Eiffel Tower: Complete Guide to Tickets, Views & Things to Do

• The Eiffel Tower is located at the Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, France.
• Its current height is 330 metres, following a 2022 antenna upgrade.
• Gustave Eiffel's engineering firm built it between 1887 and 1889 for the World's Fair
• Ticket prices range from roughly ~€14.80 (~₹1,370) for stairs access to ~€36.70 (~₹3,400) for summit lift access.
• Book tickets online at least a few weeks ahead, since summit slots sell out fast.
• The tower sparkles for five minutes every hour after dark, and it is free to watch from outside.

The Eiffel Tower was built for the 1889 World’s Fair, which marked the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. Gustave Eiffel’s engineering company led the project, with engineers Maurice Koechlin and Émile Nouguier developing the original idea.

Construction took just over two years, from 1887 to 1889. The tower was made to showcase France’s engineering skills and welcome visitors to the fair.

Was the Eiffel Tower Meant to Be Permanent? 

Not at first. The Eiffel Tower was planned as a temporary structure and was expected to be removed after 20 years. Its use for radio communication later gave it practical value and helped save it from being dismantled. More than a century later, it remains one of the most recognisable landmarks in France.

• First Floor – 57 metres: This level has a glass floor that lets you look directly down at the ground below. It also features exhibitions about the tower’s history, along with a casual dining spot where you can take a break and enjoy the surroundings.
• Second Floor – 115 metres: This level offers some of the clearest and most detailed views of the Paris skyline. From here, you can see individual streets, rooftops and several famous landmarks, making it a popular spot for visitors and photographers.
• Summit – 276 metres: The summit is the highest point open to visitors. On a clear day, the views can stretch for up to 80 kilometres. You can also visit the recreated office of Gustave Eiffel, which includes wax figures of Eiffel and Thomas Edison.

If you are trying to decide between visiting during the day or after sunset, our detailed piece on the Eiffel Tower at night versus daytime breaks down the differences in crowd size, lighting, and photo quality.

The Eiffel Tower ticket price depends on the level you want to visit and whether you choose the stairs or lift. The rates below are for adults aged 25 and above.

Things to Know Before Booking Eiffel Tower Tickets 

• Reduced fares: Younger visitors can get discounted tickets, while children under four can enter free.
• Prices can change: Ticket rates may be updated, so check the official Eiffel Tower website before your visit.
• Book ahead: Online booking is recommended, especially during summer and other busy periods.
• Summit tickets sell quickly: Sunset and evening slots are particularly popular, so book them well in advance.
• Choose your ticket carefully: Stairs are cheaper, while the lift is more convenient if you want to reach the upper levels without the climb.

The Eiffel Tower looks different throughout the day and year. Your ideal time depends on whether you prefer fewer crowds, cooler weather or the evening lights.

• Early morning: Arrive at opening for fewer crowds and better photo opportunities.
• Late evening: After 9 pm, the tower is usually less crowded, and you can catch the hourly sparkle show.
• Spring and early autumn: Mild weather and smaller crowds make these comfortable seasons to visit.
• Paris in summer: June to August has longer days but also more tourists, higher temperatures and longer queues.
• Winter: Expect fewer crowds and colder weather, with clear days offering good city views.

Getting to the Eiffel Tower is easy from most parts of Paris. Public transport is usually the quickest option, while walking along the Seine offers a more relaxed approach. 

• Metro: Take Line 6 to Bir-Hakeim, then walk about ten minutes toward the tower
• Metro: Take Line 9 to Trocadéro for the classic wide-angle view before approaching
• RER: Take Line C to Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel, which drops you closest to the entrance
• Bus: Several city bus routes stop near the Champ de Mars gardens
• On foot: If you are staying centrally, walking along the Seine toward the tower is genuinely one of the nicer ways to arrive

If you have just landed and are figuring out how to get from the airport into the city first, the India to Europe flight guide covers routing, layovers, and what to expect from long-haul options out of major Indian cities.

If you want hotels near the Eiffel Tower, there are plenty of options across different budgets and locations. The 7th and 15th arrondissements are convenient choices, with plenty of hotels within walking distance or a short metro ride from the tower.

Luxury Hotels Near the Eiffel Tower 

For a premium stay with a great location, comfortable rooms and Eiffel Tower views:

• Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel – A popular choice right near the tower, with rooms offering Eiffel Tower views.
• Hôtel Le Cinq Codet – A stylish 5-star hotel in the 7th arrondissement.
• Hôtel La Comtesse Tour Eiffel – An elegant hotel with views towards the Eiffel Tower.

Price Range: ~€320–€480+ (~₹30,000–₹45,000+) per night
Best for: Couples, honeymooners and luxury travellers

Mid-Range Hotels Near the Eiffel Tower 

Good options if you want comfort and a convenient location without paying luxury prices:

• Hôtel Duquesne Eiffel – A well-located stay near Champ de Mars.
• Hotel Eiffel Seine – Close to the Seine and within easy reach of the tower.
• Hôtel de la Paix Tour Eiffel – A cosy option in the 7th arrondissement.

