how to visit tour eiffel

Visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris — A Complete Guide

By: Author Emily

Posted on Last updated: November 27, 2023

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

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

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

Let’s get started!

In this Post

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

About the Eiffel Tower

Getting around the eiffel tower — stairs vs elevators.

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

How to Avoid Lines at the Eiffel Tower

Plan your visit, tips for visiting the eiffel tower.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How much does it cost to visit the Eiffel Tower?

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

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

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

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

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

How to Purchase Eiffel Tower Tickets

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Get Advance Tickets to the Eiffel Tower

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

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

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

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

Skip the Line Tickets for the Eiffel Tower

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

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

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

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

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

Pros & Cons of Advance eTickets to the Eiffel Tower

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When is the Eiffel Tour Open?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How long does it take to visit the Eiffel Tower?

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

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

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

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

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

Closing Thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Tips for Visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris: Complete Guide

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

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

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

Tips to Visit The Eiffel Tower

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

How to Visit the Eiffel Tower

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

Visiting Tips

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

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

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

Visiting Hours of the Eiffel Tower

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

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

Ticket Reservation and Pricing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tours, Guided Tour, or Free Audioguide

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

Free audio guide

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

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

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

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

Accessibility For People With Reduced Mobility

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

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

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

How to Get to the Eiffel Tower

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

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

It is metro line 9 and the Trocadéro stop.

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

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

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

RER (suburban train)

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

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

Visit the Eiffel Tower by Day and by Night

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dinner at the Eiffel Tower

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Views from the Eiffel Tower

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

The Best Views

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

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

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

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

The History Of The Eiffel Tower

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

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

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

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

The Creation Of The Tower

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

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

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

How High is the Eiffel Tower

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

How Many Steps Does the Eiffel Tower Have?

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

How Many Floors Does the Eiffel Tower Have?

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

The Tower Controversy

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

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

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

Crowd Avoidance Tips

Best time to visit the eiffel tower.

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

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

How to Avoid Crowds

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

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

Visiting The Eiffel Tower In Low Season

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

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

Other Activities Near The Eiffel Tower

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

Seine River Cruises

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

Visit to the Arc de Triomphe

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

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

A Visit To The Trocadero Gardens

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

Visiting the House of Japanese Culture in Paris

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

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

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

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

Touring the Fields of Mars

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

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

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

Visit the Quai Branly Museum

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

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

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

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

Visit the Military School

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

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

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

Summarizing

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

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

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

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

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

Plan Your Trip to Paris

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

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

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

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Complete Guide to Visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents:

Some Eiffel Tower Facts and History

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

What is the Eiffel Tower?

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

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

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

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

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

Who Built the Eiffel Tower?

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

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

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

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

Why was the Eiffel Tower built?

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

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

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

The Eiffel Tower celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2014!

Why is the Eiffel Tower so popular?

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

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

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

Interesting Facts about the Eiffel Tower?

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

Planning your Visit to the Eiffel Tower in Paris

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

Where is the Eiffel Tower Located?

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

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

How to Get to the Eiffel Tower in Paris?

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

Eiffel Tower by Public Transport

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

Eiffel Tower By Metro and RER

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

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

Eiffel Tower By Public Bus

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

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

Eiffel Tower by Sightseeing Bus

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

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

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

Eiffel Tower by River Boat

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

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

Eiffel Tower by Car

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

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

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

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

Eiffel Tower by Day Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

Esplanade of the Eiffel Tower

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

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

Eiffel Tower Gardens

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

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

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

First Floor of Eiffel Tower

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

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

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

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

Second Floor of Eiffel Tower

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

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

Summit of Eiffel Tower

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

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

Eiffel Tower Ticket Prices?

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

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

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

Here are the prices (as of April 2023):

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

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

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

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

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

How to Buy Tickets to the Eiffel Tower?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Should I get Tickets to the Second Floor or Summit?

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

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

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

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

Are Discounted Eiffel Tower Tickets Available?

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

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

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

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

Which Paris Passes Cover the Eiffel Tower?

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

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

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

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

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

Is there an AudioGuide Available for the Eiffel Tower?

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

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

Booking a Guided Tour of the Eiffel Tower?

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

Here are a several options for guided Eiffel Tower tours:

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

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

What is the Average Queue Time at the Eiffel Tower?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eiffel Tower Entrance Locations

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

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

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

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

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

Best Ways to Save Money on Visiting the Eiffel Tower?

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

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

Tips for Going Through Security at the Eiffel Tower

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

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

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

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

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

How to Skip the Security Lines at the Eiffel Tower?

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

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

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

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

How to Skip the Entry Queues at the Eiffel Tower?

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

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

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

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

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

How Long Is an Average Visit at the Eiffel Tower?

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

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

Restaurants at the Eiffel Tower

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

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

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

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

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

Other Facilities at the Eiffel Tower

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

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

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

Accessibility at the Eiffel Tower

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

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

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

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

Walking Tours Visiting the Eiffel Tower

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

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

Best Time to Visit the Eiffel Tower

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Views from the Eiffel Tower

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

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

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

Timing of the Evening Lights at the Eiffel Tower

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

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

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

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

How to Avoid the Crowds at the Eiffel Tower

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

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

Where to Stay in Paris Near the Eiffel Tower

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

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

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

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

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

Other Attractions Near the Eiffel Tower

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our Experience Visiting the Eiffel Tower

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tips for Photographing the Eiffel Tower

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

Photography from the Eiffel Tower

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eiffel Tower Photography Tips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overall Tips for Visiting the Eiffel Tower

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

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

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

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

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

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

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There are 31 comments on this post.

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TTF Post author

November 1, 2023 at 2:02 am

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

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

How many steps are in the Eiffel Tower?

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

November 1, 2023 at 5:36 am

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

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

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

Best, Jessica

MS Post author

May 19, 2023 at 11:41 am

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

May 21, 2023 at 10:06 am

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

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

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

Judy Post author

January 28, 2023 at 1:02 pm

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

Happy new year..

February 1, 2023 at 5:27 am

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

Happy New Year to you as well!

Sheena Post author

June 21, 2022 at 8:01 pm

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

June 22, 2022 at 4:19 am

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

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

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

Wishing you and your family a great trip to Paris!

June 22, 2022 at 8:36 am

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

June 24, 2022 at 6:58 am

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

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

Jon Bakker Post author

March 27, 2022 at 7:02 am

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

March 27, 2022 at 8:34 am

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

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

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

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

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

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

Srishti Verma Post author

March 27, 2021 at 3:36 am

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

March 27, 2021 at 8:33 am

Hi Srishti,

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

Maude Post author

October 16, 2019 at 10:29 am

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

October 17, 2019 at 11:02 am

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

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

irene Post author

June 11, 2019 at 12:39 am

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

June 11, 2019 at 4:09 am

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

Kristen Post author

June 10, 2019 at 2:50 am

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

June 10, 2019 at 4:07 am

Hi Kristen,

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

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

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

Enjoy! Jessica

Theresa R. Post author

May 2, 2019 at 4:59 pm

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

May 3, 2019 at 8:44 am

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

Kathy Post author

February 26, 2019 at 10:38 pm

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

February 27, 2019 at 3:40 am

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

Mark Post author

February 25, 2019 at 2:11 am

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

February 25, 2019 at 4:03 am

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

Luke Post author

February 22, 2019 at 2:06 am

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

February 22, 2019 at 2:40 am

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

February 22, 2019 at 4:22 am

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

Seana Turner Post author

February 18, 2019 at 5:18 am

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

February 18, 2019 at 6:45 am

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

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

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• Eiffel Tower Tickets

Fastest & Easiest Ways to Visit

• See & Do

Eiffel Tower Tickets:  8 Easy Ways to Get Them & Avoid Long Lines

The Eiffel Tower - Le Tour Eiffel  - symbolizes the city of Paris to the world.  The 7+ million visitors who visit each year prove its enduring popularity!

If you are planning to be among them during your trip to Paris, you've probably heard horror stories about long waits in the ticket lines - up to 4 hours and even longer  during the busiest (and often the hottest) times.

Unfortunately, these stories are true. 

Especially if you visit during the summer or on a sunny weekend without a reservation that lets you skip the ticket line, you'll swear at least half of those 7 million visitors are waiting to buy tickets on the same day you are.  

