eiffel tower visit

• The Eiffel Tower

  Official Eiffel Tower Ticket Office

Tickets for visits from June 17, 2024, are progressively becoming available. The Eiffel Tower will be open during the Olympic Games except on July 26. No tickets for this summer (including during the Olympic Games) are currently on sale, so do not buy tickets from websites promoting such offers. Keep an eye on our official online ticket office.

• Contact information

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 individuals”: Rate for disabled individuals only applicable upon presentation of valid certificate. Access to the Summit and stairs is not permitted for individuals with reduced mobility.

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 those with disabilities. 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!

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Welcome to the Eiffel Tower visitor’s guide

The 2nd floor

The 1st floor.

The esplanade

West garden

East garden

Official eiffel tower tour guide for your mobile.

The Eiffel Tower mobile guide provides you with all the information you need to make the most of your visit to the Eiffel Tower. In it, you will discover all the services available: restaurants, refreshments, shops, restrooms, etc. A multidimensional map will allow you to orient yourselft to the floors and gardens, without missing any of the cultural and historical information about the Tower.

History and Culture

How tall is the Eiffel Tower? When was it build? Did they really intend to demolish it? Since when has the tower been illuminated? Where is Gustave Eiffel's office located? Must see sites on each floor: the square, gardens, 1st floor, 2nd floor, the summit. The Eiffel Tower, a world icon, has also been a source of inspiration for many artists. During your visit, we will introduce you to some of these works of art.

Important statistics

So, you think you know the Tower? But do you know how long it took to build it? Discover all the important statistics about the Tower during your visit.

A magnificent view

Incredibly majestic, the Eiffel Tower dominates Paris. It offers a magnificent view of the entire city. Revealing, on you climb up, an infinite number of perspectives. The panorama on the 2nd floor is exceptional, revealing details of the closest monuments and the intermingling of streets and avenues designed by Baron Haussmann. From the summit, the view is breathtaking: with your hair tousled by the wind that blows most of the time, you will be surprised by the silence that reigns there, the city noises that reach the summit are quite muffled. Our tour guide will introduce you to one of the most fabulous monuments ever built by man.

Savvy Travel Advice

Complete Guide to Visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris

Last updated: December 18, 2023 - Written by Jessica Norah 31 Comments

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks, not just in Paris, but in the world. The iron tower is both an amazing feat of engineering and an inspiring symbol of the City of Lights. It’s a must see for all visitors to Paris.

The problem is, everyone else wants to visit the Eiffel Tower too! The Eiffel Tower is the most visited paid monument in the world and receives an average of 25,000 visitors a day! New security screenings can slow down the visiting process, and tickets often sell out. If you value your time, you’ll want to do a bit of pre-planning before visiting the Eiffel Tower.

We’ve visited the Eiffel Tower several times and our post has all the information you need to plan your visit to the Eiffel Tower, including how to get there, how to buy tickets, where to get the best views, how to book a guided tour, where to eat, and how to save time and money. We’ll also share tips on where to get the best photographs of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Table of Contents:

Some Eiffel Tower Facts and History

Before we get started with how to plan your visit to the Eiffel Tower, we thought we’d share a brief history and some interesting facts about this iconic Parisian landmark. 

What is the Eiffel Tower?

The Eiffel Tower is a 1,083 foot tall (330 m) wrought iron lattice tower in Paris France. It’s both a marvel of 19th century engineering and a symbol of the city. A popular nickname for the tower is “La Dame de Fer” or “The Iron Lady”.

It is Paris’ most famous and most visited tourist attraction. Every day thousands of visitors flock to the tower to enjoy the marvelous views from the top and the evening light shows.

The Eiffel Tower is composed of three levels, the 1st floor, 2nd floor, and the summit (top level). The first floor has museum exhibits, a glass floor, changing exhibitions, souvenir shops, and restaurants. The second floor has more eateries and shops, the Jules Verne restaurant, and an observation area.

The summit is primarily an observation area that is 276 meters (905 feet) above the ground, making it the highest observation deck in Europe. The top floor is split across two levels and you’ll also find a champagne bar and a recreation of Gustave Eiffel’s office.

In addition to being used as a tourist attraction, the Eiffel Tower has long been used as a communications tower. Today, it is still used to transmit both radio and digital television signals.

Who Built the Eiffel Tower?

The Eiffel Tower takes its name from the primary engineer of the firm who created the design for the structure, Gustave Eiffel . Gustave Eiffel was a French civil engineer who also built the framework for the equally iconic Statue of Liberty in New York City.

Eiffel did not design the tower himself; the design for the tower was created primarily by two of his employees Maurice Koechlin and  Émile Nouguier . The design of the tower was inspired by the former wooden Latting Observatory Tower in New York City, but with greater attention paid to both form and beauty.

The Eiffel Tower is made from wrought iron (puddled iron to be more specific) and is the most famous example of a lattice, or free-standing framework, tower. At the time of its construction it was quite a daring design due to its delicate form and economy of design.

Today you can pay homage to Gustave Eiffel by checking out a bronze bust of Eiffel at the base of the north leg of the tower that was created by French sculptor  Antoine Bourdelle in 1929. You can also see a restored version of Eiffel’s office with wax figures at the very top of the Eiffel Tower.

Why was the Eiffel Tower built?

The tower was commissioned as a centerpiece of the World’s Fair ( Exposition Universelle ) of 1889 held in Paris. The design for the Eiffel Tower was selected from over 100 proposals. The tower was not meant to serve any practical purpose, it was merely to impress visitors as they entered the fair and to show off the technological skills of the French.

Construction of the tower began July 1, 1887 and took only 22 months. This was an amazing speed given the building practices of the day. When it opened it had three restaurants and a bar on the first floor. It was initially painted a reddish-brown color.

Originally the tower was only supposed to stand for 20 years, and part of the selection criteria for the building for the Exposition Universelle was that it would be easy to disassemble. However, by 1909 the tower was so well liked and useful for communications that the government decided to keep it.

The Eiffel Tower celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2014!

Why is the Eiffel Tower so popular?

While the tower’s construction was initially controversial, over time it has become the most iconic structure in Paris. In fact, it is one of the most well-known buildings in the entire world.

People flock to the Eiffel Tower to take pictures in front of its classic facade, to enjoy the amazing views from the observation decks inside, and to see its dazzling nightly light shows. It’s also the focal point of many important events, including Paris’ Bastille Day and New Year’s fireworks celebrations.

The Eiffel Tower is not just an important architectural landmark, it’s a cultural symbol that has appeared in hundreds of books, television shows, video games, posters, and movies. It has been used in hundreds of films as a way of letting the audience know that a scene is taking place in the City of Lights without having to state it.

Interesting Facts about the Eiffel Tower?

• At the time of its construction the Eiffel Tower was the tallest man-made structure in the world, surpassing the Washington Monument by over 100 meters. It remained the tallest building until 1930, when the Chrysler Building in New York City was completed.
• The Eiffel Tower is composed of over 18,000 metallic parts , including 7,300 tons of iron. It’s held together by 2,500,000 rivets.
• Not everyone has always loved the Eiffel Tower, and a group called The Committee of Three Hundred, composed mainly of French artists, writers, and intellectuals, tried to have its construction stopped. Opponents at the time described it as “monstrous”, “vulgar”, and “useless”, and compared it to a “metal asparagus” and a “black smokestack”.
• Gustave Eiffel built a personal office at the very top of the Eiffel Tower. The apartment has been restored and you can visit it on the top floor of the tower.
• The tower is the most visited paid monument in the world, with approximately 7 million people paying for entrance annually. Since 1889, it has hosted over 300 million visitors!
• The Eiffel Tower has to be repainted by hand about every 7 years to prevent rust and damage by pollution, requiring about 60 tonnes of paint! The initial color of the Eiffel Tower was reddish brown and it changed over the years. The current “Eiffel Tower Brown” paint color has been used since 1968.
• The Eiffel Tower has inspired buildings around the world . There are over a dozen near exact replicas (usually on a much smaller scale) around the world, including in China, Mexico, Russia, and several places in the United States. You can also find its influence in many buildings around the world, including the Tokyo Tower.
• It takes 20,000 light bulbs to illuminate the Eiffel Tower. Originally the tower was lit by gas lamps until electric lights were installed in 1958.
• An American woman, Erika Labrie , took such a love to the Parisian monument during her 2004 visit, that she “married” the Eiffel Tower in a commitment ceremony in 2007. She even changed her name to Erika Eiffel!
• The Eiffel Tower continues to grow taller over time. The initial total tower height was 312 meters when it was completed but it has gotten taller due to the addition of various communications antennas. Its most recent height adjustment came in March 2022 when a new digital radio antenna was installed making the tower a total height of 1,083 feet (330 meters), adding 20 feet (6 meters) to its prior height of 1,063 feet (324 meters).

Planning your Visit to the Eiffel Tower in Paris

You definitely need a strategy for visiting one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world, especially if you plan to visit in summer. Below you will find all the details you need to plan your trip, including how to get to the Eiffel Tower, how much it costs to visit, how to save time, and how to avoid the crowds at the Eiffel Tower.

Where is the Eiffel Tower Located?

The Eiffel Tower is located on the north end of the Champ de Mars, a large public park in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. You can find the tower at the intersection of the Quai Branly and the Pont d’Iéna.

Once you are within walking distance of the tower, it’s pretty hard to miss! In fact, as you explore Paris, you’ll probably find yourself getting glimpses of it from throughout the city.

How to Get to the Eiffel Tower in Paris?

There are a number of ways to reach the Eiffel Tower in Paris, including public transport, car, sightseeing bus, river boat, and day tours.

Eiffel Tower by Public Transport

This is probably the least stressful way to arrive at the Eiffel Tower because you don’t need to worry about parking or time restraints. You can easily get to the tower via Metro, RER commuter rail or public bus.

Eiffel Tower By Metro and RER

There are three metro stops and one RER commuter rail stop within walking distance of the tower:

• Line 6 (Nation – Charles de Gaulle Etoile) stop: Bir-Hakeim (8 minute walk)
• Line 9 (Pont de Sévres – Mairie de Montreuil) stop: Trocadéro (12 minute walk)
• Line 8 (Balard – Créteil) stop: Ecole Militaire (15 minute walk)
• RER Line C stop : Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel (7 minute walk)

Eiffel Tower By Public Bus

There are several bus stops within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower:

• Bus 82 , stops: “tour Eiffel” or “Champ de Mars” (5 minute walk)
• Bus 42 , stop: “tour Eiffel” (5 minute walk)
• Bus 87 , stop: “Champ de Mars” (6 minute walk)
• Bus 69 , stop: “Champ de Mars” (6 minute walk)

Eiffel Tower by Sightseeing Bus

If you are planning to take a hop on, hop off bus while in Paris, all of them have routes that include a stop near the Eiffel Tower. Stops are usually noted as either “Eiffel Tower” or “Champ de Mars”. There are several sightseeing bus companies, which include Big Bus and  TootBus .

Note that a 1 day hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus ticket is included for those who have a Paris Pass .

If you are staying at Disneyland Paris, you can also take a tour which stops at the Eiffel Tower if you want to spend part of a day in the city center.

Eiffel Tower by River Boat

You can actually reach the Eiffel Tower by river if you are taking the hop-on, hop-off river cruise on the Batobus. One of the stops and main spots for embarkation is near the Eiffel Tower. It is about a 3 minute walk from the Tour Eiffel stop to the Eiffel Tower.

You can purchase tickets for the Batobus  online here  in advance or in person once in Paris.

Eiffel Tower by Car

If you are driving, there are several paid parking garages located near the Eiffel Tower:

• Parking Pullman Tour Eiffel (18 avenue de Suffren) – 5 minute walk from Eiffel Tower
• Parking Quai Branly (25 quai Branly) – 6 minute walk from Tower
• Parking Bouvard (443 Avenue Joseph Bouvard) – 6 minute walk from Tower
• Parking Sainte Dominique (133 rue Sainte Dominique) – 10 minute walk from Tower
• Parking Joffre Ecole Militaire (2 place Joffre) – 12 minute walk

If you are going to be driving and parking in Paris, you can read more about parking guidelines and tips on the city’s website here .

Note that we don’t recommend driving in central Paris if it can be avoided. If you have a car while in Paris, you may instead wish to park it (parking garages further outside the city center are less expensive) and take public transportation to get around the city.

Eiffel Tower by Day Tour

If you’re staying outside of central Paris, it’s possible to visit the Eiffel Tower on a day tour into the city. Just be sure to check what is included in your tour and what kind of Eiffel Tower ticket is included (is it to the 1st, 2nd, or summit).

There are several day tours offered from London, for example:

• This  tour from London via Eurostar includes a Paris sightseeing bus tour, a champagne lunch at the Eiffel Tower (Madame Brasserie, 1st floor), Seine cruise, and optional guided Louvre tour.
• This full day tour by Eurostar includes a guided visit to the 2nd floor of Eiffel Tower with lunch, guided bus tour, Seine River cruise, and an optional Louvre museum visit.

What is there to See and Do at the Eiffel Tower?

Most people visit the Eiffel Tower because it is a world-famous landmark and to get the nice views over Paris. But you may be wondering what else there is to do at the tower.

We’ll give you an overview of the main things to do at the Eiffel Tower to help you plan your visit.

Esplanade of the Eiffel Tower

The esplanade is the area of the ground around the tower which is free to visit although you do need to pass through security to access this area. There are gift shops and fast service food options here, as well as the information center and ticket offices.

If you are on a really tight budget, this is a great place to go to get the free classic view of the Eiffel Tower from below. You can examine the architecture of the structure up close, check out the bronze bust of Gustave Eiffel sculpted by Bourdelle at the base of the north leg of the tower, and peek up at the 19th-century lift machines.

Eiffel Tower Gardens

Depending on which entrance you use, you’ll likely walk through the gardens on your way to the esplanade and to go up the Tower. The gardens were finished in 2018 and there are paths you can follow to explore the different highlights of the gardens which include trees, ponds, belvederes, and even a cave. The gardens offer different views of the tower.

There are fish in the ponds and they often attract birds like ducks and geese. You may even spot what is left of the red-brick chimney that once served to evacuate the steam from the machinery that once powered the Tour Eiffel’s elevators.

The gardens are located within the secure perimeter but are free to visit. We recommend having a short wander through before or after visiting the tower.

First Floor of Eiffel Tower

The first floor of the tower features rotating cultural and educational exhibitions, a cinema projection, a section of the former spiral staircase, a children’s play area, and a unique transparent floor that allows you to see what’s happening below on the esplanade. There are also a variety of gift shops and dining options, including the Madame Brasserie restaurant (formerly the 58 Tour Eiffel).

You do get some nice city views from this level, but they are not as great as those you will get from the upper floors.

The first floor is accessible by stairs or the elevators. For those visiting by elevator, you will start your journey at the highest level of your ticket (2nd floor or summit) and then you can visit the 1st floor on your way down the tower.

This floor is often skipped by visitors taking the elevator but it is well worth a visit to get a different view and to visit the exhibits here.

Second Floor of Eiffel Tower

The highlight of the second floor of the Eiffel Tower is its large observation deck which provides stunning views over Paris. There are also a variety of gift shops and dining options, including fast service, a macaroon bar, and the Michelin-starred Jules Verne fine dining restaurant.

The 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower is accessible by stairs or the elevators. This is usually the busiest floor of the attraction.

Summit of Eiffel Tower

The summit allows for a bird’s eye view over Paris and is the top floor that can be visited on the tower. There is also a champagne bar and the former office of Gustave Eiffel.

The top floor of the Eiffel Tower is accessible only by elevator, and is not currently accessible to wheelchair users.

Eiffel Tower Ticket Prices?

It is free to visit the Champs de Mars where the Eiffel Tower is located and this gives you a great view of the tower. Security barriers around the tower though prevent you from simply being able to walk up to it as you were able to do in the past.

But it is still free to walk underneath the Eiffel Tower, but you have to go through the barriers and security line to access this area.

If, like most people, you want to actually go up into the Eiffel Tower, there is an entrance fee. There are several tiers of pricing for visiting the Eiffel Tower depending on how high you wish to go and whether you want to take the stairs or the elevator.

Here are the prices (as of April 2023):

• A ticket to the top of the Eiffel Tower with access to the elevator is 28,30€ for adults, 14,10€ for ages 12-24, and 7,10€ for children aged 4-11 and disabled visitors with proper ID.
• A ticket to the top of the Eiffel Tower with stair access to the second floor and a lift to the top is 21,50€ for adults, 10,70€ for ages 12-24, and 5,40€ for children aged 4-11 and disabled visitors.
• A ticket to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower with access to the lift is 18,10€ for adults, 9,00€ for ages 12-24, and 4,50€ for children aged 4-11 and disabled visitors.
• A ticket to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower with stair access only is 11,30€ for adults, 5,60€ for ages 12-24, and 2,80€ for children aged 4-11 and disabled visitors.
• Access to all levels is free for children under age 4 accompanied by their parents or guardians, but they still need to collect a free ticket.
• Ticket to the top via elevator with a glass of champagne is €47.30 (adults only)

A couple of Paris attraction passes, including the Paris Pass include access to the Eiffel Tower via a guided tour. If you plan to purchase one of these passes, you will probably not want to book separate tickets.

Visitors who make a reservation online at one of the Eiffel Tower’s two main restaurants (Madame Brasserie or Le Jules Verne) will not need a separate ticket to get to the restaurants as it should be included in your online booking.

You just need proof of your restaurant reservation to use the lifts. However, entrance to the restaurant does not include entrance to the rest of the tower, so you will still need to buy a separate ticket to access the upper level(s).

Those with Madame Brasserie reservations can pick up a 1st floor lift ticket at the Welcome Desk located at the esplanade and can join the priority queue. Le Jules Verne has its own private elevator to the second floor, so those with reservations should use that elevator to access the restaurant.

How to Buy Tickets to the Eiffel Tower?

You can buy tickets to the Eiffel Tower either online or in person at the Eiffel Tower ticket booths (located at the foot of the tower once you pass the barriers and first security checkpoint).

The only tickets you cannot purchase online are the “stairs + summit elevator access”. These can only be purchased at the Tower itself and are for same day use only. The only way to pre-purchase these tickets is to do so as part of a guided tour such as this one .

The prices online on the Eiffel Tower website and in person at the Eiffel Tower are the same. But buying a timed ticket ahead of time online is the best way to save time and skip long lines. If you plan to use the elevators or do the stairs to the 2nd floor (no summit access), we recommend that you pre-purchase your tickets as you’ll be able to skip the ticket lines and join the priority access elevator security lanes.

While there are many websites and businesses in Paris that are happy to resell you tickets to the Eiffel Tower, there is no benefit to buying an individual ticket anywhere but on the official Eiffel Tower website. The prices are the same no matter where you purchase the tickets.

However, if you want to have a guided tour or extra experience, then it may make sense to purchase your ticket elsewhere as these kinds of experiences are not offered by the Tour Eiffel staff. We discuss this in the Guided Tours section below. However, be sure to read all the inclusions so you know what kind of ticket is included with your tour (e.g., do you have access to the 2nd floor, top floor, etc.).

Keep in mind that tickets purchased online must be printed before your arrival on standard white A4 paper, or presented on a mobile phone with a legible bar code (make sure your phone supports this function).

If you pre-purchase a timed Eiffel Tower ticket, be sure to get to the base of the Eiffel Tower for that time. There are entry lines for those with pre-booked tickets. When planning your arrival, be sure to take into account the initial security check which can take 30 minutes or so.

Eiffel Tower tickets, specifically elevator tickets, often book out well in advance, especially in the summer, holidays, and other peak visitor times. So be sure to book well in advance unless you are flexible with the date and time of your visit.

What to do if Eiffel Tower Tickets are Sold Out Online?

Don’t panic if Eiffel Tower tickets are sold out online on the Eiffel Tower website during the dates of your trip. You can still visit the Eiffel Tower.

First, note that tickets for the stairs + elevator to the summit are NOT sold online and are only available for in-person purchase. So just purchase these on the day in person at the ticket booth.

The tickets for the stairs do not normally sell out in advance as these are not as limited as elevator tickets. But if they are sold out online, your options for Eiffel Tower stair access tickets are:

• You can purchase them in person at the Eiffel Tower for use that day for the stairs. You can purchase stairs tickets to the 2nd floor only or the stairs + elevator to the summit tickets.
• You can book a guided tour that includes stairs access such as this tour (can upgrade the ticket to include summit access if you wish).
• You can purchase the Paris Pass which includes a guided Eiffel Tower by stairs.

If you want to access the elevators, here are your options:

• You can purchase tickets in person at the Eiffel Tower for use that day for the elevator. Just note that you’ll have to wait in the general non-priority elevator line which can be long, so I’d recommend visiting at non-peak hours if you want to take the elevators with pre-booked tickets.
• You can book a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower that includes timed entry tickets such as this tour or a hosted activity with a greeter such as this one .
• You can book a walking tour of Paris that includes either Eiffel Tower access or Eiffel Tower tickets such as this one or this one .
• You can book a Paris pass that includes a guided elevator tour of the Eiffel Tower such as the Go Explorer Pass .
• You can book dinner at Jules Verne which gives you private elevator access to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower (but not the summit). We’ve dined here and it was a wonderful experience. Recommend asking for a window seat for the best views.
• If your budget stretches to it, you can check if more expensive options are available such as the ticket to the top with a glass of champagne. We have actually bought this ticket in the past when other types of tickets are sold out. Sure, it’s more expensive, but it’s hard to beat sipping a glass of champagne with a gorgeous view of Paris!

