The Eiffel Tower at dusk. Photo: Kent
While arguably the most recognized monument in the world, the Eiffel Tower hardly survived the 1889 World’s Fair. Few tourists today realize that, as the tower was constructed for the event, the city planned to tear down the tower in the days following the fair.
Good thing that they never got around to it, because these days everyone wants a piece of the Dame de Fer (Iron Lady).
Planning your visit to Paris’ most famous attraction? Here are a few tips to make your visit as enjoyable as possible:
Ticket prices
Elevator to the 1st and 2nd Level: €17.10
Elevator to the top: €26.80
Stairs to the 1st and 2nd Level:€10.70
Stairs to the 1st and 2nd Level, then Elevator to the top:€20.40
Should you buy tickets in advance?
You can save time by buying your tickets online, in advance, and avoiding the ticket line when you get there. During peak travel times, though, online tickets (especially to the top) may be sold out. However, they would still be available at the tower for immediate use. You’ll just have to wait in that ticket line…
So really, the short answer is: Yes, buy tickets in advance through the official Eiffel Tower website and book your slot. But don’t be discouraged if you don’t see anything available for your time and date — you can still just show up and wait in the ticket line.
Discounts on Eiffel Tower tickets
Ages 12 to 24 enjoy a discounted price of €8.60 on elevator admissions to the second floor, €13.40 to the top, and €5.40 on a stairs ticket. Ages 4 to 11 receive a discounted rate of€4.30 on elevator admissions to the second floor,€6.70 to the top, and€2.70 on a stairs ticket.
Hours
The Eiffel Tower is open every day of the year, including many major holidays. Hours are as follows:
May 7 – June 17: Open from 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
From June 18 – May 6: Open from 9:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Closed July 14 for Bastille Day.
Time of day to go
Everyone has a favorite time to head up the tower, but the evening time, right around sunset, is one of the most stunning. If you time it right, you’ll be watching the sun set over Paris while the twinkling lights below start to pop alive. By the time you reach the summit, you’ll have the best possible view of the city at its finest.
Climbing it
As long as you’re not wearing heels, you may opt to climb the stairs to the tower’s second level to catch the elevator to the very top. This ticket saves you €6.40, or put that money toward a well-deserved glass of wine (or two!) at a café afterward.
What to wear
It gets windy at the top of the tower, so it’s a good idea to dress accordingly, especially during the cooler months. You’ll be much more comfortable at the top if you have a little something extra to wrap around yourself.
Alternative towers
In the end, there are no real tricks to visiting the tower. If there’s a huge line, there’s a huge line. But no one is forcing you to wait.
If simply seeing the tower is enough, consider going up the Tour Montparnasse, that big ugly skyscraper in the south of the city. From the top of this building you get a bird’s eye view of everything with less fuss. There’s also a bar up top — win-win situation?
Related:
• 50 Ways to save time and money on your trip to Paris
• When is the best time to visit Paris?
• A Guide to beating the crowds at Paris’ top attractions
Transportation to the Eiffel Tower
The Metro line 6 will drop you off at Bir Hakeim, the closest station. For better views while arriving at the tower, lines 6 and 9 at the station Trocadéro is a stunning way to introduce yourself to Eiffel’s masterpiece with just a short walk across the river afterward. Line 8 at Ecole Militaire is also a short walk through the Champs de Mars, offering great views of the tower as well.
Cheap hotels near the Eiffel Tower
If you’re looking for budget hotels nearby, be sure to read our hotel recommendations near the Eiffel Tower. Our editors have visited and reviewed these propertiesand will help you find the best deal.
