eiffel tower tour length

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!

More From This Trip

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• Visiting London Transport Museum
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• Best Views of Paris that Aren’t the Eiffel Tower
• Visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris – A Complete Guide
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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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Eiffel Tower

By: History.com Editors

Updated: June 7, 2019 | Original: June 13, 2011

When Gustave Eiffel’s company built Paris’ most recognizable monument for the 1889 World’s Fair, many regarded the massive iron structure with skepticism. Today, the Eiffel Tower, which continues to serve an important role in television and radio broadcasts, is considered an architectural wonder and attracts more visitors than any other paid tourist attraction in the world.

Designing and Building the Eiffel Tower

In 1889, Paris hosted an Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair) to mark the 100-year anniversary of the French Revolution . More than 100 artists submitted competing plans for a monument to be built on the Champ-de-Mars, located in central Paris, and serve as the exposition’s entrance. The commission was granted to Eiffel et Compagnie, a consulting and construction firm owned by the acclaimed bridge builder, architect and metals expert Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel. While Eiffel himself often receives full credit for the monument that bears his name, it was one of his employees—a structural engineer named Maurice Koechlin—who came up with and fine-tuned the concept. Several years earlier, the pair had collaborated on the Statue of Liberty’s metal armature.

Did you know? The base pillars of the Eiffel Tower are oriented with the four points of the compass.

Eiffel reportedly rejected Koechlin’s original plan for the tower, instructing him to add more ornate flourishes. The final design called for more than 18,000 pieces of puddle iron, a type of wrought iron used in construction, and 2.5 million rivets. Several hundred workers spent two years assembling the framework of the iconic lattice tower, which at its inauguration in March 1889 stood nearly 1,000 feet high and was the tallest structure in the world—a distinction it held until the completion of New York City’s Chrysler Building in 1930. (In 1957, an antenna was added that increased the structure’s height by 65 feet, making it taller than the Chrysler Building but not the Empire State Building, which had surpassed its neighbor in 1931.) Initially, only the Eiffel Tower’s second-floor platform was open to the public; later, all three levels, two of which now feature restaurants, would be reachable by stairway or one of eight elevators.

Millions of visitors during and after the World’s Fair marveled at Paris’ newly erected architectural wonder. Not all of the city’s inhabitants were as enthusiastic, however: Many Parisians either feared it was structurally unsound or considered it an eyesore. The novelist Guy de Maupassant, for example, allegedly hated the tower so much that he often ate lunch in the restaurant at its base, the only vantage point from which he could completely avoid glimpsing its looming silhouette.

The Eiffel Tower Becomes a Permanent Feature of the Paris Skyline

Originally intended as a temporary exhibit, the Eiffel Tower was almost torn down and scrapped in 1909. City officials opted to save it after recognizing its value as a radiotelegraph station. Several years later, during World War I , the Eiffel Tower intercepted enemy radio communications, relayed zeppelin alerts and was used to dispatch emergency troop reinforcements. It escaped destruction a second time during World War II : Hitler initially ordered the demolition of the city’s most cherished symbol, but the command was never carried out. Also during the German occupation of Paris, French resistance fighters famously cut the Eiffel Tower’s elevator cables so that the Nazis had to climb the stairs.

Over the years, the Eiffel Tower has been the site of numerous high-profile stunts, ceremonial events and even scientific experiments. In 1911, for instance, the German physicist Theodor Wulf used an electrometer to detect higher levels of radiation at its top than at its base, observing the effects of what are now called cosmic rays. The Eiffel Tower has also inspired more than 30 replicas and similar structures in various cities around the world.

Now one of the most recognizable structures on the planet, the Eiffel Tower underwent a major facelift in 1986 and is repainted every seven years. It welcomes more visitors than any other paid monument in the world—an estimated 7 million people per year. Some 500 employees are responsible for its daily operations, working in its restaurants, manning its elevators, ensuring its security and directing the eager crowds flocking the tower’s platforms to enjoy panoramic views of the City of Lights.

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15+ Best Eiffel Tower Tours + Insider Tips (2024)

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The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic places to visit in Paris.

Located on the banks of the Seine River, it’s a stunning structure that stands tall over the historic city. Visiting this iconic landmark is an experience like no other, as you gaze upward in awe at its magnificence.

In a hurry and don’t have time to read the whole list? No worries – The Best Eiffel Tower Tour is Eiffel Tower Summit Skip the Line with Host ; with over 2,780 reviews, you will get the best tour of the Eiffel Tower.

Whether you’re visiting during the day or night, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience. Experience amazing food and sights from one of three levels, each offering a unique perspective.

We loved our experience climbing the 674 steps to the tower’s second floor before taking the lift to the summit of the Eiffel Tower.

Whether you are looking for a guided tour or a skip-the-line ticket, would like to climb the Eiffel Tower, or would prefer to take the lift the whole way, I have found the best Eiffel Tower Tours for you.

Table of Contents

My Top 3 Picks: Best Eiffel Tower Tours

Eiffel Tower Summit Skip the Line with Host

✔Elevator Access ✔Unlimited Time up the Tower

Eiffel Tower Access with Seine River Dinner Cruise and Moulin Rouge Show

✔ Eiffel Tour Access

✔ Moulin Rouge Show

Lunch at Madame Brasserie & Eiffel Tower Access with Cruise

✔ Seine River Cruise

Best 17 Eiffel Tower Tours

1. Eiffel Tower Summit Skip the Line with Host

⭐️  RATING:  4/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   1.5 HOURS ✅  BOOK IT

Visit the summit of the Eiffel Tower without having to wait in a queue for hours so you can spend more time enjoying your holiday and more time seeing the sights .

This Eiffel Tower Summit tour with host you will head straight for the lift to the second floor where you will learn about the history of the Eiffel Tower and Paris and Parisian culture and traditions.

“Gonzalo our guide was awesome! Very nice, friendly and yet professional. Answer all our questions regarding the eiffel tower and even from other monuments!” – Angela (Read more reviews )

When your group is ready you will proceed to the top floor of the Eiffel Tower and take in panoramic views of Paris and get a glimpse of Gustave Eiffel’s private apartments.

Your guide will show you the best viewing spots and the best places to take your photos . Use this opportunity to ask questions about the Tower and Paris – they may even give their insider tips for the remainder of your Parisian itinerary.

Elevate your experience by enjoying a glass of famous French Champagne as you take in the views of Paris below.

Some times on this tour you will still need to wait in the line in security but it will be shorter than having to wait in the regular line and the security line.

🤩 Check Prices and Availability!

2. Eiffel Tower Access with Seine River Dinner Cruise and Moulin Rouge Show

⭐️  RATING:  4/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  7 HOURS | ✅  BOOK IT !

If you would prefer a tour that includes more than just going up the Eiffel Tower then this tour is perfect.

On this tour , you will tick off three major bucket list items for Paris, the Eiffel Tower, the Moulin Rouge, and a Seine River Cruise .

Start your night with a cruise down the Seine River where you will enjoy a meal as you watch the sights of Paris outside the window.

“What an amazing experience. We started with a delicious and romantic dinner on the Seine River cruise. The service was exquisite. We then did an evening tour of the Eifeel Tower. Its very beautiful at night with the lights. Then we finished it off with the most spectacular show we have ever seen…Moulin Rouge. This was an experience in Paris we will never forget. I highly recommend this tour package . Lastly, the tour guides were excellent and showed us all where to meet after each event. Great job!” – Raul (Read more reviews )

After dinner head to the Eiffel Tower where you receive priority access to the second floor of the Eiffel Tour where you can see the beautiful lights of Paris below.