Should I get Tickets to the Second Floor or Summit?

If you want to see the top floor and view from the very top, then you’ll want to book tickets that allow you to go to the summit (very top).

But there is a great observation deck and views from the second floor and there are places to eat and get gifts on both the first and second floors. So you can save money by only purchasing a ticket to visit the second floor.

You need to decide whether you want to visit the summit  BEFORE you buy your tickets. Once you are headed up the stairs or in the elevator for the second floor, you cannot buy a “summit only ticket” later within the tower.

If you have a ticket for the 2nd floor, and now want to visit the summit it is possible but it will cost you time and money. You will have to return to the ticket booth and purchase a new ticket with summit access.

Are Discounted Eiffel Tower Tickets Available?

The Eiffel Tower offers discounts to disabled patrons with proper identification and to young people under the ages of 12. Children under the age of 4 can visit for free, but they still need to collect a free ticket to access the tower.

If you purchase a reduced price ticket or a ticket for a child, be sure to have photo IDs (and proof of disability if relevant) as they may be requested to verify identity, age, or disability status.

The Eiffel Tower does not offer any student discounts or other discounts to any card or pass holders.

The Eiffel Tower does not resell any of its tickets at a discounted price as far as we are aware. So if you find tickets that are discounted, we’d recommend being wary of them. Only purchase tickets from the official website or reputable travel companies.

Which Paris Passes Cover the Eiffel Tower?

The Go Paris Explorer Pass and Paris Pass both allow you to visit the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower and provides a guided tour of the tower. The Go Paris Explorer Pass tour includes elevator access, whilst the Paris Pass tour is via the stairs. Note that in both cases these tours only run at certain times of the day, and they need to be booked in advance.

You can see Eiffel Tower tour times for the Go Paris Explorer Pass here , and the Paris Pass here .

The Paris Passlib’ gives you the option of adding a visit to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower, but this does not save you money.

The Paris Museum Pass does not include entrance to the Eiffel Tower. So if you have this pass, you will still need to purchase your Eiffel Tower tickets separately.

Which pass might be best for you is going to depend on which attractions you plan to visit and how many days you have in Paris, but our top pick for those who want a pass with the Eiffel Tower included is the Paris Pass . However, note that this only includes access by stairs. You can read our Paris Pass review for more details.

Is there an AudioGuide Available for the Eiffel Tower?

No, there used to be an audioguide that you could download but they seem to have replaced this with a free mobile tour guide that includes lots of information and maps of the tower. It is free to access and is currently available in 4 languages: English, French, Chinese, and Spanish. Guide can be viewed and accessed with a smartphone.

The Eiffel Tower also has a Follow Gus experience aimed at children aged 6-10 and publish an activity book (in French and English), which can be downloaded for free from their website.

Booking a Guided Tour of the Eiffel Tower?

If you are wanting to learn more about the Eiffel Tower and its construction and history, you might want to consider booking a guided tour. Make sure to check the fine print to see what kind of tour you are booking. Almost all such tours include pre-purchased timed tickets for faster entry.

Here are a several options for guided Eiffel Tower tours:

• 1 Hour Walking Tour – This 1 hour walking tour takes place outside the Eiffel Tower and covers the nearby Trocadéro and the Champ de Mars (great areas for photos of the tower). Guide accompanies guests to Eiffel Tower elevator and then guests do self-guided tour of Eiffel Tower themselves. Includes elevator tickets to 2nd floor or summit, depending on option selected.
• 2 Hour Summit Tour – This 2 hour guided tour includes a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower and elevator access to all floors, including the summit (if option is selected). This is a great tour to consider for those who want to use the elevator and have access to the very top.
• 2 to 2.5 Hour Stairs Tour – This 2-hour guided tour includes access to the second floor via the stairs with a guide. A good value if you don’t mind taking the stairs. You can also add-on the option at booking to have access to the summit elevator if you wish to see the top floor (not accessible by stairs).
• Guided Tour at Night – This 1.5 hours guided tour includes a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower at night and elevator access to the second floor.
• 6 Hour Paris Tour – This highlights walking tour of Paris includes a fully guided tour of the Eiffel Tower (including access to the summit) as well as a Seine river boat cruise, a visit to Notre Dame Cathedral, and other Paris highlights.

Also note that if you plan to purchase the Paris Pass or the Go Paris Explorer Pass that guided tours of the Eiffel Tower are currently included as options on those passes. Be sure to check details and book them in advance.

What is the Average Queue Time at the Eiffel Tower?

The time you will wait in line depends on a number of factors, primarily the time of day, time of year, if you’ve pre-booked tickets or a tour or not, and if you want to take the elevator or the stairs.

Generally speaking, if you wish to be at the top at a specific time (like sunset), it’s advisable to book your timed entry to the tower about 90 minutes ahead of that time to ensure you get there in plenty of time.

Perimeter Security Line: It is advised to allow 30 minutes to go through the perimeter security, more at peak times. There is no way to skip the security line and even if you are not planning to visit the tower, you still need to go through security to walk underneath the tower. Those with pre-booked tickets and restaurant reservations may be able to join a priority fast-track lane.

Elevator Ticket Line: You can skip the ticket buying line entirely by purchasing a timed entry ticket online ahead of time or booking a guided tour. You may still have to wait to board the elevators, but at least you won’t be stuck in a long ticket line which can be a 1 hour wait at peak times. Those wishing to take the stairs will need to purchase their tickets here.

Elevator to 2nd Floor Line: The general ticket queues for the elevators from the esplanade to the second floor can be long and can take up to 2 hours (although normally 1 hour or less) during peak times of the year. But if you have a timed ticket, you will have access to a fast-track line that you can join to go through the second set of security and access the elevator.

Stairs Ticket Queue: The line is normally fairly short to purchase stairs tickets as more people take the elevator; however, in the busy summer months this line can be over 1 hour long. You can avoid this line by pre-purchasing your stairs access ticket online. However, this is the only way to currently purchase a Stairs + Lift to Summit ticket.

Stairs Access Queue: If you have pre-booked your ticket or after you purchase your ticket, there is normally only a short wait, or no wait, to access the stairs as the line moves quickly. On average it takes visitors about 30 minutes to walk up the stairs (674 steps to 2nd floor), and a bit less to walk down.

Summit Elevator Line: If you are planning to access the summit, the line during busy times can be up to a 1 hour wait as there is no timed entry. Although this line is normally no longer than 20 to 30 minutes. There are no public stairs to the top floor of the tower, so the elevator is the only access point.

Eiffel Tower Entrance Locations

The Eiffel Tower currently has two entrances open for visitors, which are located in the east and south: east entrance and south entrance. This is where you’ll need to wait to go through a security line to get inside the perimeter to visit the Eiffel Tower.

Once inside the perimeter, if you have tickets, you can join the appropriate lines for those with tickets to go up one of the elevators (normally East and West Pillars) or to walk up the stairs (South pillar). If you don’t have tickets, you will need to first go to one of the ticket lines (there are usually two open).

Exits are generally located in the west and north sides of Eiffel Tower (opposite ends of entrances).

Note, due to security issues, operating issues, and changes, entrance/exit locations and operating elevators do change over time so be sure to follow signs and make sure you are in the correct lines.

NOTE : If you are meeting a guide or joining a tour to visit the Eiffel Tower, it is likely you will meet off-site (such as at a nearby cafe or tour office) and not at the Eiffel Tower entrance. Please check your booking details to ensure you go to the right place to meet your guide.

Best Ways to Save Money on Visiting the Eiffel Tower?

Eiffel Tower tickets prices are standardized, so the best way to save money is buying one of the less expensive ticket options. Here are several ways you can save money at the Eiffel Tower:

• Take the stairs. If you are fit enough to take the stairs (there are 674 steps from the esplanade to the 2nd floor), we recommend those to anyone on a tighter budget. In addition to saving you money, it will also save you time by avoiding the long queues for the elevators and is healthy exercise. Not recommended however for those with mobility issues or those with very young children or babies. Note that if you are visiting outside of the summer, the stairs close much earlier than the elevators (around dark) so be sure to check closing time for the stairs if you want to visit in the evening.
• Only go to the 2nd floor. If you are OK with not going to the summit, you can save money by not going to the top floor. Many people feel the best view is from the 2nd floor anyway.
• Bring your own water. Carry a reusable water bottle with you so you can bring your own water as purchasing drinks at Tour Eiffel can be expensive. Note that glass bottles are not allowed through security.
• Eat before or after your visit to the Eiffel Tower. Meal prices at the Eiffel Tower are more expensive than you can find elsewhere in Paris, so you can save money by eating elsewhere. Note that picnics are not allowed within the Eiffel Tower security zone.
• Buy a pass like the Go Paris Explorer Pass or the Paris Pass, which includes Eiffel Tower access. Of course this will only make sense if you plan on visiting some of the other attractions that the passes covers.

Tips for Going Through Security at the Eiffel Tower

In response to recent terror attacks in France, the Eiffel Tower has had a security barrier in place since 2016. Since summer 2018, the Eiffel Tower has been surrounded by a 3 meter high (almost 10 feet) perimeter fence made of bullet proof glass. Anyone trying to access the tower or the area underneath it will need to go through airport style security that includes metal detectors.

The Eiffel Tower website advises giving yourself at least 30 minutes before your timed elevator time to go through security. The best way to get through the security line efficiently is to ensure that you don’t have any objects that are likely to be confiscated.

The following objects are forbidden inside the Eiffel Tower and will be confiscated at security: weapons, knives (including pocket knives), tools like screwdrivers and wrenches, glass bottles or containers any kind, and any sort of canned beverage.  “Excessive food or drink” is also prohibited although it appears the definition of this is up to security guards.

Additionally, non-folding strollers, bulky luggage, and all animals (aside from guide dogs with documents) are prohibited. There is no left-luggage storage or cloakrooms at the tower, so don’t bring your luggage to the tower.

NOTE : The Eiffel Tower due to the COVID-19 pandemic currently has additional security and health measures in place and changes to its ticketing process, screening, and opening hours. Please be sure to check ahead before booking.

How to Skip the Security Lines at the Eiffel Tower?

Everyone who visits the tower needs to go through security, and there is no way to skip the security checks. There is a security check to get inside the perimeter barriers and then another security check for those entering the monument via the stairs or elevators.

However, patrons who buy their tickets ahead of time online can save time with fast-track security checks for the elevators. The electronic timed tickets purchased online in advance save you time with fast-track security checks and no need to queue at the Eiffel Tower ticket offices.

If you booked a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower, almost all tours included timed tickets with priority access as well. Those with same-day Jules Verne restaurant reservations also get priority security access.

Note that even with a pre-booked ticket, there is no guarantee of priority access as security protocol procedures are subject to change at any time.

How to Skip the Entry Queues at the Eiffel Tower?

You can avoid queuing at the ticket booths by buying your ticket ahead of time online. Tickets can currently be purchased up to 60 days in advance.

For the elevator tickets, the tickets include a pre-booked timed access slot for the lifts. Pre-booked timed tickets include priority line access to the elevators.

For the stairs tickets, the tickets include a pre-booked time period for you to access the stairs. Note these tickets do not allow access to the Summit.

There is no such thing as a “skip the line” ticket for the Eiffel Tower. The “priority entrance tickets” that many companies advertise are simply the pre-booked entrance tickets that anyone can buy on the official Eiffel Tower website. They will get you out of waiting in the ticket line, but you will still have to wait in line to board the elevators with the rest of the pre-booked ticket holders.

Note that you should bring your photo ID if visiting the Eiffel Tower, especially if you have pre-booked tickets or plan to book reduced-price tickets. This may be used to confirm identity, age, or disability status.

How Long Is an Average Visit at the Eiffel Tower?

We would recommend planning to be at the Eiffel Tower for at least 1.5 hours if you plan to visit the 2nd floor or 2.5 hours if you also plan to go up to the summit. These are average times of visits for visitors provided by the Eiffel Tower.

You’ll want to allow more time if you are planning to eat here.

Restaurants at the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower has two major restaurants, a champagne bar, and several other self-service eateries and snack bars.

Jules Verne is the gourmet fine dining French restaurant on the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower. The restaurant was closed for several months and reopened in July 2019 with a new menu created by Michelin-star chef Frederic Anton and a refurbished interior. The restaurant is best known for its stunning dining views over 400 feet above the ground. Reservations needed. We’ve dined here and had a lovely experience.

Madame Brasserie (formerly 58 Tour Eiffel) is a more casual restaurant on the 1st floor that can be accessed with or without a reservation (if there is availability). It offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as a lounge area where you can have snacks and drinks. In the evening the ambiance is more formal, with a wine list and 3 course menu featuring classic French dishes. The menu was created by chef Theirry Marx. Reservations recommended.

The Champagne Bar is located on the top floor of the Eiffel Tower. Here visitors can enjoy a glass of bubbly while looking out over Paris. Reservations are not possible here but lines here are generally not too long.

The second floor has a macaroon bar that offers a rainbow of macaroon choices. Additionally there are several quick-service eateries selling casual sandwiches, meals, and snacks on the 1st and 2nd floors as well as the esplanade (ground) where diners can grab quick meals for eat in or takeaway.

Other Facilities at the Eiffel Tower

There are free restrooms on the esplanade, first, second, and top floors of the Eiffel Tower. There are baby changing facilities on the esplanade, first, and second floors.

You’ll find dining options and gift shops on the esplanade, first floor, and second floor of the Eiffel Tower. There is also the champagne bar at the summit.

The first floor also has a children’s play area.

Accessibility at the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower was not built with accessibility or wheelchairs in mind, but modifications have been made to make the tower more accessible.

For those with mobility issues, all floors can be accessed via elevator. There are 674 steps from the ground to reach the second floor. The stairs are obviously not recommended for those with mobility difficulties.

Visitors with wheelchairs can visit the first and second floor via lift, but wheelchair users are prohibited from visiting the top floor for safety reasons.

Disabled toilets are available on the esplanade (behind the East pillar), first, and second floors. Most of the eateries and shops are wheelchair accessible as well.

Walking Tours Visiting the Eiffel Tower

While many walking tours will take you around the outside of the Eiffel Tower, only a few include tickets and a visit to the Eiffel Tower. Here are a couple of good options:

• This 6 hour highlights tour  of Paris includes a fully guided tour of the Eiffel Tower (including access to the summit) as well as a Seine river boat cruise, a visit to Notre Dame Cathedral, and other Paris highlights.
• This full day tour offers an extensive 9 hour full day Paris tour that includes a guided tour of the Louvre, Notre Dame, Montmartre, and Trocadéro Plaza. It also includes entrance tickets to the Eiffel Tour (access to the 2nd floor via elevator) and Seine River cruise tickets. If you only have one day to see the highlights of Paris, we recommend this tour!

Best Time to Visit the Eiffel Tower

We have enjoyed visits to the Eiffel Tower in the morning, afternoon, and evening, and we can say that there is no bad time to visit. In the morning and afternoon you can really take in great views of Paris.

In the evening the tower is illuminated with a beautiful yellowish glow and you can see all the city lit up from above. Sunset is a beautiful, but very popular, time to visit the Eiffel Tower. As it gets later in the evening, you get great city night views over the illuminated city but it does get harder to see the city and take photos as it gets darker.

If you prefer a quieter and less crowded visit, we recommend visiting either in the morning or the evening after dark. The least busy times are generally 9:00am to 11:00am and 8:00pm to 10:00pm.

The Eiffel Tower is normally open 365 days of the year, but the top observation decks occasionally close for maintenance in the winter and for weather-related reasons. It may also close or close early on Bastille Day.

Although unusual, it has also shut down several times in recent years for terrorist threats, the COVID-19 pandemic, strikes, and riots.

You can find out about any planned closures on the official website .

Best Views from the Eiffel Tower

There are two different main observation areas in the Eiffel Tower: the 2nd floor observation deck, which is 115 meters (377 feet) above Paris, and the summit observation deck, which is a staggering 276 meters (905 feet) above the city. Opinions vary on which is the better view, and both are well worth seeing.

The second floor gives you a better view of Paris and its landmarks. You are still low enough to see some of the nuances and details of the surrounding buildings and areas. You have a clear view of city landmarks like the Louvre, Montmartre, and Notre Dame Cathedral. This is our preferred viewpoint.

The top floor gives you a bird’s eye of the city. This is the highest viewpoint in the city and all the details below blend together, making it more difficult to make out individual landmarks. The effect can be dizzying!

Timing of the Evening Lights at the Eiffel Tower

Every night 20,000 bulbs twinkle in tandem alongside 336 projector spotlights to create an amazing sparking light show. The light show occurs every night, on the hour, from sunset until 1:00am.

The shimmering display of sparkling lights lasts 5 minutes, except for the last, 1AM show, which is 10 minutes long. The last show of the night is also the most dramatic because the yellow lights that illuminate the tower itself are turned off, giving the twinkling lights a backdrop of darkness.

The best way to view the Eiffel Tower light show is actually at a distance, not from the Eiffel Tower itself. You can watch the show from anywhere in Paris where you can see the Eiffel Tower.

These locations include along the Seine River between Île de la Cité is and the Pont d’Iena, and you will likely catch the lights from any evening Seine river boat cruise or Seine River dinner cruise . Or you can get a closer view from the Place du Trocadéro or Champs du Mar. You can also get a nice view from the Montparnasse Tower.

How to Avoid the Crowds at the Eiffel Tower

Because it is such a popular attraction, avoiding the crowds at the Eiffel Tower can be tricky. There is almost always a crowd. That said, there are a few things you can do to work around the crowds:

• Purchase your entrance tickets online ahead of time to avoid long lines for the ticket booth and get priority access to the elevator line to the 2nd floor. Or book a guided tour or walking tour that includes timed tickets.
• The peak times to visit the tower are 11:00am to 5:00pm, with 5:00pm to 8:00pm as moderately busy. The quieter times are 9:00am to 11:00am and 8:00pm to 10:30pm. The late evening hours (after 8:00pm) are almost always the quietest and the best if you want to avoid lines if you don’t mind the dark.
• Weekends are busier than weekdays.
• The best time to visit for the least crowds is a weekday in January, February, November, or December (except around Christmas and New Year’s).
• Take the stairs to avoid long elevator waits. Even if you’ve bought tickets for the elevator you can often cut down your waiting around time by taking the stairs back down the tower.
• If budget is not a concern, you can skip the elevator lines almost entirely by booking a meal reservation at the Jules Verne. Those with pre-booked reservations at the restaurant have access to a private elevator (to the 2nd floor) and can usually skip ahead in the perimeter security lines (dependent on security conditions).

Where to Stay in Paris Near the Eiffel Tower

The area around the Eiffel Tower can be very pricey, as hotels here are popular and in high demand. Hotel room prices can vary dramatically depending on the time of year. Winter months (with the exception of Christmas, New Years, and Valentine’s day) typically mean drastically lower rates than summer months.

We’ve selected a wide range of options, from budget and good value spots to luxury hotels, for people who want to stay within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower.

• Mercure Paris Centre – The 4-star Mercure is one of the closest hotels to the Eiffel Tower. This contemporary hotel has standard style rooms, flat screen TVs, breakfast buffet, fitness center, and on-site restaurant and bar. Great for couples. A 2 minute walk away.
• Résidence Charles Floquet – This luxury Aparthotel is practically next door to the Eiffel Tower and offers everything you might need including a fireplace, satellite TVs, well equipped kitchen, as well as a washing machine and dryer in each residence. They offer multi-bedroom apartments which are great for larger groups. Only a 3 minute walk from the Eiffel Tower.
• Pullman Paris – This 4-star hotel is located right next to the Eiffel Tower and offers great views of the tower. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, flat screen TVs, an on-site bar and restaurant, fitness room, and 24-hour front desk. A 5 minute walk from the Eiffel Tower. We have stayed here before.
• The Tannery – This apartment offers a spacious lounge, dining table, small kitchen, and great views of the Eiffel Tower. This apartment is located about a 18 minute walk from the Eiffel Tower. We stayed here on our last visit to Paris. You can read our review of this apartment here .
• Hôtel Eiffel Rive Gauche – This 3-star smaller hotel is located in a historical building that used to be a convent. A quirky little hotel that offers a good buffet breakfast and a convenient 24 hours reception desk. Expect small rooms in an older building, but good option for those on a budget who want to be near the Eiffel Tower. Note that the lower priced rooms have shared bathrooms. A 10 minute walk to the Eiffel Tower.
• Résidence Champ de Mars  – Studio apartments with kitchenettes just off the Champ de Mars. This place is no frills but it offers well-rated comfortable rooms, an excellent location, and a helpful reception. A 12 minute walk from the Eiffel Tower.
• Hôtel Juliana Paris  – This 5-star luxury hotel offers large comfortable rooms with flat screen TVs, bathrobes, and luxury toiletries. The hotel offers a fitness center, hammam, sauna, and 24 hour reception desk. There is a gorgeous rooftop bar with a partial view of the Eiffel Tower. A 12 minute walk from the Eiffel Tower.
• Beatrice et Emmanuel Meublé Eiffel  – This aparthotel is a terrific value for the location, offering studio and apartment style rooms with Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and kitchenettes. They book up fast so make sure to make you reservation here early. It is about a 13 minute walk from the tower.
• Au Pacific Hotel  – This 2-star hotel in the 15th arrondissement offers good value for the area. The rooms are small but affordable with flat screen TVs and private bathrooms. They also offer larger family size rooms. The hotel is about a 17 minute walk from the Eiffel Tower.
•   Hôtel Eiffel Turenne – This popular well-rated 3-star hotel offers comfortable rooms, flat-screen TVs, a bar, and a 24 hour front desk. A 18 minute walk from the Eiffel Tower.
• 3 Ducks Hostel – This well-rated boutique hostel features a shared kitchen, a terrace, a bar, a 24 hour desk, and luggage storage facilities. Most rooms are dormitory style rooms but the hostel also has a few private rooms and family rooms. This is the closest hostel option that we know of and a great place to consider for those on a budget. It is a 22 minute walk to the Eiffel Tower; 2 minute walk to nearest Metro station.

