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• The Eiffel Tower

  Official Eiffel Tower Ticket Office

E-tickets are currently sold for visits until August 11. Except for July 14 & 26 (closed) and for August 10 (this date will go on sale later). Check this website regularly for availabilities.  

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When do you want to visit the Eiffel Tower?

How many tickets do you need.

Young (12-24 years)

Children (4-11 years old)

Small children (younger than 4 years old)

Disabled individuals

RSA (earned income supplement) recipients

An order may include a maximum of 9 tickets

An order may only contain a maximum of 5 children’s tickets (4 years or younger)

An order may only contain a maximum of 2 RSA (earned income supplement) tickets

An order containing only children’s tickets (-4 years old and 4-11 years old) is not permitted.

“Adult”: Normal rate for adults 25 years old and over.

“Youth (12-24 years old)”: Rate for youth between 12 and 24 years old. Proof of age required.

“Children” (4-11 years old)”: Rate for children between 4-11 years old. Proof of age required. Mandatory purchase of an adult or youth ticket.

“Small children (younger than 4 years old)”: Free for children younger than 4 years old. Ticket and proof of age required. There is no left luggage office available, in particular for strollers.

“RSA (earned income supplement) recipients”: Rate applied to French RSA (earned income supplement) recipients only, available at the Tower's ticket offices.

“Disabled people and those accompanying them”: The disabled person’s rate is applied subject to proof of eligibility and for a maximum of one accompanying person.

Online help

How much does it cost to visit the eiffel tower.

To check the prices for the Eiffel Tower, please visit this page on the official Eiffel Tower site . The Eiffel Tower online ticket office provides the official prices. The adult price applies to adults 25 years and over.  There are discount rates for young people (12-24 years old), children (4-11 years old) and for visitors with disabilities and those accompanying them (maximum of one accompanying person per disabled person). Admission is free for children under 4 years old. The price of the ticket varies upon how you go up (elevator and/or stairs) and the destination (2nd floor or the upper floor) you select. 

The desired visit date is not available, what should I do?

Certain days (weekends, days during peak season between July and August) are in high demand and we sell out quickly, especially for e-tickets for the top floor, which are the most popular. If you are flexible, select another date that is shown as available. The dates marked in orange indicate that the last tickets are available. Lined out or grayed out dates are no longer available. If there is no more online availability, note that tickets to visit the Eiffel Tower are also sold on site at the ticket offices at the monument. Regardless, we sell our tickets online up to 60 days in advance (for lift tickets) and 14 days in advance (for stairs tickets to second floor). If you can, plan your visit well in advance, so you will have the choice of date, destination and time.  

How many tickets can I buy?

On the online ticket shop, you can buy up to 9 tickets for the same order. Groups who want to buy tickets, regardless of the number, must use the ticket office site reserved for groups.

The Eiffel Tower’s online box office allows you to purchase your ticket online for the 2nd floor or the Summit at the official rate. You can purchase individual e-tickets for up to 9 people. Tickets can also be purchased several weeks in advance. With the e-ticket system, experience no lines! You will directly receive your ticket by e-mail so you can print it at home or store it on your smartphone. If e-tickets are sold out for the date/time or destination that you search, it is always possible to purchase tickets on the spot on the day of your visit.  At the scheduled hour, go directly to the lifts or stairs without having to wait at the ticket stands. There are mandatory security checks at the Eiffel Tower’s entrance and before entering one of the pillars.

Tourism professionals, schools, associations:  professional ticketing website .

Destination to the top

An engrossing experience

« The Eiffel Tower Summit »

The most marvelous view of Paris

At the top of the Eiffel Tower, enjoy the highest view of Paris and its surroundings. With its 2 floors (one open-air and the other indoor), experience for yourself the majesty of Paris from all angles: witness the most eye-catching architectural beauties, monuments, and the Seine.

The office of Gustave Eiffel

At the top of the Tower, you will also discover a reconstitution of Gustave Eiffel’s office, the Tower’s creator. With its wax models, this scene depicts Gustave Eiffel and his daughter Claire receiving the famous American inventor, Thomas Edison.

Destination to 2nd floor

At the heart of the Tower :

« The Eiffel Tower’s 2nd floor »

The most all-encompassing experience

On the 2nd floor, you’ll be transported with amazement: With several monoculars located on both levels, Paris and its monuments will offer a scintillating pleasure to your delighted eyes. Take advantage of the large selection of activities, boutiques and restaurants!

