How to Visit the Eiffel Tower Like a Pro

The Eiffel Tower stands as a symbol of Paris, France, attracting millions of visitors each year. To ensure your visit is enjoyable and efficient, it’s essential to plan ahead. This comprehensive guide provides practical Eiffel Tower travel tips to help you navigate your visit like a seasoned traveler.

Planning Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Planning the right time to visit the Eiffel Tower can make or break your experience. The Eiffel Tower is open every day of the year, but visitor traffic varies depending on the season, day of the week, and time of day.

During the summer months, especially July and August, the tower sees its peak crowd levels. If you’re visiting during this time, try to book a weekday morning time slot to avoid long queues and heavy crowds. The air is often clearer in the morning, giving you better visibility from the top.

In contrast, spring (April to June) and autumn (September to early November) offer mild weather and fewer tourists, making these the most pleasant times to visit. Winter months are colder, but visiting during this period means minimal crowds and a magical atmosphere, especially around Christmas.

For the best lighting and fewer crowds, arrive at opening time (9:30 AM) or after 7:00 PM. Sunset hours are particularly popular because you get to see the view in daylight and stay until the Eiffel Tower begins to sparkle at night. The lights twinkle every hour on the hour after dark for five minutes, and it’s one of the most memorable things you’ll witness in Paris.

Ticket Booking Tips

Booking your tickets online in advance is crucial. You can choose between several ticket types based on your preferences and mobility:

• Elevator to 2nd Floor: Perfect if you want views without too much walking.
• Elevator to Summit: Includes access to the top level for panoramic city views.
• Stairs to 2nd Floor: A more budget-friendly and physically active choice.
• Stairs + Elevator to Summit: Start with the stairs, then take the lift from the second floor to the summit.

Tickets can be booked up to 60 days in advance on the official Eiffel Tower website. Peak time slots sell out quickly, so plan your visit as early as possible.

Make sure you download and keep a digital copy of your ticket or print it before arriving. If you’re using a smartphone, have the QR code ready to scan at the gate.

Time Slot Strategy

When choosing a time slot, think about what else is planned for your day. Early morning slots let you explore other parts of Paris afterward. Evening slots are great for romance and photography, especially if you’re planning to propose or have a celebratory moment.

Try to arrive at least 15–20 minutes early to allow time for security checks, especially during high season.

Getting There

By Metro

The Eiffel Tower is accessible via several metro stations:

• Bir-Hakeim Station (Line 6): Approximately an 8-minute walk.
• Trocadéro Station (Line 9): Offers a scenic 10-minute walk with great photo opportunities.
• Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel (RER C): About a 6-minute walk.

By Bus

Bus lines 82 and 30 have stops near the Eiffel Tower, providing convenient access.

Navigating the Tower

Entry Process and Security

The Eiffel Tower has two main public entrances at the south and east pillars. Follow signs for pre-booked tickets if you’ve purchased online. The north and west pillars are generally for those buying tickets on the spot, which can have significantly longer lines.

All visitors must go through airport-style security screening. Bags are scanned, and visitors walk through metal detectors. Avoid bringing large bags, luggage, or anything that might delay your entry. Items like knives, glass bottles, and drones are prohibited.

Expect tighter checks during national holidays, weekends, or after dark.

Elevators vs. Stairs: Choosing Your Route

The Eiffel Tower consists of three levels:

• First Floor (57 meters): Offers exhibits, a glass floor, and the Madame Brasserie restaurant.
• Second Floor (116 meters): The most popular viewing deck and home to Le Jules Verne restaurant.
• Summit (276 meters): The highest accessible point, featuring Gustave Eiffel’s office and a champagne bar.

The elevators are spacious and fitted with glass panels for views during the ascent. There are two elevators — one for the bottom to second floor and another, smaller one from the second floor to the summit. Sometimes there may be a wait between levels, so factor that into your visit time.

For more adventurous travelers, the stairs offer a unique experience. There are 674 steps to the second floor. The stairs allow you to admire the tower’s iron structure up close and are rarely crowded. If you’re in good physical condition, it’s a rewarding way to ascend.

You cannot climb stairs all the way to the summit — the final leg must be done via the summit elevator from the second floor.

What to Expect at Each Level

First Floor:
This level is often overlooked but shouldn’t be missed. It has an immersive museum with tower facts, history exhibits, and a glass floor walkway that lets you look directly down 57 meters. It’s a fun, thrilling experience. There’s also the Madame Brasserie, ideal for a sit-down French meal.

Second Floor:
This is where you’ll get some of the clearest panoramic views of Paris. From here, you can spot landmarks like the Seine River, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Sacré-Cœur, and more. There are souvenir shops, coin-operated telescopes, and the famous Le Jules Verne restaurant, which offers gourmet dining with exceptional views.

Summit:
Reaching the summit feels like standing on top of Paris. It can get chilly and windy up here, so bring a jacket. You’ll find Gustave Eiffel’s recreated office, historical plaques, and the Champagne Bar, where you can toast with a view. Visibility can extend up to 80 kilometers on a clear day.

Exiting the Tower

You can descend via the elevator or stairs from the second floor. Stairs are often faster during busy times, especially if you’re only on the second floor. If you visited the summit, the descent begins with an elevator down to the second floor, then you can choose stairs or continue by lift to the ground.

Take your time on the way down to admire the views and grab last-minute photos.

Dining Options

The Eiffel Tower houses several dining establishments:

• Madame Brasserie: Located on the first floor, offering French cuisine with panoramic views.
• Le Jules Verne: A Michelin-starred restaurant on the second floor, known for its gourmet dishes.
• Champagne Bar: Situated at the summit, perfect for a celebratory toast.

Reservations are recommended, especially for Le Jules Verne.

Photo Opportunities

For the best photos of the Eiffel Tower:

• Trocadéro Gardens: Offers unobstructed views, especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
• Champ de Mars: The park beneath the tower provides excellent angles for capturing its grandeur.
• Seine River Cruise: Offers unique perspectives of the tower from the water.

Safety Tips

Be vigilant about pickpockets, especially in crowded areas and elevators. Use a money belt or keep valuables secure under your clothing.

Avoid engaging with street vendors or individuals asking for signatures, as these are common scams.

Additional Eiffel Tower Travel Tips

• Dress Appropriately: Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking and possibly climbing stairs.
• Check Weather Conditions: The tower remains open in various weather conditions, but visibility may be limited during rain or fog.
• Use the Official App: Download the Eiffel Tower’s official app for interactive maps and information.

FAQs about Eiffel Tower Travel Tips

Verdict

Visiting the Eiffel Tower is a highlight of any trip to Paris. By following these Eiffel Tower travel tips, you can enhance your experience, avoid common pitfalls, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re admiring the cityscape from the summit or enjoying a meal with a view, the Eiffel Tower offers something for every traveler.