tour eifel map

Welcome to the Eiffel Tower visitor’s guide

The 2nd floor

The 1st floor.

The esplanade

West garden

East garden

Official eiffel tower tour guide for your mobile.

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

History and Culture

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

Important statistics

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

A magnificent view

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

Eiffel Tower, France

Tour the world’s most visited monument

A closer look at the Eiffel Tower

Since its construction in 1889, more than 250 million people have visited Paris’ iconic Eiffel Tower. An architectural feat for the time, the Eiffel Tower was the first monument in the world designed to reach the symbolic height of 1000 feet. The ‘Grande Dame de Fer’, remained the highest monument in the world for more than 40 years (today that title is held by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai). The Eiffel Tower remains the most visited monument globally.

In order to capture the imagery, the Google Maps team followed in the footsteps of the 7 million annual visitors and ascended multiple floors of the Tower. Using the Street View Trolley (designed especially for monuments and museums) they collected 360-degree views of the monument’s architecture and its expansive views over Paris.

View of Paris from the Eiffel Tower

Experience the journey.

Learn more about this collection at the Google Cultural Institute, featuring 3 immersive online exhibitions .

The Google Maps team carrying the trolley up stairs to access all areas of the Eiffel Tower.

Pascale Milite, Google Maps, pushing the trolley around the perimeter of the observation deck.

The Street View trolley was developed to easily capture museums, sculptures, and monuments.

The Eiffel Tower was the first monument in the world designed to reach the symbolic height of 1000 feet.

Trek the Eiffel Tower with Google Maps

Explore more views of the eiffel tower.

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.

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

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

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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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The Google Maps Features All Travelers Should Know About

I 'm a nerd for maps. As a kid, they inspired me to want to travel, and as an adult they're my comfort reading. My colleagues at AFAR even let me make a podcast episode about them . But of all the maps I love (Middle-earth included), the one I spend the most time with these days is Google Maps. I'm betting most of you can say the same thing. I'm on that app every single day. I use it for work (for the research I need to do in my job here as an editor and writer), I use it for fun (I can spend hours armchair exploring remote islands in the middle of oceans), and I use it, most invaluably, for trip planning. If you're only using Google Maps for directions, you're missing out. Here are a dozen ways I use Google Maps for smarter travel.

Collaborate an itinerary with friends

I make Google Maps lists of everything: I have one for vegetarian restaurants, another for ice cream shops-I even have one that's a cocktails and cookies trail. (I created that last one with my cousin when we celebrated her 21st birthday.) More often, I use lists as a trip-planning tool. As I'm researching things to do in whatever destination I'm headed to (recently Argentina, Nairobi, and Manchester ), I create a list, add places of interest (museums, restaurants, shops, libraries, etc.) and share it with my travel crew so that they can weigh in on my picks and add their recommendations. While that's useful, it's only 101.

In the past year, lists have leveled up: Now, for each place listing, your friends can react with an emoji (heart, smile, fire, thumbs down, or flying money) and add their tips and suggestions into a comments field (e.g., "I read that dulce de leche is the flavor to get!" or "Let's go here after our street-art tour on Monday."). I especially like that I can customize the order of the items on the list; for example, I could make them match the path of cookies I plan to follow, or I could arrange our collective Argentina picks chronologically so that the list doubles as our itinerary. A fun bonus is that you can assign any emoji to the whole list so that all of the places show up in map view with that themed icon-say, the Argentina flag or an ice cream cone.

Walk like you know where you're going with navigation

Turn-by-turn navigation isn't just for drivers. Google Maps offers it for walkers and bikers too. Once you type in your destination, select "directions," then "walking," then "start navigation," and the app will speak out loud to guide you, the same as if you were in a car. When I'm in a new city, I use this with one earbud in so I don't have to keep looking at my phone (because I will inevitably trip and fall over).

