Paris!! Just saying the name of the French capital stirs so many happy emotions. It is a city that people have dreamed of visiting for generations. There is the endless romance of the city, beautiful architecture, the fashionable Parisians, and, let's not forget, the food.

The scent of butter and sugar wafts from a boulangerie just as the morning sun spills gold over the rooftops of Montmartre. There’s a softness to the light in Paris, a kind of cinematic haze that turns everyday moments into stills from a film. The chatter from a nearby café, the glint of the Seine, the sharp rustle of a baguette being sliced open—these are the sensory notes that always hit me the moment I arrive. And no matter how many times I return, Paris still feels like a place that reveals something new with every frame.

What makes Paris unforgettable for me isn't just its postcard-perfect views—though there are plenty. It’s the rhythm of it. The way shadows stretch across cobblestones in Le Marais, the drama of storm clouds behind Notre-Dame, the quiet joy of people-watching from a corner café. There’s elegance in the details and contrast in the layers. For any photographer—pro or phone-in-hand—it’s a masterclass in light, composition, and atmosphere.

This couple dancing in the morning is the picture of joy

There are also so many things to photography in Paris that it can quickly become overwhelming. Of course, you want to make sure you hit the classic locations like the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, but there are so many other things to photograph, from Food, Fashion, People, Art, and Architecture.

Visually, Paris is rich in texture and mood. There's the clean geometry of Haussmann buildings, the chaotic beauty of vintage signage, and the reflections in rainy streets. You’ve got symmetry at the Louvre, patterns at the metro entrances, and color explosions at the flower markets. Whether you’re using a mirrorless camera or your iPhone, this city invites you to slow down and really look.

This guide covers the best photo spots in Paris—along with tips for DSLR shooters and iPhone photographers alike. I’ll share my favorite neighborhoods to stay in, places to eat with great light and great coffee, gear to bring (or leave behind), and how to make the most of your time. Whether it’s your first trip or your fifteenth, this photography guide to Paris will help you see the city in a new light.

When to go to Paris

Paris is photogenic year-round, but each season brings a different mood:

Spring (March–May): Blossoms in the parks, longer golden hours, moody rainstorms. April is my personal favorite—gentle light, fewer crowds, and everything in bloom.
Summer (June–August): Harsh light mid-day, but amazing twilight. Great for café culture and vibrant street life. Use a polarizer or shoot early/late.
Fall (September–November): Warm tones, fallen leaves in the Luxembourg Gardens, and misty mornings. A great season for muted color palettes.
Winter (December–February): Blue hour lasts longer. Think holiday lights, bare tree silhouettes, and cozy café interiors. Ideal for low-light smartphone shots and moody long exposures.

Under the Trocadero a couple having wedding photos taken

Ideal Duration of Stay — Relaxed Itinerary Format

I recommend staying at least 4–6 days if photography is your main focus. Paris rewards patience and repeat visits. Here’s a loose 5-day itinerary:

Day 1: Settle in, then take a golden hour walk along the Seine from Pont Alexandre III to Notre-Dame. Best with a camera, but phones catch the light beautifully too.

Day 2: Early morning in Montmartre (Rue de l’Abreuvoir, Place du Tertre). Later, explore Pigalle for street life and neon signs. Night shots at Place de la Concorde.

Day 3: Start at Palais Royal. Midday lunch and street shots in Le Marais. Shoot sunset from Pont des Arts or the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette.

Day 4: Musée d’Orsay for interiors and architectural lines. Afternoon in Saint-Germain. Dusk at the Eiffel Tower from Trocadéro.

Day 5: Wander Île Saint-Louis and Île de la Cité. Capture bridges, reflections, and local life. Finish at a cozy café with low-light iPhone shots.

Use your smartphone for quick café captures, street portraits, and interiors. DSLR/mirrorless is best for long exposures, night scenes, and lens-based work like compression or wide vistas.