Get ready to tick off your third bucket list item as you head to the Moulin Rouge to see the most famous cabaret show in the world.

Sip on a glass of Champagne as you are dazzled by the costumes, lights and performances inside the Moulin Rouge.

Be prepared for a late night, the show will not finish until approximately 1am.

3. Lunch at Madame Brasserie & Eiffel Tower Access with Cruise

⭐️  RATING:  4/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   5 hours | ✅  BOOK IT !

Not a night owl? Why not enjoy a beautiful three-course lunch at the Eiffel Tower’s Restaurant 58 and access to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower?

Choose a lunchtime for either 12pm or 1:30pm and enjoy a French lunch with beautiful views of Paris.

As an added bonus you will also receive tickets for the Seine River cruise which you can board at any time.

“Fantastic day out finished with a lovely meal. The guide was really friendly providing advice on how to make the most of our visit. The views from the restaurant were amazing.” – Glancy (Read more reviews )

The guides are very helpful, organised and accommodating of your needs. They will ensure you know what to do to get through security, and where to find your lunch reservation.

You will also be provided with some history of the Eiffel Tower and some places to visit to get the best photos. If you have any questions about the Eiffel Tower or Paris this is a great time to ask them.

This tour does not include top-level access, but you can add this when booking.

4. Paris Eiffel Tower Guided Climb Tour by Stairs

⭐️  RATING:  4.5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   2 HOURS | ✅  BOOK IT !

Take the less travelled path up the Eiffel Tower and climb the stairs . Most people take the lift up the Eiffel Tower so you will not have to wait in as many lines if you choose a guided climb up the Eiffel Tower.

Once you reach the second level of the Eiffel Tower you will have beautiful views over Paris and some of the most famous landmarks including the Louvre , Arc de Triomphe, the Seine River, and the Champs-Élysées.

There is no public access via the stairs to the top of the Eiffel tower but you can opt for a lift ticket to complete the ascent to the top.

“I definitely recommend this. You have all the time you need to rest if you get tired. Definitely worth the experience. Highly recommended.” – Kathereen (Read more reviews )

On the way up you will learn about Gustave Eiffel and the history of the Eiffel Tower. When you reach the second level of the Eiffel you will be able to catch your breathe as you marvel at the view.

After spending as much time as you would like up the Eiffel Tower you can enter the lift and return to the street.

This is not a skip-the-line ticket so make sure you go early in the morning to avoid peak times when the queues can be very long.

🤩 Check Prices and Availability !

5. City tour with lunch at the Eiffel Tower and Seine River cruise

⭐️  RATING:  4 /5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   5 HOURS | ✅  BOOK IT !

Paris is the perfect place to combine sightseeing and great food.

The City tour with lunch at the Eiffel Tower and Seine River Cruise offers an opportunity to see some of Paris’ most famous landmarks while enjoying a gourmet meal inside a heated glass dome on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower.

A dream came true. This was another experience out of my bucket list. I was able to celebrate my mother’s birthday with my friends. The food and service was excellent. – Fianny (Read more reviews )

You can choose from either morning or afternoon slots for this unique experience .

Your journey begins on a luxury coach on an immersive tour of Paris before you embark on an hour river cruise culminating with lunch up the iconic Eiffel Tower.

With picturesque views of Paris from every angle, this will surely be an unforgettable experience.

6. Paris Eiffel Tower Guided Tour with Access Via Lift

⭐️  RATING:  4 /5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   2 -4 HOURS | ✅  BOOK IT !

If climbing up the Eiffel Tower is not your thing then this guided tour to the second floor is what you are looking for.

As you ascend to the second level via lift your guide will explain the legends and lesser known facts about this famous Paris landmark.

“Excellent experience, guide was nice and great. We definitely recommend this tour to families. The guide took care of the whole group including the kids.” – Carlos (Read more reviews )

Your guide will be easy to spot when you arrive at the tour and they are very knowledgeable and friendly. Even when there are large crowds the guides will make the process as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

If you would like to take the lift to the summit of the Eiffel Tower you can add this option when booking.

7. Eiffel Tower Skip The Line 2nd Level Access with Host

⭐️  RATING:  4/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   1 HOUR | ✅  BOOK IT !

If you would prefer to skip-the-line and head straight up the tower then this is tour for you.

Skip the lines with your tomed entry priority tickets and enjoy a more relaxed day at one of the worlds most famous landmarks.

Spend more time up the Eiffel Tower rather than waiting in a long line and hear some of the history of the tower and colourful stories of Paris and the Eiffel Tower’s past. You will also hear stories about other famous landmarks in Paris and get some insider tips for the rest of your vacation.

“Brilliant tour easy & quick to access. Gonzalo our tour guide was brilliant very informative, engaging & funny too. Thank you, you made our Eiffel tower experience a very memorable one” – Zoe (Read more reviews )

At the conclusion of the tour your guide will leave you up the Eiffel Tower so you can continue to enjoy the Tower at your own pace.

8. Eiffel Tower Priority Access Guided Tour with Summit access

⭐️  RATING:  4.5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   1.5 HOURS | ✅  BOOK IT!

The Eiffel Tower Priority Access Guided Tour with Summit Access is an amazing experience for any traveler.

Not only does the small group tour include the regular second level observation deck, but it also takes you to the summit.

You’ll be provided with priority skip-the-line tickets so you don’t have to wait in long lines to get your ticket.

“Great experience Our guide was fantastic with top knowledge and an infectious energy, thoroughly recommend a tour with these guys” – Matthew (Read more reviews )

So you can hear your guide clearly as headsets are provided for all participants.

The guides are knowledgable, funny and entertaining – ensuring that this guided tour is an unforgettable experience.

9. Eiffel Tower with Reserved Access to the Summit

⭐️  RATING:  4/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   2 HOURS | ✅  BOOK IT!

Make the most of your visit with this reserved access to the summit tour , and no waiting in line!

“Our tour guide was wonderful. She was easy to find and was very knowledgeable about the Tower and all if France . We went to the top which was a very exciting part of the tour nit yo ge missed” – Sharon (Read more reviews )

You can enjoy a detailed tour of the second and third floors on this tour . Learn about the history behind this stunning monument as your English speaking guide shares stories and anecdotes – perfect if you’re short on time and don’t have time to wait for tickets to the summit.

You don’t have to worry about getting access to the summit with this tour – it’s guaranteed!

10. Eiffel Tower Skip the Line Summit Access and Seine River Cruise

⭐️  RATING:  4.5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   2-3 HOURS | ✅  BOOK IT!

The Eiffel Tower and Seine River Cruise is the perfect way to get up close to Paris’ best-known landmark!

Skip the line access to the summit of the Eiffel Tower provides you with incredible views over Paris and enjoy some of the city’s history.

“Tour was timely and Claudia was fantastic. She took photos for us and ensured we all stayed together. Be aware that the tour to the top from the 2nd floor and back down will still be quite a wait in line, depending on the time of year. My only concern was that we were not given the boat tix and I had to ask for them after I had already checked in. Make sure you get passes to everything you paid for.” -Rita (Read more reviews

The one hour river cruise includes an audio guide providing more information about the sights, allowing you to learn more about Paris while taking in some of its most stunning architectural landmarks.

The skip-the-line ticket also ensures a smooth and stress-free experience to ensure your time in Paris is spent in a relaxed atmosphere.

11. Eiffel Tower Tour with Optional Summit and Seine Champagne Cruise

⭐️  RATING:  4.5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   2 HOURS | ✅  BOOK IT!

The Eiffel Tower Tour with Optional Summit and Seine Champagne Cruise is a great way to experience the City of Lights in all its glory! Begin your journey with a guided tour through the Trocadéro gardens and the Champ de Mars, where you will be immersed in the history of Paris.