Book Your Eiffel Tower Tickets Now: Our Top Picks

• Eiffel Tower Entry TIcket with Optional Summit Access - Skip the ticket line
• Eiffel Tower Stairs Tickets - Skip the ticket line and the elevator lines (unless you select the option to take the elevator to the Summit at the top
• Madame Brasserie - Enjoy a wonderful lunch or dinner while enjoying views of the Paris skyline from the 1st Level

But don't worry - this is where our list of eight easy ways to see the Eiffel Tower comes in. 

Once you know all the ways to avoid waiting in line for tickets , you can choose the best strategy for your visit, and spend your time enjoying the views as you create priceless memories. 

Because after all, there's nothing else quite like the thrill of experiencing the Eiffel Tower!

Book your Eiffel Tower tickets now:

Top photo: The Eiffel Tower, seen from Trocadero Gardens, (c) Paris Discovery Guide

Paris Discovery Guide is a reader-supported publication.  When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost for you.  Learn more

Eiffel Tower Ticket Requirements:  A Quick Overview

Let's start with a quick refresher of what you can experience inside the Eiffel Tower, how to get to each of the three floors above ground level, and available ticket types.

As you may already know, the Eiffel Tower offers visits to three platforms, or floors, above ground level for you to visit.  Each level about the ground offers unique amenities and of course, its spectacular 360 degree views of Paris - and beyond, if you go up to the Summit level on top.

You can reach the 1st and 2nd Levels by either stairs or elevators.  Going up, elevators stop only at the 2nd Level, but do stop at the 1st Level on the way down.  You must have a ticket to access the 1st and 2nd Levels.  Several types of tickets are offered, based on whether you want to take the elevator and/or stairs. 

You can go up to the Summit (3rd and highest) Level by elevator only - but because it is a separate elevator from those going from the Ground Level to the 2nd Level, you always have to change elevators and must have a separate ticket  if you plan to go to the Summit.

If you visited in the past, you may remember how you could buy Eiffel Tower Summit tickets from yellow ticket machines on the 2nd Level - but they have been removed. 

Now, if you want to visit the 3rd Level , you must purchase a Summit ticket in advance.

You can also choose to join a guided tour to the 2nd Level (which also allows you to visit the 1st Level) or to the Summit (which includes access to the 1st and 2nd Levels. 

If you want to go only to the 1st Level, you can get priority entry to that platform by making a reservation at the Madame Brasserie restaurant or by getting tickets to one of the relatively rare Eiffel Tower concerts (more about that in a moment).

Popular Eiffel Tower Experiences:

Eiffel ticket types.

You must have Eiffel Tower reservations such as a ticket (or a tour voucher, or Eiffel Tower restaurant reservation confirmation or concert ticket) to enter the Eiffel Tower.

Four basic types of tickets are available (in addition to 1st Level-only access provided by restaurant reservations or concert tickets) based on which floors you want to explore, and whether you want to ride or climb. 

Here are your ticket choices to access Levels 2 and 3:

1.  Ticket to 2nd Level by elevator (elevator stops at the 1st Level on the way down)

2.  Ticket to the 3rd Level, the Summit (Top) by elevator (elevator goes to the 2nd Level; you change to another elevator to go to the top ; on the way down, you get off the elevator on the 2nd Level and change to another that also stops at the 1st Level on the way down)

3.  Ticket to the 1st and 2nd Level by stairs

4.  Ticket to the 1st and 2nd Levels by stairs, and to the Summit (Top) Level by elevator; coming down, you get off the elevator at Level 2 and take the stairs down to the Ground Level (and no, you can't sneak onto the other elevator).

So how do our 8 easy ways to avoid the Eiffel Tower ticket lines help you?  Well, they all let you get your ticket without standing in long lines. 

We'll show you the pros and cons of each option - including a couple of lesser-known ways to experience the Eiffel Tower without regular tickets. 

Option 1:  Buy Your Eiffel Tower Entrance Tickets in Advance

You can choose from 2 ways to buy your tickets in advance online:

Buy Your Tickets on the Eiffel Tower Website

Go to the Eiffel Tower's website and make your Eiffel Tower reservations by buying your tickets online for a specific date and time, and print it on your home printer. 

You'll pay the same price as you would at the Eiffel Tower's ticket window. 

When you arrive at the Eiffel Tower, you skip the ticket line, although you'll still need to go through a couple of security checks and perhaps wait for the elevator to the 2nd Level. 

Sounds good, right?  It is - but be aware of these 3 "catches":

Catch #1:  Only a limited number of tickets are offered online.  They become available 60 days in advance for elevator access and usually sell out almost immediately during peak seasons. 

Tickets to access Level 2 by stairs go on sale 14 days in advance.  So to get the best (or any) date/time reservation choice, you need to start looking for tickets as soon as they are available. 

If you can't get them for the date/time you want, sometimes a few become available later (typically about 1 week before the visit date) - but they also sell out very quickly.

Catch #2:  These tickets are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for another date or time slot. 

Even worse, you may have to forfeit your tickets for reasons beyond your control such as bad weather which delays your arrival, illness, delayed flights, or a transportation strike. 

Likewise, you forfeit the cost of your tickets if you arrive more than half an hour late for your time slot due to an unexpected delay on the metro, an extra-long time spent getting through the security check line before you reach the entrance line (which you could rightfully claim is not your fault), or any other delay beyond your control.

That means you usually lose the opportunity to go up inside the tower, since unless you want to chance standing in the very long line to buy another ticket in case a few may still be available, which is highly unlikely during the busiest seasons.

Catch #3:  The Summit occasionally closes due to strong winds or other dicy weather conditions.  Less frequently, the entire Eiffel Tower closes due to labor strikes or security precautions.  Occasionally, a celebrity will buy out the whole place and host a wedding or some other event there. 

If you have already purchased tickets, getting a refund can be hit or miss.   (Although in fairness, the Eiffel Tower now issues refunds more reliably than they used to.)

Buy "Skip-the-Line" Eiffel Tower Tickets through a Tour Company

Tour companies are much more likely to have skip-the-line Tour Eiffel reservation tickets available until almost the last moment, long after the last time slots get snapped up on the Eiffel Tower's website.  (That's because they're able to buy them in bulk in advance.  Is that fair?  Probably not - but that's the reality.)  They also come with a couple of perks that speed up your entry.

Do "skip-the-line" tickets really let you skip the long lines? 

Yes... and no.   You do get to skip the very long lines of people waiting to buy tickets on site.  You do NOT get to skip the security lines, but those lines are much shorter and typically move more quickly. 

And, you get two "bonuses."  You usually get to go through a faster "groups only" security line and up on a tour groups-only elevator with a shorter waiting line - so while you don't skip these lines entirely, you do avoid the longer lines.

Skip-the-line tickets bought through tour companies typically include the services of a "host" or "greeter" who will escort you and your group through the "groups" security line, which is almost always faster than the non-group entry. 

A host or greeter does not actually provide a tour, but will expedite your entry.  A tour guide does give you interesting information about the Tower, and depending on the tour, may take you to see areas you can't access on your own.

You can choose skip-the-line tickets to the 2nd Level or 2nd Level plus Summit - just like the options offered on the Eiffel Tower's website.  

Tour companies also offer stairs-only tickets.   You can usually select a "Summit" option, which means that after you've climbed the 704 steps to the Tower's 2nd floor, you will take an elevator to the top.  Or, alternately, once you've enjoyed the second floor views, you can take the elevator down to the first floor. 

Some skip-the-line tickets through a tour company may even be refundable up until 24 hours before your visit (read the details very carefully when booking to make sure). 

Tickets booked through tour companies typically cost more. However, because you usually can buy them much closer to your preferred date and you may be able to cancel or change them if your plans change (or if you want to avoid a rainy day), you have a much better chance of getting tickets for the date/time you want, and you reduce the risk of not being able to use them. 

And because the tour host or greeter can usually take you through a tours-only security line and up a tours-only elevator, they usually speed up your entry time - important if you are on a tight schedule and want to squeeze in as many Paris experiences as possible.  You are literally buying yourself some time.

