attraction tour eiffel

Eiffel Tower Profile and Visitors' Guide

How to Avoid Crowds, Enjoy the Views, & Other Practical Tips

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

The Eiffel Tower is by far Paris' most recognized icon. Built for the World Exposition of 1889, the tower is a relative newcomer to a city whose history stretches back to over a millennia.

Wildly unpopular when it was unveiled and nearly torn down, the tower was finally embraced as the symbol of a modern and elegant Paris. It remains one of Paris' must-see attractions and has drawn over 200 million visitors.

Detractors will call it cliche, but few can peel their eyes away when the tower bursts into a shower of scintillating light every hour each evening. What would la ville lumière be without it?

Location and Contact Info:

• Located: On the Champ de Mars in the 7th arrondissement (midwest Paris)
• Metro: Bir Hakeim or Trocadero (Line 6), Ecole Militaire (Line 8)
• RER: Champs de Mars-Tour Eiffel (Line C)
• Buses: 42, 69, 72, 82, 87
• Taxi station: Quai Branly, Pilier West
• Phone: 33 (0) 1 44 11 23 23
• Visit the official website

 TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

Nearby sights and attractions:

• Hôtel des Invalides and Napoleon's tomb
• Musée de l'Armée (Army Museum)
• Rodin Museum
• Ecole Militaire
• The Champs-Elysées and the Arc de Triomphe

Opening Hours

January 1st to June 14:

• Tower: 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
• Elevator: 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. (Final ascension 11:00 p.m./10:30 p.m. top floor)
• Stairs: 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Final admission at 6:00 p.m.)

June 15th to September 1st:

• Tower: 9:00 a.m. to midnight
• Elevator: 9:00 a.m. to 12:45 a.m. (Final ascension at midnight/11:00 p.m. top floor)
• Stairs: 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. (Final admission at midnight)

September 2nd to December 31st:

• Stairs: 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Final admission 6:00 p.m.)

Admission fees vary depending on how many levels you wish to visit and whether you plan to take the elevator or the stairs. Taking the stairs is always less expensive, but it can be excruciating-- and access to the top of the tower is not available via stairs.

For complete information on current fees and discounts, visit this page .

Brochures and detailed visitors' info is available at the information booth on the ground floor.

Access to the top of the tower may be suspended due to weather conditions or security measures.

Tower Tours, Packages and Deals:

There are several guided tour options for a behind-the scenes, detailed look at the tower and the history of its conception and construction. Always reserve ahead. (Find more information here)

Access for Visitors with Limited Mobility:

Visitors with limited mobility or in wheelchairs may access levels one and two of the tower via the elevator. For security reasons, access to the top of the tower is not available for visitors in wheelchairs.

For more information on accessibility issues, see this page .

When Are the Best Times to Visit?

The Eiffel Tower is Paris' single most-visited attraction, drawing millions of people every year. It's easy to understand why it's preferable to visit when crowds are likely to be a bit thinner than usual. Here's what I especially recommend:

• Low season in Paris is October to March. If you can visit during these times, you'll be more likely to avoid long lines and overcrowded observation areas. However, visiting the tower during the cold and wet months of November-February is less likely to be a pleasant experience, especially when overcast skies obstruct magnificent views of the city.
• Visiting during weekdays rather than weekends and in the early morning or late evening is also a good idea.

Best Ways to Climb the Tower?

• By stairs: You can access the first and second levels of the tower (187 and 377 ft., respectively) by climbing 1,652 stairs. There is a small admission fee. Visitors with vertigo should abstain.
• By elevator: Three elevators are available to shuttle you to the first and second levels of the tower. For security reasons, only one or two will be operating on a given day. An additional elevator must be taken from the second level to get to the top of the tower (another 905 ft.). Keep in mind that during peak tourist season (April-September), you may need to wait for a while.

See the Tower In Pictures: (For a Bit of Inspiration)

For a great retrospective of the famed tower in its many guises starting from 1889 to the present day, check out our colorful gallery: The Eiffel Tower in Pictures .

Restaurants and Gift Shops:

• The Eiffel Tower has two restaurants : one on the first level and one on the second. The second-level restaurant, Le Jules Vernes , is remarkable for its breathtaking views of the city and for its kitchen, which is lead by celebrated French chef Alain Ducasse. In addition, snack bars can be found on the ground floor, first, and second levels. There's also a champagne bar and a buffet.
• Souvenirs and gifts are available on the ground floor, first and second levels. The second level also includes a specialty food shop where you can purchase traditional French food items.

Interesting Historical Facts and Current-Day Highlights 

Take a look at our Eiffel Tower facts and highlights guide to learn more about the tower's history and make sure to get the most out of your visit to the landmark. You'll be more likely to take away something personal if you beef up a bit on the monument's history and legacy. 

Read traveler reviews and book tickets or tours direct (via TripAdvisor)

Getting Around Paris: Guide to Public Transportation

Les Invalides in Paris: The Complete Guide

Guide to the Tour Montparnasse in Paris: For Gorgeous Panoramic Scenes

The Top 12 Things to Do Around the Eiffel Tower

One Week in Delhi: The Perfect Itinerary

Top 15 Monuments and Historic Sites in Paris

The Champ de Mars in Paris: The Complete Guide

The Louvre Museum in Paris: A Complete Guide for Visitors

The Palais de Chaillot: The Complete Guide

Chateau de Vincennes: The Complete Guide

All About the Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Paris

The Best Markets in Paris (For Every Type of Traveler)

All About the Jardin des Tuileries in Paris

Top Gardens of France

Paris' Jardins du Trocadero: The Complete Guide

Luxury Shopping in Paris Boutiques and Stores

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.

©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

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Centre Pompidou

Home to Europe's largest collection of modern and contemporary art, Centre Pompidou has amazed and delighted visitors ever since it opened in 1977, not…

Sainte-Chapelle

Visit Sainte-Chapelle on a sunny day when Paris’ oldest, finest stained glass (1242–48) is at its dazzling best. The chapel is famous for its stained…

Musée du Louvre

It isn’t until you’re standing in the vast courtyard of the Louvre, with its glass pyramid and ornate façade, that you can truly say you’ve been to Paris.

Les Catacombes

It’s gruesome, ghoulish and downright spooky, but it never fails to captivate visitors. In 1785, the subterranean tunnels of an abandoned quarry were…

Musée Rodin

Even if you're not an art lover, it is worth visiting this high-profile art museum to lose yourself in its romantic gardens.

Jardin du Luxembourg

This famous inner-city oasis of formal terraces, chestnut groves and lush lawns has a special place in Parisians' hearts. 

