The Eiffel Tower, also known as “The Iron Lady,” is a famous landmark in Paris, France.
Gustave Eiffel built it for the 1889 World Fair to celebrate 100 years since the French Revolution.
More than 7 million people visit this popular attraction every year, making it the most-visited paid monument in the world.
Standing 324 meters (1,063 feet) tall, it is made of 18,000 iron parts held together by 2.5 million rivets.
You can’t visit Paris without seeing this iconic tower, which is also one of the most photographed landmarks in the world.
This article will tell you everything you need to know before buying your Eiffel Tower tickets.
Top Eiffel Tower Tickets
# Tickets for Summit and 2nd-floor by elevator
# Guided Climb Tour by Stairs
# Lunch at Madame Brasserie
# Dinner at Madame BrasserieIt’s highly recommended to book your Eiffel Tower tickets in advance. These tickets sell out quickly, so securing your spot early ensures you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.
What’s ahead
Eiffel Tower Tickets
Discover the six main ticket options for experiencing the Eiffel Tower, each offering unique ways to explore this iconic landmark. Whether you prefer a guided tour to the Summit or a gourmet meal at Madame Brasserie, these tickets provide priority access and unforgettable views of Paris.
Eiffel Tower Summit and 2nd-floor tickets
Explore the iconic Eiffel Tower with a ticket that grants you access to either the second floor or the Summit, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Paris.
Throughout the journey, a tour guide will share fascinating facts about this world-renowned landmark.
As the most visited attraction in the City of Lights, the Eiffel Tower draws millions of visitors annually, leading to high demand and quick sell-outs.
To secure your visit, it is advisable to book tickets at least two weeks in advance.
Ticket prices vary based on several factors, including the floor you wish to visit, your choice of stairs or lift, whether you opt for a guided or self-guided tour, and whether you purchase online (where prices are lower) or at the venue.
Children under three years can enter for free.
You can stay as long as you like, taking in the stunning vistas from the top of this architectural marvel.
Ticket Prices
Second Floor Access: €65
Summit Access: €99
Recommended
Guided Climb Tour by Stairs
Start on an adventurous tour of the Eiffel Tower with a knowledgeable guide by your side.
For the most budget-friendly experience, climb the 704 steps to the second floor.
There, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of iconic Parisian landmarks such as the Louvre, Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, and the Seine River.
This invigorating ascent offers a unique and memorable way to experience the beauty and grandeur of the City of Lights.
Ticket Prices
Guided Climb Tour without Summit
Adult (12+ years): €39
Child (4 to 11 years): €33
Infant (up to 3 years): Free
Guided Climb Tour + Summit
Adult (12+ years): €59
Child (4 to 11 years): €50
Infant (up to 3 years): Free
Guided Climb Tour + Summit + Cruise
Adult (12+ years): €79
Child (4 to 11 years): €62
Infant (up to 3 years): Free
Elevator Access to the Second Floor + Audio Guide
With this ticket, you can enjoy swift entry to the Eiffel Tower, gaining priority access that allows you to bypass the queues and head straight to the first and second floors via elevator.
Enhance your experience with a downloadable audio guide that provides fascinating insights into the tower’s rich history and the city itself.
On the second floor, test your courage by walking on the transparent walkway suspended 57 meters (187 feet) above the ground.
Additionally, this ticket includes the assistance of a tour escort who will guide you through the first security check, ensuring a smooth and informative visit to Paris’s most iconic monument.
Ticket Price (4+ years): €79
Buy This TicketSmall-group Guided Visit to the Summit
With this priority access ticket, take an elevator to the top of the Eiffel Tower and enjoy spectacular panoramic views.
Join a small group of no more than 10 people and a professional English-speaking guide for an insider’s tour of Paris’s premier landmark.
Start at the base, where your guide will escort you to the second floor by elevator, sharing fascinating facts about the tower’s controversial history and near-demolition.
