Eiffel Tower

A must for all first-time visitors to Paris. The ascent to the top is one of the city's defining experiences.

The first floor offers a glass floor — a unique experience. The second floor has the best views and a souvenir boutique. The summit has a champagne bar (glass ~€15). Photograph toward Trocadéro for the best shots. Dinner at 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant (1st floor) is more affordable than Le Jules Verne.

For a romantic visit, come at sunset. Walking down the stairs is possible even with an elevator ticket — recommended for unique photo perspectives.

The tower is located on the Champ de Mars. Nearest metro stations: Bir-Hakeim (line 6) or Trocadéro (lines 6, 9). Elevator entrance is via the South Pillar (facing Champ de Mars). Stairs entrance is via the East Pillar (closer to the Seine). Queues are shorter at the East and West Pillars.

Tip: arrive at 8:30 AM (30 minutes before opening) or after 5:00 PM for minimal queues. Winter months have significantly shorter lines. Use the official "Eiffel Tower" app for real-time wait time tracking.

Prohibited: glass bottles, oversized luggage (over 55×35×25 cm), weapons, alcohol. Pets are not allowed (except guide dogs). The summit can be windy and cold — bring a jacket even in summer. The stair climb is not recommended for those with heart or knee problems. Strollers are only permitted in elevators.

Drones are prohibited. The summit may close during strong winds or thunderstorms.

The Eiffel Tower stands on the Champ de Mars in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, on the Left Bank of the Seine. Across the river is the Palais de Chaillot and Trocadéro esplanade with the best tower views. A 10-minute walk away: Army Museum and Les Invalides. 15 minutes: Musée du Quai Branly (African and Oceanian art).

The Seine riverbank nearby is perfect for walking to Musée d'Orsay (30 min) or a Seine cruise (docks at Pont d'Iéna).

Standard Ticket (Elevator)

• Price: €18.80 (adult), €9.40 (ages 12–24), €4.70 (ages 4–11)
• Includes: elevator access to the 2nd floor
• Access to 1st and 2nd floors

Summit Ticket (Elevator)

• Price: €29.40 (adult), €14.70 (ages 12–24), €7.40 (ages 4–11)
• Includes: elevator access to the summit
• Panoramic views of all Paris

Stairs Ticket

• Price: €11.80 (adult), €5.90 (ages 12–24), €3.00 (ages 4–11)
• Includes: walk up to 2nd floor (674 steps)
• Option to buy summit elevator upgrade at the 2nd floor

Stairs + Summit Ticket

• Price: €22.40 (adult), €11.20 (ages 12–24), €5.60 (ages 4–11)
• Includes: stairs to 2nd floor + elevator to summit

Stairs are the most economical option (€11.80 vs €18.80 for elevator). The elevator is required for the summit. Children under 4 enter free. Youth ages 12–24 get approximately 50% discount. Online tickets cost the same but save enormous queuing time. The Paris Museum Pass does NOT include the Eiffel Tower.

Restaurant "Le Jules Verne" (2nd floor) offers a separate queue-free entrance, but lunch starts at €120 per person. Evening visits (after 6:00 PM in summer) offer a chance to see the tower's lighting from inside.

Best time: weekdays, 9:00–10:30 AM or after 5:00 PM. Busiest hours: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM, especially on weekends. Summer (June–August) is peak season with queues up to 3 hours without advance booking. Best months: November–February (fewest tourists). Sunset is ideal for photos: you see Paris in daylight and illuminated.

Every hour after dark, the tower sparkles for 5 minutes — the spectacle is worth the wait.