tour eiffel paris tickets

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

Questions involving My ticket

• Can I book my ticket online and pay later?

Online ticket purchases require payment by bank card or e-card when placing the order on our website. Because the demand for tickets is very high, our online ticketing service does not allow options...

• Last minute - Tickets sold out: how can i visit?

There are some  busy periods during the year, when our online time-stamped tickets (mostly elevator tickets to the top floor or to the second floor) get quickly sold out (please note that they are...

• I bought a ticket for the 2nd floor and now I want to go to the top, is this possible?

The choice of destination is made when purchasing the ticket. If you have opted to visit the 2nd floor you will not be given the possibility of buying an additional ticket for the top.

• I want to visit by climbing the stairs but I can't find this ticket online, what should I do?

The "stairs" tickets to the second floor are available online : sale of such tickets open 14 days in advance. Stairs e-tickets are valid for visits up to the 2nd floor, and like the lifts e-tickets...

• I would like to visit by taking the stairs and then the lift from the 2nd floor to the top of the Tower. Can i purchase the ticket online?

"Stairs + lift" tickets to the top are sold online, but only in very small quantities. They can be mainly purchased on the day of you visit from the ticket offices at the Tower. The rates are €21.50...

• Does a ticket for the top allow you to visit the 1st and 2nd floors?

If you buy a ticket to the top of the Eiffel Tower, you have access to all the floors (1st floor, 2nd floor, and the top). The visit to the Eiffel Tower begins on the upper floors (the second floor or...

• I bought a ticket on line but I don't have a printer. Can I print the ticket at the Eiffel Tower?
• Can I change the date and/or time of my ticket?
• I made a mistake when entering my name (or inversed my first name and surname) what should I do?
• I can't log on to my account, what should I do?
• I am prevented from making my visit, can I cancel my ticket?
• Are skip the line tickets a real thing for the Eiffel Tower?
• Do any tickets grant priority access to the Eiffel Tower?

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

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

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

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Eiffel tower tickets: reserved access and guided tour tickets

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Eiffel Tower Ticket with reserved Access and Mobile App

Use this ticket with reserved access to visit the 1st and 2nd floors of the Eiffel Tower while avoiding as much as possible queues. Be amazed by the exceptional view of the most famous monuments of Paris. Enrich your visit with historical comments available via audiopen or mobile application. Sail on the Seine, choosing the cruise option.

Illumination Tour and Eiffel Tower 2nd Floor (reserved access)

The ideal way to experience the magic of Paris in the evening. Visit the most famous districts and monuments in an illumination tour from the Eiffel Tower to Notre-Dame passing by the Moulin Rouge. Then admire the architecture and the view of "the City of Lights" since the 2nd floor Eiffel tower .

City Tour and Eiffel Tower 2nd Floor with Reserved Access

Discover Paris aboard a commented city tour by panoramic bus through major Parisian neighborhoods. Admire the superb view from the top of the Eiffel Tower and enjoy reserved access avoiding long queues.

Summit Eiffel Tower Ticket with reserved Access and Audio Guide

Take advantage of our reserved access to visit the Eiffel tower with audiopen or mobile app until the summit on your own. The panorama of Paris is breathtaking! You will be amazed by the somptuous view on the symbols of the City of Lights. You can also take an option including a cruise on the Seine river. 

Illumination Tour and Eiffel Tower 3rd Floor (reserved access)

Unavoidable tour for a somptuous evening in Paris .Discover the history of Paris monuments through an illumnation tour of Paris. Enjoy a reserved access to the summit of the iconic Eiffel Tower and contemplate the superb view of the City of Lights.

City Tour, Seine Cruise and Eiffel Tower 2nd Floor with Reserved Access

Discover the Eiffel tower and enjoy an exceptional view over the rooftops of Paris from the second floor. This offer also includes the discovery of Paris and its main landmarks through a city tour and an audio-guided cruise on the Seine. 

City Tour and Eiffel Tower Summit with Reserved Access

City Tour, Seine Cruise and Eiffel Tower Summit with Reserved Access

Discover the Eiffel tower and enjoy an exceptional view over the rooftops of Paris from the 3rd floor. This offer also includes the discovery of Paris and its main landmarks through a city tour and an audio-guided cruise on the Seine.

Lunch at the Eiffel tower restaurant "Madame Brasserie" (reserved access)

Enjoy an authentic lunch at the Eiffel Tower on the 1 st floor of the emblematic monument of Paris. Reserved access for a facilitated climb to the 1 st floor.

Access to the Louvre museum and the Eiffel Tower with reserved access and cruise ticket

The must-sees of the City of Light: the largest museum in the world, the Grande Dame and the Seine.

Dinner Cruise and Eiffel Tower 2nd Floor with Reserved Access

Discover Paris from the Seine with a romantic dinner cruise (individual table, choice of main courses, assortment of desserts and a glass of wine or soft drink included), before taking in a panoramic view of the entire city from the second floor of the Eiffel Tower.

Your Eiffel Tower Tickets with priority access

The Eiffel Tower is much more than just a monument. It is the symbol of Paris , of France and a true figure for the capital city and its inhabitants. Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world, and the Eiffel Tower is a must-see for any traveller, French or foreign. The Iron Lady is the victim of its own success, that's why the wait to get up there, whether by lift or by staircase, is long and can discourage the visitors.

PARISCityVISION offers you tickets with reserved access to climb to the 1st or 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower without queuing . You'll have an incredible view of Paris's most beautiful monuments, the famous Champ de Mars, 360° city lights, panoramic photographs and the most emblematic souvenir of the City of Light without having to wait or cut short your day's programme.

Access our online ticket office and buy your Eiffel Tower tickets at the best price and enjoy the breathtaking view over the rooftops and monuments of Paris . Make the most of our exclusive offers to book several activities at the same time, benefit from tickets with reserved access and be sure to get seats quickly at a competitive price.

Make the most of the French experience

A dinner at the Eiffel Tower is a dream that many visitors wish could come true. You will have the opportunity to live your dream by booking a table at the Madame Brasserie restaurant, located on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower . Formerly known as the 58 Eiffel Tower, Madame Brasserie offers a French cuisine elaborated by the french chef Thierry Marx who created the whole menu.

On the second floor of the Eiffel Tower, discover the Jules Vernes, the Michelin-starred restaurant , with its divine gastronomy and its breathtaking view.

Before or after your lunch or your dinner on the Eiffel Tower, enjoy a cruise on the Seine to discover the different monuments along the water, or discover the secrets of the streets with a city tour by bus .

The Eiffel Tower, a must-see in Paris

Built in 1889 by Gustave Eiffel for the Universal Exhibition , the Eiffel Tower stands at the end of the Champ de Mars near the River Seine, with its 3 floors and 324 metres above the city . It is an architectural and mechanical masterpiece. Designed to remain in place for 20 years and successively preserved thanks to the advent of radiographic and then radio transmissions, it very quickly became a symbol of Parisian influence and French daring .

Today, over 7 million people visit the Tower every year to admire the city from above. If you want to enjoy the breathtaking panorama from the 3rd floor of the Eiffel Tower, 276 metres above the ground, you must use the lifts that serve it. The 360-degree panorama of Paris is breathtaking, dizzying and almost unreal.

Book your Eiffel Tower tour online

This iconic tourist destination is crowded all year round . Order your tickets online : with a ticket for the Eiffel Tower, you'll enjoy priority access and save precious time. Offer or treat yourself to a visit to the Eiffel Tower, and you're guaranteed a magical, romantic moment, suspended in the air and out of time. Visit Paris with PARISCityVISION, and you won't have to queue to discover the world's most visited monument with your loved ones.

Prepare your visit

• Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower Tickets

The " Iron Lady ", as the Eiffel Tower is known, is the symbol of Paris and can be seen from any corner of the city.

Eiffel Tower Tickets: Priority Entrance

Ascend to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower, a symbol of Paris. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the city.

Book your visit

Ticket information, how much does it cost to ascend the tower.

The cost of a ticket to ascend the Eiffel Tower varies for adults and children and whether you want to reach the summit or stop at the second floor.

For an adult who wants to ascend to the 2nd floor, prices start from €11 and go up to nearly €30 for the summit . For children, rates start at just under €3 for children under 11 years old and a little over €5 for those under 25. Children under 4 years old enter for free .

How long does it take to visit the Eiffel Tower?

If you choose to reach the 2nd floor by elevator, the visit takes about 1.5 hours for both floors. If you want to go to the summit, it takes about 2.5 hours.

The elevator ride to the first two floors only takes a few minutes. If you use the stairs, you should allow 10-15 minutes per floor.

How long is the queue to go up the Eiffel Tower?

The length of the queues to go up the Eiffel Tower varies depending on the time of year and the visiting hours . During the summer months and on weekends, the queues can be longer.

Early mornings and late evenings tend to have fewer people. However, if you want to save time, it is advisable to book your ticket online .

Can you go up the Eiffel Tower at night?

Yes, you can go up the Eiffel Tower at night. The tower is illuminated and offers a spectacular view of the city of Paris. Before booking your visit, you should check the opening hours as they vary depending on the time of year.

Are there restaurants on the Eiffel Tower?

Yes, there are two restaurants on the Eiffel Tower : the 58 Tour Eiffel, located on the first level, and the Jules Verne, located on the second level. Both restaurants offer a spectacular view of the city of Paris.

Eiffel Tower Opening Hours

The Eiffel Tower is open every day of the year, from 9:30 am to 10:45 pm .

The best time to visit the Eiffel Tower is early in the morning when there are fewer people or late in the evening to enjoy a romantic sunset over Paris. If you don't suffer from vertigo, it's a must-visit attraction in Paris.

