visit to eiffel tower

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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• Best Views of Paris that Aren’t the Eiffel Tower
• Visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris – A Complete Guide
• Walking in Paris – 5 perfect walks through Paris with maps
• Paris with Kids – Planning Guide, Things To Do & Tips
• Montparnasse Tower Visitor Guide + Tips
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7 Practical Tips For Visiting The Eiffel Tower In Paris

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A brief history of the Eiffel Tower 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tips for visiting the Eiffel tower

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

1. How to get to the Eiffel Tower

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

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

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

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

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

By train 

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

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

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

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

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

By car/Taxi

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

• 24h: 29.40€

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

By Sightseeing Bus

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

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

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

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

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

2. How to climb the Eiffel tower

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Things to See at the Eiffel tower

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related post: How to skip the long lines in Paris

The first floor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The second floor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The third floor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Underground

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. How to buy Eiffel Tower tickets

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Security check

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

Elevator Ticket Line

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

Access to the elevators

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

Access to the Summit elevator line:

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

Stair ticket queue

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

Stairway access

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Final Thoughts on How to Visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris

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

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

FAQs about visiting the Eiffel Tower

Where is the eiffel tower located.

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

What are the opening hours of the Eiffel tower?

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

What is the best time to visit the Eiffel tower?

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

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

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

What time does the Eiffel tower light up?

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

How much are the Eiffel Tower tickets

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

Final Thoughts on the Best Tips for Visiting the Eiffel Tower

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Welcome to the Eiffel Tower visitor’s guide

The 2nd floor

The 1st floor.

The esplanade

West garden

East garden

Official eiffel tower tour guide for your mobile.

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

History and Culture

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

Important statistics

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

A magnificent view

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

Savvy Travel Advice

Complete Guide to Visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents:

Some Eiffel Tower Facts and History

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

What is the Eiffel Tower?

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

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

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

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

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

Who Built the Eiffel Tower?

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

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

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

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

Why was the Eiffel Tower built?

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

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

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

The Eiffel Tower celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2014!

Why is the Eiffel Tower so popular?

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

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

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

Interesting Facts about the Eiffel Tower?

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

Planning your Visit to the Eiffel Tower in Paris

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

Where is the Eiffel Tower Located?

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

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

How to Get to the Eiffel Tower in Paris?

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

Eiffel Tower by Public Transport

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

Eiffel Tower By Metro and RER

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

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

Eiffel Tower By Public Bus

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

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

Eiffel Tower by Sightseeing Bus

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

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

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

Eiffel Tower by River Boat

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

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

Eiffel Tower by Car

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

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

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

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

Eiffel Tower by Day Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

Esplanade of the Eiffel Tower

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

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

Eiffel Tower Gardens

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

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

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

First Floor of Eiffel Tower

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

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

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

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

Second Floor of Eiffel Tower

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

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

Summit of Eiffel Tower

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

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

Eiffel Tower Ticket Prices?

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

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

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

Here are the prices (as of April 2023):

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

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

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

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

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

How to Buy Tickets to the Eiffel Tower?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Should I get Tickets to the Second Floor or Summit?

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

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

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

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

Are Discounted Eiffel Tower Tickets Available?

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

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

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

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

Which Paris Passes Cover the Eiffel Tower?

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

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

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

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

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

Is there an AudioGuide Available for the Eiffel Tower?

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

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

Booking a Guided Tour of the Eiffel Tower?

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

Here are a several options for guided Eiffel Tower tours:

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

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

What is the Average Queue Time at the Eiffel Tower?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eiffel Tower Entrance Locations

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

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

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

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

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

Best Ways to Save Money on Visiting the Eiffel Tower?

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

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

Tips for Going Through Security at the Eiffel Tower

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

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

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

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

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

How to Skip the Security Lines at the Eiffel Tower?

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

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

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

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

How to Skip the Entry Queues at the Eiffel Tower?

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

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

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

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

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

How Long Is an Average Visit at the Eiffel Tower?