Be at the forefront of a spectacular lighting show

During evening visits, the 2nd floor is the best spot to be to witness the Tower and its magnificent lit structure. Also don’t forget, Paris is the “City of Lights.” On the 2nd floor, you’ll have a front row seat for an unforgettable moment of scintillation at all hours!

Acceso gratuito al atrio

During the period from July 18 to 25 :

« Free Access to the Esplanade »

A free or paid ticket is mandatory between July 18 and 25

From July 18 to 25, the circulation in the area surrounding the Eiffel Tower will be restricted and will require proof for movement within this area. If you wish to visit the Eiffel Tower during this period but have not been able to purchase e-tickets online, you can still buy tickets at the monument's ticket offices on the day of your visit. This ticket "Free access to the Esplanade" is not necessary if you have already purchased e-tickets on our website.

To access the monument's ticket offices

Choose the Esplanade free access ticket (up to 9 tickets per order), it provides free access to the esplanade and the monument's ticket offices, as well as to the Eiffel Tower's gardens. It will provide you with proof of destination in a restricted access area between July 18 and 25.

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The BEST Eiffel Tower Tours

The First floor of the Eiffel Tower is popular among travelers. It contains multiple restaurants, snack bars, and shops. You can easily spend a few hours on the first floor having lunch or drinks. You can also purchase tickets or a tour that includes the first floor with or without elevator access. The stairs will work out your legs but can be more pleasant than a crowded elevator in the hot summer. All of our Eiffel Tower tours will give you access to the first floor and we recommend spending time there during your day visit to have a refreshing beverage! The second floor is the most popular and provides stunning views. If you are highly athletic, you could walk up to the second floor but it is recommended to use the elevator for most people. On your way down, the stairs can be less crowded and easy from the second floor. The summit is the most desired floor and the hardest to get tickets for. We run an Eiffel Tower Summit tour which you'll want to book far in advance if you are to reserve spots.

Book tours and skip the Eiffel Tower lines with plenty of start times to choose from!

15 Tours Found

Price - Lowest First

Price - Highest First

Most reviewed

Most Popular

Paris in a Day Tour with Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Seine River Cruise

See the Mona Lisa, Sacre-Coeur, and Moulin Rouge with organized transportation and an expert guide

Privileged Access Eiffel Tower Tour with Seine River Cruise

See beautiful Paris with second floor Eiffel Tower elevator tickets, a river cruise, and champagne

Eiffel Tower Climbing Tour with Summit Access

Get your steps in to the second floor before taking the elevator to the summit for epic Paris views

Premium Access Eiffel Tower Summit Tour with Seine River Cruise

Fulfill your bucket-list dream of viewing the City of Lights from the best spot in the city

Eiffel Tower Tickets with Exclusive Summit Access

Enhance your Eiffel Tower experience accessing the elevator and marvel at panoramic views of Paris

Private Paris in a Day Tour with Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Montmartre

See the most iconic Paris sites and cruise down the Seine in just a day with a dedicated local guide

Skip the Line Eiffel Tower Tour with Seine River Cruise

Cruise past Paris' landmarks and the Eiffel Tower's famously long lines and enjoy elevator access

Private Eiffel Tower Tour with Champagne and Seine River Cruise

Join your own personal guide to see the beauty of Paris by boat and from the Eiffel Tower 2nd floor

Eiffel Tower Morning Tour with Summit Access

Ride the elevator to the top of the Eiffel Tower and admire the City of Light from above!

Semi Private Paris Day Tour with Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Seine Cruise

Explore Montmartre and Latin Quarter neighborhoods and admire Mona Lisa in a group of 6

Paris by Segway 2-Hour Sightseeing Tour

Effortlessly discover the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more

Eiffel Tower Summit Tickets with Host

Reach the summit of Paris' most iconic landmark for unparalleled views of the City of Light.

Guided Eiffel Tower Tour with Elevator and Summit Access

Take in the panoramic views of Paris with exclusive elevator access to the Summit

Thrilling Paris Monuments Tour by Sidecar Motorcycle

Join this two-hour excursion to see the Arc de Triomphe, the Dome des Invalides, and more

Eiffel Tower Access with Host

Explore the first and second floors of Paris’ most iconic landmark for striking views of the city

Should I take an Eiffel Tower Tour?

