All You Need To Know To Visit The Eiffel Tower

Back in summer 2018 Cody and I traveled around France for a month. We spent a week in the most romantic city in the world, (or that is what they say) Paris, and then went to Bordeaux, Toulouse, Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, and Dijon. And of course, while we were staying in Paris, we visited all the most famous places like the palace of Versailles, Louvre, and Notre-Dame de Paris. And although I think that all these places are very important to visit and must be on must-do lists, you still can visit Paris and not see one of those places due to a lack of time or other reasons. But you most certainly cannot go to Paris and not visit the Eiffel Tower.

And while everyone in Paris is going to see the Eifel Tower, not many people know what you can actually do there. Can you go underneath the Eiffel Tower? Can you go to the top of the tower? Where is the best lookout spot? How much does it cost to visit the Eiffel Tower? What is the best way to see the Eiffel Tower? For all these questions and more I will give you answers down below.

Short History Of The Eiffel Tower

First let’s find out a bit more about this iconic Paris’ sight. So we all know that the Eiffel Tower is named after the architect whose company built this tower. The construction work lasted for two years from 1887 to 1889. The Eiffel Tower was actually built as an entrance to the 1889 World’s Fair. The Eiffel Tower’s height is 324 meters (equals an 81-story building) and it is the tallest structure in Paris.

Although the Eiffel Tower has become one of the iconic landmarks in Europe, and the most recognized structure in the world. However, as it usually happens, the tower’s construction was criticized by some of the famous artists and architects at the time.

How To Visit The Eiffel Tower

Since the Eiffel Tower is the tallest structure in Paris, you can see it from far away, although you still need to get close to it to understand how magnificent it is. Here are a few tips for how to visit the Eiffel Tower during daylight and at night.

Get to the top of the Eiffel Tower

Along with looking at the Eiffel Tower, you can look from it. Yes, that is right, you can visit the Eiffel Tower and get to the second or top floor.

The second floor of the Eiffel Tower is the most famous observational deck in Paris. It is 115 meters above the ground, and it offers a splendid view of the city. The second floor is usually less crowded than the top floor. The top floor is way overcrowded and overrated on my opinion and is not really worth the money or the time in an extremely long line.

To visit the Eiffel Tower, I recommend booking the tickets in advance, especially in summer. In this case you will not have to spend time in a long line to buy the ticket, just go to the line where it says: “Visitors with tickets” and show your E-ticket. On the official website they recommend printing the ticket, but you also can use your phone if it is possible to scan a bar code.

Remember that you will need to go through the security check at the entrance and it may take some time, so better arrive 20-30 minutes in advance.

The ticket to the second floor for an adult costs: using the stairs – 10,4 €; using the elevator – 16,6 €. For children under 4 years old – free; 4 – 11 years old: using the stairs – 2,6 €; using the elevator – 4,1 €; 12 – 24 years old: using the stairs – 5,2 €; using the elevator – 8,3 €.

The ticket to the top floor for an adult costs: using the stairs – 19,7 €; using the elevator – 25,9 €. For children under 4 years old – free; 4 – 11 years old: using the stairs – 5 €; using the elevator – 6,5 €; 12 – 24 years old: using the stairs – 9,8 €; using the elevator – 13 €.

Remember to bring your ID, especially for anyone in your group who has a reduced price ticket!

Hours: during the low season you can access the Eifel Tower by the elevator from 9:30 AM until 11 PM and by stairs from 9:30 AM to 6 PM. During the high season (middle of June -to the end of August) by the elevator from 9:30 AM until 11 PM and by stairs from 9:30 AM to 10:30 PM.

Click here to buy your ticket on the official website.

Have a picnic at Champ de Mars

Champ de Mars are large green fields that are located between the Eiffel Tower and Ecole Militaire. The fields form a park that is open to public. And one of the great things you can do is to have a picnic at Champ de Mars. Just get something tasty, a blanket, and your friends or your partner and spend an afternoon in front of the Eiffel Tower enjoying the view and French food. You also can bring a bottle of wine with you (click here to read how to have a perfect picnic at Champ de Mars).

Price: free of charge;

Hours: 24/7;

Location: 2 Allée Adrienne Lecouvreur, 75007 Paris, France

Get the best view from the Place du Trocadero

Place du Trocadero is the best viewing platform for the Eifel Tower. The platform is quite big and sometimes it can be overcrowded. The platform is located across the river from the Eiffel Tower and doesn’t have anything that can block the view. I recommend visiting this platform during daylight and during the 5-minute light show in the evening.

Price: free of charge;

Hours: 24/7;

Location: Place du Trocadéro, 75016 Paris, France

Popular Questions:

Is it worth it to visit the Eiffel Tower and what floor should I go to?

Yes, it is worth it. And of course, it is only my opinion, but I think the best way is to visit the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. Although if you don’t mind spending money and have time and patience, then you can visit the top of the Eiffel Tower as well.

Is there a restaurant on the second or top floor of the Eiffel Tower?

Yes, there is and not just one. On the second floor there is one of the most famous restaurants in Paris, “Jules Verne”. It is a one-MICHELIN-starred restaurant that offers a good view (of course) and quality food. To read more about this restaurant or to book a table click here.

There are also a few buffets that sell food and drinks on the second floor and a place called “Macaron Bar” that offers all flavours of macarons.

 At the top of the Eiffel Tower there is a bar called “The Champagne Bar” that offers alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and cocktails.

Can you bring bags to the Eiffel Tower?

Unfortunately, there is not a storage office to keep your luggage while you are visiting the Tower. So, any big backpacks, luggage on wheels or any big bags at all are not allowed.

Can you bring snacks or water to the Eiffel Tower?

Yes, you can. Although you are not allowed to bring glass bottles, glasses, or cans. Get a plastic bottle of water and you will be fine.

You also are not allowed to bring to much food. Of course if you have some snacks in your bag like an apple or a sandwich that is not a problem, but if you will carry a big bag full of food you will be questioned and the food can be confiscated.

When is the Eiffel Tower light show?

The light show is a five minute show that happens every hour on the hour between the sunset and 1 AM (2 AM during summer).