Where to Stay

The first thing you will need to decide is where to stay. There is always a debate if you should stay on the Left Bank or the Right Bank.

For photographers, choosing where to stay in Paris is more than just finding a bed—it’s about what you can walk to before the city wakes up. Here are three of my favorite neighborhoods:

Le Marais – A maze of narrow streets, street art, old stone buildings, and charming courtyards. The light bounces in interesting ways here. Perfect for golden hour strolls.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés – Classic Parisian charm, ideal for café and people photography. Elegant architecture and close to the Seine.
Montmartre – Hilly, artsy, and dramatic. Great morning views and silhouettes, especially from Rue de l’Abreuvoir or the steps of Sacré-Cœur.

Here is a map of Paris showing the different districts

My personal preference is to stay on the Left Bank, somewhere close to Saint Germain. I like the way the neighborhood has so many local bakeries and restaurants. It just feels like a place you would call home.

Of course, deciding on a hotel will depend on your budget and how long you plan to be in Paris. Here is a list of hotels I recommend. There are plenty of hotels I have not tried yet, but the ones listed below are all good options.

Luxury:

Le Meurice – Opposite the Tuileries Gardens. Rooms with dreamy window light and views of the Eiffel Tower. A favorite for sunrise walks along the Seine.
Hôtel Lutetia – Modern design meets classic flair in Saint-Germain. Great lobby light and a spa that’s as photogenic as it is relaxing.
Maison Souquet – Sensual, moody interiors. Near Montmartre, perfect for capturing vintage Parisian vibes.
Relais Christine - hard to get into but well worth it.
Madame Reve - a perfect location near the Marais

Boutique/Mid-Range:

Hôtel des Grands Boulevards – Chic with character. Rooftop bar for evening golden hour.
Hotel Henriette – Bohemian and bright. Close to the Latin Quarter.
Le Relais Montmartre – Cozy and quiet. A short walk to Sacré-Cœur and some of the best street scenes.

Getting Around — Visual & Practical

Paris is made for walking. That’s where the best photos live. But:

The Metro is fast and photogenic—look for art deco signs and patterned tile stations. Avoid rush hour with bulky gear.
Navigo Easy Pass makes it painless.
Biking (Velib) can be great for light gear days.
Uber/taxis are easy but avoid around 5–7pm.

Watch for pickpockets in touristy areas (especially around Sacré-Cœur and major stations). Keep your gear light in crowded spots. Many metro stations have stairs only—plan accordingly if you’re hauling a tripod.

Restaurants, Cafes, & Bakeries

One of the best things in Paris is the food. Oh my goodness, the food is absolutely amazing. However, you need to do some research before just jumping into the first bakery, cafe, or restaurant. If you visit the right places, you will be very happy, but definitely do your homework so you are not disappointed.

On our latest trip, in the name of research, we looked for the best croissants and baguettes in Paris. Of course, we needed to make sure our sample size was large enough. Baguette research is challenging work :)

There are just so many good options. But probably my favorite Croissant is Poilâne Bakery and Cedric Grolet. My favorite baguette is Du Pain et des Idées. However, the research is ongoing, and another trip might be necessary.

The list below includes more casual restaurants and bakeries that are all worth trying:

Saint Pearl - 38 rue des Saints-Pères, 75007 Paris
Les Deux Magots - 6 Pl. Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris
Le Café de Flore - 172 Bd Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris
Cullilier 68, rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris
Marcello - 8 Rue Mabillon, 75006 Paris
Judy- 18 rue de Fleurus, 75006 Paris
Coutume Café -47 rue de Babylone, 75007 Paris
Bakus - 9 rue des Capucines 75001 Paris
L e s É d i t e u r s - 4, carrefour de l'Odéon
Barthélemy - the best cheese shop ever- 51 Rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris
Le Comptoir De Relais -9 Carr de l'Odéon, 75006 Paris
Pierre Herme - located all over Paris
Maison Mulot - 76 Rue de Seine
Poilâne Bakery - All Over Paris
Meert -16 rue Elzévir 75003 Paris
Des Gateaux et du Pain - 89 Rue du Bac
La Maison d'Isabelle -47ter Bd Saint-Germain, 75005 Paris
Breizh Cafe
Fou de Patisserie -64 Rue de Seine, 7th
Stohrer - 51 rue Montorgueil, 2nd
Cedric Grolet Opera - 35 avenue de l’Opéra, 75002 Paris
Jacques Genin -133 rue de Turenne, Paris 3ème
Du Pain et des Idées - 34 RUE YVES TOUDIC 75010 PARIS