If you prefer to look at your phone, you can follow your route in both 2D (that little blue arrow moving on the map) or in 3D Live View. In this mode, you point your camera at the real world to get the app situated and then follow arrows and directions overlaid on the IRL view of the streets that you see through your phone. (Another settings option allows you to tilt your phone to enter Live View rather than tap.) Even more helpful, the recently released Glanceable Directions feature shows a minimap and navigation on your lock screen, so you don't have to open the app and turn on comprehensive navigation mode to get the benefits (toggle this feature on in settings). Conveniently, it'll automatically reroute if you take a different path.

Use augmented-reality Lens to find what's nearby: shops, restaurants, ATMs, and more

In addition to navigating with augmented-reality Live View, you can also use an augmented-reality (AR) function called Lens in Maps to see what's around you, including restaurants, public transportation stops, and landmarks. When in Maps, tap the little camera icon in the search bar, then point your phone at the street, and you'll start to see icons on the buildings. Note that this feature works only for select locations, but new cities are consistently rolling out. In the meantime, all of this information is still easily available in the app: Right under the search bar, you'll see popular search categories, including gas, restaurants, hotels, and groceries-and be sure to scroll all the way over to the "More" button. Tap that to see a couple dozen additional, and very specific, categories, including ATMs, libraries, live music, hospitals, pharmacies, and even EV charging stations.

Plan your EV charging route

Speaking of EV charging stations, Maps has expanded the info it provides on electricity pumps. To find them while you're on an EV road trip , type or speak "charging stations" into the search field or tap the "More" category button directly under the search bar. You'll immediately see red pins with a little lightning bolt inside them populate the map. In the information card below, the app will tell you which kind of chargers a station has (fast, medium, slow), how many are available, and whether they're compatible with your car.

Check what's open right now

When I was in Manchester last year, my friends and I went to a concert that let out late, and instead of heading directly to bed, we wanted to go out for a drink and a bite to eat. That's when I pulled out Maps to check what places were still open around us. In the app, look for "open now"-it's one of the options right under the search bar.

Use photos to get a sense of a place before you go

Nearly every listing in Google Maps has photos now, culled from public reviews and the establishments' owners. Admittedly, this isn't so much of a secret-but it is a secret weapon. You can use those photos to evaluate hotels, to check if a coffee shop is comfortable for laptop working, to see if a restaurant is likely to fit your big group or your mood, and to view images of menus. A recent AI-powered update uses those photos to give more travel inspiration. Try typing something like "cherry blossoms," "public art," or "swimming holes" into the search bar, and the results will include a carousel of photos and videos culled from public uploads, under the headline "Discover through photos."

See the future, and plan for it

Google Maps' Immersive View is photos on steroids. Well, on AI. For more than 500 landmarks around the world (including the London Eye, the Empire State Building, and Tokyo Tower), the search results include what looks like a video labeled "Immersive view." What you're seeing is actually a ton of photos that the app stitched together to create not just an image but a whole knowledge roundup of a particular destination. Want to see what traffic will be like on the Brooklyn Bridge tomorrow morning? Want to see the view from the Eiffel Tower as the sun sets tonight? You can do it now, through Immersive View. A small icon in the bottom right corner shows the weather and a clock-tap it to change the time of day, up to four or five days into the future, and the view will change too: the number of cars on the bridge, the clouds over Paris.

Share your real-time location to stay safe

When I am traveling solo , I always keep my location services turned on for safety (and also to ensure that my 7,000 photos of street art, grocery-store finds, and random architectural details are geotagged for later reference). But even if I'm traveling with friends or family, I use real-time location sharing when I head off on my own so that people know where I am. This is especially helpful if I'm running late, because they can see my arrival time and use that to make important decisions, like whether to order appetizers without me. On the map, you can tap your blue dot to see sharing options or go to your account icon in Maps and open location sharing to choose who and what you want to share. Bonus hint: Tapping the blue dot is also how you get to the option to save your parking location.

