Visiting the Eiffel Tower should be a highlight of your trip, but small mistakes can turn it into a frustrating experience. Avoid these common pitfalls to make the most of your visit!
1. Visiting at peak times
With 6.3 million visitors in 2023, the Eiffel Tower is France’s most popular tourist attraction. So it’s not uncommon for people to want to go straight there and start their day by visiting this historical site.
But everyone wants to do the same thing and go at the same time, often finding themselves stuck together, with hours of waiting before their visit. Waiting in the heat can be especially brutal during the summer.
For a quieter visit, try early morning right when it opens, or later in the day, after 6 p.m. If you want to enjoy a magnificent sunset from the Eiffel Tower, aim for around 8 p.m. What could be better than a quiet sunset in the capital?
2. Not buying tickets in advance
Many tourists are fooled by the crowds of visitors preparing to climb the Iron Lady. They have to queue, sometimes endlessly during the summer months, just to get a ticket on the same day.
To avoid disappointment, especially during holidays or weekends, buy your tickets up to two months in advance to ensure you can visit this iconic Paris landmark.
Why put yourself through all the waiting, fatigue, and stress before you even begin your visit, which can be quite sporty?
3. Ignoring the weather
All too often, tourists are surprised by Paris’s capricious weather when they visit the Eiffel Tower.
Whether it’s fog, sudden rain, or a cold wind, failing to check the weather forecast can turn a pleasant visit into a challenging experience.
It’s crucial to check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. Fog may block the view from the top, while the second floor might still offer clear sights of Paris below.
On the top floor, the wind can really blow. Some strong gusts will even allow you to feel the tower’s vibrations!
4. Choosing the wrong entrance
Did you know the Eiffel Tower has multiple entrances? Choosing the correct one based on your ticket type can save you a lot of time. For example, the main entrance is often busy, but the East and West entrances can sometimes have shorter lines.
Check your ticket and look at the signs to ensure you’re in the right queue. A little planning can make your entrance smoother and less time-consuming!
5. Not avoiding street vendors and scammers near the tower
Many tourists don’t realize that the area around the Eiffel Tower is filled with street vendors and occasional scammers trying to sell overpriced souvenirs, fake tickets, or photo ops.
Falling for these “special deals” is an easy mistake to make, but it’s best to avoid buying from unofficial vendors here.
The items are often poor quality, and prices are much higher than in regular shops.
6. Not dressing accordingly
Following up on the weather, it’s not uncommon to see tourists unprepared in terms of clothing when visiting the Eiffel Tower.
Whether you’re wearing high heels or light clothing in the winter to take souvenir photos at the top of the tower, inappropriate clothing can quickly become uncomfortable.
Consider wearing sturdy shoes if you’re planning to climb the stairs—it’s over 600 steps to the second floor!
Plus, if you’ve decided to experience the tower to its full extent, you’re bound to sweat and wish you’d worn something more comfortable.
7. Forgetting to watch the night light show
Every evening, the Eiffel Tower lights up and offers a twinkling light show every hour—a magical moment that many tourists forget to see.
The Eiffel Tower sparkles for five minutes every hour on the hour after sunset until 1 a.m.
Be sure to stick around until nightfall to admire this enchanting spectacle. You won’t regret it!
Need to know more? Read my article, Eiffel Tower: Top, 1st or 2nd Floor? (My Insights)
8. Not taking the stairs down
Most visitors take the elevator both up and down the tower, but missing out on the stairs is a mistake!
Descending by stairs gives you unique and beautiful views of Paris that you won’t get from the elevator, plus a close-up look at the tower’s impressive architecture.
The stairs can also save you time during peak hours, as elevator lines are often crowded.
Just be ready for a little exercise and enjoy the sights at your own pace!
9. Neglecting nearby restaurants
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After visiting the Eiffel Tower, some tourists don’t know where to eat and end up in very expensive tourist restaurants of average quality. Yet there are plenty of small, charming, and affordable restaurants nearby offering excellent cuisine.
Options like Chez Pippo, an Italian restaurant, 20 Eiffel, Frame Brasserie, and Chez Ribe all offer excellent cuisine, with Frame and 20 Eiffel providing a modern twist on classic Parisian dishes, while Chez Ribe serves authentic French fare.
Why not extend the magic of your visit with a good, authentic meal far from the tourist traps?
10. Underestimating the time needed for the visit
Visiting the Eiffel Tower can take much longer than expected, especially with the queues and time spent exploring each level.
Many tourists underestimate the time required and end up rushing around or missing out on other planned activities.
Allow 1.5-2 hours if you only want to go up to the second floor of the Iron Lady, or up to 3 hours if you plan to visit the top.
This includes queuing, taking in the views, and fully enjoying each level without feeling rushed.
11. Not enjoying the Champ de Mars gardens
Just below the Eiffel Tower, the Champ de Mars gardens offer a wonderful setting for relaxing and taking photos.
Many tourists miss this opportunity, concentrating solely on the tower itself.
A walk or picnic in these gardens can be the perfect complement to your visit.
The Champ de Mars gardens offer an ideal spot for a picnic or break, with beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower sparkling at night.
12. Skipping the top level
While the views from the first two floors are stunning, many visitors don’t realize that each level offers something unique.
The first floor has a transparent floor for those brave enough to look straight down, while the second level has fantastic views and dining options.
The top floor, though, is where you get a panoramic, once-in-a-lifetime view of Paris, plus the option to toast with champagne at the Champagne Bar.
If you’ve come all this way, don’t miss the chance to see the full splendor of the city from its highest point.
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
