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How to visit the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower in Paris is one of the world’s most visited paid monuments, drawing about 6–7 million visitors each year. Its immense popularity means crowds are virtually guaranteed, especially in peak season.

With three public levels, sweeping city views, restaurants, shops, and exhibits, you can make your visit quick and casual, or deeply immersive. But to truly savor the experience, you’ll need time: expect security checks, elevator waits, and lines. Smart planning, booking ahead, leaving margin for delays, and choosing off-peak hours, are keys to a smoother, more enjoyable visit.

Visitors on Eiffel Tower tour by elevator, viewing Paris from summit or second floor.

Quick overview: Eiffel Tower at a glance

  • When to visit: Open daily. Visit early morning (opening hours) or later in the evening for fewer crowds and better photos. Sunset is the busiest, so book ahead.
  • Getting in: Tickets start from around €14–€20 and vary by floor and access type. Elevator tickets open 60 days ahead, while stair tickets open 40 days ahead. Summit tickets sell out fastest.
  • How long to allow: Plan 1.5–2 hours for the Tower. Add more time if you’re visiting the summit, taking photos, watching the light show, or dining.
  • What most people miss: The glass floor on the first level, panoramic views from the second floor, and the Tower’s sparkling light show after dark.
  • Is a guide worth it? Not essential for views alone, but a guide is useful if you want to learn about Gustave Eiffel, the Tower’s construction, and hidden stories.

How to make the most of your time

Visit type DurationRouteWhat you get

Quick visit

1–1.5 hrs

Ground entrance → Elevator to 2nd floor → Main viewing deck on the 3rd floor

See Paris from above, snap photos, and enjoy the city’s skyline in a short window.

Balanced experience

2–3 hrs

Explore 1st floor exhibits → Elevator to 2nd floor → Summit elevator

Take in multiple perspectives, enjoy glass floors, and reach the Summit for panoramic views.

Immersive experience

3–4 hrs

Explore 1st floor exhibits → Elevator to the 2nd floor → Visit the Jules Verne restaurant → Summit platform

Climb the stairs, linger at each level, dine with a view, and shop for souvenirs.

Explore the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower offers more than just a view, each level has its own highlights and experiences.

Where and when to go

Eiffel Tower ticket types explained

Ticket typeWhat’s includedBest forPrice

Standard Elevator Access (Hosted Entry)

Reserved entry + elevator to 2nd floor or Summit (as selected); access to 1st floor; optional Seine cruise

Visitors wanting a simple, supported elevator visit with no commentary

From €34

Guided Tour by Elevator

90-min guided tour; access to 1st floor; elevator to 2nd floor or Summit (optional)

Travelers wanting history, clarity, and structured navigation

€34

Guided Tour + Seine Cruise Combo

Guided Eiffel Tower tour until the 2nd Floor (upgrade for Summit); 1-hr Seine cruise with live commentary

Visitors wanting two top experiences in one booking

€44

Guided Climb by Stairs

Stair access to 1st & 2nd floors; English-speaking guide; optional summit by elevator

Active visitors and those seeking unique open-air ascent views

€25

Madame Brasserie Lunch

Reserved elevator to 1st floor; 3-course meal, Seine-view or central table options

Visitors prioritizing a Tower dining experience

€70

Madame Brasserie Dinner

Reserved elevator to 1st floor; 3-course or 4-course menu; optional Seine-view seating

Nigh time views paired with exclusive dining

€129

Combo: Eiffel Tower + Louvre

Hosted Eiffel Tower entry (Summit included); Seine cruise (optional); Louvre skip-the-line entry + temporary exhibits

Travelers planning two major Paris icons efficiently

€70

Combo: Eiffel Tower + Aquarium de Paris

Guided Eiffel Tower tour of 1st floor (optional 2nd floor or Summit); access to 1st floor; Aquarium entry + shows

Families or visitors wanting a varied, kid-friendly day

€53

Facilities

🎧 Audio guides Audio guides are available to rent at the Tower, offered in multiple languages. You can also use the official mobile app, which provides commentary similar to an audio guide.

🎒 Cloakrooms / storage There are no cloakrooms or storage counters. Large suitcases and bulky luggage are not allowed, so it’s best to arrive with small bags only. Everything must pass through security scanners.