Get your tickets now

Option 2:  Tour the Eiffel Tower with a Guided Tour

For the fastest and most stress-free access to the Eiffel Tower as well as an enjoyable and informative experience, book a tour with a guide. 

Your guide will make the Eiffel Tower reservations and will bring you (and a small group of usually 10-20 others) to the site, expedite your entrance through a special (and faster) security check, accompany you onto (usually) the groups-only elevator up to the 2nd Level, and give you lots of interesting information about the Eiffel Tower. 

If your chosen tour includes the Summit, you'll either do it on your own or accompanied by your guide, depending on your particular tour.

Here are two of the most popular guided Eiffel Tower tours:

• Eiffel Tower Summit or Second Floor Access
• Eiffel Tower Guided Tour by Elevator (recent reviewers love its family-friendly guides)

More Eiffel Tower Skip-the-Line Experiences

Option 3:  make lunch or dinner reservations at an eiffel tower restaurant.

You can choose from two enticing restaurants within the Eiffel Tower where you'll enjoy wonderful skyline views of Paris while you enjoy your meal:

• Jules Verne - Located on the Tower's second level above the ground, the Michelin-starred Jules Verne offers unforgettable contemporary gastronomic cuisine and sweeping city views and expedited entry through special Ground Level entrances and private elevators (once you pass through the security check); reservations required
• Madame Brasserie - On the Tower's first level above the ground, Madame Brasserie offers wonderful views and several appealing lunch and dinner options for enjoying the contemporary cuisine overseen by Michelin-starred chef Thierry Marx; reservations required

These reservations give you restaurant access only; if you want to spend time exploring the Eiffel Tower beyond the restaurant, you'll need to get admission tickets.  

In case you've heard or read that in the past, restaurant reservations would get you into the rest of the Eiffel Tower, that was indeed true... but that's now in the past.  Today, that perk is no longer possible due to security barriers.

Are Jules Verne and Madame Brasserie expensive restaurants?  Yes - but you get a wonderful experience.  In addition to a delicious meal, you also get priceless city skyline views from an iconic Paris location - without the crowds elsewhere on the Tower.

Make reservations  

Does the Eiffel Tower have other  less-expensive places to eat? 

Yes - although you'll need to enter the Tower with a regular admission ticket or group. 

Snack bars on the ground, first, and 2nd (in the U.S. and Canada, that would be first, second, and third, or summit) levels provide a variety of affordable although still somewhat pricey casual choices.  On the 2nd floor, you can also stop by the tempting Pierre Hermé macaron bar. 

And don't forget the Champagne Bar on the Eiffel Tower's top level - the perfect spot to toast the City of Light.

Option 4:  Get Eiffel Tower Skip-the-Line Tickets in Combo with the Moulin Rouge, Louvre Museum, or Seine River Cruise

If you want to combine an Eiffel Tower visit with sightseeing to other top Paris attractions, look for a combination tour package to make the most of your time.   You'll find a variety of options with skip-the-line tickets, so pick the one you like the best.  

These combos can also be a good strategy when other Eiffel Tower ticket options are sold out but since they can also save you a few (or more) euros, they're also a good deal.

Here are 3 of the most popular tour combinations:

• Eiffel Tower Guided Tour & Seine River Cruise  - Save time by accessing the Eiffel Tower (all 3 levels, or just the first two, depending on the option you choose) with a guide, and then see Paris's top attractions during a day or evening Seine River cruise
• Eiffel Tower, Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, Seine River Cruise - Perfect way to see top Paris attractions in less than a day!
• Eiffel Tower Summit, Louvre Museum, and Seine River Cruise - Enjoy the views from the Eiffel Tower's Summit (plus Levels 1 & 2), explore the Louvre Museum at your own pace, and then enjoy a relaxing Seine River cruise

Option 5:  Stand in Line to Get Your Tickets

Standing in line to buy Eiffel Tower admission tickets is sometimes a feasible option - but ONLY if there are no crowds or you have the time and patience to spend in line for hours. 

Those "only if" conditions generally rules out summer , weekends as well as many week days in other months popular with tourists such as April, May, September, and October, French and other European school holiday weeks, and periods around major events attracting visitors such as the Paris Marathon

Avoid the wait - get skip-the-line tickets

So what does that leave?   

  - Bright, sunny (although chilly) days in March and November when the sky is crystal-clear.  

  -  Those special winter days in January or February when gently falling snowflakes transform the city (but don't accumulate enough for the Tower's 3rd level to close).     

  -  December evenings when you want an aerial view of the sparkling holiday lights twinkling across the city - except from about mid-December through New Year's Day, when everyone else has the same idea.

In fairness, at many times of the year, you can occasionally find shorter lines, especially late at night close to closing time - but you can't count on it, even on those chilly, rainy Paris evenings when you might think no one else other than you would be crazy enough to be there (but they are!). 

If you're visiting Paris for a short time and don't want to risk the hassle and stress of standing in line for hours, you're far better off getting skip-the-line tickets in advance.  Think of it as insurance against wasting hours of your precious time in Paris.

Update:  Please be aware that the Eiffel Tower urges visitors to get their tickets for a specified date and timeslot in advance.

Option 6:  Buy Walk-Up Stairs-Only Eiffel Tower Tickets - Bonus:  Great Exercise & Usually No Ticket Line!

If you want Stairs-Only tickets to the 2nd Level, you used to have to buy them onsite or through a tour operator because they weren't offered on the Eiffel Tour's website. 

The good news:  1) now, sometimes you can buy them online (but sometimes not, depending on your date), and 2) but if you do decide to buy onsite, there is often a dedicated line for Stairs-only tickets and it usually moves quickly - so this is the one time (other than winter months) when buying your tickets onsite makes sense.

Don't forget, though, you can usually get stairs-only tickets online through a tour company even if the Eiffel Tower's website is sold out, or if you want the options of taking the elevator to the Summit level at the top.

Assuming you're reasonably fit  and don't mind heights, climbing the stairs is a fabulous experience because of the wonderful perspectives of Paris as well as close-up views of Eiffel Tower mechanics. 

Stair tickets are a particularly popular choice of families visiting with kids (beyond the toddler stage) and teens since the climb burns up a lot of excess energy.

Pro Tip:  If heights and/or tilted perspectives make you feel queasy, do yourself a huge favor and go up by elevator, and maybe also consider skipping the Summit.

Option 7:  Get Tickets for an Eiffel Tower Concert

We almost hesitate to include this option because only a few concerts take place at the Eiffel Tower each year. 

But if you happen to be in Paris at a time when one is scheduled (usually around Christmas or New Year's Day, but also random times as well), don't miss the chance to combine beautiful music with sweeping views of Paris from the 1st Level for an unforgettable evening.  Check our Paris concert schedule by month for the period when you'll be here to see if any are listed.

Concerts take place in the Gustave Eiffel Salon, located on the 1st Level platform inside the tower.  The Salon has floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides and offers fantastic views. 

You can usually order Champagne when you book your ticket, and sip it before the concert begins while you enjoy the Paris skyline views.  The Champagne comes in a cute plastic flute, which you can keep as a souvenir if you want.

A quartet or quintet of professional musicians perform the concerts, which usually last about an hour plus another 5-6 minutes for an encore if everyone claps long enough at the end.

The tower lights up once the sky turns dark, so depending on the time of the year, you may experience the tower sparkling around you. 

After the concert ends, you can walk around the 1st Level for as long as you wish and take advantage of all the things to do: enjoy the panoramic views, stop by the Champagne Bar for another glass of bubbly, get something to eat at the snack bar, or peer straight down at the ground through one of the glass floor areas.

Although the Eiffel Tower's concert schedule is mostly unpredictable, several concerts almost always take place in November, December, and January, especially around the holidays, plus a few will also occur during other months.  

To find Eiffel Tower concerts, check our Paris concert schedule  which lists what's on each month.  They always sell out, sometimes faster than you might expect - so if you don't see any concerts listed for the Eiffel Tower, they've already sold out or haven't yet been announced.

Option 8:  See the Eiffel Tower Without Eiffel Tower Tickets

This is the easiest of all our 8 Eiffel Ticket ticket options - avoid the need for a ticket altogether.

If you're in Paris for just a short time and want to see the famous "Iron Lady" but not tour it - or maybe you don't like heights - you'll have plenty of opportunities to get wonderful ground-level (or Seine River-level, if you take a cruise) views of the famous Paris attraction. 

