Place de l’Université - Image 1
1 / 3

Place de l’Université

4.6
·491k reviews·Strasbourg, France

Capture the iconic Eiffel Tower view framed by Parisian architecture on Rue de l'Université. A must-visit for photographers and dreamers.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning weekdays

Fewer crowds for photos

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Place de l’Université - Image 1

Place de l’Université

Best Time

Early morning weekdays

Fewer crowds for photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Capture the iconic Eiffel Tower view framed by Parisian architecture on Rue de l'Université. A must-visit for photographers and dreamers.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The most iconic Eiffel Tower view, perfect for that postcard-worthy shot!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Best Eiffel Tower Photo Spot

Head to Rue de l'Université for that iconic Eiffel Tower shot. Go early to avoid crowds!

🚶‍♀️ Explore Beyond the View

Wander the surrounding streets for charming Parisian architecture and a less touristy feel.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Eiffel Tower Viewpoint

Eiffel Tower Viewpoint

Rue de l'Université

The quintessential Parisian postcard view of the Eiffel Tower, framed by charming Haussmannian buildings.

Historic University Architecture

Historic University Architecture

Surrounding buildings

Admire the elegant Haussmannian facades and learn about the academic heritage of the area.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for That Iconic Eiffel Tower Shot

This popular spot for Eiffel Tower photos has become a major tourist magnet. To capture that perfect, crowd-free shot, aim for very early mornings or late evenings. Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends, especially outside of peak tourist seasons.

Beyond the Photo Op: Exploring the University Area

While famous for its Eiffel Tower views, Place de l'Université is surrounded by historic Parisian architecture and academic institutions. Consider exploring the nearby streets for a more authentic Parisian experience away from the main photo crowds.

Best Times

When
Early morning weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds for photos
Crowd
Low
When
Late evening weekdays
Why
Magical Eiffel Tower sparkle
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

You can visit Sorbonne university for free during “Journées du Patrimoine” event, which takes place each year in Paris. In 2023 it will be on 16-17th of September. #paris #thingstodoinparis #sorbonne #sorbonneuniversity #parisianstyle #parisianvibes #journéesdupatrimoine #parisattractions #paristraveltips
@kate.zavjalova
173.5K likes • 1.9M views

🎯 Best Eiffel Tower Photo Spot

Head to Rue de l'Université for that iconic Eiffel Tower shot. Go early to avoid crowds! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Beyond the View

Wander the surrounding streets for charming Parisian architecture and a less touristy feel. Reddit

On est trop heureuse de venir jouer au @festivaloffdequebec !! ☀️ Rendez-vous samedi le 12 juillet à 15h00 à la place de l’université du Québec - scène boite à pain 🥖 PS: Il va faire beau, car le funk attire le soleil 😁
lemiel.band
54 likes • 1.1K views
reddit.com

Please help to pin point this location in pic below, thank you

✨ Capture the Sparkle

Visit at night to see the Eiffel Tower light up and sparkle on the hour. TikTok

📅 Special Event Access

Look out for 'Journées du Patrimoine' for potential free access to nearby historic buildings. TikTok

reddit.com

My Paris 3-Day Itinerary (is this doable?)

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Best Eiffel Tower Photo Spot

Head to Rue de l'Université for that iconic Eiffel Tower shot. Go early to avoid crowds! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Beyond the View

Wander the surrounding streets for charming Parisian architecture and a less touristy feel. Reddit

✨ Capture the Sparkle

Visit at night to see the Eiffel Tower light up and sparkle on the hour. TikTok

📅 Special Event Access

Look out for 'Journées du Patrimoine' for potential free access to nearby historic buildings. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors flock to Place de l'Université for its breathtaking and iconic Eiffel Tower views, often described as a quintessential Parisian photo spot. While the visual appeal is undeniable, some find the area has become overly crowded with tourists, diminishing the serene experience. Despite this, the accessibility and free access make it a must-visit for many.

What People Like

Iconic Eiffel Tower view
Perfect photo opportunity
Free to visit

What People Dislike

Very crowded
Tourist hotspot

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Place de l'Université is easily accessible via the Paris Métro. The closest stations are Invalides (Lines 8, 13) and La Tour-Maubourg (Line 8). From these stations, it's a short walk to Rue de l'Université, where the prime viewing spots are located. Reddit

Parking in this central Parisian district can be challenging and expensive. It's highly recommended to use public transportation rather than driving. If you must drive, look for paid parking garages in the vicinity. Reddit

Yes, it's a pleasant walk from several major attractions. It's about a 20-30 minute walk from the Eiffel Tower itself, and also accessible on foot from Les Invalides. Reddit

Google Maps or Citymapper are excellent apps for navigating Paris public transport and walking routes. They provide real-time updates and are very user-friendly. Reddit

Several bus lines serve the area, including lines 69, 87, and 94, which stop at or near Rue de l'Université. Check a Paris public transport map for the most convenient route from your starting point. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Place de l'Université and Rue de l'Université are public streets and squares, so there is no admission fee. You can visit them anytime. Reddit