How to get to the Eiffel Tower

There are several options to reach the Eiffel Tower . The closest metro stations to the tower are "Bir-Hakeim" (line 6) and "Trocadéro" (lines 6 and 9).

Alternatively, you can take the bus and get off at the "Tour Eiffel" stop (lines 42, 69, 82, 87) or the "Champ de Mars - Tour Eiffel" stop (lines 69 and 82).

To enjoy the city, you can easily reach the Eiffel Tower on foot thanks to its imposing structure visible from various parts of the city.

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• Entrance to the Montparnasse Tower with a 360° view of Paris from the 56th floor.
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How To Visit the Eiffel Tower in 2024: Tickets, Hours, Tours, and More!

Sean Finelli Last Updated: April 18, 2024

The Eiffel Tower is synonymous with Paris. Who doesn’t want to visit this iconic monument and one of the biggest attractions in Europe? Tickets to the Eiffel Tower are hard to come by but don’t worry. This article will cover everything you need to know about how to visit the Eiffel Tower, from tickets to tours.

The Best Ways to Visit the Eiffel Tower

• Don’t just turn up. You need tickets to access the tower, so book in advance as lines are insane.
• Plan 3 hours for your visit. Check out our Eiffel Tower guide for more tips.
• Read up before you go! There are 5 ticket types for the Eiffel Tower, some with stair or elevator access. Here’s a list of the best tours of the Eiffel Tower .
• Bookmark this post so you can circle back to it later

Visiting the Eiffel Tower: What We’ll Cover

Gustav Eiffel’s monument hasn’t always been the jewel of Paris, but it certainly is to millions of visitors today. There are three levels you can visit on the Eiffel Tower, so you’ll need to plan your trip accordingly.

All tickets to the Eiffel Tower can be hard to get during the peak summer season, so be sure to plan ahead. Keep reading to learn how to visit the Eiffel Tower and what you need to know.

• Opening hours and tickets
• How long to budget for your visit
• How to get there
• What to see when visiting the tower
• Guided tour options
• Facts and history of the Eiffel Tower
• Best time to visit
• Places to eat inside and nearby

Eiffel Tower Opening Hours and Tickets

Opening Hours:

The Eiffel Tower monument is open daily from 9 am to 12:00 am (last admission at 11:45 pm). Opening hours are subject to seasonal changes, so be sure to check the official website for up-to-date hours on the day of your visit.

There are five different types of admission tickets for the Eiffel tower at varying prices. Some include access by the stairs or the elevator. Here is a quick summary of ticket types and prices.

Address: Champ de Mars

We also run a few amazing Eiffel Tower tours that get 5-star reviews. It’s a great way to guarantee admission and hear insider stories with a local guide!

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  best Eiffel Tower tours to take and why .

How Long To Spend at the Eiffel Tower

Short Answer: 3 hours

Assuming you get tickets or a tour to go up the Eiffel Tower, you should plan on at least three hours. As you’ll read in my below recommendations, I think this is best done in a half-day event including a meal and ideally champagne if you plan on doing things correctly.

If you are reading this then you are very possibly planning ahead for your trip. I recommend putting aside some additional sheckles to have a killer meal on the Eiffel Tower! Eating and exploring would take about 4 hours at lunch or 5 to 6 hours at dinner.

If you can’t get tickets or decide not to go up (which is a true mistake!) you should plan on spending 20 minutes walking through the area until you capture that picture of you touching the top of the Eiffel Tower.

How To Get To the Eiffel Tower

The preferred method of transport in Paris is the metro. The Eiffel Tower is located footsteps away from Camp de Mars / Tour Eiffel station which is on the RER C. You can also get off at the Ecole Militair on Line 8 or Bir-Hakeim on Line 6 which are both within walking distance. When you get out of the metro station look for the Eiffel Tower and you’re there!

You can take the 30, 42, 80, 82, 86 or Direct 2. Get off when you feel you are close enough to walk to the tower.

Luckily, you can see the Eiffel Tower from basically anywhere in Paris. Walk towards it!

Our Best Guided Tours of Paris

Likely to Sell out

Privileged Access Eiffel Tower Night Tour With Seine River Cruise

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

Top Selling

Ultimate Taste of Paris Food Tour in Le Marais

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

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  best Paris tours to take and why .

What To See When Visiting the Eiffel Tower

You may read this and think, “You go to the tower, then you go up the tower, and finally, you see a great view. Right?”

In reality, there’s a lot more to do than you may expect. The structure is extremely tall and it is framed by two huge parks that occupy more than 2 million square feet of downtown Paris, France. In this section, we’ll explain what do to in, at the top, and around the Eiffel Tower.

First Floor, Second Floor, and the Summit

Yes, you should make every effort possible to go up the Eiffel Tower. The tickets start at €11.30, which is affordable enough for anyone who can afford a visit to Paris.

However, don’t think you can show up on a Saturday and say, “Two please!” These tickets are extremely difficult to get. You’re going to want to book ahead, especially if you’re looking to see the best view from the summit.

Hungry? Restaurants at the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower may look like a thin, wiry structure but at any given moment there could be up to 3,000 people eating, drinking, or snapping selfies from 58 meters to 276 meters off the ground on the Eiffel’s three observation decks.

When I travel, I’m a bit of a bon vivant . We all work hard, so decompressing on vacation and enjoying the sweet fruits of our labor is super important.

This is why I always say, “If you can, you should go inside.” This goes for eating at Madame Brassiere or Le Jules Verne—if you can. Check out our dedicated article on eating at the Eiffel Tower to plan and even make reservations.

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if  Paris tours are worth it .

Eiffel Tower Tours Options

While seeing the Iron Lady is a wonderful experience if you go by yourself or with friends, the historical value is often lost on visitors. Joining a small group tour of the Eiffel Tower guarantees you get to skip all of the lines, learn from a professional historian, and see Paris’ most famous structure in all of its splendor. Here are our most popular Eiffel Tower tours:

Privileged Access Eiffel Tower Night Tour with Seine River Cruise

This top-rated tour is one of the best Eiffel Tower tours for families, solo travelers, and couples looking for a romantic evening. Your evening starts with a serene cruise on the Seine seeing the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, and Notre Dam as the sun begins to set. On your way back, the Eiffel Tower will be lit up to guide your way to the elevator that will take you to the popular second floor. And with skip-the-line tickets, you’ll avoid the extra long lines in the evening!

See tour itinerary, price, and description

Paris in a Day Tour with Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Notre Dame (includes river cruise)

Paris is home to three famous attractions and you’ll see all of them on this tour. It’s the perfect way to get to know this incredible city from the streets of Montmarte to the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. In just one day, you’ll take pictures of the famous Mona Lisa , gaze upon Notre Dame, cruise the Seine River, and view Paris from the second floor of the Eiffel Tower!

Twilight Magic: Eiffel Tower Summit Tour with Seine Cruise

This Eiffel Tower tour is the most sought-after tour we have in Paris. Not only do you sip champagne on a river cruise, skip the line past the general public, and get a local tour guide, but you also get to visit the summit of the tower for the best view in Paris! Oh, and you’ll even stop at the second floor before heading to the top. It’s an incredible deal that is worth every penny for the memories you’ll make.

Private Eiffel Tower Tour with Champagne and Seine River Cruise

Booking a private tour is always the way to go if your budget allows. With a private guide, you’ll hear explanations about what you’ll see during your Seine River cruise, then be escorted at your own pace past the lines at the Eiffel Tower. The private Eiffel Tower tour with a Seine River cruise is the most elegant way to visit the Eiffel Tower!

Eiffel Tower Climbing Tour with Summit Access

For the active traveler, this climbing tour of the Eiffel Tower is another solid choice. With skip-the-line tickets and a local guide, you’ll climb 674 steps to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. Take in the awesome views from this popular level before getting in the elevator to the summit. You can enjoy your time on either level as long as you like, so don’t forget to make a restaurant reservation!

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if an Eiffel Tower tour is worth it .

Facts and History of the Eiffel Tower

• The Eiffel Tower is located in a park known as Champ de Mars which is in the 7th arrondissement of Paris in France.
• The tower was constructed to be the entrance to the World’s Fair in 1889 and took two years to build.
• It was built by engineer Gustave Eiffel whose innovative design has led to his name going down in the history books. Many said that a structure of this size simply couldn’t be built. I assume that motivated him even more.
• The Eiffel Tower is 1063 feet tall (324m) which makes it about 75 stories tall (14ft per story).
• On average, about 7 million people visit the tower per year making it one of the most visited (ticketed) buildings on Earth. It was constructed to display France’s engineering prowess at the World’s Fair and beyond. Today, it has become the emblem of Paris.
• Mountain Climbers: Apparently when the city decided to add more lights to the tower, approx 20,000 lights, they hired mountain climbers to scale the tower and attach them. I wonder what the electricians union thought about that?
• The tower is host to three levels, two restaurants, and various bars.
• Le Jules Verne, which is a Michelin star-rated restaurant on the second level of the tower. The second is named Le 58, which is on the tower’s first level, 58 meters from the ground.
• The absolute top level features a Champagne bar named “Bar A Champagne”. You don’t need a fancy name to sell a class of Champagne on the summit of arguably the world’s most romantic structure.
• Beyond that, there are multiple buffets, terrace bars, and even a macaroon bar (which makes sense).

Best Time To Visit the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most visited attractions on Earth with 7 million + visitors per year. Reserving ahead is the key to a positive and stress-free experience. If you can get the tickets, when is the best time to go?

At and after sunset is by far the most attractive time to visit the Eiffel Tower. The tower lights up every hour on the hour after sunset for 5 minutes until 1 am or 2 am depending on the season. The 336 lamps/projectors make the tower light up in a very sporadic fashion which is really a joy to look at.

