-war years, new enterprises were put into operation in Omsk, all existing factories and plants were reconstructed and expanded. The industrial potential of the city was also strengthened by the Omsk oil refinery, the largest in the country. In connection with the rapid development of industry, especially petrochemical enterprises, the ecological situation deteriorated. The concentration of harmful substances in the air sharply increased. In 1964, the population of Omsk was about 702 thousand people.

In the 1970s-1980s, Omsk developed rapidly. In 1975, the city’s population exceeded 1 million. The most pressing problem was the ecological situation. Omsk was in the top 10 cities of Russia in terms of environmental pollution. Another problem that required an immediate solution was the development of passenger transport. The capacity of Omsk streets was exhausted, and therefore the construction of the subway became an urgent issue.

The economic crisis that gripped Russia after the collapse of the USSR had a negative impact on the economy of Omsk and the region as a whole. There was a significant decline in industrial production, construction volumes fell, and unemployment rose. A lot of organizations of the defense complex, research institutes, and design bureaus found themselves in a deep crisis without the state defense order.

The share of mechanical engineering and metalworking, light industry, and, to a lesser extent, chemical and petrochemical, forestry and woodworking industries decreased. At the same time, the share of the fuel industry, energy, and construction materials industry began to grow.

In the 2000s, Omsk again became one of the most important economic centers of Western Siberia with a developing mechanical engineering, petrochemical industry, various branches of the woodworking, construction industry, and a highly productive agro-industrial complex. In recent years, Omsk has also acquired the features of one of the largest Siberian centers of entrepreneurship and banking/financial activities.

Architecture of Omsk

On the street in Omsk

Author: Tim Brown

Yak-9 fighter aircraft in front of the aerospace engineering company Polyot in Omsk

The Omsk Cadet Corps

Author: Stanislav Katsko

Omsk - Features

Omsk is located in the south of the West Siberian Plain at the confluence of the Om River into the Irtysh, about 150 km from the border of Russia with Kazakhstan. About 60% of all residents of Omsk Oblast live in Omsk. The City Day of Omsk is celebrated on the first Saturday of August.

The city’s coat of arms is very similar to the first coat of arms of Omsk approved by Empress Catherine II in 1785. It depicts a part of the brick fortifications, which symbolizes the reason for its foundation as a fortress and the center of the Siberian defensive line.

Omsk belongs to the temperate climatic zone with a continental climate of the forest-steppe of the West Siberian belt. It is distinguished by an abundance of sunlight. The average air temperature in January is minus 16.3 degrees Celsius, in July - plus 19.6 degrees Celsius. The highest wind speeds are observed in winter and spring, which is the reason for frequent snow and dust storms.

In the past, the ecological situation in Omsk was very unfavorable. Since 2011, the city’s environmental development rating has increased significantly. This was the result of large-scale modernization of many large industries (including the Omsk oil refinery). Today, road transport is the main source of air pollution in the city.

The level of pollution of the Omsk rivers - Irtysh and Om - remains consistently high. Swimming in them is prohibited. While industrial effluents are becoming more environmentally friendly, sewers are releasing waste products including diesel fuel and petroleum products into the rivers. Dust raised by dust storms is also a serious problem for the city as it contains a lot of harmful substances including lead.

The city’s industry is based on oil refining, petrochemistry, chemical industry, mechanical engineering (production of aerospace equipment, armored vehicles, agricultural equipment). Omsk is a major transport junction - the Trans-Siberian Railway runs through the city from west to east, and the navigable Irtysh River crosses it from south to north. Omsk Airport offers regular flights to Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Tyumen, Surgut, Yekaterinburg, Krasnoyarsk, Salekhard, Kazan, Krasnodar, Sochi.

The unfinished subway of Omsk has become famous in Russia thanks to its only one fully built station. Its construction began back in 1992. However, due to funding problems, the completion of the first line was postponed numerous times. In 2019, it was finally decided to permanently stop construction. For local residents, because of the long wait for the completion of the construction, the Omsk metro symbolizes unrealizable hopes, they talk about it with irony.

In Omsk, there are practically no buildings higher than 50 meters, according to this parameter it is one of the lowest cities with a population of over one million. 130 architectural monuments are concentrated in the central part of the city, almost half of the total number.

