An essential guide to visiting the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is an architectural masterpiece that has become a symbol of Paris recognized around the world among the many things to do in Paris. Since its construction in the late 19th century, the Eiffel Tower has delighted visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of the City of Light. It’s a must-visit, especially if it’s your first trip to Paris.

The iconic 330-meter-tall tower sits in the city’s 7th arrondissement, right on the Seine River. You’ll be able to see all of Paris’ other iconic landmarks from its second-floor observation deck, like the Arc de Triomphe, Sacré-Coeur Basilica, Notre-Dame, and the Grand Palais. There’s a champagne bar at the top, restaurants on the first floor, and even gorgeous gardens you can explore for free. Here’s everything you need to know before visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

The Eiffel Tower at a glance

• The Eiffel Tower was built as the main attraction at the 1889 Exposition Universelle world’s fair in Paris.
• Standing 300 meters (984 feet) tall, or 330 if you include the antenna, the Eiffel Tower is an unmissable part of Paris’ skyline.
• Around 7 million people visit the iconic landmark annually, making it the most visited paid attraction in the world.
• The Eiffel Tower is open daily, generally from 9:30 AM to 12:45 AM if you’re visiting Paris in summer, with the last entry at 11:45 PM. For the rest of the year, closing time is 11:45 PM with the last entry at 10:45 PM. There can be exceptional closures or changes to opening times.
• To avoid crowds, the best times of day to visit the Eiffel Tower are early in the morning or late in the evening, especially in summer when the daytime crowds are at their peak. Sunset is spectacular, but it is the busiest time to visit, so expect long lines.
• If you are planning to only visit the first and second floors, you’ll need 1.5 hours for your visit; if you want to go all the way to the top, plan to spend about 2.5 hours.

Must-sees

• Learn about the construction and history of the Eiffel Tower from the exhibits on the first and second floors
• On the first floor, stand on the glass floor and look down at the crowds below
• Enjoy amazing views of Paris from the second floor observation deck
• Take the elevator to the summit to enjoy sweeping views of the city and spot iconic landmarks like Notre-Dame and the Louvre

Why is the Eiffel Tower worth visiting?

• The Eiffel Tower is a symbol of Paris and France and is the most famous landmark in the city. There’s no better place to soak in the City of Love on a romantic trip to Paris.
• The observation decks of the Eiffel Tower offer stunning panoramic views of Paris. Marvel at the city’s beauty from the different floors — the second-floor observation deck has arguably the best views, but going all the way to the top offers a breathtaking vantage point. It’s the tallest structure in Paris, after all.
• The intricate ironwork and innovative design of the Eiffel Tower make it a masterpiece of 19th-century engineering and architecture worth exploring up close.
• You will see the city’s other must-see sights, from the Sacré-Coeur Basilica to Notre-Dame to the Pont Alexandre III — perfect if you only have 24 hours in Paris.
• Constructed in 1889 and surviving two world wars, the Eiffel Tower has a rich history that you can delve into when visiting by exploring the exhibitions at the tower.
• Various dining options, either during your visit or with a special visit to Madame Brasserie on the second floor, with amazing views — a culinary experience at the Eiffel Tower is hard to beat.
• The spectacular light show on the Eiffel Tower, where it sparkles on the hour every hour from dusk to 1:00 AM, is quite a different experience when you are standing on the tower.

What Eiffel Tower tickets are available?

There are a few options available when booking Eiffel Tower tickets, depending on the floors you want to visit and how you want to get there.

All tickets include the first and second floors, which can be reached by elevator or stairs. There are almost 700 steps to the second floor, but you’ll save a few euros if you’re up to the challenge. The summit can only be accessed by elevator from the second floor, and you can choose how you want to get to the second floor when booking your summit ticket. Guided tours almost always include only elevator access.

Visiting the esplanade and gardens at the base of the Eiffel Tower is one of the best free things to do in Paris. You don’t require a booking, all you have to do is go through the security checks and you’ll have wonderful views of the tower from a unique vantage point and beautiful gardens to explore — perfect if you’re the only one in the group with a fear of heights.

Madame Brasserie is on the first floor, if you want to have lunch or dinner with awesome views, but it has its own elevator and a booking there doesn’t give you access to the rest of the Eiffel Tower.

What to see at the Eiffel Tower

• The Eiffel Tower offers a fantastic vantage point to watch the City of Light transform as the sun sets over the city.
• You don’t want to miss the best views of Paris from the summit. Ride the elevator to the top and spend time taking in the panoramic views of the city and try to spot iconic landmarks.
• Watch a dazzling light display every evening when the Eiffel Tower lights up for a magical light show every hour, on the hour, from dusk to 1:00 AM.
• Enjoy the thrill of standing on the Eiffel Tower’s first-level glass floor and look down at the crowds beneath the tower.
• Explore the historical exhibits on the Eiffel Tower’s first and second levels. Learn about its construction, history, and legacy.

Best time to visit the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is Paris’ most visited landmark. In fact, it’s the most visited paid monument in the world, so it’s never completely crowd-free. During peak season, June to September, expect long lines all day. From October to February is when crowds are lightest.

Regardless if you are visiting during peak or off-peak season, the best times to visit the Eiffel Tower for the shortest wait times are Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, early in the morning or later in the evening. You can enjoy great views of Paris any time you visit, with an evening visit offering a unique view of the lights of the city. If you don’t mind visiting at the busiest time, sunset is a pretty special sight.