From there, ascend to the Summit for unparalleled views of Parisian landmarks such as Montmartre, the Louvre Museum, and the Arc de Triomphe.
You can even peek inside Gustave Eiffel’s private apartment. Your ticket includes elevator access to the first, second, and top floors, as well as shortcuts through security checks, ensuring a smooth and informative visit.
Ticket Price: €140
Buy This TicketLunch at Madame Brasserie
Enjoy a special lunch at Madame Brasserie, the famous restaurant on the first level of the Eiffel Tower.
With this ticket, you’ll get priority access and skip the lines, plus an elevator ride to the first floor.
The restaurant, led by chef Thierry Marx, serves delicious French dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.
You can enjoy fine wines and traditional meals while taking in the stunning views of Paris.
This ticket includes lunch and drinks, depending on the option you choose, for a memorable dining experience in the heart of the city.
Ticket Prices
| Type of Menu | Category | Price |
| Menu Brasserie | Adult (12+ years) | €62 |
| Menu Madame without drinks | Adult (12+ years) | €80 |
| Menu Madame | Adult (12+ years) | €96 |
| Normal Menu | Child (4 to 11 years) | €39 |
Dinner at Madame Brasserie
Treat yourself to an unforgettable dinner at Madame Brasserie, the renowned restaurant on the first level of the Eiffel Tower.
With this ticket, you’ll enjoy priority access and skip the lines, as well as an elevator ride to the first floor.
As you dine on gourmet French cuisine prepared by esteemed chef Thierry Marx using fresh, local ingredients, you’ll take in spectacular views of Paris through large windows.
The restaurant features an elegant Parisian-style interior with classic artwork, creating a luxurious dining atmosphere.
Enjoy a selection of fine wines and traditional French dishes, from savory pastries to succulent meats and seafood.
This ticket includes dinner and drinks based on your selected option, offering a truly memorable culinary experience in the heart of the City of Light.
Ticket Prices
| Type of Menu | Category | Price |
| Menu Gustave | Adult (12+ years) | €129 |
| Menu Grande Dame | Adult (12+ years) | €186 |
| Normal Menu | Child (4 to 11 years) | €46 |
Things to know before booking tickets
You can purchase tickets for the Eiffel Tower online in advance or at the ticket booth.
Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the attraction.
Booking online also helps you get exclusive discounts and offers, and you can avoid paying a ‘ticketing window surcharge.’
When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the ticket counters.
Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets, they may sell out during peak days. Booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.
Surprisingly, many tourists are unaware that they could have avoided the long wait at the ticket counter by booking their Eiffel Tower tickets online. While the Tower is worth the wait, why stand in the sun for 1 to 2 hours if you don’t have to?
Is climbing the Eiffel Tower worth it?
Tourists love to climb the Eiffel Tower because it is a great way to combine cultural pursuit, sightseeing, and an adventure which finally leads to great views of Paris. With 327 steps to the first floor and 347 more steps to the second floor, the climb is a fantastic physical activity that comes with a sense of accomplishment.
Eiffel Tower timings
During the peak season of mid-June to the beginning of September, the Eiffel Tower opens at 9 am and closes at 12.45 am the next day.
The Parisian attraction welcomes visitors from 9.30 am to 11 pm the rest of the year.
During the peak season, tourists can’t go up to the Summit (the topmost floor) after 11 pm, and during the lean season after 10.30 pm.
The last entry is 45 minutes before the day’s closure.
Funny but true: Do you know when a kiss on the Eiffel Tower resulted in a massive manhunt?
Best time to visit
The best time to visit the Eiffel Tower to avoid the crowd is as soon as they open at 9 am or after sunset.
For fascinating views of the Paris skyline, the best time to visit is an hour before sunset.
Sunset times in Paris vary from 5.30 pm to 10 pm, so we recommend you check the sunset timings before you plan.
If you go up the Tower 60 minutes before sunset, you can see the sun go down and then hang around to see the city shimmering at night.
