The Eiffel Tower in Paris is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world, attracting around 7 million visitors each year.
I’ve been to Paris many times, so I’ve gathered quite a few insights and insider tips for visiting the Eiffel Tower; I’ll share these in this article.
Eiffel Tower Highlights, Tickets & History
Let’s start with a few stats about the famous tower in Paris.
Opening Hours:
The Eiffel Tower is open year-round from 9:30 AM to 10:45 PM. Stair access may close earlier, so check the official website before visiting.
Advance Ticket Booking:
Due to long queues and high demand, especially for elevator tickets to the upper floors, booking tickets in advance is advisable.
This can be done online, offering benefits like Fast Track access, free cancellation, and guaranteed entry to all floors.
See the many different Eiffel Tower tickets here.
Height and Access:
The Eiffel Tower, including its antenna, stands at 330 meters, with the top accessible viewpoint at 276 meters. The first floor is 57 meters, the second is 125 meters, and there are 1,665 steps to the top if you take the stairs.
Elevator tickets must be purchased in advance.
Dining and Amenities:
On the second floor (125 meters), you’ll find the famous Le Jules Verne restaurant (reservation required) and a souvenir shop. Light snacks and drinks are also available inside the tower.
History:
Designed by Gustave Eiffel, the tower was built between 1887 and 1888 for the 1889 World’s Fair.
It was initially intended as a temporary structure. It marked the centenary of the French Revolution and, despite initial criticism, has become a symbol of technological advancement.
Here’s a map showing where the Eiffel Tower is located in Paris:
If you don’t know Paris that well, check out my guide on the best areas to stay in Paris.
I’m also talking about the Eiffel Tower in this Paris video:
Here are my 10 things you need to know before visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
1. Visit Twice: Day and Night
Visiting the Eiffel Tower twice, once during daylight and once after sunset, offers contrasting but equally stunning views of Paris.
The daytime visit is ideal for enjoying panoramic city views and perhaps a delightful picnic in the surrounding gardens.
In contrast, an evening visit reveals the tower’s illuminated glory, creating a surreal backdrop for photographs and a romantic atmosphere.
2. Carry Minimal Belongings
With no locker facilities available, it’s essential to travel light when visiting the Eiffel Tower. Limit your items to essentials like your wallet, tickets, ID, and a small water bottle.
This approach not only eases your movement through the crowds but also minimizes the risk of theft, ensuring a worry-free experience.
Also, check out my guide on the best things to do in Paris – the Eiffel Tower may or may not be featured 😉
3. Allocate Ample Time for Exploration
To truly appreciate the Eiffel Tower, allocate at least 2 to 3 hours for your visit. This time frame lets you leisurely explore each floor, enjoy the dining options, and peruse the souvenir shop.
Rushing through the experience might cause you to miss out on the intricate details and the full breadth of what the tower offers.
4. Opt for Stairs Over Elevators
Choosing the stairs over elevators can be a time-efficient and fascinating option. This route offers a unique perspective of the tower’s internal structure and provides a less crowded path to the second floor.
Additionally, it can be a good exercise and a memorable part of your visit, offering intimate glimpses of the tower’s engineering marvels.
5. Check the Weather
Weather plays a crucial role in the quality of your Eiffel Tower experience. Check the forecast and choose a day with clear skies for the best views.
Dressing appropriately for the weather, including comfortable footwear, ensures a pleasant visit, whether you’re walking up the stairs or standing in line for the elevator.
6. Download the Eiffel Tower App
Enhance your visit by downloading the Eiffel Tower app. This app provides an extensive hour-long audio tour in several languages, offering insights into the tower’s history and architecture.
The app also aids in identifying significant landmarks visible from the tower, helping you understand and appreciate Paris’s landscape.
7. Dine at the Tower’s Restaurants
Experience fine dining at the Eiffel Tower’s restaurants, which offer exquisite cuisine and breathtaking views.
Reservations at these restaurants have the added advantage of skipping the regular entrance lines, providing a more relaxed entry.
Each restaurant has its unique ambiance and menu, adding a culinary highlight to your visit.
8. Consider the Paris Passlib
The Paris Passlib is a valuable investment for those planning to explore Paris extensively. It includes fast-track access to the Eiffel Tower and combines city attractions like a Seine cruise and a bus tour, offering a comprehensive Parisian experience.
It’s a cost-effective and convenient way to see the best of Paris, including its most famous landmark.
Read more on the Paris Passlib website or get it with free cancellation on GetYourGuide here.
Looking for more things to do in the French capital? Check my article with my favorite attractions & things to do in Paris.
9. Visit During Off-Peak Times
Visiting during off-peak times, like winter weekdays, can significantly enhance your experience. These times are less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed visit.
It’s a perfect opportunity to take in the tower’s grandeur without the hustle and bustle of peak tourist seasons.
10. Capture Pre-Visit Photos at Specific Metro Stops
For the best photographs of the Eiffel Tower before your ascent, consider stopping at Trocadéro or Bir-Hakeim metro stations.
These spots offer excellent vantage points for capturing the tower’s glory. Early morning visits to these stations can help you avoid crowds, allowing for unobstructed photo opportunities.
By integrating these tips into your visit, your Eiffel Tower experience will be more than just a tourist checkmark; it will become a well-rounded and deep exploration of one of the world’s most famous landmarks.
Read all my Paris travel guides here.
FAQ:
When was the Eiffel Tower built?
The Eiffel Tower was built between 1887 and 1888 and was inaugurated on March 31, 1889.
How tall is the Eiffel Tower?
The Eiffel Tower is 324 meters tall, including the antenna at the top. Without the antenna, it is 300 meters tall. It was the tallest building in the world when it was built in 1889 and remained so until 1930.
What is the cost of visiting the Eiffel Tower?
The prices for visiting the Eiffel Tower vary depending on the type of access desired. For example, tickets for taking the elevators to the top range between 16 and 25 euros, depending on one’s age and which elevator is taken. However, some money can be saved if one is willing to take the stairs – tickets for the stairway cost between 10 and 19 euros.
What can you see from the top of the Eiffel Tower?
From the top of the Eiffel Tower, one can see a fantastic view of Paris and its surroundings. Many of the city’s landmarks are visible, including the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre Museum, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and the River Seine. On a clear day, one can see as far as the Montmartre hill and other places outside the city.
What is the best time of day to visit the Eiffel Tower?
To avoid the largest crowds, visiting the tower early in the morning or late in the evening is a good idea. In the summer, it is also possible to visit the tower at night when it is beautifully lit. If you wish to see the view in daylight, it may be best to visit the tower during daytime hours.
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• Booking.com has the best offers on hotels and unique places to stay
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