The Eiffel Tower is a megamonument in Paris, which means huge crowds and difficulty getting tickets. Tours take the guesswork out and local guides will make the experience more memorable. The tower platforms are complex and at times difficult to navigate. A guided experience improves everything!

Does every tour include a river cruise?

Many tours include river cruises, but you should read the inclusions to be sure.

Which Eiffel Tower tours do we recommend?

These are some of our favorites.

Privileged Access Eiffel Tower Night Tour with Seine River Cruise

Twilight Magic: Eiffel Tower Summit Tour with Seine River Cruise

Eiffel Tower Climbing Tour with Summit Access (Staff Favorite!)

Paris in a Day Tour (Eiffel from outside)

Do you need to walk the entire way up to the summit with the Eiffel Tower climbing tour ?

No. You walk up to the first and second floors. From there, you can take an elevator to the summit .

Are there tours where you visit the Eiffel Tower Summit without climbing?

Is a tour of the Eiffel Tower worth it?

That obviously depends on your interests and budget, but Eiffel Tower tours average a 4.7/5 rating which means most travelers feel they are a great value and worth it!

What is the best part about visiting the Eiffel Tower?

The views are very cool but the overall experience is great. There are shoppes inside, restaurants, and even a champagne bar at the summit!

How long should we spend at the Eiffel Tower?

Depending on how many levels you visit and if you'll get a meal or drink, 90 minutes should be the minimum amount of time. We do not recommend rushing through this experience. Explore, get a drink, eat if you're hungry, and try to stay in the moment.

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OUR BEST SELLING TOURS AT A GLANCE

Most Popular Tours

Ultimate palace of versailles tour from paris.

Breeze past the lines for the palace and gardens with a friendly English speaking guide

Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

Skip the line and gain direct access to the Raphael Rooms, Creation of Man, and St. Peter's Basilica

Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum and Vatican Museums

Explore the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and more!

Special Access Colosseum Arena Floor Tour through the Gladiator's Gate

Walk in the footsteps of gladiators on the Colosseum floor and see the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Semi-Private Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

Enjoy a premium and exclusive tour of the Raphael Rooms, St.Peter's Basilica, and more!

Privileged Entrance Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Skip the line at the Colosseum, plus Arch of Titus, Temple of Julius Caesar, and more!

Secrets of the Louvre Museum Tour with Mona Lisa

Get to know Venus de Milo, Liberty Leading the People, and Napoleon's Coronation like never before

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Eiffel Tower

Behind the scenes of this amazing landmark.

TOWER POWER

The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France , has serious celeb status. Completed in March 1889, it's one of the most recognizable monuments in the world. And the site, which is also known as the Iron Lady, receives nearly seven millions tourists a year. But despite its fame, the tower has some monumental secrets. Get the lowdown on this Parisian highlight.

HIDDEN APARTMENT

If you were in charge of constructing the Eiffel Tower, where else would you live but...the Eiffel Tower? Gustave Eiffel, who designed the landmark, built himself a small apartment on the top level of the structure. The sky-high hideaway had plush rugs, oil paintings, and even a grand piano. Only a few VIPs were allowed to visit, such as superstar scientist Thomas Edison. Unused since the 1920s after Eiffel's death, few knew about the 950-foot-high pad until 2015 when it opened for public viewing.

The top of the Eiffel Tower seems like the perfect spot to study stars and weather. No wonder Eiffel set up two small laboratories on the third level where astonomers and meteorologists could work. Eiffel conducted his own experiments as well. To learn more about how objects move against air, he dropped items attached to cords from the second level of the tower (about 380 feet aboveground) and observed how they fell.

GREEN SCENE

Maybe this landmark should be renamed the Eco Tower. In 2015 workers gave the Iron Lady an environmentally friendly makeover by installing two wind turbines on the second level of the structure. These devices convert wind into electricity for the tower's shops and restaurants. A system was also set up to collect and funnel rainwater into the tower's toilets.

FAIR FRENZY

The Eiffel Tower was officially opened at the 1889 world's fair. First held in London, England , in 1851, world's fairs showcased cutting-edge inventions, architecture, and art from around the globe. The events have revealed many "futuristic" inventions, including the Ferris wheel, the television, x-ray machines, and ice cream cones. The world's fair, which is now called an expo, is held every three years in a different city and country around the world.