Elegant and regal in equal measure, the massive neoclassical dome of the Left Bank's iconic Panthéon is an icon of the Parisian skyline. Louis XV…

Musée d’Orsay

Musée d’Orsay may not be quite as famous as the Louvre—though it’s located a mere 10-minute walk away—but this Left Bank museum holds its own in its…

Nearby Paris attractions

1 . Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac

A tribute to the diversity of human culture, this museum's highly inspiring overview of indigenous and folk art spans four main sections – Oceania, Asia,…

2 . Immeuble Lavirotte

Let your eyes settle on the aesthetic minutiae of the fantastic art nouveau façade of this building, which is one of the most photogenic private edifices…

3 . Aquarium de Paris Cinéaqua

Paris’ aquarium, on the eastern side of the Jardins du Trocadéro, has a shark tank and 500-odd fish species to entertain families on rainy days. Three…

4 . Parc du Champ de Mars

Running southeast from the Eiffel Tower, the grassy Champ de Mars – an ideal summer picnic spot – was originally used as a parade ground for the cadets of…

5 . Palais de Chaillot

The two curved, colonnaded wings of this building (built for the 1937 International Expo) and central terrace afford an exceptional panorama of the…

6 . Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine

This mammoth 23,000-sq-metre space is an ode on three floors to French architecture. The highlight is the light-filled ground floor with a beautiful…

7 . Cathédrale de la Sainte-Trinité de Paris

Shimmering gold onion domes top this striking Russian Orthodox cathedral by the Seine, which was designed by famed French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte…

8 . Musée de l’Homme

Opened in 1882, this museum traces the evolution of humankind through artefacts gathered from around the world. Fascinating pieces on display include a…

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

🗼The 7 Best Eiffel Tower Tours [2024 Reviews]

You can’t visit Paris and not climb up the Eiffel Tower to admire the finest panoramic views in the city. Unfortunately, that’s not as simple as it sounds. The tower is so popular that the queues to enter can take hours. During the summer, it might be so busy you are turned away because all the tickets have been sold.

However, you can book tours in advance that provide you with priority access to either the 2 nd floor, with the best observation deck and restaurants, or the summit, where you can visit Eiffel’s office.

Some tours are guided by an expert so that you can learn much more about the history of the tower and Paris than you would if entering by yourself.

I’ve reviewed the top-rated Eiffel Tower tours below. Take a read through the various options to see which Eiffel Tower experience would be best suited to your interests and tastes.

Be sure to see our reviews of Day Trips to Normandy , Louvre Guided Tours and Paris Catacombs Tours .

Best Tours of the Eiffel Tower

Quick answer: the 7 best rated eiffel tower tours for 2024.

• Best Combination Tour: Eiffel Tower Direct Access, Louvre, & Seine River Cruise
• Best Private Tour: Private Eiffel Tower Elevator Tour with Summit
• Best Value Tour: Eiffel Tower Direct Access Tour to Summit by Elevator
• Best Romantic Tour: Eiffel Tower Dinner Experience and Sightseeing Seine River Cruise
• Best Budget Tour: Paris: Eiffel Tower Direct Access Tour to 2nd Floor by Elevator
• Best Family Tour: Eiffel Tower Tour to 2nd Floor by Stairs and Summit by Elevator
• Best Small Group Tour: Priority Eiffel Tower Tour With Optional Summit

Plan the Ultimate Paris Vacation : See our 5 Day Itinerary of the Best Things to do in Paris!

1. Best Combination Tour: Eiffel Tower Direct Access, Louvre, & Seine River Cruise

• Departure Point : “Anvers” Metro station (Line 2)
• Departure Time: 9:00 AM
• Duration : 9 hours
• Includes : Expert guide, Access to the 1st and 2nd floors of the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum and Seine River cruise

If you’re interested in exploring some of the “must see” sights in the most romantic city in the world, this is a perfect tour for you. The Eiffel Tower provides you with a great panoramic view of the whole city. And the cruise meanders through France’s capital and passes many of the important monuments.

Before you enter the Eiffel Tower, your tour guide will provide introductory commentary. Your priority ticket empowers you to skip the queues and swiftly gain the 2 nd floor of the Eiffel Tower. From there, you can enjoy sweeping views across this famous city.

You’ll find handy telescopes all around the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. Try to identify all the famous buildings you can see, such as the Arc de Triomphe. There are also a variety of dining options, from the popular macaroon bar to the Michelin-starred Jules Verne Restaurant.

Then take a short walk on the Seine River to the Louvre Museum. You will have an hour to enjoy a nice French lunch on the banks of the river. After which you will get a highlights tour of the museum where you will see the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and The Winged Bulls etc.

After the Louvre you will take a cruise on the Seine River to complete your amazing day in Paris. Now you’ll have an opportunity to view the same famous Parisian buildings from another angle. This is the perfect way to enjoy a day in Paris with three of it’s most famous attractions.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, other experiences you may enjoy:, 2. best private tour: private eiffel tower elevator tour with summit.

• Departure Point : Souvenir Shop, 33 Avenue de la Bourdonnais, 75007
• Departure Time: 8:45 AM
• Duration : 2 hours
• Includes : Priority access to the 1 st & 2 nd floors of the Eiffel Tower, dedicated tour guide, and a Seine River cruise

Looking to explore the Eiffel Tower with just your group? If so, this tour is the perfect way to do it. You will enjoy priority access to the summit of the Eiffel Tower and view the city from on high.

Your tour will begin with stories about Paris and the history of the Eiffel Tower narrated by your dedicated tour guide. At the tower, you’ll ascend by an elevator to the 2 nd floor.

From the observation deck, you can enjoy sweeping vistas of the City of Light aided by the telescopes along the side. Then head all the way up to the summit at 905 feet and enjoy the best views of the city!

Your guide will point out the various sites like Notre Dame, the Louvre, the Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre. With this private tour you get to choose among several start times and skip all the long lines.

Search For Paris Experiences You May Enjoy:

3. best value tour: eiffel tower direct access tour to summit by elevator.

• Departure Point : Boulangerie de la Tour Eiffel, 21 Avenue de la Bourdonnais, 75007
• Departure Time: 8:00 AM – 9:15 PM
• Duration : 2½ hours
• Includes : Priority-access ticket to 1 st & 2 nd floors, and summit access.

This is a great way to skip those long queues at the Eiffel Tower. Spend less time waiting and more time exploring the most famous tower in the world.

The tickets included in this package allow you to access all parts of the Eiffel Tower open to the public—the first and second floor and the summit.

This provides you with the best possible views of Gay Paree. From the summit, you can clearly see the palatial architecture of the Louvre, the burned towers of Notre Dame, and the weird and modern Pompidou Center.

And if you’re planning to drink Champagne in Paris, why not do it at the summit of the Eiffel Tower in the popular Champagne Bar? Share a toast with your loved one in the most romantic place on Earth.

4. Best Romantic Tour: Eiffel Tower Dinner Experience and Sightseeing Seine River Cruise

• Departure Point : Architecture Museum, Palais de Chaillot, 75016
• Departure Time: 1:00 PM, 2:30 PM
• Duration : 1½ hours
• Includes : English speaking tour guide and priority access to the 1 st and 2 nd floors of the Eiffel Tower

If you are looking for the ultimate Eiffel Tower experience this is the one for you. Not only do you get the skip the queues at the Eiffel Tower but you can enjoy a 3-course gourmet French dinner on the 1st Floor’s Terrace.

What better way to enjoy an even than enjoying the stunning views of Paris while enjoying a fine French meal!

Instead of being left to find your own way around this historic tower, you will be guided around by a knowledgeable local. You’ll learn all about the tower’s amazing history and its place in France’s heart.

Your Evening begins with a stop at the Trocadero Plaza for a photo opportunity so you can get the best possible picture of yourself with the Eiffel Tower in the background.

Then your tour guide will lead you to the Eiffel Tower where you’ll skip the queues to visit the 1 st and the 2 nd floors for fabulous views and a range of exclusive shops and restaurants.

The observation deck on the 2 nd floor provides you with some of the best views of Paris. Your tour guide will help you identify the many famous and historic buildings surrounding the Eiffel Tower, such as the Louvre Palace and Notre Dame de Paris.

After dinner take a short stroll on the banks of the Seine River to complete your evening with a romantic cruise. Instead of seeing the sights now from afar see them up close from the cruise ship. After the cruise, you will finish back where you started at the Eiffel Tower.