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

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

Restaurants at the Eiffel Tower

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

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

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

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

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

Other Facilities at the Eiffel Tower

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

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

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

Accessibility at the Eiffel Tower

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

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

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

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

Walking Tours Visiting the Eiffel Tower

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

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

Best Time to Visit the Eiffel Tower

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Views from the Eiffel Tower

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

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

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

Timing of the Evening Lights at the Eiffel Tower

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

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

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

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

How to Avoid the Crowds at the Eiffel Tower

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

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

Where to Stay in Paris Near the Eiffel Tower

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

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

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

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

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

Other Attractions Near the Eiffel Tower

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our Experience Visiting the Eiffel Tower

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tips for Photographing the Eiffel Tower

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

Photography from the Eiffel Tower

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eiffel Tower Photography Tips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overall Tips for Visiting the Eiffel Tower

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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Visiting the Eiffel Tower: Highlights

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pillars of the Eiffel Tower

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tip: The East entrance is usually less crowded.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Luxury Hotels :

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

Mid-Range Hotels :

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

Budget Hotels :

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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 Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, 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 rule out summer , weekends as well as many week days during 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 now 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 (which requires its own ticket).

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 even slightly 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 concerts are listed.  Pro tip:  although each year may be different, they typically take place in January (usually on New Year's Day), April, June, and December - but if you'll be in Paris during a different month, check the concert lists from that month as well because again, the pattern does sometimes vary.

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 skyline views of Montmartre and other parts of Paris.  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 - April and June are usually good bets.   

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 book as soon as you're sure of your dates.

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 views of the famous Paris attraction from the ground or even from the top of other buildings and monuments.

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    
• Hotels - Choose a room with a view, and you can watch the Tower sparkle every night during your stay                
• 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:

More Articles about How to See the Eiffel Tower

• Paris Hotels near the Eiffel Tower - Enjoy the Eiffel Tower views
• Skip the Line Tickets to Top Paris Attractions - How to get fast entry to the Eiffel Tower and other top attractions
• Where to Watch Bastille Day Fireworks - Best places to see Fête Nationale fireworks at the Eiffel Tower
• Where to See Cherry Blossoms near the Eiffel Tower - Don't miss this spring extravaganza!
• Top Paris Attractions - Why to visit the Eiffel Tower & other top Paris attractions

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
• Trip Advisor: Use their Best Value Deals & save BIG on your Paris hotel
• Priceline: Find the lowest prices on Paris hotels with their Express Deals

Top Attractions & Tours

• Eiffel Tower - Enjoy sweeping views of Paris
• Louvre Tour - Soak up art & see the Mona Lisa
• Palace of Versailles - Best way to see the famous Chateau
• Paris Museum Pass - Choose 2, 4, or 6 days
• Paris Disneyland - Get express tickets & transport from Paris

Happening in Paris

January in Paris

• The famous Paris winter sales, concerts, new museum exhibits

February in Paris

• Valentine's Day, Chinese New Year Parades

March in Paris

• Mardi Gras, Fountain Shows at Versailles, French Open

April in Paris

• Paris Marathon, Easter concerts, spring flowers

May in Paris

• Mother's Day, jazz festival, concerts

June in Paris

• Summer sales, Pride week, music fests, air show

July in Paris

• Bastille Day, Tour de France, beaches

August in Paris

• Free concerts & movies, Rock En Seine

September in Paris

• European Heritage Days, Fashion Week

October in Paris

• Wine festival, Halloween, Motor Show

November in Paris

• Armistice Day, Salon du Chocolat

December in Paris

• Christmas, New Year's Eve

Hanukkuh in Paris

• Menorah lightings 

Christmas in Paris

• Holiday celebrations & decorations

Christmas Markets

• Gifts, holiday food, mulled wine, and Santa

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Here's Why You Should Visit the Eiffel Tower at Exactly 1 A.M. (Video)

There’s never a bad time to see the Eiffel Tower, but there is one time that is arguably the most spectacular.

According to HuffPost , while the Eiffel Tower is stunning during just about every part of the day, the absolute best time to visit is at 1 a.m.

Most people know that as soon as the sun sets, the Eiffel Tower is lit up with golden lights that make the landmark look like it’s glowing. This brilliant light display of 20,000 twinkling lights occurs every hour on the hour.

But 1 a.m. is the last light show for the Eiffel Tower before they do it all again the next day, HuffPost reported. Naturally, since this is sort of the “finale” of the light display, it’s even more striking than ever.

According to HuffPost, the key factor that makes this light show stand out is that the tower turns off its golden, steady lights, so that only the twinkling, shimmering lights can be seen. The display only lasts five minutes, so it’s best to get a viewing spot early.

