Eiffel Tower 101: Mastering Tickets, Timings, and Insider Tips

The Eiffel Tower, also known as the “Iron Lady,” is a towering masterpiece of engineering and a symbol of France.

It was first unveiled at the World’s Fair in 1889 and has since been a popular tourist attraction. 

Standing tall at 330 meters (1,083 feet), the structure was designed by Gustave Eiffel himself, after whom the attraction got its name.

Since over 7 million tourists visit the Eiffel Tower every year, navigating the crowds can seem overwhelming, especially for first-timers.

This guide will provide you with in-depth insights about visiting the Eiffel Tower, from ticket types and prices to discounts, inclusions, and highlights.

So, before you head up to the Eiffel Tower summit, make sure you read this guide to make the most of your visit.

Eiffel Tower in a nutshell

What’s there for you at the Eiffel Tower?

If you’re planning to buy tickets for the Eiffel Tower, you might be curious about what to expect during your visit.

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

There are four levels to the Eiffel Tower: the esplanade, the first floor, the second floor, and the summit. 

Here are the must-see exhibits that you shouldn’t miss during your visit.

The Esplanade: Where Your Eiffel Tower Adventure Begins

Start your tour on the Esplanade – The Esplanade is the base level of the Eiffel Tower, and it’s where your tour begins.

It’s a huge area below the tower, made up of four pillars that hold up the giant, puddled iron structure.

To the north stands a bronze statue of Gustave Eiffel, the French engineer who designed and constructed the Eiffel Tower.

The Eiffel Tower itself is proudly named after him.

On the west side, the Information Desk awaits, ready to assist you with inquiries about ticket prices, maps, lifts, waiting times, and more.

Ascent to the First Floor

To get to the 1st floor of the tower, all you need to do is climb the stairs from the esplanade, or you can take the elevators (making the tower accessible for the specially-abled).

From there, you’ll be able to witness Parisian beauty around you

The first floor is jam-packed with stuff to check out. You’ll find a bunch of exhibits and shows that give you a taste of the tower’s history. 

1. Immersion show

This is a fantastic way to get an idea of the world of the Eiffel Tower.

The show is projected on three walls with seven projectors and is narrated by the Eiffel Tower’s founder, Gustave.

2. New Cultural Path

This exhibition runs along the outer edge and fills you in on more details about the tower through displays, touch screens, and old photos.

You’ll be surprised by how much you don’t know about this 330 meters tall iron structure!

3. Glass floor

View the tower from 57 meters above the ground while walking on a transparent glass floor, conquering your fear of heights.

This exhibit has been well received by visitors.

4. Spiral staircase

Gustave used this staircase to reach his office on the third floor, but it was dismantled in 1983.

Now, only a few fragments remain on display on the first floor for the exhibit.

The Second Floor

While there are no exhibits on the second floor, you can enjoy panoramic views of Paris from the outdoor platforms.

Iconic landmarks like the Louvre Museum, Notre Dame, and the Arc de Triomphe stand out against the picturesque urban tapestry.

Fine dining is available at the Jules Verne restaurant (a Michelin-starred gem).

The Summit: A Glimpse into Eiffel’s Office

At the highest level, you’ll find Gustave Eiffel’s restored office, along with scale models and panoramic maps.

Experience breathtaking 360-degree views of the city from both the indoor and outdoor platforms.

Treat yourself to some champagne at the bar while enjoying the sparkling city below.

Where can you buy tickets to the Eiffel Tower?

You can easily get tickets for Eiffel Tower online or offline.

It’s better to buy them online because it’s cheaper and more convenient.

You can save money by purchasing tickets online, as they are cheaper by 10% and you can also enjoy exclusive discounts and offers.

Plus, you can avoid paying extra surcharges at the ticket window.

Long queues at the ticket counters can take up to 1 or 2 hours during peak seasons (spring and autumn).

But you don’t have to wait in lines if you buy your Eiffel tickets online.

Online booking also saves you from the last-minute disappointment of sold-out tickets.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to buying your Eiffel Tower tickets online.

How much do Eiffel Tower tickets cost?

The cost of ticket to Eiffel Tower depends on four factors:

1. The floor you intend to visit—the higher you go, the more costly it gets
   
   
2. How you intend to ascend – whether by stairs or lift. Using the lift will cost more.
   
   
3. Choosing between a guided tour or a self-guided tour. If you opt for the guided tour, you will receive an audio guide, which may cost extra.
   
   
4. How are you buying your tickets – online or offline? Compared to purchasing tickets in person, online tickets are relatively cheaper.

Check this table to know the ticket prices for adults who wish to visit Eiffel Tower based on the floor they want to go to, transportation choice, and tour type.