Download an offline map

If you're concerned about eating up mobile data-or if you're going to be in a location where you won't have good internet service, Google Maps has you covered. Tap your circular account icon at the top right of the app and go to Offline Maps to select the region you want to download; it will work the same as the live version. Whenever I travel, I download a big swath of the area I'm going to, even if I think I'll have plenty of internet access. You never know when you'll be in a dead spot.

Use overlays to get more information out of your map

Maps are like ogres and onions-they have layers. To find those layers, go into the app on your phone or desktop and click the icon that looks like a stack of tiny squares. You may already know that Maps can show you a satellite view layer, a terrain view layer, and the default cartoonish view layer. (The local weather forecast is always available too-look for the small icon on the left side of the screen just under the search bar.) But did you know that it can also overlay public transit routes, traffic statuses, bike paths, wildfires, and air quality? The public transit overlay is one of my favorites, whether I'm traveling or at home in NYC-the subway lines are even correctly color-coded.

Discover the Easter eggs

You've seen Google Maps' little orange Pegman, right? He's the icon that lives at the bottom right of the screen in the desktop app. Drag him into the map and you'll see a street view of almost any location. But in some spots around the world, he hides an Easter egg. Navigate to Loch Ness in Scotland, and when you pick him up, he's wearing a Nessie costume. At Area 51, he turns into a UFO. And in the Galapagos Islands, he has a mermaid tail. Can you find any others?

Stay tuned for more AI-powered features in the future

Google is working on bringing generative AI into its maps , and one project that's underway is a feature that will allow users to ask questions like "What are rainy-day activities I can do with kids?" When the feature is available (expected later this year), the map will show indoor suggestions such as bowling alleys and movie theaters. Google's community of more than 300 million "local guides," as they call their contributors, are working to test this now, and I'm already lining up my questions: Hey Google, what are some places that cartography nerds would like?

Texas Kids Adventures

Texas Road Trip Through Europe Towns A= Paris, TX; B= Athens, TX; C= Moscow, TX; D= Berlin, TX; E= Vienna, TX; F= London, TX; G= Florence, TX; H= Holland, TX; I= Dublin, TX, J= Italy, TX

Texas has some uniquely-named towns, such as Cut-and-Shoot, Loco, Trout, Oatmeal, Ding Dong, Bacon, Noodle, Tarzan, Salty, Telephone, Energy, Coffee City, Quicksand, Gun Barrell City, and has its own Utopia as well as Uncertain.  

As settlers emigrated to Texas, they brought some European names to pay homage to their mother countries, including Paris, Athens, Moscow, Berlin, Vienna, London, Florence, Holland, Dublin and Italy.   Fortunately for Texans, this makes a fun road trip to explore Texas towns with European names.  Even better, you won’t need a passport.  If you haven’t heard of these town before, it’s probably because most are very small and lost population and industries as larger cities grew. 

The Eiffel Tower of Texas.  Photo credit.

Let’s begin our tour in Paris, Texas , complete with its own 65 foot Eiffel Tower with a red cowboy hat perched on top.  It’s the second largest Eiffel Tower in the world, and is around one-tenth the height of the original at 1,063 feet.  Stop by the Paris Bakery for French pastries as you explore downtown Paris and the Lamar County courthouse.  The Lamar County Historical Museum  has artifacts from the local area, including a blacksmith shop, pioneer kitchen and pioneer cabin.  Kids can stretch their legs at the Paris Downtown Community Park splash park and outdoor musical instruments.  Check out the Paris events including Tour de Paris Bicycle Rally and the Paris Balloon & Music Festival .  

Zipliner above the trees at New York, Texas Zipline Adventures.

Enjoy the rolling hills and piney woods on your road trip journey to Athens, Texas.  It was named by the stepdaughter of a founding father who had a vision that Athens would become the cultural center in Henderson county like the one in Greece.   Athens holds the title of the official “Original Home of the Hamburger”, created in the late 1880s at a downtown Athens café and introduced at the 1904 World’s State Fair in St Louis.  Athens is also known as the Black-eyed Pea Capital of the World. 