Did I mention that cheese is also good in Paris? One of the most magical locations is the Barthélemy cheese shop. This place is truly amazing and should not be missed. It is a small shop that only allows 2 people inside at a time. But the selection and quality is unparalleled.

Food Tours

By chance, we met Michelle, a chef and food tour guide. She owns a company called Sweet Secrets of Paris. She is super sweet (pun intended) and will take you on a food adventure you will not forget.

The most important thing to do in Paris is once you arrive in your hotel is to go out and get a hot Nutella Crepe. Its a must!

Photography Gear & iPhone Advice

DSLR/Mirrorless Setup:

Canon R5 or Sony A7 IV
Lenses: 24–70mm (walkaround), 35mm f/1.4 (street), 70–200mm (compression shots from bridges)
Tripod (for blue hour)
ND filter (for long exposures on the Seine)
Extra batteries + cards

Smartphone Photography Tips:

Use Portrait Mode for depth, especially in cafés.
Use Wide Lens for interiors or bridges.
Try Night Mode for handheld dusk/dark scenes.
Editing: Lightroom Mobile or Snapseed
Bring: mini tripod + Bluetooth shutter + portable battery

*That time I ran into Serge Remelli in Paris*

Best Photo Spots In Paris

There are so many locations to shoot in Paris. There is something for everyone, depending on your interests. So if your interest is Architecture, Fashion, People, Food, or the Classic sights, it is all there to photograph. Like most locations, shooting early in the morning is best since you have great light with no crowds. In the evening, you will have great light but crowds.

Pont Alexandre III – Best for golden hour.

Pro Tip: Use a 70–200mm to compress lamp posts at sunset.
iPhone Tip: Shoot low and center the lamps for symmetry.

Rue Crémieux – Colorful street, soft light.
- Pro Tip: Go early to avoid people. Use a wide lens.
- iPhone Tip: Try vertical framing from eye level.
Palais Royal – Columns, geometry.
- Pro Tip: Mid-morning side light works well here.
- iPhone Tip: Use gridlines to line up symmetry.
Montmartre’s Rue de l’Abreuvoir – Curved street + Sacré-Cœur in background.
- Pro Tip: Sunrise or post-rain for glistening cobblestones.
- iPhone Tip: Get close to a foreground detail (flower, bike).
Trocadéro – Eiffel Tower.
- Pro Tip: Use an ND filter for long exposures during blue hour.
- iPhone Tip: Use panorama mode vertically.

La Tour Montparnasse Rooftop

The Montparnasse Tower Viewing Deck is on the 58th floor. There is a very lively bar on the rooftop, and you will need to pay about 9 Euros to take the elevator to the top. Once you are on the rooftop, you can use a tripod, and there is even a small gap in the glass where you can fit your camera lens. I would definitely bring a wide-angle lens and a telephoto. (Best at SUNSET/NIGHT)

Look at the difference when you shoot with a 70-200 mm

Cafe Au Canon Eiffel View

There are a few locations where you can get a photo of the Eiffel Tower using the leading line of the roadways. (Best at SUNRISE/SUNSET/NIGHT)

Pont de Bir Hakeim

Pont Bir Hakeim is an amazing location. There are very few photographers that find this location but there are so many cool compositions that you find. (Best at SUNRISE/SUNSET/NIGHT)

You can take lots of great shots from Bir Hakim

Sacre Coeur & Square Marcel Bleustein

One of the classic locations in Paris is the Sacre Coeur. You can photograph it from the front, but it will be very hard to get a clean shot without a million tourists.