The Eiffel sunset is one of the most romantic things to do in Paris.
The best day to visit the Eiffel Tower is on a weekday, as weekends tend to be more crowded.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are often the least busy.
Visiting early in the morning or later in the evening can help you avoid peak crowds.
A Seine River cruise is one of the best ways to experience Paris, offering a quick and popular way to take in the city’s iconic landmarks. As you glide along the Seine, you can marvel at the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, Notre Dame, and other stunning sights passing by. Explore the combo tickets for Eiffel Tower and Seine River Cruise.
What to see at the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower has four levels: The Esplanade, the first floor, the second floor, and The Summit.
Visitors can reach up to the second floor of the Tower both by stairs and the lift.
Visitors must take an elevator from the second floor to the Tower’s topmost floor, also known as the Summit.
Image: Toureiffel.paris
In this section, we list the attraction’s must-see exhibits.
The Esplanade
The Esplanade is a large area below the Eiffel Tower. Four pillars (East, South, North, and West) hold the puddled iron structure and help it reach 324 meters (1062 feet) above the ground. On the north leg of the tower, a bronze bust of Gustave Eiffel is installed. On the west leg, the Information Desk is located. Here, you can learn about ticket prices, a map, elevators, waiting times, and more. The four legs of the Tower house the lifts and stairways to go up.
Bust of Gustave Eiffel: This statue of Gustave Eiffel stands at the foot of the Tower, in the corner of the North pillar. Antoine Bourdelle sculpted this bust, and it has been an attraction since 1929.
Eiffel Tower elevators: The elevators in the East and West Pillars of the Tower use hydraulic machines more than a century old. You may not see the hydraulic machines because they are in the basement, but you can see the lifts. Gustave Eiffel designed these imposing hydraulic machines himself. The Esplanade is also home to the information desk (at the West pillar).
First floor, Eiffel Tower
There are lots of exhibits and shows to see on the first floor.
The Immersion show: It takes you on a journey into the World of the Eiffel Tower. The show, which happens in Ferrié Pavilion, is projected on three walls by seven projectors.
The New Cultural Path: This path is along the outer passageway. This exhibit narrates the history of the Tower using various mediums, such as screens, touch screens, displays, digital albums, and reproductions of items. You will be surprised at how little you know about this world-famous attraction.
The Glass Floor: Don’t miss the transparent walkway on the first floor, which has become a massive hit with visitors. The glass floor offers dramatic views above 57 meters (187 feet).
Spiral Staircase: Gustave Eiffel had a small office at the top of the Tower. Before he built an elevator from the second floor to the third floor, he used a spiral staircase to reach his office. However, in 1983, this spiral staircase was removed, and a part of it was displayed on the first floor.
Second floor, Eiffel Tower
There is no exhibit on the 2nd floor.
However, you can enjoy unobstructed views of Paris city, including views of monuments such as The Louvre, Notre Dame, Grand Palais, Montmartre, Invalides, the Seine River, etc.
Jules Verne, the Michelin-starred restaurant, is also on this floor.
The Summit, Eiffel Tower
The Summit is made up of two levels – one indoors and the other outside.
Gustave Eiffel’s office: This office at the top of the Tower is maintained as it was during its heydays. His office depicts Gustav and his daughter Claire welcoming American inventor Thomas Edison with life-like wax models. During their meeting, Edison gifted Gustave Eiffel a Gramaphone, which remains there on exhibit.
The panoramic maps: At the Summit, you can find panoramic maps at various places. These maps help identify other tall monuments in different cities and give their relative direction and distance from the Tower. You also get to compare the height of the tall monuments/buildings with that of the Eiffel Tower.
Model of the Top Floor: One of the must-see exhibits on the Summit is the model of the top of the Tower from 1889. This model is on a 1:50 scale and is in the Tower’s original reddish-brown color. The Tower’s Summit also has a champagne bar that serves rose and white champagne.
Is the Summit worth it?
