Paris is often called the most romantic city in the world, and it truly stands out from every other place. The city is famous for its beautiful old buildings, charming cobblestone streets, and a magical atmosphere that makes every visit specialParis is full of famous landmarks like the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and of course, the world-famous Eiffel Tower
When you think of Paris, the Eiffel Tower is usually the first thing that comes to mind. This huge iron tower was originally built to last only 20 years, but it has now been a symbol of French creativity and engineering for more than a hundred yearsEvery night, its sparkling lights inspire millions of people, making it a true symbol of hope and wonder. Visiting the Eiffel Tower is a must for anyone coming to Paris-it’s an experience you’ll never forget
Paris offers so many different experiences, from exploring its grand monuments to enjoying its cozy cafés and beautiful gardens. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or the hundredth, Paris always has something new and unforgettable to offer.
The Eiffel Tower – Essential Visitor Information
Opening Hours
Mid-June to early September9 AM – 12:45 AM
Last elevator ride to the top leaves at 11 PM
Similar stair access timings.
Rest of the year
9:30 AM – 11:45 PM
Last elevator ride to the top leaves at 10:30 PM
Stair access timings: 9:30 AM – 6 PM
Reaching the Eiffel Tower
Metro :- The Metro has two lines, Line 6 and Line 9, with stops located near the Tower
Bus :-Several bus routes, including numbers 82, 42, 87, and 69, provide service to the Eiffel Tower area in Paris
Boat :- You can also reach the Tower by boarding any of the Batobus boats.
Tram :- You can take the RER train and disembark at the Champs de Mars–Tour Eiffel station.
A Short History of the Eiffel Tower
The history of the Eiffel Tower started in 1889 when a world fair was held to celebrate 100 years since the French Revolution. The Eiffel Tower was planned to be the main attraction of this event in Paris. Gustave Eiffel, the chief engineer, was inspired by the Latting Observatory in New York City and promised to build a tower so impressive it would seem to touch the sky. The estimated cost to build the tower was 6.5 million francs, but the government only gave 1.5 million francs. Because of this limited budget, Eiffel had to use his own money to complete the project. While Eiffel bought the rights to the design, the final look was created by Stephen Sauvestre, Maurice Koechlin, and Émile Nouguier.
The project faced many problems from the start. Many artists protested, saying the tower was impossible and ugly. At that time, no building had ever been taller than 200 meters, but the Eiffel Tower was planned to be 300 meters tall! Despite the criticism, the tower was finished in 1889 and changed Paris forever. Today, it is hard to imagine Paris without the Eiffel Tower standing tall everywhere you look.
If you want to visit this amazing landmark, it is important to buy your Eiffel Tower tickets in advance to avoid long waits and enjoy the full experience of this historic monument.
Entry Gates of the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower has two main entrances on the ground floor: the South and the East entrances. Every visitor must go through strict security checks before entering. Since over 20,000 people visit the tower daily, these entrances can get very crowded. To avoid long waits, it is best to buy an Eiffel Tower entry ticket for the East entrance. This entrance is usually less busy and lets you enjoy more time exploring the nearby Champ de Mars gardens
Discover detailed information about the entrances to the Eiffel Tower here.
Which is Better: Stairs or Elevator for the Eiffel Tower?
Being the most popular paid monument in the world, the Eiffel Tower attracts many tourists all year round. Getting elevator tickets to climb the 300-meter tall iron tower can be hard, with lines sometimes lasting over 2 hours. The best way to skip the line and reach the first floor quickly is to buy an Eiffel Tower stairs ticket and use the stairs instead.
Eiffel Tower stairs tickets are available seven days in advance and cost much less than elevator tickets. The wait time for the stairs is usually less than 30 minutes because most visitors prefer the elevator. Climbing the stairs to the first and second floors takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on how long you stop to enjoy the views.
The stairs are open daily from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM, except on December 27-29 when the tower stays open until 12:45 AM. The Eiffel Tower stairs ticket is the cheapest way to ascend, usually priced below €47 depending on the package you choose.
What You Should Know Before Buying Your Eiffel Tower Tickets?
Stairs or Elevators
You can reach the 1st and 2nd levels of the Tower by either the elevator or the stairs. To get to the summit, you need to take a separate elevator from the 2nd level.
Elevators are faster, but the stairs usually have fewer people and shorter wait times.
To Summit or Not
Most tickets let you visit the 1st and 2nd levels of the Tower.If you want to go all the way to the summit and enjoy amazing city views, you need to buy a special summit ticket.
This ticket lets you take the summit elevator from the 2nd level to the top.
Guide, Host or Solo
You can pick between two options:
- Standard Entry Tickets: You enter and explore the Tower on your own.
- Guided Tour: A host will take you past the lines, help you get to the 2nd level, and then let you explore the Tower at your own pace.