Here are just a few of the many excellent Eiffel Tower viewing locations around the city:

• Trocadero, directly across the Seine River from the Eiffel Tower - head to the marble viewing platform by the Musée de l'Homme (Anthropology Museum) at Palais de Chaillot, or walk around the gardens until you find the perfect spot
• Hop On / Hop Off Bus Tours - You'll get plenty of great views from the top of these fun open top double-decker buses - plus the drivers usually pause in the best spots for taking photos - Get your tickets
• Montparnasse Tower - Go to the Observation Tower and Rooftop Terrace (get your tickets) or even better, enjoy the panoramic views during a delicious meal at the gourmet restaurant Le Ciel de Paris on the Tower's 56th floor
• Top of the Arc de Triomphe - Get skip the line Arc de Triomphe rooftop tickets in advance                     
• Place de la Concorde - Almost anywhere around the plaza - or walk over to the adjacent bridge across the Seine for even more spectacular views
• Segway Tour with Eiffel Tower Views - Combine fun with great views!
• Seine River cruises with Eiffel Tower Views:

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• Paris Hotels near the Eiffel Tower - Enjoy the Eiffel Tower views
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Want to Save on Your Paris Hotel?

Check our tips on how to find discounts, deals, and bargains for Paris hotels.  Whether you're looking for cheap accommodations or want to pay less for luxury, we'll show you how to save on hotels in Paris.  

Here are some shortcuts: 

• Booking.com: Need last minute reservations?  Check out Today Deals on their website
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• Menorah lightings 

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• Gifts, holiday food, mulled wine, and Santa

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26 Places To Go For The Best Views of The Eiffel Tower (+ A Free Map to Find Them)

Looking for places to get the best views of the Eiffel Tower ? This post will guide you to the right places, whether known or hidden gems.

The Eiffel Tower is indubitably the most famous landmark in Paris ! Every year, millions of tourists flock from all across the world to look at the famous Iron Lady.

As someone who has lived in Paris for years and visited the Eiffel Tower more times than I can count, I can say it’s beautiful, magnificent, and worth all the trips people make.

In fact, some people travel to Paris just to see the Eiffel Tower and then leave the city (which I don’t recommend since you’ll miss out on so many other things to do and see) which shows how impressive it is in people’s minds.

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Even though most people’s dream is to climb it, which you absolutely have to do to get the best views of Paris , you can’t see the tower itself from above!

And here’s where my local knowledge comes in handy. There are some other incredible places you can go to enjoy the beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower.

So if seeing the Eiffel Tower from all angles and different views is on your Paris bucket list , in this post, I will show you the places to go for the best views of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

I’ve visited all these places over the years so you can trust that you’ll get the very best Eiffel Tower views you’re looking for!

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

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

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

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

Where to get the best views of the Eiffel Tower

In no particular order, here are the best places to see the Eiffel Tower!

1. From Trocadero for the best Eiffel Tower view

Located opposite the Eiffel Tower on the other side of the Seine, Trocadero is probably the most famous and the best place to view the Eiffel Tower.

Its prime location gives direct views of the tower from different angles depending on whether you see it from the steps, the garden, or the fountain of Warsaw.

My suggestion is that you see the tower from all these places as all the different views of the Eiffel Tower will be absolutely stunning.

Since this place is so famous and a popular Instagram photo spot with the Eiffel Tower , be ready to find lots of crowds.

How to get here: Take either Metro line 6 or 9 and stop at Trocadéro

Pro tip* The best way to beat the crowds here is to go early in the morning for a sunrise view or late in the evening for a sunset view. On top of beating the crowds, visiting at that time of the day will treat you to amazing views of the sun in the backdrop of the famous Parisian landmark. You can also check out these tips on how to skip the long lines in Paris .

2. From the Notre Dame Cathedral

The climb of the 378 steps of the notable Notre Dame Cathedral will treat you to impeccable views of the Eiffel Tower which in my opinion, is one of the best places to spot the ion lady and take magical photos.

Opening Hours:  The Cathedral is open daily from 10:00 PM – 6:30 PM from April to September but stays open up to 11:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays in July and August. However, it’s open from 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM from October to March.

Pro tip*  Due to the devastating fire that burnt part of the Notre Dame Cathedral, it is currently closed off to the public to undergo renovation. But when the restoration is done and opens to the public again, be sure to check it out as it provides the best view of the Eiffel Tower.

3. From the Arc de Triomphe Observation deck

If you read my previous post about the best views in Paris , you know that I believe that the Arc de Triomphe offers the best city views.

On top of the 360 degrees you get on the city plus the view of the 12 roads diverging from the arc, the observation deck will give you the best view of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Opening Hours:  Arc de Triomphe is open from 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM from 1st April to 30th September and from 10:00 AM – 10:30 PM from 1st October to 31st March.

How to get here: Either take Metro line 1 or 2 and stop at Charles de Gaulle – Étoile

Pro tip* The Arc de Triomphe is a popular landmark and you’re likely to find long queues. To beat them, you can buy yourself an online skip-the-line entry ticket to get fast access to the observation deck.

4. From Pont Alexandre III

One of the other places that offer a great Eiffel Tower view is Pont Alexandre III .

The bridge is not only beautiful; the most beautiful in my opinion, but it also offers perfect views of the Eiffel Tower with the Seine River and the opposite side of the bridge right in front of it. Nothing beats such a photo!

On top of the views, Ponte Alexandre is near many popular attractions like the Grand Palace and the Petite Palace and it’s within a walk’s distance of the Louvre museum .

So after taking in the Eiffel Tower best view, be sure to stroll around and see those popular places for a great day in Paris.

How to get here: Either take Metro line 13 and stop at Champs-Élysées – Clemenceau or line 8 and stop at Invalides

Related post: What to wear in Paris in summer

5. From Champs de Mars

Just next to the tower itself is a beautiful green park known as Champs de Mars! You might think that you may not get beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower since it’s right next to it but you’ll be surprised!

To enjoy the views from here, even more, you can visit Paris in springtime to see the most spectacular Paris cherry blossoms , or better yet pack yourself a picnic and chill right next to the tower.

But regardless of what time of the year you visit, Champs de Mars will treat you to breathtaking Eiffel Tower views.

How to get here: Take either Metro line 6 and stop at Bir-Hakeim or RER C and stop at Champs de Mars-Tour Eiffel

6. From the Montparnasse Tower Terrace

This might be considered the ugliest building in the whole of Paris (it was also once voted the 2nd ugliest in the world) since it doesn’t fit well with the architectural design of other buildings but the Eiffel Tower views it offers are out of this world.

And since it’s theoretically directly opposite to the Tower with no other building obstructing, you’ll get clear views of the Eiffel Tower.

Opening hours:  The observation deck of Montparnasse Tower is always open from 9.30 AM –11.30 PM all year round.

Psst… Don’t forget to grab this skip-the-line ticket to avoid the queues.

How to get here: Either take Metro line 13 or 12 and stop at Montparnasse Bienvenüe.

Related Post: Best Tips for Visiting the Eiffel Tower

7. From a Seine Cruise

Honestly, there is no trip to Paris that is complete without a cruise on the Seine! While on the cruise, you can see almost all the popular attractions in Paris including the Eiffel Tower.

You literally get an up-close look at the tower while feeling the cool breeze from the River.

You can go on this afternoon seine cruise but to enjoy the views of the Eiffel Tower, even more, I’d suggest going for this evening dinner cruise where you’ll see the tower sparkle for 5 minutes at every top of the hour! It’s truly a magical sight worth watching.

Related post: What to pack for Paris

8. From Rue De L’Université for the best Eiffel Tower street view

Popular for being an Instagram photo spot in Paris , Rue de L’Université offers the best Eiffel Tower street view.

With a view of the cobblestoned street, the beautiful architecture, and the Eiffel Tower in the background, this Parisian street is the ultimate gem for a view of the Iron Lady.

It might be “just” a street but it has become increasingly popular so you can expect to encounter crowds especially since it’s right to the tower itself. You can choose to go in the morning or in the late afternoon to beat the crowds.