Do a search for when sunset is the day of your visit and show up 45 minutes before sunset. Book your tickets anytime between 45 minutes before sunset to closure. This way you can see the tower at sunset and go up in the same evening.

You can enjoy the Eiffel Tower during the day as well and watch the light show from the ground at night.

An afternoon at the Eiffel Tower can be really great. The official website advises 1.5 hours for the 1st and 2nd levels and 2.5 hours for all three levels, but you can really stay as long as you like.

Visiting during the day allows you to explore and have a casual meal and or drink while walking around.

Try to get tickets to go up around noon. This way you can have a drink and meal while you are in the tower. If you don’t want to eat buffet food, reserve your tickets for later afternoon. Maybe after 4 pm. This way you can have some drinks on the tower at the end of your day before you get ready for dinner.

April 1 to Oct 31:

From April 1st to Oct 31st, the Eiffel Tower will be extremely hard to reserve. Make sure you reserve in advance to get the entry time you like.

I highly recommend joining a guided tour if you go in the summer. The guides really make the tower come to life and it often includes a sunset cruise on the Seine river. Make sure you read the details to know if the tour you are booking includes that. It is an awesome experience.

Nov 1 to March 31:

With the exception of Christmas, you basically will be able to have your pick on what time to visit the tower. I recommend you go in the afternoon as the temperatures may be warmer.

That said, you are going to want to see it at night evening in the winter. If this is the case, dress warm!

Places To Eat Inside and Nearby the Eiffel Tower

When you visit the Eiffel Tower, you have the option of dining in one of three fantastic restaurants on the Eiffel Tower. We’ve also included a few suggestions for great places to eat nearby, Fore more options, check out our article on the best restaurants near the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Madame Brassiere

This is a great restaurant with views over the Seine. The cuisine is also wonderful thanks to Michelin-star chef Thierry Marx who focuses on sustainable foods.

You can opt to eat in the classy restaurant or sit in the more relaxed lounge that also has great city views and is ideal for an evening drink and appetizers. Coming in the morning? They also serve breakfast that’s worth coming early for.

• Priority access to 1st level of Eiffel Tower
• A very high-quality meal crafted by Thierry Marx who received two Michelin stars at Sur-Mesure
• An experience you will not forget.

For me, it is a no-brainer. If you can plan ahead far enough to get the reservation, you should save the extra money for you and another person to enjoy this experience.

Address: Madame Brassiere

Le Jules Verne

The definition of bon vivant is a person who enjoys a sociable and luxurious lifestyle. The photo next to it had better be someone eating a meal at Jules Verne. The restaurant has received 1 Michelin star under all four chefs who have run Le Jules Verne.

Here, a meal will run you €190 – €230 per person for dinner excluding beverages—a five-course and seven-course menu respectively. It might not be for everyone, but if you can you should.

They have a slightly more affordable menu at €105 for lunch excluding beverages for a 3-course tasting menu. Eating at the Jules Verne is a special experience for anyone who can afford it and manages to get a booking.

You can book through their official website. They release timeslots 90 days in advance, so forget about booking a year ahead. You have two choices: the Main Rooms (overlooking the city) and the Alcove (overlooking the interior).

Main Rooms obviously go first, although the website tries to sell the benefits of the Alcove. You can sit down for lunch between 12 to 1:30 pm at 15-minute intervals.

Dinner sit-down times are 7, 7:15, and 7:30 pm. Expect a magnificent 3-hour dining experience for the 5-course menu and longer for the 7-course menu.

Address: Le Jules Verne

Bistrot Buffet

Throughout the 1st and 2nd floors, there are various buffets, snack bars, and shops that will satisfy your hunger or thirst. Exactly what you will expect from a stand-up counter service establishment. Definitely gets the job done.

If you manage to get the coveted ticket to the summit or top tier, definitely put aside a few euros for a glass of champagne. There is a small bar that serves champagne named Champagne A Bar . Very straightforward.

Near the Eiffel Tower

Café de l’Homme : €€€€ | Eiffel Tower Views —You could say this upscale bistro is more about the view than the food but many would say it’s about both. Just across the river located on Place de Trocadéro, this treat would definitely impress that special someone. Be sure to reserve a table with a view in advance or you will only see part of the experience.

Arnaud Nicolas : €€€ | French Cuisine —Enjoy a cut of meat? This institution has earned the most prized awards in France for preparation of pâté and foie gras among other dishes. This is a special meal so make reservations and come hungry.

Where To Stay in Paris

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

About Sean Finelli

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

Reader Interactions

Comments (2).

March 1, 2023

Hi Tour Guy,

We are thinking of doing a tour mid-April. I am wondering if the Eiffel tower will have scaffolding around it then.

Thank you, Darla

March 10, 2023

Hi Darla, So the Eiffel Tower has been working on the elevators since last year, and they repaint the surface every 7 years and it’s a 3-year process. They’re also prepping for the Olympics next year, so they do have a lot of renovation plans for this year. It’s possible there will be some scaffolding in April and likely in other months. Here is their recent update: https://www.toureiffel.paris/en/news/works/major-work-maintain-tower-future . We’d love to see you there as it will still be an unforgettable experience to stand on the tower in person!

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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 Moulin Rouge, Louvre Museum, or Seine River Cruise

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

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

Here are 3 of the most popular tour combinations:

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

Option 5:  Stand in Line to Get Your Tickets

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

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

Avoid the wait - get skip-the-line tickets

So what does that leave?   

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Option 7:  Get Tickets for an Eiffel Tower Concert

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Option 8:  See the Eiffel Tower Without Eiffel Tower Tickets

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

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

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

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

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Want to Save on Your Paris Hotel?

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

Here are some shortcuts: 

• Booking.com: Need last minute reservations?  Check out Today Deals on their website
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• Priceline: Find the lowest prices on Paris hotels with their Express Deals

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

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May in Paris

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June in Paris

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July in Paris

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August in Paris

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September in Paris

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October in Paris

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November in Paris

• Armistice Day, Salon du Chocolat

December in Paris

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Eiffel Tower

Top choice in Paris

Lonely Planet's Ultimate Guide

Explore insider tips, fascinating history and surprising secrets to make the most of your experience.

There are different ways to experience the Eiffel Tower, from a daytime trip or an evening ascent amid twinkling lights, to a meal in one of its restaurants. And even though some seven million people come annually, few would dispute that each visit is unique – and something that simply has to be done when in Paris.

Named after its designer, Gustave Eiffel, the Tour Eiffel was built for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World's Fair). It took 300 workers, 2.5 million rivets and two years of nonstop labor to assemble. Upon completion, the tower became the tallest human-made structure in the world (324m) – a record held until the 1930 completion of New York's Chrysler Building. A symbol of the modern age, it faced opposition from Paris’ artistic and literary elite, and the ‘metal asparagus’, as some snidely called it, was originally slated to be torn down in 1909. It was spared only because it proved an ideal platform for the transmitting antennas needed for the newfangled science of radiotelegraphy.

Sporting six different colors throughout its lifetime, the tower has been painted red and bronze since 1968. Work is underway to strip the previous 19 coats and apply the yellow-brown shade originally conceived by Gustave Eiffel, giving it a new golden hue in time for the 2024 Olympics.

First floor: cafe and souvenir shop

Of the tower's three floors, the 1st (57m) has the most space but least impressive views. The glass-enclosed Pavillon Ferrié houses an immersion film along with a small cafe and souvenir shop, while the outer walkway features a discovery circuit to help visitors learn more about the tower’s ingenious design. Check out the sections of glass flooring that provide a dizzying view of the ant-like people walking on the ground far below. This level also hosts the restaurant  58 Tour Eiffel . The 1st floor's commercial areas are powered by two sleek wind turbines within the tower.

Second floor: Le Jules Verne restaurant

Views from the 2nd floor (115m) are the best – impressively high but still close enough to see the city below. Telescopes and panoramic maps pinpoint locations in Paris and beyond. Story windows give an overview of the lifts’ mechanics, and the vision well allows you to gaze through glass panels to the ground. Also up here are toilets, a souvenir shop, a macaron bar, and Michelin-starred restaurant  Le Jules Verne .

Top floor: Champagne bar and 'secret apartment'

Views from the wind-buffeted top floor (276m) stretch up to 60km on a clear day, though at this height the panoramas are more sweeping than detailed. Celebrate your ascent with a glass of bubbly (€13 to €22) from the Champagne bar (open 10.15am to 10.15pm). Afterwards peep into Gustave Eiffel’s restored top-level office, otherwise known as the 'secret apartment', where lifelike wax models of Eiffel and his daughter Claire greet Thomas Edison. 

Tours, tickets and other practicalities

Visitors must pass through security at the bullet-proof glass barriers surrounding the tower's base. The two entrances to the glass enclosure are on avenue Gustave Eiffel; the two exits are on quai Branly.

Ascend as far as the 2nd floor (either on foot or by lift), from where there's a separate lift to the top floor (closed during heavy winds). Pushchairs must be folded in lifts and bags or backpacks larger than aeroplane-cabin size aren't allowed. Note that the top floor and stairs aren't accessible to people with limited mobility.

Pre-purchasing tickets online gives you an allocated time slot and means you only have to queue for security. Print your ticket or show it on your phone. If you can’t reserve your tickets ahead of time, expect lengthy waits for tickets in high season.

Stair tickets can't be reserved online. Buy them at the south pillar, where the staircase can also be accessed: the climb consists of 360 steps to the 1st floor and another 360 steps to the 2nd floor.

If you have reservations for either restaurant, you're granted direct post-security access to the lifts.

For the best view of the light show, head across the Seine to the Jardins du Trocadéro.