Eiffel Tower Ticket Options
1. Skip The Line Eiffel Tower Tickets
The Eiffel Tower is the most visited paid monument in the world. It is famous not only for its impressive height but also for the long waiting times to get tickets and access its levels. Usually, there are large queues both on the ground to buy tickets and on the second floor to reach the summit, which can delay your visit by more than 2 hours.
Some tours offer “Skip The Line” tickets that let you avoid these long queues and give you direct access to the first or second level, and sometimes the summit, depending on the package. With these tickets, you don’t have to wait in long lines for the stairs or elevators, making your visit quicker and more comfortable.
2. Eiffel Tower Stair Tickets
Climbing the Eiffel Tower on foot is a memorable adventure, with over 1,700 steps spread across three levels. This option is ideal for those seeking a thrilling experience and offers some of the best views of Paris. Additionally, the wait time for the stairs is much shorter than for the elevators, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the tower. To reach the first floor, you must climb 328 steps, and to the second floor, 674 steps. From the second floor, access to the summit is only possible by elevator, after purchasing a ticket at the second-floor counter.
Staircase tickets, which are cheaper than elevator tickets, can be bought online up to seven days in advance. The wait time is typically around 30 minutes since most visitors prefer the elevator. Some tickets include stair access to the first and second floors, allowing you to skip the ticket line and start your visit immediately.
3. Eiffel Tower Second Floor Access
The second floor of the Eiffel Tower is often considered the best among the three levels and has many things to see. It features the Michelin-starred restaurant Le Jules Verne, an observation deck, and souvenir shops. From the observation deck, you can use telescopes to see famous Paris landmarks like the Seine River, Montmartre, the Louvre, Notre Dame, and the Champs-Élysées.
Most ticket packages include access to the second floor unless you choose a lunch or dinner package on the first floor. If you buy skip-the-line tickets for the second floor, you can avoid long queues and get quick access to the lifts or stairs
After discovering the Eiffel Tower, take a scenic cruise along the Seine River.
A Seine River cruise is a great way to finish your day in Paris. You can start your cruise right next to the monument, and your ticket is valid all day, so you can take the cruise before or after visiting the Tower. Boats leave every 30 minutes from 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM during summer, except at 1:00 PM. A basic cruise costs about €10 per person, while a fancy dinner cruise can cost over €200.
Many Skip The Line packages include an option for a Seine River cruise. This cruise shows you famous Paris landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral, Eiffel Tower, Conciergerie, Institut de France, Grand Palais, Musée d’Orsay, Hôtel de Ville, Cite de la Mode, Invalides, the Assemblee Nationale, and Place de la Concorde
Enjoying a meal at the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower has two amazing dining spots inside its metal structure, one on the first floor and another on the second floor. These restaurants offer a variety of options, from quick snacks to full meals for any occasion. On the first floor, you’ll find La Bulle Parisienne, a French-style bistro famous for its unique dome-shaped design, making it a popular stop for visitors. It provides a cozy atmosphere where you can enjoy delicious food while taking in stunning views of Paris.
1. La bulle Parisienne
The first floor of the Eiffel Tower features La Bulle Parisienne, a stylish French bistro with a wine bar and full-course meals.
Menu: The menu highlights dishes made from fresh products sourced from the Ile-de-France region and across France. Typical meals include a variety of charcuterie, a tasty soup, Truffade (potatoes with Cantal cheese), and a dessert like a fruit tart or pastries such as Tropézienne or Paris-Brest, all paired with a glass of wine.
Dining Experience: Guests can enjoy their meal inside a warm, transparent dome decorated with a hanging garden and beautiful lanterns. This unique setting offers stunning views of the Paris skyline, making dining here a memorable experience.
Prices: Meals are on the pricier side, starting at around €45. Various ticket options are available, including packages that combine first-floor access with lunch or dinner at La Bulle Parisienne.
This bistro is a perfect choice for those looking to enjoy French cuisine with a view while visiting the Eiffel Tower.
2. Le Jules Verne
The Second Floor of the Eiffel Tower is where you’ll find Le Jules Verne, a Michelin-starred restaurant. The kitchen is led by Frédéric Anton, a highly acclaimed chef with three Michelin stars and the title “Meilleur Ouvrier de France.”
Menu: Le Jules Verne serves classic French dishes with a modern twist. You can choose from 6 to 7-course meals for lunch and dinner. Some specialties include Foie Gras, Langoustine, Cod, Venison, and a dessert featuring a Chocolate soufflé.
Design: Part of the restaurant is being updated by architect Aline Asmar d’Amman, who is adding elegant French decorative art to the space.
Prices: A 5-course meal costs around €190 per person, while a 6-course meal starts at €230. On weekdays, a 3-course lunch menu is available starting at €105 per person.
Le Jules Verne offers a unique dining experience with stunning views of Paris and exquisite French cuisine crafted by a top chef, making it a special place to visit on the Eiffel Tower’s second floor.