Tips for visiting the Eiffel Tower

• Check the weather and try to plan your visit for a clear day so you can get the best views of the city
• Pre-booking tickets is an easy way to avoid long ticket booth lines and lets you choose your desired time for a visit
• If you don’t have pre-booked tickets, arrive early in the morning to minimize wait times
• Allow extra time for the airport-style security checks at the entrance to the site
• Don’t miss the free-to-visit gardens at the base of the Eiffel Tower for some more fun facts and unique views
• Even on a warm day, it can be windy and chilly on the top floor, so wrap up.
• Many Seine river cruises depart from near the Eiffel Tower, so it’s convenient to plan both on the same day — plus you get even more unique Eiffel Tower views from the river.
• Catch the Eiffel Tower’s light show from afar — there’s a great view from Trocadéro — which occurs on the hour every hour from dusk to 1:00 AM. At 1:00 AM, all of the other lights turn off, so it’s only the twinkling lights.

How to get to the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is located between the Seine and the Champ de Mars, 75007 Paris. The city has a fantastic public transportation system with stops near the Eiffel Tower. The easiest way to get to the Eiffel Tower from anywhere in the city is using the Paris Metro.

By metro

• Line 6: Nation–Charles de Gaulle Etoile, Bir-Hakeim stop
• Line 8: Balard–Créteil, Ecole Militaire stop

By RER:

• Line C: Versailles/Saint Quentin en Yvelines–Anthony/Massy Palaiseau, Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel stop

By bus:

• Bus 82, Tour Eiffel or Montessuy stops
• Bus 30, Tour Eiffel stop
• Bus 86, Champ de Mars stop
• Bus 69, Champ de Mars stop
• Bus 72, Pont d’Iena stop
• The Eiffel Tower is also a major stop on Paris’ hop-on, hop-off bus routes

By taxi:

• Expect a taxi from the center of Paris to take around 20 minutes, but traffic can be heavy in the city so avoid rush hours.

By foot:

• Walking to the Eiffel Tower from a central location near the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay takes around one hour.

Is the Eiffel Tower accessible for disabled visitors?

Adjustments to the Eiffel Tower over the years have made it accessible for people with disabilities. Conversions to the second-floor observation deck balustrade ensure that wheelchair users have amazing, unobstructed views of the city. All floors are accessible by elevator, however, for safety reasons, the smaller elevator from the second floor to the top floor of the Eiffel Tower is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with reduced mobility. There are facilities to ensure enjoyable visits for deaf or visually impaired visitors.

Reduced-price tickets for Eiffel Tower visitors with disabilities and their companions are available directly from the Eiffel Tower’s website.

Eiffel Tower FAQs

Are Eiffel Tower guided tours worth it?

If you are looking for some insider knowledge and structure to your visit, a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower is absolutely worth it. You can choose if you want to go to the second floor or all the way to the summit, avoid the long ticket lines, discover the Eiffel Tower’s history, and learn about the city as you take in the views.

Are Eiffel Tower skip-the-line tickets worth it?

The Eiffel Tower is a very popular attraction in Paris which leads to long ticket lines. If you want to visit the Eiffel Tower, pre-booking not only allows you to choose a time that best suits you but also allows you to bypass the long ticket booth lines and go straight to the stairs or elevators. The lines for the elevators to each floor are sadly unavoidable, so visit in the early morning or late evening if you don’t like to wait.

Are there different entrances for the Eiffel Tower?

There are two entrances when visiting the Eiffel Tower, and Entrance 2 (east) is usually less crowded than Entrance 1 (south). All visitors must pass through a security check at the entrance. Those with pre-booked elevator access tickets can head straight to the signposted east or west pillars or the tower, and those with stair access can go to the south pillar.

What are the Eiffel Tower’s hours of operation?

Although open daily year-round, the Eiffel Tower’s hours of operation vary depending on the season. In summer, late June to September, access is generally from 9:00 AM to 12:45 AM. The rest of the year, you can visit between 9:30 AM and 11:45 PM. The last entry is one hour before closing.

How do I get to the Eiffel Tower?

The best way to get to the Eiffel Tower is by public transportation or hop-on, hop-off bus: the metros lines 6 and 8, the RER line C, and the bus have several stops nearby. You can also enjoy a leisurely walk through the city or take a cab directly to the Eiffel Tower.

Can I buy Eiffel Tower tickets in advance?

Yes. Buying tickets in advance is advised to save time and ensure you are able to visit the iconic landmark. Tickets can sell out both in advance and at the ticket booth during busy periods.

Are there dining options on the Eiffel Tower?

There are several dining options on the Eiffel Tower. You can dine and take in the views while enjoying lunch or dinner at Madame Brasserie, but a reservation doesn’t give access to the rest of the tower. There are places to get a snack on the esplanade and first and second floors. Feeling fancy? Enjoy some delicious macarons from the Macaron Bar on the second floor or head to the top of the tower to sip on champagne and take in the panoramic views from the Champagne Bar.

What can I see from the Eiffel Tower?

The Eiffel Tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of Paris. Look out over the city and spot other notable landmarks like the Grand Palais, the Seine River, Les Invalides, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Sacré-Coeur Basilica.