The Eiffel Tower is the one sight nearly each customer to Paris thinks about—and most find yourself seeing. It’s probably the most recognised landmark on this planet, one of the vital common on the planet, and naturally, THE image of Paris.
You’ll spot the Iron Woman consistently—between buildings, from metro home windows, throughout the river. It’s in all places, and in some way, it by no means will get outdated.
However visiting it isn’t so simple as it appears to be like. The tower attracts over 7 million guests a yr, and ticket slots are restricted. Demand is excessive, traces are lengthy, and displaying up with no plan usually means hours of ready—or lacking out fully.
This information breaks all of it down: when to go, the best way to get tickets, what to skip, and the best way to take advantage of your go to.
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Quick & Candy: Eiffel Tower
✔️ Opening Hours: Each day from 9:00 to 23:45 (varies barely by season)
✔️ Go to Period: Enable 2–3 hours
✔️ Learn how to Get There:
- Métro Line 9: Trocadéro (for the postcard view)
- Métro Line 6: Bir-Hakeim (closest)
✔️ Entry Choices: Carry or stairs to 2nd ground; summit by elevate solely
✔️ Guide in Advance: Strongly really useful, particularly in excessive season
#1 Fast Historical past and Info
The Eiffel Tower was constructed as the doorway arch for the 1889 World’s Honest, celebrating the centenary of the French Revolution. It was designed by engineer Gustave Eiffel. On the time, it was a daring transfer—many Parisians referred to as it ugly and wished it gone.
It was alleged to be dismantled after 20 years. What saved it was its usefulness as a radio transmission tower—an surprising perform that gave it lasting worth past aesthetics.
Since then, it’s develop into probably the most recognisable construction in Paris and one of the vital iconic on this planet.
The tower stands 330 meters tall right now, together with the antenna. On scorching summer time days, it may develop by as much as 15 centimeters because the metallic expands within the warmth. It additionally will get a contemporary coat of paint each seven years—round 60 tonnes of paint are wanted to guard it from rust.
With 1,665 steps from the bottom to the summit, it’s not an off-the-cuff climb—however you may stroll so far as the second ground when you’re up for it.

#2 Ticket Choices and Learn how to Guide
▶ Don’t wait till the final second, ebook your ticket right here right now
Just a few years in the past, you possibly can simply present up on the Eiffel Tower, wait a bit, and get in. That’s now not the case. Issues have modified drastically—particularly in the previous couple of years. Individuals now ebook every thing prematurely, from museum slots to dinner tables. And Eiffel Tower tickets? They’re the primary to go.
I do know individuals who set alarms to log in at midnight—proper when new tickets drop—simply to seize their most well-liked time slot. It’s not far off from attempting to get Taylor Swift tickets.
In case you’re visiting in off-season—say November to early March—you may nonetheless get fortunate displaying up on the day. Nevertheless it’s a big gamble. Except you’re wonderful skipping it, I’d nonetheless ebook forward.
Important Ticket Sorts
Selecting a ticket might sound easy, however it’s not as simple because it appears to be like. There are stairs, lifts, summit choices, combo choices—and never each sort is at all times obtainable. Right here’s what you could know earlier than you ebook.
In case you’re match and wish to keep away from crowds, the steps are a fantastic choice. You’ll save time, skip a part of the queues, and get a special sense of the tower as you climb.
The summit is just accessible by elevate, however you may mix each.

When to Guide your Ticket
▶ Don’t wait till the final second, ebook your ticket right here right now
Timing issues greater than you’d assume. Eiffel Tower tickets don’t simply promote out—they disappear quick. Particularly if you need a sundown slot or summit entry. Realizing when tickets are launched could make all of the distinction.
- Carry tickets (2nd ground or summit): launched 60 days prematurely, at midnight Paris time
- Stairs tickets: launched 14 days prematurely, additionally at midnight
If every thing’s booked on the official web site, you continue to have choices. Third-party platforms like GetYourGuide, Tiqets, or Viator usually supply last-minute availability.
These value extra however may be refundable and typically embrace guided excursions or extras.

#3 Greatest Time to Go to the Eiffel Tower
▶ Don’t wait till the final second, ebook your ticket right here right now
The Eiffel Tower isn’t empty. However some occasions are undoubtedly higher than others.
Mornings are your finest shot at a calmer expertise—particularly proper after opening. The sunshine is tender, the crowds are thinner, and when you’re finished by late morning, you’ve nonetheless bought the remainder of the day free.
Late evenings are additionally nice, particularly in summer time. The tower sparkles each hour after sundown, and the town lights from the highest are well worth the climb.
Keep away from weekends, public holidays, and something round noon—that is when it’s busiest, loudest, and most chaotic. In case you’re visiting in summer time, know that warmth and lengthy queues don’t combine nicely. Go early or go late.
And don’t overlook the climate. If the summit is roofed in clouds, it’s in all probability not price the additional ticket.
#4 Climbing vs Taking the Carry
▶ Don’t wait till the final second, ebook your ticket right here right now
You’ll be able to both take the elevate or climb the steps—and each include their very own benefits. It actually is dependent upon how a lot time, power, and persistence you’ve bought.
Taking the Carry
- The simplest and hottest choice
- Will get you to the 2nd ground or all the best way to the summit
- Timed tickets solely, and slots promote out shortly (examine availabilities)
- Count on queues even with a ticket (safety + elevators)
Taking the Stairs
- Entry solely to the 2nd ground
- 674 steps—doable for many, with relaxation platforms alongside the best way
- Nice views of the tower’s construction as you climb
- Often shorter queues and a quieter expertise
- You’ll be able to add the summit elevate from the 2nd ground (if obtainable)
- Not sheltered—it’s open to wind and rain, and it may get chilly, even in hotter months
In case you’re up for the steps, it’s a special expertise—and rather a lot much less crowded. However when you’re quick on time or power, take the elevate and simply benefit from the view.

