How to Plan a Trip to the Eiffel Tower

We all know the Eiffel Tower – after all, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. And even if people say that it’s overrated, I think we all want to see it at least a little bit, once in our lives. And, having been there, I can tell you that a trip to the Eiffel Tower is well worth it, as long as you plan it right.

Even though I’ve seen it in countless movies, tv shows, Instagram and Facebook posts, and so on, it still seemed unreal once I was actually standing in front of it. There’s a reason it’s so famous – it’s such a unique, interesting structure.

Now, if you’re planning a trip to Paris, this is probably at the very top of your list. But it’s probably on everyone else’s too. So, it’s essential to plan your visit carefully to avoid massive crowds while not worsening your experience.

That’s why I’ve put together this little guide – to help you with everything you need to know before you visit the Eiffel Tower.

A few fun facts

Did you know that Gustave Eiffel, the French engineer who designed much of the tower, had an apartment on the top floor of the tower? He’d invite distinguished guests like Thomas Edison to marvel at his view of Paris.

Upon its original construction, the tower stood at 300 metres (984 feet) tall. Over the years, antennas have been added, so the tower now reaches 330m (1083 feet). If you want to see the tower at its absolute tallest, visit in summer – the iron expands in the heat, causing the tower to grow by up to 15cm (6 inches)! (Though I don’t think you’ll really be able to tell.)

The Eiffel Tower was originally red (well, a brownish red). To protect it from rust, it is repainted every 7 years – in 1899, it was even painted yellow! Today, the signature bronze colour that is used is actually called ‘Eiffel Tower Brown’.

When you look up at the Eiffel Tower on a windy day, you can actually see it swaying from side to side!

How to get there

Because the Eiffel Tower is the most famous tourist attraction in the city, its location is well-connected to the rest of the city by public transport. Depending on where you’re staying or coming from, there are several options to start your trip to the Eiffel Tower:

By Metro

Take one of the following lines:

Line 6: Get off at Bir-Hakeim station: 5-minute walk to the Eiffel Tower.
Line 8: Get off at École Militaire station: 15-minute walk, takes you through the Champ-de-Mars park.
Line 9: Get off at Trocadéro station: 15-minute walk, for the best views of the Eiffel Tower as you walk towards it.

By Bus:

Take bus line 30, 42, or 82 for stops at Allée Jean Paulhan, a stop just a 5-minute walk from Entrance 2 to the Eiffel Tower.

If you’re taking a hop-on hop-off bus, make sure to choose a route including the Eiffel Tower.

By Regional Train (RER):

Take Line C to Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel station. The walk from this station only takes 5 minutes.

Tickets

My number one tip for buying tickets for a trip to the Eiffel Tower is to book online ahead of time if you want to avoid the long queues. You can book tickets online up to 3 hours before your visit.

Tickets you buy online have a dedicated time slot, so make sure you’re on time. In fact, arrive 15-20 minutes to ensure that you don’t miss your slot if you do have to wait in line.

Where to buy tickets

There are ticket counters at the entrance to the Eiffel Tower. However, like I said before, I’d recommend booking online ahead of time. You can buy tickets online on the official website of the Eiffel Tower.

Alternatively, you can buy tickets through third-party companies. There are a huge number of tourism companies that offer guided tours to the tower. If you’re interested in the history and construction of the Eiffel Tower, this is a great way to enhance your experience. I usually use GetYourGuide or Viator to find tickets for these types of tours.

Which tickets should you get?

The following types of tickets (with rates for adults) are available:

Second floor access via stairs: 14,20€
Second floor access via lift: 22,60€
Second floor access via stairs + top access via lift: 26,90€
Second + top access via lift: 35,30€

If you’re feeling fancy, you can book one of the bundles or specialised experiences:

Top access via lift + glass of champagne: 58,30€
Second floor access via lift + glass of champagne: 43,60€
Second floor access via stairs + glass of champagne: 35,20€
Top access via lift + brunch at Madame Brasserie: 115,30€
Guided tour to the top: 70,30€
Guided tour to the second floor + top access: 65,30€
Guided tour to the second floor: 52,60€

There are also discounted rates available:

Youth Rate (12-24 years old): 50% discount
Child Rate (4-11 years old): 75% discount
Disabled: 75% discount
Children under 4 years old: free

Remember to bring a form of identification (as proof of your age) if you qualify for the youth or child rate. Disabled persons need to bring a disability card, and the rate is available to that person plus one accompanying person.

Opening times

The opening times of the Eiffel Tower, like many European attractions, vary seasonally.