This view of the sparkling tower against the pitch-black sky is truly a one-of-a-kind sight to behold. It’s almost as if the tower is made entirely of very precise fireworks.

If you’re not convinced that this is a particularly special part of the night, you can see it for yourself on YouTube.

Of course, a YouTube video is no match for seeing the Eiffel Tower in person. So, the next time you plan a trip to Paris , make sure this 1 a.m. light show is on your to-do list.

Related Articles

What Is The Best Time to Visit the Eiffel Tower? (Day vs. Night)

I recently took my third trip to Paris, France, and this time I was accompanied by several first-time European travelers. At the top of their Paris bucket list was a trip to the world-famous Eiffel Tower, and of course they asked me about the best time to visit the Eiffel Tower. Should we go up first thing in the morning? Or wait until dark? Or something in the middle?

The best time to go up the Eiffel Tower depends on a few things, including the weather,  your tolerance for crowds and what you hope to see from the top.  Below, I’ll explain the difference between visiting the Eiffel Tower at different times of day, and ultimately what I think is the #1 best time to visit the Eiffel Tower.

Going Up the Eiffel Tower in the Morning

In my opinion, the worst time to go up the Eiffel Tower is in the morning.  In the morning, fog often rises off the Seine River and obscures your view of the city, especially in cooler weather. I would never book Eiffel Tower tickets online for a morning spot, simply because your view will be so dependent on the weather.

However, if you wake up early in Paris and you find it’s a beautiful, clear day, mornings are one of the less-busy times at the Eiffel Tower (particularly from 9:00 am to 11:00 am).  You might be able to book a last-minute ticket online, or arrive early at the ticket office to snag one of the small number of tickets they hold back for walk-up visitors (the number of these tickets varies from day to day, and lines can be long, so go early!).

Going Up the Eiffel Tower in the Afternoon

I would also try to avoid visiting the Eiffel Tower in the afternoon.  The hours from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm are the busiest, and they are most popular with large tour bus groups and groups of schoolchildren.  The morning fog may have lifted, but now your view will be obscured by dozens of selfie sticks.

If you do have to visit during the afternoon, aim for around 12:00 to 1:00, as that is when the large groups are most likely stopping elsewhere for lunch. On my first trip to Paris this was about when we went up, and there was definitely a noticeable decrease in crowds around the prime lunch hour.

(Yes, at publication time in March 2024 selfie sticks are allowed at the Eiffel Tower!)

Going Up the Eiffel Tower at Sunset

Personally, I think the best time to visit the Eiffel Tower is at sunset. You can use a website like this one to see when the sun will set during your stay in Paris.  If you schedule your ascent for about an hour before sunset and stay an hour or two, then you’ll get to see three different views of Paris:

• Paris by day, with views to Montmartre’s Sacre Coeur and beyond
• Paris by sunset, as the sky turns gold and the street lights begin to twinkle
• Paris by night, with monuments like the Arc de Triomphe and the Palais Garnier aglow

A sunset visit to the Eiffel Tower also positions you perfectly to descend the tower (I recommend going down using the stairs!), cross the Seine and head to the Trocadero for the best views of the nighttime light show that illuminates the tower hourly when darkness falls.

Going Up the Eiffel Tower at Night

When most people think of the Eiffel Tower at night, they think of the hourly light show that can be seen from around the city. Few people think about going up the Eiffel Tower after nightfall, making it the ideal time to ascend the tower and escape the crowds. When the whole city pauses to watch the lights, they’ll actually be watching you !

Visiting the Eiffel Tower at night is a great option for return visitors who have already seen the city once, or for anyone planning a romantic night on the town in Paris.  For a truly special experience, consider combining your nighttime visit with dinner at the Michelin-starred Jules Verne restaurant on the tower’s second floor, or at Madame Brasserie, a more-affordable restaurant on the first floor.

On my most recent trip to Paris (March 2024) I went up the Eiffel Tower at night, and it was a lovely experience.  It wasn’t very crowded, and the city sparkled beneath us.  We approached from the Bir-Hakeim metro station and had a gorgeous view of the hourly light show from the Promenade Marie de Roumanie before going across the street to ascend the tower.

So what is the best time to visit the Eiffel Tower?