5. Best Budget Tour: Eiffel Tower Direct Access Tour to 2nd Floor by Elevator

• Departure Point : e Champ de Mars Café
• Departure Time: 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 4:00 PM
• Duration : 1-2 hours
• Includes : English speaking guide and priority access to the 2 nd -floor observation area

This is an amazing guided tour for anyone fascinated by France’s most famous iconic structure. After meeting your guide near the tower, you will be given an introduction to its fascinating history.

You’ll enjoy skipping the queues for rapid access to the 2 nd floor of the Eiffel Tower, where your guide will point out important landmarks from the observation deck. Learn all about Les Invalides, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame Cathedral from your knowledgeable guide.

While on the 2 nd floor, you might want to take advantage of one of its renowned food outlets. The Jules Verne Restaurant is Michelin-starred, but the macaroon store is my favorite. An optional extended trip to the summit is also available, so you can go all the way to the top of the world’s favorite tower.

6. Best Family Tour: Eiffel Tower Guided Climb With Optional Summit Access

• Departure Point : South Security Entrance of the Eiffel Tower
• Departure Time: 9:15 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM
• Includes : English speaking guide, access to the 2 nd floor of the Eiffel Tower, and optional summit access

This is a great tour of the Eiffel Tower if you’d rather walk up to the 2 nd floor rather than use the elevators. Your expert guide will lead you up the 704 steps to the second level, stopping frequently along the way to point of sites of interest and tell you historic stories about the tower and the city of Paris.

On the 1 st floor, you can opt to walk across the clear glass floor…if you dare. There’s also an interactive multimedia exhibit and short film.

From the 2 nd floor, you can enjoy amazing panoramic views of Paris. Your guide will help you to recognize the surrounding districts, such as the Champ-Elysees and Montparnasse.

The queues to use the stairs are much shorter than those to use the elevators, so you’ll save time. And what’s more, you get to see much more of the tower while taking the stairs one-by-one. Unfortunately, you can only access the summit by elevator.

So, if you choose to book the summit access option, you’ll have to take the elevator for the final leg of your tour.

7. Best Small Group Tour: Eiffel Tower Priority Access Guided Tour with Summit Access

• Departure Time: 9:15 AM
• Includes : English speaking tour guide, priority access to levels 1, 2, and the summit.

If you want a complete guided tour of the Eiffel Tower, this is a great excursion for you. You’ll get to see all the most interesting features of the tower accompanied by an expert.

As you’re enjoying your tour of the tower, your guide will also point out the interesting sites visible from the observation areas, such as the Sacre-Coeur Church and Les Invalides. You’ll hear about the history of those places and the tower.

Not only will you hear about Gustave Eiffel’s life and works, but you’ll also get to see inside his office with his maps and equipment preserved at the summit of the tower. And while you’re up there, you might want to check out the Bar A Champagne and celebrate your stay in Paris with a sip of fine wine.

Paris Travel Guide

In TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards 2019, Paris was ranked as the #2 Top Destination in the World. This is no surprise for a city famous for its food, art, and architecture.

Whether you’re looking for gourmet meals, a romantic getaway, a place to immerse yourself in fine art, or a family vacation, France’s capital city is a great destination for you.

Airports & Entry

The two best ways to travel to Paris are by air and by train.

Paris boasts 3 busy international airports which together form the world’s 5 th busiest airport combination and a major transport hub for Europe. Paris’ three international airports are Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris-Orly, and Beauvais-Tillé.

Paris is well served by a selection of budget airlines including Easyjet, Ryanair, French Bee, Transavia, and Norwegian. You can secure better deals by booking at least a month in advance and using a ticket price comparison website, like Omio . You can literally save hundreds of dollars by choosing the right flight. Because Paris is such a major transport hub, flights are very competitive.

Usually, you will find flying both the most affordable and easiest way to reach Paris. However, if you are traveling from a neighboring country, it is worthwhile checking into high-speed trains.

Paris is linked to neighboring countries by a network of high-speed rail links operated by SNCF . Although these trains take longer than flights, they transport their passengers from city center to city center. Flying, of course, usually requires a transfer to an airport some distance away from the city.

For example, if you’re traveling from London to Paris, a Eurostar train that passes through the famous Channel Tunnel will provide a relatively hassle-free journey when compared to flying. Also, in most cases, that journey will be quicker than flying because of the extra time taken up waiting for connections at the airports. And it also gives you bragging rights for using one of the world’s most famous undersea tunnels.

When planning your journey, compare the costs of flights and high-speed trains and decide which is the best option for you. Often flying will be cheapest, but if the cost isn’t too much more, the train will be relatively more comfortable and involve fewer complications.

Planning Tips

Paris is an amazing destination that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Here are 5 tips to help you on your way.

Tip #1: Watch out for Mondays and Tuesdays

When planning your itinerary for your stay in Paris, note that many major attractions, such as the Palace of Versailles and the catacombs, are closed on Mondays. A few attractions are closed on Tuesdays instead, including the Natural History Museum and the Pompidou Center. There are various major attractions open every day, like the Eiffel Tower and Disneyland Paris, so go there on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Tip #2: Buy unique souvenirs and gifts

Paris is, of course, the center of fashion. However, there is one relatively unfashionable item of dress that you might want to pick up during your stay in France’s capital city. The béret is the cliché headwear of France, and you’ll see cheap versions “made in China” in every souvenir shop you pass.

But, if you want to buy the real thing, look out for clothing stores that sell bérets made in France. La Cerise Sur Le Chapeau is a well-known chain store around Paris that stocks French bérets.

However, if you’re looking for something distinctly Parisian that few people will own, how about a piece of the Eiffel Tower? Victor Lustig once sold the Eiffel Tower twice in an elaborate con, but this opportunity isn’t a scam like that.

During repairs to the tower, inevitably some parts need to be replaced. The removed rivets are turned into unique souvenirs only available in the Eiffel Tower’s official gift shop.

Tip #3: Stay safe while visiting Paris

Although Paris is considered a relatively safe city, don’t forget that Kim Kardashian had all her bling stolen while she was staying in a vacation apartment there. Just like any other busy city, you will find purse-snatchers and pickpockets in crowded locations, especially around tourist hotspots.

Just use common sense. Keep your passport and other valuable documents in a hotel safe. Keep your money in a money belt. Don’t wear ostentatious jewelry in public places.

If you see abandoned packages or luggage in a crowded public place, especially a Metro station, distance yourself from the package and call 112. Paris is not a stranger to terrorist attacks.

Tip #4: Book in advance, especially during the summer

Paris is a popular destination in summer and during Christmas and Easter. Ensure you book your hotel rooms and any tours you wish to join well in advance of your vacation. You often get better air flight deals when you book in advance, and that is especially true during the summer.

The best time to visit Paris for bargain prices and fewer crowds is during the shoulder season—just before or just after summer. The weather is still fine, but there are simply fewer tourists.

Tip #5: Learn a few French phrases before traveling to Paris

The French are a proud people, not least of all Parisians. They are rightly concerned about the dilution of their native tongue by English words and phrases from Hollywood movies and internationally popular songs.

So, if you’ve ever heard someone say that French people are rude, it’s probably because the person telling you expected them to speak English.

Almost all French people you’ll meet speak English. But if you greet them in French and use a few words and phrases like “merci” and “s’il vous plaît”, they will be more likely to treat you with respect in return. You don’t need to speak more than a handful of phrases, and you don’t even need a good accent. Parisians will appreciate your effort.