The Eiffel Tower doubled as a secret agent! During World War I—a worldwide conflict that lasted from 1914 to 1918—the French military used the tower's radio and telegraph center to communicate with ground troops and battleships. It also intercepted enemy messages. In 1916 the tower picked up a message about a female spy known as the Mata Hari. Using the captured information, the French military tracked down and arrested the agent.

CALLING ALL DAREDEVILS

Some people visit the Eiffel Tower for the view. Others come for more daring thrills. In 1889 a man walked up 704 of the tower's steps...on stilts. In 1952 three trapeze artists swung 400 feet aboveground from ropes without a net. And in 2010 a man roller-skated off a platform set up under the tower's first level down a 90-foot-tall ramp to the ground.

TRUE COLORS

The Eiffel Tower has had a colorful history—literally. The original structure was dark red. In 1899 it was painted yellow. About 50 years ago the tower was coated in bronze paint. Today the Eiffel Tower, which gets a paint job every several years, is covered in almost 16,000 gallons of paint.

THE EIFFEL TOWER BY THE NUMBERS

• When the tower opened in the 19th century, it was the world's tallest building at 1,024 feet (312.11 meters).

• The Eiffel Tower has 1,665 stairs and three viewing platforms.

• Nearly 50 miles of electric cables cover the structure.

• There are 120 antennas atop the Eiffel Tower.

• The tower is made of 18,000 iron pieces bolted together by over 2.5 million rivets.

• 20,000 light bulbs illuminate the landmark every night.

Text by Sean McCollum from National Geographic Kids magazine, March 2016.

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Visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris — A Complete Guide

By: Author Emily

Posted on Last updated: November 27, 2023

Going to the top of the Eiffel Tower is a quintessential bucket list item for anyone visiting Paris. However, long lines, crowded observation decks and sold-out tickets can make the excursion seem like more of a chore than the romantic experience it’s made out to be.

Don’t let these things deter you. With a little bit of planning and flexibility, you can have a truly magical trip to the Eiffel Tower summit.

This post will guide you through a perfect visit to the Eiffel Tower. We’ll break down how to get tickets (even if online tickets are sold out), explain the layout of the tower and ensure you know exactly what to expect when you arrive. We’ve filled this post with all of our best tips for reducing wait times, too, so you can have the most enjoyable time with the Iron Lady of Paris.

Let’s get started!

In this Post

Here’s what we’re covering in this post. We invite you to read the full guide or jump ahead to the section you’re most interested in.

About the Eiffel Tower

Getting around the eiffel tower — stairs vs elevators.

• How Much Does it Cost to Visit the Eiffel Tower
• Eiffel Tower Ticket Options
• Advance Tickets for the Eiffel Tower

How to Avoid Lines at the Eiffel Tower

Plan your visit, tips for visiting the eiffel tower.

The Eiffel Tower is the symbol of Paris. It was designed and built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World’s Fair. A cool 7 million people visit the Eiffel Tower annually, making it the most visited monument with an entrance fee in the world.

You can go inside the Eiffel Tower and visit three floors open to the public.

The first floor of the Eiffel Tower sits at 187 feet above ground. On this level you will find quick-service dining, gift shops and spacious, open-air seating with views overlooking Champ de Mars.

Also on the first floor is Madame Brasserie, which opened in June 2022. This restaurant is billed as contemporary cuisine with a rotating, seasonal menu. Reservations are recommended, but not required.

The second floor is the largest observation deck at the Eiffel Tower, showcasing 360-degree views of Paris. The second floor is 377 feet high, which is roughly 34 stories. Central Paris doesn’t have many other skyscrapers, so the views from here are uninterrupted and expansive.

On the second floor, there is a quick-service cafe and bar, macaron shop and gift shop. The Michelin-starred restaurant, Jules Verne, is also located on the second floor. Reservations for the restaurant are required and can be made online up to 90 days in advance.

The Eiffel Tower reaches 1,083 feet at its tallest point, but the highest publicly accessible floor sits just below that at 906 feet. The observation deck at the top of the Eiffel Tour offers a birds-eye view of the City of Lights.

The top of the Eiffel Tower comprises both indoor and outdoor (fenced-in) observation decks. There’s  a small bar at the top of the Eiffel Tower that sells Champagne, caviar and macarons. Also at the top of the Eiffel Tour is a restored replica of Gustave Eiffel’s office.