Mid-June to early September: 9AM – 12AM
Rest of the year: 9.30AM – 11.45PM

Though these are the general times, they can change according to public holidays, special events, or other circumstances. Make sure to check the website before deciding when to visit.

The floors

The Eiffel Tower consists of 3 sections:

Top

The top of the tower, at 276m above the rest of Paris, offers the most spectacular panoramic views of the city. Here, you can visit Gustave Eiffel’s office, which is complete with wax figures of him, his daughter, and his good friend Thomas Edison.

A really fun thing to do at the top of the Eiffel Tower is to try spotting iconic Parisian landmarks, while enjoying a drink from the champagne bar.

Second floor

The second floor also offers a great view of the city. On this floor, you’ll find a few shops and restaurants:

The Jules Verne Restaurant: The Michelin star restaurant with the best view in Paris.
La Verrière Shop: One of two gift shops in the Eiffel Tower. Keep in mind that it is one of the more expensive places to buy a souvenir.
Macaron bar: Has about 10 differently flavoured macarons, including 2 that were made specifically for the tower, so you won’t be able to find them anywhere else!
Buffet: Not as fancy as the Jules Verne Restaurant, the buffet is the perfect lunch spot.

First floor

The first floor of the Eiffel Tower has many different shops, restaurants, and activities available, including:

Madame Brasserie: More laid-back than the Jules Verne Restaurant, but better than the buffet if you’re not in a rush. The menu is created with seasonal ingredients and with a focus on sustainability.
Terrace: A great place to have a snack or a quick drink after walking up the stairs.
Pavillon Ferrié: The biggest gift shop in the Eiffel Tower.

It is recommended that you start your visit at the top of the tower, and work your way down.

Entry

There are two entrances to the Eiffel Tower: Entrance 1 (South) and Entrance 2 (East). Entrance 2 tends to be less crowded, so I’d recommend going through that one.

Upon entry, you’ll have to go through a security check. So, it’s important to be aware of prohibited items and to travel lightly. Large bags and backpacks will make the process longer, and is inconvenient not only for you, but also for everyone else visiting.

Items that are not allowed are:

Weapons
Sharp objects
Glass bottles
Alcohol
Drones
Explosives or flammable substances

Where to eat nearby

The Eiffel Tower has 3 restaurants. However, I personally find that food options at such massive tourist attractions are often extremely overpriced.

That’s why I’d recommend eating near the Eiffel Tower (instead of in it), and just having a drink to enjoy the view at the top.

Some of the best restaurants in the area include:

La Fontaine de Mars: A Parisian bistro serving classic French dishes.
Carette: The perfect place to try some of Paris’ famous pastries, along with a cup of coffee.
Monsieur Bleu: A modern, lively restaurant that has great cocktails and an even better view of the Eiffel Tower. They have great vegetarian, vegan, and even gluten-free options.
Mokus l’Ecureuil: A unique restaurant that is known for its delicious pizza.
Bal De La Marine: A restaurant on the Seine riverside, specialising in seafood. They also serve traditional French dishes.

Nearby attractions

Like in many big European cities, you’ll find lots of different significant landmarks and famous tourist attractions in the same area. Some of the best places you can combine with your trip to the Eiffel Tower are:

Champ de Mars: The big park at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars is the perfect place for a walk or a romantic picnic.
Trocadéro Gardens: The gardens directly across the Seine River from the Eiffel Tower. They offer the most beautiful views of the tower, with the iconic fountains and sculptures.
Musée du Quai Branly: A museum of non-European art. It is known for its unique architecture and the design of its garden.
Seine River Cruise: Combine this cruise with a trip to the Eiffel Tower for a scenic view of many landmarks in the city.
Musée Rodin: A garden museum featuring the sculptures of Auguste Rodin. You can see one of the most famous sculptures in the world here – ‘The Thinker’.
Rue Cler: A pedestrian street with lots of little shops, cafés, and stalls.

Tips for visiting

Try to start your trip to the Eiffel Tower early in the morning or later in the evening (after 5PM) to avoid the biggest crowds.
Avoid public or school holidays, as well as on weekends. These are always the busiest days.
Don’t play the ‘games’ around the entrance.
Bring a light jacket, because it’s usually at least a bit breezy on the top floor.
The first two floors are wheelchair accessible, but unfortunately, anyone with limited mobility will not be able to visit the top of the tower.
Scooters and bikes are not allowed onto the tower.
Pay attention to your belongings, because the whole area around the Eiffel Tower is a hotspot for pickpocketers and thieves.
Big suitcases, as well as non-folding buggies and prams are not allowed past the security check.
Enjoy your visit!