The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center is a production hatchery for stocking fish into Texas waterways and an educational center to learn about native species and ecosystems.  Visit over 300,000 gallons of indoor and outdoor aquariums to see many native fish, waterfowl, amphibians and alligators.  Learn about ecosystems and fishing at the museum and wetlands trail. 

The East Texas Arboretum & Botanical Society is 100 acres of trees, flowers and wildlife.  The two mile rugged nature trail along spring-fed streams reveal untouched animal habitats and ecosystems.  The handicap-accessible trail is 1/3 of a mile.  Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring binoculars.  

Just 15 minutes away, New York, Texas Zipline Adventures offers zipline tours for ages 5 and up.  Zip through the treetops at over 100 feet above the ground.  

Lake Livingston State Park kayaking   Photo credit

Moscow, Texas There’s not much in this small town of less than 200 residents.  Stop by Johnson’s Rock Shop to find gemstones, minerals, petrified wood, and jewelry.  Polk County Memorial Museum is a small museum with history of Polk County with old maps.  Lake Livingston State Park located just 15 minutes away, on Hwy 59 on the way to Berlin.

Berlin, Texas A German settlement from the late 1840s with a cotton gin and gristmill, this town only 3 miles from Brenham and is included in their population numbers.  Berlin was founded in 1860 by German settlers.  There is also a Texas town called New Berlin in Guadalupe county.

Vienna, Texas With a population under 50, this is a tiny town once had a gin and sawmill as immigrants settled along the Navidad River.  When the Navidad flooded in 1940, structures were washed away.

Florence, Texas main street.  Photo credit.

London, Texas London is also known as London Town in the 1880s, and is home to the historic London Dance Hall with live music and dances.    Enjoy the beauty of rolling hills, oak trees and wildflowers as you enjoy the best of the Texas Hill Country in Boerne, Comfort, Fredericksburg and Kerrville area.   Nearby attractions include the Ft. McKavett State Historical Site and South Llano River State Park. 

Florence, Texas This small town established in the early 1850s had a railroad with wheat, cotton and cattle industries which led to a corn mill, blacksmith leather goods production, and eventually a hotel, saloon, flour mill.  Area attractions include lakes and rivers for water recreation and fishing.

Hill country, Fredericksburg, Texas.  Photo credit.

Holland, Texas

Holland is home to the one and only Corn Fest , an annual festival of music, 5K run, parade, and themed contests such as corn eating, corn shucking, corn bobbing, corn seed spitting, corn cob relay, corn hole and the world championship corn cob throw.  While it was cancelled in 2020, this sounds like a shucking good time you won’t want to miss for 2021.   You could leave there as a world champion!  

Dublin, Texas The Official Irish Capital of Texas, Dublin bottled Dr. Pepper for over 100 years.   This small town has plenty to explore including museums, shopping, market days, and homemade cheese and wines.  The Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Celebration includes pageants, parades, craft and food vendors, dog contests and shopping.   Dublin has a monthly Farmers Markets for fresh produce.

Italy Known as the “Biggest Little Town in Texas,” this town was named by the postmaster who thought the climate was similar to Italy.   This settlement from the 1860s had a railroad, five cotton gins, and a cottonseed oil mill.  This old cotton town now has some vintage and antique shopping and dining.

Downtown Italy, Texas

On your Texas Road Trip Through Europe Towns, you can brag to your friends about seeing towns that they probably never knew were in Texas.  You can imagine the hustle and bustle of these towns during the cotton and farming boom, and see the grand buildings that remain.  You will see backroads, woodlands, lakes and rivers, rolling hills, and beautiful scenery along the way.    When given the choice between the interstate and the backroads, always choose the backroads.  

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The Rick Steves guide to life

Travel mogul. Philanthropist. Legal weed champion. The real Rick Steves is so much more complex than who you see on TV.

EDMONDS, Wash. — At first glance, it is hard to tell that Rick Steves is protesting.