Looking for a room or apartment? Check out these great Paris listings on Plum Guide near the Tower. We stayed in a beautiful Plum Guide apartment on a recent trip to Paris which had stunning views of the Eiffel Tower. You can see our full experience using the Plum Guide in our review here .

Another good value option is to stay with a local using a service like Homestay . We used Homestay in Paris and had a terrific and unique local experience.

Other Attractions Near the Eiffel Tower

There are lots of things to see and do within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower.

Take a River Cruise  (1 minute from Eiffel Tower) – The Eiffel Tower is the most popular spot to catch a Seine River cruise ; and we have a ton of tips in our post on how to choose the best Seine cruise for you.

Champ de Mars  (1 minute) – The Eiffel Tower is located on the edge of this large green space, which many people neglect to explore. The 60 acre park is a great place for a picnic, stroll, and photos in the shadow of the mighty tower.

Trocadero  (8 Minute walk) – The Trocadero is a long garden right across from the Eiffel Tower where the Palais de Chaillot is located. There are a number of museums located here and nearby, including the  Musée national de la Marine (maritime museum) , the  Palais de Tokyo (a contemporary art museum), and the Musée d’Art Moderne (modern art museum).

Musee du Quai Branly (8 minute walk) – The Musee Quai Branly is a museum featuring art and cultural objects from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. It is also known for its living garden that covers parts of the museum. Entry is free for those with a Paris Museum Pass or Paris Pass .

Rue Cler  (10 minute walk) – If you’re looking to grab an affordable snack you want to get away from the immediate Eiffel Tower area, Rue Cler is a popular and scenic market street where you can shop for fresh produce, snacks, and souvenirs.

Paris Aquarium  (14 minute walk) – The Paris Aquarium is a nice break from history and museums. with over 500 species and 15,000 fish. A popular family attraction, especially on a rainy day. Entry is free for those with a Paris Pass or Go Paris Explorer Pass .

Rodin Museum  (23 minute walk) – The Rodin Museum is a museum dedicated to the life and works of French sculptor Auguste Rodin. It is housed in a 18th century mansion, once the home and studio of Rodin, and here you can see some of his most famous works, like The Thinker, in addition to some beautiful gardens. Entry is free with a Paris Museum Pass or Paris Pass .

Avenue des Champs-Elysées – (25 minutes walk) – The “world’s most beautiful avenue” is full of high-end shops, restaurants, car show rooms, the flagship store for Ladurée macarons , and hotels as well as notable landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe .

Our Experience Visiting the Eiffel Tower

Laurence and I have both visited the Eiffel Tower multiple times. My first experience was visiting the Eiffel Tower when I was 16 years old, my first trip to Europe. I was visiting as part of a tour arranged by a community college and it mainly consisted of college professors and students. We visited the tower and had dinner at the 58 Tour Eiffel (now called the Madame Brassiere) on our first night which was an amazing experience.

It is a strange thing to see one of the most famous landmarks in the world in real life. It is something that almost everyone in the world has seen in books, in films, and on posters, so it is both a familiar and an awe-inspiring site.

Each time we come here we seem to notice something new, whether it is an architectural detail, an exhibition, or a new angle. We’ve visited by the stairs (good to do once!) and by elevator. The stairs not only allow you to avoid the elevator lines and buy a less expensive ticket, but they also allow you (and perhaps force you) to get a better sense of the size and pay attention to the architectural details. All those rivets!

The views are the main reason people visit but be sure to walk around and explore what else you can discover on each floor. Make sure to stop at the first floor if you have time as it generally has exhibitions where you can learn more about the tower and you can walk across the transparent floor.

Although the actual structure of the Tour Eiffel has changed relatively little since its creation, security issues have changed the nature of the visit here. During our first visits to the Eiffel Tower, you could simply walk underneath and around the tower without going through any sort of security. On our last visit, we had to wait for over 40 minutes in line just to get through the perimeter security.

If you come here during a particularly busy period without tickets, you could spend 3 hours in various lines before reaching the 2nd floor. So I would definitely book your tickets in advance to be able to join the priority line for the elevators or stairs. Or join a tour. But don’t waste your limited vacation line standing in line here if you can avoid it!

There are lots of dining options here, from casual takeaway food and snacks to a fancy multi-course meal a Jules Verne. We’ve done everything from not eating at all to having dinner at Jules Verne. If you are on a tighter budget, I’d recommend eating before or after your visit to avoid the higher food prices here. But if you have a bigger budget and have some time, you might enjoy booking a sit-down menu here at one of the two restaurants within the tower.

Although we’ve visited a number of times, there are always things we missed and the views of Paris are always a little different. This is why we keep coming back!

Tips for Photographing the Eiffel Tower

Below we provide tips for photographing the Eiffel Tower from both inside the Eiffel Tower as well as from a distance.

Photography from the Eiffel Tower

Once you get inside the security perimeter you are very close to the tower so probably won’t be able to get the full tower into your shot. So instead focus on the magnificent wrought iron structure, which is a wonderful photography subject. Classic shots are from different angles underneath the structure from the esplanade. You can also get some nice views from the gardens arond the tower.

When you get inside the Eiffel Tower, there are two types of shots to go for: close up shots of the structure and shots of the Paris cityscape from the various levels of the tower.

On the 1st level, you can get shots of the structure from a lower level, cityscape shots, and also see through the transparent floor to the people milling around on the esplanade.

Once you are on the observation decks of the 2nd floor and summit, you can focus more on the cityscape shots. Some popular subjects to look out for include the Champs de Mars, Arc de Triomphe, the curve of the Seine River, and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica perched above Montmartre. On the top floor, details become more fuzzy and you get more of a bird’s eye view of the city.

For a comparison of the views taken from all three levels, check out the three photos below looking at the Champs de Mars. Each were taken looking in the same direction to give you an idea of views from each of the three levels of the Eiffel Tower.

Whilst tripods are (as of last check) allowed through the security at the Eiffel Tower, they are generally not recommended if you are planning to go up the tower as there is often not much space to set them up on the observation decks.

For the best pictures from the tower you should check the weather before visiting. A cloudy, misty day might look dramatic from the ground, but it will likely just look gray from the viewing platforms. Ideally you will want a clear, haze-free day with perhaps a few puffy white clouds for scale and depth.

If you are traveling solo or as a couple, consider this tips for getting photos of yourself or these for getting couple photos together .

Eiffel Tower Photography Tips

The Eiffel Tower can be seen from across Paris, and there are many good spots from which to photograph it. We have three favorite locations which are from the top of Montparnasse Tower, the top of the Arc de Triomphe, and the Place du Trocadéro.

For sunset and blue hour photography, we’d definitely recommend Montparnasse Tower. This tower, found near Montparnasse train station, is one of our favorite photography locations in Paris . The rooftop viewing area affords spectacular views across the city, and at sunset it makes for the perfect place to watch the City of Lights start to light up.

Tripods are allowed up here, and there are cutouts in the glass wall so you can get reflection-free photos. There is a fee to visit the Montparnasse Tower although entrance is free with the Paris Pass or Go Paris Explorer Pass .

Another favorite spot is the Place du Trocadéro. Located just across the Seine River from the Eiffel Tower, this location will let you get photos that convey the true sense of the scale of the Eiffel Tower, with the cars and people in the foreground giving your photos a good feeling of perspective.

The Trocadéro is a free spot to access and doesn’t require a ticket.This is a popular location though, so for your best chance at photographing the tower without lots of people outside it, arrive before 9 am.

Finally, we think the view of the Eiffel Tower from the top of the Arc de Triomphe is also excellent. From here, you can see how the Eiffel Tower soars high above the city, and there are some lovely roads leading towards the tower that you can use as leading lines. There is a fee to visit the Arc de Tromphe, although it is included with both the Paris Museum Pass and Paris Pass .

Of course, there are many more great spots and angles for photographing the outside of the Eiffel Tower. Consider staking out shots from the Champ de Mars, along the Seine, or in the surrounding neighborhoods.

In terms of transport, the two best metro stops for photo ops as you are approaching the Eiffel Tower are the very popular Trocadéro stop and across the Seine at the Bir-Hakeim stop.

If you are trying to photograph the tower at night, time it so you can catch the glittering light show at the top of every hour until 1 am. A travel tripod will help you keep your camera steady and avoid blurry shots.

Overall Tips for Visiting the Eiffel Tower

We have tried to include lots of advice and tips for visiting the Eiffel Tower throughout this article. But here are some key points to remember when planning your visit to the Eiffel Tower and trip to Paris.

• Book your tickets ahead of time online to avoid long wait times. We recommend booking your ticket directly via the official website . Or if you want a guided tour, consider tours that include your timed ticket such as this tour or this tour .
• The easiest way to access the tower is by public transportation or on foot. There are multiple bus and metro line stops nearby. Parking can be expensive in this area and driving in central Paris is not recommended if you can avoid it.
• Be prepared for the security checks. Leave any forbidden items like non-folding baby strollers, glass bottles, luggage, or pocketknives at your hotel.
• If you are on a budget, save money by taking the stairs and only buying a ticket to the 2nd floor. Bring a reusable water bottle like these ones to avoid purchasing water or drinks at the tower.
• Bring your camera to capture the spectacular city views from the Eiffel Tower. You can also get great views of the Eiffel Tower from places around Paris, check out our Paris photography guide for more photography hot spots.
• It is often windier and cooler than visitors expect, especially at the top, so you may want to bring an extra layer or jacket.
• Try to avoid visiting during peak visitor times which are between 11am and 5pm and around sunset. Holidays and weekends are busier than other days
• If you are planning to access the Eiffel Tower via the stairs, note that the stairs close down much earlier than the elevators for most of the year for safety reasons. For most of the year, you need to start your ascent of the stairs by 18:00/6:00pm. After this, your only option will be to access the tower by lift only. But in the busy summer months (roughly June to August), the stairs are normally open as long as the elevators (usually until midnight). So be sure to check the stairs opening hours if you are planning to visit in the evening.
• If you want to eat a meal at one of the sit-down restaurants (Brassiere Madame or Le Jules Verne) at the Eiffel Tower, we strongly recommend booking your reservation in advance to guarantee a table.
• Have little time in Paris but still want to see all the highlights in only one or two days? You might want to join a local walking tour that includes either a guided Eiffel Tower tour or Eiffel Tower tickets such as this one or this one .
• If you have purchased a Paris Museum Pass for your visit, the Eiffel Tower entrance is not included and needs to be booked separately. Try to visit the Eiffel Tower on a non-pass day or visit in the evening to get the most out of your passes. Or consider purchasing the Paris Pass, which includes the Paris Museum Pass and the option to visit the Eiffel Tower. You can read our Paris Pass review and Paris Museum Pass review for more tips.
• The Eiffel Tower area (including inside the tower) is a popular place for pickpockets and scammers who prey on tourists. Keep track of your valuables and be aware of  common Paris scams .
• Allow plenty of time for you visit. It is a busy attraction and the lines, even with pre-booked tickets, can take longer than expected. If you leave yourself plenty of time, you won’t feel rushed and can really enjoy your experience.
• To maximize your time in Paris, consider planning your itinerary to include other nearby attractions before and/or after your visit to the Eiffel Tower. Perhaps a visit to a nearby museum (e.g., Musee du Quai Branly, Rodin Museum) or attraction (e.g., Paris Aquarium, Arc de Triomphe), a Seine river cruise , or some shopping along the famous Champs-Élysées. Or maybe you want to enjoy a Parisian afternoon tea or book a Michelin star lunch .

For most people, visiting the Eiffel Tower is a once in a lifetime experience. By doing just a little bit of planning, you can make your visit far more enjoyable.

If you are planning a trip to the Eiffel Tower, you might want to PIN this article to Pinterest to read later:

Have you been to the Eiffel Tower? What was the experience like for you? Any Eiffel Tower tips we missed?

As always, feel free to ask us any questions you may have about the Eiffel Tower or things to do in Paris.

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TTF Post author

November 1, 2023 at 2:02 am

Hey there! I just read your article about the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and I couldn’t help but drop a comment to express how much I enjoyed it. First of all, kudos to you for the fantastic writing. Your vivid descriptions made me feel like I was right there, standing under the Eiffel Tower, soaking in its grandeur. The historical context you provided about the tower’s construction was fascinating and added so much depth to the story. It’s clear that you’ve done your research, and it truly shows in your writing.

I’ve always dreamt of visiting the Eiffel Tower, and your article has not only fueled that desire but also provided me with valuable insights and tips for when I eventually make that dream a reality. The section about the best time to visit and avoiding the crowds was particularly helpful. I appreciate your personal anecdotes and recommendations; it’s like getting advice from a friend who’s been there. Thanks for sharing your experiences and expertise. I’m looking forward to reading more of your travel adventures!

How many steps are in the Eiffel Tower?

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

November 1, 2023 at 5:36 am

Glad you enjoyed our post about the Eiffel Tower and I hope you get a chance to visit Paris and climb the Eiffel Tower yourself someday soon. We’ve been lucky to have been many times and just brought my parents there earlier in 2023.

There are about 1,665 stairs total from the ground to very top of the Eiffel Tower, but most of these are not open or accessible to the public. For visitors, there are a total of 674 steps to the 2nd floor (327 to first floor and 347 to reach the second floor). On average it takes visitors about 30 minutes to walk up the 674 stairs and a bit less to walk down.

If you have the stamina, ability, and time, it can be fun to use the stairs to access the Eiffel Tower via the stairs. But if you want to just experience a bit of the stairs, you could consider going up in the elevator and then coming down from the 2nd floor to the 1st floor by the stairs (or all the way back down as it is easier to go down than up).

Best, Jessica

MS Post author

May 19, 2023 at 11:41 am

Thanks for these tips. The Eiffel Tower in Paris is such an awe-inspiring masterpiece, I can’t wait to visit. Do I need to book stairs tickets in advance do you think for a summer visit?

May 21, 2023 at 10:06 am

So if you plan to just take the stairs (and not take the lift or visit the Summit), then there is no need to book the tickets in advance. The main advantage is that you don’t have to stand in line to buy your tickets on arrival (they generally go on sale online 2 weeks in advance). Although you will of course have do wait in the security check lines.

But in terms of availability, there is pretty much always available same day stairs tickets and once you have your tickets, the line to access the stairs is generally short or sometimes no line at all. So if you don’t want to be tied to a date, then you can just wait to buy them on site when you visit.

Just note that they close access to the stairs in the evening, generally 1.5 to two hours before closing so you will want to double check the last time for stairs tickets on your date if you plan to visit later in the evening.

Judy Post author

January 28, 2023 at 1:02 pm

Jessica wow 👌🏾🤩🤩,, thank you so much for this compilation , I have picked out so many key points for when I travel to Paris, to the Eiffel tower .

Happy new year..

February 1, 2023 at 5:27 am

Glad you found our article on the Eiffel Tower helpful and just let us know if you have any questions as you plan your trip to Paris!

Happy New Year to you as well!

Sheena Post author

June 21, 2022 at 8:01 pm

Question – are there any information plaques on the observation decks that will point out what the various famous landmarks are around Paris? I’d love to be able to pick out specific places to show my kids, and am wondering if I should just bring a map up with me to try to pick them out ourselves? thanks!

June 22, 2022 at 4:19 am

I thought I would be able to answer just about any question about the Eiffel Tower, but that is one I am not sure about. While I can’t imagine a major landmark such as the Eiffel Tower not having an orientation plaque somewhere I can’t remember specifically seeing one and I couldn’t find any online evidence of one.

The other issue of course is that the Eiffel Tower observation decks, particularly the ones on the second floor and top floor (summit) are often pretty crowded. So this might be why there isn’t a specific sign to keep people from gathering together all at one point and making it hard to move around.

So, whether there is one or not, bringing along some kind of map would probably be a great idea to show your kids where everything is from the observation decks. An illustrated map might be a fun idea.

Wishing you and your family a great trip to Paris!

June 22, 2022 at 8:36 am

Wow, thank you SO MUCH for the quick reply! And – of course – for all of the extremely helpful information I found on your site. Have a wonderful summer!

June 24, 2022 at 6:58 am

You’re very welcome. Also wanted to note that there is often a play area and educational stuff designed for kids normally set up on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower so I’d definitely make a stop there. Not sure what might have changed with COVID-19 cautions though. The first floor often feels less crowded as well than the upper floors.

There is also the Follow Gus experience and a free activity book (in both English and French) that you can download for free before the trip. I link to this in the article. It is designed for kids 6-10 and has a variety of quesitons, facts, and puzzles about the tower.

Jon Bakker Post author

March 27, 2022 at 7:02 am

can’t wait to visit Eiffel Tower for first time, great tips. can you tell me more about how to book with Paris Pass? thanks so much.

March 27, 2022 at 8:34 am

Visiting the Eiffel Tower is definitely a highlight of many people’s trips to Paris! So if you have a Paris Pass, you can join a guided visit to the Eiffel Tower that climbs the stairs. So make sure you (and any travel companions) can handle the over 600 steps. While you have to go up the stairs, you can either walk back down via the stairs or wait to take the elevators down if you want. If you are physically able, the stairs are a great way to visit the tower as you get to see more of the structure and the lines to enter are much shorter.

The guided tour, includes having a guide who will be with you as you go through security and who will give you tickets for the stairs. They will accompany you up to both the first floor and second floor and give you lots of information on the history of the Eiffel Tower and point out lots of places that can be seen from the tower’s observation areas. Tour lasts about 2 hours.

Once you have your Paris Pass purchased, you can book the tour. To reserve your spot, you will need to use a specific link and follow instructions as outlined by Paris Pass on the website here .

Now, this tour does not include going up to the Summit (very top floor). So if you want to visit the Summit, you will have the option to pay extra to visit the summit as long as there is availability. Once you book the free guided tour, you should get a confirmation email from the tour company with your details and then in that email will be details on how you can pay extra (currently 15 euros) to add on lift tickets to the Summit. This part isn’t guided but your guide can show you where you need to go and which line to stand in to reach the summit. So if you want to include the Summit, just be sure to book that before your trip.

Also if you book this, be sure to pay close attention to the meeting place and time as you don’t want to go through the security, but will meet your guide outside the security entrance. The current meeting place is listed as outside the South Security Entrance (Entrance #1) of the Eiffel Tower on Allée des Refuzniks. Guides will wear orange hats and hold an orange sign that says ExperienceFirst. But be sure to check the info before meeting and leave a bit of extra time to find the correct entrance and your guide.

Hope that helps and wishing you a wonderful visit to the Eiffel Tower! Jessica

Srishti Verma Post author

March 27, 2021 at 3:36 am

Paris is such a nice place to explore for everyone. I am from Delhi, Asia and i love to read your blog. I have visited 2 times to Eiffel Tower and every time it is the same and beautiful. Love your blog.

March 27, 2021 at 8:33 am

Hi Srishti,

Thanks for taking the time to comment and glad you are enjoying our travel blog! Yes, Paris is a wonderful place to visit and one of the most visited cities in the world and the Eiffel Tower is a must-see for most visitors. I am glad that you have such wonderful visits to Paris from India and hope you get a chance to return in the future.

Maude Post author

October 16, 2019 at 10:29 am

Simply want to say your article on the Eiffel Tower is astonishing, very clear and I can tell you’re a professional in this subject. I’d like to stay in touch to know about your latest articles, can I join your feed? Thanks one million and please continue the rewarding work.

October 17, 2019 at 11:02 am

Glad you enjoyed our guide to visiting the Eiffel Tower. Just let us know if you have any questions if you are planning a visit to Paris.

Yes, you can find our RSS feed buttons on our blog if you use a feed reader. The best way to keep in touch with us and get our updates is to sign up for our monthly travel newsletter . It is free and easy to join and comes with a number of benefits.

irene Post author

June 11, 2019 at 12:39 am

For someone who is afraid of heights, you make the Eiffel Tower sound so interesting to visit. with such an exciting description, will definitely put my fears aside and take a tour myself. thank you for the article..

June 11, 2019 at 4:09 am

Hi Irene, Hope you enjoy your time in Paris and visit to the Eiffel Tower. Yes, if you are taking an Eiffel Tower tour, it will include your entrance tickets and you might feel more comfortable with a guide. It is very safe, but you might want to avoid going up to the Summit if you have a fear of heights as it is more windy and exposed up there. There are great views from the 1st and 2nd floors. Best, Jessica

Kristen Post author

June 10, 2019 at 2:50 am

Thank you for such an informative post! Can you buy a walk-up /stairs access ticket AND summit elevator ticket in the same line? We’ll be visiting Paris July 1-5 and all tickets online are sold out. We are 2 adults, 2 children (ages 8&11) and would like the experience of walking the stairs and summit (avail by elevator only). Thank you!