Main Attractions of Omsk

Dormition Cathedral - the largest church in Omsk located in the very center of the city. The original church was built in 1891-1898. In 1935, it was completely destroyed. In 2005-2007, an exact copy of the building was restored in its original place. This is one of the most beautiful buildings in Omsk. At night, the building is illuminated and looks especially majestic. Tarskaya Street, 7.

Irtysh Embankment - the main walking street of Omsk with a picturesque view of the Irtysh River. Built in the middle of the 20th century, the embankment was reconstructed in the 2000s. You can walk along the alley on foot, ride rollerblades or a bike.

Merchant Batyushkin’s Mansion (1902). This architectural monument is located on the Irtysh Embankment. It is also known as the Kolchak’s House because Alexander Kolchak, the Supreme Ruler of Russia, lived in this building in 1919. One part of the building is occupied by the registry office of the Central District of Omsk. The Center for the Study of the History of the Russian Civil War is also open here. Irtyshskaya Naberezhnaya Street, 9.

Omsk State Museum of History and Local Lore - one of the oldest museums in Siberia and Russia founded in 1878. In total, this museum has over 200 thousand various objects of cultural, historical and artistic value. The museum is especially proud of such exhibits as the cast-iron figures of the Chinese lions Shi-Tzu, presented to the museum from China in 1895, as well as the skeleton of a woolly mammoth almost 3 meters high. Lenina Street, 23?.

Omsk Regional Museum of Fine Arts named after M.A. Vrubel - one of the largest museums of fine arts in Siberia. It has collections of foreign and Russian art from antiquity to the present day. In total, there are over 22 thousand works by painters, graphic artists and sculptors, as well as more than 1.5 thousand rare folios.

Walking through the exhibition halls, you can admire the canvases of Shishkin, Aivazovsky, Surikov, Repin, Serov, Vereshchagin. The exhibition of rare icons dating from the 17th-20th centuries is of constant interest among visitors, as well as a unique collection of jewelry made of precious metals found in the Scythian and Sarmatian burial mounds. Two buildings of the museum are located at Lenina Street 3 and 23.

In November 2019, a new exhibition was opened in a historical building at Muzeynaya Street, 4 - the exhibition of art of the 20th-21st centuries. The Hermitage-Siberia Center is located here too - the first representation of The State Hermitage Museum (the second-largest art museum in the world) beyond the Urals.

Chokana Valikhanova Street - a pedestrian street located in the historic part of Omsk. The street is decorated with abstract architectural forms, flower beds, wrought-iron lanterns. The walking area ends with an observation deck with a picturesque view of the Irtysh River.

Museum of Kondraty Belov . The museum of this landscape painter born in Omsk can be found in a picturesque wooden house, which is considered one of the most interesting architectural monuments of Omsk. The exposition tells about the life and work of Kondraty Belov, as well as about the history of the building itself.

In total, this museum has about 700 exhibits. The permanent exhibition also includes works by Kondraty Belov’s son Stanislav and paintings by some other local artists. In addition, temporary exhibitions of contemporary Omsk artists are regularly held here. Chokana Valikhanova Street, 10.

Plumber Stepanych Monument - an unusual sculpture located in the center of Omsk, which you can literally stumble upon while walking along Lenin Street between the houses #12 and #14. Leaning out of the hatch, the plumber is depicted as realistic and life-size as possible. It is among the most photographed monuments in Omsk. There is a similar sculpture in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia.

Lyuba Monument . This sculpture, located on the opposite side of Lenin Street from the monument to the plumber Stepanych, is especially loved by Omsk residents and tourists, who love to be photographed against its background.

This beauty in a lace dress with a neckline and a crinoline sitting on an openwork bench and reading a novel had a real prototype - Lyubov (diminutively Lyuba or Lyubasha) Gasford, the wife of the Governor-General of Siberia, who lived in Omsk in the 19th century and died at a young age due to illness. One of the streets of Omsk and the park are named in her memory. She is a local symbol of femininity and beauty.

Omsk Fire Tower - a picturesque architectural monument built at the beginning of the 20th century. Inside the tower there are museum expositions dedicated to the local fire brigade and the history of tower construction. Internatsionalnaya Street, 41?.

