You think visiting the Eiffel Tower is easy? Think again! Here are the worst mistakes tourists love to make, turning a simple visit into a total fiasco. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there.
1. Visiting at peak times
Welcoming 6.32 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 prior to their visit. Waiting in the heat can be especially brutal during the summer.
I recommend going at the end of the day, after 6 pm, when the crowds thin out. Moreover, if you want to enjoy a magnificent sunset, seen from the Eiffel Tower, try to go around 8 pm.
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.
So, it’s best to 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 cold wind, failing to check the weather forecast before leaving can turn a pleasant visit into a harrowing experience.
It’s crucial to check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. On the top floor, the wind can really blow. Some strong gusts will even allow you to feel the tower’s vibrations!
4. Not dressing accordingly
Following up from the previous point about 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.
Plus, if you’ve decided to experience the tower to its full extent and take the stairs to the top, you’re bound to sweat and wish you’d worn something more appropriate.
5. 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.
They often want to explore other areas and dine in other places.
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)
6. Misunderstanding ticket options
The variety of ticket options for visiting the Eiffel Tower can sometimes be confusing.
Some tourists buy tickets for the elevators, thinking they include access to the top when, in reality, they’re only buying tickets for the second floor.
It’s essential to pay attention to the different ticket options and choose the one that suits you best.
7. 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.
Why not extend the magic of your visit with a good, authentic meal, far from the tourist traps?
You’ll find Chez Pippo, an Italian restaurant, 20 Eiffel, Frame Brasserie, and Chez Ribe, all of which offer excellent French cuisine.
8. Underestimating the time needed for the visit
Visiting the Eiffel Tower can take much longer than expected, especially with the queues and time that can be spent exploring each level.
Many tourists underestimate the time required and end up rushing around or missing out on other planned activities.
So, it’s wise to budget enough time to fully enjoy the experience.
Allow 1h30-2h if you only want to go up to the second floor of the Iron Lady, or up to 3h if you plan to visit the top.
9. 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.
Wait until the evening and take photos of theEiffel Tower sparkling in the night.
10. Not going to the top of the tower
Of course, the view from the first two floors is already splendid, but reaching the top offers a unique and unforgettable perspective on the entirety of Paris.
Don’t miss the chance to see the city from its most emblematic point.
If you’ve come all this way to the Eiffel Tower, don’t deprive yourself of the full experience by neglecting the top.
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!