Going to the Summit of the “Iron Lady” and sipping a glass of Champagne is totally worth it. However, if you’re short on time or looking for a more budget-friendly option, the second floor still offers stunning views of the city and a worthwhile experience.
Eiffel Tower map
Once you reach the Eiffel Tower, getting in and around can be confusing for some visitors.
However, you can follow our recommendation for a smooth visit and exit.
The Esplanade is the area under the Tower.
There are two entrances to the Esplanade – the South and East entrances.
We recommend you enter through the East entrance because it is usually less crowded.
After a brief security check, you can walk past the landscaped gardens to reach the Esplanade.
Getting inside The Esplanade
The Esplanade is the area under the Tower.
There are two entrances to the Esplanade – the South and East entrances.
We recommend you enter through the East entrance because it is usually less crowded.
After a brief security check, you can walk past the landscaped gardens to reach the Esplanade.
Visitors opting for elevators
If you plan to take an elevator up the Tower, you must go to the east or west pillars.
If you aren’t sure, ask anybody, and they can guide you.
If you have already bought tickets online, look for a queue with a Green flag for direct entry.
You will find green-marked queues under both pillars.
If you haven’t yet booked your tickets, you must join the queue at the ticket office.
This queue will have a yellow flag and will most likely be long.
Ticket offices are available on both the East and West pillars of the Tower
Eiffel Tower at day or night?
At night, the Eiffel Tower is the main attraction of the ‘City of Lights.’
The attraction looks mesmerizing during the night, and the night view from the Tower is even better.
Once you are on top, you can see the other Parisian landmarks lit up—Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, etc.
Eiffel Tower lights
The Tower sparkles every night – for five minutes every hour.
The sparkling starts at dusk when the city lights up and usually ends at 1 am in the night.
However, on special nights such as Christmas, etc., it ends at 2 am.
The tower is covered with golden lights during this time, and 20000 light bulbs power the sparkling.
Eiffel Tower at day or night?
If you want to see the panoramic view and take pictures with Paris in the backdrop, you must schedule your visit during the day.
But to experience the sunset and light shows, you must visit the Eiffel Tower at night.
Having said that, it isn’t easy to choose between these two.
If you are in Paris for more than five days, we suggest you make two visits – one during the day and another at night.
Best photos of the Eiffel Tower: If you want a classic full-length shot of the Eiffel Tower, you must visit Place du Trocadero. It is across the River Seine, about 1 Km (0.6 mile) from the Eiffel Tower.
Tourists holidaying in Paris often choose to visit the Louvre Museum and the Eiffel Tower on the same day, with the order of their visits varying based on preference. Read Loure Museum to Eiffel Tower and Eiffel Tower to Loure Museum to get a idea on which to visit first.
View from the Eiffel Tower
View from the top of the Eiffel Tower is to die for. It is both romantic and thrilling.
No wonder more than 250 million visitors have climbed the Tower in its 125-year history.
Check out some of the best views from Eiffel Tower observation decks.
Crazy but true: Sid Frisjes is known as the Eiffel Tower finger guy for trying to ‘touch’ the Tower.
Eiffel Tower restaurants
Eiffel Tower restaurants in Paris are popular with both locals and tourists.
This tourist attraction has two restaurants – 58 Tour Eiffel and Le Jules Verne.
The dress code for both restaurants is smart casual. Sportswear, such as t-shirts, shorts, trainers, etc., are not allowed.
Madame Brasserie
Located on the first floor, Madame Brasserie was renovated and rebranded from the 58 Tour Eiffel in 2022.
Led by esteemed chef Thierry Marx, this restaurant combines gourmet French cuisine with stunning city views.
The menu highlights local, seasonal ingredients with a hint of Asian inspiration.
With priority access to the Eiffel Tower, diners can enjoy a seamless experience from start to finish.
The restaurant’s Parisian-style decor and warm atmosphere make it an ideal spot for a memorable lunch or dinner.