Park of Culture and Rest named after the 30th anniversary of the Komsomol - a popular place for walks, recreation and entertainment of Omsk residents and tourists, which has retained “the spirit of the Soviet era” in its name. Today, on an area of 73 hectares, several zones have been organized, various types of recreation are presented. There are walking alleys, ponds, water activities, for example, riding on hydro-scooters.

The ice town is open in winter, the Return of the Dinosaurs exhibition - in summer. The “House Upside Down” exposition is also popular with tourists. This park is a place for mass festivities, city celebrations and events. Maslenitsa, Christmas, City Day, and other holidays are celebrated here. Maslennikova Street, 136.

Natural Park “Bird Harbor” - a specially protected area located on the path of bird migration in the central part of Omsk. During autumn flights, up to 3 thousand birds stop here for rest. It is a great place to enjoy nature, walk along the eco-trail, and observe the life of birds. The park is situated in the floodplain on the left bank of the Irtysh River next to the Victory Park on Yeniseyskaya Street.

Omsk city of Russia photos

Pictures of omsk.

Bogdan Khmelnitsky Monument in Omsk

Lenin Monument in Omsk

Churches of Omsk

Chapel of St. George in Omsk

Cathedral of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Omsk

Cathedral of the Nativity in Omsk

Sights of Omsk

Fountain with frogs in the park next to the main building of the Agricultural Academy in Omsk

Author: Alexey Pavlov

Church of St. Nicholas in Omsk

Exaltation of the Holy Cross Cathedral in Omsk

Author: Stanislav Vosinsky

The questions of our visitors

• Currently 2.96/5

Rating: 3.0 /5 (215 votes cast)

• Bahasa Indonesia
• Slovenščina
• Science & Tech
• Russian Kitchen

Omsk: Garrison city on the Irtysh

Omsk. Irtysh River, morning panorama with rainbow. Foreground: K. A. Batiushkin mansion (residence of Admiral Alexander Kolchak in 1919). September 19, 1999

At the beginning of the 20th century, Russian chemist and photographer Sergey Prokudin-Gorsky developed a complex process for vivid color photography. His vision of photography as a form of education and enlightenment was demonstrated with special clarity through his images of architectural monuments in the historic sites throughout the Russian heartland.

Yalutorovsk. Construction of Tobol River railroad bridge leading to Omsk. Summer 1912

In June 1912, Prokudin-Gorsky ventured into western Siberia as part of a commission to document the Kama-Tobolsk Waterway, a link between the European and Asian sides of the Ural Mountains. The town of Tyumen served as his launching point for productive journeys that included Shchadrinsk (established in 1662 on the Iset River) and Yalutorovsk (on the Tobol River).

Omsk origins

Omsk. Cossack Cathedral of St. Nicholas, southwest view. September 15, 1999

Founded in 1659 at a former Tatar settlement, Yalutorovsk was the construction site of a massive railroad bridge across the Tobol River, part of the new Tyumen-Omsk rail link that opened on the Trans-Siberian Railway in October 1913 (Before then, the railroad to Siberia went through the southern Urals town of Chelyabinsk ).

Omsk. Cathedral of the Elevation of the Cross, south view. September 15, 1999

Although Prokudin-Gorsky did not travel to Omsk, his photographs of Yalutorovsk show the making of a crucial rail link to the “capital” of western Siberia. I, however, reached Omsk in the late Summer of 1999.

Cathedral of the Elevation of the Cross. Interior view southeast toward icon screen. September 15, 1999

Omsk (current population around 1,110,000) was founded in 1716 as a fort on the middle reaches of the Irtysh River. During the 18th century, its primary purpose was to protect Russia’s southern border and establish authority over the aboriginal steppe tribes.             

Rising regional importance 

Omsk Fortress. Tobolsk Gate (originally built in 1792), the only one of the historic Omsk fortress gates to have survived. September 15, 1999

Although administratively subordinate to Tobolsk throughout the 18th century, Omsk gained increasing power in the 19th century. From 1808 until 1917, Omsk served as the headquarters of all Siberian Cossack troops and, in 1822, a separate Omsk Province was formed.  