How to get here: Either take metro line 8 or 13 and stop at Invalides

9. Rue De Monttessuy

For another street view of the Eiffel Tower, head to Rue De Monttessuy. It’s about 5 minutes from Rue De L’Université so you can easily visit these places in one go. 

It’s becoming a bit more popular these days compared to when I first visited it, but it’s still pretty unknown compared to most places we’ve seen so far.

How to get here: Take Metro line 9 and stop at Alma-Marceau

10.  From The Top Of Sacré Coeur for an Eiffel Tower view from Montmartre

Tucked away in beautiful Montmartre at the top of the hill, Sacré Coeur also known as Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris provides some of the best views of the Eiffel Tower if you brave up to climb the 300 steps since there is no elevator at this grand church.

You can pretty much see almost all of Paris from the top of the Sacré Coeur but there is nothing as impressive as a view of the Eiffel Tower.

And don’t just go for the view, the church itself is incredibly beautiful so spend some time visiting it to appreciate the architecture.

Opening hours:  Sacré Coeur is open from 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM from May to September and from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM from October to April.

How to get here: Take Metro Line 2 and stop at Anvers or Metro Line 12, and stop at Abbesses, although the former is much closer.

11. From The Steps Of Sacré Coeur

If you’re not in good shape or you just don’t feel like climbing the 300 steps of the Sacré Coeur , don’t worry, you can still get a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower from the Church’s steps.

The views may not be as impressive as the ones from the top of Sacré Coeur but you can be sure to see the iron lady.

And a big plus is that you won’t need to pay the fee to climb the towers of the church which makes this one of the free things to do in Paris.

Related Post: Best Things to Do in Montmartre

12. From Pont de Bir-Hakeim

Formally known as Pont de Passy, Pont de Bir-Hakeim which crosses the Seine River gives some of the best views of the Eiffel Tower.

Its prime location next to the tower and its design with the steel columns next to it and lanterns in between make for a perfect photo spot of the Eiffel Tower.

Actually, the impressive Eiffel Tower views it offers made Pont de Bir-Kakeim feature in popular Hollywood movies like Inception and National Treasure: Book of Secrets .

How to get here: Either take metro line 6 and stop at Passy or RER C and stop at Champs de Mars- Tour Eiffel.

13. From the Observation deck of the Pompidou Centre

Pompidou Centre may be known for its unique architecture of the inside-out kind of style or even its art and culture that it showcases in the museum but this place also offers stunning views of the Eiffel tower.

A big plus about Pompidou Centre is that, unlike other museums where you have to pay for both the gallery and the views, Pompidou Centre offers a views-only ticket known as the Panorama ticket  which takes you directly to the viewpoint.

This is perfect for people who want to take in the Eiffel Tower view without visiting the museum especially if they’re not into art.

Opening hours:  The museum opens from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM/7: 00 PM from 1st April to 31st October and from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM from 1st November to 31st March.

Psst… Before you go, make sure that you book your entry ticket in advance to beat the queues. If you don’t have it yet, you can buy it here . Alternatively, you can book this guided tour to learn everything you need about this incredible place.

How to get here: Either take M11 and stop at Rambuteau or M14 and stop at Châtelet on M1 and stop at Hôtel de Ville

14. From Rue Saint- Dominique

If you want to get a view of the Eiffel Tower without missing the street Paris charm, then head to Rue Saint-Dominique in the 7th arrondissement , particularly next to Le Recrutement cafe.

Any time is great to view but if you take a walk along this pretty street at night and wait for the sparkles of the tower at every top of the hour, then you’ll know why I think Rue Saint-Dominique offers the best Eiffel Tower street view.

How to get here: You can either take M8 and stop at La Tour-Maubourg or M13 and stop at Invalides

Related post: How to plan a picnic in Paris

15. From a metro

Yes, you can catch a view of the Eiffel Tower from a train! It might be brief but it’s one of the most exciting places!

The train is going too fast, the seine is right there and the anticipation of seeing it or even the pressure of missing to take a photo makes it even more exciting.

I know I was super ready with my phone in hand to snap a pic the first second I saw it and boy I was over the moon excited. But the good news is that I was able to take a quick pic on the first go.

There is something about that experience that pumps up the adrenaline, especially if you’re seeing the Eiffel Tower from the train for the first time.

But it’s not on just any metro, but the metro line 6 (between Bir Hakeim and Passy) headed to the Eiffel Tower if you want to go directly to Champs de Mars, and not the Trocadero side.

16. From the Pantheon’s Dome

Another place to go for Eiffel Tower views which is usually ignored by most people is the Paris Pantheon which is located in the Latin Quarter .

From here you can expect to get uninterrupted views of the Eiffel Tower since no tall building is in front of it.

And on top of that, you won’t have to compete with crowds of people at the top of the dome since they only allow 50 people to climb it at a time.

Opening Hours:  The Panthéon is open from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM from 1st October – 31st March and from 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM from 1st April – 31st September.

How to get here: Either take M10 and stop at Maubert – Mutualité or RER B and stop at Luxembourg

Pro tip* Visiting the Patheon itself is possible all year round but if you want to climb the dome for the best views of the Eiffel Tower, it’s only possible from April to October .

17. From Galeries Lafayette Haussmann Rooftop

Are you traveling to Paris on a budget but still want to enjoy some beautiful views, then Galeries Lafayette Haussmann is the best place to see the Eiffel Tower for free.

This famous department store opens up its 7th floor to the public to admire the Iron Lady from above.

And if you visit at sunset, you’ll be treated to some of the best sunsets you’ve ever seen. Nothing beats a sunset picture with the Eiffel Tower in it.

Opening hours:  The terrace is open to the public all year round from 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM.

How to get here: Either take M9 and stop at Chaussée d’Antin — La Fayette,  M3 and stop at Opera or Saint-Lazare on M13

18. Printemps Haussmann Rooftop Terrace

While most people head to Galeries Lafayette as the best rooftop terrace to get views of Paris since it’s a more popular department store compared to its counterparts, another place you can’t miss is Printemps Haussmann! It

You’ll get a view of the Paris Opera, Madeleine church, La Defense, Sacre Coeur, and the Eiffel Tower.

The best part is that it doesn’t have to be one or the other! You can visit them both since they’re right next to each other!

How to get here: Either take M3 or M9 and stop at Havre-Caumartin

Related post: What to wear in Paris spring

19. From Passerelle Debilly

Originally constructed to accommodate visitor traffic during the World War era, Passerelle Debilly is an arched footbridge that connects pedestrians from one side of the seine to the other – from Quai de New York to the Quai Branly .

And in the process of crossing from one end to another, you’ll be served with some of the best views of the Eiffel Tower.

You’ll also get a glimpse of the roof of the Grand Palais on the opposite side.

How to get here: You can either take M9 and stop at Iéna or RER C and stop at Pont de l’Alma.

20. From Some Paris Hotels

If you’re lucky to sleep in some hotels near the Iron Lady, you’ll be able to get a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower.

Imagine waking up to the view of the Eiffel Tower with the sun rising – magnificent, right? But be sure to save up because hotels with Eiffel Tower views don’t come cheap.

However, even if you don’t sleep there, some hotels allow non-residents to access their observation decks to see the tower as long as they keep the drinks coming in.

Some of the hotels with an Eiffel Tower view include;

• Shangri-La: This is one of the most famous hotels in Paris that offers incredible views of the Eiffel Tower. It is a high-end hotel since it was once a residential palace for Napoleon Bonaparte’s grandnephew. << Book your stay at Shangri-La Hotel for amazing views >>
• Hôtel Balzac:  Located in the famous Champs-Élysées district in Madeleine, Hôtel Balzac offers stunning views of Paris with a focus on the Eiffel Tower and the beautiful roofs of Paris. << You can book a room at Hôtel Balzac from here for those amazing views >>
• Hotel Le Meurice:  When you think of history and incredible views, think of Hotel Le Meurice! located in the 1st Arrondissement between Place de la Concorde and the Louvre Museum, this amazing hotel offers stunning views of the Eiffel Tower.
• Hotel Wilson Opera : Located next to the Opera, this hotel offers large windows that will give you a view of the Eiffel Tower.
• Hôtel Eiffel Petit Louvre : Located in the 15th arrondissement, this hotel is perfect for budget travelers who want to take in some Eiffel Tower views.
• Other hotels that offer incredible views of the Eiffel Tower include;   Hotel Le Walt which is a 10-minute walk from the Trocadero Gardens, Le Metropolitan Hotel for a mirror-shape pic of the tower, Hotel la Comtesse and so many others.

