If you’re wondering if a visit to the Eiffel Tower is worth it, I’m here to help. In this article, I’ll answer your questions and concerns by providing practical advice.
Whether you’re worried about crowds, queues, the ideal time to visit, or the cost, I’m here to guide you through these matters.
Table of Contents
My Opinion in a Nutshell
Climbing the Eiffel Tower is a must-see and iconic experience for those who want to admire the spectacular view of Paris and some of its monuments such as the Arc de Triomphe or the Trocadero.
However, if you’re like me and don’t like crowds and long queues, you might prefer other alternatives: the view of the Eiffel Tower from the ground, the Tour Montparnasse, the riverbanks, the Montmartre district, or even a cruise on the Seine, all of which offer equally memorable experiences without the constraints of the Eiffel Tower.
There are fewer visitors in April, May, September, October, and November, as well as on weekdays.
What I Love
- Incredible views: Enjoy a breathtaking panorama of Paris, with landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe, Invalides, and the Louvre. The top (3rd floor) offers the best perspective!
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- A photographer’s dream: Whether it’s daytime, sunset, or night, the Eiffel Tower provides endless opportunities for stunning photos.
- A romantic experience: Couples will love watching the sunset from the top, especially when the tower sparkles in the evening.
- A journey through history: At the top, you’ll find a reconstruction of Gustave Eiffel’s office. The second floor features interactive exhibits about the tower’s past, and the Pavillon Ferré offers an immersive show on its history.
- A toast with a view: At the top, the Champagne Bar offers a unique experience—sip a glass of bubbly while enjoying Paris from above!
- Unforgettable memories: Whether with family, friends, or a partner, visiting the Eiffel Tower is an experience to cherish.
- A bucket-list moment: If seeing the Eiffel Tower has always been a dream, don’t miss the chance to make it a reality!
- A rewarding challenge: If you take the stairs, climbing 674 steps (about 30-40 minutes) to the second floor will give you a true sense of accomplishment.
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What I Don’t Like
- The queues: Long queues (up to 1h30) for tickets, to get to the Eiffel Tower and at the elevators can be a bother, especially during busy tourist periods.
- The crowds: The large number of visitors can make the experience less comfortable: getting around in a crowded area can be less pleasant, and you may not be able to fit in everywhere.
- The crowded elevators: The elevator can reach its maximum capacity (92 people) during busy periods, which can be a little uncomfortable.
- The weather: weather can play an important role in the experience, because if you go up in rainy or foggy weather, the view may be less clear, or even completely blocked… The weather in Paris can be capricious.
- The ticket prices: Depending on the options you choose, the cost of going up the Eiffel Tower may be higher or lower, which may discourage some visitors with a limited budget.
- The view of the Eiffel Tower is better than the view from the Eiffel Tower: The view of the Tower from the ground offers a complete perspective of the monument.
The artistic details of its wrought iron structure and the greatness of its silhouette are perfectly visible from this position, and the full panorama offered with the Parisian landscape in the background is superb.
By comparison, once you’ve climbed to the top, although the view is still breathtaking, the details of the tower can fade as the view of Paris stretches as far as the eye can see. Thus, the tower itself takes on a more modest role in the landscape.
Cultural Significance of the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is more than just a tourist attraction; it’s the heart of Paris, and tells of its history, culture, and identity in many important ways:
- Iconic symbol of Paris: The Eiffel Tower is recognized all over the world as one of the most emblematic symbols of Paris, and indeed of France.
- The ultimate romantic spot: The Eiffel Tower is a popular romantic spot for romantic dates and even marriage proposals.
- Incredible architectural achievement: Built in 1889 for the Universal Exhibition, the Eiffel Tower is a 19th-century metallic engineering masterpiece.
- UNESCO World Heritage: In 1991, UNESCO recognized the cultural value of the Eiffel Tower, classifying it as a world heritage treasure.
- A must-see tourist attraction: Every year, millions of visitors from all over the world come to admire the Eiffel Tower, making Paris one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations.
- A source of artistic inspiration: Many artists, writers, and filmmakers find inspiration for their creations in the Eiffel Tower.