Eiffel Tower at Night
Catching a view of Paris from the Eiffel Tower at night is an exciting experience. The tower is lit up by more than 70,000 bulbs, making it shine brightly and earning Paris its nickname, “The City of Lights.” You can see the tower from almost anywhere in the city, and at night it puts on a beautiful light show.
From the top of the Eiffel Tower at night, the view is amazing. You can also see famous landmarks like Sacré Coeur, Notre-Dame, La Fondation Louis Vuitton, Trocadéro, and Montparnasse Tower. The city looks magical with all the lights shining below.
There is no special ticket just for visiting the Eiffel Tower at night because it is open all day. But to fully enjoy the tower’s beauty at night, many people choose to have dinner nearby or take a cruise on the Seine River.
Here are some of the best ways to enjoy the Eiffel Tower at night:
- Watch the tower sparkle during its light show, which happens for five minutes at the start of every hour after sunset until 1 a.m.
- Have a romantic dinner with a view of the tower.
- Take a boat cruise on the Seine River to see the tower and other landmarks lit up.
- Visit the tower’s summit to enjoy the stunning night views of Paris and its famous sights.
This makes seeing Paris from the Eiffel Tower at night a truly unforgettable experience.
Eiffel Tower Light Show
Seeing the Eiffel Tower at night is an incredible experience. The tower, lit with over 20,000 lights, can be seen from almost anywhere in Paris. But there’s also a special light show you should see.
Every hour, the Eiffel Tower sparkles for five minutes, from sunset to 1 a.m. This burst of golden light and sparkles adds a magical touch to the already beautiful tower. The last show of the night at 1 a.m. is even longer, lasting for ten minutes. You don’t need a ticket to enjoy this amazing display. The lights are turned on automatically by light sensors about ten minutes after sunset. During the summer, the light show runs until 2 a.m.
To get a great view, go to the Trocadero, which has a wide platform across the Seine River from the tower. You can also have a picnic and watch the show or take a Seine River cruise to see the lights reflected in the water. The tower may also have special light shows for holidays like New Year’s Eve and Bastille Day. The beacon on top of the tower can be seen from up to 80 kilometers away on a clear night.
Rules and Regulations You Need to Familiarize Yourself With
Timings
The Eiffel Tower is open every day all year.
- From 9:30 AM to 11:45 PM (in summer, 9:00 AM to 12:45 AM).
- Tickets stop selling 45 minutes before closing.
- The last trip to the top is at 10:30 PM (11:00 PM in summer), but it may close earlier if it’s very busy.
- Visitors must leave the floors 30 to 45 minutes before closing.
How to Visit the Floors
If you want to visit several floors, start at the top floor first.
- Visitors going to the summit must change lifts on the 2nd floor.
- When coming down, you can visit the other floors.
Rules and Restrictions
- Be respectful to staff and other visitors.
- Don’t walk barefoot, wear anything inappropriate, lie on benches, or hold demonstrations or banners.
Photos at Night
- Taking or sharing photos of the Eiffel Tower’s light show at night is illegal.
- The light show is protected by copyright and brand rules.
- You need permission from the Eiffel Tower company to use these images.
Best Views of the Eiffel Tower
Eiffel Tower is the most famous attraction in Paris, drawing thousands of visitors all year round. While you can enjoy amazing views of Paris from its different levels, there are also many spots around the city where you can see the tower clearly and beautifully.
Some of the best places to view the Eiffel Tower include:
- Place du Trocadero: This is a popular spot across the Seine River offering a wide, clear view of the tower, especially stunning at night when it lights up.
- Champs de Mars: The large park right in front of the tower is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the full view of the Eiffel Tower from base to tip.
- Pont de Bir-Hakeim: A nearby bridge known for its beautiful arches and great nighttime views of the tower’s light show.
These locations provide unobstructed and breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower, ideal for photos or simply soaking in the iconic Parisian landmark.
Faq:-
1. How tall is the Eiffel Tower?
The Eiffel Tower stands approximately 324 meters (1,063 feet) tall, including its antenna. It was the tallest structure in the world for 41 years after its completion in 1889.
2. Can I get priority access and skip the line with an Eiffel Tower tour?
Skip-the-line guided tours for the Eiffel Tower are available, and purchasing these tickets online can save you between 30 minutes to an hour waiting in line.
3. Can visitors climb or go up the Eiffel Tower?
Yes, visitors can ascend the tower via stairs or elevators. There are three public levels: the first floor with shops and a glass floor, the second floor with restaurants and observation areas, and the top level offering panoramic views of Paris and a champagne bar.
4. How many people visit the Eiffel Tower each year?
The Eiffel Tower attracts about 7 million visitors annually, making it the most visited paid monument in the world.
5. What are the opening hours and ticketing details?
The Eiffel Tower is open every day of the year, typically from 9:30 AM to 11:45 PM, with last admission around 10:30-10:45 PM depending on the season. Tickets must be purchased in advance online or at the tower, with reduced prices for children and certain age groups. Large bags and certain items are prohibited inside.
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