Eiffel Tower, Paris: Tickets, Height, Best Time to Visit & Things to Do

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous monuments in Paris. Built in 1889 by engineer Gustave Eiffel for the World's Fair, it's the tallest structure in Paris. This offers impressive city views, beautiful architecture, and a chance to experience one of France’s most recognisable symbols.  

Here is why the Eiffel Tower should be on your 5-day Paris itinerary: 

• Unmatched panoramic views: Standing on the observation decks gives you a perfect bird's-eye view of Paris, letting you spot landmarks like the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe.
• The magic of the night sparkle: Every hour after sunset, the tower lights up with 20,000 glittering lights for a spectacular five-minute show.
• Incredible travel photos: Capture perfect memories from world-famous viewing spots like the Trocadéro Gardens and Champ de Mars.
• The ultimate photo backdrop: From the nearby Trocadéro Gardens to the grassy Champ de Mars, it provides the most iconic backdrops for your travel photos.
• Visit a symbol of France: The Eiffel Tower is closely associated with Paris and is one of the city’s most recognisable attractions.
• Enjoy dining with a view: Visitors can choose from dining options within the tower for a memorable meal overlooking Paris.

The Paris Eiffel Tower is located in the 7th arrondissement (district) of Paris, France. It sits on the left bank of the Seine River, perfectly positioned at the northwestern end of the Champ de Mars, a vast public green park where visitors love to picnic.

Eiffel Tower tickets range from €14.80 to €36.70 (approximately ₹1,350–₹3,350) for adults, depending on the access type and level. You can choose between stairs and elevators, with summit tickets offering access to the highest viewing level.

Which Eiffel Tower Ticket Should You Choose?

The right ticket depends on your budget, preferred access, and how high you want to go. Use these quick pointers to choose the most suitable option:

• For the lowest price: Choose the 2nd floor via stairs. It is the most affordable option and lets you climb 674 steps.
• For an easy visit: Choose the 2nd Floor via the elevator. You get the city views without the long stair climb.
• For the best views: Choose Summit via Elevator. It gives you access to all three levels and the highest viewpoint at 276 metres.
• For a mix of walking and views: Choose Stairs + Summit Elevator. Climb to the 2nd floor and take the elevator to the summit.
• For visitors with reduced mobility: Choose an elevator-access ticket, but check the tower's latest accessibility guidance before booking, particularly for summit access.

If you’re reasonably fit and want to save money, take the stairs for a closer look at the tower’s structure along the way. Additionally, if you’re short on time or travelling with children or older family members, the lift is the more convenient option.

Stairs vs. Elevator at the Eiffel Tower

The stairs take you to the 2nd floor and involve around 700 steps. They are the cheapest ticket option. There is no stairs-only route to the Summit anymore, so you need to take the elevator to reach the top. 

The stairs require some effort, but many visitors can complete the climb comfortably in around 15–20 minutes. The elevator is faster and is a better option if you have mobility limitations or prefer not to climb. It is also the only way to reach the Summit.

Is the Eiffel Tower Summit Worth It? 

Yes, the summit is absolutely worth it, but only if you have clear weather and book well in advance. To help you decide if you should upgrade your ticket, here is a quick look at what you get at the very top versus the second floor:

Go for the summit if:

• It's a special occasion, and the extra "highest point in Paris" experience matters to you.
• You want to see Gustave Eiffel's restored office, which is only visible from the top.

Skip the Summit if:

• You're budget-conscious or short on time.
• You're happy with strong, clear views rather than the absolute highest vantage point.

Where Can You Buy Eiffel Tower Tickets?

• Official website: You can book Eiffel Tower tickets directly through the official Eiffel Tower ticket office – ticket.toureiffel.paris. 
• On-site ticket office: Buy tickets at the monument on the day of your visit, subject to availability.
• Authorised resellers: Some resellers offer Eiffel Tower tickets with guided tours or travel services. If you’re travelling with PickYourTrail, we can help make the booking and visit smoother, so you can focus on creating memorable moments in Paris.

• 1st floor (~57m): A glass floor section lets you look straight down. There are exhibits on the tower's history and construction, plus a casual restaurant.
• 2nd floor (~115m): The most popular level. Wide, clear views of the whole city, plus Le Jules Verne, the tower's fine-dining restaurant.
• Summit (~276m): The highest public viewpoint in Paris, a champagne bar, and Gustave Eiffel's preserved office, furnished as it was in his time.

The Eiffel Tower’s height​ is 330 metres (1,083 feet), including its antennas. It was the world’s tallest man-made structure when it opened in 1889. This remains one of the most recognisable landmarks in Paris and a must-add to your France packages. 

The Paris Tower has four main visitor levels, from the ground to the summit at 276 metres.

Its 1st and 2nd floors offer exhibits, dining and city views, while the summit provides 360° panoramic views of Paris. 

Paris’s well-connected transport network makes reaching the Eiffel Tower easy from across the city.

• By Metro: Take Bir-Hakeim (Line 6) for a short walk, Trocadéro (Lines 6 & 9) for iconic views, or École Militaire (Line 8) for a walk through Champ de Mars.
• By RER: Take RER C to Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel, about a two-minute walk from the tower.
• By Bus: Bus 42, 69, 82 and 86 stop near the Paris Tower and Champ de Mars.
• By Batobus: Take the Seine River shuttle and get off at the Eiffel Tower stop for a scenic arrival.

The best time to visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, is from April to June and September to October, when the weather is pleasant and sightseeing is comfortable. For fewer crowds, visit early in the morning or later in the evening. Sunset is ideal for enjoying both daytime views and the tower’s sparkling lights.