In order, I would rank the best times to visit the Eiffel Tower as follows:

• Sunset 🌇 – You’ll get to experience the tower by day and by night.
• Morning (as long as it’s not foggy) 🌁 – If you get lucky you’ll get gorgeous views and fewer crowds.
• Night 🌃 – Imagine the Belle Époque as the city glows beneath you.
• Afternoon 🏙️ – It’s crowded but doable if it’s the only thing that works with your schedule.
• Morning (if it’s foggy) 🌁 – Not worth the € 20 ticket for views like this . 😂

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What if tickets are sold out for the time I want to go up the Eiffel Tower?

If there’s a particular time when you want to visit the Eiffel Tower but no tickets are available on the official site, joining a guided tour may be an alternative. Tour companies buy blocks of Eiffel Tower tickets, meaning that they may have availability even if the official site doesn’t.  Here are a few to check out:

• Eiffel Tower Summit or Second Floor Tour – Meet across the street from the tower and join your guide on a tour to either the second floor or the summit.
• Eiffel Tower Entry Ticket with Optional Summit Access – Don’t want to wait around with a tour group?  This Eiffel Tower experience has a host who will take you up to the second floor, point you towards the summit elevator (if selected) and then leave you to visit on your own. Ideal for independent travelers.
• Eiffel Tower Guided Tour by Elevator (With Optional Seine River Cruise) – Cross two must-do activities off your Paris itinerary with this Eiffel Tower tour followed by a one-hour boat cruise along the Seine that you can do any time after you come down from the tower (the boat quay is near the base of the tower).

The Eiffel Tower is one of the few attractions in Paris that isn’t included in the Paris Museum Pass .  I still recommend getting this official city card that includes admission to other once-in-a-lifetime sights like The Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe.

If you’re still in your trip-planning stage, check out my guide to where to stay in Paris , including hotels near the Eiffel Tower and alternatives in more authentic and affordable neighborhoods.

Planning a trip to Paris?  Pin this post for later!

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20 must-see sites in and around Paris that aren’t the Louvre or Eiffel Tower

Posted: February 2, 2024 | Last updated: February 2, 2024

Paris is a dream destination for many. Most visitors understandably prioritize the Louvre and Eiffel Tower. However, there is so much more to do in and around the city. Here are 20 amazing places to visit on your next trip.

The Catacombs

If you’re a fan of the darker side of cities and don’t mind a bit of creepiness, you need to check out the catacombs on your next trip to Paris. This maze of underground passageways located in the heart of the city was once used as the burial site for inhabitants. You’ll wander past centuries-old graves and amongst walls of real bones and skulls.

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Musée d’Orsay

The Louvre might be the most visited museum in the world, but it’s not the only one in Paris. If you’re looking for a unique museum, the Musée d’Orsay will surely delight. The art museum consists mostly of 19th-century artifacts. However, the most interesting feature is the location, as it’s housed in an old Beau-Arts railway station.

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Chateau Fontainebleau

This palace is located about an hour by train from Paris. It is the only chateau that can claim to be a continuous residence of French Royalty from the 12th to the 19th centuries. It is also much more impressive inside than Versailles as it wasn’t ransacked during the revolution.

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Sacre-Coeur

The Sacre-Coeur (sacred heart) basilica is located in the 18th arrondissement, often referred to as Montmartre. After a morning of strolling the picturesque neighborhood, take in this impressive site and enjoy views all over Paris. It’s also a fantastic sunset location.

Arc de Triomphe & The Champs-Élysées

You know that giant arch you see a bunch of cars driving around all over Instagram? That’s the Arc de Triomphe, one of Paris’ most iconic sites. To reach the Arc, stroll the Champs-Élysées and enjoy one of the best shopping streets in Paris.

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The Streets of the Marais

The Marais is one of the city's most beautiful and historic parts to stroll. Definitely reserve an entire afternoon to wander this picturesque neighborhood with winding streets and shops waiting to be explored. 

Palace Versailles

We couldn’t make this list and leave out Versailles, one of the most popular day trips from the city! The palace is worth the trip in itself, but so are the ornate gardens and expansive park that borders the estate. You’ll find many picnic-goers and strolling couples around the lake every weekend.