Each of the three public levels at the Eiffel Tower can be accessed by stairs and/or elevators (lifts).

Let’s start with stairs. You can take the stairs between the ground, first and second levels of the Eiffel Tower. You cannot take the stairs all the way to the top of the Eiffel Tower.

From the ground to the first floor is 327 steps, and from the first floor to the second floor is 347 steps. That’s a total of 674 steps from the ground to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. That’s roughly the same as taking the stairs to the 35th floor of a building. It takes about 30 – 45 minutes to climb the stairs to the second floor at the Eiffel Tower.

If stairs don’t appeal to you, there are two primary elevators that run in both directions between the ground floor and the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. There is a separate, single elevator that runs between the second floor and the summit.

Navigating the first floor via elevator is a bit more complicated. You can only get to the first floor on the elevator by coming down from the second floor. There is not standard elevator access from the ground level to level one or from level one up to level two. If you’re taking the elevator, it’s best to visit the first floor last on your way down.

It’s also worth noting that the second floor and top floor of the Eiffel Tower actually have two floors each. Even if you take the lift to these floors, there is a single flight of stairs required to access the primary observation deck and amenities on that floor.

Lastly, restaurant patrons at either Madame Brasserie or Jules Verne can take a separate elevator directly to the restaurants. These restaurants have special check-in locations on the ground level at the base of the Eiffel Tower.

How much does it cost to visit the Eiffel Tower?

Tickets to the Eiffel Tower vary in price based on how high you go and how you get up there.

It costs 26.80€ to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower via the elevator. This requires taking one elevator from the ground floor to the 2nd floor, and then switching to a different elevator from the second floor to the summit.

If you want to visit the summit and save a bit of money, you can select the stairs and elevator option. For 20.40€, you can take the stairs from the base of the Eiffel Tower to the second floor (674 steps), and then take the elevator from the second floor to the summit.

You can save even more money by skipping the summit completely. It costs 17.10€ to visit the second floor of the Eiffel Tower via elevator and only 10,70€ if you take the stairs.

Ticket prices for all levels of the Eiffel Tower include access to that level and all lower levels. There are also reduced ticket prices for children and visitors with disabilities. Do note that individuals with reduced mobility, including wheelchairs, are unable to access to the summit.

How to Purchase Eiffel Tower Tickets

There are two main ways to purchase tickets to go inside the Eiffel Tower.

The first option is to buy Eiffel Tower tickets online in advance. These advance tickets are often called eTickets, priority tickets or skip the line tickets.  Advance tickets for the Eiffel Tower are limited and sell out very quickly, especially tickets for the summit.

If you purchase Eiffel Tower tickets in advance, you will need to select a specific date and time for your visit. Guests with advance eTickets will have access to an expedited security queue and will be able to skip the line at the Eiffel Tower ticket office.

You can also buy tickets for the Eiffel Tower on the day of your visit from the ticket offices located at the base of the tower. Same-day tickets are for immediate entry and will not have a return time. There are two ticket office locations, one near each of the two entrances.

Please note, same-day Eiffel Tour summit tickets are limited and can sell out midday if capacity is reached.

One final way to get a ticket to the top of the Eiffel Tower is to take a paid tour. Several tour companies, such as Tripadvisor or Viator , offer tours of the Eiffel Tower. These tours are more expensive than the standard ticket pricing, and include added commentary.

If you choose to do a paid tour, do your research first. Not all tours include summit access.

How to Get Advance Tickets to the Eiffel Tower

There are a limited number of advance tickets for the Eiffel Tower available for purchase each day. Each advance ticket is for a specific date and time, which you must select when purchasing the ticket and cannot be modified.

Advance tickets for the Eiffel Tower are released 60 days in advance. Summit tickets can sell out within a few days of being released, and time slots can become limited within hours. Second floor only tickets remain available for purchase much longer.

For the best chance of getting summit tickets and the best selection of entrance times, check for tickets 60 days before your visit. Tickets are usually released around 9 AM Paris local time, so that’s the best time to snag your ideal entrance time.

The price of an advance eTicket to the Eiffel Tower is the same as tickets purchased same-day at the ticket office.

Skip the Line Tickets for the Eiffel Tower

Advance eTickets for the Eiffel Tower are sometimes called “skip the line” tickets, but that’s not exactly accurate. There are no true “skip the line” tickets for the Eiffel Tower, just “skip some of the lines” tickets.