Le Jules Verne Restaurant
Le Jules Verne is a small yet excellent restaurant on the Eiffel Tower’s second floor.
It offers its visitors a variety of food, such as seafood, fusion, street food, French and European, and extraordinary views.
Height: 125 meters (410 feet)
Confused about which restaurant to choose? Learn more about the timings, prices, menus, dress codes, reservations, and kid-friendliness of Eiffel Tower restaurants.
Best way to see the Eiffel Tower
There are several ways to see this iconic monument from different parts of the city.
Champ-de-Mars and Trocadéro Esplanade (across the Seine River) gardens present spectacular views of the Tower, perfect for a picnic or a leisurely stroll.
The residential streets of Rue de l’Université and the Promenade Marie de Roumanie provide lovely daytime views.
Cité de l’Architecture & Du Patrimoine is a great vantage point and features the upscale restaurant Girafe, with a terrace showcasing the gorgeous Eiffel Tower views.
Who knew a metro trip on line 6, crossing the Pont de Bir-Hakeim (Bir-Hakeim Bridge), would reveal such a stunning view of the lighted Tower?
Last but not least, witnessing “La dame de fer” shimmering on the banks of the Seine, especially at night, is truly magical.
Recommended Reading
# Eiffel Tower Buffet
# Macaron Bar at Eiffel Tower
# Champagne Bar at Eiffel Tower
Restaurants with a view of the Eiffel Tower
We recommend three restaurants for the perfect view.
Le Ciel de Paris: Restaurant Le Ciel de Paris is on the 56th floor of Tour Montparnasse and offers a panoramic view of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower. It is pricey, so you must reserve in advance.
Le New York: This Cafe on Avenue de New York offers a great view of the tower from just across the Seine.
Chez Francis: Many tourists recommend Chez Francis as the perfect place for a spectacular view of the Eiffel Tower. This classic brasserie is at Place de l’Alma and boasts a large terrace from which diners can enjoy the Parisian masterpiece.
Read more about Restaurants with a view of the Eiffel Tower
Want to save money and time during your holiday in Paris? Buy one discount Pass and visit 60+ attractions for free. Buy Paris Museum Pass.
How to reach
The Eiffel Tower is in the center of Paris, on the banks of the River Seine.
It is on the Champs de Mars, a sizeable public greenspace in Paris, at 5 Avenue Anatole France in the 7th arrondissement of Paris.
Address: Champ de Mars, 5 Av. Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France. Get Directions.
The closest metro station is Bir Hakeim on line 6, a 10-minute walk from Entrance 1.
Trocadéro (line 9) and Ecole Militaire (line 8) are 15 minutes away on foot.
The RER train line C serves the Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel station, a 5-minute walk from Entrance 1.
For buses, lines 82, 30, and 42 stop 5 minutes from Entrance 2, while lines 69 and 86 stop 7 minutes from Entrance 1.
Bus 72 drops you off near Trocadéro, about a 15-minute walk away.
FAQs about the Eiffel Tower
Here are a few questions visitors usually ask before visiting the Eiffel Tower.
How many stairs are there in the Eiffel Tower?
There are 1665 steps from the Esplanade (ground level) to the top level.
Where is the best place to buy Eiffel Tower tickets?
The best place to buy Eiffel Tower tickets is online, which helps you skip the lengthy lines at the ticket counters and ensures you secure your preferred visit date and time.
What is the Summit at the Eiffel Tower?
The third floor, or the topmost floor, is usually referred to as Summit. It is accessible to all tourists who have an Eiffel Tower Summit ticket.
Is it free to walk up the Eiffel Tower?
There is no free entry to the Eiffel Tower. Eiffel Tower tickets cost €69 for access to the 2nd floor. However, if you wish to visit the Summit, the ticket price is €105.
Which floor offers the best view – the 2nd floor or 3rd floor (Summit)?
The second floor offers more beautiful and better views than the top floor, as it’s a little bit harder to see the city’s beautiful landmarks from the top floor or the Summit.