In the center of his hometown, America’s favorite travel host is perched on the edge of a fountain roundabout engaging in some friendly civil disobedience. As cars circle the intersection, Steves smiles and waves, looking more like an Elf on a Shelf than an angry picketer. This is his way of reminding people he wishes they’d stop driving here.

Steves’s family moved to Edmonds when he was 12, and the 68-year-old is still happy to call it home. Rather than relocate to his beloved Europe, he dreams of bringing some European sensibilities to the edge of the Puget Sound, less than 20 miles north of Seattle.

When he’s not traveling around Europe, writing about Europe or running his multimillion-dollar European tour company, the prolific TV host and author likes to squeeze in some local activism. The roundabout routine is his push to block off Edmonds’s very American Main Street for pedestrians. If you squint at it, you can see what Steves sees: This would be the perfect place for a lively town square.

“I like a lot of things about Europe, but I love the urban energy of Europe. I love the piazza,” Steves said in a wistful tone you might recognize from PBS. “We don’t have a piazza.”

Unfortunately for Steves, the voting majority of the city does not love the idea of parking their SUVs farther away to shop. So despite his Boy Scout enthusiasm, the most famous man in Edmonds must keep up the perch-and-wave. This is not his only crusade.

Spend any amount of time with Steves, and you’ll encounter a total ham who loves a zany bit. But if you ask him about serious issues such as car-free zones, he’ll bring up other causes that are dear to him: affordable housing, supporting the arts, creating senior centers for the elderly to age with dignity.

He’s anti-Trump and pro-cannabis. He does not care if that is bad for business.

The average Rick Steves fan has probably missed this side of him. On TV, they see an always-sunny history lover who makes going abroad feel approachable for the average American. That’s an incomplete picture, like thinking you know Paris because you’ve seen the Eiffel Tower on YouTube.

Meet him in Edmonds, and he’ll fill in the rest.

It may look like a lot of gallivanting, but being Rick Steves takes a lot of work.

He spends three months of the year overseas, researching, writing, recording, refining tours, updating guidebooks. If he’s not planning or producing content, he’s often doing promotional events across the United States. This year, Steves is celebrating the 40th edition of his first book, “Europe Through the Back Door.” Over the course of his career, he has built a privately held company that generates $120 million in revenue a year, published 110 books, filmed 12 seasons of “Rick Steves’ Europe” and produced more than 750 podcast episodes.

“It’s just like coordinating a three-ring circus,” Steves said.

That is: really fun, sort of exhilarating and extremely complicated. To pull this off, Steves does not observe the French 35-hour workweek. He’s a workhorse with a reputation for keeping a frenetic pace year-round.

“It’s more of an American work culture,” Amy Duncan, Steves’s communications director, told me. “He’s an unapologetic capitalist, but he is also a socialist.”

He makes enough money to fly first class, but he sits in only economy, claiming that he doesn’t mind being cramped.

“It never occurred to me that I’m suffering,” he said. “As long as I’ve got an aisle and a seat that reclines, I’m happy.”

Actually, Steves believes airlines should have only one class. It’s part of his egalitarian worldview. He’s also anti-points and anti-miles, refusing to sign up for airline loyalty programs because he believes that they bully us into complicating our lives.

Steves also enforces a self-imposed “ carbon tax ” on his tour company, which takes more than 30,000 people to Europe annually. For every customer, Steves invests $30 to atone for emissions created by their flights between the United States and Europe. Last year, that added up to $1 million donated to a portfolio of organizations, Steves said.

“I don’t need to be a slave to the quarterly profit statement. I want to be around and profitable in 10 years from now in a world that you can travel in that’s stable,” Steves said. “This is a smart investment, and it’s an ethical expense that I should pay for.”

Rick Steves will tell you he’s motivated by making money; the more he can earn, the more good he can do with it.

“Vicarious consumption, that’s one of my things,” Steves said.