Restaurants & Eating Out

Paris is recognized by many as the heart of the culinary world. Many internationally-acclaimed chefs trained there, and the terms used in gourmet kitchens worldwide originate in Paris. You won’t have any problem finding good food in the capital of France.

Traditional croissants are a great breakfast treat in any Parisian café. The best area for traditional cafés is the Boulevard Saint-Germain, a tree-lined avenue in the 6 th Arrondissement. The Neo Café is highly rated. But if you’re in a hurry and want your breakfast on the go, grab a fresh pain-au-chocolat from one of the family bakeries (patisseries).

Bo&mie in the 2 nd Arrondissement is the top-rated patisserie in Paris and close to attractions such as the Louvre and the Pompidou Center. In the early morning, you’ll often see Parisians walking out from patisseries with freshly baked baguettes. They do love freshly baked bread rather than long-life bread found on supermarket shelves.

If you want to find the most exclusive, Michelin-stared restaurants, explore the area around the Champs-Elysées. That’s where you’ll find many of the oldest restaurants in Paris. But, if you have a less discerning palate, the same area is where you’ll find McDonald’s, Burger King, and Starbucks.

The top-rated French gourmet restaurant here is Pierre Gagnaire on Rue Balzac. Be prepared to spend at least €200 per person and you will require a reservation.

While in Paris, you should try at least one distinctively French dish, like coq au vin or ratatouille. If you’re feeling courageous, you could opt for snails or frogs’ legs…just so you can say that you did.

Snacks & sweets

For traditional street food, try the amazing crepes that you can buy from many street corners. You can eat these tasty pancake treats while you walk with savory or sweet fillings.

Before you leave Paris, ensure you sample some of its amazing desserts. The Crème Brulée is a delicious traditional sweet, and meringues are sweet and satisfying but also very messy.

Nightlife & Entertainment

Paris is famous as a getaway for romantic weekends, so of course you’ll find a rich variety of nightlife.

The most famous nightspot in Paris is undoubtedly The Moulin Rouge in the area of the 18 th arrondissement known as Pigalle. This historic cabaret club is where the Can-can dance was created and a favorite haunt for many famous celebrities over the past century, from Toulouse-Lautrec to Frank Sinatra. You can enjoy a cabaret here for around €145 ($160).

However, be aware that Pigalle is regarded as the red-light district. Watch out for overly friendly ladies and gentlemen inviting you into dance clubs in this district.

Champs-Elysées

The most exclusive nightclubs, restaurants, and live music venues are found in the 8 th arrondissement, around the Champs-Elysées. Many of the clubs here are impossible to enter unless you are a recognizable celebrity, royal, or billionaire.

You’ll need to dress up smart to get into any of the decent clubs here. And if you do enter, be careful whose drink you nudge and spill! But a word of caution — the exclusive clubs in this area also include a few strip clubs! They’re very different from the strip clubs in Pigalle, but still strip clubs. One to watch out for is the famous Whisper Club .

An example of a bar in palatial settings where you might be concerned about scuffing the silverware and smearing the crystal is simply called Le Bar in the George V Four Seasons Hotel.

This same area is also home to more touristy haunts which you won’t find so difficult to enter. However, these often contain more tourists than locals, so don’t expect a uniquely French experience. The club with the most laid-back reputation is the Dogstar Club . You might get past the bouncers without a $10,000 watch on your wrist and a designer cocktail dress.

Place Vendome

The 1 st arrondissement is literally the center of the city around the Louvre and where you’ll find boutique hotels with historic bars frequented by celebrities and the beautiful rich. Most of these hotels have strict dress rules to enter the bar, and you’ll need a healthy income to survive the night.

The area around the Metro Bastille, on the borders of the 4 th , 11 th , and 12 th arrondissement, is where the younger and more relaxed crowd hang out. You’ll find decent nightclubs, cafés, live music venues, and dive bars frequented by local 20-somethings.

Check out the Niki Club on the Rue de Lappe for a casual night, or maybe the Black Star Club in Passage Thiere if you enjoy live rock music or jazz.

If you enjoy the LGBT scene, the Marais district in the southern part of the 3 rd arrondissement and northern part of the 4 th is where you’ll find welcoming cafés, bars, and live music venues where all genders and sexualities are made welcome. Café Cox is one bar legendary for its welcomes.

Getting Around

When you’re trying to find your way around, you might get confused by the way addresses sometimes emphasize the arrondissement, sometimes the name of the area, and sometimes the zip code. To simplify this a little, the last two digits of the zip code are the arrondissement number. So, the Eiffel tower is at 75007, meaning it’s in the 7 th arrondissement.

You might be surprised to discover it’s not in the 1 st arrondissement since it’s so central to the city. However, the way the arrondissements work is beginning in the Louvre — the 1 st arrondissement and true center of Paris (where the king’s palace is) — and then radiates out from there. The first layers are numbered from the north clockwise and wrap around the central arrondissements. The arrondissements get larger as you get further from the center.

Most of the main attractions are found in arrondissements 1 through 8, which form the core of the city. This means that it’s possible to walk from attraction to attraction. But if you want to go a little quicker, Paris boasts an affordable and efficient public transport system. And the best way to get around is on the Metro.

With 300 Metro stations, everywhere in Paris is within a 10-minute walk of a station. A Paris Visite Travel Pass provides unlimited Metro travel within a specified zone for a set period of time. The Travel Pass may also be used on trams, buses, and the RER underground train system. A 1-day ticket for Zones 1 to 3 costs €12 ($13).

There are even more bus stops than Metro stations and bus services run every 5 to 7 minutes. This means that buses are often more convenient for shorter journeys than the Metro. Since a Travel Pass allows you to swap between the Metro and buses, you can simply take the bus when it’s most convenient but use the Metro for longer destinations. To learn which would be most convenient for your planned journey, you can check the route maps on the RATP (Regie Autonome des Transports) website .

Hire bicycles

Like many capital cities in Europe, Paris has a public bicycle hire scheme. Around the city, you’ll find 1,800 Velib bike stations with 24,000 bicycles. You simply require a credit card with a chip to rent a Velib bike.

There are over 16,000 taxis in Paris. Taxis are an expensive but convenient mode of transport. You can take a taxi from a taxi rank or hail one down in the street.

While you can opt to hire a car in Paris, be aware that Parisian drivers have a bad reputation for safety. Also, the congested roads are difficult to navigate and parking places rare. If you really want to enjoy your time in Paris, walk or use public transport.

Accommodations

When choosing where to stay in Paris, you should consider why you’re there. If your main interest is in taking your family to Disneyland, Paris, then you’ll find accommodation near there more spacious and much more affordable than most places in the city.

However, if you want to visit the historical and cultural attractions, then you should confine yourself to the central areas between the 1 st and the 8 th arrondissements, where hotels are within walking distance of the main sites.

Below, I’ve divided the kind of accommodation by area. However, this is only a rough guide. You’ll find 5-star luxury hotels in the budget and family areas, and I’ve previously stayed in a very cheap family guesthouse about 2-minutes-walk from the Arc de Triomphe.

You’ll find a lot of budget accommodation around the 5 th and part of the 6 th arrondissements simply because these areas are a little further from the most popular tourist attractions and famous streets.

But if you don’t mind a little more walking, the area of Montmartre is still pretty central and boasts character-filled, winding streets. And with Metro stations dotted all around the area, it’s as convenient as any other central location if you plan to get around on public transport.