June 10, 2019 at 4:07 am

Hi Kristen,

Sorry to hear the summit tickets are sold out already for your visit in July. But yes, you can purchase stairs and/or elevator tickets at the same booths once you get pass the outer security. The ticket you would want for the stairs plus summit elevator would be “2nd floor stairway + lift to summit tickets”.

There should not be any problem getting the stairs tickets to 2nd floor as they rarely stop selling or limiting stairs tickets. But they do sometimes put a cap on summit tickets if the Tower is very busy so just know that in advance. If you come at a less busy time of day, you shouldn’t have an issue.

The other option is to book a guided tour, like this one , that includes your stairs tickets and lift to summit.

Enjoy! Jessica

Theresa R. Post author

May 2, 2019 at 4:59 pm

If I am wanting to get up close to the tower, but not go UP to an observation deck. Is that possible to simply walk around under the tower, touch the base legs, take pictures up close? I understand that I would need to go through the outermost security.

May 3, 2019 at 8:44 am

Hi Theresa, Yes, absolutely, you can access the ground/esplanade level of the Eiffel Tower for free. You do need to go through the perimeter security, which can take anywhere from 10 minutes to 1 hour depending on how busy the attraction is at the time. But after that you are free to wander around, take photos, and can touch some areas of the structure (that are not within the lines/security for those going to the second floor) and there are food stands, gift shops, and toilets in the area as well. Just make sure that you are prepared for the security (have no prohibited items on you). Then you can leave when you wish. Best, Jessica

Kathy Post author

February 26, 2019 at 10:38 pm

Wow! Never knew that Gustave Eiffel also was involved with the design of the Statue of Liberty.

February 27, 2019 at 3:40 am

Hi Kathy, Yes, indeed, Eiffel was involved in the Statue of Liberty as well as lots of other projects, including churches, bridges, theatres, train stations, etc. He worked both in Paris as well as aboard. He is best known of course for the Eiffel Tower so I think most people don’t realize all the other things he designed. One of our favorites is the Pont de Ferro or Pont Eiffel in Girona Spain . Best, Jessica

Mark Post author

February 25, 2019 at 2:11 am

Wow, great guide, very helpful in planning our vacation in May. The Eiffel Tower is a must-see for us and we are planning to have lunch or dinner while there. this really helped us in planning our special trip. Mark

February 25, 2019 at 4:03 am

Hi Mark, Glad to hear that 😉 Just let us know if you have any questions as you plan your trip to Paris. Best, Jessica

Luke Post author

February 22, 2019 at 2:06 am

Interesting post! I was totally unaware there was committee trying to stop its construction. I will make sure I visit the Eiffel Tower on my travels to Paris with the company I work for GSE Solutions, in a couple weeks time. Safe travels! Luke

February 22, 2019 at 2:40 am

Hi Luke, Enjoy your business trip to Paris and your visit to the Eiffel Tower. Best, Jessica

February 22, 2019 at 4:22 am

Thank you, it will be a lot more interesting now I’ve read this post!

Seana Turner Post author

February 18, 2019 at 5:18 am

The Eiffel tower is just one of those sights you want to see when you go to Paris. I’ve been a couple of times and it always is impressive. The year I took my girls to Paris there was a strike going on, and all access to the Eiffel tower was closed. My girls couldn’t believe that a city would do such a thing:) It really does make sense to plan ahead on this one because the crowds can be significant. A tour or online is the best way, but I think even making dining reservations can be a lovely way to experience part of the tower and feel like you have “done” it. I can’t believe they repaint by hand every 7 years… who knew?

February 18, 2019 at 6:45 am

Sorry to hear that the Eiffel Tower was closed during your visit. Normally the tower is open 365 days a year although it does close for some time around Bastille Day for preparations for the fireworks and festivities. But it has been closed for strikes, riots, and terrorist threats, and the recent rioting has caused several closures of the tower and other significant attractions in Paris this year unfortunately. The summit does close more often for bad weather and for maintenance.

I didn’t know the Eiffel Tower was hand painted either before writing this article. But it is and there is a policy that it can’t be done by more remote means, so it takes a lot of of painters a long time to paint. But I guess it is a long and interesting job for the painters 😉

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Tips for Visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris: Complete Guide

If you’re planning a trip to Paris, chances are the Eiffel Tower is one of the must-visit places on your itinerary. This iconic monument is one of the most visited tourist sites in the world, and for good reason.

From the top of the Eiffel Tower, you will have a breathtaking view of Paris and its surroundings.

In this post, you will find all the information you need to visit the Eiffel Tower; we have already visited it three times; I hope you can enjoy the experience!

Tips to Visit The Eiffel Tower

• Book tickets online in advance to skip long lines.
• Choose your preferred time slot for the visit.
• Consider taking the stairs to the second floor for a unique experience.
• Get there early in the morning or late in the evening for smaller crowds.
• Enjoy the view from Trocadéro Gardens for great photos.
• Pack a picnic to enjoy at the Champ de Mars nearby.
• Visit during weekdays for fewer tourists.
• Learn about the tower’s history at the Eiffel Tower Museum.
• Dress comfortably, as there’s a lot of walking and waiting.
• Be cautious of pickpockets and keep your belongings secure.
• Read: The Ultimate 7-Day Paris Itinerary

How to Visit the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic monuments in Paris and the world. We tell you everything you need to know to make the most of your visit and get tickets for the date of your trip.

Visiting Tips

Before visiting the Eiffel Tower, it is important to remember some tips to get tickets for your travel dates, avoid queues, save time, and make the most of the experience.

A good idea is to plan your visit in advance, book your tickets , and choose the most convenient time for you. You can also opt for a guided tour to learn more about the history and structure of the tower.

If you are traveling with children, keep in mind that the Eiffel Tower has play areas and activities specially designed for them. It is also important to take safety measures into account, such as not climbing with dangerous objects or not running up stairs or elevators.

Visiting Hours of the Eiffel Tower

Visiting hours change depending on the season and day of the week. It is best to check the schedule when you book your tickets.

• From mid-June to early September: 9 a.m. to midnight.
• The rest of the year, from 9.30 a.m. to 11 p.m., with extended hours until midnight on weekends.

Ticket Reservation and Pricing

To visit the Eiffel Tower, it is necessary to book your tickets in advance. You can do this through the official website or other authorized booking websites .

You can buy tickets for the second floor or the top of the tower. Also, you can include guided tours, skip-the-line access, and combined activities, such as the Eiffel Tower climb and the Seine River cruise.

Ticket prices vary according to the season and the type of visit you choose. It is advisable to book in advance to ensure availability and avoid unnecessary queues.

Here are my updated recommendations since I visited the Tower last July. To get the tickets, I spent at least 2 months looking at the official website until there was a free slot for the date I needed.

My brother was visiting us, so I had one or two specific days to go up.

I searched on the official website until I almost gave up, but I had Civitatis as a backup, as they are more expensive, but you can find more availability of schedules. The good thing is that on this website, I could cancel if we couldn’t go for any reason. On the official website, they are non-refundable.

Ticket prices vary from the official website to other booking websites, but they also vary depending on how far you want to go up and if you go up by stairs or elevator.

• The general price per adult to the top by elevator is 28,30€ today; you know that the price can vary every year.
• If you go up to the second floor by elevator, the price is 18,10€ per adult.
• If you go up to the second floor by the stairs, the price is 11,30€ per adult.

In either case, you can buy the entrance to the second floor once at the Eiffel Tower; you can buy access to the top only if capacity is available.

In the table below, you can see the different prices and reduced rates. I recommend that if you really want to climb the tower, book in advance, and if the first time there is no availability for the date you are interested in, check again a few days later ; if there are still no tickets available, have a look here .

I know the price difference can be significant, but unless you live here, how many times will you have the opportunity to climb the Eiffel Tower? This is the question I ask myself in similar situations.

Tours, Guided Tour, or Free Audioguide

You can visit the Eiffel Tower with a guided visit as part of a tour or with the free audio guide on your smartphone.

Free audio guide

The audio guide can be downloaded with a QR code on the tower itself. And you can make the visit following its indications. Start first with the east and west gardens, then the esplanade, and then the different floors.

You can start at the top and then go down (note that the first elevator takes you to the second floor and then you have to change elevators) or you can start with the first one, then the second one, and finally the top.

In my case, I prefer to start at the top and then work my way down, we always end up eating a macaron on the second floor and enjoying a coffee with a view.

• Eiffel Tower plus a cruise on the Seine River
• Eiffel Tower, Louvre and a Cruise
• Eiffel Tower Tour, Arc de Triomphe, and Cruise

Accessibility For People With Reduced Mobility

The Eiffel Tower is accessible to people with reduced mobility. It is possible to visit the first and second floors in wheelchairs, but not the top, since for security reasons, access is not possible.

There are also adapted restrooms and wheelchairs available for loan in the tower lobby.

If you need special assistance, you can contact the Eiffel Tower staff in advance to help you with anything you may need during your visit.

How to Get to the Eiffel Tower

You can get to the Eiffel Tower using different public transport, the most comfortable for me is the metro, but here are all the available options.

• The best metro stop is Trocadero ; you get off here and start your way with the best views of the Eiffel Tower. This is totally subjective, but I think it is the best way to get to the Eiffel Tower for the first time.

It is metro line 9 and the Trocadéro stop.

• Nearest stop: Bir-Hakeim . This is another recommended stop, the views from the metro are tremendous and you can easily reach the tower, but I still prefer Trocadéro. After your visit, tell me which stop you chose!

It is metro line 6 and the stop is Bir-Hakeim.

• Other nearby stops: Metro line 8, Ecole Militaire stop.

RER (suburban train)

• Line C (Versailles / Saint Quentin en Yvelines – Anthony / Massy – Palaiseau: stop Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel)
• 82, stops: Eiffel or Montessuy tour
• 30, stop: Eiffel tour
• 86, stop: Champ de Mars
• 69, stop: Champ de Mars
• 72, stop: Pont d’Iéna

All these stops allow you to reach the Eiffel Tower on foot in just a few minutes.

Visit the Eiffel Tower by Day and by Night

Visiting the Eiffel Tower daily and night offers unique and captivating experiences. During the day, you can marvel at the breathtaking panoramic views of Paris from the top of the Tower.

Enjoy the beauty of the city, its iconic monuments, and its vast landscapes. In addition, you can appreciate the architectural details of the Tower and its history.

On the other hand, visiting the Eiffel Tower at night is a magical experience. The tower is illuminated with thousands of golden lights, creating a dazzling spectacle that is reflected in the Seine River.

Every hour, twinkling lights add an extra touch of charm.

Whether you visit the Eiffel Tower by day to enjoy breathtaking views or by night to experience the magic of the lights, this iconic Parisian landmark will never fail to captivate you.

Don’t Forget to Visit the Gardens of the Eiffel Tower

The gardens of the Eiffel Tower offer an oasis of tranquility and beauty amidst the bustle of Paris.

Located at the foot of the iconic Iron Lady, the gardens invite you to relax and enjoy the lush vegetation, colorful flowers and green spaces.

It is the perfect place to start your visit, rest under the shade of the trees or simply admire the majesty of the Eiffel Tower from a natural environment.

Dinner at the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower offers a wide variety of options for a memorable dinner. From the elegant restaurants on the upper floors to the charming food stalls on the esplanade, there are alternatives for all tastes and budgets.

If you want to dine at the Eiffel Tower, you have two options, the Jules Verne restaurant or Madame Brasserie.

Madame Brasserie is located on the first floor of the tower, and you can enjoy an exceptional lunch or dinner. Chef Thierry Marx is in charge of the kitchen.

Reserve your dinner here. You can also have lunch at noon , the price is half the price of dinner. Both options are a unique experience.

Le Jules Verne is a Michelin-starred restaurant located on the second floor of the tower. Here you can live a unique luxury experience. Undoubtedly, it is an exceptional place.

The prices at Restaurant Jules Verne are higher than Madame Brasserie, the midday menu is 160€, and the 5-course tasting menu dinner is 255€, excluding drinks.

You have to make your reservation at least 2 or 3 weeks in advance; you can do it here, on the official website .

Views from the Eiffel Tower

Here you will find the best views and the most important places you can see from the Eiffel Tower.

The Best Views

From the Eiffel Tower, you can see many of Paris’ most famous monuments. Some of the best views include:

• Notre Dame Cathedral
• The Arc de Triomphe
• The Louvre Museum
• The Basilica of the Sacred Heart

In addition, from the Eiffel Tower, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Seine River and the beautiful Trocadero gardens.

Another thing we all tend to do is to look up where our city or country is located.

The History Of The Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous monuments in the world. If you are planning to visit, it is important to know its history.

Built for the Universal Exposition of 1889, the Eiffel Tower symbolizes the city of Paris and is a marvel of engineering.

Designed by engineers Alexandre Gustave Eiffel and Maurice Koechlin, the Eiffel Tower was built in only two years and remained the tallest structure in the world until the construction of the Chrysler Building in New York in 1930.

Although there was controversy at the time over the tower’s construction, today, it is an iconic landmark and a must-see for anyone visiting Paris.

The Creation Of The Tower

The Eiffel Tower was built by Alexandre Gustave Eiffel’s company for the Universal Exposition of 1889, which was held in Paris. The goal was to create an impressive structure that would symbolize the technological advancement of the time.

The tower’s design was the work of Maurice Koechlin and Émile Nouguier, two engineers working for Eiffel’s company. The project was approved and presented to the French Society of Civil Engineers.

Construction of the tower began in 1887 and was completed in two years, two months, and five days.

How High is the Eiffel Tower

The tower structure is composed of four iron pillars that meet at the top. In total, the tower is 324 meters high, including the antenna.

How Many Steps Does the Eiffel Tower Have?

The Eiffel Tower has about 1665 steps, keep this in mind if you are thinking of climbing the Tower by stairs. My recommendation is to take the elevator up and the stairs down.

How Many Floors Does the Eiffel Tower Have?

The Eiffel Tower has 3 levels that we can visit, the first at 57 meters, the second at 115 meters; these two levels can be climbed by stairs or elevator, and the third level, at 276 meters, you must climb by elevator.

The Tower Controversy

Although the Eiffel Tower is a symbol of Paris today, not everyone agrees with its construction. Many Parisians considered the tower to be an eyesore and a blight on the cityscape.

In fact, more than 300 artists and writers signed a petition against the tower, which was published in the newspaper Le Temps in 1887. The petition said the tower was “useless and monstrous” and should be destroyed after the exhibition.

Fortunately, the tower was not destroyed, and today it is one of the most visited monuments in the world. Can you imagine going to Paris and the Eiffel Tower not being there?

Crowd Avoidance Tips

Best time to visit the eiffel tower.

If you want to avoid the Eiffel Tower crowds, planning your visit carefully is important. One of the best times to visit the Eiffel Tower is early in the morning, just after it opens.

If you arrive before 9 a.m., you are likely to encounter fewer crowds and be able to enjoy the tower at your leisure.

How to Avoid Crowds

To avoid crowds at the Eiffel Tower, it is recommended that you buy your tickets in advance. You can book your tickets online to save time and avoid queues at the entrance.

* The queue for the security check is mandatory. If you go in high season, be aware it can take half an hour to queue for the controls.

Visiting The Eiffel Tower In Low Season

If you want to avoid the crowds at the Eiffel Tower, it is recommended that you visit in the low season. The winter months are usually less crowded, so you can enjoy the tower with more peace of mind.

In addition, if you plan your visit on weekdays instead of weekends, you will also find fewer crowds.

Other Activities Near The Eiffel Tower

In addition to visiting the Eiffel Tower, there are many other activities you can do in the surrounding area.

Seine River Cruises

A charming way to see the city of Paris is through a cruise on the Seine River . There are many options available, from sightseeing cruises to romantic dinners. Some cruises even offer priority access to the Eiffel Tower.

Visit to the Arc de Triomphe

Another impressive attraction near the Eiffel Tower is the Arc de Triomphe . This historic monument offers spectacular city views and is a popular place to take photos. Be careful when taking pictures in the middle of the street!

The Arc de Triomphe can be visited and enjoy the view of the Champs Elysées. If you go at Christmas, I recommend that you visit just when they turn on the lights, it is very cool.

A Visit To The Trocadero Gardens

The Trocadero Gardens are located just across the Seine River from the Eiffel Tower. These beautiful gardens offer breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower and are a popular place to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Visiting the House of Japanese Culture in Paris

Visiting the House of Japanese Culture in Paris is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Japanese culture’s rich tradition and beauty.

Located in the heart of the French capital, this institution offers a wide range of exhibitions, events and activities highlighting the history, art and customs of Japan.

The Japan House of Culture provides visitors with an authentic and enriching experience, from art and craft exhibitions to film screenings and traditional music concerts.

It also offers workshops and classes that allow participants to immerse themselves in Japanese arts, such as ikebana (flower arranging), calligraphy, and tea ceremony.

Touring the Fields of Mars

Touring the Champs de Mars is a breathtaking experience in the heart of Paris. This vast green space extends to the foot of the Eiffel Tower and offers a perfect place to relax, have a picnic or enjoy the iconic views of the tower.

The Champs de Mars is also popular with Parisians and visitors for sports, jogging or simply strolling.

In addition, this place comes alive during special events and festivals, where people gather to celebrate and enjoy outdoor concerts and fireworks.

Visit the Quai Branly Museum

To visit the Quai Branly Museum is to enter a world of diverse cultures and civilizations.

Located on the banks of the Seine River in the heart of Paris, this museum is dedicated to the arts and civilizations of Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas.

Its impressive collection houses thousands of objects and works of art representing the richness and diversity of these cultures.

From African masks to Asian treasures, the Quai Branly Museum offers a unique and enriching perspective on different traditions and artistic expressions.

Visit the Military School

Visiting the École Militaire de Paris is to delve into France’s history and military prestige. Located in the city’s 7th district, this institution is the training ground for the country’s future military leaders.

Visitors can explore its impressive buildings and stroll through its extensive grounds, discovering the monuments and statues honoring prominent figures in French military history.

In addition, the Military School offers guided tours that allow you to learn more about the life and training of the cadets.

Summarizing

After visiting the Eiffel Tower, you will surely be left with an unforgettable impression of this iconic Paris landmark. The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic structures in the world and is the symbol of Paris.

From the top, you can enjoy breathtaking city views, making it a must-see if you are in Paris.

In addition, the Eiffel Tower is a very popular place, so planning your visit in advance is essential. You can buy your tickets online to avoid long lines and save time.

You can also choose to visit the Eiffel Tower at different times of the day, such as at sunset or at night, to enjoy spectacular city views.

If you want a unique experience, consider dining at the Eiffel Tower restaurant. It offers an exceptional dining experience with breathtaking views of the city. Please note that reservations must be made well in advance.

Plan Your Trip to Paris

• Tips for your first trip to Paris
• What to see for free in Paris
• The secret places of Paris
• Visit the Catacombs
• Visiting the Louvre Museum
• Visit the Musée d’Orsay

This post may include affiliate links. This means that we will receive a small fee if you make a purchase through our links. It has no additional cost to you. It’s a win-win!

Hi there! I’m Vero! I’ve always loved traveling! I have been living in France since 2018. And traveling around this awesome country. I love road trips and traveling by van, and also, some comfy getaways :) Check out: Touristear.com

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How To Visit the Eiffel Tower in 2024: Tickets, Hours, Tours, and More!

Brandon Shaw Last Updated: May 28, 2024

The Eiffel Tower is synonymous with Paris. Who doesn’t want to visit this iconic monument and one of the biggest attractions in Europe? Tickets to the Eiffel Tower are hard to come by but don’t worry. This article will cover everything you need to know about how to visit the Eiffel Tower, from tickets to tours.

Pro Tip: Planning your trip to the Eiffel Tower in Paris? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. Check out our guide to Paris and the Eiffel Tower for more planning resources and a list of the best tours of the Eiffel Tower .

Visiting the Eiffel Tower: What We’ll Cover

Gustav Eiffel’s monument hasn’t always been the jewel of Paris, but it certainly is to millions of visitors today. There are three levels you can visit on the Eiffel Tower, so you’ll need to plan your trip accordingly.

All tickets to the Eiffel Tower can be hard to get during the peak summer season, so be sure to plan ahead. Keep reading to learn how to visit the Eiffel Tower and what you need to know.

• Opening hours and tickets
• How long to budget for your visit
• How to get there
• What to see when visiting the tower
• Guided tour options
• Facts and history of the Eiffel Tower
• Best time to visit
• Places to eat inside and nearby

Eiffel Tower Opening Hours and Tickets

Opening Hours:

The Eiffel Tower monument is open daily from 9 am to 12:45 am (last admission at 11:45 pm). Opening hours are subject to seasonal changes, so be sure to check the official website for up-to-date hours on the day of your visit.

There are five different types of admission tickets for the Eiffel tower at varying prices. Some include access by the stairs or the elevator. Here is a quick summary of ticket types and prices.

Address: Champ de Mars

We also run a few amazing Eiffel Tower tours that get 5-star reviews. It’s a great way to guarantee admission and hear insider stories with a local guide!

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  best Eiffel Tower tours to take and why .