Headquarters of Omsk Fortress (Taube Street), originally built in 1810s, modified in 1997. Red brick building on right (1915-17): Staff of Omsk Military District. September 15, 1999

Shortly thereafter, construction began on the Cossack Cathedral of St. Nicholas (1833-1840), based on a plan by the noted Russian architect Vasily Stasov. The St. Nicholas Cathedral was severely disfigured during the Soviet period, but has now been restored. It is, once again, the repository of one of the area’s great relics, the banner of Yermak , the late 16th-century Cossack leader who first established Muscovy’s presence in Siberia.

Siberian Cadet Corps building (Lenin Street 26), built in 1820s. In the prerevolutionary period, the street was known as Chernavin Prospekt, after a popular progressive mayor. September 15, 1999

In 1865-1870, Omsk witnessed the construction of another cathedral, dedicated to the Elevation of the Cross. It, too, survived the devastation of the 1930s and was reopened for worship in November 1943. In addition to its Orthodox churches, Omsk has mosques (the administration of the Iman of Siberia is located in Omsk), a remarkable wooden synagogue and a large Baptist church built in 1907.            

Omsk’s dark history

Residence of Governor-General of Western Siberia (Lenin Street 23), built in 1859-62 by Friedrich Wagner for Governor Gustav Gasford. Now one of the three buildings of Omsk Museum of Art. September 18, 1999

Its pervasive military presence linked Omsk with the Siberian exile system. The most famous of the fortress’ exiles was the writer Fyodor Dostoevsky, condemned in 1849 for associating with intellectual “radicals” in St. Petersburg. In January 1850, Dostoevsky arrived under guard at the Omsk fort and, for the most part of three years (1850-54), he lived the harrowing existence of a convict sentenced to hard labor, which included unloading barges on the Irtysh River. 

City Trade Building (Lenin Street 3), built in 1914 by Andrei Kriachkov. Now the main building of Omsk Museum of Art. September 16, 1999

When his health broke down under the physical and psychological strain, Dostoevsky was hospitalized under the care of a sympathetic medic. It was during his stay in the infirmary that Dostoevsky began the writing of one of his seminal works, ‘Notes from the House of the Dead’. A few buildings still survive from that time, including one of the fortress gates.          

Railroad revolution

"Salamander" Insurance Company building, K. Liebknecht (formerly Gasford) Street 3, built by Nikolai Verevkin in 1913-14. Now one of the three buildings of Omsk Museum of Art. September 15, 1999

During the latter part of the 19th century, Omsk began a period of heady expansion, as the town became a transportation center for Russia’s vast interior. Regular steamboat service along the Irtysh River to Tobolsk began in 1862.  

Omsk Drama Theater, Lenin Street 8A. September 15, 1999

But, it was the railroads that made Omsk a boomtown. In 1894-1895, Omsk was linked by the Trans-Siberian Railroad to Chelyabinsk in the west and Novonikolaevsk (later Novosibirsk) in the east. In 1913, another rail line was completed from Omsk to Tyumen in what would become the new Siberian mainline. By the beginning of the 20th century, the population of Omsk had tripled to over 60,000 inhabitants.

"Rossiya" Hotel (Lenin Street 18). Built by Iliodor Khvorinov in 1905-07; expanded in 1915. September 15, 1999

This development as a transportation nexus led to a surge in the city’s commercial district.  What had formerly been a provincial garrison town consisting primarily of wooden structures punctuated with large churches, now became a preeminent site for banks, educational institutions, industry and retail trade in Siberia.  

International appeal

Brothers Ovsiannikov-Ganshin & Sons building (Lenin Street 12), originally completed in 1906 for a major textile company. Now the Omsk Medical Academy. September 15, 1999

In addition to branch offices for major banks and firms in Moscow and St. Petersburg, Omsk received investment from companies in the United States, Germany and Great Britain. The central part of Omsk had buildings whose design rivaled Moscow’s business district. Many of the new commercial projects were built in styles derived from the Florentine Renaissance.

Russo-Asiatic Bank (Gagarin Street 34), built in 1915-17 by Fyodor Chernomorchenko. Now Omsk City Hall. September 16, 1999

Cultural institutions also took root. In 1901-05, a large theater was built in a florid Beaux Arts style designed by the architect Iliodor Khvorinov. The theater still stands as an object of civic pride. Wooden houses with decorative detailing also grace the city, but their number has steadily decreased under the pressures of urban development and inadequate maintenance.