An example budget hotel in this area is the Hotel Marignan  on a quiet street in the Latin Quarter. This historic hotel has hosted many famous guests, such as EE Cummings, and is within walking distance of Notre Dame.

The Rive Gauche area of the rest of the 6 th and the 7 th arrondissements is an easy walk from places like the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower.

This makes the affordable hotels there perfect for families with young and impatient kids who just want to get there quick. Many of the hotels in this area vary between small boutique hotels and cozy, family-run hotels.

The aptly named Eiffel Rive Gauche Hotel is super close to the Eiffel Tower and would provide a great base for your family to explore the French capital.

While a few of the most exclusive hotels are in the 1 st arrondissement, the main selection of high-class hotels is found along the Champs-Elysees in the 8 th arrondissement. You’ll notice this coincides with where the most Michelin-starred restaurants and high-class bars and clubs are, many of which are attached to or inside the luxury hotels.

In terms of distance, the 1 st and 8 th arrondissements are neighbors, with the Champ-Elysees running between the Louvre area in the 1 st and the Arc de Triomphe in the 8 th . Government officials and important people have long made their home in the 8 th arrondissement, and it is considered the cultural heart of the capital.

A great example of a luxury hotel in this area is the Hotel de Crillon , which looks more like a palace or museum than a working hotel.

Although it’s fairly inland, Paris still benefits from an oceanic climate with cool but mild winters and pleasantly warm summers. Generally, the city sees light rainfall distributed evenly through the year, though sudden heavy showers can occur.

Paris gets coldest in January, with an average daily high of 45 0 F and a low of 37 0 F. During spring, the temperatures warm so that by April it reaches an average high of 60 0 F and low of 45 0 F. Spring is a great time to visit Paris because the flowers are blooming all around the city and the summer crowds have yet to descend upon the city.

The hottest month of the summer is July, with an average high of 77 0 F and low of 60 0 F. That’s when the city becomes crowded with visitors from all around the world. By October, the average high drops to 61 0 F and the low to 49 0 F.

The fall is another great time to visit because the weather isn’t too cold but the crowds have diminished and the trees have donned their beautiful autumnal cloaks.

Attractions

The main attractions radiate out from the center of the city, which is the 1 st arrondissement.

The Louvre Palace in the 1st arrondissement was the main residence of the Kings of France from the 14 th century onward. Today it is much better known as the home of the world’s greatest art museum, the Musée du Louvre . If you want to see such world-famous masterpieces as the Venus de Milo sculpture and the Mona Lisa painting, then you should head straight for the glass pyramid in front of the grand palatial building.

The great cathedral of Notre-Dame in the 4 th arrondissement is so spectacular and famous that I cannot justify leaving it out of this list. However, please note that the Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris is closed for at least the next four years and maybe more.

After the devastating fire of April 2019, the cathedral and nearby surrounding area were closed to public access until sufficient repairs can be made to make the area safe once again. You can still admire its amazing Gothic architecture from a distance and maybe catch a glimpse of some of the restoration work in progress.

Eiffel Tower

The most visited attraction in the center of Paris is the Eiffel Tower in the 7 th arrondissement. Although this renowned iron tower was erected as a temporary structure in 1889, it is still standing strong and looks good for another few centuries of service. The fact that it was the world’s tallest building when built is eye-opening when it is compared to the Empire State Building in NYC or the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, but it is still the best place for a panoramic view in Paris.

Arc de Triomphe

This triumphal arch in the 8 th arrondissement was commissioned by Napoleon but wasn’t built until 1836, long after his death. It stands on a huge roundabout at the northern end of the Champ-Elysees and is one of the most recognizable and photographed monuments in the capital. The Arc de Triomphe is also home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Flame of Remembrance that is kept alive in daily ceremonies.

You have to leave the city and travel 12 miles southwest to reach the Palace of Versailles , where Louis XIV moved his court in the 17 th century. Now this famous palace is a grand museum full of amazing reminders of the power of the great Sun King. Look around the interior and exterior of the palace for the many sun-emblems reminding visitors who lived here. But the true highlight for many visitors is the beautiful formal gardens that surround the palace.

Disneyland Paris

Also outside the city, despite its name, is Disneyland Paris , 20 miles to the east. This famous theme park is the most visited attraction in France. If you’re visiting Paris with children, you’ll probably want to devote two days to Disney because there are two separate parks here: Disneyland Park opened in 1992 and Walt Disney Studios Park opened in 2002.

Inside both, you’ll find thrill rides for all ages as well as classic attractions, like actors dressed up as your favorite Disney characters and Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.

Tour Guides

The Priority Eiffel Tower Access & Seine River Cruise is our Editor's Choice to see the Eiffel Tower

Robert Baker

Related articles, the 5 best stonehenge tours from london [2024 reviews], the 5 best wine tours from florence [2024 reviews], the 7 best vatican tours ⛪ [2024 reviews], the 5 best seine river dinner cruises [2024 reviews].

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

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Paris Highlights: Discover the top things to see and do in the City of Light with our comprehensive guide to Paris attractions . Our articles will help you decide which museums, monuments, and neighborhoods to visit. Learn about the quaint historic districts of Paris, from the captivating old village of Montmartre (now the 18th arrondissement) to the atmospheric Latin Quarter , a charming cluster of medieval cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways, busy cafés, eclectic boutiques, and university bookshops.

More on France

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Attractions
• Landmarks + Monuments

12 Interesting Facts and Secrets About the Eiffel Tower

Explore the history, science, and secrets of Paris' most famous landmark.

The Eiffel Tower — or, la Tour Eiffel — has long been one of the world's most recognizable landmarks, symbolizing the romance and ingenuity of the City of Light . 

Designed as the centerpiece of the 1889 World's Fair, the Tower was meant to commemorate the centennial of the French Revolution and to show off France's modern industrial prowess on a world stage. 

And that it did. The tower's construction, finished after two years, two months, and five days, was considered a marvel of precision and speed. Gustave Eiffel's civil engineering firm used 7,300 tons of iron and 2.5 million rivets , and the result stood triumphant over the Champs de Mars, receiving more than two million visitors during the fair. 

The Tower’s now-famous silhouette has been  emulated around the world  in places like Las Vegas, Prague, Tianducheng, China, and, of course, Paris, Texas. The design wasn’t without its detractors , however — a "Protest against the Tower of Monsieur Eiffel,” signed by the likes of Guy de Maupassant, Alexandre Dumas fils , and other well-known artists, was published in the newspaper Le Temps before the project’s completion. The letter argued that the tower would be “a gigantic black factory chimney, its barbarous mass overwhelming and humiliating all our monuments and belittling our works of architecture, which will just disappear before this stupefying folly.”

In defiance of such protests, the Eiffel Tower did see the light of day and has stood the test of time. It remains one of the most visited monuments in the world, welcoming almost seven million visitors a year and more than 300 million people since its debut. It has changed over the years, with the addition of lighting, fresh coats of paint, and numerous installations that have come and gone. 

And there’s still more to this landmark than meets the eye. Despite the incredible number of people who have visited since it opened, La Dame de Fer still has a few secrets to share.  

There’s a penthouse apartment at the top.

Gustave Eiffel reserved the uppermost level of the tower for himself, where he hosted famous guests like Thomas Edison in a private apartment that he designed. The space has since been transformed into a recreation of Eiffel's office, complete with wax figures of himself, his daughter, and Edison, and it's open for the public to tour.

Gustave Eiffel didn’t design the tower.