How to get there

The nearest Metro stop is Bir Hakeim, while the nearest train station is Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel (RER C).

Champ de Mars, 5 av Anatole France, 7e

Get In Touch

08 92 70 12 39

https://www.toureiffel.paris

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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.

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Book Your Eiffel Tower Tickets & Tours

Headout is a brand trusted by millions of guests worldwide offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.

Eiffel Tower Guided Tour: Summit or Second Floor

• Go on a small-group guided tour of the Eiffel Tower with access to the 1st floor and 2nd floors by elevator, led by an experienced English-speaking guide.
• Learn about its rich history, unique design, and impact on Paris from your guide as you take in unmatched views from the 2nd floor’s observation deck.
• Upgrade your ticket to include elevator summit access and be treated to panoramic city views, 906 feet above ground level.
• You can also choose to add a 1-hour cruise on the Seine to take in the majestic views of Parisian river banks and islands.
• Stand atop the suspended glass floor on the 1st floor and keep an eye out for the Notre Dame, the majestic Arc de Triomphe, and more of the cityscape.
• Guided tour of the Eiffel Tower
• Elevator access to Summit or 2nd floor
• Expert English-speaking guide
• Small group below 20 guests
• 1-hour Seine River cruise (optional)
• Tip: Connect to the Eiffel Tower's free Wi-Fi to share photos of the amazing views with your loved ones.
• Facilities: Wheelchair Accessibility, Pram/Stroller Accessibility (1st and 2nd floors)
• This tour can accommodate a maximum of 20 people in 1 group.
• The summit is not accessible to wheelchair users.
• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Dinner at Eiffel Tower's Madame Brasserie

• You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• Feast on gourmet French cuisine at the Eiffel Tower's Madame Brasserie restaurant as you look out over Paris.
• Before or after your meal, explore the tower's first level free of charge. Take an elevator to Madame Brasserie.
• Try delicious French dishes from the Grande Dame Menu created by expert chef Thierry Marx known for his seasonal cuisine incorporating local ingredients, or the Gustave Menu .
• Entry to the 1st floor of Eiffel Tower by elevator
• 4-course Grande Dame menu designed by Chef Thierry Marx or Gustave menu
• Table for 1 to 6 people

Access to 2nd and 3rd floor of Eiffel Tower

• Tip: To get the best views of Paris, visit during the summer months and marvel at the stunning views through clear skies.
• People who are afraid of heights should avoid this dinner experience.
• Individuals must provide a valid ID card, such as a passport or ID card, to get entrance to the grounds.
• Tables are assigned in advance and cannot be changed.
• Individuals are not permitted to bring any bags, sharp objects, food and drink goods, glass items, pets, or explosives.

Eiffel Tower Tickets: Summit or Second Floor Access with Seine River Cruise

• Soak up sights of the ‘City of Love’ from 2 unique perspectives as you combine a visit to the historic Eiffel Tower with a 1-hour Seine River cruise.
• Choose between a hosted entry with a multilingual audio guide, or a 1.5-hour guided tour to either the 2nd floor or the summit of the Eiffel Tower.
• Gaze at unbeatable views from the observation deck 377 feet above ground level, or head to the 3rd floor via elevator to enjoy even more exquisite views.
• Atop the deck of your cruise, look out at attractions along the Seine’s banks from the grand Notre Dame cathedral to the city’s oldest bridge Pont Neuf , and much more.
• 1.5-hr guided tour (optional)
• Hosted access to the Eiffel Tower's 2nd floor/ summit (as per option selected)
• 1-hour Seine River cruise
• Audio guide (for Eiffel Tower) in English, Italian, Portuguese, German, Japanese, Korean, Dutch, Russian, Mandarin, Spanish & French (optional)
• Audio guide (for Seine River cruise) in French, English, Hindi, Arabic, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Polish, Dutch, Chinese, Japanese & Korean (optional)

Seine River cruise

• Start point: Eiffel Tower
• Assemblee Nationale
• Musee d'Orsay
• Institut de France
• Cite de la Mode
• Hotel de Ville
• Conciergerie
• Grand Palais
• Palais Chaillot
• Tip: On your cruise, watch out for the golden 'Fame of Industry' statues as you pass under the iconic Alexander III bridge. Spot the Grand Palais Museum’s glass top and the Invalides Hotel’s gold dome!
• Facilities: Wheelchair Accessibility, Pram/Stroller Accessibility (only on the Eiffel Tower's 2nd Floor)
• Please note you'll be taking the stairs to the 2nd floor while elevator access is provided to the summit.
• Even with prepaid access, you might wait at the security check and for elevators on the ground and on the 2nd floor.
• The Eiffel Tower's summit is not accessible to wheelchair users or guests with mobility issues.
• Please note that the following are not allowed: smoking, large luggage, non-folding buggies/prams, big bags, baby strollers, rollerblades, scooters, skateboards, overboards, other large rolling objects (except foldable pushchairs, medical or assistance vehicles for persons with reduced mobility), knives, pocket knives, scissors, corkscrews, glass bottles, padlocks, and cans.

Seine River

• To comply with the rules, the river cruise boats host 300 people in good weather and 120 people in rainy weather.
• Please note that the following are not allowed: smoking, large luggage, and pets (except for guide dogs).

Eiffel Tower Climbing Experience with Optional Summit Access & River Cruise

• Embark upon this climbing expedition to the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower for an unbeaten experience.
• Conquer the stride with your professional guide and uncover, step by step, the history of the tower and the sights around you.
• On your way down, stop at the first floor of the Eiffel and take a stroll on the famous glass floor, allowing you to truly step out of the ordinary.
• Take advantage of your optional ticket to upgrade your experience with access to the Summit Level by elevator.
• Yet another upgrade allows you to float along the Seine River on a 1-hour cruise, valid for a year after your Eiffel tour.
• Tickets to Eiffel Tower
• Stair entrance tickets
• English-speaking guide
• Access to the 1st and 2nd floors via the stairs (optional)
• Access to the Summit via elevator (optional)
• 1-hour Seine sightseeing river cruise (optional)
• Tips: Bring a picnic basket and enjoy a meal with the Eiffel Tower as your backdrop in the nearby parks.
• This tour will last from 2 to 4 hours depending on the crowds at the Eiffel Tower and restrictions due to construction, weather, and security. Please note that this is not a skip-the-line tour.
• Please note the guide will have to purchase your ticket on the day of the visit which may lead to some additional waiting time.
• In rare instances, the summit of the Eiffel Tower may be temporarily closed due to situations beyond our control, such as inclement weather or other circumstances. When this occurs, the group will be unable to access the summit, even if it reopens during your tour, and you will be provided a refund for the price of summit access. Summit Access can no longer be purchased onsite.
• The experience is not accessible for people with mobility issues.
• Note that the following are not allowed: luggage, baby strollers, wheelchairs.

Eiffel Tower Tickets with City Tour & Seine River Cruise

• Hop on this Paris day tour to get a view of its iconic landmarks with an audio guide in multiple languages and access to the 2nd floor or the summit of the Eiffel Tower.
• Make the most of your visit to Paris on this comprehensive 4-hour tour, giving you the best of what the French capital has to offer.
• Kick-start your exploration with a wholesome city tour in a comfortable AC coach, fully equipped with a multilingual audio guide.
• Follow it up with an unforgettable 60-minute Seine River Cruise and enjoy a distinctive sightseeing experience from a unique vantage point.
• Finally, visit the most iconic attraction of Paris, the Eiffel Tower with access to the 2nd floor.
• Upgrade your ticket and get access to the Summit of the Eiffel Tower to enjoy the beautiful views from this landmark.
• Entry to the 2nd floor or summit of the Eiffel Tower (as per option selected)
• 1-hr Seine River cruise
• Paris city tour by AC coach
• Audio guide in 11 languages
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Lift ticket access to the 3rd floor of the Eiffel Tower
• Facilities: Wheelchair Accessibility.
• The audio guide is available in English, Italian, Portuguese, German, Japanese, Korean, Dutch, Russian, Mandarin, Spanish, and French.

Lunch at Eiffel Tower's Madame Brasserie

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• Savor authentic French cuisine as you lunch at Madame Brasserie, located in Paris' most romantic destination, the Eiffel Tower.
• Get access to an elevator that'll take you to the first floor of the Eiffel Tower, and fully explore the 1st level.
• Choose between 2 specially-curated menus, the Brasserie menu or the Madame menu . For children, click here to know what their menu features.
• Entry to the Eiffel Tower
• Access to the 1st floor by elevator
• Choice of Brasserie menu or the Madame menu
• Children's menu
• Tip: Arrive slightly early to be one of the first few up the elevators, avoiding any delays or queues.
• For those who may experience a fear of heights, this experience may not be suitable.

Combo: Eiffel Tower Escorted Entry + Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Tickets

• Use this super-saver pass to access 2 iconic Parisian landmarks, the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum.
• A host will escort you through the entry process and up to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower, leaving you to enjoy the summit view by yourself.
• With an upgrade you can enjoy a 1-hour Seine River cruise and admire Paris from a new angle.
• At the Louvre, get guaranteed entry within 30 minutes, full-day validity, and access to any ongoing temporary collections inside the museum.
• Within 48 hours you can also get free admission to the Musée Eugène-Delacroix, where you can check out masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and Liberty Leading The People.
• Escorted entry to the Eiffel Tower
• Access to the summit
• 1-hr Seine River cruise (optional)

Louvre Museum

• Skip-the-line entry to the Louvre
• Access to temporary exhibits at the Louvre and free admission to the Musée Eugène-Delacroix
• Please note that you will only be allowed to enter the Eiffel Tower Summit at the time chosen during the booking, so we recommend arriving 30 minutes in advance in order to ensure a hassle-free entry.
• In rare instances, the Summit of the Eiffel Tower may be temporarily closed due to situations beyond our control, such as inclement weather or other circumstances. When this occurs, the group will be unable to access the Summit, even if it reopens during your tour, and you will be provided a refund for the price of Summit access.
• Summit Access can no longer be purchased onsite.
• Please note that, as per museum rules, it is mandatory to provide us with the correct names of each individual in your party at the time of booking or you will be denied entry at the venue.
• Groups of 7 or more will need to visit the Louvre separately or purchase a group tour. Groups of 6 and lesser can book online.
• In the next step of the booking, you will have to choose the date on which you would like to visit the Louvre, along with the time slot during which you will gain entry. You will be allowed to gain entry within 30 minutes of the selected time slot (for example, should you choose a 10am time slot, you will be allowed to gain entry up until 10:30am) by lining up in the yellow line meant for visitors with pre-purchased tickets for a certain time slot.