How Long To Spend at the Eiffel Tower

Short Answer: 3 hours

Assuming you get tickets or a tour to go up the Eiffel Tower, you should plan on at least three hours. As you’ll read in my below recommendations, I think this is best done in a half-day event including a meal and ideally champagne if you plan on doing things correctly.

If you are reading this then you are very possibly planning ahead for your trip. I recommend putting aside some additional sheckles to have a killer meal on the Eiffel Tower! Eating and exploring would take about 4 hours at lunch or 5 to 6 hours at dinner.

If you can’t get tickets or decide not to go up (which is a true mistake!) you should plan on spending 20 minutes walking through the area until you capture that picture of you touching the top of the Eiffel Tower.

How To Get To the Eiffel Tower

The preferred method of transport in Paris is the metro. The Eiffel Tower is located footsteps away from Camp de Mars / Tour Eiffel station which is on the RER C. You can also get off at the Ecole Militair on Line 8 or Bir-Hakeim on Line 6 which are both within walking distance. When you get out of the metro station look for the Eiffel Tower and you’re there!

You can take the 30, 42, 80, 82, 86 or Direct 2. Get off when you feel you are close enough to walk to the tower.

Luckily, you can see the Eiffel Tower from basically anywhere in Paris. Walk towards it!

Our Best Guided Tours of Paris

Likely to Sell out

Champagne Day Trip From Paris with Lunch

Sometimes the most amazing moments happen by chance. Other times, they are orchestrated by professionals. Explore iconic Champagne houses like Moët & Chandon and Veuve Cliquot hassle-free. We’ve partnered with top wineries, expert guides, and local eateries to offer personalized tours, complete with round-trip transportation from Paris.

Top Selling

Ultimate Taste of Paris Food Tour in Le Marais

Embark on a culinary journey in Le Marais—one of the hippest neighborhoods in Paris. Most food tours in Paris offer cheese and wine, but we include a full, sit-down meal! Enjoy a feast of French cheeses, oysters, street food, boeuf bourguignon, crème brûlée, and more. This 3-hour food tour combines the best of Paris’ culinary heritage and you won’t find a better deal out there!

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  best Paris tours to take and why .

What To See When Visiting the Eiffel Tower

You may read this and think, “You go to the tower, then you go up the tower, and finally, you see a great view. Right?”

In reality, there’s a lot more to do than you may expect. The structure is extremely tall and it is framed by two huge parks that occupy more than 2 million square feet of downtown Paris, France. In this section, we’ll explain what do to in, at the top, and around the Eiffel Tower.

First Floor, Second Floor, and the Summit

Yes, you should make every effort possible to go up the Eiffel Tower. The tickets start at €11.30, which is affordable enough for anyone who can afford a visit to Paris.

However, don’t think you can show up on a Saturday and say, “Two please!” These tickets are extremely difficult to get. You’re going to want to book ahead, especially if you’re looking to see the best view from the summit.

Hungry? Restaurants at the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower may look like a thin, wiry structure but at any given moment there could be up to 3,000 people eating, drinking, or snapping selfies from 58 meters to 276 meters off the ground on the Eiffel’s three observation decks.

When I travel, I’m a bit of a bon vivant . We all work hard, so decompressing on vacation and enjoying the sweet fruits of our labor is super important.

This is why I always say, “If you can, you should go inside.” This goes for eating at Madame Brassiere or Le Jules Verne—if you can. Check out our dedicated article on eating at the Eiffel Tower to plan and even make reservations.

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if  Paris tours are worth it .

Are Eiffel Tower tours worth it?  

Short answer: OUI! (that means YES in French). While seeing the Iron Lady is a wonderful experience if you go by yourself or with friends, the historical value is often lost on visitors. Joining a small group tour of the Eiffel Tower guarantees you get to skip all of the lines, learn from a professional historian, and see Paris’ most famous structure in all of its splendor. Here are our most popular Eiffel Tower tours:

Privileged Access Eiffel Tower Night Tour with Seine River Cruise

This top-rated tour is one of the best Eiffel Tower tours for families, solo travelers, and couples looking for a romantic evening. Your evening starts with a serene cruise on the Seine seeing the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, and Notre Dam as the sun begins to set. On your way back, the Eiffel Tower will be lit up to guide your way to the elevator that will take you to the popular second floor. And with skip-the-line tickets, you’ll avoid the extra long lines in the evening!

See tour itinerary, price, and description

Paris in a Day Tour with Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Notre Dame (includes river cruise)

Paris is home to three famous attractions and you’ll see all of them on this tour. It’s the perfect way to get to know this incredible city from the streets of Montmarte to the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. In just one day, you’ll take pictures of the famous Mona Lisa , gaze upon Notre Dame, cruise the Seine River, and view Paris from the second floor of the Eiffel Tower!

Twilight Magic: Eiffel Tower Summit Tour with Seine Cruise

This Eiffel Tower tour is the most sought-after tour we have in Paris. Not only do you sip champagne on a river cruise, skip the line past the general public, and get a local tour guide, but you also get to visit the summit of the tower for the best view in Paris! Oh, and you’ll even stop at the second floor before heading to the top. It’s an incredible deal that is worth every penny for the memories you’ll make.

Private Eiffel Tower Tour with Champagne and Seine River Cruise

Booking a private tour is always the way to go if your budget allows. With a private guide, you’ll hear explanations about what you’ll see during your Seine River cruise, then be escorted at your own pace past the lines at the Eiffel Tower. The private Eiffel Tower tour with a Seine River cruise is the most elegant way to visit the Eiffel Tower!

Eiffel Tower Climbing Tour with Summit Access

For the active traveler, this climbing tour of the Eiffel Tower is another solid choice. With skip-the-line tickets and a local guide, you’ll climb 674 steps to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. Take in the awesome views from this popular level before getting in the elevator to the summit. You can enjoy your time on either level as long as you like, so don’t forget to make a restaurant reservation!

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if an Eiffel Tower tour is worth it .

Facts and History of the Eiffel Tower

• The Eiffel Tower is located in a park known as Champ de Mars which is in the 7th arrondissement of Paris in France.
• The tower was constructed to be the entrance to the World’s Fair in 1889 and took two years to build.
• It was built by engineer Gustave Eiffel whose innovative design has led to his name going down in the history books. Many said that a structure of this size simply couldn’t be built. I assume that motivated him even more.
• The Eiffel Tower is 1063 feet tall (324m) which makes it about 75 stories tall (14ft per story).
• On average, about 7 million people visit the tower per year making it one of the most visited (ticketed) buildings on Earth. It was constructed to display France’s engineering prowess at the World’s Fair and beyond. Today, it has become the emblem of Paris.
• Mountain Climbers: Apparently when the city decided to add more lights to the tower, approx 20,000 lights, they hired mountain climbers to scale the tower and attach them. I wonder what the electricians union thought about that?
• The tower is host to three levels, two restaurants, and various bars.
• Le Jules Verne, which is a Michelin star-rated restaurant on the second level of the tower. The second is named Le 58, which is on the tower’s first level, 58 meters from the ground.
• The absolute top level features a Champagne bar named “Bar A Champagne”. You don’t need a fancy name to sell a class of Champagne on the summit of arguably the world’s most romantic structure.
• Beyond that, there are multiple buffets, terrace bars, and even a macaroon bar (which makes sense).

Best Time To Visit the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most visited attractions on Earth with 7 million + visitors per year. Reserving ahead is the key to a positive and stress-free experience. If you can get the tickets, when is the best time to go?

At and after sunset is by far the most attractive time to visit the Eiffel Tower. The tower lights up every hour on the hour after sunset for 5 minutes until 1 am or 2 am depending on the season. The 336 lamps/projectors make the tower light up in a very sporadic fashion which is really a joy to look at.

Do a search for when sunset is the day of your visit and show up 45 minutes before sunset. Book your tickets anytime between 45 minutes before sunset to closure. This way you can see the tower at sunset and go up in the same evening.

You can enjoy the Eiffel Tower during the day as well and watch the light show from the ground at night.

An afternoon at the Eiffel Tower can be really great. The official website advises 1.5 hours for the 1st and 2nd levels and 2.5 hours for all three levels, but you can really stay as long as you like.

Visiting during the day allows you to explore and have a casual meal and or drink while walking around.

Try to get tickets to go up around noon. This way you can have a drink and meal while you are in the tower. If you don’t want to eat buffet food, reserve your tickets for later afternoon. Maybe after 4 pm. This way you can have some drinks on the tower at the end of your day before you get ready for dinner.

April 1 to Oct 31:

From April 1st to Oct 31st, the Eiffel Tower will be extremely hard to reserve. Make sure you reserve in advance to get the entry time you like.

I highly recommend joining a guided tour if you go in the summer. The guides really make the tower come to life and it often includes a sunset cruise on the Seine river. Make sure you read the details to know if the tour you are booking includes that. It is an awesome experience.

Nov 1 to March 31:

With the exception of Christmas, you basically will be able to have your pick on what time to visit the tower. I recommend you go in the afternoon as the temperatures may be warmer.

That said, you are going to want to see it at night evening in the winter. If this is the case, dress warm!

Places To Eat Inside and Nearby the Eiffel Tower

When you visit the Eiffel Tower, you have the option of dining in one of three fantastic restaurants on the Eiffel Tower. We’ve also included a few suggestions for great places to eat nearby, Fore more options, check out our article on the best restaurants near the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Madame Brassiere

This is a great restaurant with views over the Seine. The cuisine is also wonderful thanks to Michelin-star chef Thierry Marx who focuses on sustainable foods.

You can opt to eat in the classy restaurant or sit in the more relaxed lounge that also has great city views and is ideal for an evening drink and appetizers. Coming in the morning? They also serve breakfast that’s worth coming early for.

• Priority access to 1st level of Eiffel Tower
• A very high-quality meal crafted by Thierry Marx who received two Michelin stars at Sur-Mesure
• An experience you will not forget.

For me, it is a no-brainer. If you can plan ahead far enough to get the reservation, you should save the extra money for you and another person to enjoy this experience.

Address: Madame Brassiere

Le Jules Verne

The definition of bon vivant is a person who enjoys a sociable and luxurious lifestyle. The photo next to it had better be someone eating a meal at Jules Verne. The restaurant has received 1 Michelin star under all four chefs who have run Le Jules Verne.

Here, a meal will run you €190 – €230 per person for dinner excluding beverages—a five-course and seven-course menu respectively. It might not be for everyone, but if you can you should.

They have a slightly more affordable menu at €105 for lunch excluding beverages for a 3-course tasting menu. Eating at the Jules Verne is a special experience for anyone who can afford it and manages to get a booking.

You can book through their official website. They release timeslots 90 days in advance, so forget about booking a year ahead. You have two choices: the Main Rooms (overlooking the city) and the Alcove (overlooking the interior).

Main Rooms obviously go first, although the website tries to sell the benefits of the Alcove. You can sit down for lunch between 12 to 1:30 pm at 15-minute intervals.

Dinner sit-down times are 7, 7:15, and 7:30 pm. Expect a magnificent 3-hour dining experience for the 5-course menu and longer for the 7-course menu.

Address: Le Jules Verne

Bistrot Buffet

Throughout the 1st and 2nd floors, there are various buffets, snack bars, and shops that will satisfy your hunger or thirst. Exactly what you will expect from a stand-up counter service establishment. Definitely gets the job done.

If you manage to get the coveted ticket to the summit or top tier, definitely put aside a few euros for a glass of champagne. There is a small bar that serves champagne named Champagne A Bar . Very straightforward.

Near the Eiffel Tower

Café de l’Homme : €€€€ | Eiffel Tower Views —You could say this upscale bistro is more about the view than the food but many would say it’s about both. Just across the river located on Place de Trocadéro, this treat would definitely impress that special someone. Be sure to reserve a table with a view in advance or you will only see part of the experience.

Arnaud Nicolas : €€€ | French Cuisine —Enjoy a cut of meat? This institution has earned the most prized awards in France for preparation of pâté and foie gras among other dishes. This is a special meal so make reservations and come hungry.

Where To Stay in Paris

With a city as magnificent as Paris, it can be hard to find the perfect hotel at the perfect price. Explore the best hotels and places to stay in these incredible neighborhoods in Paris.

About Brandon Shaw

Brandon is a co-founder and owner of The Tour Guy and its subsidiary The Roman Guy. He left the States to travel the world at 18 and never looked back! As an official Tour Guide of Rome and Certified Sommelier, he loves to travel the world and share these experiences with his readers.

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7 Practical Tips For Visiting The Eiffel Tower In Paris

Planning to see the iconic tower of Paris? Here are the practical tips for visiting the Eiffel tower with all the information you need to plan your visit.

Visiting Paris without experiencing the Eiffel tower is out of the question!! Like a lighthouse illuminating the City, it shines over the entire capital!

It is indeed a magical French landmark recognizable by all and visited by millions of travelers every year.

Disclaimer:  This post might contain affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) should you choose to sign up for a program or make a purchase using one of our links. It’s okay – We love all of the products we recommend anyway, and you will too! Also, that commission helps us keep this awesome free blog up to date! You can read our  full disclosure here  for more details!

Whether you are passing through Paris for a day , a weekend , or even more, take the time to discover the Eiffel Tower!

In this post, I will explain to you all the A to Z tips for visiting the Eiffel tower so that you can have the best time ever in the presence of this legendary monument.

Psst. .. This post is a massive one! I am talking almost 5K words, so if you want a quick guide to visiting the Eiffel Tower, use can skip to the FAQs section.

Before You Go, Here’s How to Plan Your Visit To Paris: Practical Quick Tips

WHERE TO STAY Best Eiffel Tower Views:  Hôtel Le Walt  (9.0) Luxury stay:  Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel  (8.2) Mid-range stay:  Hôtel Eiffel  (8.7) Budget Stay:  People – Paris Bercy  (8.9) Apartment Rental:  Résidence Charles Floquet  (9.1)  

BEST GUIDED TOURS Louvre Museum guided tour : (4.5/5) Seine River Dinner Cruise : (4.7/5) Montmartre Walking Tour : (4.8/5) Le Marais Walking Food Tour : (4.5/5) Versailles Guided Tour : (4.8/5) Eiffel Tower Guided Tour : (4.4/5) 

• Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more.
• Prepare your trip extensively with this Paris Travel guidebook .
• Don’t forget a universal travel adapter , a travel neck pouch , and comfortable walking shoes .
• Consider getting either the museum pass or the Paris city pass if you plan to visit many attractions. The city pass comes with free transportation and access to the hop-on-hop-off bus. You can read my Paris museum pass review to see if it’s right for you.
• Book this private transfer from CDG airport to Paris to avoid the hustle of figuring out how to get to Paris.

Psst… Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more. If you’re considering travel insurance for your trip, check out World Nomads .

A brief history of the Eiffel Tower 

The Eiffel Tower, often nicknamed “the iron lady” (la dame de fer in French) was built to celebrate the 1889 Universal Exhibition that took place in Paris.

Universal expositions were large public exhibitions held regularly throughout the world since the mid-19th century. They were a technological and industrial showcase for the participants demonstrating the progress and scientific know-how achieved.

The engineer Gustave Eiffel (the same one who also built the Statue of Liberty in New York) had a project to build a tower of exceptional dimensions for its time.

He was able to start the construction work on January 26, 1887, and thanks to the hard labor of 200 workers, it was completed 2 years later. 

Planned to be temporarily exhibited for a period of 20 years, it was finally preserved because it proved to be very popular with tourists and useful for radio communications, and it quickly became the emblem of the capital!

It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and it is one of the most visited paying monument in the world. 

To learn more about the iron lady, here is a brief Infographic. You can also read my post on the interesting facts about the Eiffel Tower .

Ready to visit the Eiffel tower? Here are some of the ticket options for an amazing time at this French icon.

Eiffel Tower: Second Floor Priority Access: Save time at the Eiffel Tower and stay a step ahead of the crowds by choosing this priority-access ticket to the second level . Paris: Eiffel Tower Priority Access with Summit Access: Enjoy priority access to the Eiffel Tower and admire the breathtaking views from the top of the iconic structure by booking this ticket . Eiffel Tower Summit Priority Access with Guided Tour: Meet your guide close to the base of the Eiffel Tower, and enjoy priority access to ascend to the second floor when you book this tour . Here, admire views of Montmartre, the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, and much more. Paris: Eiffel Tower 2nd Floor Priority Access Entry Ticket: Save precious time on a self-guided visit to the Eiffel Tower with this priority entrance ticket to the 1st and 2nd floors of the most popular attraction in Paris Paris: Eiffel Tower Stair Climb to Floor 2 w/ Summit Option: Explore the Eiffel Tower like never before as you climb this monumental tower via stairs by booking this ticket . Eiffel Tower Guided Summit or 2nd Floor Direct Access Tour: Make the best use of your precious time in Paris with this direct access ticket to the Eiffel Tower .

Tips for visiting the Eiffel tower

Here is everything you need to know before visiting the Eiffel Tower!

1. How to get to the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris on the left bank of the Seine.

Wherever you are in Paris, getting to the monument will not be a problem because there are many ways to get there. Here are the best ways to get to the Eiffel Tower.

• Bir-Hakeim station (line 6) : It’s the closest metro station to the tower (11 minutes on foot). 
• Military School Station (line 8) : 15 Minutes walk, you will have to cross the Trocadero gardens to reach the tower.
• Trocadero metro station (lines 6 and 9) : The most scenic route, arriving on the forecourt of the Chaillot palace , it is from here that you will have the most beautiful view of the Eiffel tower .

I suggest you go to the Eiffel Tower by metro to Trocadero station . You will then be able to take the famous photo of the Eiffel Tower from the esplanade, it’s a view not to be missed! Ideal for selfies and souvenir photos.

It takes about 10-15 minutes to walk from the metro station to the entrance of the monument. If you wish to get as close as possible to the Tower by metro, get off at the Bir-Hakeim station .

By train 

Take Champ de Mars/Tour Eiffel Tower RER station (RER line C): It takes 8 minutes to walk from the train station to the entrance of the tower.

Take bus lines 42, 69, 82, and 87 and stop at “Champ de Mars” (south side) or “Eiffel Tower” (closest to the monument on the east side).

The Batobus is a boat service along the River Seine. It has nine stops including one near the Eiffel Tower.

Tickets for the Batobus can be bought directly on the dock at each Batobus station (at the Louvre, Notre Dame…) but I recommend buying them from the internet from this website as it’s more convenient.

There are 3 self-service bicycle stations (stations 2, 36, and 43), all within 5 minutes walking distance from the tower.

By car/Taxi

The nearest car park is the one at the “Quai Branly” museum and below are the average parking rates.

• 24h: 29.40€

However, I wouldn’t recommend this means of transportation. Paris is a very congested city and you will lose time in traffic jams while public transport is numerous and reliable! 

By Sightseeing Bus

There are multiple “hop on hop off” buses in Paris, and all of them obviously go by the Eiffel tower.

This famous Paris city pass includes a ticket for the hop-on hop-off bus and offers a good alternative. Alternatively, you can opt for this 1,2, or 3-day ticket for a hop-on hop-off open-top bus .

If you like walking, it is quite possible to walk across Paris. It takes about 3 hours to cross the city from north to south or from east to west.

Everywhere in the city, you will find small signs dedicated to pedestrians indicating the main monuments nearby, you just have to follow the path! 

As you explore the Eiffel Tower, make sure that you don’t make these Paris mistakes that most tourists make.

2. How to climb the Eiffel tower

Bravo, you’ve reached the Eiffel Tower! Now all you have to do is to climb it! There are two ways to climb the Eiffel tower: The stairs and the elevators . Here are the available options when you want to buy a ticket to climb the Eiffel tower: 

• By stairs: to the first + second floor only
• By stairs + lift: to the first + second floors + lift to the third floor.
• By lift: to the first + second floor 
• By lift: to the First + second + third floors

It is impossible to reach the third floor by the stairs beacue it’s mandatory to use an elevator between the second and third floors. It is also impossible to go up via the stairs and down via the elevator.

So what should you do? Elevator or stairs?   Well, it’s up to you depending on the time you have to visit the tower and your physical condition!

Going up both floors by the stairs is the most economical option but it can also be exhausting (there are over 700 steps in total!) It can also cause dizziness because the ground floor is always in sight for those afraid of heights!

Please note that depending on the weather (either too much wind or the stairs being too slippery because of the cold), the climb via the stairs can be closed and the ascent will only possible via the elevator. 

Going up the floors by elevator is the most comfortable and quickest way to visit the tower. Although today an elevator is a common thing, when the tower was built, it was a real feat!

The two historic elevators are still in operation and carefully preserved. This exceptional heritage still bears witness to the visionary genius of Gustave Eiffel.

The machinery is quite fascinating and you will see that the elevators of the Eiffel Tower have nothing in common with a classic elevator, making it an experience on its own!

3. Things to See at the Eiffel tower

Once you pass the first security check set up in 2018 to counter the risk of terrorist attacks, you will arrive at the Parvis of the Eiffel Tower which offers a unique view of the monument.

While at the foot of the tower, you will realize its full size and the engineering needed to build it. Surrounded by the four pillars North, South, East, and West, this is where your adventure begins!

• At the corner of the North pillar, don’t miss the statue of the father of the tower, Gustave Eiffel, made by Antoine Bourdelle.
• At the West Pillar lies the information point where the staff will answer all your requests and questions about the tower and your visit. 
• At the East and West pillars, there are shops full of Parisian souvenirs , from a simple key ring to a luxury souvenir worth several hundred of euros.