Guests with advance eTickets can go through expedited security and skip the queue at the ticket office. However, all guests regardless of ticket type, will have to wait in the same queue for the elevator to the summit and back.

Summit elevator queues at 11:20 AM on a June Monday morning

For that reason, we suggest selecting an early morning time for your advance eTicket if possible. While advance tickets will save you time getting to the second floor, you’ll have to wait in lines for all subsequent elevators just like everyone else. These lines will be shortest early in the day.

If you want to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower at night, try selecting a time after 8 PM for the shortest evening lines.

Pros & Cons of Advance eTickets to the Eiffel Tower

Advance eTickets for the Eiffel Tower are appealing for two reasons: they guarantee entry and eliminate wait times at the ticket office. This is important because day-off tickets to the summit of the Eiffel Tower can sell out midday if they hit capacity.

For guests who want to visit the Eiffel Tower in the evening, advance tickets make this experience substantially more pleasant. There is no stress of summit tickets selling our or multi-hour queues at the ticket office.

The down side to advance tickets, though, is that it illuminates flexibility. Advance eTickets for the Eiffel Tower are for a specific date and time. If there are changes to your travel plans or the weather doesn’t cooperate, you’re out of luck.

All this to say, advance eTickets are overall good to have, but don’t panic if you can’t get them.

If you want to avoid long queues at the Eiffel Tower, the answer might surprise you. The trick isn’t getting advance eTickets; it’s simply arriving early.

While an advance eTicket will reduce wait times at security and the ticket office, arriving early is the best way to reduce wait times at all elevator queues. How early you need to arrive at the Eiffel Tower will vary based on when you visit.

If you’re visiting the Eiffel Tower on a weekday, we suggest arriving at the scheduled open time (typically 9 AM). If your schedule in Paris requires a weekend visit to the Eiffel Tower, it’s best to arrive 30-60 minutes before it opens.

Eiffel Tower Ticket Office queue at 1 PM on a Monday in June

The Eiffel Tower is the most crowded during the summer months of June, July and August. During these months, expect wait times to get longer, faster. Even if you arrive early and get to the summit quickly, you may still experience waits for descending elevators. The waits will still be shorter earlier in the day than later.

Weather can also impact wait times. If the weather is less than ideal, you can comfortably plan to arrive within the first hour of opening and still experience minimal waits. (NOTE: The tower doesn’t typically close for poor weather, but extreme weather can cause disruptions and occasional closures.)

In our personal experience, we arrived one hour after open on a cloudy Monday in June and barely waited in any lines. However, by the time we were leaving, lines for the elevator to the summit were already quite long.

The official Eiffel Tower website has great crowd information which can help you plan for and avoid busy times. There’s also a handy live crowded tracker on their homepage .

As your Paris travel plans begin to take shape, start thinking about how your visit to the Eiffel Tower will fit into your itinerary.

In this section, we’ll breeze through some planning questions to help you pick the best month, day and time to visit the Eiffel Tower.

When is the Eiffel Tour Open?

The Eiffel Tower is open every day of the year except one — the Eiffel Tower is closed on Bastille Day on July 14. Unlike most museums in Paris that close on Tuesdays, the Eiffel Tower is open every day of the week.

On most days of the year, the Eiffel Tower opens at 9 AM. During parts of May and June it opens at 9:30 AM, so be sure to check the official hours before your visit.

What’s the best time to visit the Eiffel Tour?

The summer months and weekends are the most popular times at the Eiffel Tower. According to their website , the Eiffel Tower is the busiest from late June through early September. It’s more crowded on weekends versus weekdays, and it reaches its peak daily crowds between 11 AM – 5 PM.

If you’re looking to avoid some of the peak crowds, try targeting shoulder season in April/May and September/October. You do face a greater chance of poor weather during the spring and fall months, though. Be sure to set your expectations accordingly.

When considering specific days, we suggest visiting the Eiffel Tower on a Tuesday if possible. Most other museums are closed on Tuesdays, so it’s a great way to fill an otherwise quiet tourism day in the city. It’s also one of the least crowded days at the Eiffel Tower.

I personally believe that nothing beats Paris in the Fall. The weather is crisp, the foliage is delightful, and the fashion is on point. I would suggest visiting the Eiffel Tower on a Tuesday morning in early October for the ideal visit.