“Ami our guide he was fun and knowledgeable. The day with its blue sky made for an awesome view of Paris. Ami pointed out all the magnificent historical buildings and the history. Without a guide it would still have been wonderful but with the history and where the buildings were made much more worth our while. We would definitely go again.” -Judy (Read more reviews )

You’ll then explore the first and second floors of the magnificent Eiffel Tower, or if you have chosen to upgrade for an additional fee, ascend to its summit – unparalleled views across the city await!

Afterwards, take a leisurely cruise along the River Seine while sipping complimentary champagne – a truly unique way to end your day.

Note that it can be a little hard to find the meeting point for this tour so make sure you allow plenty of time.

Furthermore, if you wish to visit the summit, book your tickets early as they tend to sell out quickly!

The knowledgeable guides are always happy to answer any questions about Paris’ monuments and history.

12. Eiffel Tower Skip the Line 2nd Floor and Seine River Cruise

⭐️  RATING:  4/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   3 HOURS | ✅  BOOK IT!

Your knowledgeable tour guide will lead you to skip the lines at the Eiffel Tower, and take you up to its 2nd floor for breathtaking views of the cityscape.

Learn about the history and design of this iconic monument as you go.

“Beautiful evening walk to the Eiffel Tower. Marcella was an excellent guide switching easily between 3 languages to make sure then entire group was informed and knew where to go and hear her great info. She was very knowledgeable about all the districts of Paris and explained everything we saw around the tower. Great guide.” -Susan (Read more reviews )

Afterwards, take a journey down the banks of the stunning Seine River in a one hour cruise, viewing famous landmarks such as Notre Dame and Musée d’Orsay from the comfort of your boat.

All tours meet at a location away from the Eiffel Tower- so be sure to note down where you need to be when booking your tickets!

If choosing a night tour, don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes as there are some steep steps getting to where your cruise begins.

13. Eiffel Tower Skip-The-Line Second Level Access by Elevator

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Eiffel Tower with a skip-the-line second level access by elevator tour .

“I can’t remember the name of our guide but he was very personable, knowledgeable, and presented information with humorous anecdotes. We were so glad to purchase these tickets well in advance which provided us the luxury of not having to stand in line. The regular lines for ticket purchasing were incredibly long and it was a hot day. We were told by some people that the wait times were 2 and 3 hours long. This definitely is worth the price.” -Daria (Read more reviews )

Enjoy easy access to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower and an entertaining tour with skip-the-line tickets.

Find the best photo opportunities, and stay on the second floor for as long as you like after your tour has finished.

If you’d like to take it a step further, purchase a summit ticket for a unique experience!

With this unique tour , you’ll get to enjoy all that the Eiffel Tower has to offer without waiting in line.

14. Eiffel Tower with Reserved Access to the 2nd Floor

The Eiffel Tower is an iconic structure that you simply can’t miss when in Paris. But now, with reserved access to the 2nd floor of this impressive monument, you can get a great view of Paris and its surroundings.

“Our guide Matilde was wonderful. Very helpful and informative. Cute and fun. She knew a lot about Paris.” – Don (Read more reviews )

What makes this tour even better is that you meet up with one of the expert English speaking guides just steps from the tower.

They are both fun and informative and will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have.

And once there, enjoy the incredible 360 degree panoramic views of Paris!

15. Eiffel Tower Climbing Experience with Guide and Optional Summit Upgrade

Climbing the Eiffel Tower with a guide is an experience to remember.

As you take the slow and scenic route up the stairs, you’ll be able to see angles and view points that most people don’t ever get to witness – it’s simply breathtaking.

Plus,you’ll get to walk out onto the glass platform 57m above the ground, which is an amazing feat in itself!

“Our guide was amazing! Ratrilekha was extremely personable and amazing. She gave us the full history of the tower, recommendations for our trip, and walked with my daughter and helped her practice French. She was absolutely wonderful!” – Stacy (Read more reviews )

For those who’d really like a thrill, there’s also the option of upgrading your experience and taking an elevator to the summit of the tower.

You’ll be in a smaller group of 20 people or less for a more intimate experience.

And along with making stops on each floor to look at the views and hear a small history lesson on the tower and Paris before continuing on to the second level, this is sure to be an adventure you won’t forget anytime soon.

16. Priority Eiffel Tower Ticket with Access to 2nd floor Via Stairs

The Priority Eiffel Tower ticket with access to the 2nd floor via stairs offers a unique experience.

Skip the line and climb to the second floor, where you can admire beautiful views of Paris all the way up!

“My experience at the Eiffel was great, and I would strongly recommend using Online ticket because people without the ticket were waiting more than 2 hours, and I was at the second floor in about 15 minutes.” – Gordana (Read more reviews )

Along with this ticket, you also have access to an audioguide that is accessible on your phone.

Please note that this is only a ticket for access to the first two floors and it does not include access to the summit of the tower. Enjoy this memorable experience as you explore the Eiffel Tower like never before!

🤩 C heck Prices and Availability!

Tips for Getting the Most out of Your Eiffel Tower Tour

• Make sure you know where the meeting point is. It might be worth finding the meeting the day before so you’re not late
• Arrive early the tour will not wait for you
• Wear comfortable shoes especially if you are climbing the Eiffel Tower
• Have plenty of battery and storage space on your camera or phone, you will take a lot of photos
• If you have questions about the tower or anything else about Paris and your trip ask your guide
• Find out about the cancellation policy before booking
• Read all of the important information on the tour page and your booking confirmation so you don’t forget anything important

FAQs: Eiffel Tower Tickets

What is the best eiffel tower tour.

The Best Eiffel Tower Tour is Eiffel Tower Summit Skip the Line with Host ; with over 2,780 reviews, you will get the best tour of the Eiffel Tower.

Can you climb the Eiffel Tower for free?

No, you cannot climb the Eiffel Tower for free. You can explore the gardens surrounding the Eiffel Tower for free but you cannot access the tower without a ticket.

Is a guided tour worth it for the Eiffel Tower?

Yes, a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower is it worth it. Guided tours often provide in-depth historical and cultural context as well as fun facts about the location that you may not have known before. You can also purchase tickets to skip the line.

What is the best way to visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris?

The best way to visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris is to purchase tickets online before your visit. This will allow you to avoid long lines and maximize your time once you arrive at the Tower. Additionally, considering taking a guided tour so that you can hear about the history of this iconic landmark while taking in its breathtaking views.

Is it better to go to the second floor or the top of the Eiffel Tower?

It is definitely worth going to the top of the Eiffel Tower. The views are amazing and there is just something about standing at the top of the Eiffel Tower.

Is it better to go up the Eiffel Tower at night or day?

Going up the Eiffel Tower at night is a different experience to the day time. During the day you can see beautiful views of Paris and the surrounding areas. At night time you can see the lights or Paris and the stunning light show on the Eiffel tower.

How long does it take to visit the Eiffel Tower?

I recommend visiting the Eiffel Tower for at least two hours This gives you time to explore each floor, take in the panoramic views and enjoy a meal, drink or shop if you choose to do so.

How many levels does the Eiffel Tower have?

The Eiffel Tower has three levels that are open to the public. You can climb or take a lift to the first two floors and then to reach the summit you will need to take the lift, visitors cannot climb to the summit.

Can you climb to the summit of the Eiffel Tower?

No, you cannot climb to the summit of the Eiffel Tower. You must take the lift.

What can you see at the summit of the Eiffel Tower?

At the summit of the Eiffel Tower you can see Gustave Eiffel’s office, views of the Arc de Triomphe, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, the Seine River and beautiful views of Paris.