While the tower is named for Eiffel, it was actually Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier — two engineers who worked for his company — who designed the structure. They also commissioned French architect Stephen Sauvestre to work on the appearance of the project in order to quell public concerns about the harsh, utilitarian nature of the original design. They ultimately beat out more than 100 other projects in a contest to choose the main attraction of the World's Fair.  

The Eiffel Tower was supposed to be torn down after 20 years.

The tower was built with the intent of showing off France's industrial prowess during the World's Fair, but the plan was to tear it down after 20 years. However, Eiffel cleverly put a radio antenna and wireless telegraph transmitter in the tower. After proving radio’s usefulness to the government in 1910, Eiffel was granted a 70-year extension to his lease. By 1980, of course, the tower had become an indelible symbol of both Paris and France, and it was in no danger of demolition.

The Eiffel Tower was almost destroyed during World War II.

In August 1944, as the Nazis were losing control of occupied Paris, Adolf Hitler commanded his generals to level the city. Plans were drawn up to mine the Eiffel Tower with explosives. Thankfully, Allied troops swooped in before the order could be carried out. Subsequent air raids over Paris caused significant damage, but the Eiffel Tower survived the war intact.

The Eiffel Tower is a cousin of sorts to the Statue of Liberty.

As sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi was designing “Liberty Enlightening the World”, he called upon his mentor, Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, to design the statue’s internal framework. After Viollet-le-Duc died in 1879, Bartholdi turned to Eiffel and Koechlin. They proved their iron expertise with Lady Liberty before moving on to the Iron Lady.

The Eiffel Tower has been home to both a post office and a theater. 

The tower has been home to several businesses throughout the years, many of which are now gone. These include the newspaper “Le Figaro”, which had an office on the second floor for six months during the 1889 World's Fair, a post office tucked into the first floor, and a wooden theater on the first floor designed by Sauvestre. 

Gim42/Getty Images

The Eiffel Tower doubled as a scientific laboratory.

Eiffel, an avid scientist, housed a meteorology lab on the tower's third floor. He was known to perform studies in physics and aerodynamics there, even building a wind tunnel at the foot of the structure. Eiffel opened the doors of the laboratory for other scientists to use for their experiments as well.

The Eiffel Tower moves.

The massive iron structure is wind resistant and will sway during a storm. Wind isn't the only thing that can make the enormous tower move, though — the heat of the sun causes the iron to expand , making the Tower grow a few centimeters during the summer months. The tower will also lean an average of six inches away from the sun, as the one side facing the direct light heats up faster than the other three sides.

The Eiffel Tower is covered in the names of scientists.

The names of French scientists and engineers working in the 19th century were not forgotten by history — not only are they attached to several Parisian streets, but 72 of them are also engraved on the Eiffel Tower. The tributes were painted over in the early 20th century, but thanks to a restoration effort in the late 1980s, they are once again visible. Eagle-eyed visitors can see names like Foucault, Dumas, and Perrier cut into the iron surrounding the tower's first floor.

It takes a lot of work to keep the Eiffel Tower looking good.

Every seven years, workers apply around 60 tons of paint to the tower. This not only keeps La Dame de Fer looking good, but it also helps keep the iron from rusting.

The Eiffel Tower’s sparkling lights are copyrighted art. 

The Tower’s first light show coincided with the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in 1925. Automaker Andre Citröen financed a 200,000-bulb show that featured a shower of stars, alternating Zodiac symbols, comets, and (naturally) his car brand’s name at the finale. Another show, featuring 336 yellow-orange spotlights, came sixty years later , but the now-famous sparkling light show, consisting of 20,000 bulbs, first lit up the night sky New Year’s Eve 1999 to ring in the new millennium. While the Tower itself is in the public domain , its illumination is protected by copyright under French law . However, don’t call your lawyer just yet — this only applies to pictures taken for professional use. You’re free to share any personal pictures of the Eiffel Tower and its lights as you please.  

There’s a Champagne bar at the top.

If you're brave enough to climb the stairs to the top of the tower, reward yourself with a glass of Champagne from the Champagne Bar . There's nothing like a glass of bubbly with a spectacular view.

No matter the destination, Travel + Leisure GO can turn your vacation dreams into reality. With nearly endless reservation options to fly or stay, book your next getaway — near or far — at Travel + Leisure GO .

Top Tips for Visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris

A surprising fact about Paris’ iconic Eiffel Tower: During its construction and prior to its unveiling for the Universal Exposition in 1889, it was decried and even hated by countless “tastemakers” and artists of the time.

Many felt that the tower, constructed from over 18,000 individual pieces of metal (primarily iron) by Gustave Eiffel and his engineers, was an eyesore on the Parisian skyline. Due to this unpopularity, there were many calls for its dismantling.

But that, of course, was not to be. It’s now so beloved that it’s practically synonymous with the city itself, even though most locals don’t spend much time there (and many have never even visited it!) Still, when it bursts into scintillating light at the top of each hour after nightfall, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who can keep their eyes away.

Before you go, here are our top tips for making the most of your visit to the Eiffel Tower, especially on a first visit.

Explore This Article

1. Learn a Bit About the Tower’s History & Architecture

I always find that reading up (at least briefly) on the places I intend to visit greatly enhances my appreciation and understanding of them, because I’m not going in blind.

And when it comes to the Eiffel Tower, there are perhaps few monuments in the world more obscured by simple clichés. It can be hard to really see it for what it is, or place it in its historical context, since our brains so stubbornly view it as a symbol of Paris rather than, well, a remarkable feat of architecture and engineering for its time.

When it was constructed at the turn of the 20th century, metal was not a material widely used to construct buildings or towers– and plans to erect a tower that would rise some 300 metres/985 feet would have seemed, well, a massive feat.

The project from Gustave Eiffel, the engineers Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier, and a team of architects was chosen from among over 100 other proposed towers to grace the Champ de Mars; ground was first broken in January 1887. Its construction was remarkably speedy, despite being highly complex: it required some 7,300 tons of wrought iron and between 150 and 300 workers to achieve. 22 months later, it was inaugurated.

One of the biggest challenges for the engineers and designers was to allow the mostly-iron structure to stand up to strong winds. Precise mathematical calculations were made to allow for the supports to hold and for the entire structure to withstand strong gusts.

It was in the nearby suburb of Levallois-Perret that the tower’s 18,000+ pieces were created, then assembled onsite. The design of each tiny piece was incredibly precise and required painstaking assemblage, which produces the metal latticework effect of the finished tower.

In the months its inauguration at the Universal Exposition in 1889, the tower drew some 2 million visitors and quickly gained global fame as the largest man-made structure in the world– significantly tamping down critique.

But some continued to hate it: the French writer Guy de Maupassant is famously rumored to have eaten lunch at the tower’s restaurant every day, since it was the only place in the city you couldn’t see the structure. (On a side note, that’s not actually true– there are plenty of spots where you can’t see it at all).

What many don’t know is that the tower wasn’t meant to remain standing for more than 20 years. Gustave Eiffel had secured a permit to allow it to grace the skyline for two decades– no more. But because his creation was also considered to be a useful radio tower, the permit was extended– and with time, it became so iconic and beloved that tearing it down was unthinkable.

These days, the Eiffel Tower is affectionately known as “La Dame de Fer” : “The Iron Lady”

It became a French historical monument in 1964, and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Paris in 1991. Today, it’s the world’s single-most-visited monument that charges entry fees, and over 7 million people visit it on average each year. It remains the tallest structure inside the Parisian city walls. Many people believe it to be shorter than the Montparnasse Tower, but the latter is around 100 feet shorter.

