Look, here's the thing: the Eiffel Tower at sunset is a complete shitshow. I'm talking shoulder-to-shoulder tourists, aggressive vendors shoving keychains in your face every 15 seconds, and good luck getting any photo that doesn't have someone's selfie stick or crying kid ruining it.

You want an actual view? Sacré-Cœur around 7pm is where it's at. Same Paris skyline spread out below you, except the Eiffel Tower is actually IN your photos instead of you being stuck on it like some sardine. Take Line 12 to Pigalle (use the Rue Lepic exit), then either walk up the hill for 8 minutes — Yeah it's steep, deal with it — Or take the funicular if you're feeling lazy.

The steps are free, the view absolutely destroys anything from the tower itself, and you won't want to strangle every tourist around you. Pro move: grab a bottle of wine from the Monoprix at Pigalle station (€4-8 for something decent) before you head up. Just don't wave it around like some amateur — Cops don't care if you're discrete, but they'll hassle you if you're being obvious about it.

Bonus: stick around until about 9pm when they light up the tower. Same Instagram shot everyone wants, except you can actually breathe while taking it.