Should you go to the Eiffel Tower during the day or at night?

Day and night at the Eiffel Tower are two completely different experiences. Daytime at the Eiffel Tower will offer the clearest views of the city, but they don’t call Paris the City of Lights for nothing. The evening view from the top of the Eiffel Tower can be spectacular, too.

Personally, we would recommend daytime at the Eiffel Tower. Specifically, we recommend visiting in the early morning. The daylight allows you to find Paris landmarks around the city and appreciate the pops of color from the parks around town.

Of course the Eiffel Tower at night is magical, too. From sundown till 1 AM, the Eiffel Tower lights up with a sparkling light show. The best way to appreciate the glistening Eiffel Tower at night, though, is from the ground, not inside the tower.

If you want to see the Eiffel Tower at night, we suggest finding a spot at Trocadero Gardens at dusk. It has the best view of the tower and is the perfect place to relax after a long day in Paris.

How long does it take to visit the Eiffel Tower?

Depending on when you visit and how high up you go, a trip to the Eiffel Tower can take anywhere from 2 – 4 hours.

We suggest spending 30-60 minutes at the summit and another 30 minutes each on the second and first floors. If you’re planning on dining, we suggest eating on the first floor for the shortest waits. Lunch can take another 30-60 minutes.

In a perfect world, we’d spend two hours at the Eiffel Tower, but that does not account for wait times. Buffer in an extra 1-2 hours for queues at the ticket office and elevators.

To be safe, we would recommend blocking off 4-5 hours in your day for a leisurely visit to the Eiffel Tower. It might not take that long, but you don’t want to be rushing through it.

• Visit the Eiffel Tower from top to bottom . If you have a summit ticket, start by going all the way to the top and working your way down. This will help ensure you have the shortest waits and least crowded experience on each floor. It’s also the easiest way to access all of the floors via elevator.
• Take the stairs down from the second floor . The lines to take the elevator down can be long, but the waits for the stairs are usually low or non-existent. Even if you have an elevator ticket, you’re still allowed to take the stairs down if you choose. If you’re able to take the stairs, it’s a great way to cut out a few lines.
• Buy souvenirs and food on the first floor . There are souvenir shops on the first and second levels, and a coin press at the summit. The store on the first floor is the least crowded and has mostly the same items available as the upper floors, even the summit souvenir coin. Cafe lines are also much shorter on the first floor and the options are similar.
• Take advantage of imperfect weather. Don’t be deterred if it’s a little cloudy on the day you visit the Eiffel Tower. In fact, it will keep crowds down and might actually be better! We visited on a cloudy day and the views were still incredible.
• Buy your tickets from the ticket office near Entrance 2 . There are two entrances at the Eiffel Tower, each with a ticket office nearby. The ticket office near Entrance 1 (south pillar) is more crowded, because that’s the more popular entrance. Head to the ticket office near the eastern pillar by Entrance 2 for a shorter line.

Closing Thoughts

I’m not going to lie, I was not excited about visiting the Eiffel Tower. Reports of huge crowds and long lines made it sound awful. I also like my views of Paris to include the Eiffel Tower, which I wasn’t going to get from the Eiffel Tower.

I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by my Eiffel Tower experience. With an early arrival and weekday visit, the crowds were very low. This made the our visit low stress and super easy.

The open air observation deck at the summit feels like you’re at the top of the world. I’ve been to the top of a lot of tall buildings, but nothing quite compares to standing on that tiny observation deck at the top of the Eiffel Tower.

While I didn’t expect to love a Paris view without the Eiffel Tower in it, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t impressed. The sweeping views highlight the sheer size of the city of Paris and it’s fun to hunt down all the other icons.

The view from the second floor was way better than I expected, too. Some things (like Montmartre) were even more impressive from the second floor than from the top.

It was a real bucket-list moment that I didn’t expect to love, but did. I definitely don’t think I’d have loved it as much if I had to wait in line for 3 hours, though.

At the end of the day, I would say that a visit to the Eiffel Tower is absolutely worth it. It’s definitely something worth doing once in a lifetime in the City of Lights. I’m not sure I’ll do it again, but I’m glad I did it once.

Want even more great views of Paris, including a great view of the Eiffel Tower herself? Consider a visit to the top of Montparnasse Tower , too!