For a more in-depth history of the Tour Eiffel, see this page.

2. Admire Eiffel’s Towering Achievement, From Way Up High

Wondering whether it’s worthwhile to go up to the top of the world’s most-famous tower, which rises ton nearly 985 feet ? I certainly believe it is, at least once .  All but the sportiest and most adventurous will want to eschew the nauseating prospect of climbing the 669 stairs to the first level, body exposed to wind and plunging heights.

Hoping to climb all the way to the top? Sorry: the stairs leading from the first floor to the summit are closed to the public. (There are, by the way, a total of 1,665 stairs from the ground floor to the top…)

But taking the elevators up to the third-floor observation decks affords pretty unbeatable views of the city. Glass floors and enormous windows give you some of the best panoramic vantages around– and from here you can also admire the tower’s artful construction from up close. A number of panoramic indicators help you to accurately spot Parisian landmarks including the Trocadero, Invalides, Sacré Coeur in Montmartre, and the Arc de Triomphe.

Book skip-the-line tickets to The Eiffel Tower (with optional Seine cruise) here (with Viator)

On the top deck, you can visit a recreated version of Gustave Eiffel’s office, complete with uncanny, life-sized wax figures of the engineer and the American inventor Thomas Edison.

There’s also a champagne bar and a model of the tower as it appeared in 1889, in its original red-brown hue.

3. Take a Tour to Dig Deeper

One mistake I see a lot of first-time visitors to “La Tour Eiffel” make? They spend an hour in line, then rush up to the observation decks, poke around, take a few selfies and panoramic shots, buy a couple of postcards at the gift shop– then leave.

Unless they’re the type to read up on a site before visiting (as I suggest above) or to lug an old-fashioned guidebook around, it’s unlikely that they’ve actually engaged with the place beyond a superficial level.

{Related: The Best Things to Do in Paris on a First Trip}

Taking a guided tour can avoid that scenario. Knowledgeable guides and docents can offer more historical context for what you’re seeing, point out hidden details you may not have noticed otherwise, and (hopefully) answer any questions you might have.

There are myriad tours available out there, so shop around a bit before deciding which might be best for you. GetYourGuide offers a reasonably priced guided tour of the Eiffel Tower that includes direct access by elevator to the observation decks.

You can also book skip-the line tickets and a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower here (via Tiqets.com)

4. Consider Enjoying a Meal at the Eiffel Tower (for the Views & the Food)

If you want to extend your stay and the fabulous views from up on high, you might consider lunch or dinner at one of the Eiffel Tower’s onsite restaurants.

Madame Brasserie is located on the first floor and offers a slightly more relaxed French brasserie vibe, while the gastronomic second-level restaurant,  Le Jules Verne is significantly pricier and degrees more formal.

Current menu items at Madame Brasserie, helmed by Michelin-starred chef Thierry Marx, include pork belly with beluga lentils, carrots and celery, roasted baby leeks with herbed oil and orange vinaigrette, and, for dessert, buckwheat crumble with apple and pear confit, salted caramel sauce and crème fraiche.

Le Jules Vernes, meanwhile, boasts a Michelin star and is headed by celebrated Chef Frédéric Anton. You can view the current menus here.

You’ll also find a champagne bar, buffet-style snack bars and onsite gift shops at the tower to keep you entertained once inside.

5. Try to Beat the Crowds

As we mentioned earlier, la Tour Eiffel is visited by millions every year, and that can mean long lines and overcrowded conditions. Not exactly the ones you want, in other words.

To beat the crowds, consider visiting in low season (roughly early October to early March) or go as early in the morning as you can and aim to be there 15 minutes or so before opening time. Weekdays can sometimes be quieter as well, but again, if you’re visiting during peak tourist season you’re unlikely to see calm conditions even outside of weekends.

Booking tickets in advance and skipping the long lines/queues is also a good potential strategy. You can book skip-the-line tickets with optional direct access to the summit here (via GetYourGuide) , or book tickets with priority entrance and audio guide here (via Tiqets.com).

6. After Your Visit: Head to Rue Cler

One of the problems many tourists encounter “post-Eiffel” is figuring out what else to do in the area. It can feel a bit sterile, and it’s not uncommon to see visitors walking around looking a bit confused and uncertain of where to head next.

One place I strongly recommend is the nearby Rue Cler, a delightful street lined with traditional shops and greengrocers. Just a short walk from the tower by taking Rue de Grenelle, the street is understated but full of charm.

Rick Steves has called it one of his favorite streets in the city, and it’s regularly lauded as one of the finest destinations for anyone with gourmet proclivities. You can also stop for coffee or lunch on one of the pleasant terraced cafes in the area.

Bakeries and patisseries , fresh produce, small boutiques selling fine foodstuffs, fish and flower vendors– there’s a wealth of traditional goodies peddled on the street, which somehow manages to preserve the vibe of a small village. It seems far, far away from the hordes. And that’s a good thing, right?

Eiffel Tower: Getting There & Practical Info

The Tour Eiffel is located in Paris’ 7th arrondissement, on the left bank of the Seine River. It’s close to sights and attractions including the Bateaux-Mouches river-cruise boarding area, the Musée d’Orsay, the Trocadero and the Champ de Mars.

{Browse & Book Eiffel Tower Tickets, Tours & Experiences Through Viator}

• Address: Champ de Mars, 5 Av. Anatole France, 75007 Paris
• Metro: Bir-Hakeim (line 6), Ecole Militaire (line 8) or Trocadero (line 9); or take the commuter-line RER C train to the Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel stop. A note to visitors with limited mobility: The Tower is a 10 to 15 minute walk from each of these stations
• Information (tel): +33 (0)8 92 70 12 39
• Ticket prices and opening times: These vary greatly depending on season, how many levels you wish to visit, etc. Visit the official website for more info; you can find specific information on ticketing and opening times here .

Like This? Pin & Share!

Editor’s Note/Disclaimer: This post contains some affiliate links. While using them to book an experience or tour will come at no additional cost to you, they help to fund more free, in-depth features like this one at Paris Unlocked. Thank you.

Courtney Traub is the Founder and Editor of Paris Unlocked. She’s a longtime Paris resident who now divides her time (as well as she can manage) between the French capital and Norwich, UK. Co-author of the 2012 Michelin Green Guide to Northern France & the Paris Region, she has been interviewed as an expert on Paris and France by the BBC, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Le Figaro, Matador Network and other publications. Courtney has also written and reported stories for media outlets including Radio France Internationale, The Christian Science Monitor, Women’s Wear Daily and The Associated Press. In addition to going down various rabbit holes of curiosity when it comes to French culture, history, food and art, Courtney is a scholar of literature and cultural history whose essays and reviews have appeared in various forums.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Explore Topics

Recent posts.

• Best Cheese Shops in Paris: Our Favorite Fromageries
• Accessibility in Paris: Our Full Guide to Getting Around
• Paris’s Most Beautiful and Interesting Libraries: A Peek Inside
• Paris’ Natural History Museum is Essential (With or Without Children)
• Privacy Policy

Paris Unlocked

Get our tips in your inbox!  Sign up

Travel France Blog

All You Need to Visit France

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

Similar Posts

The Seasons in France: Weather by Months and Regions

The 15 Best Things To Do in Paris in February

Best Things to Do in Paris at Night: A Guide for Night Owls

What is the Poisson d’Avril in France?