After amassing a windfall from the 2001 George W. Bush tax cuts for high earners, Steves donated $1 million to support the local symphony and performing arts center. In 2005, he used retirement savings to buy a 24-unit apartment complex for the local YWCA’s use as transitional housing for women and children. He figured he’d eventually sell the complex and live on the earnings. About a decade later, he changed his mind and donated the complex valued at $4 million.

He also gave more than $4 million to help build the Edmonds Waterfront Center, a vibrant gathering place for seniors where his daughter had her wedding in 2021. And he gave another $2 million for a similar center in the nearby city of Lynnwood, which broke ground in mid-April .

“Rick puts his money where his mouth is,” said Nancy Leson, a former Seattle Times food critic who used to let Steves’s daughter babysit her son. She has appreciated his regular presence in the community, which has entailed hosting events for local politics at his house and shopping at the farmers market .

“He changed travel,” local resident Karen Howe said on her way into the Waterfront Center with a friend. She has used Steves’s guidebooks for years. “He’s introduced us to places that most of us would never think of going.”

Steves hasn’t won his piazza battle, but he has brought European touches to Edmonds. At the Rick Steves’ Europe headquarters, there’s an E.U. flag hanging from the mocha brick facade. And gargoyles that drain rainwater, just like at the Notre Dame cathedral.

“Gargoyles scare away evil spirits,” Steves points out, unable to suppress his inner tour guide.

Here Steves employs more than 100 people: editors, audio producers, tour specialists and cartographers such as Dave Hoerlein, his first employee. That’s excluding the fleet of guides and drivers he contracts across the pond to shepherd tour customers.

Inside, he bounds through a maze of cubicles, his neck craned forward, always at an eager pace. His 6-foot frame appears leaner than in previous seasons of his life, but his signature look is familiar. No, not khakis and a button-down. That’s vintage Rick. These days, he wears dark jeans and a button-down, plus a thin scarf and leather sneakers.

During a day of meetings, Steves’s fjord-blue eyes lit up at the minutia of the business. He went over new maps with Hoerlein. He and longtime co-author Cameron Hewitt addressed problems such as finding a “less glitzy” stop on the Amalfi Coast that’s not Sorrento. They discussed whether a place is worth visiting after it’s gotten too popular, and Steves indulged in some gallows humor.

“It’s going to be like holding the corpse of a loved one who just died,” he said.

His critics argue that the “Rick Steves Effect” can turn a charming village, restaurant or museum into a tourist magnet. Matthew Kepnes, the travel writer behind the blog Nomadic Matt , points to the Swiss town Zermatt, which he says Steves put on the map, and has since dealt with overtourism . You’re bound to bump into groups with Rick Steves guidebooks in Italy’s increasingly crowded Cinque Terre.

Whether Steves is actually to blame for changing a place is up for debate. There are plenty of destinations he’s covered that haven’t been inundated with swarms of Americans (see also: Gdańsk).

Steves says he assesses whether a place wants tourism, if it can handle it gracefully. If it doesn’t or can’t, he may mention it but not promote it.

He has faith — maybe too much — that his clients share his values.

“Does [my work] change the personality of a town? It can. Am I a dramatic impact on Europe? No,” he said.

“There’s a handful of places I really promote aggressively that I’ve had a serious impact on, but otherwise ... my travelers are the kind of people that take only pictures and leave only footprints. ... They’re good travelers.”

You don’t have to spend much time in Edmonds to see why Steves never considered leaving.

The city — population roughly 42,000 — sits on a majestic inlet. You can get to a major international airport in about an hour. The community is so courteous, it has an “umbrella share” program in case people forget their own on a rainy day. As Steves walks around town, he greets people by name. He lives within walking distance to both his favorite diner and a pétanque court, the French answer to Italian bocce. He plays bongos at his church on Sundays.

In 1967, Richard “Dick” Steves moved the family here because he was worried about Rick Junior.

“I was hanging out with dangerous kids and going down the wrong trail,” Steves said. Seriously.

His dad, an Army veteran, got by in the upscale suburb as a piano technician and importer. When Steves was 14, his parents dragged him on a work trip to Europe to visit piano factories; it was a radical experience that sparked his lifelong passion for travel.