🤩 The Best Eiffel Tower Tour is Eiffel Tower Summit Skip the Line with Host with over 2,750 reviews you know you are making the most of your time in Paris by skipping the lines and exploring the tower with an expert guide

Final Thoughts: Eiffel Tower Tickets Skip the Line

I hope this guide helped you find the Eiffel Tower Tour of your dreams.

For our money, the best Eiffel Tower Tour is the Eiffel Tower Summit Skip the Line with Host .

This tour helps you skip the line and head straight up the Eiffel Tower with an expert guide leading the way and answering all of your burning Paris questions .

✅  Pro Tip:  Before booking, read the frequently asked questions sections for the tour(s) you’re considering to ensure you pick the best one for your needs and interests.

Are you looking to escape the city during your trip to Paris? Check out the best tours to the Palace of Versailles .

What Time Does the Eiffel Tower Light up? How many Steps in the Eiffel Tower? How to spend 3 days in Paris: The Perfect Paris Itinerary The Ultimate Guide for your first solo trip to Paris Best Hotels in Paris with Eiffel Tower view Language in Paris: Everything you need to know Private Champagne Tour from Paris: 5 most luxurious tours Paris at Night Time: How to Spend a Perfect Evening in Paris 21 Perfect Weekend Getaways from Paris 11+ Best Hotels outside Paris with parking Uber Paris: 7+ tips for Uber in Paris 7 Best Private Boat Tours Paris 23 Best Private Guided Tours in Paris The perfect day trip from Paris to Amsterdam 

I'm Fiona, the Australian blogger behind Travelling Thirties. Travel has always been my passion since 2007. I created this site to help inspire you to travel the world. In 2010 I moved from Australia to Scotland with $500 and a one way ticket, no one thought I'd last 5 minutes but I lasted 5 years. I share everything from one day itineraries to travel tips and tricks from Australia to Europe that will inspire you to get out and travel. Some of my favourite countries I have been to are France, Finland, Denmark, and England.

Travel Expertise: Europe Travel, France Travel, Christmas Markets, travel planning, itineraries and travel tips

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Eiffel Tower: Information & Facts

Whether you're lucky enough to have visited Paris or have only ever dreamed of going there, chances are you know of the French capital's most beloved landmark: the Eiffel Tower.

The Eiffel Tower, La Tour Eiffel in French, was the main exhibit of the Paris Exposition — or World's Fair — of 1889. It was constructed to commemorate the centennial of the French Revolution and to demonstrate France's industrial prowess to the world. 

"Although at the beginning it was seen as 'the ugliest building in Paris,' soon it became the symbol of the city," said Tea Gudek Snajdar, an Amsterdam-based art historian, museum docent and a blogger at Culture Tourist . 

World's Fair centerpiece

Gustave Eiffel, a French civil engineer , is usually credited with designing the tower that bears his name. However, it was actually two lesser-known men, Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier, who came up with the original drawings for the monument.  

Kochlin and Nouguier were the chief engineers for the Compagnie des Etablissements Eiffel — Gustave Eiffel's engineering firm. Together with Eiffel and a French architect, Stephen Sauvestre, the engineers submitted their plans to a contest that would determine the centerpiece for the 1889 World's Fair in Paris.

The Eiffel company's design won, and construction of the wrought-iron tower began in July 1887. But not everyone in Paris was thrilled with the idea of a giant metal monument looming over the city. 

Even to contemporary eyes, the Eiffel Tower is unique. But in the late 19th century, nothing had been seen like it. "Modern architecture was emerging slightly in Paris before the Eiffel Tower. But it was doing it in a very shy way," said Gudek Snajdar. Iron, which was newly popular as a building material because of the Industrial Revolution, became a cornerstone of modern architecture. But in 1887, it had only appeared internally, as support structures, or in unimportant buildings like hothouses, factories and bridges. 

"The biggest problem was that they still didn't know how to make something aesthetically appealing with the new material. When they were using it, they would try to repeat historic stone structures. It's very visible on — for example, pillars in the Bibliotheque Ste.-Genevieve in Paris," explained Gudek Snajdar. "However, with the Eiffel Tower they changed completely the way they were using the new material. The structure, its appearance is completely new and modern."

When construction of the tower began on the Champs de Mars, a group of 300 artists, sculptors, writers and architects sent a petition to the commissioner of the Paris Exposition, pleading him to halt construction of the "ridiculous tower" that would dominate Paris like a "gigantic black smokestack."

But the protests of Paris' artistic community fell on deaf ears. Construction of the tower was completed in just over two years, on March 31, 1889. 

Construction of the Eiffel Tower

Each of the 18,000 pieces used to build the tower was calculated specifically for the project and prepared in Eiffel's factory on the outskirts of Paris. The wrought-iron structure is composed of four immense arched legs, set on masonry piers that curve inward until joining in a single, tapered tower.

Building the tower required 2.5 million thermally assembled rivets and 7,300 tons of iron. To protect the tower from the elements, workers painted every inch of the structure, a feat that required 60 tons of paint. The tower has since been repainted 18 times.

Eiffel Tower fun facts

• Gustave Eiffel used latticed wrought iron to construct the tower to demonstrate that the metal could be as strong as stone while being lighter.
• Eiffel also created the internal frame for the Statue of Liberty.
• Construction of the Eiffel Tower cost 7,799,401.31 French gold francs in 1889, or about $1.5 million.
• The Eiffel Tower is 1,063 feet (324 meters) tall, including the antenna at the top. Without the antenna, it is 984 feet (300 m).
• It was the world's tallest structure until the Chrysler Building was built in New York in 1930.
• The tower was built to sway slightly in the wind, but the sun affects the tower more. As the sun-facing side of the tower heats up, the top moves as much as 7 inches (18 centimeters) away from the sun.
• The sun also causes the tower to grow about 6 inches.
• The Eiffel Tower weighs 10,000 tons.
• There are 5 billion lights on the Eiffel Tower.
• The French have a nickname for the tower: La Dame de Fer , "the Iron Lady."
• The first platform is 190 feet above the ground; the second platform is 376 feet, and the third platform is almost 900 feet up.
• The Eiffel Tower has 108 stories, with 1,710 steps. However, visitors can only climb stairs to the first platform. There are two elevators.
• One elevator travels a total distance of 64,001 miles (103,000 kilometers) a year.

A hallmark of modern architecture

The Eiffel Tower is unquestionably modern in its shape, which is distinct from the Neo-Gothic, Neo-Renaissance and Neo-Baroque styles that were popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, according to Gudek Snajdar. But its material truly made it stand out. 

"The Eiffel Tower was one of the first examples of the modern architecture because of the iron," said Gudek Snajdar. "And the fact that the building didn't have any purpose in particular." It existed purely to demonstrate French architectural creativity and skill with materials to the world; it was imbued with meaning but not utility.

The Eiffel Tower is also a more democratic, and therefore modern, structure than other monuments of the time, according to Gudek Snajdar. Gustave Eiffel insisted that elevators be included in the tower, but they had to be imported from an American company because no French company could meet the quality standards, Gudek Snajdar said. "Because of the escalators, the building could be used as a tower from which Parisians and their visitors could enjoy a view on their city. That was something that was before only accessible to a few wealthy people that could afford flying in a hot air balloon. But now, it was rather cheap and anyone could enjoy the view on a city from it," she explained. 

"That's why it's a great example of a modern architecture. It's democratic and not only available to a few of a wealthy people. But people of a different social background could use it and enjoy it."

Uses of the tower

The tower was intended as a temporary structure that was to be removed after 20 years. But as time passed, people no longer wanted to see the tower go. 