Price Range: ~€130–€320 (~₹12,000–₹30,000) per night
Best for: Couples, families and first-time visitors

Budget-Friendly Hotels Near the Eiffel Tower 

For simpler stays that keep you close to the main sights:

• Hôtel Eiffel Rive Gauche – A practical choice within walking distance of the tower.
• Hôtel Gustave – A comfortable option in the 15th arrondissement.
• Timhotel Tour Eiffel – A straightforward choice for budget-conscious travellers.

Price Range: ~€75–€160 (~₹7,000–₹15,000) per night
Best for: Solo travellers, backpackers and budget-conscious trips

Note: Hotel prices vary by season, room type and booking date. Treat these ranges as approximate rather than fixed rates.

The Eiffel Tower offers more than just a great view from the top. You can climb it, enjoy a drink, watch the lights or explore the area around it. These experiences can easily fill a few hours of your Paris itinerary.

Climb the Eiffel Tower on Foot 

Take the stairs to the second floor and see the tower from a different angle. The 674-step climb brings you close to the ironwork, rivets and joints. You can also enjoy some of the best views of the Eiffel Tower along the way. It is a good choice if you want the climb itself to be part of the experience.

• Best Time: Right at opening, before the stairs get busy
• Cost of the stair climb: ~€14.80 (about ~₹1,370)

Sip Champagne at the Eiffel Tower Summit 

Head to the summit bar for a glass of champagne with Paris stretching out below. At 276 metres, it is a popular spot for couples and special occasions. It is also a lovely part of a romantic Eiffel Tower experience, especially around sunset when the city starts to glow. Arrive a little early to find a good spot and enjoy the moment without rushing.

• Best Time: Around sunset, for the best light with your glass
• Cost of a glass of champagne at the summit: around €18 to €25 (about ~₹1,670 to ~₹2,320)

Watch the Eiffel Tower Sparkle at Night

After dark, the Eiffel Tower comes alive with thousands of lights that sparkle for five minutes at the start of every hour. You can watch the show without buying a ticket to the tower. Find a spot at Champ de Mars or Trocadéro and wait for the lights to begin. The display is especially striking once the sky is completely dark.

• Best Time: Any hour after dark, until 1 am
• Cost of watching the sparkle: Free

Cruise the Seine Under the Eiffel Tower

 

A Seine cruise gives you a completely different view of the Eiffel Tower. Boats pass beneath the tower's iron base as you travel along the river. Most cruises also pass other famous Paris landmarks along the way. An evening cruise is a good option if you want to combine sightseeing with the tower's sparkling lights.

• Best Time: Just before sunset, for daylight and lights in one trip
• Cost of a Seine River cruise: around €15 (about ~₹1,390)

Have a Picnic at Champ de Mars 

The lawns of Champ de Mars are a simple place to relax with the Eiffel Tower right in front of you. Pick up some bread, cheese and snacks from a nearby shop and settle down for a casual meal. It is especially pleasant in spring and summer when the evenings are longer. Sunset adds a nice finish without making the experience expensive.

• Best Time: An hour before sunset
• Cost of a simple picnic spread: around €15 to €20 per person (about ~₹1,390 to ~₹1,850)

Join a Guided Eiffel Tower History Walk 

A guided walk around the Eiffel Tower can give you more context about its construction and early years. You will hear about the engineers behind the project and the criticism the tower received when it was first built. It is a useful option if you want to understand the landmark beyond its appearance. It can also be a good choice for families travelling with children.

• Best Time: Morning, before the midday heat and crowds
• Cost of a guided walking tour: around €80 to €100 per group (about ~₹7,400 to ~₹9,250)

The tower has two restaurants worth knowing about. Madame Brasserie, on the first floor, serves a modern French menu with sweeping views and works well for a relaxed lunch. Le Jules Verne, on the second floor, is the fine dining option, known for its refined tasting menus and higher price point, and it usually requires booking weeks ahead.

If you would rather eat elsewhere and simply enjoy the view, the Champ de Mars area and nearby streets have plenty of cafes and bakeries. For something more familiar, our list of Indian restaurants in Paris is worth bookmarking, especially after a few days of French food.

1. Book tickets early: Summit tickets are popular, especially around sunset and during busy months.
2. Choose your time wisely: Visit early morning for fewer crowds or later in the evening for the lights.
3. Wear comfortable shoes: You may walk, climb stairs and spend several hours exploring the area.
4. Carry a light layer: It can feel cooler and windier at the upper levels, even on warm days.
5. Keep some extra time: Security checks and queues can take longer during busy periods.
6. Plan nearby stops: Champ de Mars, the Seine and Trocadéro can easily be added to the same outing.
7. Check ticket details: Make sure your ticket covers the level and access option you actually want.
8. Keep your belongings secure: Stay alert in crowded areas, especially around entrances and transport stops.

The Eiffel Tower is more than a landmark to tick off your Paris list. Climb to the second floor, enjoy the views from the summit, watch the tower sparkle at night or relax nearby. Pick your ticket based on the experience you want and book ahead during busy periods. If you are planning a Paris trip, add the tower to your itinerary and give yourself enough time to explore the surrounding area. Plan your visit well, choose your perfect time and make the Eiffel Tower one of the highlights of your Paris holiday.