#5 How Dangerous Are the Queues?
▶ Don’t wait till the final second, ebook your ticket right here right now
Queues on the Eiffel Tower can get lengthy—actually lengthy. And even with a ticket, you received’t skip every thing.
There are three predominant bottlenecks:
- Ticket counters: The longest line. You’ll be able to skip this fully by reserving on-line prematurely.
- Safety examine: Necessary for everybody. No manner round it, and it may take time.
- Carry or stair entry: Even with a timed ticket, you’ll possible wait to board.
Skip-the-line tickets solely bypass the ticket counter. They don’t exempt you from safety or the elevate queue. Plan for a minimum of some ready, particularly in excessive season or at common occasions like sundown.

#6 Eating on the Eiffel Tower
Sure, you may eat on the Eiffel Tower—and no, it’s not simply overpriced snacks. There are two predominant eating places on web site, each with stable views and really completely different vibes.
Madame Brasserie (1st ground)
▶ Guide your desk on the Madame Brasserie right here
It is a correct sit-down brasserie with good meals and a view over the town. It’s extra informal than the flowery Jules Verne, however nonetheless high notch. It’s run by Thierry Marx, one in every of France’s most revered cooks.
Costs are affordable by Paris requirements and contemplating the situation, and you may normally ebook a desk even at a shorter discover. (confirm availabilities right here)
Bonus: A restaurant reserving contains tower entry and allows you to skip the overall queue by way of a separate entrance.
Le Jules Verne (2nd ground)
▶ Confirm their availabilities right here
High quality eating with Michelin stars and a price ticket to match. It’s extra formal, extra unique, and normally booked out months prematurely. In case you’re going for a once-in-a-lifetime dinner, that is it.
There are additionally takeaway counters and snack bars on all ranges, however they’re principally for fast bites, not full meals.

#7 Further Ideas and What To not Miss
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- Be careful for scammers. The realm across the tower is filled with shell video games and pretend petition scams. Don’t have interaction—simply hold strolling.
- Restrooms can be found on the 2nd ground and summit.
- Test the climate earlier than you go—clouds can block the summit view, and dangerous climate can shut it down fully.
- Don’t miss the primary ground. The elevate doesn’t cease right here on the best way up, so that you’ll must stroll right down to see it. There’s a glass ground, an exhibition, and fewer folks.
- Convey a small bottle of water. Particularly when you’re climbing—it will get heat quick, even when the climate is cool.
- Safety is tight. Count on bag checks and metallic detectors. Massive baggage and sharp objects aren’t allowed.
And eventually:
- The glint. Each hour on the hour after sundown, the tower lights up for 5 minutes. It’s nonetheless among the best moments within the metropolis.

#8 Closing Phrases
▶ Don’t wait till the final second, ebook your ticket right here right now
The Eiffel Tower could be the obvious cease in Paris—however that doesn’t make it any much less price it. Seeing it up shut, standing beneath it, or looking from the highest—it stays with you.
Nevertheless it’s not a sight you may wing. Tickets go quick, the traces are lengthy, and with no little bit of planning, it’s straightforward to overlook your likelihood. Guide forward, examine the climate, and provides your self sufficient time to take pleasure in it correctly.
You don’t must rush or do each ground. Simply select what matches your tempo—and let the remainder be a bonus.


Parisienne since 2006 🩷
Knowledgeable in: Parisian Life &
French Tradition, Journey
Planning, Crochet & Meals and Drinks
Be part of me on Fb for updates and information about Paris.
NEW: The Salut from Paris Journey Information:
Should-Haves for Paris:
- eSim card to remain on-line whereas in Paris. I used GigSky for my travels.
- You possible want a journey adapter to plug your gadgets.
- Journey Insurance coverage – when you don’t have one, VisitorsCoverage is an efficient choice.
- In case your flight is delayed and even canceled, use AirHelp to get compensation.
Excursions & Points of interest:
- I ebook excursions & actions by way of Get Your Information or Viator.
- Museum & Landmark tickets may be cheaper on the official web page, however they’re usually bought out.
- I really like the GoCity Journey Passes for simple planning
- I exploit Tiqets for Seine Cruises as a result of with my code SALUT5 we get 5% off
Flights & Transportation:
Accomodation:
- Inns in Europe I principally ebook by way of Reserving.com (examine opinions rigorously)
- Trip Leases by way of Airbnb or VRBO


Parisienne since 2006 🩷
Knowledgeable in: Parisian Life &
French Tradition, Journey
Planning, Crochet & Meals and Drinks
Be part of me on Fb for updates and information about Paris.
NEW: The Salut from Paris Journey Information:
Should-Haves for Paris:
- eSim card to remain on-line whereas in Paris. I used GigSky for my travels.
- You possible want a journey adapter to plug your gadgets.
- Journey Insurance coverage – when you don’t have one, VisitorsCoverage is an efficient choice.
- In case your flight is delayed and even canceled, use AirHelp to get compensation.
Excursions & Points of interest:
- I ebook excursions & actions by way of Get Your Information or Viator.
- Museum & Landmark tickets may be cheaper on the official web page, however they’re usually bought out.
- I really like the GoCity Journey Passes for simple planning
- I exploit Tiqets for Seine Cruises as a result of with my code SALUT5 we get 5% off
Flights & Transportation:
Accomodation:
- Inns in Europe I principally ebook by way of Reserving.com (examine opinions rigorously)
- Trip Leases by way of Airbnb or VRBO