The French affectionately refer to the Eiffel Tower as La Dame de Fer (the Iron Lady). Built in record time between 1887 and 1889, this iconic symbol of the city of Paris was initially designed as one of the main attractions of the Exposition Universelle (World Fair).
Although initially criticized by those who believed this 300-meter tower would disrupt the Parisian skyline, the Eiffel Tower is today the most visited paid monument not only in Europe but in the entire world! From its opening date on May 15, 1989, until today, nearly 300 million visitors have been stunned by the Eiffel Tower’s amazing views.
If you are planning a trip to Paris, a stop at the Eiffel Tower is surely on your checklist. Read my three-day itinerary if you’re still not sure how to spend your time in the City of Love.
Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about this magnificent monument, from the story of its origin to how to plan your visit. If you’re looking where to stay, check out my ultimate accommodation guide to Paris including the best areas and hotels.
Where to Buy Your Eiffel Tower Tickets
Looking to buy a ticket to the 2nd floor or the summit of the Eiffel Tower? I recommend buying them online on Get Your Guide!
A Quick Story of the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower was initially built as the major attraction of the 1889 Exposition Universelle – a World Fair marking the 100-year celebration of the French Revolution.
Projected by Gustave Eiffel (hence the name), it was, at the time, an equivoque symbol of engineering and architectural prowess – which it still is, in my opinion. Regardless of the number of times I visit the Eiffel Tower, I still get drawn into the grandeur of this 300-meter tower (its initial uncreative name) and the stunning views from its 2nd floor.
To honor the invaluable contributions of French scientists, engineers, and mathematicians, Eiffel engraved 72 names on the sides of the tower. These were not well received by all, and the names were sadly painted over at some point.
Fortunately, the tower has been restored to its original “look” in the early 1980s, and you can now see the 72 names back where they were always meant to be – reminding visitors that the tower was designed as a symbol of innovation and intellectual pursuit.
Originally the world’s tallest man-made structure, the Iron Lady held this title for a long 41 years, only losing to the Chrysler Building in New York, built in 1930.
How to Visit the Eiffel Tower
There are three levels open to visitors:
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The first floor and second floors are for you if you love shopping and food, as these levels feature various shops and restaurants along with stunning views.
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The fearless will buy tickets with summit access where you’ll be presented with an observation deck with panoramic views that capture the essence of the city’s beauty.
Eiffel Tower Glass Floor
One exciting thing about the rarely mentioned first floor is its thrilling glass floor.
This glass floor invites the more adventurous visitors to stand atop a transparent floor for a different perspective of the Eiffel Tower’s grandeur.
Getting to the 1st and 2nd Floor of the Eiffel Tower
Reaching the different floors can be quite an adventure in itself. The journey from the ground to the 1st floor and 2nd floor can be done in two ways:
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By climbing 674 steps (327 stairs to the 1st floor and 347 more stairs to the 2nd floor) or
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By taking one of the three elevators that you can access from the base of each pillar of the Eiffel Tower —North, East, and West pillars.
At ground level, there’s a fourth (and exclusive) elevator to take customers directly to the exclusive Le Jules Verne Restaurant, where you can dine on exquisite French cuisine with panoramic views of Paris’s iconic landmarks. There’s also a fifth elevator dedicated to the Eiffel Tower’s staff.
Getting to the Eiffel Tower Summit
If you buy tickets for the higher grounds (in other words with summit access), you’ll find two duo lifts to take you to the pinnacle of Parisian vistas.
No matter how high you choose to go and how you’ll get there, one thing I can assure you is that you’ll be rewarded for your effort with unforgettable cityscapes and the exhilaration of standing atop this historic monument.
Eiffel Tower Ticket Prices
Eiffel Tower ticket prices depend on how high you want to go (2nd floor or summit) and how you want to get to the second floor – taking the nearly 700 stairs or choosing the elevator access.
Below I list the different price combinations (the prices are for adults only, there are cheaper rates for children that are I am not listing here):
Access to the Eiffel Tower 2nd Floor Only
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Stairs: €18,80
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Elevator: €18,80
Eiffel Tower Summit Access
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Stairs to the 2nd floor: €22,40
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Elevator to the 2nd floor: €29,40
Regardless of your choice, it is always best to buy your tickets online to save time. I recommend buying your Eiffel Tower tickets on Get Your Guide, as they have the best price available!
I recommend you do this in advance as there is a limited number of tickets available online for the daily Eiffel Tower Access.
Don’t be like me! I had to stay in line for more than one hour to get my summit access ticket from one of the ticket offices on the bottom. You can get all the information about waiting times directly on the Eiffel Tower’s website.
Best Time to Visit the Eiffel Tower
Any time is a good time to visit the Eiffel Tower – especially if the day is clear and there is no fog. The views, whether during the day or after nightfall, are gorgeous, and that is why I think one can visit this monument more than once – there is always something new to see.
This being said it is important to be aware of the lines. There are lines everywhere as soon as you get near the Eiffel Tower, entry lines for tickets, elevator lines, guided tour lines, you name it!