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• Cast & crew
• User reviews

The government is asking Eiffel to design something spectacular for the 1889 Paris World Fair, but Eiffel simply wants to design the subway. Suddenly, everything changes when Eiffel crosses ... Read all The government is asking Eiffel to design something spectacular for the 1889 Paris World Fair, but Eiffel simply wants to design the subway. Suddenly, everything changes when Eiffel crosses paths with a mysterious woman from Arun's past. The government is asking Eiffel to design something spectacular for the 1889 Paris World Fair, but Eiffel simply wants to design the subway. Suddenly, everything changes when Eiffel crosses paths with a mysterious woman from Arun's past.

• Martin Bourboulon
• Caroline Bongrand
• Thomas Bidegain
• Natalie Carter
• Romain Duris
• Emma Mackey
• Pierre Deladonchamps
• 33 User reviews
• 70 Critic reviews
• 52 Metascore
• 1 win & 8 nominations

• Gustave Eiffel

• Adrienne Bourgès

• Antoine de Restac

• Claire Eiffel

• Jean Compagnon

• Adolphe Salles

• Édouard Lockroy

• Maurice Koechlin
• (as Jérémy Lopez de la Comédie Française)

• Émile Nouguier

• Mme Bourgès

• R. Milligan McLane
• (as Joe Rezwin)

• Un banquier

• (as Benoît de Gaulejac)

• Madame Lockroy

• L'huissier du ministère
• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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Did you know

• Trivia Writer Caroline Bongrand came with the idea of mixing the building of the Eiffel Tower with a forbidden love story off the top of her head during a pitch session with a producer in Los Angeles without knowing at this time if it had any basis in reality. It was only after the deal with the producer was signed that she browsed through biographies of Gustave Eiffel and discovered that her inventions were almost all true.
• Goofs When Gustave and Adrienne kiss on the first floor of the tower being constructed, the sun is shown as setting to the right of the then-palace on top of Trocadero Hill, i.e. to the North-North-West of Paris, when it should rather be to the South-West.
• Connections Featured in Radio Dolin: Why Shoot a Movie in Space, Read Pelevin and Reshoot The Addams Family? A Lot of Difficult Questions (2021)
• Soundtracks Nini Peau d'Chien Music by Aristide Bruant

User reviews 33

• Mar 20, 2021
• How long is Eiffel? Powered by Alexa
• October 13, 2021 (France)
• Blue Fox Entertainment
• official german website
• Bordeaux, France
• VVZ Productions
• Scope Pictures
• See more company credits at IMDbPro
• May 1, 2022
• $13,649,605

Technical specs

• Runtime 1 hour 48 minutes
• Dolby Atmos
• Dolby Digital
• Dolby Surround 7.1

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E-tickets are now available for visits until August 11. Check this page regularly for all the latest updates about the visiting conditions during the Paris 2024 Olympics, and also during the week preceding the opening ceremony (July 18-25).

• Prices & Times

Eiffel tower ticket prices

E-tickets for visits this summer are progressively becoming available. Except for July 14 & 26 (closed) and for August 10 (this date will go on sale later). If you cannot find availibilities online, it is possible to buy tickets at the Tower’s ticket offices on the day of your visit. IMPORTANT : an online booking on our ticketing website will be compulsory to come to the Tower during this July 18-25 period.

(1) The reduced rates apply upon presentation of proof of age. The disabled rate applies to visitors with a disability card in their own name and to one accompanying person (1 person maximum).

(2) Children under 4 must be in possession of a ticket for free. Their companions pay the adult individual fare.

PLEASE NOTE: the top of the tower and the stairways are not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

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Calendar and opening times.

The Eiffel Tower will be closed on July 14 and 26. The monument will be open during the Olympic Games, except on July 26.Click on a date to view details of the opening hours on the selected day. If a date cannot be clicked on, the opening hours have not yet been communicated.

x Normal opening times

x Special opening times

x Exceptional closure

All times shown here are subject to change without notice. ACCESS TO THE TOP MAY BE PROHIBITED DURING HARSH WEATHER OR PEAK PERIODS.

(1) Children under 4 must have a free ticket.

The access to the ticketing website dedicated to professionals requires an account opening request and the signature of a contract.

Families with kids: take your visit to the next level with sports challenges! Ready?

Dine on the 1st floor at Madame Brasserie: watch the Paris skyline while you have diner. Without reservation, subject to availability. More information

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