Visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris: Complete Guide for Travelers
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!
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.
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 want to climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower, it is advisable to book your tickets in advance to avoid queues and ensure availability at the time you prefer. You can also opt for the “no queues” option to save time and avoid unnecessary waiting.
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 the official website until I almost gave up, but I had Civitatis as a backup, as they are more expensive there, 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 of buying 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 are you going to have the opportunity to climb the 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)
By bus:
- 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 by day and by 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 are looking 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, 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, 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.
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 structure of the tower 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 have to climb by elevator.
The Tower Controversy
Although the Eiffel Tower is today a symbol of Paris, not everyone agreed 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 views of the city, 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
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