However, if you don’t feel like staying at a hotel, there are so many vacation apartment rentals in Paris where you can get incredible views of Paris or even opt for these Airbnb with Eiffel Tower views .

21. From Avenue Rapp

Usually missed by many tourists, Avenue Rapp which is hidden in the 7th arrondissement is the best place to view the Eiffel Tower.

As you walk along Avenue Rapp , take your time to locate a little park (known as a square Rapp ) and that’s where you’ll be surprised by the Eiffel Tower view. It is one of the best places to see the Eiffel Tower.

While still on this street, head to 29 Avenue Rapp, to see one of the few remaining Art Nouveau buildings known as the Lavirotte Building and its intriguing architectural designs. 

How to get here: Either take metro line 9 and stop at Alma-Marceau or line 8 and stop at École-Militaire

22. Rue du Général Camou

Just opposite the Lavirotte Building, you’ll find this quiet street! It has a beautiful Eiffel Tower view yet almost missed by all tourists. I was practically alone at this spot when I first visited.

How to get here: Take metro line 9 and stop at Alma-Marceau

23. From Paris rooftop bars or just any rooftop

Just like any charming city, Paris is full of rooftops and rooftop bars that provide an incredible view over the city of love. Just imagine sipping on Parisian Wine as you take in the Eiffel Tower views!

There are so many rooftop bars in Paris that offer incredible views of the Eiffel Tower but a few you can look for include;

• Terrass” Hôtel Bar: Situated at the top of Terrass” Hôtel Montmartre, this rooftop bar will treat you to spectacular views of Paris while you enjoy luxury at its best.
• La Terrasse At Hôtel Raphaël Rooftop: If you’re looking for the best views of the Eiffel Tower accompanied by some of the best cocktails in the city, then head to La Terrasse At Hôtel Raphaël Rooftop.
• The 43- Roof Top: Bar Terrace of The Holiday Inn Paris : Located on the roof of Hôtel Dame des Arts, this rooftop bar will not disappoint when it comes to serving Eiffel Tower views.

24. From Île aux Cygnes

For those who don’t know, Paris has islands and this is one of them! Although it’s famous for housing the biggest replica of the Statue of Liberty in Paris , its surrounding area also offers views of the Eiffel Tower.

It’s a little bit further away from other places mentioned in this article, but it’s worth visiting in my opinion.

How to get here: You can either take M6 and stop at Passy, or M10 and stop at Charles Michel

25. Avenue De Camoens

Another cool Eiffel Tower photo spot to visit is Avenue de Camoens in the 16th Arrondissement.

Since the viewpoint is located at the top of a staircase, it’s easy to miss it if you don’t know what you’re looking for.

As with other spots, you’ll find several Instagrammers and photographers here.

At the bottom of the staircase, there is a pink marble monument dedicated to poet, Luís de Camões, that is also worth admiring.

How to get here: Either take M9 or M6 and stop at Trocadéro

26. Place de la Concorde

If you’re near the Louvre museum, you can still enjoy a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower from Place de la Concorde.

This is the largest square in Paris with stunning fountains and an Egyptian Obelisk, although, it is probably most famous for being the execution place of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette during the French Revolution. I recently did a walking tour around this place so you can go check it out afterwards.

How to get here: You can either take M12,  M1,or M8,  and stop at Concorde

Map Of The Best Eiffel Tower Views

How to Use this Map:  Just click on the Camera icon on the map above and the location will be displayed on the left side of the screen. You can choose to either “view on google maps” and save the location for later or you can click on the itinerary arrow to get directions on how to get there.

Final Thoughts on where to get the best views of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

There are so many places that offer incredible views of the Eiffel Tower but these are just a few you shouldn’t miss even if you’re in the city for just a week.

And as always, remember that Paris is a popular destination with lots of visitors and the best way to beat the crowds at the places mentioned in this post is by either buying skip-the-line tickets or visiting in the morning or in the evening hours.

Have you gone “views chasing” in the city of love? What was your favorite place to see the Eiffel Tower?

Let me know in the comment section which places you’ve been to on this list and if you went to one that is worth checking out but it’s not on this list, also leave it in the comments section and I will add it.

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

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

• The Complete Guide to Visiting Paris in Spring
• Where to Find Cherry Blossoms in Paris
• What to Wear in Paris in Spring
• The best Parisian desserts you should try
• What to do in Paris at night
• Where to find the best views of Paris
• Big mistakes to avoid in Paris

Was this post on the best views of the Eiffel Tower helpful? Then please consider sharing it with others.

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

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Beautiful Brown Adventures - Families of Color Travel Inspiration and Tips

Tips on How to Visit La Tour Eiffel with Your Kids (Eiffel Tower)

Catching a glimpse of La tour Eiffel was always a source of joy and excitement for me during our family trip to Paris. I loved the way that the iconic tower could be seen from so many points in the city. It was a bit like an Easter egg 🙂 Funny because we happened to be in Paris for Easter! There are a number of ways to experience the Eiffel Tower, and I hope you take the opportunity to revel in each one with your family (or even without!). From feasting on a picnic lunch on the gardens, to marveling at the sweeping views from the top of the landmark, to catching a glimpse of the glittering tower at night, there is really no wrong way to appreciate the tower. See below for our personal tips and tricks for visiting with your kids!

• Trip Purpose & Details
• Before You Go & What We Packed

History of the Eiffel Tower

How to visit the eiffel tower, getting there, how to get the best photos of the eiffel tower, wishlist for our next visit.

We acknowledge France’s history as a colonizer of many lands. The oldest known inhabitants of Paris were of the Gallic tribe Parisii.

Trip purpose.

See the Eiffel Tower from as may angles as possible, and capture a family photo with the tower in the background!

AGES OF THE KIDS : 20 months & 7 years

SUGGESTED LENGTH OF VISIT : 3+ hours

TIME OF YEAR : We visited on a Monday afternoon in mid-April.

• €11-27 for adults
• €6-14 for disabled people and young adults (ages 12-24)
• €3-7 for children (ages 4-11)
• Free for children under 4
• Metro/public transportation

Add-Ons : Food/drinks & souvenirs

Before You Go

All optional, if you'd rather play it by ear:

• Purchase your lift tickets for the tower (up to two months in advance, and no less than three hours prior to your desired visit time)
• Visit the Eiffel Tower website to prepare for your visit

What We Packed

• Standard diaper bag essentials
• Ergobaby or soft baby carrier
• Umbrella stroller
• Packed meal and snacks

Construction of the Eiffel Tower was completed in 1889 for the Exposition Universelle, which commemorated the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. The tower is named after Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built the tower. In the century that has since followed, the tower has become a Parisian and French cultural icon, boasting 7 million visitors a year. According to the Eiffel Tower’s official website , it is the most-visited pay-to-enter monument in the world.

You can get to the Eiffel Tower by multiple means, even by boat along the Seine (maybe on our next trip…)!

We preferred to walk or take the Metro, either to Trocadero, Bir-Hakeim, or Ecole militaire stations.

Visiting the Base/Esplanade of the Eiffel Tower

You can visit the base of the tower without purchasing a ticket. To get there (and ultimately to the lift entrances), you have to go through at least two security gates. Entrance 2, or the East Entrance, is often the less-crowded entrance.

Under the base of the tower you’ll get a sense of just how large and tall the structure is. Before we joined the queue to ascend the tower, our 20-month-old had a great time running through the grounds and gaping at the height of the tower. There are also some gardens and greenery (including the 200-year-old sycamore tree ), as well as food kiosks.

Ascending the Eiffel Tower

The top of the Tour d’Eiffel boasts some of the best and most expansive views of the city, and is definitely worth at least one visit. Ideally you will have purchased your admission/lift tickets ahead of time, or no less than three hours before your visit time. You can ascend and visit the tower itself between 9 a.m. and 11:45 p.m.