🚻 Restrooms Restrooms are available on the esplanade (ground level), the 1st floor inside the Ferrié Pavilion, and the 2nd floor. All restroom facilities include accessible toilets.

🛍️ Gift shops Official Eiffel Tower shops are located on the ground, 1st, and 2nd floors. They sell branded souvenirs, miniature models, apparel, and gift items.

🍴 Cafés & restaurants

  • Snack counters and takeaway kiosks are found on the ground, 1st, and 2nd floors.
  • The 1st floor hosts Madame Brasserie, a full-service restaurant open for lunch and dinner.
  • The 2nd floor features Le Jules Verne, an upscale fine-dining restaurant with its own dedicated elevator.

♿ Accessibility

  • Elevators connect the esplanade to the 1st and 2nd floors for wheelchair users and visitors with reduced mobility.
  • Accessible restrooms are available on all reachable levels.
  • Visitors with disabilities and one companion receive priority access at ticket counters and entry checkpoints.
  • The summit is not accessible to wheelchair users due to the narrow layout and emergency evacuation requirements.

Accessibility

Visiting with family

  • Strollers: Only folding strollers are permitted inside the Tower. You may need to fold them before entering the elevators. Stroller parking is available on the esplanade near the South Pillar.
  • Baby changing facilities: Changing tables are available on the parvis (ground level), the 1st floor, and the 2nd floor. There are no baby-changing facilities at the Summit.
  • Family-friendly dining: Snack bars and casual dining options are located on the esplanade, 1st floor, and 2nd floor. These offer quick bites, kid-friendly snacks, and plenty of seating.
  • Children’s activity booklets: Free themed activity booklets are available at the elevator waiting areas and stair entrances. These booklets help children explore the Tower through quizzes, facts, and mini-games.
  • Family challenge circuit: A sports-themed challenge trail runs through the esplanade and Tower levels. Families can follow panels with games, questions, and fun facts, with booklets provided in the elevator queues.

Rules & Restrictions

  • All visitors must pass through strict security screening before entering. Re-entry is not allowed once you exit; each ticket is valid for a single entry only.
  • Certain items are not permitted, including large luggage, sharp tools or weapons, glass bottles, and other potentially hazardous objects. Drones are not listed among permitted items.
  • The Tower does not offer cloakrooms or luggage storage. Oversized items that fail security checks cannot be stored on-site.
  • Animals are not allowed, except certified assistance dogs for people with disabilities.
  • Smoking is prohibited throughout the monument, including all platforms.
  • Photography is allowed, but selfie sticks and monopods are strongly discouraged for safety reasons.

Where to eat

Where to stay

The Eiffel Tower is in the 7th arrondissement, a safe and central area with a range of hotels. It’s ideal for first-time visitors who want to be close to major sights.

Insider tips to visit Eiffel Tower Paris

  • Use the correct entrance: Many visitors accidentally stand in the wrong pillar line and lose 20–40 minutes. Check your ticket for the exact pillar (East, West, North, or South) before queuing. Which entrance to choose?
  • Avoid buying souvenirs from street sellers: The vendors around the base often overcharge and can be pushy. Stick to official Tower shops for quality and fair pricing.
  • Be wary of “friendship bracelets” and petitions: Scammers may approach with fake petitions or try to tie a bracelet around your wrist and demand money. Keep walking and don’t engage.
  • Ignore anyone offering “skip-the-line upgrades” outside: Skip the line scams are prevalent outside the tower. It’s best to ignore them since there’s no provision of bypassing queues at the tower.
  • Hold onto your ticket until the end: You may need to show it again between floors, especially if you have a Summit add-on.
  • Check elevator queues before committing: Sometimes the line for the lift down is longer than the one going up. If you’re able, take the stairs down for a faster and more scenic descent.
  • Keep an eye on kids near glass floor areas: Children naturally rush to the glass section on the 1st floor. It’s safe, but can get slippery on rainy days.
  • Don’t rely on the Summit bar for quick service: It’s tiny, popular, and slow during busy hours. If you want a drink with a view, get one on the 2nd floor instead.

Frequently asked questions about visiting the Eiffel Tower

Yes, elevators operate at all levels. Visitors can take elevators to the first, second, and summit floors, while stair access is available to the second floor.

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