Paris Evening Sightseeing Tour with Eiffel Tower Summit Tickets

• Explore the City of Lights at dusk on an open-air coach, then soar to the Eiffel Tower's summit, perfect for romantics and urban adventurers.
• Immerse yourself in Parisian history and culture with a multilingual audio guide as you cruise past the city bathed in warm evening light.
• Beat the crowds with priority access to the Eiffel Tower's summit. No time wasted, just stunning Paris views waiting to be captured.
• On the tour, see the Arc de Triomphe morph from a stoic Parisian monument bathed in golden dusk to a tiny star amidst the urban sprawl from the Eiffel Tower's summit.
• 3-hour self-guided tour of Paris
• Entry to Eiffel Tower 3rd floor
• Multilingual host at Eiffel Tower
• Audio guide for city tour in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, and Korean
• Children’s audio guide for city tour in English, French, and Spanish
• Guided tour
• Tip: The summit has a unique boutique offering higher-end Eiffel Tower-themed gifts, perfect for a special memento of your Parisian adventure.
• This experience is wheelchair accessible.
• Tour itinerary may vary due to unforeseen circumstances.
• While your reserved access ensures priority entry, note that Eiffel Tower security procedures, including the Vigipirate plan or occasional high visitor volume, may cause delays.
• Vehicular traffic is restricted on the Champs-Élysées Avenue on the first Sunday of every month.

Paris Sightseeing Tour with Eiffel Tower 2nd Floor Tickets

• Want to see Paris without the rush? This tour lets you soak up the City of Lights from an open-air coach, then whisks you to the Eiffel Tower's 2nd floor.
• Your multilingual audio guide spills the tea on landmarks like the Louvre and Arc de Triomphe as you cruise the streets of Paris.
• Catch a peek at the ornate facade of the Palais Garnier opera house and the chestnut trees that flank both sides of the Champs-Élysées.
• Soar to the Eiffel Tower's 2nd floor with hosted entry and see the Montparnasse Tower and the winding streets amongst Paris's grand boulevards.
• 3-hour sightseeing tour of Paris
• Sightseeing from open-top coach
• Entry to Eiffel Tower 2nd floor
• Tip: After soaking in the Eiffel Tower's magic, head towards Ladurée on Rue Cler and try its famous macarons, seen in Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette.
• Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.

Royal Combo: Sightseeing Seine River Cruise + Disneyland Paris/ Louvre Museum/ Eiffel Tower Tickets

• Keep your Parisian getaway under budget with this super-saver royal combo. Cook your own storm in Paris with options to tailor your adventure to fit.
• Cruise the Seine River, glide past landmarks, soak in the scenery, and relax in style aboard the plush Bateaux Parisiens boat.
• Add panache to your cart with timed entry tickets to Louvre Museum. Access all permanent and temporary exhibits to spot masterpieces spanning ages.
• Sprinkle the magic of Disneyland to your stay! Get on thrilling rides, snaps with Disney favorites, and sneak into Avengers campus with a 1-day pass.
• Or climb to the top of Eiffel Tower with elevator access. Walk with an English-speaking guide to learn the deepest darkest secrets of the Iron Lady.

Sightseeing Seine River Cruise

• 1-hour Bateaux Parisiens Seine River cruise
• Flexible cruise ticket
• Audio guide in French, English, Hindi, Arabic, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Polish, Dutch, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean

Disneyland Paris

• 1-day access to Disneyland® Park / Walt Disney Studios® Park (as per option selected)
• Access to Marvel Avengers Campus
• Indoor and outdoor shows at selected park (subject to availability)
• Timed entry to the Louvre
• Access to all temporary exhibits of museum
• Entry to the Musée Eugène-Delacroix
• Guided tour of the Eiffel Tower with entry
• Elevator access to the summit
• Elevator access to 1st and 2nd floors
• Small group (below 20 guests)
• Tip: Opt for a sunset cruise for magical views. Witness Paris illuminated by golden hues as you glide along the Seine.
• Click here to view the Bateaux Parisien cruise route.
• Tip: Don't miss the spectacular parades and shows throughout the day. Check the schedule upon arrival and plan your day around these magical performances.
• Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Names on the tickets cannot be changed after the ticket has been booked.
• The facilities are suitable for wheelchair users.
• Tip: Enhance your visit with the Louvre's official app. Enjoy free audio guides, interactive maps, and exhibit highlights to navigate the museum like a pro.
• There is no priority access to the temporary exhibitions inside the Louvre. If you miss your scheduled timeslot, you'll need to join the line for regular ticket holders.
• The museum is suitable for wheelchair and pram/stroller users.
• Please note that the last audio guide rental is at 4pm.
• Entry to the venue will be free on July 14 owing to Independence Day in France.
• Tip: Instead of taking the elevator, consider climbing the stairs to the second floor. Not only is it a more immersive experience, but you'll also avoid long elevator lines and get a workout in.
• The first and second floor are suitable for wheelchair and pram/stroller users.

Top things to do in Paris

Eiffel Tower I French Revolution Commemoration

Colloquially known today as the ‘Iron Lady’, the Eiffel Tower is a symbol of Parisian culture, economy, and industrial strength. When heading out to the City of Love , you should not miss out on this iconic iron tower. At night, when it comes aglow, you can see this architectural marvel from every corner of Paris. It’s no surprise that the Eiffel Tower receives about 7 million visitors each year, making it the fourth most visited monument in the world!

With an Eiffel Tower ticket, visitors have access to the first floor, second floor, and the summit, entry to some of the finest restaurants in the city, and unparalleled views of Paris.

Why Visit the Eiffel Tower?

• Iconic Symbol: The Eiffel Tower, an emblem of romance and innovation, symbolizes the 1889 Paris World's Fair and charmingly looks over the city skyline.
• Engineering Masterpiece: A technological marvel erected in a mere two years, reaching a height of 330 meters, it serves as a portal to the exposition, featuring advanced metal arch and truss forms.
• Unparalleled Views: Savor a panoramic view of Paris from the tower's viewing platforms, which offer an unrivaled vantage point to appreciate the city's beauty and grandeur. You will spot iconic landmarks like the Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Montmartre.
• Rich Historical Tapestry: The Eiffel Tower's storied past, encompassing Gustave Eiffel's apartment and its role as a scientific laboratory, enriches the visit with intriguing insights, unveiling the tower's concealed narratives.
• Exceptional Dining Options:  The Eiffel Tower presents distinctive culinary experiences, most notably the Madame Brasserie—an upscale restaurant showcasing seasonal, locally sourced produce in an elegant, luminous setting.

Things To Know Before Booking Your Eiffel Tower Tickets

• If you want to know the inner workings of this landmark, including history, construction, and other general trivia, we recommend opting for a guided Eiffel Tower tour.
• Consider booking a dinner at the Eiffel Tower for a romantic experience with your beloved.
• Despite booking your tickets beforehand online, you may have to wait for 15-45 minutes in the queue due to the general rush.
• Remember that the tower's top floor is inaccessible to wheelchair users for safety reasons.
• If you have a tight budget and packed schedule, buy a combo ticket and combine your Eiffel Tower visit with a Paris tour of other attractions like the Louvre.

What is a Hosted Entry Ticket? Opt for a hosted entry ticket if you want an Eiffel Tower host to escort you through the entry process directly to the second floor or the summit before you explore the Eiffel Tower at your own pace. Your host will assist you with the security checks and guide you through the correct entrances.

Which Eiffel Tower Ticket is Best for You?

If you are on a Budget

Go For:  Eiffel Tower Stairs Tickets

Duration:  1.5-2 hours

• These tickets grant access to climb the Eiffel Tower to the 2nd floor, offering shorter queues on the stairs for efficiency.
• Take advantage of your professional guide and uncover the tower's history and the surrounding landscape with every step you take.

Recommended Tickets

• Eiffel Tower Climbing Experience with Optional Summit Access and River Cruise

If you are a Trivia Buff

Go For:  Guided Tours

Duration:  1-2 hours

• Your guide, often multi-lingual, shares history, construction details, and intriguing trivia during your Eiffel Tower tour.
• Alternatively, you can opt for a portable, multi-lingual audio guide you can plug into and carry along on your visit.  
• Guided Tour of the Eiffel Tower's Summit or Second Floor

For a Romantic Experience

Go For:  Meal at Eiffel Tower Tickets

Duration:  1.5 hours

• Eiffel Tower restaurants offer worldwide renowned romantic ambiance and French cuisine; choose a ticket for a memorable romantic evening.
• You can also explore the tower's first level for free with these tickets.

