Jardins du Trocadéro, Paris - a fountain surrounded by trees in a courtyard
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Jardins du Trocadéro

4.6
·145k reviews·Paris, France

Experience the most iconic, unobstructed views of the Eiffel Tower from the grand Jardins du Trocadéro, a public park featuring impressive fountains a...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daily, Sunrise (7-8 AM)

Best light for photos, minimal crowds

CrowdLow
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Jardins du Trocadéro, Paris - a fountain surrounded by trees in a courtyard

Jardins du Trocadéro

Best Time

Daily, Sunrise (7-8 AM)

Best light for photos, minimal crowds TikTok

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience the most iconic, unobstructed views of the Eiffel Tower from the grand Jardins du Trocadéro, a public park featuring impressive fountains and lush greenery.

4.6
(145k reviews)

"The Jardins du Trocadéro offer the most breathtaking and iconic Eiffel Tower views, perfect for unforgettable photos."

Vertical photo
TIP

⏰ Arrive Early for Photos

Beat the crowds and get the best light for your Eiffel Tower photos by arriving at sunrise, around 7-8 AM .

☕ Grab Coffee, Not Meals

For good coffee, check out nearby spots like Noir. Avoid eating right at Trocadéro; head to central Paris for meals .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Eiffel Tower Panorama

Eiffel Tower Panorama

Esplanade du Trocadéro

Capture the most iconic, unobstructed views of the Eiffel Tower, especially stunning at sunrise or when it sparkles after dark.

Warsaw Fountains (Fontaines de Varsovie)

Warsaw Fountains (Fontaines de Varsovie)

Central Basin

Marvel at the impressive 20 water jets creating a spectacular display, a refreshing sight on warm days and a popular spot for photos.

Cherry Blossom Photo Ops (Seasonal)

Cherry Blossom Photo Ops (Seasonal)

Throughout the gardens

During spring, find beautiful cherry blossom trees that frame the Eiffel Tower perfectly, adding a magical touch to your photos.TikTok

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for Iconic Photos

The Jardins du Trocadéro offer unparalleled views of the Eiffel Tower, making it a prime spot for photos. To capture that perfect shot without hordes of people, aim for sunrise. Many creators and travelers recommend arriving around 7:00-8:00 AM, especially on weekdays, for a more serene experience and beautiful light.TikTokInstagram

Know Your Surroundings & Amenities

While the views are spectacular, the immediate area around Trocadéro isn't ideal for dining. Locals suggest grabbing coffee at nearby spots like Noir, but for a proper meal, it's best to head back into central Paris.TikTok If you're staying nearby, metro access is excellent for exploring other attractions.Reddit

Best Times

When
Daily, Sunrise (7-8 AM)
Why
Best light for photos, minimal crowds TikTok
Crowd
Low
When
Daily, After Sunset
Why
See the Eiffel Tower sparkle Reddit
Crowd
High
When
Summer Heatwaves
Why
Splash in the fountains (tolerated) Reddit
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Instagram vs Reality 🤪: Photoshoot at the Eiffel Tower with the cherry blossoms 💃🌸 📍 Trocadero Gardens 🗓️ Videos captured on April 6, 2025 at sunrise (around 7:30 / 8am) 📸 If you are looking for a pho...
@limitlesssecrets
44.4K likes • 1.2M views

⏰ Arrive Early for Photos

Beat the crowds and get the best light for your Eiffel Tower photos by arriving at sunrise, around 7-8 AM.TikTokInstagram

☕ Grab Coffee, Not Meals

For good coffee, check out nearby spots like Noir. Avoid eating right at Trocadéro; head to central Paris for meals.TikTok

Trocadero is one of the best photo spots in Paris for the Eiffel Tower, but after you take your photo, you probably want a nice cup of coffee. Luckily Noir has opened a few locations nearby in the 16e...
@paris.in.my.pocket
11.2K likes • 450.6K views
‼️ Paris Best Selfie Tips & Secrets ⬇️⬇️⬇️ (without spending $$$ on Pro-Shoot 👍) IPhone Selfie Essential Tool= Tripod with Remote ⬇️⬇️⬇️ https://amzn.to/3Hq08Hi Best photo spot for Eiffel Tower in...
duchess86
0 likes • 8.7K views

📸 Bring a Tripod & Remote

For perfect selfies with the Eiffel Tower, a tripod with a remote is a game-changer, especially for solo travelers.Instagram

💦 Fountain Splashing Etiquette

While technically forbidden, splashing in the fountains is often tolerated during heatwaves. Be mindful of water quality.Reddit

Iconic photo spots in Paris 📍🌍👯‍♀️✨ Here are some of the best places to take stunning photos of the Eiffel Tower 📍Avenue de New York 📍Passerelle Debilly 📍Champs de Mars 📍Avenue de Camoens 📍Le Pon...
exploring_.earth
73 likes • 4.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

⏰ Arrive Early for Photos

Beat the crowds and get the best light for your Eiffel Tower photos by arriving at sunrise, around 7-8 AM.TikTokInstagram