- Place for celebrations and events: The Eiffel Tower is often used as a backdrop for spectacular fireworks displays, dazzling light shows, and other festivities.
- Symbol of freedom and resistance: During the Second World War, the Eiffel Tower became a symbol of resistance to the German occupation, which used it for propaganda purposes.
Buying Your Tickets
Opening hours are from 8.45 a.m. to 11.45 p.m., from Monday to Sunday.
Ticket with access lift to the top:
- adult rate: €36.10
- youth rate (12-24 years): €18.10
- children (4-11 years) and disabled rate: €9.10
Ticket with access stairs + lift to the top:
- adult rate: €27.50
- youth rate (12-24 years): €13.80
- children (aged 4-11) and disabled rate: €6.90
Ticket with access lift to the second floor:
- adult rate: €23.10
- youth rate (12-24): €11.60
- child (aged 4-11) and disabled rate: €5.90
Ticket with access stairs to the second floor:
- adult rate: €14.50
- youth rate (aged 12-24): €7.30
- child (aged 4-11) and disabled rate: €3.70
Visits are free for children under 4, regardless of the option chosen.
💡 My advice: Book your tickets at the Eiffel Tower‘s online ticket office. By choosing this option, you’ll shorten your waiting time by avoiding the cash desks, where queues can last up to 1h30. You’ll still have to wait in line to present your ticket, pass through security and enter the Tower, which can take up to half an hour, but once you’re past that point, you won’t have to wait any longer, which is much wiser.
Best Time of the Year, Week, or Day to Visit the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is especially busy during the summer months of June, July, and August, when visitors from all over the world flock to see this iconic landmark.
For a quieter experience, consider visiting between October and February, when crowds are at their lowest.
Among the busiest times, Tuesdays at 3 p.m. see the highest number of visitors. In general, the Eiffel Tower is most crowded between 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. on any given day.
To make the most of your visit and avoid long lines, aim for the less crowded hours—between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. or from 8 p.m. until closing time.
Is a Guided Tour Recommended?
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If you love Parisian history and want to learn more about the Eiffel Tower, a guided tour can be a great choice.
Expert guides share fascinating facts and details you might not discover on your own. These group tours, led by official Eiffel Tower guides, accommodate up to 12 people and last 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. There are three options:
- Take the elevator to the summit, explore the 2nd floor, then walk down to the 1st floor.
- Take the elevator to the 2nd floor, then walk down to the 1st floor.
- Book a private tour for a more personalized experience (up to 6 people).
Book your guided tour of the Eiffel Tower
If you prefer to explore at your own pace and aren’t too interested in historical details, a guided tour might feel too structured. Instead, you may enjoy wandering freely, soaking in the atmosphere, and taking in the views on your own.
My Suggestions
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- Choose the right time: To avoid large crowds, it’s best to visit the Eiffel Tower during less busy tourist periods (June, July, August). The months of April, May, September, October, and November are often less crowded, while still enjoying decent weather. In addition, weekdays are better than weekends.
- Prefer the online ticket office: To avoid queuing at the ticket offices, we recommend reserving your ticket online in advance on the Eiffel Tower’s official website. This way, you can expect to wait a maximum of 30 minutes, instead of 1h30 without a reservation.
- Come at sunset: For a magical experience, I recommend coming to the Eiffel Tower at sunset, as it offers breathtaking views.
- Go up on foot: If you’re in good physical condition, you can choose to take the stairs up to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower, 674 steps and 30 to 40 minutes of ascent. This will allow you to avoid the queues for the elevator and enjoy a different experience as you gradually discover the floors. Of course, the access to the stairs can sometimes get a little clogged during busy periods, but since the entry flow is constant, you won’t have to wait as long as you would for the elevators.
- Enjoy the bottom floors: In addition to the long queues to take the elevator to the top of the Eiffel Tower, the 3rd-floor platform is actually quite small. The view isn’t much different from the 2nd floor, and surprisingly, it can be quite windy.
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- Make time: As well as climbing the Eiffel Tower, take time to explore the Champ de Mars gardens and the Trocadero. You’ll be able to take full advantage of the Parisian atmosphere and capture some great photos.
