Sometimes when we're leading one of our many Paris walking tours, we'll receive questions about visiting the most iconic attraction in the entire city.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Best Times to Visit
HOW MUCH TIME TO PLAN FOR
Where Is the Eiffel Tower?
EIFFEL TOWER TICKETS
Ticket Options Explained
These are essentially Eiffel Tower skip the line tickets, allowing visitors to avoid the queue entirely and head straight for the elevators, saving a lot of time.
Stairs Entrance (to the 1st and 2nd floors)
Elevator Entrance (to 1st and 2nd Floors)
Summit Tickets
Despite the lack of space, there is a viewing deck and a champagne bar at the summit, as well as a fully restored representation of Gustave Eiffel’s office.
Although there are some things to see and do up here, the main reason people visit the summit is to see the unparalleled view of Paris.
Tickets to this level are sold with access to both the first and second floors because the elevator to the summit is located on the second level, so you’ll need access to all levels in order to reach the top.
It is recommended to set aside at least 2 ½ hours to reach the summit of the Eiffel Tower.
During peak seasons, this could take even longer, so it’s important to consider how much time you plan to spend at this attraction.
The only way to get tickets for the Eiffel Tower summit is by purchasing tickets which include access to the second-floor elevator.
There are currently two ticket options which include admission to the summit:
The Stairs entrance option can be purchased from the ticket offices on the site of the Eiffel Tower on the day of your trip.
Although the stairs entrance tickets are cheaper, that also means you’ll have to climb to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower on foot.
The elevator tickets from the ground floor ensure you can take the elevator to both the first and second floors, where you’ll be able to take another elevator up to the summit.
No matter which ticket option you choose, the only way to reach the top is via the elevator from the second floor.
Some tour companies offer these ticket types with their services, so even if you can’t get them online or from the source, there are still other options for summit tickets.
While the summit offers excellent views of Paris, the views from the 2nd floor are also terrific. Also, the view from the summit could be hazier than the 2nd-floor view.
If you choose to go to the summit, you will have to wait in another line for the elevator on the 2nd floor.
This line can take up to an hour during popular times but significantly less at off-peak times.
Although it’s probably not the consensus opinion, a significant number of people who have experienced both don’t think the summit’s view is worth the extra €10 and time.
Even so, with the champagne bar and exhibits as well, there are some interesting things to see at the summit aside from the incredible views.
Stairs Entrance (2nd Floor) w/ Elevator Entrance (Top)
Elevator Entrance to the Top
SOLD-OUT TICKETS AND GUIDED TOURS
How do you skip the ticket line at the Eiffel Tower?
To skip the ticket line at the Eiffel Tower, you can:
- Purchase tickets in advance online.
- Opt for a skip-the-line ticket option.
- Consider booking a guided tour that includes priority access.
- Arrive early in the morning or late in the evening when there are fewer crowds.
How much does it cost to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower?
There are two ways to go the top of the Eiffel Tower. These are:
- Lift access to the top: €29.40
- Stairs access to the second floor, then lift to the top: €22.40
STAIRS VS. ELEVATOR
THE LEVELS EXPLAINED
There are four levels to the Eiffel Tower and you will need to purchase tickets to reach at least three of them.
Here is a breakdown of what you can expect on each level.
The Esplanade (Ground Level)
This is where you will enter the Eiffel Tower. You can also purchase tickets here and there are buffets & gift shops in the area as well.
Make sure to stop by the bust of Gustave Eiffel before heading up the tower!
1st Floor (57m/187ft)
You will require tickets to get to this level and these tickets will also grant you access to the next level as well.
This section has a transparent floor that will allow you to look down and see everyone walking underneath.
There are also relaxation areas and exhibits at various locations on this floor.
2nd Floor (116m/380ft)
Although there aren’t as many activities on this floor, you will have one of the greatest views of the city from this level.
There are telescopes at regular intervals to give you an even better look at Paris.
This is the last leg of the journey before heading to the top.
The Top (276m/905ft)
Also referred to as the summit, this is the highest point that anyone is allowed to visit on the Eiffel Tower. An additional ticket will be required to see this level.