Factors	Options	Cost Variation	Ticket links
Floor to visit	2nd FloorSummit	€69 €106	Buy Ticket
Mode of Ascend	Lift to SummitStairs	€106 €42	Buy Ticket Buy Ticket
Tour Type	GuidedSelf Guided	€105 €106	Buy Ticket Buy Ticket

Best Eiffel Tower Tickets for Your Budget

Picking the perfect Eiffel Tower ticket can be tricky, with so many options and prices to consider.

How do you find the best value without breaking the bank?

The Eiffel Tower is a must-see in Paris, but tickets can get expensive fast depending on where you go, how you get there, and if you want a tour.

With so many factors that affect price, it’s easy to end up spending more than you planned.

By keeping a few key points in mind, you can ensure you get the most out of your Eiffel Tower visit without overpaying.

Focus on which floor meets your needs, consider taking the stairs to save on lifts, and buy tickets online in advance for the lowest rates.

Tickets to Eiffel Tower Summit and 2nd floor

The tickets to Eiffel Tower Summit and 2nd Floor give you access to two main levels of the Eiffel Tower: the 2nd floor and the summit (on top of the tower).

This ticket is the most popular entry option for visitors, as it allows you to experience the best of both worlds.

Eiffel Tower Entry Ticket with optional summit access (by Elevators)

The Eiffel Tower entry ticket that give access to the second floor of Eiffel Tower are priced at €69 for visitors aged four and above.

If you opt for Eiffel summit access, it will cost you €106

Kids under the age of three are not allowed

Visitors’ Age	Ticket Price
Adult Ticket (2nd floor access)	€69
Adult Ticket (Summit access)	€106

Eiffel Tower skip the line summit ticket (By Elevators)

With unlimited access to the Eiffel Tower and a personalized guide, you will learn everything you need to know about it.

Tickets to the Summit typically include access to the 2nd floor as well.

Keep in mind that Eiffel Tower summit tickets often have limited availability and may need to be booked in advance.

Visitors’ Age	Ticket Price
Adult Ticket (2nd floor access)	€75
Adult Ticket (Summit access)	€105

Eiffel Tower Guided Climb to the second floor (By Stairs)

You can use these Eiffel Tower summit tickets to climb to the first or second level, or all the way to the summit, by taking the stairs.

In fact, to reach the second floor of the Eiffel Tower, you have the option of taking the stairs, which amount to exactly 704 steps.

However, please note that the stairs leading from the second floor to the top are not accessible to the general public.

In total, if you consider the entire ascent from the esplanade to the top of the Eiffel Tower, there are 1665 steps.

Visitors’ Age	Ticket Price
Adult Ticket (19+ years)	€42
Child Ticket (3 to 18 years)	€37
Infant Ticket (upto 2 years)	Free entry

Get Your Guide to Eiffel Tower!

If you want to have a great experience seeing the Eiffel Tower, going on a guided tour is the way to go.

A professional guide will take you through the different levels and share interesting details about its history and construction.

This is advantageous over exploring on your own because the guide can give you inside knowledge about why the tower was built and how it became such an iconic symbol of Paris.

They may also give you access to special areas or information that regular visitors miss out on.

Having a guide helps with navigating crowds, too. They can get your group through lines faster, saving you time and allowing you to see more during your visit.

Eiffel Tower Guided Tour to the Summit

Visitors’ Age	Ticket Price
Adult Ticket (19+ years)	€42
Child Ticket (3 to 18 years)	€37
Infant Ticket (upto 2 years)	Free entry

Eiffel Tower Combo Tickets

Tourists like combo tickets that come with admission to the Eiffel Tower for two main reasons.

• Firstly, buying combo tickets can save up to 20% compared to buying individual tickets.
  
  
• Secondly, after spending one or two hours exploring the Eiffel Tower, visitors usually want to find another activity or attraction for the rest of their day, making combo tickets a great option.

These tickets are also ideal for families and groups of friends who want to spend time together while saving money.

Here are four of our best-selling combo tickets, which also include Eiffel Tower admission to the second floor or summit.

Popular combo tickets	Cost
Louvre Museum + Eiffel Tower	€69
Eiffel Tower + Arc de Triomphe	€65
Seine River Cruise + Eiffel Tower	€116
Lunch at the Eiffel’s Madame Brassiere	€30 to €90
Dinner at Eiffel’s Madam Brassiere	€120 to €190
Eiffel Tower + Night Bus Tour of Paris	€82

At what time is the Eiffel Tower open?

You can visit the Eiffel Tower every day of the year during the standard opening hours of 9.30 am until 12.45 am, with the last entry allowed at 11.45 pm.

Stair access to the tower is available from 9.30 am until 11.45 pm each day, with elevator service running daily from 9.30 am until midnight.

Although severe weather may cause adjustments in hours, the tower generally follows the schedule as stated.