But, if you walk around the backside to the Parc Marcel Bleustein Square, you will find the exact photo opportunity without the crowds. (Best at SUNRISE/SUNSET)

There is also the fun optical illusion of the “Sinking House” in Paris. The sinking house is one of those spots in Paris that is very popular to photograph. Obviously, this is just an optical illusion. If you have been to the Sacre Coeur then you have walked right by it.

La Maison Rose

The artist Maurice Utrillo painted La Maison Rose, which he called “The Little Pink House” in the 1930s. You will see a lot of people taking selfies. Dead to Montmartre at sunrise to capture this charming café sans tourists.

Alexandre III bridge

Pont Alexandre is my favorite bridge in Paris. There are so many photos you can take from this location. (Best at SUNSET/NIGHT). This is where I ran into the photographer Serge Remelli

There are so many compositions from this bridge

Right Next to the Bridge Looking towards Les Invalides

Instagrammers & Influencers

I find instagrammers and "influencers" to be fun to photograph. They actually put in so much work into taking photos. They often have multiple outfit changes and really make an effort.

It is fun to photograph these people

Booksellers along the Seine

The bookstores along the Seine are wonderful and always create a lot of photography opportunities. Right next to the Seine in the Quartier Latin, you will find the Shakespeare and Co bookstore.

Street Photography Saint Germain

I think the 2 best areas for Street Photography are Saint Germain/Quartier Latin and the area around the Marais. Of course, other areas are also good since there are so many well-dressed people to photograph. But there is something unique about these 2 areas that make them perfect for street photography.

Jardin du Luxembourg

The Jardin du Luxembourg is the Central Park of Paris. It is just beautiful. What I especially love is that there are so many chairs for visitors to use. So you can sit, breathe, and watch the world. (Best at SUNRISE)

You can take wonderful people photos in the park

The Sainte Chapelle outside and inside

Sainte Chapelle is a MUST. It is so breathtakingly beautiful that you will stand and stare at the beauty of the church. After a few moments, you will hopefully remember to take a photo. Even if you forget your camera, do not miss this incredible location. (Best on a Sunny Day).

I love Saint Chapelle there are so many photos opportunities

Les Invalides outside and inside

I took this photo from the Trocadero at Sunrise with a 70-200 mm lens. So, if you go to the Trocadero/Eiffel Tower at sunrise, with its high vantage point, you can photograph other locations. (Best at SUNRISE/SUNSET)

Eiffel tower viewed from the Champs-de-Mars and from the street

Unfortunately, you can no longer walk under the Eiffel Tower. You used to be able to walk right under it. It is now gated, and the visitor center is on the left, where people now queue to take the elevators to the top.

People Photography

There are so many great opportunities for Street Photography in Paris. Everyone is well dressed, and there are so many possibilities.

Graffiti in Paris

My favorite graffiti piece is located in Montmartre, and it looks like a photo. Each time I see it I just stand there for a few minutes admiring the skill of the artists.

But the best area for graffiti is in the 13th arrondissement

Galeries Lafayette

One of the best department stores in Paris is Galeries Lafayette. The iron dome in the center is just beautiful.

MUSEE RODIN

On a sunny day, I love walking through the musée Rodin. The museum also includes a beautiful garden. The museum is, of course, dedicated to the art of the sculptor Rodin.

There are so many incredible details to photograph

NOTRE DAME cathedral from the river bank

These photos of Notre Dame were taken before the fire in 2019. Hopefully, it will be restored to its former glory soon.

Trocadero view of THE Eiffel Tower Early Morning

If you visit the Trocadero at Sunrise, you will probably see about 10-20 photographers lined up with Tripods taking photos of the Eiffel Tower. Sometimes, you have to battle for a spot. There will also be tons of wedding photographers taking shots of couples.