☕ Grab Coffee, Not Meals

For good coffee, check out nearby spots like Noir. Avoid eating right at Trocadéro; head to central Paris for meals.TikTok

📸 Bring a Tripod & Remote

For perfect selfies with the Eiffel Tower, a tripod with a remote is a game-changer, especially for solo travelers.Instagram

💦 Fountain Splashing Etiquette

While technically forbidden, splashing in the fountains is often tolerated during heatwaves. Be mindful of water quality.Reddit

🚇 Use the Metro

Trocadéro is well-connected. Use the metro to easily access other attractions and find better dining options.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(145k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently rave about the unparalleled, iconic views of the Eiffel Tower from Jardins du Trocadéro, especially at sunrise or when it sparkles. While it can get very crowded, particularly in the evenings, the photo opportunities and the grandeur of the fountains make it a must-visit spot for many.

"The ultimate spot for picture-perfect Eiffel Tower shots!
If you're looking for the best view of the Eiffel Tower in all its glory, this is the place. Thanks to the wide open space, you can capture stunning photos without crowds in your frame — a rare find in Paris! It's a popular spot, so you'll see people from all walks of life here. Just be mindful of your belongings, as with any tourist area.

What makes this location even more special is that it's great both during the day and at night. Come in the late afternoon when the sun hits the tower from the square side — the golden light makes it look magical. And don’t miss the nightly light show — it’s simply unforgettable. Highly recommend for anyone who wants that iconic Paris moment!"

Oana

"Visited the Trocadero twice, one during the day and once at night. Got off the city bus tour at this stop for my wife's first view of the Eiffel Tower up close. Very busy all the time but if you are patient you will get the space for your perfect pictures. There are lots of people selling pictures too, we got some taken at night and were really pleased with them: don't just go with the first person who approaches you, shop around and look at their sample pictures and photo spots; prices are negotiable and aren't too bad to begin with €5-10 per photo. A must visit for the views of the Eiffel Tower alone but the gardens and the fountains are beautiful in themselves."

Graham Hutchison

"Wonderful place to watch the Eiffel Tower at night. Can have a picnic. Make sure to bring a blanket to sit on. Otherwise I recommend you sit way farther away from immediate surroundings where grass is not great. Walk a way for nice grass."

Mohammad Bader

What People Like

Iconic Eiffel Tower views
Stunning photo opportunities
Beautiful fountains

What People Dislike

Very crowded at peak times
Limited dining options nearby

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The easiest way to reach Jardins du Trocadéro is by metro. Take Line 6 or Line 9 to the 'Trocadéro' station. The gardens are directly outside the station, offering immediate views of the Eiffel Tower.Reddit

Yes, Jardins du Trocadéro is very accessible. It's a short metro ride from most central Paris locations. Many attractions are easily reached from Trocadéro, making it a convenient starting point for your day.Reddit

Absolutely! The Eiffel Tower is just a 15-minute walk across the Pont d'Iéna from the Jardins du Trocadéro. It's a pleasant stroll with continuous views of the iconic landmark.Reddit

Yes, the Paris Metro typically starts running around 5:30 AM, allowing you to reach Jardins du Trocadéro for sunrise photos. Consider staying near a metro or RER C station for convenience.Reddit

Staying near Trocadéro is ideal if your priority is being close to the Eiffel Tower for early morning photos, as you can walk there easily.Reddit However, some travelers find the dining scene a bit 'sleepy' compared to more central arrondissements.Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Jardins du Trocadéro are a public park and completely free to enter. You can enjoy the views and explore the gardens without any ticket.Reddit

As a public park, the Jardins du Trocadéro are generally open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, specific facilities or gates might have varying hours.

No, you do not need to book anything in advance to visit the Jardins du Trocadéro. Simply show up and enjoy the space and views.

Standard public park rules apply. There are no specific entry restrictions beyond general public conduct guidelines. Large events or construction might occasionally affect access, but this is rare.Reddit

Yes, the iconic views of the Eiffel Tower from the Jardins du Trocadéro are entirely free. It's one of the best free viewpoints in Paris.

📸 📸 Photography & Views

The main esplanade offers the classic, wide-angle view. For unique angles, explore the stairs and terraces within the gardens. Nearby Avenue de Camoens and Avenue de New York also offer great perspectives.Instagram

Sunrise is highly recommended for the best light and fewest crowds, allowing for unobstructed shots.TikTok After sunset, the sparkling Eiffel Tower provides a magical backdrop.Reddit

Yes, tripods are generally allowed in the public areas of Jardins du Trocadéro. Many content creators use them for stable shots and self-portraits, especially during early morning hours.Instagram

Anywhere along the esplanade or the upper terraces of the Jardins du Trocadéro will give you a fantastic view of the Eiffel Tower's sparkle, which occurs for five minutes every hour on the hour after dark.Reddit

Beyond the main Jardins du Trocadéro, consider Passerelle Debilly, Champs de Mars, and Avenue de Camoens for diverse and stunning Eiffel Tower photo opportunities.Instagram

🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience

While bathing is officially forbidden, locals note that splashing in the fountains is often tolerated during heatwaves, especially by tourists. Be aware of water quality, though.Reddit

There are limited options directly within the gardens. For coffee, look for nearby cafes like Noir in the 16th arrondissement. For proper meals, it's advised to venture further into Paris.TikTok

Yes, the open green spaces and benches make it a lovely spot for a picnic, especially with the Eiffel Tower as your backdrop. Just remember to clean up after yourself.