Visiting the Grand Mosque of Paris: A Unique Cultural Experience

Visit the Catacombs of Paris, Complete Guide

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Privacy Overview

Things to do in Paris

Tour Eiffel tickets for the end of June 2024 - Paris Forum

• Europe    
• France    
• Ile-de-France    
• Paris    

Tour Eiffel tickets for the end of June 2024

• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• Ile-de-France forums
• Paris forum

Yesterday I was checking the Eiffel Tower's official site, and I found out thanks to their communication, that tickets from the 17th June are not going in sale 60 days before the day of the visit, as the usual, but later... did anyone hear news on the new possible date for the sale (I'm planning to on the 19th)?

Also, does this mean that buying tickets for late-June will be way harder that the usual due to the Olympics (even if you connect to their website at midnight on the eventual day of sale)?

“Tickets for visits from June 17, 2024, will go on sale later than usual (instead of 60 days before the day of the visit). Keep an eye on our official online ticket office to find out when tickets are available for this summer, including during the Olympic Games.

Source: https://www.toureiffel.paris/en/rates-opening-times

• Paris Beauvais Shuttle Bus 5:53 pm
• Paris Rambling 5:25 pm
• Navigo Easy card - Family 5:25 pm
• Paris Beauvais Shuttle Bus 5:19 pm
• Best Reseller for Eiffel Tower Tickets 5:16 pm
• Paris neighborhood map with distance 5:10 pm
• Accommodation - 11th or 18th arrondisement for late August? 5:00 pm
• Recommendation of a boulangerie around opera garnier 3:37 pm
• French Open Tickets 2024 3:30 pm
• Eiffel Tower summit 2:46 pm
• WWII tour 2:20 pm
• Visiting Paris 1:56 pm
• A restaurant you would fly back to Paris for 1:36 pm
• Best Time to VIsit Sainte-Chapelle 1:16 pm
• What is the best area to stay in paris?!! 451 replies
• Travelling Nice to Paris, TRAIN or FLY? 36 replies
• Buying Louis Vuitton..cheaper in Paris than USA? 33 replies
• Day trips from Paris by train 22 replies
• Paris to Venice via overnight Train 19 replies
• Is European Destinations.com a legit site to book from? 272 replies
• Itinerary for Paris in 3 days 14 replies
• Best Things to buy in Paris 19 replies
• best arrondissement to stay in 11 replies
• What to pack/wear for mid-October Weather 11 replies

Paris Hotels and Places to Stay

• 10 Steps for submitting great Forum questions
• Navigo cards, fares and everything about public transport
• Day Trips from Paris
• Paris with kids
• Important Links for Paris Visitors
• Safety in a Nutshell
• How do I take a bus in Paris?
• FAQ: What are the best books about Paris?
• FAQ: Where are the toilets? Où sont les toilettes?
• Taxis Parisiens
• Price hikes during the Olympic Games.

What to see around the Eiffel Tower ?

Thursday 27 February 2020

Modified the 27/12/23

Tower observation points

There are number of sites around Paris that offer exceptional views of the Tower. We consider three of them must-see spots for the best possible souvenir of the Iron Lady.

Closest to the Tower is the Champ de Mars, where you can relax and stroll through the vast park. On the Palais de Chaillot side, the Trocadéro terraces also offer a stunning panorama of the Tower in its entirety. For an unobstructed view with the Seine in the foreground, visit Bir-Hakeim Bridge, where you’ll also find the Renaissance France statue.    

Musée du Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac 

At this museum, designed by architect Jean Nouvel (winner of the 2008 Pritzker Prize) and opened in 2006 by Jacques Chirac, travel to the heart of the art and civilizations of Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas, through 3,500 pieces and works displayed on the Main Collections Level and a rich program of temporary exhibitions.

More than just a museum visit, a unique experience awaits you. Access is free to the two-hectare garden, designed by Gilles Clément as a true haven of greenery in the heart of Paris. There are also dining options, with Café Jacques and restaurant “Les Ombres”, and a bookshop/gift store, so you can take an unforgettable souvenir of your trip home with you. 

The museum is situated just a few meters or a 5-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower. It welcomes you from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 am to 7 pm (Thursday night until 10 pm) at 37 quai Branly or 218 rue de l'université. During the school holidays (except in summer), the museum is also open on Mondays from 10.30am to 7pm. Closed on 25 December and 1 May.

For more information, consult the Quai Branly Museum website.  

Musée de l'Homme 

Situated across from the Tower in the Palais de Chaillot, the Musée de l’Homme or Museum of Mankind offers a new vision of the human species through presentations on various biological, cultural, and societal aspects, as well as the history of our evolution over the centuries.  

Who are we? Where do we come from? Where are we going? The museum strives to answer these three major questions in its laboratory, collections, conferences, and film screenings. 

Enjoy a break in its restaurant, the Totem, which offers an amazing view of the Tower. The Musée de l'Homme is a 15-minute walk (crossing the Seine on the Pont d’Iéna) or a 10-minute bus ride from the Tower. It’s open Wednesday through Monday, from 11 am to 7 pm.

For more information, consult the Musée de l'Homme website.  

The Guimet Museum 

The Guimet Museum is the largest museum in Europe dedicated entirely to Asian arts. For over 130 years, it has presented visitors with a vast collection of Asian art acquired during the travels of its eponymous founder, Emile Guimet, in Asia.

Japan, India, China, Korea, the Himalayas, Southeast Asia... as many places as there are collections inviting you to discover the history of these arts. 5 millennia of Asian art are presented through a collection of archaeological objects, ancient arts and textiles that is constantly being enriched and diversified. 

The National Museum of Asian Arts - Guimet is located near the Eiffel Tower, a 15-minute walk or an 8-minute bus ride away. It’s open from 10 am to 6 pm, Wednesday through Monday. 

For more information, consult the The National Museum of Asian Arts - Guimet website.  

Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine

Spanning 22,000 square meters, the Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine is the world’s largest architecture center. Classed as a historic landmark, its mission is to promote architecture through its library, museum, and school along with a line-up of temporary exhibits, conferences, and numerous activities for younger audiences. 

You’ll discover a vast collection of monumental sculptures and exceptional models demonstrating French architectural know-how from the Middle Ages to today while enjoying a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower and the Champ de Mars.

Housed in the Palais de Chaillot, it can be reached in a 10-minute walk from the Tower and is open Wednesday through Monday, from 11 am to 7 pm, and Thursday until 9 pm. 

For more information, visit the Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine website .  

Paris Aquarium 

Inspired by Jules Verne’s book Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea, Cinéaqua is among the world’s premier aquariums. Nestled in the gardens of Trocadéro and renovated in 2006, it is currently home to 13,000 fish, 38 sharks, 2,500 jellyfish, and 700 colonies of coral in its 3,500 square meters. 

Numerous interactive activities, shows, and a restaurant allow you to take full advantage of your experience while discovering life under the sea. 

Located between Trocadéro and the Seine, Cinéaqua is a 10-minute walk from the Tower. It’s open every day from 10 am to 7 pm. 

For more information, consult the Paris Aquarium website.  

You liked this article ? ? Share it

Book a ticket

Save time, buy tickets online

Opening times & Ticket prices

Today : 09:30 - 00:00

Price : 29.40€

Take Paris’ most spectacular ride to the top for €29.40 or less (€29.40 for adult ticket with access to top by lift).

On the same theme

Valentine’s Day: There’s love in the air and on the Eiffel Tower!

What events took place at the Eiffel Tower in January?

Who owns the Tower?

• Prices & Times
• Haut de page