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Moulin Rouge

“Moulin Rouge” translates to red mill, for the windmill that adorns this famous cabaret in the 18th arrondissement. Located in the 18th arrondissement, it’s the perfect place for an evening out. Even better, combine it with the rest of the area and head over after enjoying sunset at the Sacre-Coeur.

Shakespeare and Company Bookshop

The French love a good bookshop, especially Parisians! Shakespeare and Company is an English-language bookstore popular among visitors and residents alike. It’s been called one of the most famous bookstores in the world and has housed literary geniuses such as Zadie Smith and Anaïs Nin. Arrive early as people start lining up way before opening.

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Palais Garnier

Also known as the Opéra Garnier, you can buy tickets to watch a performance or visit on another day and take in the decor. The real gold trim and centuries-old murals are sure to delight the eyes!

Cimetière des Chiens

Translated to “Dog Cemetery," this gravesite along the Seine in the Parisien suburbs is considered the first animal graveyard in modern history. 

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Canal Saint-Martin

Located in the 10th arrondissement of the city, the canal (and surrounding area) is popular with residents. It is much less touristy than other areas but home to many superb restaurants and bars, many located along the canal.

Bois (Forest) de Vincennes

Paris isn’t all metro rides and city streets. If you walk far enough, on the outskirts of the metropolis, you’ll find a large forest and park. It actually bleeds into another city of the same name, Vincennes. And it’s the perfect place if you’re looking for a bit of greenspace or an urban respite.

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Jardin de Tuileries

These gardens can be found all over Instagram because they’re located just outside the Louvre. However, they’re not actually located in the museum, so we can include them in this list. It’s a great location to enjoy a sunny day in Paris or have a quick drink at one of the many outdoor brasseries.

In French, if you see “chantilly” on a menu, that usually means a drink or dessert comes with whipped cream. And the town of the same name, where this favorite accompaniment comes from, is an easy day trip from Paris. Stroll the charming streets, try chantilly in its birthplace, or go horseback riding!

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Promenade Plantée

This three-mile elevated walkway was the first of its kind in the world. You can walk above the Paris streets from the Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes. It’s an idyllic place to take a walk and breathe in some slightly less polluted air.

This Chinese-style pagoda stands out in the French capital. It was once a private residence built by a Chinese man who was a bit homesick. It is now a museum open for visitors and a representation of cultural exchange between the two countries.

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Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature

It's one of the more niche museums in the city, but it's fun if you have time. The Museum of Hunting and Nature is located in the 3rd, not far from the National Archives. If this is a topic that even slightly interests you, it’s definitely worth a visit.

Galerie Vivienne

The well-adorned passageways and covered shopping centers are some of the best places to wander in Paris. Referred to as “galeries” in French, the Galerie Vivienne is one of the most beautiful in the city.

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Sainte-Chapelle

This gothic-style royal chapel is a site to be seen but nowhere near as crowded as Notre Dame (when you could visit.) It’s ideally located on the same small island in the city as the more famous cathedral. 

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Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck

Review Highlights

“ The great buildings of Las Vegas were dwarfed by the viewing deck, and somehow seemed not quite as great. ” in 56 reviews

“ To also get a direct view of the Bellagio fountain show if you time your trip up to the viewing deck right. ” in 37 reviews

“ Every time I come to Vegas I always wanted to check out the view from the Paris Eiffel Tower and finally did. ” in 10 reviews

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3655 Las Vegas Blvd S

Las Vegas, NV 89109

Serving Las Vegas Area

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About the Business

Rise above the frenzy of the Strip at one of Las Vegas's premier attractions with amazing views. An icon of the city skyline and known as one of the most romantic spots in Las Vegas, the Paris Las Vegas Eiffel Tower high-altitude attraction is located 46 stories up and is a half scale replica of the world-famous Paris, France landmark. …

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Am I allowed to bring a camera & small tripod? Also are the viewing holes big enough to fit a camera lens through?

You could definitely bring a camera, I'm not sure about the tripod. The holes are very small but you might be able to fit a camera lens through it, I was able to do so with my smartphone camera.

Is there a bathroom up there?

Yes Bathroom on the same floor as you go up the escalators

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Overall rating

454 reviews

When visiting Vegas, this attraction is a must do. Fairly priced and conveniently located on the casino floor. You can stay up there as long as you like and they have staff available to answer any questions. The elevator goes up and down every four minutes. . I would recommend going after 3pm so you can watch the Bellagio fountain show from the deck. Although breathtaking any time of the day, the best time to go would be at night to see the "true" Vegas strip in all its glory. The hustle and bustle of the city and all its lights.