"After seeing the success of the tower during and after the World Exhibition, many of the former enemies of the project publicly apologized. By the time the Exhibition was over, most Parisians were proud of the structure," said Iva Polansky, a Calgary-based novelist and historian at Victorian Paris . "Although there remained a few die-hards like the novelist Guy de Maupassant, who continued to loathe the sight of it."

Gustave Eiffel was also not keen on seeing his favorite project dismantled, and so he set about making the tower an indispensable tool for the scientific community.

Just days after its opening, Eiffel installed a meteorology laboratory on the third floor of the tower. He invited scientists to use the lab for their studies on everything from gravity to electricity. Ultimately, however, it was the tower's looming height, not its laboratory, that saved it from extinction. 

In 1910, the city of Paris renewed Eiffel's concession for the tower because of the structure's usefulness as a wireless telegraph transmitter. The French military used the tower to communicate wirelessly with ships in the Atlantic Ocean and intercept enemy messages during World War I . 

The tower is still home to more than 120 antennas, broadcasting both radio and television signals throughout the capital city and beyond.

The tower today

The Eiffel Tower is still the centerpiece of Paris' cityscape. More than 7 million people visit this iconic tower every year, according to the attraction's official website . Since the tower's 1889 opening, 250 million people from around the world have enjoyed all that the Eiffel Tower has to offer.

And it has a lot to offer. The tower's three platforms are home to two restaurants, several buffets, a banquet hall, a champagne bar and many unique gift shops. Educational tours of the tower are available for children and tourist groups.

The tower is open to visitors 365 days a year, with visiting times varying by season. From June to September, the tower remains open until after midnight. Rates vary, but visitors can expect to pay between $13 (10 euros) and $19 (14.5 euros) per person for access to the tower's three public lifts and 704 stairs. Tickets, including group-discounted tickets, can be purchased online or at the ticket office at the foot of the tower.

The Eiffel Tower "provided Paris with the most distinguishable silhouette," said Polansky. Its distinct look has made it an enduring symbol of Paris. 

But according to Gudek Snajdar, more than just its striking shape makes it an icon of the city. "Paris was a center of modern art and painting at the time [late 1800s], home to democracy, and hosting the first world exhibition," she said. "It was meant to be a birthplace of modern architecture, too."

Additional reporting by Jessie Szalay, Live Science contributor.

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Elizabeth is a former Live Science associate editor and current director of audience development at the Chamber of Commerce. She graduated with a bachelor of arts degree from George Washington University. Elizabeth has traveled throughout the Americas, studying political systems and indigenous cultures and teaching English to students of all ages.

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Is a Tour of the Eiffel Tower Worth It?

Sean Finelli Last Updated: April 23, 2024

Planning to visit Paris and want to know if a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower is worth it and right for you? This article will go over what to expect from an Eiffel Tower tour and the benefits. This way, you can decide if it’s right for you.

Pro Tip: It’s easier to organize your trip when you have all your resources in one place. Create a browser folder and bookmark this post along with our dedicated guide to Paris and the Eiffel Tower to help you plan your trip. Also, check out our article on the best Paris tours .

What Does It Mean to “See the Eiffel Tower”?

The Eiffel Tower is synonymous with Paris and even France. If there was a symbol for the city or country aside from the French flag, it would be the Eiffel Tower. It is likely one of the most recognized monuments in western civilization, next to the Statue of Liberty. Did you know that Gustav Eiffel, the man credited with the tower’s construction, also had a hand in the Statue of Liberty’s construction? Cool, right?

Anyway, you can see the Eiffel Tower from almost any point in the center of Paris. No tall buildings exist in the city center, and the tower majestically rises above the skyline. You may be lucky enough to see it from your hotel balcony or while walking around the city, but this monument’s true beauty is seeing Paris from on top of it!

Areas of Interest

The Eiffel Tower stands tall in Champs de Mars on the left bank of Paris. Not sure what “left bank” means? Check out our article on the right and left banks of Paris . Champs de Mars and Trocadero are great vantage points to see the Eiffel Tower from the ground.

Both areas are free to explore and see the Eiffel Tower, but if you’ve traveled all the way to Paris, you should set aside money in your budget to go up the tower. It’s so iconic and absolutely worth the money.

You can purchase tickets to visit the Eiffel Tower individually, but you’ll need to decide which areas you want to explore here. There are three main levels: the first floor, second floor, and the summit.

First Floor

The first floor is the lowest part of the Eiffel Tower. You can reach it by climbing 328 stairs or taking the elevator. The views from this area are not too bad at all, but the coolest part is the glass floor that lets you look straight under you to the base of the tower.

You can also see a piece of the original spiral staircase that was used by Gustav Eiffel when he headed up to his office on the summit level. Oh, and there are a couple of great restaurants that are worth trying if you want to round out your trip here.

Second Floor

The second floor is likely the most popular area that visitors choose. It has really great views of the city since it sits higher on the tower. You can use the elevator to get here or climb the stairs as well.

There are actually two areas you can use to view the city from here, the main level and the observation deck. Plus, there are more great places to eat, enjoy macaroons, or shop for souvenirs. The line for this elevator can take hours in the summer, but not if you’re booked on a tour with skip-the-line access !

The summit is the smallest area you can visit, but it has the most incredible views. From up here, you can see for miles and miles. Take photos of the City of Lights below as the tower sparkles around you at night.

To get to the summit, you’ll first stop at the second floor to explore this level, then you’ll get in the elevator that goes up to the summit. At 906 feet above the city, it’s probably worth ordering a glass of champagne up here to celebrate.

Not ready to jump into a tour? Read more about the Eiffel Tower .

Short answer: Yes, of course, it is worth it.

We’re a tour company, so we obviously will lean towards encouraging a tour. Why? Because a great tour guide can make a something as boring as a rock interesting. And since the Eiffel Tower is a megamonument so deeply intertwined into French and Parisian culture, you’re sure to learn a lot and enjoy the experience more with a guide.

Not only that but there is a lot to see. Read up on the top things to see at the Eiffel Tower for a great overview of what you can explore at the Eiffel Tower. Ultimately, we’d love to lead you on a tour of the tower, but if you prefer exploring on your own, then our top goal is to enrich the global community with culture and knowledge.

There are other great advantages for why an Eiffel Tower tour is worth it. You probably know how hard it can be to get tickets on your own, or decide which tickets you want. With a guided tour, your access is guaranteed and you can skip the long admission lines. Plus you might even combine a river cruise! Here are a few reasons why we (and many of our customers) think a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower is totally worth it.

Guaranteed Eiffel Tower Tickets

Tickets to the Eiffel Tower sell out quickly and can be hard to find. Fortunately, we have been doing tours for a long time and are great at obtaining tickets like this. Yes, even we sell out during the busy summer months, but with our tickets, you’re guaranteed entry to the area of the Eiffel Tower you choose. There’s no guessing or hoping you got legitimate tickets—entry is guaranteed with us.

Skip-the-Line Entry

The Eiffel Tower’s status as a megamonument means you’ll see lines of hundreds people waiting to enter and head up the elevator. With a guided tour or our skip-the-line tickets , you’ll have access to the shorter line reserved for tour operators like us. Skip the line and don’t waste your valuable time in Paris!

River Cruise Combo

Why not make for the most memorable evening in Paris ever? Our guided tours of the Eiffel Tower usually include a Seine River cruise, which means you can see Paris and the Iron Lady from a new perspective. Float along the river for an hour before heading up to the Eiffel Tower. If you book an evening tour, the cruise happens around sunset as the Eiffel Tower lights up, which makes for a truly unforgettable evening with photos you’ll love forever.

