A trip to Paris, France isn’t complete without visiting the Eiffel Tower. As the city’s most iconic landmark and the ultimate symbol of the “City of Love,” the tower is just as impressive up close as it is from afar. And once you reach the top? You’re rewarded with panoramic views over Paris, the Seine River, and the city’s historic rooftops (with champagne included), but highly recommended. Planning to visit the Eiffel Tower and want to make the most of your time? Whether you're deciding which Eiffel Tower tickets to buy, wondering about the best time to visit, or looking for the most beautiful viewpoints and photo spots, this guide covers everything you need to know. Especially if you want to avoid long queues and plan your visit smartly.
In brief: tickets, timing and views
The best time: early in the morning for the ‘quiet’ and beautiful morning light, or around sunset for the view and golden hour.
Elevator or stairs? The elevator is comfortable and convenient if you are short on time or with children. The stairs are budget-friendly and fun if you are fit.
Buy tickets: Preferably book your ticket (with time slot) in advance for a visit to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, especially during busy periods such as vacation periods.
How long did you lose? Expect about 2 to 3 hours total, this includes security, waiting time and the visit itself.
The best photo spot: from Trocadéro for a classic view straight to the Eiffel Tower and Champs de Mars for a nice picnic moment with the tower in the background.
Eiffel Tower tickets: which one should you choose?
If you’re planning to go up the Eiffel Tower, it’s important to decide two things in advance: how high you want to go and how you want to get there. When booking your Eiffel Tower tickets, you have two main level options: access to the second floor and access to the summit (top floor). You’ll also choose how to ascend: elevator access all the way, or stairs to the second floor, then elevator to the summit (if included in your ticket).
What types of tickets are there?
To the 2nd floor: a fine option if you mainly want to take in the view of Paris, but don't necessarily have to go all the way to the top.
To the top (summit): this is the highest level of the Eiffel Tower, reaching a height of 276 meters. The panoramic view over Paris is truly spectacular. Because it’s the most iconic experience, summit tickets are also the most popular and tend to sell out the fastest.
Elevator or stairs: depending on your ticket type, you can either take the elevator all the way up, or climb the stairs to the second floor and then continue by elevator to the summit of the Eiffel Tower.
Where to buy tickets?
The most relaxing way is to reserve your tickets in advance online. You then immediately choose your date and time slot so you don't go to the Eiffel Tower on the off chance that there is still room. Book your ticket to the Eiffel Tower here.
Is your ideal time slot sold out? Then check if you can go at another time of day, or possibly choose only the 2nd floor if the top is no longer available and this is not a must for you anyway.
Especially on weekends, during school holidays, and around sunset, Eiffel Tower time slots sell out quickly. These are the most popular moments to visit, particularly if you’re aiming for summit access or golden hour views over Paris. Our tip: as soon as you know your travel dates in Paris, book your Eiffel Tower tickets in advance. Securing your preferred time slot early makes it much easier to plan the rest of your Paris itinerary around your visit.
What does a ticket cost?
Ticket prices for the Eiffel Tower vary depending on the level you choose (second floor or summit) and whether you take the stairs or elevator. Prices are typically updated annually, but changes can occur at any time. To avoid surprises, always check the current ticket rates and opening hours on the official Eiffel Tower website before your visit to Paris. This ensures you have the most up-to-date information when planning your trip.
Avoiding queues at the Eiffel Tower: here's how to plan your visit smartly
The Eiffel Tower is almost always crowded, but with a but simple choices you can make it a lot more relaxing for yourself. Here are our tips that make the most difference:
Go at the right time. If you want to keep waiting times at the Eiffel Tower as short as possible, visit early in the morning. Crowds are generally smaller, the platforms feel more relaxed, and the soft morning light is perfect for photos over Paris. Sunset, on the other hand, offers an incredible golden glow across the city, but it’s also one of the busiest times of the day.
Visit the Eiffel Tower on a weekday (if you can). If your schedule is flexible, try to visit the Eiffel Tower on a weekday. Tuesdays through Thursdays are generally quieter than weekends, meaning shorter queues and a more relaxed experience on the viewing platforms. You’ll also notice a significant difference outside of school holidays and peak travel seasons in Paris.
Keep in mind security. Even with a pre-booked time slot, all visitors to the Eiffel Tower must pass through a security check before entering. During busy periods, this can still take some time. Make sure to allow extra time in your schedule, especially if you have restaurant reservations, a Seine River cruise, or another activity planned afterward.
Tip: Turn your visit to the Eiffel Tower into a scenic mini walk. Start at the Trocadéro for the classic postcard view, then stroll along the Seine toward the Champ de Mars before heading up the tower. It’s the perfect way to enjoy multiple viewpoints and ease into the experience.
The best views from and of the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower has three levels, and each platform offers a different experience. The summit is the most spectacular: at around 276 meters high, you’ll see Paris spread out beneath you like a miniature city. It’s an open-air experience and easily one of the best panoramic viewpoints in Paris. The second floor shouldn’t be underestimated, though. You’re still high enough for incredible views over the Seine and the city’s landmarks, often with fewer crowds than the top. The first floor is more about the experience itself, featuring a glass floor that lets you look straight down. For some it’s a highlight, for others slightly nerve-wracking, but definitely memorable.
The views aren’t only impressive from the Eiffel Tower itself. For the most iconic view of the tower, head to the Trocadéro. From here, you get a perfectly framed, postcard-worthy perspective, especially magical at night when the tower sparkles and lights up the Paris skyline. Looking for more great Eiffel Tower photo spots in Paris? Here are a few of our favorites:
Avenue de Camoëns
228 Rue de l'Universite
Rue Saint-Dominique
Want to make the most of your time in Paris beyond visiting the Eiffel Tower? In this guide, we share the the best places and coolest activities in Paris!
A little history about the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower was built for the 1889 World's Fair in honor of the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. Gustave Eiffel designed the tower, but at first not everyone was enthusiastic: many Parisians thought the structure did not fit in with the cityscape and there were even plans to tear it down later. Fortunately, things turned out differently, and the Eiffel Tower became one of the most famous monuments in the world.
Fun fact: the Eiffel Tower has been repainted in several different shades over the years. Today, the color subtly transitions from darker at the base to lighter at the top. This gradient effect helps the tower appear visually balanced against the Paris skyline, no matter where you’re viewing it from.
Hotels with a view of the Eiffel Tower
Want to wake up to an unforgettable view of the Eiffel Tower? Here are a couple of standout options in Paris, France where the Eiffel Tower features prominently from the room or terrace:
Hôtel de la Bourdonnais is a stylish four-star hotel located just steps from the Eiffel Tower. The elegantly decorated rooms offer a comfortable stay and some rooms have balconies with spectacular views of the tower.
The Shangri-La Hotel is pure luxury, and for unparalleled views, the Shangri-La Hotel is the place. Housed in a former palace, this five-star hotel offers opulent suites with windows and terraces overlooking the Eiffel Tower. Here you will stay in style, with top service and an unparalleled atmosphere.
How to get to the Eiffel Tower
No matter where you’re coming from in Paris, we recommend starting your visit to the Eiffel Tower at the Trocadéro. From here, you’ll get that iconic, postcard-perfect view before walking to the entrance in about 10 minutes. Trocadéro is easily reached by metro lines 6 and 9. Prefer exploring the city on two wheels? Grab a Vélib’ bike and cycle along the Seine for a scenic approach. Another convenient option is the Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel station, located right next to the Eiffel Tower, making it one of the easiest access points.
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