There is a champagne bar, where you can enjoy a glass of champagne, and a fully restored representation of Gustave Eiffel’s office on this level.
You will find a few other exhibits on the top floor, but the main attraction is definitely the unforgettable view of Paris.
We have a post that explains in more detail how to get to the summit and if it's worth the effort and money.
Can you get tickets on the day of your visit to the Eiffel Tower?
It is possible to get tickets for the Eiffel Tower on the day of your visit through the on-site ticket office.
The ticket office is located at the base of the tower. However, please note that the availability of tickets on the day of your visit may vary depending on the time of year and the demand.
The ticket office at the Eiffel Tower typically opens at 9 am.
Is the Eiffel Tower better during the day or at night?
The Eiffel Tower offers different but equally captivating experiences during the day and at night.
During the day, you can enjoy panoramic views of Paris, including famous monuments, and appreciate the architectural details of the tower in natural light. It's a great time for taking clear photographs and observing the cityscape.
At night, the Eiffel Tower is illuminated with enchanting lights, creating a magical ambiance. It sparkles for a few minutes every hour, which adds to the romantic atmosphere. The view of Paris lit up at night from the tower can be quite stunning.
Where can you get Eiffel Tower tickets?
Eiffel Tower tickets can be obtained from various sources:
- Online: Tickets can be purchased directly from the official website of the Eiffel Tower or from third party resellers. Know more here.
- On-site ticket office: Ticket office is located at the base of Eiffel Tower where you can buy tickets in person.
- Tourist Passes: Another way is to buy tourist pass which include entry to the Eiffel Tower. Know more about such tourist passes here.
COMBINATION TICKETS & TOURIST PASSES
One of the best ways to save during your visit to Paris is to purchase packaged tours, which combine several different popular attractions for a reduced rate.
This also allows you to save time, as you will be able to skip the line at each of these places.
Some of our favorite combination tours include a cruise on the Seine, a visit to the Louvre, and a trip to Versailles, amongst many others!
The Paris Pass
This is one of the more popular tourist passes in Paris, and it's an all-inclusive pass.
That means you'll have access to every attraction and activity included on the pass for the entire length of the service.
You can purchase this pass for 2, 3, 4, or 6 days at a time. In addition to covering the cost of an Eiffel Tower visit, it also includes the following attractions:
- The Louvre Museum
- Palace of Versailles
- Picasso Museum
- Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
- Seine River Cruise
- Musée d'Orsay
- And more!
Learn more about this option in our post covering Paris tourist passes.
Go City Paris Explorer Pass
If you'd rather not pay for a lot of different activities with one pass, this option allows you to select as few as two attractions from a list of dozens of popular things to see and do in Paris.
One of the most popular attractions included is the Eiffel Tower, but they also offer the following options:
- The Louvre Museum
- Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
- Aquarium de Paris
- Grevin Paris Wax Museum
- Parc Asterix
- And more!
For more information about this service and how to use it, please read our post covering Paris tourist passes.
Paris City Card
The Eiffel Tower usually isn't included on any tourist passes, but this attraction was recently added to the new Paris City Card.
This is a prepackaged pass that covers the cost of several specific attractions. In a way, it's a lot like a combo package.
Here are the activities included with this pass:
- Eiffel Tower
- Louvre Museum
- Cruise on the Seine
- City Tour of Paris
- 10% off other attractions
At just €60, this is actually cheaper than most of the other combo tickets on our list, and it includes more things to see and do.
The addition of a 10% off promo credit allows you to save even more money on other activities in Paris, so if you're planning to visit sites like Versailles, Musée d'Orsay, and many other popular locations.
Purchase the Paris City Card or learn more.
Paris in a Day: Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, & Seine River Cruise
This full-day tour from the company Take Walks includes several different activities including skip-the-line access to the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.
Guests can also expect a free cruise on the Seine River, as well as tours of Montmartre and the Latin Quarter.
Each location will be visited during the same 9-hour outing, and a tour guide will provide historic details and information at all of the landmarks included.
- €152/Adults | €143/Children
- Winter Availability: Fri-Mon, Wed at 9 am
- Summer Availability: Wed-Mon at 9 am
- Duration: 9 hours
- Includes admission to the Louvre.