We found that it was a bit of an art to find the right timing, especially since we hadn’t bought our tickets ahead of time. The crowd ebbs and flows during the day, and unfortunately when we got to the head of the line to ascend (following a 30-minute wait in the queue), we were told we would not be allowed entry to the top level of the tower because it was at-capacity. By the time we returned to the bottom of the tower, we saw that people were again being admitted to the top level!

My advice would be to hold your place at the front of the line while letting folks behind you pass until capacity opens up again. We went during the afternoon, but I’d love to try to ascend 1-2 hours before sunset to catch golden hour and get a taste of both daylight and evening views.

*Note: if you worry about being in close proximity to crowds, you might feel safe knowing that most of the attractions and views from the Eiffel Tower are open air. However, the lifts are enclosed and hold multiple parties at a time, so you may want to opt for the open-air stairs, at least up to the second floor.

First Floor

The wide, airy, open-air first floor features transparent walls and floors that give you a glimpse of the crowds and gardens below. 

We stopped at one of the first-floor cafeterias to enjoy a drink before our final descent back to the base of the tower.

Second Floor

There is another lift or staircase that will take you to the second floor, which stands at a height of 377 feet. Short of getting to the top floor, this is where to take in expansive views of the city from a gated 360-degree balcony with two levels. Tower viewers stationed throughout the perimeter can, for the cost of a Euro or two per view, provide a closer look at the surrounding scenes.

Third (Top) Floor

We sadly didn’t make it to the top of the Eiffel Tower during our visit, but did someone say champagne bar ?! I’m there.

The top floor features both an indoor and outdoor area, as well as a historical display that replicates Gustave Eiffel’s office, complete with wax models!

Descending the Eiffel Tower

You can opt for the lifts or the stairs, depending on the crowds and how you feel.

Our kid enjoyed crawling up the metal staircase even as we made our descent, though you should keep an eye on them in the stairwell. Crowds of people move in both directions.

Descending the staircase was a great option to keep out of the stuffy lifts and to experience the tower in a different way!

Have a daytime picnic at the Jardin de la Tour Eiffel

I highly recommend packing a picnic lunch or pre-dinner snack to enjoy on the lawns at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. It feels very Parisienne. We brought and devoured popsicles from a nearby Franprix supermarket. I liked to sit at the far ends of the Jardin de la Tour Eiffel to people-watch while admiring the view, all without having to crane our necks (or camera!)!

Enjoy the Evening Light Shows

As if it were even possible for the tower to be even more magical, the evening light shows do just that. The lights on the Tour shine intermittently, making it a glowing, glittery, magical beacon in the sky that can be enjoyed from many points throughout the city!

The top of the tower isn’t necessarily the best place to get photos of the tower itself–you’ll need to be further removed to get it in perspective of most camera lenses. Here are some great options for catching the Eiffel Tower in your family portraits!

Palais de Chaillot/Trocadero

Cross the Seine from the Eiffel Tower (or take the Metro directly to Trocadero station) and you’ll arrive at the Palais de Chaillot and the Place du Trocadero. This is an awesome spot to catch the Eiffel Tower in the background of your portraits, and provides a paved and expansive open space. The only thing is it can get crowded, so do your best to visit during an off-peak hour. Take time to explore this area, as you can get some great shots of the tower from the Esplanade and the staircase, among other spots!

Trocadero is also where our child decided to lay on the floor, so my partner decided it was a great opportunity to put her in a breakdancing pose.

Quai Branly

I couldn’t resist this shot while we were walking from the Eiffel Tower to the Pont de Bir-Hakeim. Just goes to show that you should explore your subject from the streets that surround it to find your favorite angle.

Passerelle Debilly

This footbridge along the River Seine is not far from the Eiffel Tower and has a magnificent view of both the tower and the river. Passerby have also left love locks along the bridge walls, which add to its charm.

• See the Eiffel Tower by boat
• Make it to the top floor (and to that champagne bar!)
• See how many photos we can get of the Eiffel Tower without actually being in the vicinity of the Eiffel Tower

It’s hard to imagine a visit to Paris without the Eiffel Tower, but you don’t need to ascend it in order to enjoy it fully!

Thanks to my familia (Lenny, Andro, Shelby, and Leila) for sharing their photos!

Check us out on Pinterest!

Angelica (she/her) is of Cebuano(Pilipinx)-descent and was born and raised in Huchiun Ohlone territory (the East Bay Area--pay your Shuumi Land Tax!), where she also now resides with her partner and their toddler. She loves to spend her time sipping on boba and dirty chai lattes (sometimes together), and eating pescetarian goodies at BIPOC-owned cafes and restaurants.

• Angelica https://beautifulbrownadventures.com/author/jellyeatsfishy/ How to See the Northern Lights with Kids in Fairbanks, Alaska
• Angelica https://beautifulbrownadventures.com/author/jellyeatsfishy/ Traveling Tokyo with Kids: 12 Family-Friendly Activities for a 3-Day Itinerary
• Angelica https://beautifulbrownadventures.com/author/jellyeatsfishy/ BBA's Top Blogs of 2023
• Angelica https://beautifulbrownadventures.com/author/jellyeatsfishy/ A Family-Friendly Guide to Mexico City: Top 10 Activities with Sample Itineraries

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Paris Olympics: See the venues of the Summer Games

This summer's Olympics will unfold in more than 30 venues throughout Paris and other cities throughout France. This story is best viewed on mobile in the NBC News app .

by Chet Hill, Jiachuan Wu and Nigel Chiwaya

This browser does not support the video element.

The Olympics will transform Paris, with dozens of competitions and events expected to draw huge crowds to one of the world’s most iconic cities. Take a tour of some of the Games’ more noteworthy venues.

The River Seine, which flows through the heart of Paris, will be a central location throughout the Games.

The Seine will be the site of the opening ceremony on July 26, when 10,000 athletes aboard more than 160 boats will parade on the water in front of crowds of up to 300,000. In the following weeks, swimming, triathlon, 3-on-3 basketball, skateboarding and gymnastics competitions will also be held at venues along the river.

Beach volleyball will be played at a temporary stadium, currently under construction, in the Champ de Mars near the Eiffel Tower.

The Eiffel Tower Stadium will offer a spectacular view of one of Paris’ most iconic landmarks.

Judo and wrestling competitions will take place at a temporary arena in the Champ de Mars.

The arena will be dismantled after the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Olympic village lies along the Seine’s northern bank and will house more than 20,000 athletes during the Olympics and Paralympic Games combined.

The village is located about a mile away from Stade de France, which will serve as the main Olympic stadium and host major events such as rugby, shot put and track and field.

The Roland Garros Stadium, built in 1928 in western Paris, is traditionally the home of the annual French Open tennis tournament.

During the Paris Olympics, the Roland Garros will host tennis, boxing, wheelchair tennis and sitting volleyball competitions.

The Olympics are not limited to Paris, as events will take place in other French cities, too. Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes and Nice will host soccer games. Sailing competitions will take place at the Marseille marina, and Villeneuve-d’Ascq in northern France will host basketball and handball competitions.

The farthest event of the Games will take place almost 10,000 miles away, in the French Polynesian island of Tahiti.

Teahupo’o, which is home to some of the biggest waves on the planet, will host surfing competitions.

Visual Credits

3D satellite imagery via Google Earth. Photo rendered images: Seine riverbank, Eiffel Tower Stadium: Paris 2024. Champ de Mars Arena: Paris 2024 /Rmngp/Wilmotte&Associes. Stade de France: Paris2024 / Stade de France © - Macary Zublena et Regembal Costantini - Architectes © ADAGP - Paris. Roland-Garros: Paris 2024 /Cédric Lecocq / FFT. Tahiti: Manea Fabisch/Tahiti Tourisme.

Ticket to the Second Floor via the Stairs

Advantages of the stairs ticket to the second floor.

A spectacular visit experience

With your ticket to the second floor via the stairs in hand, you are completely free to explore the heart of the Tower’s structure. All the charm of Gustave Eiffel's creation and the beauty of the whole of Paris will gradually be revealed as you climb the 674 steps.

It is also the cheapest and easiest option for visiting the Eiffel Tower: there's always room, you can book online in advance (staircase tickets go on sale 14 days in advance) or buy your tickets on site, and there is generally little or no waiting time at the entrance to the pillar. The ascent to the second floor via the stairs is accessible to all, except for parents with very small children and babies and people with reduced mobility.