Tips: If you can only book one slot, aim for a ticket roughly 60–90 minutes before sunset. 

Seeing the Eiffel Tower at night is a different experience from a daytime visit. As the sun sets, the monument transforms with three distinct nighttime features which make it a must-add spot to your Paris itinerary: 

• The Golden Glow: Built-in light sensors automatically activate thousands of warm lights at nightfall, keeping the tower illuminated until closing. 
• The Five-Minute Sparkle: On the hour, every hour after dark, 20,000 flashbulbs create a glittering spectacle across the iron frame. This jaw-dropping show happens year-round, rain or shine, and is completely free to watch from anywhere in the city. 
• The Summit Beacon: Two powerful, rotating light beams sweep across the Parisian sky from the very top of the tower, visible up to 50 miles away. 

Best Spots for Nighttime Views

• Trocadéro: The classic postcard view directly across the river, perfect for nighttime photography. 
• Champ de Mars: The vast lawns right beneath the tower, ideal for a late-night French picnic. 
• Seine Riverbanks: A romantic walkway offering shifting angles of the glowing tower as you stroll. 
• Pont de Bir-Hakeim: A famous bridge offering a beautiful, symmetrical framing of the monument. 
• Avenue de Camoëns: A quiet, cobblestone dead-end street that offers Trocadéro-style views without the heavy crowds. 

Timing Tip: The first sparkle show depends entirely on the sunset. It can start as early as 5:00 PM in December or as late as 10:00 PM in July. Because it repeats every hour on the hour until midnight, you have plenty of chances to catch it! 

Plan 2–3 hours for a comfortable Eiffel Tower visit, including security, lifts, viewing decks and photos. Allow 3–4 hours if you plan to dine at the tower or visit during peak hours.

• 1st and 2nd floors only: around 1.5 hours, including security and lift time.
• Including the Summit: budget 2.5 hours.
• If you're combining it with Champ de Mars and Trocadéro for photos and a walk: plan 3–4 hours total for the full area.

Don't underestimate the security check. Arrive 15–20 minutes before your slot, or you risk missing your booked time.

On a clear day, the Paris Eiffel Tower offers views of some of Paris’s most famous landmarks, including:

• Seine River winding through Paris
• Louvre Museum and Musée d'Orsay
• Notre-Dame Cathedral
• Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre
• Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées
• Les Invalides

Best Eiffel Tower Photo Spots

• Trocadéro Gardens: A classic spot for Eiffel Tower photos.
• Champ de Mars: Great for full views of the tower with the park in front.
• Pont de Bir-Hakeim: Offers a symmetrical view with fewer crowds.
• Rue de l'Université: A narrow street that frames the tower beautifully.

• The glass floor on the 1st floor is fun for children.
• Strollers are allowed, but security checks may take extra time.
• Children under 4 enter free but still need a ticket.
• For younger children, the 2nd floor may be enough. The Summit can be colder, windier and less comfortable.

• Lifts provide access to the 1st and 2nd floors and are wheelchair accessible.
• Visitors with disabilities and one companion may get reduced fares with valid proof.
• Summit access has different accessibility arrangements, so check the latest conditions before visiting.

• Champ de Mars: Enjoy a walk or picnic near the tower.
• Trocadéro: Visit the gardens and enjoy classic tower views.
• Seine River Cruise: Take a cruise and see the Eiffel Tower from the water.
• Musée d'Orsay and Louvre: Explore two of Paris’s most famous museums.
• Les Invalides: Visit the historic complex and Napoleon’s tomb.

A 3-day Paris itinerary gives you enough time to visit the Eiffel Tower and explore Paris’s main attractions without rushing.

Day 1: Eiffel Tower & Central Paris

• Morning: Start at the Eiffel Tower and explore the 1st and 2nd floors.
• Lunch: Enjoy a French meal near the tower.
• Afternoon: Walk through Champ de Mars and visit Trocadéro.
• Evening: Take a Seine River cruise and see the Eiffel Tower illuminated at night.

Day 2: Louvre & Historic Paris

• Morning: Visit the Louvre Museum.
• Afternoon: Walk through the Tuileries Garden and explore the Notre-Dame area.
• Evening: Stroll along the Seine and enjoy dinner in central Paris.

Day 3: Montmartre & Iconic Landmarks

• Morning: Explore Montmartre and visit Sacré-Cœur.
• Afternoon: See the Arc de Triomphe and walk along the Champs-Élysées.
• Evening: Return to the Eiffel Tower area for sunset photos and the hourly sparkle show.

• Arrive early: Reach 30–45 minutes before your ticket time for security checks.
• Pack light: Large bags and bulky luggage are not allowed. There are no lockers at the tower.
• Dress in layers: The upper floors can be much colder and windier than ground level.
• Use the right entrance: Follow signs for your ticketed entrance and visitor queue.
• Keep belongings secure: Watch your bags and valuables in crowded areas.
• Charge your phone: Carry a power bank to keep your phone ready for photos.

The Eiffel Tower is worth adding to an 8-day Paris itinerary if you want iconic city views, landmark photos and a memorable experience. Choose the 2nd floor for a shorter visit and clear views, or add the Summit if panoramic views from the highest level are a priority. For a quieter experience, visit early morning or later in the evening, and book your tickets in advance during busy periods.

No matter which ticket you choose, make sure to plan your day so you can catch the magical evening sparkle show from the banks of the Seine.

Are you planning to brave the heights of the summit, or will you be enjoying the views from the second floor? Plan your trip with us.