I noticed this beautiful couple and had to take their photo

Montmartre

Montmartre is a wonderful location to spend an afternoon. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes like Breizh Café. If you go to Montmartre at night, do not miss taking photos of Lamarck – Caulaincourt Metro Station In Montmartre. (Best at SUNRISE/SUNSET or NIGHT)

Metro Abbesses is one of the only Classic Metro Stations left in Paris

Arc de Triomphe (far side/rooftop and viewed from Champs-Elysees) Evening

So there is an elevator to get to the rooftop deck. Unfortunately, I found out after I walked up the 274 steps of the spiral staircase. (Best at SUNSET/NIGHT). You are not allowed to use a Tripod but I might have tried to make sure if this was true. I absolutely love this location, and I think it is one of the best spots in Paris for Photography.

Centre Pompidou 5th floor views of Sacre Coeur

Of course, I arrived at this location with the wrong lens. If you come here in the evening with a long lens, you can take a wonderful shot of the Sacre Coeur. And the center is open until 10:30 pm, so you can take an evening photo of Sacre Coeur. (Best at SUNSET)

View of Eiffel Tower from Corner of Rue de L’Universite and Avenue De La Boudonnaise

This is a spot where you will find tons and tons of Instagrammers, but it is still a fun location. If you come in the morning, it is a lot easier to take a clean photo. (Best at SUNRISE)

Les Deux Magots & Cafe de Flore

Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore are the most well-known cafes in Paris. Hemingway and other famous writers used to write from here. This is another location where you will find tons of Instagrammers. (Best Anytime)

Do not miss trying their hot chocolate

Opéra Garnier

The opera house is beautiful but very very difficult to photograph since there are so many people. We were on the first tour, and I went right up to the Hall of Mirrors, but it was impossible to get a clean shot. (Best First thing in the morning or last tour)

To get a photo of the famous stairwell will test your patience but it can be done

2 Avenue de Camoens

This is a great location to get a different perspective of the Eiffel Tower with the stairwell.

Musée d’Orsay

My favorite museum in Paris is Musée D'Orsay. It is beautiful and not overwhelmingly large. One of the best photos is of the Clocks on the 5th Floor. There are 2 Clocks-one in the restaurant and another one on the other side of the building. The one on the other side of the building is better. (Best Sunny Day)

Do not miss the Clocks in the museum

Avenue des Champs-Élysées

I had to stand in the middle of the Champs-Elysees to get this long exposure shot. (Best at SUNSET)

Pont Des Arts

This is another classic location at sunrise to watch the sun come up over the Ile Saint Louis. (Best at SUNRISE). My suggestion is to shoot sunset from the Pont Des Arts and then walk into the Louvre and take photos of the Pyramids.

Louvre Pyramids

The Louvre is an iconic location and museum. Probably the classic photo from this location are the IM Pei Pyramids. (Best at SUNRISE/SUNSET)

There are so many compositions from this location

Festivals & Events —

Fête de la Musique (June 21): Music on every corner. Great for candid street portraits and motion blur shots.
Paris Fashion Week (various): Amazing people-watching and stylish street photography. Don’t use flash.
Bastille Day (July 14): Fireworks at Eiffel Tower. Arrive hours early or book a rooftop restaurant with a view.
Christmas Markets (December): Twinkling lights, cozy scenes. Use phones for handheld low light shots.

Final Thoughts—

Paris has a way of slowing you down and inviting you to notice what’s beautiful, whether it’s the soft folds of a croissant or the geometry of a spiral staircase. Whether you’re traveling with a pro kit or just your phone, this city will teach you to see in new ways.

If this photography guide to Paris helped you plan your trip, I’d love to see your shots. Tag me on Instagram or Facebook or subscribe to my newsletter for more photography guides, tips, and travel inspiration. And if you’re interested in a future Paris photo workshop, sign up here to be the first to know.

My Photography & Travel Guide to Paris