There are security checks to enter the premises of the Eiffel Tower, which gives you access to the central square below the “Dame de Fer”, meaning Iron Lady in French. The ticket offices are right here too in case you still need to buy your Eiffel Tower tickets.
There are different lines to purchase tickets to go up (stairs or elevator) and additional lines that take you to a different Eiffel Tower entrance. And because there is no such thing as too many lines, you’ll have to stay in one additional elevator line on the 2nd floor if you bought the top floor ticket.
In conclusion, the earlier you go, the shorter the lines will be, and the more time you’ll have to admire the Eiffel Tower, the Champs de Mars views, and the whole city.
Eiffel Tower Opening Hours
The Eiffel Tower opens at 9.30 am. Closing times vary depending on the season, with the tower typically shutting its gates around 11.00 pm, allowing you to admire the cityscape both during the day and under the twinkling lights of the Parisian night sky.
You can check the current opening hours as well as the weather and wind conditions on the official website.
Visiting the Eiffel Tower at Night
If you marveled at the Eiffel Tower’s beauty during the day, wait to see it shine when the sun goes down.
As night falls over Paris, the Eiffel Tower transforms into a luminous landmark full of beauty.
Travel Tip: Don’t miss the 5-minute sparkling lights spectacle at the start of each hour! At the same time, you’ll notice a powerful beacon at the top of the Eiffel Tower that sends out two sweeping light beams that can be seen as far as 80 kilometers away.
Seeing the Eiffel Tower Sparkle
The sparkling magic ends at 1 am during the winter and at 2 am in the summer months, when the lights of the Eiffel Tower are turned off.
Wondering when this nightly tradition started? Surprisingly, not so long ago. Even though there were previous light shows at the Eiffel Tower, the 1999 New Year’s Eve celebration changed the tower’s history forever. This date marked the first-ever (now-iconic) sparkling lights show, involving 20,000 bulbs that added a glittering effect to the tower’s structure.
An interesting fact about this unforgettable light show is that it is copyright-protected. Why, you may ask? Because the lights on the Eiffel Tower are considered an artwork in their own right.
For that reason, reproducing images of the lit-up tower at night without permission could infringe on copyright laws. If you are a mere amateur photographer, as I am, rest assured that the police won’t arrest you for posting a picture of the beautiful light spectacle on your Instagram.
Visiting the Restaurants at the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is not just a monument of iron and lights; it’s also a culinary destination where restaurants like Jules Verne and Madame Brasserie offer unique dining experiences combined with breathtaking views.
Le Jules Verne
The Jules Verne is located on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. If I had to describe the experience at Jules Verne in two words, those would be: unique and luxurious.
With one Michelin star, the Jules Verne restaurant counts with the triple Michelin-starred chef Frédéric Anton since October 2018. Known as a gastronomic “must-see and taste” in Paris, this restaurant offers a lunch and dinner tasting menu that is unlike any other in Paris, with options for a 5-course menu starting at €255.
Given its location and fame, booking your table for your Jules Verne experience online is a must.
Madame Brasserie
Another culinary gem within the Eiffel Tower is Madame Brasserie. Embracing the spirit of modern times, the gourmet French cuisine at Madame Brasserie is sustainable, local, and responsible.
The philosophy behind Madame Brasserie’s menu is simple yet gourmet, reflecting a deep respect for people and the environment.
Visiting the Eiffel Tower Gardens
At the base of the Eiffel Tower, you’ll find a garden that could have been taken from a Disney fairytale.
Enchanting and calm, I spent a lot of time reading in these gardens when they were easily accessible. There are currently some redevelopment works here.
Even though you cannot relax on the lush green grass by the pond right now, you can still absorb the beauty of these magical gardens free of charge. What do you need to do to get there? Pass the first security check at the Eiffel Tower entrance.
Apart from the Eiffel Tower Gardens, you also have the Trocadero Gardens, which are a short walk from the Eiffel Tower itself.
These gardens are great for views of the Eiffel Tower or if you are looking for a beautiful place to sit down, relax, and maybe have a picnic.
Famous for their perfect views of the Eiffel Towers, the Trocadero Gardens (especially the Place du Trocadéro) will look familiar to you, even if you are visiting for the first time, as many choose these as the perfect spot to get down on one knee and ask their partners to stay with them until the end of time.
Getting to the Eiffel Tower
By Foot
There are are many ways to get around Paris but approaching the Eiffel Tower on foot is an experience that allows you to truly absorb the romantic essence of Paris.
As you navigate the city’s beautiful streets, each turn and corner brings a new perspective to the Eiffel Tower’s iconic iron structure, slowly revealing its engineering grandeur against the charming Parisian architecture.
By Public Transport
Using Paris’s efficient public transport system is another way to arrive at the Eiffel Tower. The Paris Metro, in particular, provides a swift journey, with the Bir-Hakeim station leaving you only a short walk from the tower.
Alternatively, use the RER train network, which stops at Champ de Mars/Tour Eiffel station.
By Boat
One of the most enchanting ways to experience the Eiffel Tower is by embarking on a Seine River cruise. These cruises offer a unique vantage point from which to admire the Eiffel Tower, allowing you to get a shot of its full size as it rises above its surroundings.