The visit experience

Set... Go! Your ascent of the SOUTH pillar has begun! Don’t worry, you can climb at your own pace, the steps are large and you can take breaks. Take the opportunity to admire the metal structure of the Tower, read the informative panels and start to discover the Parisian skyline and the surrounding monuments. Allow 15 to 20 minutes to climb each floor.

02: Visit in complete liberty

Once on the first floor, you are free to organize your visit as you wish, whether you first explore the first floor or go directly up to the second. Remember that the first floor offers fantastic surprises and is absolutely worth discovering. You will find places to eat and drink on the terrace, in the bistro or Madame Brasserie, as well as museographic displays for learning more about the history of the Tower and a large shop.

03: Proud to reach the second floor!

After climbing the 674 steps, you can proudly say you’ve reached the second floor! The whole of Paris can be seen from the two levels on the second floor, so take time to admire the 360-degree view. You can also buy food and drink, let yourself be tempted by the Pierre Hermé Paris x Eiffel Tower macarons and browse the shops. In the evening, the second floor is the ideal place from which to admire the Tower's illuminations and sparkles. You will go back down via a different staircase, allowing you to enjoy different points of view.

Also available

Ticket to the Top via the Lift

Experience the most comprehensive visit of the Eiffel Tower!

Ticket to the Second Floor via the Lift

An amazing experience at the heart of the Tower

Ticket prices

Visit the Eiffel Tower up to the second floor in complete liberty and at your own pace for a maximum price of €11.30 (adult price, from 25 years old).

For all reduced-rate tickets, proof of eligibility may be asked for at the entrance to the monument.

• Adult : 11.80 euros
• Young from 12 to 24 : 5.90 euros
• Children from 4 to 11 : 3.00 euros
• Children under 4 : free

If you have chosen a time-stamped ticket, please arrive at the esplanade at the start of the time slot indicated on your ticket.

There is no left luggage service at the Eiffel Tower for strollers, bags, etc.

For those with a ticket to the second floor, it is not possible to purchase a supplement to the top on site. There is no such ticket.

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Eiffel Tower Restaurants: Guide to Elevated Eating!

Sean Finelli Last Updated: April 2, 2024

Heading to Paris and looking to plan a meal or eat at the Eiffel Tower? You are making the right decision as it is one of the most incredible experiences in all of Europe. Did you know there are more restaurants than just the Jules Verne? This guide breaks down where to eat at (on) the Eiffel Tower.

This article is dedicated to eating at the Eiffel Tower and by that, I mean literally on it. If you are looking for great places to eat nearby, check out our article on the Best Places to Eat Near the Eiffel Tower in Paris . Also, check out our beautiful page dedicated to the Eiffel Tower .

Where to Eat at the Eiffel Tower in Paris

The Eiffel Tower may look like a thin, wiry structure but at any given moment there could be up to 3000 people eating, drinking, or snapping selfies from 58 meters to 276 meters off the ground on Eiffel’s three observation decks.

When I travel, I am a bit of a bon vivant. We all work hard so decompressing on vacation and enjoying the sweet fruits of your labor is super important. This is why I always say, “If you can, you should go inside.” This goes for eating at Le 58 or Le Jules Verne – if you can.

Going Up? Your Answer Should Be Yes!

Yes, you should make every effort possible to go up the Eiffel Tower. The tickets start at 10.40€. which is affordable enough for anyone who can afford a visit to Paris.

With the exception of 2020 given the reduced levels of tourism, don’t think you can show up on a Saturday and say, “Two please!” These tickets are extremely difficult to obtain. This restaurant features multiple different dining facilities from indoor to outdoor and a bar.

Below you’ll find the Eiffel Tower restaurant choices and at the very bottom the hours of operation and ticket costs are listed out.

Start With An Aperitif at the Champagne Bar

Get ready for the the ultimate bougie experience: savoring a glass of champagne atop the iconic Eiffel Tower!

At the tower’s summit, you’ll find a small Champagne bar offering unbeatable views of Paris, where you can relax and soak in the breathtaking scenery. For the best experience, we recommend heading to the bar around sunset.

Hours: The bar is open from 10:30 AM to 10:30 PM, coinciding with the Eiffel Tower’s hours, and

Reservations: No reservation is required. Prices: Champagne glasses start at 22 euros.

Madame Brasserie

Our first recommendation for dining at the Eiffel Tower is Madame Brasserie , located on the 1st floor of the Tower. Under the guidance of renowned French chef Thierry Marx, famous for his molecular gastronomy, the restaurant offers three exquisite dinner menus suitable for both adults and kids.

Remember, smart attire is a must—no sportswear or flip-flops allowed!

Make a Reservation

You can make a reservation here .

Prices range from 70 to 100+ euros per person.

Dinner service times:

First seating: 6:30 PM Second seating: 9:00 PM

Our Best Guided Tours of Paris

Likely to Sell out

Privileged Access Eiffel Tower Night Tour With Seine River Cruise

Sometimes the most amazing moments happen by chance. Other times, they are orchestrated by professionals. Our Eiffel Tower tour takes you on a cruise down the Seine River for incredible views of Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower. Champagne included, of course. Then you’ll be guided to the Eiffel Tower, skip the long lines, and head up the elevator to the second floor for a night to remember.

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Ultimate Taste of Paris Food Tour in Le Marais

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

Not ready to book a tour? Check out Paris Guide for more resources.

Le Jules Verne Michelin Star @ Eiffel Tower

The definition of bon vivant is a person who enjoys a sociable and luxurious lifestyle. The photo next to it had better be someone eating a meal at Jules Verne .

Again, I believe that if you can, you should . Spending 75€ is something that I believe anyone who can afford a trip to Paris can manage. Jules Vern, on the other hand, will run you 190€ – 230€ per person for dinner excluding beverages. A five-course and seven-course menu respectively.

This is a starting point as you are going to want a drink. So, if you can, you should . Let this be your reward for a successful year or positive life event but know going into it that you will spend a pretty penny.

They have a more affordable, he scoffs, menu at 105€ for lunch excluding beverages. It is a 3-course tasting menu that makes a very pleasant experience.

Eating at the Jules Verne is a special experience for anyone who can afford it. The restaurant has succeeded in receiving 1 Michelin star under all four chefs who have run Le Jules Verne.

Making a Reservation at Jules Verne :

You can book here. They release times slots 90 days in advance so forget about booking a year ahead.

You have two choices, the Main Rooms (looking at the city) and the Alcove (looking at the interior). Main Rooms obviously go first although the website tries to sell the benefits of the Alcove.

Lunch: From 12pm to 1.30 pm Dinner: From 7pm to 9pm

Head to the Macaron Bar for Dessert

This special spot , located on the lower level of the Eiffel Tower’s second floor, is where you can treat yourself to delightful French pastries known as macarons. Developed exclusively for the Eiffel Tower by Pierre Hermé, a renowned Parisian chef, these macarons come in a variety of flavors and colors.

Prices: Individual macarons are priced at €3 each for most flavors, with exceptions at €3.50 each.

Privileged Access Eiffel Tower Night Tour with Seine River Cruise

Sometimes the most amazing moments happen by chance. Other times, they are orchestrated by professionals. Our Eiffel tower tour cruises by the famed monument as it lights up and you drink champagne. After, you’ll have tickets to enter the tower and ascend to the 2nd level with an elevator.

Secrets of the Louvre Museum Tour with Mona Lisa

The Louvre is the largest art museum on Earth and the crowning jewel of Paris. It embodies the French vigor for life. Join a passionate English speaking guide for a tour of the most famous artwork. Skip the line admissions included.

Eiffel Tower Opening Hours & Admissions

Address: Champ de Mars

Hours: 9am – 12:45am (daily)

The last ticket time to the top is 11 pm.

There are 5 different types of admission tickets for the Eiffel tower at varying prices:

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

About Sean Finelli

Sean is a co-founder and owner of The Tour Guy and its subsidiary The Roman Guy. He studied finance and statistics, but that is his "Dr. Jekyll" side! His "Mr. Hyde" is in love with travel, art, history, and culture. Sean has read libraries of historical text and believes that all internet content should come from books. A practice he follows!

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