How High Should You Go?

Short answer: Up to the summit!

If you can find tickets to see the Eiffel Tower summit, you should 100% go up to see it. Absolutely. The views of Paris from that height after ascending the tower on a glass elevator are unparalleled.

If you go to the summit in the day, we recommend spending around 2 hours at the tower and consider eating a meal there. If you’re there at night, consider bringing a light jacket as it’s often windy. And definitely order a glass of champagne to toast a memorable vacation. For info on visiting and restaurant options (there are many) check out our article on how to visit the Eiffel Tower .

Summit tickets are difficult to come by, even for a tour operator like us, and they often sell out quickly. That said, you’ll want to book these months in advance if you’re coming in the middle of summer.

Elevator or Stairs

There are a total of 1,665 steps at the Eiffel Tower. Fortunately, you can get to the second level by climbing only 674 of them! Of course, that’s only if you’re up for the extra exercise and the weather is nice (think: not during a heat wave). It’s a great way to work off the calories from all those crepes!

But if you just want to take it easy on your vacation, then take the elevator as high as you can go. You’ll be walking around the city all day, so save your energy to explore even more of Paris. Be sure to purchase tickets that include elevator access to the first, second, or summit floors as you prefer.

Most Popular Tours of the Eiffel Tower

So now that you see why an Eiffel Tower tour is worth it, which one should you choose? That depends on budget, time, energy, and your travel goals. Below are our most popular tours of the Eiffel Tower.

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!

About Sean Finelli

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

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9 anecdotes revealing all you need to know about the Eiffel Tower

Inspiration

Paris Cultural Heritage Cities

Reading time: 0 min Published on 20 December 2023, updated on 15 April 2024

When it was built for the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris, the Eiffel Tower was the tallest tower in the world! Alas, it can no longer lay claim to that title, but it remains the most visited monument in the world that isn’t free to enter. That would be because the Eiffel Tower, now come to symbolise Paris, has more than one trick up her sleeve! We’ll show you some of them in 9 anecdotes.

1000 feet... and a nose ahead of Philadelphia!

Before Paris , Philadelphia had plans to build a 1000 foot tall tower (around 300m). But it was France that kept the flame alive! Two of Gustave Eiffel’s engineers researched a similar project, and the French Government, firm believers, launched a competition to erect an “iron tower with a square base”, some “300m high”.

A “skeleton” given form

The foundations had barely been laid, when opponents of the Tower began spouting forth morbid comparisons: “A belfry skeleton”, said poet Paul Verlaine, “a truly tragic streetlight”, said the writer Léon Bloy! When the Eiffel Tower proved such a success at the Universal Expo, drawing in almost two million visitors, the critics piped down...

A record-breaking tower

The highest tower in the world at the time was also built in record time : two years, two months, and five days! What’s it made of? 7300 tonnes of iron, 60 tonnes of paint, 2.5 million rivets, and a lot more besides!

Ancestor of the postcard

The first illustrated postcard in France came from the Eiffel Tower, and of course it bore her image! The “Libonis”, from the name of its author, was printed in the post office on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower. The initial print run of 300,000 copies would usher in the fashion for postcards and derivative products.

Saved by the radio!

Not intended to last, the Eiffel Tower was supposed to be destroyed after 20 years! But Gustave Eiffel managed to save it by pointing out how it could serve science. With weather stations and an aerodynamics test lab, the Tower also owes its survival to TSA, radio’s predecessor. As early 1913 you could send a telegram to America from the Tower.

Lift to the top

While the first visitors had to climb the 1710 steps to the top, it wasn’t long before lifts were installed. They were unique prototypes, and two of them are still in service today! Indeed, during the renovation work completed in 2014, it was decided to keep the hydraulic lifts.

A new wardrobe

Without her sturdy coat of paint, the Eiffel Tower couldn’t survive in her puddled iron dress. Since it was built, it has been repainted (by hand!) 19 times, which is something like every 7 years! The colour used since 1968? Eiffel Tower brown!

The Tower's little sister in Vegas

From Russia to China, and on to Romania, the Eiffel Tower has been imitated the world over. The first imitation came in 1894 with the Blackpool Tower in the United Kingdom, but the most famous replica (165m tall) is found in Las Vegas.

Lighthouses in the night

Every night, two beams of light with a range of 80km shine over Paris like lighthouses in the night. They are a nod to the original red, white, and blue lamp that was the brightest in the world!

• Visit the Eiffel Tower • Plan your trip to Paris

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• How Tall Is the Eiffel Tower?

The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France was designed by engineer and architect Gustave Eiffel. In French, the Eiffel Tower is referred to as either "La dame de fer," which means "the iron lady," or La Tour Eiffel. Completed in March 1889, the tower was intended to serve as an entrance arch to the 1889 World Fair, which also marked 100 years since the French Revolution. The Eiffel Tower is made from wrought iron and is located on the Champ de Mars. Today, the tower is an iconic symbol of Paris and France. Furthermore, the Eiffel Tower is also one of the most recognized structures in the world and a popular tourist attraction.

Height of the Eiffel Tower

The main structure of the is Eiffel Tower is 300 meters tall, although the height including antennas is 324 meters. This height is roughly equivalent to that of an 81-storey building. Interestingly, the Eiffel Tower can shrink by 6 inches during cold temperatures. The tower has a square base that measures 125 meters by 125 meters. The Eiffel Tower has three levels, and visitors can access the first and second levels by either lifts (elevators) or stairs. There are 1,665 steps to the top of the tower. However, the third level can be accessed only by lifts. The tower has a total of eight lifts. The wrought iron structure of the Eiffel Tower is made up of 18,000 metallic parts and is held together by 2.5 million rivets. As such, the tower is heavy and weighs approximately 10,100 tonnes.

The Eiffel Tower surpassed the Washington Monument as the tallest man-made structure in the world. It remained the tallest structure until the Chrysler Building was built in New York City in 1930. However, the addition of broadcasting antennas on the top of the tower in 1957 meant that the Eiffel Tower was taller than the Chrysler building by 5.2 meters. The Eiffel Tower was the tallest structure in France, but became the second tallest in the country after the completion of the Millau Viaduct (343 meters tall) in 2004. It is also the most visited paid monument in the world. In fact, an estimated 200 million people have visited the Eiffel Tower since its inauguration.

Significance of the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower was planned to remain in place for a period of 20 years and then be removed. However, it served as an effective communication tower, and therefore was not dismantled, and has now existed for over 125 years. The Eiffel Tower has inspired many other towers around the world, such as the Blackpool Tower (Blackpool, England), the Tokyo Tower (Minato Tokyo, Japan), and the Las Vegas Eiffel Tower (Las Vegas Strip, Nevada-USA). Additionally, the Eiffel Tower is considered an architectural masterpiece that attracts over 7 million tourists annually. Consequently, it has boosted the tourism industry in Paris and France.

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From Airport to Eiffel Tower: The Perfect Paris Layover Tour Guide (2024)

Welcome to your ultimate guide on Paris Layover Tours – the perfect solution for turning a long layover into an unforgettable mini-vacation!

In this post, we’ll explore various tour options that cater to different interests and budgets, helping you make the most of your limited time in the City of Lights.

From private chauffeured tours to mouth-watering chocolate tastings, discover how you can maximize your layover and create lasting memories in one of the world’s most captivating cities.

What Is A Paris Layover Tour?

A Paris Layover Tour is a personalized and convenient way to maximize your time by sightseeing during your long layover in Paris instead of waiting at the airport.

These tours offer an exciting opportunity to go around Paris and discover Paris’s iconic landmarks, cultural attractions, and culinary delights in a short amount of time.