Recommended tickets

• Dinner at the Eiffel Tower's Madame Brasserie
• Lunch at the Eiffel Tower's Madame Brasserie

If you want to Explore Beyond

Go For: Combo Tickets

Duration: 2-4 hours

• Discover Parisian landmarks like the Seine River, Louvre Museum, and more, creating a well-rounded, affordable experience alongside the Eiffel Tower.
• With these tickets, you get to cover more attractions in Paris in one day, thus saving you time to explore more attractions.
• Eiffel Tower Summit Tour + Skip-the-Line Louvre Museum Tickets
• Tickets to the Eiffel Tower with City Tour & Seine River Cruise

Cancellation Policy

Most Eiffel Tower tickets cannot be canceled or rescheduled. Only Madame Brassiere's lunch and dinner tickets can be canceled 24-72 hours before the experience begins. Please check your tickets for more specific details at the time of booking.

Explore the Eiffel Tower

Apart from the Esplanade, which is the base on which the tower stands, the Eiffel Tower is divided into three levels — the first level, the second level, and the summit.

The Esplanade: This is the ground area around the Eiffel Tower, and you can explore it for free.

First Floor:

• Stairs: 347
• Elevator Access: Yes

Second Floor:

• Stairs: 674
• Stairs: 1665
• Elevator Access: Yes (from the 2nd floor)

The Esplanade is the base of the Tower. The gardens, information center, and ticket offices can be found on this level. The four pillars of the Tower — North, South, East, and West — can be found here, and it is from here that you can access the tower. East and West towers lead you to the elevator , while the South takes you to the stairs .

You can visit the gardens and the statue of Gustave Eiffel, view the century-old lift machinery, or stop by the fast-food restaurants and gift shops.

 No. It is the only Eiffel Tower level where entry is free. 

The most attractive feature on the first floor is the opaque glass flooring. You can also visit popular restaurants, watch a cinema projection, shop at the boutique, and participate in seasonal cultural shows.

You can access the first floor by either the elevator or stairs . If you opt for stairs, head towards the South entrance, and if you opt for the elevator, you can go via the East or West entrances . Book your Eiffel Tower tickets in advance if you decide to take the elevator.

Yes. You can take an elevator to the first floor. You can access the elevator from the East and West pillars of the Eiffel Tower.

You can dine at the Eiffel Tower 's Madame Brasserie or at The Buffet here.

The Eiffel Tower's second floor is an excellent spot to observe the city’s landmarks like the Louvre Museum, have a meal, and buy souvenirs.

You can take the elevator or the stairs to the Eiffel Tower second floor . You can find the elevator in the East and West Pillars, while the staircase is located in the South Pillar. Ensure you book your tickets in advance if you decide to take the elevator.

The elevator is the faster option of the two to reach the Eiffel Tower's second floor . While taking the stairs might be time-consuming, since you’ll have to climb 674 steps, it’s still an excellent way to take in the inner construction details and design of the tower.

On the Eiffel Tower's second floor , you can dine at the Jules Verne, a Michelin-star restaurant, or at their in-house buffet. You can also stop for dessert at their Macaroon Bar.

You can explore Gustave Eiffel’s office, witness a model of the top of the tower, enjoy a drink at the champagne bar, take photos, and enjoy an awe-inspiring view of the sprawling city.

There’s only one way to get to the Eiffel Tower summit : via a separate elevator on the 2nd floor. You will have to take either the stairs or the elevator to the 2nd floor, and then board the elevator to the summit. The stairway to the summit is not accessible to the public.

Yes. Most tickets offer access to the 1st and 2nd floors. Eiffel Tower Summit access is an optional upgrade you would need to purchase to make your way to the top.

The Eiffel Tower summit is one of the highest observation decks in Europe. It offers a splendid view of Paris’ main attractions such as the Louvre Museum, the Seine River, and the Grand Palace.

Eiffel Tower Highlights

The Unique Architecture

Soaring at 330 meters, the wrought iron lattice Eiffel Tower boasts 18,038 parts held by 2,500,000 rivets. An emblem of modern architecture, it's a Parisian symbol, easily spotted citywide. The Trocadero Gardens provide the best vantage point for this iconic sight.

Dive into the Tower's History

Explore the Eiffel Tower's 135-year history with artifacts like lift machinery and a piece of the original spiral staircase. You can also spot Gustav Eiffel's office on the top as well as the names of 72 contributors, along the frieze of the tower.

Walk on the Glass Floor

Experience exhilarating views on the Eiffel Tower's first level with a glass floor, added during the 2014 renovation for its 125th anniversary. As you walk across the glass floor, you can revel in unique City of Lights perspectives.

Enjoy the Views of Paris

Ascend the Eiffel Tower for breathtaking views of Paris from the second-floor and summit observation decks. From here, you can easily spot iconic landmarks including the Louvre, the Seine River, the Champs Elysées, and the Notre Dame.

Stroll Through the Gardens

You can enhance your Eiffel Tower visit by exploring the Trocadero Gardens—a serene haven with pathways, belvederes, and a 200-year-old sycamore tree. Enjoy quiet strolls and wistfully look at the magnificent iron tower as you walk around it.

Visit the Eiffel at Night

The enchantment of the Eiffel Tower at night is quite magical. Rise to the top for a sparkling birds-eye view of the City of Love in the evening and absorb the beauty of the glimmering night sky. Witness the Tower's reflection in moonlit waters below.

Eiffel Tower Entrances

The Eiffel Tower has a choice of entrances located in the East, West and South Pillars, and the one you should take depends on whether you want to take the stairs or the lift to the top.

East and West Pillars

If you plan to take the elevator to the Eiffel Tower's second floor, you can go to the East or West Pillar. Keep an eye out for a green and yellow flag. If you have already purchased a ticket, approach the green flag, which will lead you directly to the entrance. If you still need to buy a ticket, join the queues near the yellow flag, which is placed at the ticket counter. You can find a ticket booth at each pillar.

South Pillar

If you’re planning to take the stairs to the first or second floor of the Eiffel Tower, head to the South Pillar. There are a total of 674 steps to the second floor. If you have already purchased your ticket, you can go directly to the entrance marked by a blue flag. If you haven’t booked one yet, you can purchase one at the ticket counter at the South Pillar.

Plan Your Visit to the Eiffel Tower

General Timings:

• The site is open from 9:15 AM to 12:45 AM
• Stair access is allowed from 9:30 AM to 11:45 PM
• You can use the lift from 9:30 AM to 12 AM
• The monument closing time is 11:45 AM.

Closed on:  The top floor of the Eiffel Tower is temporarily closed from January 8-February 9, 2024.

Best Time to Visit the Eiffel Tower:  October to December and January to March are the best times to visit the Eiffel Tower. You will experience lesser crowds and pleasant weather.

Address: Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France.

Find on Maps

Getting There

You can get to the Eiffel Tower by car, metro, RER, bus, boat, and by bicycle.

• By Train: By metro, you can take Lines 9, 8, and 6; by RER, you can take Line C to reach the Eiffel Tower.
• By Bus: You can take lines 82, 30, 42, 86, 69, or 72.
• By Boat: Take a boat ride down River Seine and alight at Batobus Tour Eiffel stop.
• By Bike: The closest Velib docking station is 2 Av. Octave Gréard Station.

• The first and second floors are equipped with changing stations.
• You can connect to the free Wi-Fi.
• You can locate the toilets on the East Garden, the upper floor of the Pavillon Ferie, the lower level of the second floor, and the outdoor section of the summit.
• Grab a souvenir to remember your trip to the Eiffel Tower from one of the many gift shops inside the tower. You can find a shop on every floor of the tower and the esplanade.
• There are dedicated spaces for baby's clothes changing on all the floors except the top.
• There are several restaurants on the tower premises.

• The elevators will help visitors with mobility-related disabilities access the 2nd floor by the elevator.
• There are special washrooms available on the ground floor.
• Audio induction loops are also available for those with hearing difficulties.

• Animals are not allowed inside the tower, except for guide dogs assisting disabled visitors.
• Smoking is prohibited inside the Eiffel Tower.
• You cannot bring in large bags and other heavy luggage inside the premises.
• For safety reasons, all kinds of rolling objects are restricted in the Eiffel Tower.

Your Eiffel Tower experience is incomplete without indulging in some delightful French cuisine. The cherry on top? Jaw-dropping views of the City of Love, of course. Another benefit? By booking a meal at an Eiffel Tower restaurant like Le Jules Verne or Madame Brasserie, you can access a hosted entry and directly head to the second floor!

• Madame Brasserie: Located on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower
• Le Jules Verne: Located on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower
• Macaron Bar: Second floor of the Eiffel Tower
• Champagne Bar: At the Eiffel Tower Summit

Apart from this, the Eiffel Tower is also home to restaurants that serve simple buffets. They are located on the Esplanade, first and second floors.

Budget:  Hotel Au Pacific Tour Eiffel (1.7 km), Hôtel Saphir (2.2 km)

Mid-level: Hôtel Mercure Paris Centre Tour Eiffel (350 m), Hôtel La Bourdonnais Paris (1.3 km), Hotel Chambiges Elysees (1.4 km)

Luxury: Résidence Charles Floquet (260 m), Sofitel Paris Baltimore Tour Eiffel (1.2 km)

Visitor Tips

• If you plan on visiting the Eiffel Tower — especially the summit — we recommend booking your tickets well in advance since tickets to the top get sold out quickly.
• It is also essential that you book your Eiffel Tower tickets online. If not, you would have to wait hours at the ticket counter and might not get access to the floors you would like to visit.
• A great way to save time is by taking the steps on your way back down. Lines for the lifts are generally long and crowded. 
• June-September is the busiest time of the year for a visit. If you would like fewer crowds, October-December and January-March would be the best time to visit the Eiffel Tower .
• If you plan to have a meal at the Eiffel Tower , it is best to make a reservation at one of the restaurants well in advance.
• Download the Eiffel Tower app on your smartphone before your visit. The audio guide covers every subject related to the structure, including history, design and construction, neighboring landmarks, and more.