While the square itself doesn't host regular events, the surrounding area might. Keep an eye out for 'Journées du Patrimoine' (Heritage Days) in September, which sometimes offer access to nearby historic buildings. TikTok

For the best Eiffel Tower photos, aim for sunrise or sunset. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. The evening sparkle of the Eiffel Tower is also a popular time. TikTokReddit

There is no entrance fee. These are public streets offering iconic views of the Eiffel Tower. Reddit

Most of the buildings are private residences or academic institutions and are not open to the public, except during special events like Journées du Patrimoine. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Stand on Rue de l'Université, looking towards the Eiffel Tower. The buildings on either side frame the tower perfectly, creating that classic Parisian shot. Experiment with different distances along the street for varied perspectives. Reddit

Early morning offers soft light and fewer crowds, ideal for a serene shot. Golden hour (just before sunset) provides warm, beautiful light. At night, you can capture the illuminated Eiffel Tower, especially during its hourly sparkle. TikTokReddit

Be patient and wait for moments when the street is less crowded. Consider using a wider lens to capture the full grandeur of the Eiffel Tower and the surrounding architecture. A tripod can be helpful for low-light shots. Reddit

Drone usage is heavily restricted in Paris, especially near major landmarks like the Eiffel Tower. It's best to avoid using drones in this area to comply with regulations. Reddit

For daytime shots, a standard aperture (f/8-f/11) for good depth of field works well. For night shots, use a wider aperture (f/2.8-f/4) and a slower shutter speed, ideally with a tripod. Experiment with ISO to balance brightness and noise. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Place de l'Université offers a fantastic photo opportunity of the Eiffel Tower, it might not be the most engaging spot for young children for an extended period. The primary draw is the view, and the surrounding streets are more about architecture and academic institutions. However, it can be a quick stop on a larger itinerary.

Consider combining a visit here with a trip to the Champ de Mars park, which is adjacent to the Eiffel Tower and offers plenty of space for kids to run around. Pack some snacks and drinks, as amenities directly at the viewing spot are limited. The novelty of seeing the Eiffel Tower up close might be enough to keep younger ones entertained for a short while. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

This location is a dream for photographers seeking that iconic Eiffel Tower shot. The framing provided by Rue de l'Université is unparalleled. To truly maximize your photographic experience, aim for the 'golden hours' – sunrise for soft, crowd-free light, and sunset for warm, dramatic hues. TikTokReddit

Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons and weekends. Arriving very early in the morning is your best bet for capturing the scene with minimal people. Experiment with different focal lengths; a wider lens can capture the entire street and tower, while a telephoto lens can isolate details. Don't forget to capture the tower at night when it's illuminated and sparkles on the hour. TikTok

🚶 Budget Travelers

Place de l'Université is a fantastic free attraction for budget travelers. The iconic Eiffel Tower view requires no admission fee, making it an excellent addition to any itinerary. Reddit

To save money, utilize Paris's efficient public transportation system (Métro and buses) to reach the area. Pack your own snacks and water, as purchasing them nearby can be more expensive. Consider exploring the surrounding streets on foot to discover hidden gems and soak in the Parisian atmosphere without spending extra. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Capturing the Iconic Eiffel Tower View

Place de l'Université, particularly the stretch of Rue de l'Université, has become world-famous for its postcard-perfect view of the Eiffel Tower. The Haussmannian buildings on either side of the street create a natural frame, making the iconic landmark pop. This has led to it being a highly sought-after spot for photographs, especially on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. TikTokReddit

To get the best shots, timing is crucial. Early mornings, especially on weekdays, offer the advantage of fewer crowds, allowing for unobstructed photos. The soft morning light is also ideal for capturing the tower's grandeur. As the day progresses, the crowds tend to increase significantly. For a different perspective, consider visiting in the late evening to witness the Eiffel Tower illuminated, and if you're lucky, catch its dazzling hourly sparkle. TikTokReddit

While the view is the main draw, remember that this is a residential and academic area. Be respectful of the residents and maintain a quiet demeanor. Some travelers suggest that the spot has become overrun with tourists due to its popularity, so managing expectations regarding crowds is key. Reddit

Exploring the Academic Heart of Paris

Place de l'Université is situated in a historically significant academic district of Paris. The area is home to various faculties and institutions associated with the prestigious Sorbonne University. Walking through these streets offers a glimpse into the intellectual and architectural heritage of the city. The elegant Haussmannian architecture, characterized by its stone facades, mansard roofs, and ornate balconies, is a hallmark of this Parisian neighborhood. TikTok

Beyond the immediate vicinity of the Eiffel Tower viewpoint, take time to wander and appreciate the surrounding streets. You'll find charming cafes, bookshops, and quiet squares that offer a more authentic Parisian experience. This area provides a stark contrast to the bustling tourist hotspots, allowing for a more relaxed exploration of Parisian life. Reddit

For those interested in history and culture, the proximity to other significant landmarks like Les Invalides and the Musée d'Orsay makes this area a great base for exploration. Consider visiting during 'Journées du Patrimoine' (Heritage Days) in September, as some of these historic university buildings might open their doors to the public, offering a unique glimpse inside. TikTok

You may also like

1 of 2