Back in Edmonds, Steves started teaching piano, eventually turning his savings into trips abroad of his own — not only to Europe, but also to Turkey, Nepal, Afghanistan. He went to college nearby, earning degrees in European history and business from the University of Washington, where he played in the Husky Marching Band.

After graduating, Steves figured he could keep up his routine: give piano lessons during the school year, then travel during the summer. He started teaching travel classes in the same recital hall where his piano students performed. This was back when there was no internet and there were few guidebooks to consult for trip planning.

The classes were a hit. At 25, Steves turned his lecture materials into a 180-page book, and self-published “Europe Through the Back Door,” in 1980.

Four years later, he hosted his first European minibus tour group, serving as both bus driver and guide.

His businesses have evolved; his bus tours now take up to 28 travelers, a number Steves says is a sweet spot between making the tour more affordable yet enjoyable for customers and profitable for the company. But his mission has remained the same: to be the best resource for European travel and help Americans travel better.

“I just focus on that and I love it,” he said. “It takes my life out of balance — which is not good — but it lets me do a lot of stuff that I believe in and that’s good.”

Steves has been open about the challenges of being a travel mogul. As he built his empire, he was also raising a family. Being “married” to both took a toll. In 2010, Steves and his wife, Anne, divorced after 25 years of marriage.

Up the hill from his junior high, Rick Steves’s modest beige home offers a window into his many lives. There are family photos on the walls, from older relatives to his baby grandson, Atlas. He hosts political fundraisers on the sprawling deck. A painting of Kerala, India, nods to one of his favorite countries. (People forget that Steves did four editions of “Asia Through the Back Door.”)

Next to his grand piano, there’s a stuffed creature that Steves calls his “Silver Fox” baring its teeth and wearing novelty sunglasses with cannabis leaves on the lenses — a nod to two of his interests: taxidermy and marijuana activism.

“It’s the civil liberties. … It’s the racism. … Everything about it is wrong,” he said of keeping weed illegal.

As for the toothy fox, Steves doesn’t do typical souvenirs anymore, but he makes an exception for stuffed animals.

“The wooden shoes and the pewter Viking ships are so obvious,” he said. “I like to do something a little more organic and a little more striking, and it takes me back there — I like it.”

He’s a very good piano player. He can also play the sousaphone and the trumpet — which he did regularly during the pandemic, performing taps for his neighbors at sunset.

The coronavirus was a nightmare for the travel business, but a miracle for Steves’s love life.

After running in the same social circles for years, he and Shelley Bryan Wee, a prominent local bishop, started dating at the end of 2019. They had a lot in common. Both are progressive Lutherans. Both are divorced with adult children. But neither worked a typical 9-to-5, and one of them spent three months of the year in Europe.

Then shutdowns happened. Steves, who couldn’t remember whether he’d ever had dinner in the same place 10 nights in a row, spent 100 nights at the same table with Wee. It solidified their relationship.

“Shelley is a constant,” Steves said. He still struggles with the balancing act between work and love.

When the stars align and they’re both in Edmonds, Wee cooks, and Steves plays sous-chef. They walk Jackson, Wee’s labradoodle, creating their own version of the passeggiata, Italy’s traditional evening stroll. They play table tennis before dinner.

When the world reopened, they started traveling together. They’ve made time for a few big vacations: a trip to Morocco, where they were caught in a windstorm that blew the windows out of their car; a luxury barge cruise through Burgundy, France, “that was embarrassingly expensive,” Steves confessed, followed by a week hiking in the Swiss Alps; and another hiking trip between remote lodges on Mont Blanc.

Before their first trip, Steves edited the contents of Wee’s suitcase, because packing light is part of his philosophy.

“What do you say?” she asked. “You’re talking to Rick Steves.”

Editing by Gabe Hiatt. Additional editing by Amanda Finnegan. Design editing by Christine Ashack. Photo editing by Lauren Bulbin. Videos by Monica Rodman. Senior video producer: Nicki DeMarco. Design by Katty Huertas. Copy editing by Jamie Zega.