Just remember that ticket counters close at midnight, even if the tower stays open later, so be sure to purchase your Eiffel Tower tickets before then.

What’s the Best time to visit Eiffel Tower?

To avoid crowds at the Eiffel Tower, try going first thing at 9.30 am or later in the day after sunset.

For stunning views of the Paris skyline, aim to go up about an hour before dusk.

Catching the sunset is a romantic experience, but expect long lines during the busy summer months.

For a more relaxed visit, consider going during the fall or winter.

Nighttime can also be enjoyable, with the lights shining starting at 10 pm.

How much time do you need at the Eiffel Tower?

When planning to visit different levels of a location, consider a few factors to determine how much time you need to allocate.

First, decide which levels you want to visit – just the first one or all of them.

If you take an elevator, it will take about 1.5 hours to see the first two levels and around 3 hours to reach the top.

If you choose the stairs, it will take about 30 to 45 minutes to get to the first level, 2.5 hours for the first two levels, and about 3 hours to reach the top.

Keep in mind that the stairs leading to the very top are currently unavailable.

Another factor to consider is the time of day. Visiting during peak hours may add an extra hour to your visit due to crowds.

For a more relaxed experience and stunning views, plan to spend a minimum of 3 hours to see everything.

How to reach Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is located in the heart of Paris, on the Champ de Mars park, at 5 Avenue Anatole France in the 7th arrondissement.

Its central location makes it easily accessible by Metro, Bus, RER, Car and Boat.

By Metro

The Eiffel Tower can be reached conveniently using three metro lines: Line 6 (Green), Line 9 (Yellow), and Line 8 (Purple).

To get there, take Line 6 (Green) from Nation Metro to Mairie de Montreuil and exit at Bir-Hakeim Metro. It’s just a 10-minute walk from there.

Alternatively, you can board Line 9 (Yellow) from Pont de Sèvres to Mairie de Montreuil and get off at Trocadéro Metro.

The Eiffel Tower is a 14-minute walk from this station. Another option is to take Line 8 (Purple) from Balard Metro to Créteil Metro and get off at École Militaire Metro.

From there, it’s a 15-minute walk to reach the Eiffel Tower.

For even quicker access, take RER Line C and disembark at Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel station, only a 5-minute walk away.

By Bus

To easily get to the Eiffel Tower from anywhere in Paris, taking the bus is your best option.

You can choose from different bus routes that will take you directly to the tower.

Lines 30 and 82 bring you to the Eiffel Tower bus stop, just a 4-minute walk to the tower.

Lines 69 and 86 will drop you off at Champ de Mars, which is only a 6-minute walk away.

Consider taking line 42 if you’re coming from Porte d’Issy, and it’s only a 5-minute walk after leaving the bus.

If you’re boarding line 72, it takes you closer to the Eiffel Tower area, but you will have to walk for around 15 minutes.

Taking the bus is a cost-effective public transportation alternative to enjoy the landmark.

By Car

To visit the Eiffel Tower by car, although the tower itself doesn’t have a parking lot, there are several nearby options available.

The tower is well-connected to the road networks that span across the suburbs of Paris. Depending on where you start, travel times and routes may vary.

If you’re coming from the 1st arrondissement, the shortest route is taking Quai d’Orsay, but this road often experiences heavy traffic.

For a quicker option, it’s recommended to take Avenue de New York to reach the tower area.

Another viable route is to drive through Rue La Boétie.

Once you’ve found a parking spot, the tower is easily accessible on foot from the surrounding neighborhoods’ parking garages.

It’s best to use navigation apps like Google Maps to find the most convenient parking based on your starting point.

Although the tower itself doesn’t provide parking, the availability of nearby lots makes traveling by car a feasible choice.

By RER

To easily reach the Eiffel Tower, you can take the RER suburban rail network.

Just hop on the RER Line C and get off at the Champ de Mars station.

From there, it’s only a 7-minute walk to the tower. The Champ de Mars station is the closest RER stop to the Eiffel Tower, so Line C is a convenient option.

You can connect to the RER from other metro lines and suburban areas around Paris. 

Line C runs frequent trains that will drop you off just steps away from the iconic tower.

It’s a great and efficient way to travel if you’re coming from outside central Paris.

The short walk from the Champ de Mars station makes the Eiffel Tower highly accessible via Line C of the RER network.

💡 You know you can get to Eiffel Tower by BOAT! To reach the Eiffel Tower, most people either take the metro or walk. However, did you know that you can also travel there by river? The Seine flows right past the Eiffel Tower, so you can simply hop on a boat and enjoy the beautiful scenery as you make your way there. It’s a great alternative to taking the subway. The boat you should look for is called a Batobus. It conveniently stops at the “Batobus-Tour Eiffel” pier, which is just a short 4-minute walk from the base of the tower.

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