On the Parvis, there is also a small snack buffet with sweet and savory dishes and drinks.

To get on the elevator, go to the EAST or WEST pillars. Visitors with online tickets will need to look for the lines with green flags and go directly to the pillar entrance.

Visitors without tickets will have to queue at the ticket booth to buy one at the yellow flag line. Ticket offices are generally open at both pillars.

Visitors wishing to use the stairs will have to go to the South pillar at the blue flag where a dedicated queue awaits you.

Visitors without tickets will be able to access the ticket booths in a separate queue to buy tickets to the 2nd floor via the stairs or the 2nd floor via stairs + lift to the top.

But as I mentioned above, the queues for people without tickets are usually very long so you’re better off buying your ticket here to skip the long lines .

Related post: How to skip the long lines in Paris

The first floor

Perched 57 meters above ground, the first floor may seem like the least interesting of all three, but there is in fact plenty to see!

Thanks to an oblique and transparent architecture, it has an airy glass floor that allows you to see directly under your feet! The modern and open architecture of the first floor contrasts with the imposing steel feet of the tower.

The first floor also houses one of the coolest restaurants in Paris, Madame Brasserie run by Chef Thierry Marx.

The restaurant serves both lunch and dinner in a stylish and cozy ambiance. It also has a lounge where you can have breakfast or even a snack as you contemplate the beauty of Paris.

While still on the first floor, best sure to check out the discovery trail made up of screens, touch panels, and showcases allowing you to discover all the often little-known aspects of the Eiffel Tower.

Of course, you will also find a souvenir shop to pick up a souvenir as well as another small snack bar.

And of course, you’ll be able to enjoy the views from the Eiffel Tower even though you’re still on the lower level.

The second floor

The arrival on the second floor starts with a glare: Paris offers its splendor to your astonished eyes.

You’ll enjoy a totally unobstructed 360-degree view of the French capital. The Louvre, Montmartre, Notre Dame, and so many others; try to spot all the Paris historical monuments ! 

You can read my previous post to see what views you’ll get from the Eiffel Tower .

While here, you may feel the sensation of height (beware of vertigo) but don’t be afraid, there are large fences separating you from the void making it impossible to fall.

Unfortunately, the second floor is often very crowded and it is sometimes difficult to find your way to take a nice picture!

It is however quite normal because, in my opinion, it is the best floor to contemplate Paris, neither too high nor too low and the angle is perfect to see the capital from a different perspective.

In addition to hosting snack stands and souvenir shops, the second floor also houses the starred restaurant “ Le Jules Verne “.

This luxurious Michelin starred Parisian restaurant provides a breathtaking view of the capital while offering gastronomic and gourmet dishes of the highest quality.

But beware, this is a rather expensive luxury restaurant that requires booking 3+ months in advance and planning a minimum budget of 200 Euros!

A little anecdote, the kitchens of the restaurant are located underground; yes under the tower! All the dishes are then brought up thanks to a lift dedicated only to the restaurant!

The third floor

That’s it! After an incredible ascent in a glass lift, you’ll find yourself perched 276 meters above sea level. I strongly advise against climbing to the third floor if you’re afraid of heights.

From here, Paris will be at your feet and only the antennas (more than a hundred!), will be overhanging you. The noise of the city disappears to give way to the wind and silence covers you because it’s always pretty windy! 

The platform of the third floor is separated into two levels; one completely open and the other sheltered so that you can enjoy the place no matter the weather!

There is also a very realistic wax museum that gives a glimpse in the life the architect Gustave Eiffel who received the famous American inventor Thomas Edison in his office. There are also panoramic orientation panels that allow you to find the directions and distances to the major cities in the world.

The icing on the cake is the champagne bar nestled in the structure of the monument providing you with an opportunity to enjoy a romantic moment with your loved one!

What could be more French than sharing a glass of chilled champagne at the top of the Eiffel Tower? 

Are you visiting Paris for the first time? Make sure that you read this first-timers’ guide to Paris to know exactly how to travel in Paris in the best way possible.

Underground

Did you know that under the Eiffel Tower lies a military bunker? Constructed in 1903 and kept secret for 70 years, a military radio station is hidden under the tower and the Chams de Mars park.

Benefiting from the advantageous position of the Eiffel Tower, this radiotelegraphic station was very useful during the 1st World War as it was used to transmit important strategic radio messages.

In 1925, the first spoken word newspaper in the world was to be heard on the airwaves of the Eiffel Tower!

It finished broadcasting in the middle of the Second World War but there are still a few vestiges of this era in the basement.

Today, the place looks more like an underground museum than a bunker since the place has been demilitarized for a few years now. Throughout the visit, period photographs trace the history of the place and especially of the Tower.

Not far from the radio station, you can discover the incredible engine room! This is where all the machinery used for the tower’s elevators are located. The place is very colorful and gives the impression of going back to the 1900s.

There are signs that explain the ingenious operation of this technological feat of the time. An ingenious system of weights and horizontally moving trolleys allow the lifts to go up and down continuously in a poetic ballet of shapes and colors.

A visit that should not be missed to learn more about what goes on behind the scenes of the tower! 

Unfortunately, it is impossible to visit the radio station and the basement with the standard official ticket but some tour operators offer guided tours.

So how do you choose which floor to visit and what is the best view? Obviously, I advise you to visit all three floors because each one offers a different view and activities!

But if you’re on a budget or short of time, I would suggest visiting the second floor first since it’s the one that offers the best view of the capital, the best angle on the buildings and monuments.

The third floor also offers a “birdview” of the city and will please the lovers of strong sensations. 

4. How to buy Eiffel Tower tickets

As I said before, the Eiffel Tower is the most visited paying monument in the world so, it is ESSENTIAL to book your ticket in advance if you don’t want to waste half a day queuing.

If there are no more tickets available online or if you visit the tower unexpectedly, be patient because you might have to queue for up to 3 hours or more just to buy your ticket! If you add the time waiting for the elevators to go up and down, you’ve lost half a day! 

This website allows you to buy your ticket online for the 2nd floor and/or the third floor up to several weeks in advance.

With the e-ticket system, no queues at the ticket office, you receive your ticket directly by e-mail so that you can print it out at home or keep it on your smartphone.

Each ticket is time-stamped, which means that you will have to choose a time slot among the thirty or so available on the website. 

Plan to arrive well in advance to match your time-stamped ticket. The first security check before accessing the pre-booked line can take up to 30 minutes on busy days, so make sure be sure to plan ahead for a peaceful visit.

First warning : Be careful! Do not book at the last minute especially for the top of the Eiffel Tower because there will be no more slots available! Even out of season, plan at least 2 weeks in advance because tickets are sold out very quickly. 

Second warning : The staircase + lift tickets (2nd floor by stairs then lift to the top) are on sale only on-site. It is impossible to buy them on the website at the moment, don’t ask me why! However, if you opt for a guided tour via stairs, then it’s possible to book the tour online from here .

Take a look at the different offers below and don’t forget that the tickets you can buy are only available for a specific date and time slot.

All these Eiffel Tower skip the line tickets below are sold by Getyourguıde. A reputable tour booking website recommended by thousands of travelers and I can personally vouch for it.

• Eiffel Tower: Second Floor Priority Access: Save time at the Eiffel Tower and stay a step ahead of the crowds by choosing this priority-access ticket to the second level .
• Paris: Eiffel Tower Priority Access with Summit Access: Enjoy priority access to the Eiffel Tower and admire the breathtaking views from the top of the iconic structure by booking this ticket .
• Eiffel Tower Summit Priority Access with Guided Tour: Meet your guide close to the base of the Eiffel Tower, and enjoy priority access to ascend to the second floor when you book this tour . Here, admire views of Montmartre, the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, and much more.
• Paris: Eiffel Tower 2nd Floor Priority Access Entry Ticket: Save precious time on a self-guided visit to the Eiffel Tower with this priority entrance ticket to the 1st and 2nd floors of the most popular attraction in Paris
• Paris: Eiffel Tower Stair Climb to Floor 2 w/ Summit Option: Explore the Eiffel Tower like never before as you climb this monumental tower via stairs by booking this ticket .
• Eiffel Tower Guided Summit or 2nd Floor Direct Access Tour: Make the best use of your precious time in Paris with this direct access ticket to the Eiffel Tower .

Note that if you have booked a meal in one of the two restaurants at the tower, you’ll not have booked a ticket to the Eiffel Tower. These two things are separate, so you’ll need to buy a separate Eiffel Tower ticket to visit it.

The restaurant Madame Brasserie gives you access to a priority queue while the Jule Verne has its own lift! 

Even though the Eiffel Tower is one of the best places to visit in the city , it doesn’t mean that you only have to see popular sites while in Paris. Here are some of the hidden gems of Paris that you should visit too.

5. How long does it take to climb the Eiffel tower?

It is difficult to be specific about the length of the visit as the possibilities are numerous.

It will depend on the day of your visit, the weather, the time of day, the crowds, if you eat on-site, whether you enjoy the view and take your time to take pictures! 

Here is a small breakdown of the waiting times to expect. During my last visit, I spent the whole afternoon at the tower, waiting time included.

Security check

Introduced in 2017, it takes up to 30 minutes during the rush hour to go through the first security check even if you don’t want to climb the tower but only take a stroll under it. There is no waiting in the early morning and late evening though.

Elevator Ticket Line

If you don’t have an online reservation, this is the place to go! This queue can be very long, expect at least one hour, up to three during very crowded days!

Access to the elevators

This line is always quite slow too. Count two hours with a ticket bought on site. If you already have this time-stamped ticket bought online , you will have access to a fast lane and fortunately, the wait will be shorter.

Access to the Summit elevator line:

It takes an average of 30 minutes to get to the third-floor elevator but can go up to one hour during peak hours. 

Stair ticket queue

Most people prefer to take the elevator making this queue rather short, although during the summer months it can still stretch out up to an hour. 

Stairway access

If you choose to go up to the second floor via the stairs, plan between 20 and 40 minutes depending on your fitness level on an average busy day. 

It is sometimes faster to go up the stairs, as the queue for the elevator can be so long! 

If you didn’t book online, when you arrive on-site, try to compare the elevator queue with the tickets’ booth one to make the right decision and waste as little time as possible, that’s if you’re ready to cope with the stairs!

6. What are the opening hours of the Eiffel tower?

Unlike many monuments or museums in Paris , the Eiffel Tower is open every day of the year! The elevators are open from 9:30 am to 11:45 pm and the stairs from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm.

According to the Tower’s official website, the period of the year when the Tower is the least-frequented is obviously during winter in the months of January and February .

On the other hand, all holiday periods (French or European) are to be avoided as well as the summer months when the highest attendance is reached.

Here is a list of holiday days. Note that school holiday periods can vary by a few days year after year.

• Christmas holidays: December 21st to January 12th 
• Winter holidays: February 8th to March 7th 
• Easter Holidays: April 4th to May 2nd 
• Summer holidays: July and August.
• Labour Day: First of May
• Whit Monday: First of June
• Valentine’s Day: February 14th
• Bastille Day: July 14th

To help you choose the best month for your visit, here’s a little chart of traffic per month

7. What is the best time to visit the Eiffel tower?

If you want to have the shortest queuing time possible try to book the very first available time slot on the website.

The earlier you go, the fewer crowds will be as it gets crazy beyond 10 am with coaches uninterruptedly pouring out their streams of tourist groups! 

If you wish to visit the tower at night, the attendance is also a little lower when night falls or around 8 pm, with the exception of the weekend when the crowd remains present until the very last opening hours.

But, don’t forget that the stairs close at 6.30 pm, so if you want to climb, you will have to use the elevator.

Every evening as soon as night falls, every hour on the dot, the Eiffel tower lights up and sparkles for 5 minutes.

I recommend that you do not miss the very last illumination of the day because, unlike the others, the tower is completely off (service lights and public lights) making the flickering even more moving!

The ideal option is to watch the show from the ground, from the Trocadero palace or the Champs de Mars gardens. The icing on the cake is that this one lasts 10 minutes instead of 5! This is truly one of the best things to experience in Paris at night .

Weather-wise, if you are not afraid of rain, the queues are much shorter on bad weather days! But to be honest the rain spoils the party a little bit and I wouldn’t advise you to visit the tower in such weather!

If you are flexible and have time, try to choose a day with the lowest possible air pollution to make sure you get the best view of the city.

You can visit the Air quality monitoring network to find out the air quality day by day in Paris.

Final Thoughts on How to Visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris

Voila! I hope that with these tips for visiting the Eiffel tower, you have all the information you need to organize your visit to this wonderful Parisian landmark without any stress! 

However, if all that was too much information to take in, here is a summary with all the FAQs about visiting the Eiffel Tower

FAQs about visiting the Eiffel Tower

Where is the eiffel tower located.

The Eiffel Tower is located at Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France. For proper directions to the Eiffel Tower, you can use google maps.

What are the opening hours of the Eiffel tower?

The elevators of the Tower are open from 9:30 am to 11:45 pm and the stairs from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm.

What is the best time to visit the Eiffel tower?

Any time is good to see this icon but to make sure you beat the crowds, it’s better to go either early in the morning or late in the evening and also try to avoid the weekends and holidays as it gets crazily crowded.

What is the best way to skip the lines at the Eiffel Tower?

The best way to skip the lines at the Eiffel Tower is to buy this skip-the-line Eiffel Tower tickets online before your visit. Alternatively, you can check out other ways to skip the long lines in Paris here.

What time does the Eiffel tower light up?

The Eiffel tower sparkles every evening as soon as night falls at every hour on the dot for 5 minutes. But the very last one that sparkes at 1 am (2 am during summer) lasts for 10 minutes.

How much are the Eiffel Tower tickets

The Eiffel Tower tickets vary in price depending on whether you want to use the elevator, the stairs, see just the first and second floor or even the third floor, or whether you’re going on a self-guided tour or a guided tour. All of these factors come into play. Putting that in mind, it can range from 10.20€ to 70.20€ depending on what you choose. I have a section in the article about the different tickets, you can check it out and see how much each ticket costs.

Final Thoughts on the Best Tips for Visiting the Eiffel Tower

Have you been to this incredible Parisian icon before? Share with me how your experience went in the comment section and if you’re just planning to visit, I hope these Eiffel tower tips were helpful.

NEVER TRAVEL TO PARIS WITHOUT TRAVEL INSURANCE One of the biggest mistakes you’ll ever make when planning a trip to Paris is to forego Travel Insurance ! You might think that it’s expensive, but when you think of how much it will save you when you lose your valuables or even get sick, then you’ll know that it’s NOT that expensive! Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more. If you’re considering travel insurance for your trip, check out World Nomads .

Check out these posts to help you plan your trip to Paris

• Best Things to do in Paris in April
• Cool Things to do in Paris in May
• What to do in Paris at night
• Best things to do in Paris in January
• What to do in pairs in February
• What to Pack for Paris in winter
• Fun facts about Paris
• Best things to do in Paris in Spring
• Where to find the best views of Paris
• Big mistakes to avoid in Paris
• What to Pack for Paris
• Skip the line tickets for Paris’ popular attractions
• Interesting jokes about Paris
• Paris captions for Instagram
• Famous quotes on Paris

Was this post on the best tips for visiting the Eiffel Tower helpful? Then please consider sharing it with others.

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Esther is the face and voice behind Dreams in Paris! She has always been obsessed with Paris even before she moved there. She has lived in Paris for a couple of years, and that obsession has not changed! That love for Paris, plus her passion for writing led to the birth of Dreams in Paris! She now shares all the practical tips and guides she’s picked along the way to help you plan a memorable trip to the city of love! You can learn more about her here !

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Visiting the Eiffel Tower: Highlights

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated Dec 27, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Lisa Alexander has lived in France, and visited the Eiffel Tower most recently in the spring of 2023.

The world's most-visited tourist attraction has caused a stir ever since it first appeared in Paris over a century ago.

When it was presented at the Exposition Universelle in 1889, visitors were awestruck. No one had ever seen a building this tall or this modern. Nearly two million people made the journey to attend the exposition over several months. Some came just to get a glimpse of the tower. Other brave souls climbed the stairs all the way to the top, which, at that time, required 1,710 steps!

Today, the Eiffel Tower receives around seven million visitors every year. This must-see monument is well-designed to welcome tourists. However, it helps to come prepared for your visit.

To avoid waiting in line, purchase your ticket(s) in advance. Also, consider how much time you'd like to spend here. Giving yourself several hours at the Eiffel Tower allows you to enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants and to go all the way to the top of the tower.

Though the tower was only meant to last for 20 years, it has become the most recognized feature of the Paris skyline. For tourists, visiting this icon is often a highlight of their trip to Paris.

Pillars of the Eiffel Tower

The eiffel tower at night, best places for photos ops, where to stay near the eiffel tower, recommended fine-dining restaurants near the eiffel tower, where to go for a casual meal or coffee break near the eiffel tower, nearby bakeries & chocolate shops, places to shop within walking distance of the eiffel tower, things to do & places to visit near the eiffel tower, tips & tours: how to make the most of your visit to the eiffel tower.

The esplanade at the base of the Eiffel Tower is dominated by four massive pillars, which support the entire weight of the 10,100-ton monument. Gustave Eiffel's engineers Emile Nouguier and Maurice Koechlin worked on mathematical principles to ensure stability.

Because the tower's weight is so well-distributed throughout the framework, the curved base succeeds at securing the structure even in extreme winds. At the ground level, the pressure exerted is only four kilograms per square centimeter, roughly the same weight distribution of a normal-sized adult on the seat of a chair.

The gigantic pillars provide a striking first impression. Much larger than one would expect, the pillars are spacious enough to hold staircases and elevators.

To enter the esplanade and then ascend the Eiffel Tower, you will need a ticket for a specific entrance time. It's recommended to purchase your ticket in advance . Arrive 15 minutes prior to the ticket time.

You may enter the esplanade at the East entrance (from the Avenue de Suffren, walk into the gardens at Rue Buenos-Ayres) or at the South entrance (from the Avenue de la Bourdonnais, walk into the gardens at Rue de l'Université).

Tip: The East entrance is usually less crowded.

To take the elevator to the first and second floors, go to the East Pillar (Pilier Est) or West Pillar (Pilier Ouest). The East Pillar and West Pillar have ticket offices , where you can purchase tickets on the spot (if you did not pre-purchase a ticket). However, keep in mind that you will have to wait in line (and ticket lines can be very long).

If you prefer to climb the stairs (up to the first and second floors) should head to the South Pillar (Pilier Sud) ticket office , where tickets for the stairs can be purchased on the spot. The ticket line is usually not as long when you take the stairs, as compared to the elevator.

The gardens around the Eiffel Tower's esplanade have been recently updated with romantic landscaping. You can admire the lush greenery while waiting in line to enter the tower.

Tip: the East entrance in the gardens is usually less crowded than the South entrance.

The esplanade has a food & beverage kiosk and a buffet-style cafeteria, where you can grab snacks or have a casual meal before exploring the Eiffel Tower. There are also cafeterias on the 1st floor and 2nd floor of the tower.

You can choose to ride the elevator or walk up 360 steps to the 1st floor . At an altitude of 57 meters , the 1st floor floats just above the Paris monuments and provides the perfect viewing platform to appreciate the city's architecture.

Designed with a transparent floor and glass pavilions, the 1st floor features more than 2,000 square meters of outdoor space. There is an open-air terrace with a snack bar, where you can relax and take in the sensational panoramas.

This level has public restrooms; a souvenir shop with many products that are made in France; a buffet-style cafeteria that serves sweets, snacks, and quick meals; and a restaurant, Madame Brasserie , which serves modern French cuisine prepared from seasonal local ingredients.

At an altitude of 125 meters , the 2nd floor offers awe-inspiring vistas of the Paris cityscape. The buildings along the Seine River can be easily distinguished, whereas the 1st level has less perspective, and on the top of the Eiffel Tower, the sights appear small in the distance.

You can take the elevator or climb 344 steps to reach the 2nd floor , which has public restrooms, two gift shops, a buffet-style cafeteria , and a macaron shop. The viewing platform includes telescopes for admiring the scene of Paris. You can see the Louvre, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the meandering Seine River, and Montmartre in the distance.

For gastronomic dining with unforgettable view, try the Michelin-starred Le Jules Verne restaurant. Blending classic French culinary heritage with a contemporary twist, the restaurant presents tantalizing multi-course menus. When arriving at the Eiffel Tower, guests may take the private elevator from the South Pillar that leads directly to the restaurant.

Not for the faint of heart or for those with a fear of heights, the top floor of the Eiffel Tower stands at a dizzying altitude of 276 meters . (The summit with its radio antenna is several meters higher.) To arrive at the top level, you must take the elevator from the second level.

There is a small viewing area inside under a roof and another viewing platform in the open air. From this thrilling vantage point, the astonishing panoramas extend as far as 70 kilometers on a clear day. Paris' monuments look small from this height.

The top level includes Gustave Eiffel's office , which appears exactly as it did when Gustave Eiffel worked here. Wax models show Gustave Eiffel and his daughter Claire meeting with Thomas Edison.

Also on display is the 1:50 scale model of the Eiffel Tower's top floor , which was created in 1889 and shows a previous version of the floor plan.