- Includes admission to the Eiffel Tower.
- Includes Seine River Cruise.
- Purchase tickets or learn more.
Reviews:
This company typically receives excellent reviews and ratings, as customers report that their guides are both friendly and informative.
Guests indicate that this is a great way to see everything you'd want to see in Paris in just one day.
Two-in-One: Eiffel Tower and Seine Cruise
A popular combination package that visitors opt for is the Two-in-One: Eiffel Tower and Seine Cruise.
A trip to the Eiffel Tower and a boat ride along the Seine are two of the most well-liked tourist activities in Paris.
By purchasing these as a package, you save money and hassle - especially because both tend to sell out months in advance during the high season!
Your visit to the Eiffel Tower includes priority e-tickets to the 2nd floor.
- From €40 per person
- Purchase tickets here.
Reviews:
This combo package is one of the most popular and highly rated ones available.
People seem especially thankful that allowed them to see and do so many things in a short amount of time... and with just one purchase!
Guests also write repeatedly about the benefit of gaining skip-the-line access with a ticket like this.
Three-in-One: Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Seine Cruise Tickets
Similar to the ticket listed above, this Three-in-One offer gets you access to the Eiffel Tower, a Seine Cruise, and the Louvre.
You receive skip-the-line access to both the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, which are two of the most popular (and therefore crowded) attractions in the city.
Your Seine Cruise brings you along the river for an hour to enjoy the view from the water.
- From €139.90 per person
- Purchase tickets here.
Reviews:
The Three-in-One combination package is even more popular than the Two-in-One!
Reviewers rave about the ease at which this ticket allowed them to participate in 3 of the most famous attractions in the city.
With skip-the-line access at each, you can save a lot of time and stress.
Skip-the-Line Eiffel Tower, Hop-on Hop-off Bus & Cruise
If you're considering taking a bus tour around Paris, why not combine it with a river cruise and a visit to the Eiffel Tower?
Once again you'll have skip-the-line access to the 2nd floor of the latter.
Choose between either 1 or 2-day access to the hop-on-hop-off bus service.
Like most boat tours on the Seine, the cruise lasts approximately 1 hour.
- From €128.90 per person
- Purchase tickets here.
Reviews: Most people seem very pleased with their decision to purchase this packaged deal.
Though there are a handful of reviews that are fairly critical of the hop-on, hop-off bus tour service (largely due to heavy traffic).
However, others acknowledge that, though they were concerned because of other reviews that they had read, they were pleasantly surprised by the high quality of each of the activities.
Skip-the-Line: Eiffel Tower & Arc de Triomphe
This combination package includes admission to the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe.
Transportation is not included, but admission to each location is covered, including the Museum of the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower's Summit.
- From €52.20 per person
- Purchase tickets here.
Reviews: Most people seem very happy with this package, as it allowed them to visit 3 of the biggest attractions in France in just one day.
***These are just a few of our favorite combo tour packages.***
Click here to see all the other combinations also available!
Tips From Locals and Travelers
Even though we do our best to provide all the information you'll need to visit the Eiffel Tower, there's always a chance we might have missed something that was important to your travel plans.
That's why we have a Facebook Group called Paris Travel Tips where you can ask locals and travelers about their experience at this historic attraction.
In addition to our own group, there are also Facebook Groups such as Paris Travel Tips and Plans where you can ask any question you might have about visiting the Eiffel Tower.
If you're struggling to decide whether or not to get tickets to the summit, you should know that most travelers insist that summit tickets are worth the price.
Even so, some visitors like Veronique swear by other attractions in Paris for excellent views of the city.
For those wondering if they should pre-book their tickets or trying to figure out how long the wait should be, it's important to keep in mind that the wait can be as long as an hour or more.
Some even recommend taking the stairs instead because it can actually be faster than waiting for the lift. This won't be possible for everyone, but if you can make it up the stairs, it's definitely a good way to avoid a potentially long wait.
If you're looking for even more helpful advice or suggestions about the Eiffel Tower, please consider visiting our Paris Travel Tips group on Facebook and asking whatever question you have.