Public restrooms are available in the vicinity of the Jardins du Trocadéro, though they may require a small fee or be located in nearby cafes or museums.

Beyond the iconic view, explore the sculptures, the large central fountain, and the various terraces. The Palais de Chaillot, which houses several museums, is also located at the top of the gardens.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Jardins du Trocadéro can be a fantastic spot for families, offering open spaces for children to run around and the exciting Warsaw Fountains for a refreshing break on warm days. While technically forbidden, splashing in the fountains is often tolerated during heatwaves, providing a fun, free activity.Reddit The iconic Eiffel Tower view will captivate all ages, and the wide esplanade is perfect for pushing strollers. Consider bringing snacks and drinks, as dining options directly in the gardens are limited. The nearby metro station makes it easy to combine a visit here with other kid-friendly attractions.

📸 Photographers & Content Creators

This is your paradise! The Jardins du Trocadéro are the go-to location for Eiffel Tower photography. To capture truly stunning content, prioritize an early morning visit at sunrise for soft light and minimal crowds, as seen in many viral TikToks and Instagram reels.TikTokInstagram Bring a tripod and remote for professional-looking selfies and stable long exposures, especially for the sparkling tower at night.Instagram Explore different angles from the various terraces and staircases, and don't forget to check for seasonal elements like cherry blossoms in spring.TikTok

💰 Budget Travelers

Jardins du Trocadéro is a free attraction offering one of Paris's most iconic views, making it perfect for budget travelers. You can enjoy the stunning Eiffel Tower panorama, the impressive fountains, and the beautiful gardens without spending a euro. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the grass, saving money on expensive tourist-trap food.TikTok Utilize the efficient Paris Metro to get there, which is an affordable way to travel around the city.Reddit Combine your visit with a free stroll along the Seine or a walk to the Champs de Mars for more free sights.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Mastering Eiffel Tower Photography at Trocadéro

The Jardins du Trocadéro are the quintessential spot for capturing the Eiffel Tower, offering a grand, unobstructed vista. To truly elevate your photos, timing is everything. Arriving at sunrise (around 7-8 AM) is consistently recommended by photographers and content creators for soft, golden light and significantly fewer crowds, allowing for clean shots without distractions.TikTokInstagram This early start also provides a unique opportunity to see the city wake up.

For those seeking the magical sparkling Eiffel Tower, plan your visit for after sunset. The tower illuminates and sparkles for five minutes every hour on the hour until 1 AM. While this time is much busier, the spectacle is unforgettable.Reddit Consider bringing a tripod and remote for stable shots, especially in low light, and to capture stunning self-portraits or couple photos.Instagram Experiment with different levels and angles within the gardens, from the main esplanade to the various staircases and terraces, to find your unique perspective.

The Fountains: A Refreshing Oasis (with a caveat)

The Warsaw Fountains (Fontaines de Varsovie) are a magnificent feature of the Jardins du Trocadéro, boasting 20 powerful water jets that create a dramatic display. On hot Parisian days, these fountains become a magnet for visitors looking to cool off. While officially bathing in public fountains is forbidden in Paris, there's a widely observed local tolerance for people, especially tourists and children, splashing around during heatwaves.Reddit

However, it's important to exercise caution. Reddit discussions highlight concerns about water quality in public fountains, so while the temptation to cool down is strong, be mindful. The fountains are a beautiful backdrop for photos regardless, and their powerful jets are a spectacle in themselves, particularly when illuminated at night. Enjoy the refreshing mist, but perhaps think twice before taking a full dip.

Beyond the View: Exploring the Trocadéro Area

While the primary draw of Jardins du Trocadéro is undoubtedly the Eiffel Tower view, the surrounding area offers more to explore. The gardens themselves are home to various sculptures and statues, providing interesting focal points. At the top of the gardens sits the impressive Palais de Chaillot, which houses several museums, including the Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine and the Musée de l'Homme.

For practical needs, the immediate vicinity of Trocadéro is not renowned for its culinary scene. Many travelers and locals advise against eating directly at the tourist-heavy spots and instead recommend seeking out local coffee shops like Noir in the 16th arrondissement for a quality brew.TikTok For a proper meal, it's often better to hop on the metro and explore the more vibrant dining scenes in other parts of Paris. The excellent metro connectivity from Trocadéro station makes this easy, linking you to virtually anywhere in the city.Reddit

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