In the evening, the Eiffel Tower is among the most magical places to visit in Paris. Special lighting effects lend a romantic glow.

At sunset, Golden Lighting illuminates the tower from lamps placed inside the tower's framework. The Golden Lighting was created by electrician and engineer Pierre Bideau in 1985.

Since the year 2000, the tower has featured a dazzling light show that is superimposed on the Golden Lighting. Every night, on the hour from sundown until 11:45pm at night, a Beacon light is cast in a 360-degree rotation, and Sparkling Lights glitter for five minutes.

The Sparkling Lights system is made up of 20,000 light bulbs and required 25 mountain climbers to install over a five-month period. Efficient six-watt light bulbs reduce the energy consumption, making the show more sustainable.

If you are looking for the perfect photo-op with the Eiffel Tower in the background, there are two excellent options: the Place du Trocadéro and the Champ de Mars.

Across the river from the Eiffel Tower, the Place du Trocadéro offers a gorgeous viewpoint. This expansive balcony provides a wide open space and enough distance from the Eiffel Tower to capture the ideal photo.

Closer to the tower, the Champ de Mars allows you to take photos right next to the monument or a little farther away, depending on where the snapshots are taken in the park.

From either of these locations, it is easy to take photos that will become much-cherished memories of the visit. The ideal time to take a photo in front of the Eiffel Tower is in the morning or late afternoon.

The Eiffel Tower presides over the Left Bank of the Seine River in Paris' 7th arrondissement, a chic quartier (neighborhood) with tree-lined avenues and classy Haussmann buildings. As residential neighborhoods, the 7th and the nearby 16th arrondissements give visitors a taste of fashionable Parisian life. Tourists can immerse themselves in the local ambience at sidewalk cafés, open-air markets, and old-time French restaurants.

Luxury Hotels :

• Parisian sophistication and chic contemporary style define the four-star Pullman Paris Eiffel Tower , which is just steps away from the Eiffel Tower and the Seine River. The sleek guest rooms are outfitted with coffee machines and luxuries such as slippers and robes. Many rooms have private balconies, and some rooms have windows that frame the Iron Lady. Amenities include a concierge, room service, and fitness center.
• In the category of hotels overlooking the Eiffel Tower, the Shangri-La Paris Hotel boasts the most stunning views. This lavish five-star hotel in the 16th arrondissement occupies the former residence of Prince Roland Bonaparte. Guest rooms feature classical French decor with sweeping outlooks onto the Eiffel Tower or the Jardins du Trocadéro. Amenities include a pampering spa, indoor swimming pool, and three restaurants.
• The ultimate in luxury and refinement, The Peninsula Paris is an opulent five-star hotel on a quiet residential street in the 16th arrondissement, within easy walking distance of the Eiffel Tower. The minimalistic guest rooms feature fine bed linens, marble-accented bathrooms, and state-of-the-art entertainment centers. The hotel has a spa, fitness center, indoor pool, and six restaurants including one on the rooftop terrace.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• Tucked away on a side street just a few steps from the Champ de Mars park and the Eiffel Tower, the Hôtel de Londres Eiffel appeals to travelers who prefer boutique accommodations. This four-star hotel has a quaint interior decorated in a cheerful style with classic French touches. The cozy guest rooms are outfitted with coffee machines and l'Occitane toiletries; some rooms have Eiffel Tower views.
• The Hôtel La Bourdonnais , across from the Champ de Mars and a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, provides four-star accommodations with a cosmopolitan vibe. This classy boutique hotel has an inviting library and breakfast room where a French-style petit dejeuner buffet is served. The plush interior features rich colors and travel-themed accents. Guest rooms include coffee machines, slippers, bathrobes, and fancy toiletries.
• Nestled in a peaceful residential area, the Hôtel Villa Saxe Eiffel is within easy walking distance of the Champ de Mars and the Eiffel Tower. This four-star hotel offers top-notch amenities: a concierge, fitness center, café, snack bar, and room service. Decorated in a chic contemporary style, the guest rooms feature complimentary coffee and tea and Fragonard toiletries. A typical French breakfast buffet is available.
• The three-star Hôtel Le Cercle - Tour Eiffel is found on a pleasant tree-lined street in a lively residential area near the Eiffel Tower and the Champ de Mars. Tourists will appreciate the wide selection of cafés, restaurants, and shops nearby on the Avenue de la Motte-Picquet. The hotel's spacious guest rooms feature sophisticated decor and flat-screen televisions. Amenities include concierge services and a generous breakfast buffet.

Budget Hotels :

• The three-star Hôtel Eiffel Rive Gauche is found in a charming area of the 7th arrondissement, just a short walk from the Champ de Mars and close to shops and restaurants on the Rue Saint-Dominique and the Rue de Grenelle. The guest rooms are small but stylish and up-to-date. One of the rooms has a view of the Eiffel Tower, while others look out onto the Parisian rooftops. A continental-style breakfast buffet is available.
• In the 7th arrondissement, the Hôtel de France Invalides faces the gilded dome of Les Invalides (about a 15-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower). The cozy guest rooms feature vibrant decor and updated bathrooms. Some of the rooms have views of the Invalides dome. For those traveling alone, the single-person rooms are a good deal. A gourmet breakfast buffet is available.
• On a quiet street behind the bustling Rue Saint-Dominique, the Hôtel de la Tour Eiffel is in a fabulous location near the Eiffel Tower. This two-star hotel has a 24-hour front desk and paid parking available nearby.

• Les Ombres (27 Quai Branly) is a hidden gem on the garden rooftop terrace of the Musée du Quai Branly. In this sublime setting, the dining room delivers impressive panoramas of the Paris cityscape with the Eiffel Tower at center stage. The restaurant serves contemporary French cuisine for dinner. It's a wonderful choice for a romantic dinner near the Eiffel Tower.
• Ducasse sur Seine (19 Port Debilly) delivers a memorable dining experience on a Seine River cruise, with multi-course seasonal menus featuring the refined cuisine of famous chef Alain Ducasse. Options include two-hour lunch cruises and dinner cruises. The cruises board at Port Debilly, a short walk from the Eiffel Tower across the Pont d'Iéna (bridge).
• L'Ami Jean (27 Rue Malar) is an acclaimed restaurant just a short walk from the Champ de Mars and Eiffel Tower. The restaurant serves classic French cuisine in an intimate dining space.
• Restaurant Auguste (54 Rue de Bourgogne) is a Michelin-starred establishment that delights guests with its delicate haute cuisine based on traditional French techniques. Open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner, this sophisticated gastronomic restaurant is a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, past Les Invalides and the Musée Rodin.
• Café Lignac (139 Rue Saint-Dominique) presents the refined cuisine of chef Cyril Lignac in an intimate dining room. This small but upscale restaurant offers a menu of Parisian classics.
• Astrance (32 Rue de Longchamp) is about a 20-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower across the Seine River in the 16th arrondissement. In an airy contemporary-style dining room, the restaurant specializes in contemporary French cuisine with hints of Far East flavors.
• La Fontaine de Mars (129 Rue Saint-Dominique) is tucked away in a quiet courtyard off the bustling street, just steps away from the Champ de Mars and the Eiffel Tower. Opened in 1908, this atmospheric, traditional establishment is one of the oldest bistros in Paris. The restaurant serves old-fashioned French cuisine for lunch and dinner.
• Le Violon d'Ingres (135 Rue Saint-Dominique) is a chic fine-dining restaurant managed by the renowned Parisian chef Christian Constant. The restaurant has earned a Michelin star thanks to its elegant ambience, impeccable service, and superb culinary offerings prepared from seasonal ingredients. The restaurant is open every day for lunch and dinner.
• Arpège (84 Rue de Varenne) treats guests to a gastronomic experience in a sleek modern dining room, which is open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner (closed on weekends). Boasting three Michelin stars, the restaurant has its own organic gardens to supply fresh seasonal produce. The location next to Les Invalides is a bit of a walk from the Eiffel Tower but can be taken as a leisurely jaunt through the 7th arrondissement.
• David Toutain (29 Rue Surcouf) wows guests with its sensational multi-course menus. With creative and contemporary flair, this upscale yet casual restaurant offers avant-garde cuisine prepared from the finest ingredients. The restaurant has two Michelin stars.
• Brasserie Thoumieux (79 Rue Saint-Dominique) is a classic Parisian brasserie with red-velvet-upholstered banquettes and Art Deco lamps. This brasserie dates back to 1923, the Jazz Age, and today presents musical performances on the weekend evenings.

• Le Petit Cler (29 Rue Cler) is a quaint bistro restaurant that serves simple, traditional French dishes at reasonable prices. The restaurant has a cozy dining room, full of old-fashioned charm, and a sunny terrace for enjoying meals al fresco. Le Petit Cler is open everyday for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Café du Marché (38 Rue Cler) draws many locals who enjoy the reasonably priced bistro menu, which is one of the best deals in Paris. Besides its dinner options, the café also offers coffee, croissants, and other snacks. On warm days, the sidewalk terrace is an inviting place to savor a meal while soaking up the neighborhood ambience.
• Café Central (Rue Cler) is another classic French restaurant on Rue Cler that serves high-quality cuisine in a cozy dining room. The menu includes a mix of French classics, Italian appetizers and pasta, and American favorites such as cheeseburgers.
• Bistro Saint Dominique (131 Rue Saint-Dominique) is an inviting French bistro on the bustling Rue Saint-Dominique. The menu includes classic French bistro dishes and some Italian specialties. The restaurant has a pleasant outdoor terrace in a quiet courtyard.
• Le Bistro Parisien (Port de la Bourdonnais) has spectacular outdoor terrace seating by the Seine River banks and a dining room that overlooks the Eiffel Tower. The restaurant focuses on seasonal French cuisine and is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner. This restaurant is one of the most scenic places to eat near the Eiffel Tower.
• Les Deux Abeilles (189 Rue de l'Université), a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, provides a relaxing retreat in a dainty dining room decorated with floral wallpaper and handsome antiques. The restaurant/tea salon serves brunch, lunch, and afternoon tea.
• Pottaka (4 Rue de l'Exposition), a few blocks from the Champ de Mars, is a casual restaurant that serves simple, fresh cuisine including innovative takes on classic French dishes and specialties of the Basque region. The restaurant offers outdoor dining on the terrace (or to-go meals) from Wednesday through Sunday for lunch, dinner, and tapas.
• Zia (22 Avenue de Tourville) is a family-run coffee shop and eatery that serves American-style breakfast, brunch, and lunch. With its light, market-fresh cuisine and friendly atmosphere, this friendly neighborhood spot is a great place for a casual meal break near the Eiffel Tower. They also offer gourmet "picnics to-go" that may be ordered ahead of time.
• Bistrot Le Champ de Mars (45 Avenue de la Bourdonnais) serves up a traditional French bistro cuisine, along with international favorites, in a quintessential 1940s Parisian-style dining space. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this stylish bistro is in the heart of the 7th arrondissement just 400 meters from the Eiffel Tower.
• Les Cocottes (135 Rue Saint-Dominique) caters to locals and tourists seeking a trendy ambience and hearty cooking. This stylish little bistro serves classic French dishes for lunch and dinner (Tuesday through Saturday).
• Brasserie Le Suffren (84 Avenue de Suffren), just steps away from the Champ de Mars, is a typical French brasserie that serves affordably priced, traditional French cuisine in a contemporary-style dining room or on the pleasant outdoor terrace.

• Maison Bergeron (112 Rue Saint-Dominique) is a destination for croissants, bread, sandwiches, and traditional pâtisserie specialties such as macarons, fruit tarts, eclairs, cannelés , and mousse cake.
• Maison Le Roux (52 Rue Saint-Dominique) makes visitors swoon over its handmade chocolate truffles, caramels, and other sweets. This artisanal boutique is also a great place to pick up gift boxes of chocolate candies to bring home.
• Jean-Paul Hévin (23 Bis, Avenue de la Motte-Picquet) is another artisanal chocolatier that offers chocolate truffles, chocolate bars, macarons, and chocolate cakes. Tourists will also appreciate the boxed chocolates and creative gift items.
• Lenôtre (36 Avenue de la Motte-Picquet) is one of the finest pâtisserie shops in Paris with a wide selection of artisan chocolates, classic French pastries, macarons, and decadent desserts.
• À la Mère de Famille (35 Rue Cler) holds the distinction of being the oldest chocolaterie in Paris. Founded in 1761, this esteemed chocolate shop creates chocolate truffles and other confections in the traditional artisanal manner. The boutique also sells cakes, macarons, and ice cream, as well as fancy gift boxes filled with the house specialties.

• Avenue de la Motte-Picquet , just a short walk from the Champ du Mars, is lined with exquisite pâtisserie shops, artisan chocolate boutiques, high-end retail boutiques, trendy restaurants, and tempting pâtisserie shops.
• Rue Cler is a pedestrian street where open-air markets are held daily in the morning. This street in the 7th arrondissement is well known by locals as a place to shop for high-quality groceries and gourmet specialty foods. There are also authentic French restaurants, bistros, cheese shops, bakeries, colorful flower boutiques, and chocolate shops (including two renowned Parisian chocolatier s: Alain Ducasse and À la Mère de Famille).
• Saxe-Breteuil Market is an open-air farmers market in the 7th arrondissement, where locals shop for fresh produce. It's also a good place for tourists to pick up supplies for a picnic.
• Rue de Grenelle near the Champ de Mars also has many casual restaurants, cafés, bakeries, retail shops, and grocery stores (handy for those who want to pick up picnic supplies).
• Rue de Passy : A short walk from the Eiffel Tower across the Seine River, the Rue de Passy, in the chic 16th arrondissement, is an upscale bourgeois address. The street is brimming with clothing stores, jewelry boutiques, enticing chocolate shops, and bakeries.
• Avenue Montaigne in the 16th arrondissement is the go-to shopping street for fashionistas in search of the latest designer clothes. This elegant avenue is lined with haute-couture fashion boutiques such as Chanel, Christian Dior, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Valentino.
• Beaugrenelle Shopping Center (12 Rue Linois) in the neighboring 15th arrondissement is about a 20-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower. Open every day, this multi-purpose shopping center is filled with fashion boutiques, home decor stores, restaurants, cafés, and sweet shops. The center also has a state-of-the-art cinema that screens the latest film premieres.

• Scenic Cruise on the Seine River: For many tourists, a Seine River cruise is a highlight of their Paris vacation. Docked on the Seine River near the Eiffel Tower are several companies that offer boat tours, including Bateaux Parisiens (Port de la Bourdonnais) and Vedettes de Paris (Port de Suffren). Another option is a Paris Sightseeing Tour that includes a Seine River cruise and skip-the-line entry to the Eiffel Tower.
• Picnic on the Champ de Mars : In the shadow of the Iron Lady, this expansive green space offers inspiring views. The spacious lawn is a popular spot among locals for picnics. Tourists can pick up a baguette, cheese, and other picnic foods on Rue Cler, Rue Saint-Dominque, or Rue de Grenelle, which have traditional bakeries and cheese shops. The Avenue de Suffren, parallel to the park, has a couple of supermarkets.
• Visit the Musée du Quai Branly : Considered one of the top museums in Paris , the Musée du Quai Branly displays ethnic art from all over the world. The wide-ranging collection, from African tribal masks to Japanese drawings, is sure to expand horizons. This museum is one of the best places to visit in Paris to learn about the art and civilizations of various regions in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Oceana.
• Stroll in Trocadéro Gardens : A leisurely ramble through the Jardins du Trocadéro gives tourists a chance to admire the Eiffel Tower in all its glory. The spacious fountain-adorned gardens provide the perfect perspective of the Iron Lady's graceful metal structure. During the day, this is a favorite spot for photo ops. In the evening, the garden's 20-cannon fountains are illuminated, creating a breathtaking scene.
• Amusing Activities for Kids : At the foot of the Eiffel Tower, the Carrousel de la Tour Eiffel (on the Promenade Quai Branly) is a double-decker merry-go-round that kids will adore. In the Jardins du Trocadero, the Aquarium de Paris dazzles kids with colorful fish from all over the world. The Champ de Mars has an old-fashioned Théâtre de Marionnettes (puppet theater) that presents enchanting fairy-tale stories (French language only).
• Learn About France's Military History : About a 15-minute walk away from the Eiffel Tower is one of the top tourist attractions of Paris . The Hôtel National des Invalides, also known as Les Invalides, was created by King Louis XIV as a hospital for disabled war veterans. The 17th-century building continues to operate as a hospital for injured soldier and also houses the Musée de l'Armée (Army Museum), as well as the Eglise du Dôme (Church of the Dome) that contains the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte.
• Tours of the Eiffel Tower: To avoid an hours' long wait, tourists can book an Eiffel Tower Skip the Line 2nd Level Access Ticket . This one-hour tour whisks participants ahead of the crowds and straight up to the Eiffel Tower's second level, where a tour guide shares interesting details about the Eiffel Tower and the Paris landmarks seen from viewing platform.
• Paris Sightseeing Tours : A more comprehensive sightseeing tour, the Eiffel Tower Priority Access Summit Option with Seine River Cruise and City Tour is a four-hour itinerary that includes skip-the-line access to the Eiffel Tower, a Seine River Cruise, and a coach tour of Paris' beautiful boulevards and historic monuments.
• Tickets: Prices vary depending on the type of visit. A lift ticket to the first and second floors is more expensive than a stairs ticket to the same levels. The ticket cost also increases if it includes access to the top of the tower. To avoid waiting in line, you can buy lift tickets online two months in advance and up to three hours before your visit.
• Discount Tickets : Discount ticket prices are available for children age four to 11, and youth under 24 years old. Admission is free for children age three and younger.
• Opening Hours : The Eiffel Tower is open year-round. For most of year, the hours are from 9:30am until midnight. During summertime, the hours are extended from 9:00am until 1:45am. More information about the Eiffel Tower opening hours is found on the official website.
• Avoiding the Crowds: With nearly seven million visitors a year, the Eiffel Tower is one of the most-visited tourist attractions in the world, so it gets crowded. The least crowded times are around 9am and after 6pm (in summer, the Eiffel Tower is open later in the evening).
• Climbing the Eiffel Tower: You can skip the elevator lines by taking the stairs, saving a few euros as well. Keep in mind that there are 360 steps to the first floor and another 344 steps (for a total of 704 steps) to the second floor. The top of the tower is not accessible by stairs.
• Watch Your Valuables: Pickpockets know that this is the top tourist attraction in Paris, and unfortunately, thefts occur here, especially in the crowded areas and elevators. Be sure to attach a camera strap to avoid dropping it from the viewing platforms.
• Accessibility: The 1st floor and 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower are wheelchair-accessible by elevator. The top of the Eiffel Tower (third level) is not accessible to wheelchair users. Tip: At the ticketing entrance at the base of the Eiffel Tower, the Groups Counter at the West Pillar (Pilier Ouest) provides faster service to visitors with disabilities.
• Getting to the Eiffel Tower: The nearest Métro stations are Bir-Hakeim, Trocadéro, Iéna, and Passy. The RER train stops at the Champ de Mars - Tour Eiffel station. The most relaxing way to arrive is by Batobus (a boat that makes nine stops along the Seine River), which drops passengers off at the Port de la Bourdonnais, within easy walking distance of the Eiffel Tower.
• Parking : The most convenient parking near the Eiffel Tower is at the Parking Pullman Tour Eiffel lot (18 avenue de Suffren) just 300 meters away from the entrance to the monument. Another option is the Parking Quai Branly lot (25 Quai Branly), 500 meters away from the Eiffel Tower.
• La Tour Eiffel, Champ de Mars, 75007 Paris
• https://www.toureiffel.paris/en

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More on France

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!

More From This Trip

• British Airways Business Class Review – 777 from JFK to LHR
• London Travel Guide
• Things to do in London with Kids – Family Travel Guide + Tips
• How to Use the London Underground – A Beginner’s Guide to the Tube
• Bankside Hotel London Review
• London Eye Visitor Guide – How to Visit the Iconic Ferris Wheel in London
• Stonehenge Visitor Guide + Inner Circle Tour Review
• Little Venice London Boat Ride Guide & Review
• Visiting London Transport Museum
• Complete Guide to Big Ben in London
• Borough Market Visitor Guide
• Best Views of Paris that Aren’t the Eiffel Tower
• Visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris – A Complete Guide
• Walking in Paris – 5 perfect walks through Paris with maps
• Paris with Kids – Planning Guide, Things To Do & Tips
• Montparnasse Tower Visitor Guide + Tips
• Amsterdam with Kids – Planning Guide, Things To Do & Sample Itinerary

©k_samurkas/Shutterstock

Eiffel Tower

Top choice in Paris

Lonely Planet's Ultimate Guide

Explore insider tips, fascinating history and surprising secrets to make the most of your experience.

There are different ways to experience the Eiffel Tower, from a daytime trip or an evening ascent amid twinkling lights, to a meal in one of its restaurants. And even though some seven million people come annually, few would dispute that each visit is unique – and something that simply has to be done when in Paris.

Named after its designer, Gustave Eiffel, the Tour Eiffel was built for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World's Fair). It took 300 workers, 2.5 million rivets and two years of nonstop labor to assemble. Upon completion, the tower became the tallest human-made structure in the world (324m) – a record held until the 1930 completion of New York's Chrysler Building. A symbol of the modern age, it faced opposition from Paris’ artistic and literary elite, and the ‘metal asparagus’, as some snidely called it, was originally slated to be torn down in 1909. It was spared only because it proved an ideal platform for the transmitting antennas needed for the newfangled science of radiotelegraphy.