Soviet era…

"Treugolnik" (Russian-American Rubber Co.) Building, K. Liebknecht (formerly Gasford) Street 4, built by Nikolai Verevkin in 1914-15. September 15, 1999

During World War I, the then strategically located Omsk grew still further and, by 1917, the city’s population had reached 100,000. Following the October Revolution, Bolshevik power was proclaimed almost immediately in Omsk, but, with little local support, the Bolsheviks were driven from the city in June 1918. 

Omsk Railroad Administration (Karl Marx Street 35), de factor headquarters of western Trans-Siberian Railway. Built in 1914-16 by Fyodor Lidval. September 18, 1999

Opposition to the Bolsheviks was fatally divided and, in November 1918, a military coup installed a dictatorship headed by Admiral Alexander Kolchak (1874-1920), a renowned polar explorer and gifted naval commander, but incapable of dealing with the chaos of the Russian civil war (The mansion where Kolchak had his headquarters is a prominent landmark).

Omsk Synagogue (Marshal Zhukov Street 53). Known as "Soldiers Synagogue," built in 1855. September 18, 1999

For almost a year, Omsk could be considered the “capital” of the White forces in the Russian Civil War. In November 1919, Kolchak’s forces were driven from Omsk. In 1921, Omsk became one of the centers of the American Relief Agency during the terrible famine that afflicted vast territories in the Volga basin.

Hodja Akhmed Mosque (Marshal Zhukov Street 97). September 18, 1999

With its economy shattered and the countryside still recovering, Omsk struggled through the 1920s and achieved renewed industrial growth in the 1930s. Like many Siberian cities, it expanded rapidly during World War II as an evacuation haven and as a center of transportation and production. 

…and beyond

Philip Shtumfp house (Valikhanov Street 10), built at turn of 20th century for a prominet agronomist, entrepreneur, civic activist. September 19, 1999

Development of the city’s military-industrial complex continued after the war and, by the end of the 1970s, the population exceeded 1,000,000 – a benchmark of major significance. Omsk also became a center of the oil and gas industry.

Omsk River Station & Hotel "Mayak". Excellent example of "neo-Constructivist architecture, built on site of original Omsk fortress in 1958-64 by Leningrad architect Timofei Sadovsky. September 15, 1999

The city’s major cultural institutions include a leading state university, established in 1974 and, since 2004, named in honor of Fyodor Dostoevsky. Omsk also has one of the largest regional libraries in Siberia and a major art museum--named in honor of painter Mikhail Vrubel, an Omsk native – that now occupies three landmark buildings in the center of the city.            

Omsk Regional Library. Built in 1986-95 by Omsk architects Galina Naritsina & Yury Zakharov. September 18, 1999

In the early 20th century, Russian photographer Sergey Prokudin-Gorsky developed a complex process for color photography. Between 1903 and 1916, he traveled through the Russian Empire and took over 2,000 photographs with the process, which involved three exposures on a glass plate. In August 1918, he left Russia and ultimately resettled in France, where he was reunited with a large part of his collection of glass negatives, as well as 13 albums of contact prints. After his death in Paris in 1944, his heirs sold the collection to the Library of Congress. In the early 21st century, the Library digitized the Prokudin-Gorsky Collection and made it freely available to the global public. A few Russian websites now have versions of the collection. In 1986, the architectural historian and photographer William Brumfield organized the first exhibit of Prokudin-Gorsky photographs at the Library of Congress. Over a period of work in Russia beginning in 1970, Brumfield has photographed most of the sites visited by Prokudin-Gorsky. This series of articles juxtaposes Prokudin-Gorsky’s views of architectural monuments with photographs taken by Brumfield decades later.

If using any of Russia Beyond's content, partly or in full, always provide an active hyperlink to the original material.

to our newsletter!

Get the week's best stories straight to your inbox

• U.S. professor continues photographic legacy of Prokudin-Gorsky in new book
• Exploring the Stroganov Baroque in the Russian North
• Taltsy: Preserving folk architecture in the Lake Baikal area (PHOTOS)

This website uses cookies. Click here to find out more.