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How can we help you?

Are you planning a visit to the Eiffel Tower and have questions about how to buy your tickets, our pricing, how to get to the Tower, and what you can do once you get there? In this FAQ we try to answer all of your questions. Enter a key word to search, or choose one of the four different subjects.

Questions involving Getting to the tower

• Getting to the Eiffel Tower on public transport?

The Eiffel Tower is served by different means of public transport.

By the Metro: 

Line 9 (Pont de Sévres – Mairie de Montreuil : stop - Trocadéro) 

Line 6 (Nation – Charles de Gaulle Etoile : stop - Bir-Hakeim) 

Line 8 (Balard – Créteil : stop - Ecole Militaire)

Line C (Versailles / Saint Quentin en Yvelines - Anthony / Massy Palaiseau : stop - champ de Mars - Tour Eiffel)

Bus 82, stops: "tour Eiffel" or "Montessuy" Bus 30, stop: « tour Eiffel » Bus 86, stop: « Champ de Mars » Bus 69, stop: "Champ de Mars" Bus 72, stop: « Pont d’Iena »

You can walk to the Eiffel Tower from all of these stops in only a few minutes.

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Opening times and ticket prices

• Can I book my ticket online and pay later?
• Last minute - Tickets sold out: how can i visit?
• I bought a ticket for the 2nd floor and now I want to go to the top, is this possible?
• I want to visit by climbing the stairs but I can't find this ticket online, what should I do?
• I would like to visit by taking the stairs and then the lift from the 2nd floor to the top of the Tower. Can i purchase the ticket online?
• Does a ticket for the top allow you to visit the 1st and 2nd floors?
• I bought a ticket on line but I don't have a printer. Can I print the ticket at the Eiffel Tower?
• Can I change the date and/or time of my ticket?
• I made a mistake when entering my name (or inversed my first name and surname) what should I do?
• I can't log on to my account, what should I do?
• I am prevented from making my visit, can I cancel my ticket?
• Are skip the line tickets a real thing for the Eiffel Tower?
• Do any tickets grant priority access to the Eiffel Tower?

• Can I have lunch/dinner at Madame Brasserie or Jules Verne without a reservation?
• Can reservations be made for the Champagne Bar?
• Can I visit the Eiffel Tower after my meal?
• Do the gift shops have the same opening times as the Eiffel Tower?
• Is there a bookshop?
• Is there a museum?
• Can one visit Gustave Eiffel's office?
• Is it possible to picnic on the Eiffel Tower?
• Are there toilets or baby changing facilities?
• I've lost something, what do I do?
• Is there a left luggage office?
• In Paris, some museums close on Tuesdays. Does the Eiffel Tower?
• How can you walk up the Eiffel Tower on foot?
• What payment methods are accepted at the ticket office?
• Can you walk beneath the Eiffel Tower without paying for a ticket?

• Who is entitled to a reduced price?
• Are holders of the large family card entitled to a reduction?
• Are holders of the ImagineR student Rail and Bus card entitled to a reduction?
• Is the Pass Musées museum pass card accepted?
• Is the Eiffel Tower free for babies?
• Is the Eiffel Tower free for blind people?
• Does the Teachers' Card allow free access to the Tower?
• Is it possible to book a guided tour?

• Which are the closest parking lots to the Eiffel Tower?
• Do the ticket offices open before the Tower does, and tickets be purchased to go up the Tower as soon as the lifts open?
• Can tickets be purchased at the Eiffel Tower up until closing time or do you have to arrive before?
• Can visits be made by people in wheelchairs?
• I have a pacemaker, a diabetic kit etc., can I get through the security controls?
• What is the quietest moment of the day?
• How long does a visit take?
• Is visiting time limited?
• Can I come to the Eiffel Tower on skateboards, in-line skates, quads, roller skates, on a scooter?
• Can I come with a pet?

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