Sporting six different colors throughout its lifetime, the tower has been painted red and bronze since 1968. Work is underway to strip the previous 19 coats and apply the yellow-brown shade originally conceived by Gustave Eiffel, giving it a new golden hue in time for the 2024 Olympics.

First floor: cafe and souvenir shop

Of the tower's three floors, the 1st (57m) has the most space but least impressive views. The glass-enclosed Pavillon Ferrié houses an immersion film along with a small cafe and souvenir shop, while the outer walkway features a discovery circuit to help visitors learn more about the tower’s ingenious design. Check out the sections of glass flooring that provide a dizzying view of the ant-like people walking on the ground far below. This level also hosts the restaurant  58 Tour Eiffel . The 1st floor's commercial areas are powered by two sleek wind turbines within the tower.

Second floor: Le Jules Verne restaurant

Views from the 2nd floor (115m) are the best – impressively high but still close enough to see the city below. Telescopes and panoramic maps pinpoint locations in Paris and beyond. Story windows give an overview of the lifts’ mechanics, and the vision well allows you to gaze through glass panels to the ground. Also up here are toilets, a souvenir shop, a macaron bar, and Michelin-starred restaurant  Le Jules Verne .

Top floor: Champagne bar and 'secret apartment'

Views from the wind-buffeted top floor (276m) stretch up to 60km on a clear day, though at this height the panoramas are more sweeping than detailed. Celebrate your ascent with a glass of bubbly (€13 to €22) from the Champagne bar (open 10.15am to 10.15pm). Afterwards peep into Gustave Eiffel’s restored top-level office, otherwise known as the 'secret apartment', where lifelike wax models of Eiffel and his daughter Claire greet Thomas Edison. 

Tours, tickets and other practicalities

Visitors must pass through security at the bullet-proof glass barriers surrounding the tower's base. The two entrances to the glass enclosure are on avenue Gustave Eiffel; the two exits are on quai Branly.

Ascend as far as the 2nd floor (either on foot or by lift), from where there's a separate lift to the top floor (closed during heavy winds). Pushchairs must be folded in lifts and bags or backpacks larger than aeroplane-cabin size aren't allowed. Note that the top floor and stairs aren't accessible to people with limited mobility.

Pre-purchasing tickets online gives you an allocated time slot and means you only have to queue for security. Print your ticket or show it on your phone. If you can’t reserve your tickets ahead of time, expect lengthy waits for tickets in high season.

Stair tickets can't be reserved online. Buy them at the south pillar, where the staircase can also be accessed: the climb consists of 360 steps to the 1st floor and another 360 steps to the 2nd floor.

If you have reservations for either restaurant, you're granted direct post-security access to the lifts.

For the best view of the light show, head across the Seine to the Jardins du Trocadéro.

How to get there

The nearest Metro stop is Bir Hakeim, while the nearest train station is Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel (RER C).

Champ de Mars, 5 av Anatole France, 7e

Get In Touch

08 92 70 12 39

https://​www​.toureiffel​.paris​/

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Climbing The Eiffel Tower Will Soon Cost You More

Exploring the Eiffel Tower will become more expensive as Paris prepares to revamp the experience of its most famous landmark for tourists.

Faith Katunga • Jun 10, 2024

Exploring the Eiffel Tower will become much more expensive in June as Paris prepares to revamp the experience of its most famous landmark for tourists. According to a recent report by French network BFMTV , starting June 17, the cost of ascending the Eiffel Tower will see an uptick. The price increase will affect those who prefer the elevator and the adventurers who scale the tower by stairs.

For adults seeking to reach the pinnacle viewpoint via elevator, the price will leap from the current €29.40 ($31.58) to €35.30 ($37.91). Similarly, an adult ticket for elevator access to the second floor will ascend from €18.80 ($20.19) to €22.60 ($24.27). Those opting for the stairway will also feel the pinch, with prices rising from €11.80 ($12.67) to €14.20 ($15.25). However, tickets for kids under four will remain free.

The Reasoning Behind the Eiffel Tower Price Hike

The price adjustment is not an isolated decision. The rationale behind this increment is deeply rooted in the pandemic’s impact on tourism. The Eiffel Tower is a magnet for nearly 7 million visitors annually. Still, with a staggering 75% of the population being foreigners, it faced a drastic drop in foot traffic due to the COVID-19 pandemic. BFMTV reports that in 2020, the tower welcomed a meager 1.5 million visitors compared to its usual numbers. This downturn led to a financial loss of €113 million ($121.3 million) from 2020 to 2022.

Beyond the financial recuperation efforts, the timing of the price hike is also strategic as Paris gears up for the Summer Olympics . The Eiffel Tower, a must-visit for many tourists, will remain operational during the games, except for the opening ceremony on July 26. The ceremony, set to unfold along the Seine with a boat parade of athletes and concluding at Trocadéro, necessitates the temporary closure of the tower due to its proximity to the event’s culmination point.

This price increase is significant for potential visitors and the city of Paris. For tourists planning a trip to the French capital, this news serves as a crucial update for budgeting purposes. Meanwhile, for Paris, it represents an attempt to recover from the financial setbacks caused by the pandemic while also preparing for an influx of visitors during the Olympics.

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50 days to go - Paris 2024: the Eiffel Tower wears the Olympic rings

The Eiffel Tower is dressing up for the Olympic Games. On Friday 7 June, the five Olympic rings were installed between the first and second floors of the Eiffel Tower with 50 days to go until the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 .

Parisians could see them on their way to work, as about 200 workers and security agents laboured through the night to ensure everything was ready by the early morning.

Hélène, who lives nearby and came out of curiosity, said: "We finally realise that the Olympics are happening soon. It looks nice, it brings a bit of colour to the Eiffel Tower."

The rings, also known as " spectaculars ", were the stars of the show due to their gigantic format – 29 metres wide, 13 metres high and about 30 tonnes. Each ring has a diameter of nine metres.

Paris 2024 president Tony Estanguet commented: "It is wonderful. There are a lot of emotions, and we can feel that things are happening. With the Olympic Torch Relay travelling across the country and now with the unveiling of the Olympic rings, it will transform the face of Paris and rally the entire nation for these memorable Olympic Games."

Paris 2024 medals reveal: A look back at some of the most memorable designs

Colour rings by day, white rings by night

It was a natural choice for the hosts to pick the Eiffel Tower. "We wanted the most iconic symbol of the Olympics – the rings – to meet the most iconic symbol of Paris – the Eiffel Tower," said Paris 2024 managing director Michaël Aloïsio .

The Eiffel Tower also inspired the design of the medals , each of which contains a piece of the iconic structure, as well as the design of the podiums , which feature its geometric shapes carved into them.

"The Eiffel Tower is the most beautiful symbol of the capital city of our country; that is why it is the core of most of our projects, " added Estanguet

The Olympic rings will be in their traditional colors – blue, yellow, black, green, and red from left to right – by day, and will turn white by night, as the black ring would be barely visible in the dark. Made of 100,000 low-intensity LEDs, the rings will shine until the end of the Paralympics in late September.

The impact of the weather

Before shining on the Eiffel Tower, the Olympic rings were made and tested elsewhere in France. ArcelorMittal , the company in charge of the torches and cauldrons for the Olympic Torch Relay , oversaw their production.

A fully recycled iron structure was first made in late 2023 by ArcelorMittal in Châteauneuf (Loire) and Le Creusot (Saône-et-Loire). The iron was then laminated in Dunkerque (Nord), cut in Denain (Nord), and folded, welded and painted near Épinal (Vosges) in May 2024.

According to ArcelorMittal project manager Pierre Engel , two factors had to be considered by the engineers: "the weight and the resistance to the weather. Paris can be windy, especially around the Eiffel Tower."

"We had to make sure the rings respond dynamically under the wind. We did not want to take any risks. You have to tame the elements."

A full-scale test was held in May to assess the stability and assembly of the Olympic rings. The 11 parts of the rings were transported to Paris by truck and assembled there.

The Eiffel Tower is now dressed for the occasion and ready to be admired by thousands of people gathered along the River Seine, as well as by billions of viewers on 26 July during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony.

Related content

Paris Olympics organizers unveil a display of the five Olympic rings mounted on the Eiffel Tower

The Paris Olympics organizers on Friday unveiled a display of the five Olympic rings mounted on the Eiffel Tower as the French capital marks 50 days until the start of the Summer Games.

The structure of rings, made of recycled French steel, will be displayed on the south side of the 135-year-old landmark in central Paris, overlooking the Seine River.

Thousands of athletes will parade through the heart of the French capital on boats on the Seine along a 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) route in the opening ceremony at sunset on July 26.

There will be no shortage of iconic venues at the Paris Olympics.

The tower, nicknamed La Dame de Fer (The Iron Lady), will feature prominently in the July 26-Aug. 11 Paris Games and the following Paralympics.

Men’s and women’s volleyball players will compete at the foot of the 330-meter (1,083-foot) monument.

They will be watched by nearly 13,000 fans at the temporary Eiffel Tower Stadium on the nearby Champ de Mars, where Parisians and tourists like to have picnics on the grass or watch July 14 firework displays.

The Olympic and Paralympic medals in Paris are being embedded with pieces from a hexagonal chunk of iron taken from the tower.

The hugely popular landmark in central Paris has seen soaring visitor numbers in the leadup to the 2024 Games.

Two huge cranes were used overnight Friday to lift the 30—ton structure and mount it between the first and second floors of the tower.

The Olympic rings will be illuminated every night with 100,000 LED bulbs through the Paralympic Games that start Aug. 28, 17 days after the Olympics’ closing ceremony.

The Paralympics will bring together 4,400 athletes from 180 countries in 549 events and 22 sports. Many sports will take place near landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, Versailles and the Grand Palais.

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There's now an Eiffel Tower in Indy on Georgia Street. Really.

Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated where the Eiffel Tower will go after the U.S. Olympics Trials. No decision has been made. The French took more than two years to build the Eiffel Tower. But in just a few weeks this spring, dozens of Hoosiers built their own.

A much smaller Eiffel Tower now stands on Georgia Street and South Capitol Avenue, welcoming visitors and attendees to the Olympic swimming trials at Lucas Oil Stadium. This tower is much smaller than the original, measuring seven stories high and weighing a mere 18,000 pounds.

As hundreds of swimmers prepared to descend on Indianapolis for the trials that start this weekend, local welders, engineers and sheet-metal suppliers raced to finish a project that some say might have otherwise taken years to complete.

“I saw this as a really crazy experiment,” said Brian Hull, owner and founder of Maker Factory and an engineer on the project, which was sponsored by Indiana Sports Corp.

“It was a great opportunity to bring some of the most talented Hoosiers in engineering and construction together to make a monumental thing happen right downtown."

Why Indy has an Eiffel Tower

The Indiana Sports Corp. formed a committee to create a project that would capture the spirit of both Central Indiana and the Paris Olympics.

They settled on a miniature Eiffel Tower.

“They were trying to make a connection or a relationship with Paris with this project,” Hull said. “I was reading it like an art piece.”

Most of the original design ideas proposed towers emblazoned with the Indy logo or other Hoosier-related themes, but the committee eventually settled on a simple design identical to the tower’s Parisian inspiration, only smaller with no stairs or elevator.

How to build an Eiffel Tower

The Latinas Welding Guild, a local non-profit that provides underprivileged communities with industry certifications, were commissioned to do most of the work.

Once the tower’s appearance was settled, the hard part began: Engineering it so it would stay upright. Hull designed an intricate digital model of the tower that specified every measurement down to the shapes of the connections between beams.

The original design for the tower was only 50 feet tall, but the engineers realized that would make it too easy to climb, so they increased the size of the trusses so the tower grew to 66 and eventually 70 feet.“To me, it seems like a small building at this point," Hull said. "It’s not really the scale that a sculpture would be."

The engineers divided the Indy Eiffel Tower into multiple sections separated by giant metal plates, allowing three different construction firms to work on it simultaneously. Then, workers assembled the sections like a colossal French Lego set.

F.A. Wilhelm Construction constructed the bottom, Poynter Sheet Metal the middle and the Latinas Welding Guild the top. Construction took just a few weeks, as the teams raced to finish. Collaboration was key.

“There were just tremendous deadlines that were probably unrealistic,” Hull said. “If one person doesn’t hit a deadline, then it can’t go to the next one, or the next, and it holds everybody up.“

Inside the Latinas Welding Guild

The Latinas Welding Guild has a small workshop compared to larger companies. They’re a teaching facility, so between small booths used for student practice are boxes full of scrap welding projects.

At one point, employees from Poynter came to visit the workshop, said Conseulo Lockhart, the Guild's founder and executive director, because they and the guild were constructing identical legs of the tower.

“They came in and they were like, ‘Where’s your crane?’ They didn’t understand how we were able to do the same projects without the same equipment they would have,” Lockhart said. “We’re all really scrappy. I was telling them when they were here, ‘I’ve done more with less.’”

The Guild team double- and triple-checked that they had all the parts. Then, it was time to weld. Welders used welding guns to shoot molten steel wires across a seam, linking two large metal beams together, said Tito Calderon, a welder and fabricator. Completing the tower involved about 10,000 welds, each of which takes a couple of minutes to do.

Meanwhile, at Wilhelm, employees worked through a weekend to dry assemble the tower’s base. The Wilhelm team encountered a small problem. The pieces in the base of the tower didn’t quite line up, leaving gaps in the seams. The team discussed custom-bending the pieces to fit, but time was running out. Instead, they filled the gaps with weld.

Still, Hull said the structure is sturdy.

“As long as you get the proper weld on there, it’s all going to be stronger than you can imagine,” Hull said. “One square inch of weld can hold 20,000 pounds.”

A little Paris on Georgia Street

At the Guild, one completed piece of the tower nearly reached the 18-foot ceiling. Calderon and his colleagues proved that even with the larger trusses, one could still climb from beam to beam.

When the Guild finished their biggest chunk of the Eiffel Tower, they faced a fresh challenge: Getting it out of the building without a crane. They flipped the vertical piece sideways.

“It barely fit through the door,” Calderon said. “We had some forklifts on both ends and then we kind of had one (going backwards) in neutral and then the other one was pushing. It was kind of sketchy, but we got it out of there and up in the air.”

Then, there was nothing to do but wait for Wilhelm workers to install the tower.

Can you climb Indy's Eiffel Tower?

As of Monday morning, the Indy Eiffel Tower stands deceptively short against the Indiana Convention Center.

The structure is strictly off limits for climbers. There will be 24-hour security in front of it to ensure that no one attempts to scale or damage it.

About 20 people have already inquired about getting married under it, according to Lockhart. Indiana Sports Corp has received several proposals for where the tower should go after the trials but a final decision has not been made.

Now that the Indy team has proved it can do this, Lockhart said the town of Paris, Illinois, has reportedly requested its own miniature Eiffel Tower.

“I feel like a lot of people were doubting that we were even going to have the capability of doing this,” Calderon said. “But we all came together as a team and really, really showed up.”

Alex Haddon is a Pulliam Fellow. You can email her at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: how Indy Eiffel Tower built by local Latinas Welding Guild

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News | A Paris judge questions 3 men suspected of ‘psychological violence’ at Eiffel Tower

French prosecutors say three people have been released from custody pending further investigation after they allegedly placed five coffins at the foot of the eiffel tower.

According to officials at the Paris prosecutor’s office, the three — citizens of Bulgaria, Germany and Ukraine — placed the coffins, covered with a French flag that included an inscription reading “French soldiers of Ukraine,” near the Eiffel Tower on Saturday,

The motive for the incident was unclear. France is on its highest alert level ahead of the July 26-Aug. 11 Summer Games in Paris and the lavish open-air ceremony on the River Seine .

On Monday, the three men were questioned by an investigative judge. The prosecutor’s office asked that they be charged with premeditated violence, the officials told the Associated Press. Placing coffins at the foot of the Paris landmark that millions of tourists visit every year “is considered an act of psychological violence,” and caused employees of the landmark and others “an inability to work,” the officials said. They spoke on condition of anonymity because of a pending investigation.

The investigating judge didn’t file charges, however, but named the three as assisted witnesses, a special status under French law, the prosecutor’s office said. They will remain free pending further investigation.

Those detained in the Eiffel Tower incident include the driver of the vehicle that transported the coffins, a 39-year-old Bulgarian, as well as two people associated with him — a 25-year-old German man and a 16-year-old Ukrainian, who was arrested aboard a Paris-Berlin bound Flixbus, the officials said.

On Friday, French authorities raised preliminary terrorism charges against an 18-year-old accused of plotting to target spectators at soccer games at the Paris Olympics. It was the first such thwarted plot targeting the Games, which start in eight weeks.

The Olympic rings will be displayed on the Eiffel Tower. The Olympic and Paralympic medals in Paris are being embedded with pieces from a hexagonal chunk of iron taken from the monument.

The Eiffel Tower coffins appeared after other strange incidents in recent months worrying French authorities.

Last month, graffiti showing red hands appeared on the Holocaust Memorial in Paris . And in October, soon after the start of the Israel-Hamas war, stencils of blue Stars of David appeared on Paris buildings.

French authorities accused Russian security services of stirring up controversy around the stars. French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne said both incidents involved people paid to destabilize and drive wedges in French society.

Surk reported from Nice, France.

Follow AP coverage of the Paris Olympics https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games

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History, key figures, lights, paintings, explore all the secrets of the world's most iconic monument

Eiffel tower facts, height & weight

An object of discord, desire and fascination, the Eiffel Tower never fails to impress. Enriched by a history full of new developments, here you can discover all of its key information.

Origins and Construction of the Eiffel Tower

It was for the 1889 Exposition Universelle , the date that marked the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, that a great competition was launched in 1886.

Gustave Eiffel

The Eiffel Tower during the 1889 Exposition Universelle

Art and the Eiffel Tower

From the beginning the Tower was an attraction, but in the 1920s it became a symbol of modernity and the avant-garde. Little by little, its image was associated with Paris, until it even became its worldwide symbol.

The Eiffel Tower Laboratory

The Eiffel Tower was supposed to be destroyed only 20 years after its construction. To remedy the situation, Gustave Eiffel had the ingenious idea of crediting it with a scientific purpose – the Tower was saved!

The Eiffel Tower’s Lifts

Painting the Eiffel Tower

History of the restaurants

For the Universal Exhibition of 1889, four majestic wooden pavilions designed by Stephen Sauvestre decked the platform on the first floor. Each restaurant could seat 500 people.

The Eiffel Tower in the world

The Eiffel Tower’s Illuminations

Every evening, the Eiffel Tower is adorned with its golden covering and sparkles for 5 minutes every hour on the hour, while its beacon shines over Paris.

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A Paris judge questions 3 men suspected of ‘psychological violence’ at Eiffel Tower

FILE - Police officers patrol the Trocadero plaza near the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023. French prosecutors said on Monday June 3, 2024 that three men have been placed under judicial investigation on suspicion of perpetrating “psychological violence” after they allegedly placed five coffins at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, a Paris landmark that will feature prominently in the upcoming Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, File)

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PARIS (AP) — Three people were released from custody Monday pending further investigation after they allegedly placed five coffins at the foot of the Eiffel Tower , a Paris landmark that will feature prominently in the upcoming Olympic Games .

According to officials at the Paris prosecutor’s office, the three — citizens of Bulgaria, Germany and Ukraine — placed the coffins, covered with a French flag that included an inscription reading “French soldiers of Ukraine,” near the Eiffel Tower on Saturday,

The motive for the incident was unclear. France is on its highest alert level ahead of the July 26-Aug. 11 Summer Games in Paris and the lavish open-air ceremony on the River Seine .

On Monday, the three men were questioned by an investigative judge. The prosecutor’s office asked that they be charged with premeditated violence, the officials told the Associated Press. Placing coffins at the foot of the Paris landmark that millions of tourists visit every year “is considered an act of psychological violence,” and caused employees of the landmark and others “an inability to work,” the officials said. They spoke on condition of anonymity because of a pending investigation.

The investigating judge didn’t file charges, however, but named the three as assisted witnesses, a special status under French law, the prosecutor’s office said. They will remain free pending further investigation.

Those detained in the Eiffel Tower incident include the driver of the vehicle that transported the coffins, a 39-year-old Bulgarian, as well as two people associated with him — a 25-year-old German man and a 16-year-old Ukrainian, who was arrested aboard a Paris-Berlin bound Flixbus, the officials said.

On Friday, French authorities raised preliminary terrorism charges against an 18-year-old accused of plotting to target spectators at soccer games at the Paris Olympics. It was the first such thwarted plot targeting the Games, which start in eight weeks.

The Olympic rings will be displayed on the Eiffel Tower. The Olympic and Paralympic medals in Paris are being embedded with pieces from a hexagonal chunk of iron taken from the monument.

The Eiffel Tower coffins appeared after other strange incidents in recent months worrying French authorities.

Last month, graffiti showing red hands appeared on the Holocaust Memorial in Paris . And in October, soon after the start of the Israel-Hamas war, stencils of blue Stars of David appeared on Paris buildings.

French authorities accused Russian security services of stirring up controversy around the stars. French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne said both incidents involved people paid to destabilize and drive wedges in French society.

Surk reported from Nice, France.

Follow AP coverage of the Paris Olympics https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games