For example, with a private chauffeur-driven Paris city tour during your layover, you can enjoy personalized itineraries tailored to your interests while avoiding crowded public transport or navigating traffic on your own.

Many layover tours also offer stress-free transportation arrangements that take care of pick-up and drop-off directly from the airport or train station.

Top Tour Options For Paris Layover Tour

Private paris airport layover tour.

For travelers looking to make the most of their time in Paris, a Private Paris Airport Layover Tour can provide an excellent option. This tour is perfect for individuals who want to explore the City of Light under personalized and convenient circumstances in just 4 to 5 hours!

This popular private tour starts from CDG Airport or Orly Airport and includes an English speaking driver, providing pick-up and drop-off services back to the airport while touring various historic landmarks such as Notre-Dame Cathedral, Palais Garnier, Louvre Museum and Eiffel Tower.

“A lovely experience while laying over in Paris. Easy pickup and drop-off at the airport. We got to see many sights, and our driver Fadi, was super knowledgeable about the history and facts behind it all. Even got a delicious croissant during it all. Definitely recommended if you have some time between flights.”

Yasmin_Z (Read more reviews here )

Important Information

Meeting point: Charles de Gaulle Airport or Orly Airport

What’s Included: Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, Pick-up and Drop-off, Private transportation,  Panoramic car, All Fees and Taxes

Not included: Food and drinks

Additional information: 

• Not wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• This is a private tour/activity

Paris City Tour Bus

The Big Bus Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour is a fantastic option for those who want to make the most of their layover in Paris. 

The tour takes approximately a few hours depending on the attractions you wish to see and covers sites like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Place de la Concorde, Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe.

This sightseeing experience allows for a convenient way to see beautiful sights without worrying about navigating through unfamiliar streets or taking public transportation.

“We loved seeing the wonderful sights of Paris without having to find our way around a new city. The drivers were helpful when needed.”

Cathy_T (Read more reviews here )

Pick-up point: At any of their 10 different stops on the Paris Red Route tour

What’s Included: Hop-on hop-off bus tour, New engaging audio commentary in a choice of 6 languages, Wifi on board

Not included: Food and drinks, Admission to the landmarks

• Wheelchair accessible

Customized Paris Layover Tour With English Speaking Chauffeur

If you have more than 10 hours of layover in Paris, one of the top options is booking a private chauffeur to take you around the city. 

You’ll have the opportunity to customize your itinerary based on your interests and preferences, stopping wherever you wish – ensuring that you make the most of your time in Paris.

This guided tour is available during the day or at night. The best part is – pick-up and drop-off at the airport are included in the price!

Some popular handpicked stops include exploring hidden gems like Montmartre or soaking up stunning views from Sacré-Coeur Basilica. 

“I was looking to experience the highlights of Paris and a few hidden gems during my 10.5 hour layover. David did not disappoint. He picked me and my carry-on luggage up at the airport (CDG), and was patient as I navigated through the airport. Drove me around to see some of the best of Paris while providing key historical details along the way. He was very attentive and made the experience memorable as a first time and possibly only-time visitor. His insights had me purchase the skip-the-line ticket for the Louvre where I saw the Mona Lisa and so many other beautiful art pieces. If you have 5+ hours this excursion is where it’s at.”

Nichelle_B (Read more reviews here )

Pick-up point: CDG Airport or Orly Airport

What’s Included: Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes

• Service animals allowed
• Infant seats available
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Paris Seine River Private Boat Tour

One of the top tour options for a Paris layover is the Paris Seine River Cruise and Eiffel Tower experience.

This popular sightseeing activity provides an unforgettable opportunity to explore two of Paris’s most iconic landmarks in one go.

The cruise along the Seine River allows you to see some of the city’s most picturesque sights, including the Statue de la Liberte, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral and Pont Alexandre III.

“This was SO MUCH FUN and absolutely beautiful! It’s the perfect way to see so much of Paris while relaxing in a boat. Our kids loved the break from walking and found our guide very entertaining. The sights from the boat are picture perfect and the guide was funny, helpful and made the tour a great experience! Well worth the money for a private tour and still a great deal compared to other companies! I would definitely book with him. Additionally, he communicates with you before the tour and makes everything very simple! Must do while in Paris!”

Aimee_P (Read more reviews here )

Meeting point: Les Quais d’Annette K (ex Rosé Piscine), Port de Javel Bas, 75015 Paris

What’s Included: All Fees and Taxes, Bottled water, Private Transportation

• Not Wheelchair accessible
• Not recommended for travelers with back problems
• Infants must sit on laps

Saint-Germain The Original Chocolate Tasting Tour With Pastries And Macaron

If you are a chocolate lover, then this tour is for you! Indulge in the sweetest side of Paris with a chocolate-tasting tour that takes you on a journey through the historic Saint-Germain neighbourhood. 

This delicious experience includes various stops along the way, allowing you to taste some of France’s finest chocolates, pastries, and macarons.

You’ll learn about the history behind these delectable treats and how they became an integral part of French culture.

This unique walking tour also provides insights into local artisans’ practices and their secrets for producing such mouth-watering desserts.

“This was a wonderful way to learn about Paris and see the hidden areas of the city. Our guide, Loik, was friendly and knowledgeable. All of our desserts and snacks were incredible. We had chocolates, pastries, macarons, jams, and were introduced to new and delicious delicacies. Very highly recommend!”

Melissa_O (Read more reviews here )

Start time: 2:30 pm

Meeting point: Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Paris

What’s Included: Snacks, Local guide

Not included: Gratuities, Transportation to/from the meeting point

• A maximum of 8 people per booking
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level

Tips For Planning Your Paris Layover Tour

Determine your time availability.

Before booking your Paris layover tour, it is essential to determine your time availability. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, options are available to suit your schedule.

For those with only a short layover, consider choosing a private tour that can be customized according to your interests and preferences.

If you have more time available, opt for one of the longer tours that cover all the top sights in Paris like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral and Champs-Élysées.

Keep in mind that traffic in Paris can be unpredictable so it’s always best to err on the side of caution when planning your itinerary.

Choose A Reputable Tour Provider

When booking a Paris layover tour, it’s important to choose a reputable tour provider to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable experience.

Look for reviews and feedback from previous customers, as well as accreditation or association with trusted organizations in the industry.

It’s also essential to choose a tour provider that offers personalized experiences based on your interests and preferences.

Some companies offer private tours with an English-speaking chauffeur who can take you to lesser-known sights or local hotspots that align with your preferences.

Plan Your Transportation Arrangements

To make the most out of your Paris layover tour, it is essential to plan your transportation arrangements ahead of time.

 Whether you are arriving at Charles de Gaulle Airport, Orly Airport or Eurostar station, there are various private transfer options available for travelers who want to maximize their time in the city.

For instance, one popular Paris layover tour option includes a chauffeur-driven car that allows visitors to explore bridges, mansions and palaces while in transit to see iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

By planning your transportation arrangements before arriving in Paris, you can ensure that you have a stress-free experience traveling around the city while enjoying its top sights.

Be sure to research different transportation options based on what fits your budget and schedule best. Additionally, consider adding any extra destinations or activities along with adjusting plans as per personal preferences by informing travel providers beforehand.

Adding Or Removing Attractions Based On Personal Preferences

Personalization is key when it comes to planning your Paris layover tour. Many reputable tour providers offer customized tours that allow travelers to add or remove attractions based on their personal preferences.

For example, if you’re a history buff, you may want to spend more time at the Louvre Museum and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

It’s essential to research the various tour options available and read reviews from other travelers before making your decision.