See all photos from Joe Z. for Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck

The Eiffel Tower replica outside is amazing to look at at and great photo opportunities to take from afar. I ended up purchasing the viewing deck tickets in advance before arriving due to the high reviews. Experience: Very long wait time to get up to the viewing deck as the elevators can only hold a small number amount of people and only a limited number of people can be at the top. The view was not that impressive, especially since it's all caged and only had small holes to view properly. The space was really tight so, it was really narrow to walk on. Overall, I highly do not recommend coming here. The only thing that was good was that most of the customer service team was friendly. I rarely ever write such low reviews and really disappointed how the experience was quite meh.

This was a pretty big disappointment to me. Maybe it's because there's so much construction for the race and we could hear picketers as well. The history was interesting and I had no idea Shaq owned some of the restaurants either. We had a perfect view of the Bellagio show but walked away before the lights started. There was a highly intoxicated couple that were really a distraction unfortunately. I have to say I wouldn't recommend.

This is a pretty fun experience if you're ever in Vegas. It's family friendly and offers a great view of the strip. It's a lot higher than it looks from below. I would recommend going during nicer weather though as it was quite cold and windy when I went. You can pretty much see everything from up there though including the brand new Sphere. It's probably even cooler at night when everything is lit up. Highly recommend especially if you've never been.

After our stay here at the Paris Hotel, we decided to check out the viewing deck as well. I mean why not, we can cross it off our bucket list too. We had to wait until noon for it to open. I will say, in January it is so cold and windy, but it was sunny too. The views from up top is nice and you can see that we're located pretty much in the middle of the strip that is popular. You can go around and see old Vegas and the new sphere.

Very nice view and very kind staff, makes me want to go to Paris and see the real tower! We were even able to catch a water show while we looked around, it did not disappoint!

On my first trip to Vegas, I was intrigued by the Eiffel Tower, a replica half the size of the famous landmark in Paris, France. I purchased a ticket for $31. Took the escalator up to the elevator, then headed up 46 stories above the Las Vegas strip. WOW, what a view! You can see everything from the observation deck, the mountains, the airport, and all the high-rise hotels. I didn't realize I timed it just right and caught the fountain show at the Bellagio across the street. Best view EVER! There's no time limit as you are able to stay as long as you want. And the ticket was good for three days, so you can come back. Next trip, I plan to go after dark.

See all photos from Michelle D. for Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck

We attended a conference at Paris Hotel this year. After a day and evening of conference activities, we went up to the Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck. it was a beautiful view of the Las Vegas skyline. Doesn't take long to walk around the deck and enjoy the 360-degree view. So nice to get the views and enjoy the air after being indoors all day and evening.

Bellagio Fountains from the Eiffel Town Viewing Deck

The next best thing to going to France to see the Eiffel Tower! This replica stands tall at 460ft, approximately half the size of the actual Eiffel Tower. Located at the Paris hotel (obviously), you can buy tickets online, at the kiosk, or at the gift shop. We opted for the kiosk which we ended up regretting since it was out of paper and we had to stand in the long line at the gift shop instead. Nonetheless, we were able to get our tickets (~$30/pp) and we made our way up the escalator to the elevator. It takes about 90sec to get all the way to the top and you pass by the restaurant on the second floor. The observation deck is a bit small, but you can walk around to get a full 360 view and they have holes in the bars to take pictures. Just be careful because the last thing you want to do is drop your phone! I'd recommend going around the same time that the Bellagio water show happens, since it's an amazing view from up top.

See all photos from Kim D. for Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck

I saved a few dollars and I got my ticket on Groupon!!! Employees are friendly and very knowledgeable about the real Eiffel Tower Once you get to the viewing deck basically all you see is the strip ..... There isn't a bar or anything at the top of the viewing deck I'm glad I can say I did it But it's like no frills kinda thing The coolest part was walking over the bridge and seeing the LOCKS of love I came I saw I did it On the the next

38 other reviews that are not currently recommended

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Find Your Flow with the LEGO Group’s Two New Parisian-inspired Icons

Billund, Denmark, 7th May, 2024: Today, the LEGO Group revealed two new products to help bring the magic of Paris closer to home for builders. Fans can start building their very own art collection with the LEGO® Art Mona Lisa or choose to be captivated by the majestic LEGO® Architecture Notre-Dame de Paris set.