Beyond the Eiffel Tower

The Louvre Museum, a popular historic institution, is a vast repository of art and culture. Home to masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, it spans diverse periods, offering a comprehensive exploration of human creativity and heritage within an architecturally significant edifice.

The Seine River, coursing through Paris, epitomizes the city's allure. As a historic waterway, it graces iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, offering a scenic route that narrates centuries of cultural and architectural significance.

Paris Aquarium

The Paris Aquarium, situated in the heart of the city, offers a comprehensive and educational experience in marine life. Featuring diverse ecosystems, it spans the aquatic landscapes from the Seine River to the profound ocean depths.

Hôtel des Invalides

Hôtel des Invalides is a historical complex founded by Louis XIV. It houses the Musée de l'Armée, displaying military artifacts and the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte, adding profound historical significance.

Musée Rodin

Musée Rodin is a distinguished institution dedicated to the iconic sculptor Auguste Rodin. The museum showcases a comprehensive collection of his masterpieces, offering profound insights into his artistic legacy.

Palais Garnier

Palais Garnier is an architectural masterpiece and the primary opera house. Constructed in the Second Empire style, it stands as a symbol of opulence, hosting world-class opera and ballet performances.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eiffel Tower Tickets

A. Yes. You can book your Eiffel Tower tickets online. Stair access can be booked online or on the spot, while lift access can be only reserved online.

A. There are four basic tickets available: one grants access to the 2nd floor via a lift, the second takes you to the summit via a lift, the third takes you to the 2nd floor via the stairs and the fourth takes you to the summit via stairs to the 2nd floor and then a lift to the top. Additionally, you can choose between a self-guided tour as well as a guided tour or combo tour so you can explore more of Paris.

A. The Eiffel Tower ticket price depends on the type of ticket you choose. The ticket prices start at €36 and can go up to €150.

A. A hosted entry ticket with access to the Eiffel Tower summit costs €63. However, choosing a guided tour or a combo ticket with optimal summit access would be a more budget-friendly option for visiting the Eiffel Tower.

A. Yes, you can get hosted entry access with your guided Eiffel Tower tours at the Eiffel Tower. With these tickets, you get hassle-free entry and can go either to the 2nd floor or right to the summit.

A. A guided tour of the Eiffel Tower can cost you anywhere between €36 to €150, depending on whether you choose tickets with access to the second floor or the summit, take the elevator or stairs to the top, and if you decide to pick a combo tour that allows you access to one of the other popular attractions in Paris, such as Disneyland Paris.

A. Yes. By purchasing a ticket to the top of the Eiffel Tower, you can access the first and second floors as well.

A. Depending on the type of ticket you choose, the Eiffel Tower second-floor ticket price can be anywhere between €36 to €84.

A. No. Your destination is determined by the ticket you decide to purchase. You will not be able to go to the top of the tower if you have purchased a ticket to the 2nd level. You can upgrade your tickets to include summit access.

A. A Eiffel Tower ticket with optimal summit access is priced between €47 to €63.

A. It depends on the Eiffel Tower ticket you choose to book. While some tickets offer a full refund on canceling tickets up to 48-72 hours in advance, for others, there may be no refund available on cancelation. Please check before you make your reservation.

A. Yes, lift access is available at the Eiffel Tower. However, lift tickets can only be reserved online and visitors are encouraged to take the stairs over the lift.

A. Yes. You can use the Eiffel Tower stairs to go up to the 2nd floor. One staircase has been designated to go up, while the other is solely for coming back down.

A. Eiffel Tower timings a 9 AM to 12:45 PM (last ascent at 11:45 PM) all days of the week, for both lift and stairs.

A. While the stairs are cheaper, climbing 674 steps to the 2nd level is not an easy task. Depending on your ticket, you can take an elevator to the top. You can climb up the stairs to the 1st and 2nd levels of the Eiffel Tower, or take an elevator directly to the 2nd floor, look around, and then head by elevator to the summit.

A. Admission to the tower, elevator, and stairs generally begins from 9 AM all year round. From January to June and September to December, the tower is open till 11 PM, while from June to September, it is open till midnight.

A. Yes. Wheelchair access is available for visitors up to the 1st and 2nd floors. It is not recommended that visitors with disabilities visit the summit.

A. If you go up to the 2nd level, the visit could take about 1.5 hours, while if you go up to the summit, you could spend about 2.5 hours. Moreover, depending on whether you opt to take the stairs or the elevator, the duration may vary.

About Eiffel Tower

Inside Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower Facts

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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• The Eiffel Tower

Exceptionally, tickets for visits from June 17 will go on sale later than usual (instead of 60 days before the day of the visit). No tickets for this summer (including during the Olympic Games) are currently on sale, so do not buy tickets from websites promoting such offers. Keep an eye on our official online ticket office.

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

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Tour Eiffel tickets for the end of June 2024

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

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

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

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

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Is The Paris City Pass Worth It?

Is the paris city pass worth it, paris pass review – is it a good deal for you.

T he Paris City Pass is one of the most popular multi-use passes available to visitors to Paris. In this article, I will explain the main features of the Paris Pass. I will outline  the costs of the pass and give some examples of how it might best be used. After reading this guide, you will be better prepared to make the decision about whether to buy a pass on your next trip to Paris , which pass to buy, how to buy it, and how to most effectively use your pass. But is the Paris Pass worth it?

When most people take trips to Paris , France, they have limited time and budget, and want to make the most of their time and money. With some prior planning and preparation, visitors can save substantial time, money, and aggravation by using the Paris Pass .

Paris City Pass Main Features

• Free admission to over 60 top attractions and tours
• Central Paris transportation on Big Bus, metro, city buses and trains
• Big Bus Hop-On-Hop-Off tours
• Fast Track Entry to some top attractions including: Louvre Museum, Musee d’Orsay, Centre Pompidou, and Grevin Wax Museum

Top 12 Attractions Offered On The Paris Pass

For some examples of what’s offered on the Paris Pass, here are the Top 12 (of a total of over 60) attractions along with the normal admission price in Euros:

Paris Big Bus Hop-On-Hop-Off Tour: € 38

Louvre Museum: € 15 (fast track € 23) Remember to book your time slot for the Louvre !

Palace of Versailles: € 18

Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise: € 15

Paris Aquarium Cineaqua: € 20.50

Arc de Triomphe: € 12

Montparnasse Tower: € 18

Centre Pompidou: € 13

O Chateau Wine Tasting: € 32

Opera Garnier Guided Tour: € 17

The Orsay Museum: € 12

The Paris Story: € 11

Total: € 221.50

A 2 Day Itinerary With The Paris Pass

For a sample 2 day Paris itinerary , let’s say you buy a 2 Day Pass for 130 Euros and follow this two-day schedule:

• Early morning take the Big Bus to the Louvre. Arrive at the Louvre before it opens at 9 and spend the morning. Have lunch, check out the Orsay Museum, and finish up with the fascinating O Chateau Winetasting near the Louvre in the late afternoon. That night, take an evening Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise.
• The second day, take the Big Bus to the Opera Garnier for a tour of this grand building and then on to The Paris Story and the Grevin Wax Museum. Have lunch, and head to the Centre Pompidou. Then take the Big Bus up the Champ Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe.  Enjoy the arch with its fantastic views over Paris and walk back down the Champs Elysees (or get back on the bus and head to the Eiffel Tower).

The total admission for these attractions priced individually would be 189.50. In addition, you would receive Fast Track Entry to the Louvre Museum, Musee d’Orsay, Centre Pompidou, and  Grevin Wax Museum.

In this scenario, you would save about 60 Euros on attractions alone. You would have tickets already purchased and have fast track entry to four of the most popular attractions. In addition, you have transportation within Paris paid for with your metro, bus, and RER train pass. Finally, you would have the 120+ page guide and Paris maps to help you plan your day.

Is the Paris Card Worth it?

To determine if the Paris Card would be a good investment for you, follow these steps:

• Identify specific places you are interested in seeing and how many days it will take. Compile a list with a rough itinerary and see how much each would cost individually.
• Compare the total cost of the attractions priced individually with the cost of the Paris Pass.
• Also, take into consideration the other features, including transportation on the metro, buses, and RER trains, as well as the Fast Track Entries for select attractions. Another important factor to me was the fact that with one transaction I had most of my purchases for things I wanted to see and do taken care of. In addition, you can take advantage of the Paris Pass Free Download Centre and gain access to the free 120-page guidebook as well a variety of useful Paris maps.

What’s Not Included In The Paris Pass

The eiffel tower.

The most notable attraction not on the Paris Pass is the Eiffel Tower . However, we easily purchased the tickets for the Eiffel Tower separately and visited on a day that we did not use the Paris Pass. If you only plan on seeing a few attractions during your time in Paris, the pass may not be the best buy for you.

Eiffel Tower Tour Tickets

• Skip-The-Line Summit Access 
• Eiffel Tower Skip-The-Line Entry
• Summit Tour by Elevator
• Eiffel Tower and Seine River Cruise
• Tower Second Floor or Summit Priority Access
• Skip-The-Line: Eiffel Tower By Night 
• Eiffel Tower Summit and Cruise Tickets By Night

The Palace of Versailles is on the pass, but transportation all the way to Versailles is not. You will have to pay a nominal amount extra to take the RER train to Versailles. Remember to get there early before they open (and before dozens of tour buses loaded with thousands of tourists arrive) and allocate at least half a day for transportation and touring the palace, gardens and grounds.

You also may want to consider coming mid-afternoon and stay till closing at 6:30 in the evening, since many tour buses are gone by mid-afternoon and the crowds will be thinner. Be sure to check the current schedule.