Joining a Seine River cruise feels like a game of hide and seek, with the Eiffel Tower appearing and reappearing from behind buildings and trees, each glimpse offering a new perspective. Even more magical than that is seeing the tower illuminate and sparkle in the evening from the Seine River. Highly romantic!
A Seine River cruise provides a different perspective of the Eiffel Tower, whether by day or night. If you are a fan of this beautiful Iron Lady, then this is undoubtedly an essential thing to do during your visit to Paris.
The Eiffel Tower in Numbers
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2 years, 2 months and 5 days is the time it took to build the Eiffel Tower.
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20 years was the original lifespan of the tower, as it was supposed to be torn down 20 years after its construction.
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300 meters is the height of this magnificent symbol of Paris.
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7,300 tons of iron were used in the construction of the tower.
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2.5 million rivets hold the iron structure of the Eiffel Tower together.
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5,300 people worked on-site (300) and in the workshops (5,000) during the tower’s construction.
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30 inspired replicas are scattered worldwide – from Tokyo to Las Vegas.
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20,000 lightbulbs are necessary to illuminate the Eiffel Tower.
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410 square feet meters is the size of the square formed by the four pillars of the Eiffel Tower.
Fun Facts about the Eiffel Tower
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Ironically, Gustave Eiffel was not the one who designed the Tower structure named after him. In fact, Eiffel’s two chief engineers, Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier, came up with the idea to build a very tall iron tower.
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The Eiffel Tower was initially supposed to be torn down 20 years after its construction. Why didn’t it happen? Because clever Monsieur Gustave Eiffel built a radio antenna and a wireless telegraph transmitter in the tower. The Paris Government agreed to the usefulness of the tower (besides being a gigantic iron attraction in the middle of the Champ de Mars) and decided to extend its life expectancy for 70 more years. Needless to say, by 1980, the Tower was already one of the most iconic symbols of Paris, and its “death date” was forgotten.
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The Iron Lady is a long-lost cousin of another very well-known Lady – Lady Liberty, better known as the Statue of Liberty. The statue’s sculptor, Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, asked for Eiffel’s help when designing Lady Liberty, given his iron expertise.
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The Eiffel Tower moves. I know this is hard to believe, but it is true, and I’ve experienced it! Wind and heat are the two factors that can make the tower sway. With 300 meters, this tower was built to stand witness to storms and high-velocity winds. Also, on hot summer days, the heat causes the iron to expand, which can actually result in the Tower “growing” a few centimeters.
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At the top of the Eiffel Tower, Gustave Eiffel designed a private apartment for himself where he hosted famous and influential figures of his time. Thomas Edison was among the lucky people to be invited to this unique Paris apartment.
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The Eiffel Tower’s color changes. Initially built in a reddish-brown, it has been yellow and even a shade of bronze. Today, it is coated in what they call “Eiffel Tower Brown” paint, applied in three shades to enhance the structure’s silhouette against the Parisian sky. Another interesting fact is that the Eiffel Tower is repainted every seven years to protect it from rust, and more than 60 tons of paint are necessary to cover the entire structure.
Visiting the Eiffel Tower – Frequently Asked Questions
🤔 Is it worth going to the Eiffel Tower?
Yes, of course! Visiting the Eiffel Tower is worth it and one of the best things to do in Paris. You can even visit more than once and won’t get tired of it! With unparalleled views of Paris and iconic photo opportunities, the Eiffel Tower is a memorable experience for any trip.
⌚ How much time do you need to visit the Eiffel Tower?
From my experience, the time you spend visiting the Eiffel Tower can vary, especially if you find yourself lost in the stores on the first floor or the iconic landmarks you can spot on the second floor. Personally, I’d suggest allowing yourself at least 1.5 hours if you’re planning to explore just the first floor and second floor.
However, I recommend setting aside about 2.5 hours if you bought a ticket to the top floor. This duration considers not just the ascent and descent but also some time to pause, breathe in the Parisian air, and let the city’s magnificence from such a height truly sink in.
Remember, to save time, book your Eiffel Tower tickets online in advance.
❓ Is it better to go to the second floor or the top of the Eiffel Tower?
Choosing between the second floor and the top of the Eiffel Tower depends on what you’re looking for in your visit. If your time in Paris is limited, you might want to save time and consider prioritizing other experiences over the queue to reach the top level. However, if you have the time, the journey to the top offers a unique, breathtaking perspective of the city that I’m sure you’ll find unforgettable.
That said, there’s something special about the views from the second floor as well. It strikes a perfect balance, offering a panoramic view of Paris that is both sweeping and detailed enough to identify the city’s landmarks, especially the nearby Champ de Mars. This mid-level point allows you to better connect with the urban landscape and appreciate the different monuments around the city.
Visiting the Eiffel Tower – Final Words
The Eiffel Tower, with its majestic structure and panoramic views of Paris, embodies the city’s beauty essence.
No matter how you choose to explore it, the experience promises to be nothing short of incredible. In the end, whether you go to the very top or savor the views from the second floor, one thing I’m sure of: your visit to the Eiffel Tower will be something you won’t forget.
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