 This will help ensure you choose a reputable tour provider who can provide insider knowledge and local recommendations specific to your interests.

Packing Essentials

When planning a Paris Layover Tour, it is important to pack efficiently and bring only the essentials. Comfortable walking shoes are a must as you will be exploring the city on foot.

It is also recommended to dress in layers as the weather can be unpredictable.

In addition to clothing and travel documents, it is wise to bring snacks or money for food during your tour as well as a portable charger for electronic devices.

Remember that there may be restrictions on what items you can bring into certain attractions such as the Louvre Museum, so check ahead of time before packing any bags or purses.

Airport And Airline Guidelines

Before embarking on your Paris layover tour, it’s important to note the airport and airline guidelines to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.

Each airport has its own set of rules and regulations, so be sure to check with your specific airline for any additional requirements.

For example, if you’re traveling within Europe on a Schengen visa, you may need to allow extra time for passport control when arriving from outside the EU.

Additionally, most airlines require passengers to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before their next flight departs, so make sure that your tour ends plenty of time before departure.

It’s also recommended to pack light for your layover tour as each airline has different baggage restrictions.

Top Sights To See In Paris During A Layover Tour

• Eiffel Tower – No Paris trip is complete without a visit to this iconic landmark, which offers stunning views of the city.
• Louvre Museum – Home to an extensive collection of art, including the famous Mona Lisa painting, this museum is a must-see for art lovers.
• Notre Dame Cathedral – A symbol of Parisian Gothic architecture, this cathedral was damaged in a fire but still stands as a historic monument.
• Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe – Stroll down one of the world’s most famous avenues and admire the triumphal arch at its end.
• Seine River Cruise – Get a unique perspective of Paris from the water by taking a relaxing sightseeing cruise along the Seine.

See Related Post: Weekend In Paris – The Perfect 2-Day Itinerary

Remember that there are additional options available depending on your interests and time availability. Whether you’re into art, food, or history, there’s something for everyone in Paris during your layover tour.

With multiple tour options available, you can explore the city’s landmarks or taste exquisite pastries and macarons—all while maximizing your time in Paris before your next flight.

You may find other things to do on Viator .

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How Long Did It Take to Build the Eiffel Tower? (Timeline)

The Eiffel Tower took a vast team of workers just over 2 years to complete. Here’s how they did it in record time.

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic and revered monuments of all time, a unique symbol of the city of Paris and a beacon of architectural innovation. Designed by Gustave Eiffel , and unveiled during the Paris World Fair in 1889, the tower was once the tallest monument in the world , and it showcased Paris as a world-leading center for cutting-edge technology and design. The 300-metre-high tower took 2 years, 2 months and 5 days to complete, and involved some 300 on-site workers to carry out the work. We track the timeline of the Eiffel Tower’s planning and construction to learn more.

Planning the Eiffel Tower Took Around 3 Years

Plans for a tower on the Champ-de-Mars that would be unveiled during the Paris Exposition Universelle of 1889 began in 1884. The World Fair coincided with the centennial of the French Revolution , and as such, planners hoped the tower at the center would become a symbol of French independence and freedom. The designs of French engineer Gustave Eiffel were selected from 107 different entries as part of an open competition.

Gustave Eiffel worked alongside two of his chief engineers, Emile Nouguier and Maurice Koechlin, and together they came up with the idea of a tower resembling a large pylon, featuring four lattice work girders, which came together into a pinnacle at the top. They also employed architect Stephen Sauvestre to assist with the aesthetic of their design. It took three years to push the design through the planning stages, ready for construction.

The Initial Construction Work Took Five Months

Official construction work on the Eiffel Tower began on the 26 th of January 1887. In the build up to the tower’s construction, all the metal elements of the tower were created at Eiffel’s factory on the outskirts of Paris – they designed and made a kit comprising around 18,000 parts, which were then passed on to a team of workers to install in place. It took a huge team of 300 construction workers just five months to carry out their foundational work. First, they laid concrete foundations below ground level. Then they began to assemble the metal parts of the tower’s pillars on the 1 st of July 1887.

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Please check your inbox to activate your subscription, metal pieces of the eiffel tower were assembled in 21 months.

The remainder of the tower’s upper levels took longer to complete, as their intricate parts had to be held together via a series of metal rivets. Four men were needed to fit each rivet in place – one to heat it, another to hold it firmly, another to accurately shape it and the final one to hammer it into place.

While piecing together the parts, workers had to stand on fairly flimsy wooden scaffolding by today’s standards, meaning it was dangerous, back-breaking work. The component parts were lifted high into the air by steam-powered cranes which climbed up gradually as the tower grew in height. This painstaking work began in July 1887; by December that year, the major girders up to the first level were complete. By the 1 st of April 1888 the first floor was complete, and by the 14 th of August 1888 construction workers had completed the second floor. The top levels were even trickier and more dangerous, requiring specialist work at a great height – they were finally completed on 31 st March 1889.

Finally, the Eiffel Tower was unveiled to the public on the same day as the Paris Exposition Universelle, (the Paris World Fair ), on the 15 th of May 1889. Although it was only supposed to stay for 20 years, the tower has now become a permanent fixture on the Parisian skyline, and an architectural icon that attracts millions of tourists every year.

Who Is Gustave Eiffel? 5 Facts on the French Engineer

By Rosie Lesso MA Contemporary Art Theory, BA Fine Art Rosie is a contributing writer and artist based in Scotland. She has produced writing for a wide range of arts organizations including Tate Modern, The National Galleries of Scotland, Art Monthly, and Scottish Art News, with a focus on modern and contemporary art. She holds an MA in Contemporary Art Theory from the University of Edinburgh and a BA in Fine Art from Edinburgh College of Art. Previously she has worked in both curatorial and educational roles, discovering how stories and history can really enrich our experience of art.

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From 300 to 330 meters: the story of the Tower’s height

Thursday 28 April 2022

Modified the 27/02/24

Without the Eiffel Tower, radio then television broadcasting would not have moved forward as quickly in France. And without radio and TV, the Eiffel Tower would not have gained so much height ! 

1889   When it was first built, before taking the name of its creator, the Eiffel Tower was called the “300m Tower”. It was exactly 984 feet tall. However, on its inauguration day on March 31, it was topped by a large flagpole from which the French flag was flown, taking the height of the Tower to a little more than 312 meters (1,024 feet). 

1949 The top of the Tower had somewhat changed since 1900, in particular with the addition of a small octagonal lounge just below the arches. Although the flag had disappeared, there was still a mast to which the first television antennas were attached as well as meteorology sensors and equipment.  In October 1949, French television made a major leap forward with the installation of a new 3-meter television antenna for a “high definition” 819-line transmitter that allowed two programs to be broadcast simultaneously. At the time, the Tower still measured just over 312 meters (1,024 feet).

1957 The configuration of the top of the Tower was now very different, having been rebuilt after a fire in 1956. Television continued to progress and live broadcasting dishes were installed to broadcast three television channels in 819 lines, as well as a frequency modulation radio transmitter. All this new equipment took the Eiffel Tower to a height of 320,75 meters (1,050 feet)!

2000 The installation of a new UHF (Ultra High Frequency) antenna for Digital Terrestrial Television and its base which changed the height of the tower again, making it 324 meters tall (1,063 feet).

2022 The latest addition: +6 meters were gained following the installation of a new antenna dedicated to digital terrestrial radio (DAB+). The Eiffel Tower reached the height of 330 meters (1,083 feet) on March 15, 2022 thanks to this successful and dizzying operation carried out by helicopter. Which was a first ! 

Browse our resources on the links between the Tower and radio

Discover   how did radio save the Tower

All about the Tower’s Scientific Uses

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