Many times, just because of its height, the city becomes cloudier and hazier at the top, and viewers might not see it clearly.
Is it worth going up to the Eiffel Tower Summit?
If you are visiting the Eiffel Tower, you must also visit the Summit.
Though it costs extra to visit the top, it’s totally worth it.
To see Gustav Eiffel’s office on top of the Tower is a lifetime opportunity.
Can you go to the top of the Eiffel Tower for free?
No, you cannot go to the top of the Eiffel Tower for free. Visitors must purchase tickets to access the different floors of the Tower, including the Summit.
Do I have to take stairs or an elevator to the Eiffel Tower Summit?
Only an elevator can take you up the Tower Summit. There is no option to climb the stairs.
The lift for the top floor must be taken from the second floor as no single elevator works from the ground directly to the top of the tower.
Do you have to pay for the elevator to the Eiffel Tower?
The elevator access to the Eiffel Tower is included with the entry ticket unless you have opted for a ticket specifically accessible by stairs.
Is Skip-the-line Eiffel Tower worth it?
Yes, skip-the-line tickets for the Eiffel Tower are worth it. They would come in handy during peak tourist seasons, as they allow you to bypass the long queues at the ticket counters.
Can you buy tickets on the day to go up the Eiffel Tower?
Yes, you can purchase your Eiffel Tower tickets on-site if they are not available online.
However, we recommend arriving at the ticket counter early, as there is a high chance that the tickets might be sold out
Where can I buy tickets for the Eiffel Tower Summit?
To visit the Summit, you must buy your tickets from the ground floor or purchase them online.
Some visitors prefer to go up to the second floor and decide if they want to visit the Tower’s Summit.
A limited number of Summit tickets are sold on the second floor for such visitors. However, there is no guarantee that you will get one on the day of your visit.
That’s why buying Summit tickets in advance is better.
Can I buy last-minute tickets to the Eiffel Tower?
If you decide to visit the Parisian attraction on a whim, you can also buy Eiffel Tower tickets at the last minute.
You have two options: either arrive early and line up at the ticketing queue or buy your tickets online up to three hours before your visit.
How long do you need for the Eiffel Tower tour?
To fully enjoy the two floors of the Eiffel Tower, you might take 90 minutes. If you plan to visit the Summit, allocate approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
What is the best time to queue for the Eiffel Tower?
The best time to queue for the Eiffel Tower is early in the morning, right when it opens at 9.30 am, or late in the evening, close to its closing time at 10.45 pm.
These times see fewer visitors, resulting in shorter queues. Visiting the Tower on weekdays rather than weekends can help avoid larger crowds.
Do you need passports to go up the Eiffel Tower?
To enter the Eiffel Tower, you do not need to carry your passport as proof of identity. Any ID card grants you access to the Tower.
We ended a very busy day with a bird’s-eye view of the city from the top of the Eiffel Tower. The views were fantastic, and it wasn’t too crowded, which was a relief. Just remember to heed the warning signs about pickpockets. The weather was cooler, in the low 20s, with a bit of drizzly rain, so dress accordingly. This experience was the perfect way to cap off our day, and I highly recommend it!
During my first trip to Paris in almost 35 years, visiting the Eiffel Tower was my top priority, and it was absolutely worth it. I was surprised to find that the views from the second floor were just as good as from the top. Plus, the second floor has some nice shops and a restaurant/cafe, which made for a great spot to relax and take in the scenery.
Can a visitor using a walker go to the restaurant on the special elevator with NO LINES
Yes, a visitor using a walker can go to the restaurant at the Eiffel Tower using a special elevator with no lines. The Eiffel Tower is equipped with accessibility features, including elevators that cater to visitors with mobility challenges. These elevators allow guests using walkers or wheelchairs to bypass the regular lines and reach the restaurants comfortably. It’s advisable to contact the Eiffel Tower in advance to arrange for any special assistance and ensure a smooth visit.