These two global icons of Paris have been unveiled to celebrate the rich heritage and history of the French capital, which has an exciting and packed year ahead and will be available for pre-order on 7th May.

Inspired by the world’s most recognisable painting, the LEGO Art Mona Lisa invites art and LEGO lovers to recreate Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece in 3D. This bold and unique interpretation comprises 1,503 LEGO elements and new colour hues to accurately reflect the colours used by da Vinci over 500 years ago, before the paint changed with age.

Additionally, the new LEGO masterpiece has been designed with a drum-lacquered gold, detachable frame so it can be hung on the wall and displayed along with other LEGO Art sets.

Milan Madge , Designer at the LEGO Group , said: “It has been such a pleasure to be part of bringing such a special piece of art history to life in LEGO form. The Mona Lisa is obviously world famous, but our familiarity with her can obscure what a groundbreaking work of art this painting is. A culmination of Da Vinci’s lifelong study of science and nature, the Mona Lisa is packed with stories and details that we thoroughly enjoyed researching and implementing. We’re excited for LEGO fans and art lovers to explore more about this enigmatic artwork, and to have the opportunity to hang a piece of LEGO history on their walls.”

Art and LEGO fans can find their flow as they build along to The LEGO Art Podcast, which will accompany the set at launch on 1st October. Packed with fascinating content on the Mona Lisa’s timeless appeal, this episode is hosted by Jack Gardner Vaa, who invited three special guests: Dr. Francesca Borgo (Professor of Art History at the University of St Andrews), Jennifer Dasal (host of the ArtCurious Podcast) and Milan Madge (designer of the LEGO Art Mona Lisa).

Available on the 1st of June, the LEGO Architecture Notre-Dame de Paris makes for the perfect new addition to the home of any fan of travel, history and classic architecture. The building experience and instruction booklet takes the builder on a journey through the architectural evolution of this iconic Parisian landmark, beginning in 1163, when the first stone was laid, through architect Viollet-le-Duc’s redesign work in the 19th century to Notre-Dame’s majestic appearance before the fire of 2019.

The ability to remove the roof also allows admirers to peek inside the legendary building and admire details such as the rose windows, interior columns, gothic arches, the two towers and more.

Talking about the process behind the new set, Rok Žgalin Kobe , Designer at the LEGO Group , said: “In designing the LEGO® Architecture Notre-Dame de Paris, we tried to bring it to life by not only capturing its outward appearance, but the way and the stages in which the original was build. We wanted LEGO fans to retrace the architectural journey and evolution of this landmark during its construction, to encourage a deeper appreciation for its real-life counterpart.”

The LEGO Art Mona Lisa and the LEGO Architecture Notre-Dame de Paris are both available for pre-order starting 7th of May, via LEGO Stores and www.lego.com .

Notes to Editor

For more information, please contact: [email protected] .

Product Details LEGO® Art Mona Lisa

• RRP: 99,99€ /99,99 $ / 89,99£
• Pieces: 1,503
• Product No.: 31213
• Dimensions: Measures over 17 in. (43 cm) high, 11.5 in. (30 cm) wide and 1.5 in. (4 cm) deep
• Available: October 1, 2024
• Link: lego.com

LEGO® Architecture Notre-Dame de Paris

• RRP: 229,99€/229,99$/£199,99 GBP
• Pieces: 4,383
• Product No.: 21061
• Dimensions: Measures over 13 in. (33 cm) high, 8.5 in. (22 cm) wide and 16 in. (41 cm) deep
• Available: June 1, 2024

About the LEGO Group The LEGO Group’s mission is to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow through the power of play. The LEGO System in Play, with its foundation in LEGO bricks, allows children and fans to build and rebuild anything they can imagine.

The LEGO Group was founded in Billund, Denmark in 1932 by Ole Kirk Kristiansen, its name derived from the two Danish words LEg GOdt, which mean “Play Well”. Today, the LEGO Group remains a family-owned company headquartered in Billund. However, its products are now sold in more than 120 countries worldwide.

For more news from the LEGO Group, information about our financial performance and responsibility engagement, please visit www.LEGO.com/aboutus .

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