Tours of Versailles

• Ultimate Versailles: Skip-The-Line Guided Tour
• Château de Versailles: Saturday Night Fountain Show
• Skip-The-Line: Versailles and Trianon Audio Pen Tour
• Versailles Palace and Gardens: Tickets, Audio Guide, and Transfer
• Full-Access Ticket Options: Versailles and Gardens
• Other Versailles Tour Options

Where To Buy Paris City Pass?

So is the Paris Pass worth it? Buying the pass is easy. Go to the website, and you can order your passes and have them mailed to you, or you can arrange to pick them up once you get to Paris. Shipping costs are 3.95 – 9.95 Euros. Allow up to 15 working days for standard delivery.

The Paris Pass is owned by Leisure Pass Group. The company also offers great passes in many other major cities throughout Europe, the US, and other cities throughout the globe. You can buy the Paris City Pass on GetYourGuide. In fact, buy it right here.

Overall, the Paris Pass is a great choice for those who want to make the most of their time in Paris. With transportation covered by the Big Bus Hop-On-Hop-Off, metro, local buses, and the RER train system, you can get to just about anywhere in the city. Over 60 top attractions are covered, and useful maps and guides are included with your pass. Plan your trip to Paris today with the help of the Paris Pass .

Is the Paris Pass Worth it was written by Scott Kendall for EuropeUpClose.com .

Disclosure: The author was hosted with a two day Paris Pass during his recent stay.

Is The Paris City Pass Worth It? – Pin for Later

The Olympics are nearly here. For a weary world, they can't come soon enough.

Start the countdown clock. In exactly 100 days, more than 10,000 athletes and tens of thousands of spectators will converge on Paris for the start of the 33rd Summer Olympic Games , a 16-day extravaganza that marks the first time the City of Lights has hosted the world’s pre-eminent sports festival in a century.

In keeping with the slogan for this year’s Olympics, “Games Wide Open,” the opening ceremony will take place outside a stadium setting for the first time. The plans are ambitious: a 3.5-mile boat parade along the Seine before as many as 325,000 onlookers on the river’s banks. The hundreds of athletic events — hosted by dozens of venues across Paris and other cities in metropolitan France — will likewise be open to large crowds.

In many respects, the Paris Games promise to be one of the most elaborate cultural rituals since Covid swept across the world beginning in late 2019. Health restrictions forced the organizers of Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022 to sharply limit the scale of the festivities, with events largely closed to the public. Paris 2024, powered in part by pent-up demand for communal experiences, symbolizes an international post-pandemic vibe shift.

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But with that spirit of openness comes all-too-familiar challenges. The festivities in Europe’s most densely populated city are shadowed by security concerns . The International Olympic Committee and French officials have insisted that they are putting strict security measures in place. Yet the recent history of violence in France — including the 2015 terror attack in Paris that left 138 people dead and at least 416 injured — stalks public consciousness there.

The geopolitical backdrop for the Paris Games is no less troubling. The war between Israel and Hamas recently crossed the six-month mark, raising fears of a protracted conflict and wider regional instability. The devastation in the Gaza Strip has provoked international outrage, isolating Israel on the global stage. Meanwhile, Russia continues to gain ground in its military offensive against Ukraine as some Western nations worry about the rise of authoritarianism.

These international crises could come into play during the Games in the form of protests and other political demonstrations.

“It is certain that the international context is particularly tense today,” Tony Estanguet, president of the Games’ organizing committee, recently told Radio France . “I believe in this universal event. It’s up to us to preserve, to talk about sport and not to politicize the subject too much.”

Nevertheless, Olympics organizers are determined to put on a show that stuns the throngs assembled on the boulevards of Paris, not to mention the millions of people expected to watch the Games unfold on their televisions and mobile devices. If the surge of enthusiasm for the Super Bowl, Taylor Swift, March Madness and the solar eclipse is any guide, then audiences are craving spectacle — and the Paris Games could be just the ticket.

Going for the gold

The scale of the Paris Games is immense: nearly 40 sports and more than 300 events hosted in at least 35 venues in Paris and other cities across metropolitan France. Following two Games that were hampered by Covid protocols and other tight restrictions, Paris could resemble a colossal international party, heralded by five Olympic rings (fashioned from recycled French steel) that will be displayed on the south side of the Eiffel Tower.

“The last two Olympics certainly didn’t have the look and feel of what we expect from the Games,” said Jeremy Fuchs, a sports writer and the author of a 2021 book about the history of the Olympics. “I would expect Paris to go all out. … With fans back in the stands, we should expect one of the more raucous Games in recent memory.”

The iconic landmarks will be immediately recognizable to worldwide TV viewers. Beach volleyball players will show off their jump serves at a temporary outdoor arena at the Champ de Mars, a large public park at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. Equestrian and modern pentathlon competitions will take place at the Palace of Versailles , one of the emblems of French royal history. The 124-year-old Grand Palais will host fencing and taekwondo.

At least one venue that hosted events during the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris will be put to use again: Stade Yves-du-Manoir, the home of the opening ceremony 100 years ago. (The stadium also hosted some of the races depicted in the Oscar-winning film “Chariots of Fire.”) This time around, the 117-year-old arena will stage field hockey competitions.

The sports themselves are sure to draw wide attention, from basketball and boxing to sailing and swimming. Breaking (also known as break dancing) is set to make its Olympics debut, and three recently introduced competitions — sport climbing, skateboarding and surfing — will be integrated into the Paris Games, too. (Karate, softball and baseball won’t be part of the lineup.)

The vast majority of events are set to unfold across France, though there is one exception. The surfing competition will take place in a village on the southwestern coast of Tahiti. Paris organizers chose to hold the surfing events on the French Polynesian island because it “offers an opportunity to engage French overseas territories and their communities in the Olympic Games — for the first time in history — while showcasing France’s rich and diverse heritage.”

Paris organizers have signaled that they are attempting to reach younger audiences by featuring sports that are “closely associated with youth and reward creativity and athletic performance.” But given that relatively few people in their teens and 20s watch traditional linear television, the IOC faces a steep climb in convincing viewers in that age bracket to tune in, according to David Goldblatt, the author of “The Games: A Global History of the Olympics.”

This year’s Games will be more widely accessible to at-home viewers thanks in part to streaming. Peacock, the streaming platform owned by NBCUniversal, plans to invest heavily in live coverage of the festivities, including a “multiview” feature that allows subscribers to watch up to four competitions at the same time.

Superstar personalities could help make the case for the Games as must-see TV. Simone Biles, the seven-time Olympic medal-winning gymnast, hopes to compete in Paris. The list of U.S. athletes who could make waves also includes swimmer Katie Ledecky as well as track-and-field sprinters Noah Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson.

David Wallechinsky, a former president of the International Society of Olympic Historians and the author of “The Complete Book of the Olympics,” said he was most excited about the track-and-field competitions because he believes the sport has the most universal appeal — unlike, say, “swimming the 400-meter medley or participating in equestrian dressage.”

In total, more than 200 countries — known in IOC parlance as national olympic committees, or NOCs — plan to send their most elite athletes to Paris, where most will check into the Olympic Village on the banks of the Seine. Russia and Belarus were banned from the Olympics after Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022 — four days after the conclusion of the Winter Olympics in Beijing.

The final stretch

In recent months, preparations for the Games have arguably been overshadowed by the grinding realities of war and humanitarian disaster. Paris 2024 is just the latest in a long line of Olympic Games that have taken place against a backdrop of geopolitical turmoil, according to Wallechinsky, who pointed to several key examples.

The 1936 Summer Olympics were hosted by Berlin and opened by Adolf Hitler three years before the outbreak of World War II. Twenty-nine countries boycotted the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal to protest the fact that New Zealand’s rugby team had toured apartheid South Africa. The massacre of 11 Israeli athletes and coaches by Palestinian members of the Black September terrorist organization cast a pall over the 1972 Summer Games in Munich and underscored the violent tensions that are often inseparable from the athletic competitions at the heart of the Olympics.

In the Cold War era, the U.S. led a boycott of the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow and the former Soviet Union sat out the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

In the lead-up to the Paris Games, France announced it would deploy 45,000 police, military officers and army troops across the country. The country has requested reinforcements from 46 foreign partners — a “classic approach adopted by host countries when organizing major international events,” the Interior Ministry has said. Everyone involved in the Games — security officials, building workers, volunteers — will be put through background checks, too.

French government officials also decided to cap the number of people allowed to watch the opening ceremony at 325,000. Two years ago, organizers had proposed making the July 26 opening festivities accessible to as many as 600,000 people, a grand gathering that would span 6 kilometers (roughly 3.7 miles), stretching from the east of Paris to the Trocadéro.

In response to a request for comment on the security fears, an IOC spokesperson said French authorities had informed the committee that “they have been working for a couple of years under the assumption that the highest security measures will be required.” The spokesperson said that, per usual practices, “there is also very close international cooperation.”

“Based on this and the regular reports the IOC receives from them, we have full confidence in the French authorities and their strong collaboration with their international partners,” the spokesperson added.

In the run-up to the opening ceremony, organizers are also confronting markedly less existential issues — including high levels of “pollution of fecal origin” and other bacteria in the Seine , an environmental headache that might force officials to nix the triathlon swimming section.

“We are working hard on it. You know it’s one of the bigger challenges,” Estanguet told reporters this month.

In the end, though, spectators around the world will likely be focused on the pageantry and competition, savoring the first full-fledged Olympic Games in more than half a decade.

Disclosure: NBC News parent company NBCUniversal owns NBC Sports and NBC Olympics. NBC Olympics is the U.S. broadcast rights holder to all Summer and Winter Games through 2032.

Daniel Arkin is a national reporter at NBC News.