- Eat at the Eiffel Tower: IF you have a bit of a budget (menus start at €50 for lunch and €90 for dinner), I highly recommend the restaurant Madame Brasserie, where you can enjoy high-quality, committed cuisine. Located on the second floor in an enchanting setting, it is run by chef Thierry Marx and features local and seasonal cuisine. For lunch, for example, you’ll find a dish featuring fresh pappardelle, artichoke cream, and summer vegetables, and for dinner, a fricassee of poultry, crispy rice, and comté cheese. For lunch and dinner, reservations are recommended to ensure guaranteed seating at this popular restaurant.
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- Street vendors: At the base of the Eiffel Tower, many vendors sell souvenirs and gadgets. Prices can be high, so think twice before buying on impulse.
- Pickpockets: Like in many tourist spots, crowds and distractions make it easier for thieves to operate. Be mindful of your belongings, especially valuables like cameras, wallets, and phones.
The Alternatives
If you decide not to go up the Eiffel Tower, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the Eiffel Tower.
Here are the alternatives I suggest:
A cruise on the Seine
By day or evening, by Bateaux-Mouches, or on a dinner cruise (see my comparison of the different companies, the choice is difficult!).
Discover the beauty of Paris from a different angle.
During the cruise, you can admire the Eiffel Tower and the city’s other iconic monuments from the water, while enjoying a romantic and relaxing atmosphere.
At night, the illuminated Eiffel Tower creates a magical, unforgettable atmosphere, showing Paris at its best.
View from the ground
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If you prefer avoiding the crowds and going up to the Eiffel Tower, you can appreciate its beauty from the ground.
If you’re arriving by metro, I suggest you stop at Trocadéro, then walk over to the Esplanade Joseph Wresinski. The view of the Trocadero fountains in the foreground and the Eiffel Tower behind is one of the most beautiful.
Next, cross the Seine on the Pont d’Iéna and go to the Champ de Mars.
Again, the view of the Eiffel Tower is breathtaking. Here, you can relax and even have a picnic. These are very popular with tourists and Parisians whenever the weather’s nice.
Viewing from the Tour Montparnasse
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If you want a panoramic view of Paris without the queues at the Eiffel Tower, you can climb to the top of the Tour Montparnasse.
This tower offers a 360-degree view of the city, allowing you to admire the nearby Eiffel Tower in its entirety.
On the Seine’s riverbanks
A lesser-known but equally charming experience is to take a walk along the quays of the Seine.
Some photogenic spots I can recommend are the Pont Alexandre III, the Ile aux Cygnes, and the Port Debilly.
FAQ
What time does the Eiffel Tower sparkle?
The Eiffel Tower usually sparks during the first five minutes of each hour, starting 10 minutes after sunset and ending at 1 a.m.
This luminous spectacle adds a touch of magic to the Parisian night and is particularly remarkable.
How much time should I plan to spend at the Eiffel Tower?
For a complete experience, I recommend you plan on spending around 2-3 hours at the Tower. You’ll need 1h30 to reach the second floor, and another hour to reach the top.
The recommended duration of a visit to the Eiffel Tower may vary according to the time of the year and your interest in exploring.
If you also wish to explore the surroundings or are visiting during a busy tourist season, please reserve an extra hour.
Is it better to visit the Eiffel Tower by day or by night?
Visiting the Eiffel Tower by day and by night are two completely different experiences, each with its own charm.
By day, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Paris and admire the architectural details of the tower and the city.
At night, the illuminated Eiffel Tower creates an enchanting atmosphere. Paris, too, is transformed into a glittering expanse, with streets and avenues illuminating the entire landscape.
How long is the waiting time at the Eiffel Tower?
Waiting times at the Eiffel Tower can vary according to the season, the day of the week, and the number of visitors.
In general, busier periods, such as the summer months and weekends, can mean longer waiting times: up to 1h30.
During less busy periods, on the other hand, waiting times are reduced and do generally not exceed 40 minutes.
To reduce your waiting time, we recommend that you buy your tickets from the official ticket office, opt for less crowded times (early morning or evening), or opt for a staircase ascent, which can offer a faster experience by avoiding elevator queues.
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!
