Eiffel Tower: Everything You Need to Know Before You Visit

The Eiffel Tower is the most visited paid monument in the world, attracting best hotels near the Eiffel Towerly 7 million visitors every year. Whether it is your first time in Paris or your tenth, the experience of standing beneath or atop this 330-meter iron giant never fails to inspire awe. But visiting the Eiffel Tower requires some planning to make the most of your experience. Long queues, timed entries, and changing security procedures can catch unprepared visitors off guard. This complete guide covers everything you need to know about visiting the Eiffel Tower in 2026, including how to buy tickets, the best time to visit, what to expect at each level, and insider tips that will help you avoid the worst crowds and get the most out of your visit.

Built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World Fair), the tower was originally intended to stand for only 20 years. Today, it is the most recognizable symbol of Paris and one of the most iconic structures in the world. Standing at 330 meters (1,083 feet) including antennas, it was the tallest man-made structure in the world until the Chrysler Building was completed in New York in 1930. The tower has three levels accessible to visitors: the first floor (57 meters), the second floor (127 meters), and the summit (276 meters). Each level offers unique experiences and breathtaking views over Paris. For more, see our guide to best things to do in Paris.

Eiffel Tower Tickets: Prices and Options for 2026

There are several ticket options depending on which levels you want to visit and whether you prefer to take the stairs or the elevator. Here are the current prices:

  • Stairs to 2nd floor: 11 euros (adults), 5.60 euros (ages 12-24), 2.70 euros (ages 4-11), free (under 4)
  • Elevator to 2nd floor: 28 euros (adults), 14.10 euros (ages 12-24), 7.10 euros (ages 4-11), free (under 4)
  • Elevator to summit: 38 euros (adults), 19.40 euros (ages 12-24), 9.90 euros (ages 4-11), free (under 4)

Children under 4 always enter free. EU residents aged 18-25 receive discounted rates for stairs access. Tickets are available online at the official website (toureiffel.paris) and should be booked at least 2 months in advance for summer visits. The official website is the only reliable source for advance tickets. Third-party resellers often charge premium prices for the same tickets. For more, see our guide to 3 days in Paris.

Best Time to Visit the Eiffel Tower

The timing of your visit dramatically affects both your experience and the size of the crowds. Here is a breakdown by season and time of day:

By Season

  • Winter (November-February): The lowest crowds and shortest queues. Daylight hours are short (sunset around 5 PM), but the tower illuminated against a winter sky is magical. Temperatures can be cold at the summit, so dress warmly.
  • Spring (March-May): Pleasant weather and moderate crowds. April and May are particularly beautiful as the surrounding gardens bloom. Book tickets 4-6 weeks in advance.
  • Summer (June-August): Peak season with the longest queues. Book tickets 2-3 months in advance. Sunset visits are spectacular but the most crowded. Consider visiting at 9 AM for the shortest waits.
  • Autumn (September-October): Beautiful golden light and fewer crowds than summer. September can still be busy. October is an excellent month to visit with mild temperatures and shorter queues.

By Time of Day

  • Early morning (9-10 AM opening): Shortest queues, clearest views, and the freshest air. Best for photography as the morning light is soft and flattering.
  • Late afternoon (5-6 PM): Perfect for watching the sunset over Paris from the summit. Very crowded during summer.
  • After dark (after 9 PM): The tower sparkles for 5 minutes at the top of every hour after sunset. The views of the illuminated city are unforgettable. The most romantic time to visit.

What to Expect at Each Level

The Esplanade (Ground Level)

The area surrounding the base of the tower is free to access and offers excellent photo opportunities. There are souvenir shops, food kiosks, and restrooms. Security checks are required to enter the tower area, so allow extra time for bag screening. The esplanade offers the most famous unobstructed photo angles of the tower and is beautifully landscaped with gardens and pathways.

The First Floor (57 Meters)

The first floor offers a unique experience with a glass floor section where you can look straight down to the ground, a fascinating museum about the history of the tower, a cinema showing films about the tower construction, and a seasonal observation trail. There is also a restaurant (58 Tour Eiffel) and a macaron bar by French pastry chef Sébastien Gaudard. The first floor is the most accessible level for families with young children and those who prefer a less vertigo-inducing experience.

The Second Floor (127 Meters)

The second floor is where most visitors spend the majority of their time. The views from this level are already spectacular, offering a clear panorama of all the major Paris landmarks including the Arc de Triomphe, the Sacré-Cœur, the Louvre Museum guide, and the Invalides. There is a buffet restaurant, a souvenir shop, and an outdoor observation deck. The second floor is also where you access the elevator to the summit (separate summit ticket required). The Jules Verne restaurant, a Michelin-starred fine dining establishment, is located on this floor, though it requires a separate reservation well in advance.

The Summit (276 Meters)

The summit offers the highest public viewpoint in Paris. From here, you can see up to 80 kilometers on a clear day. Gustave Eiffel private office has been recreated with wax figures, offering a glimpse into how the tower creator worked. The summit features both indoor and outdoor viewing areas, and the views are truly breathtaking. Note that the summit may be temporarily closed due to high winds or extreme weather. Summit tickets include access to both the second floor and the summit.

Eiffel Tower Light Show

Every evening after sunset, the Eiffel Tower sparkles for 5 minutes at the top of every hour. This sparkling display, created by 20,000 light bulbs, has been a beloved Paris tradition since 2000. The best free viewing spots include the Trocadéro esplanade, the Champ de Mars, the Pont d Iéna bridge, and the Rue de l Université. For the most romantic experience, book a Seine river cruise (Bateaux Mouches or Vedettes du Pont Neuf) that passes by the tower during the sparkling hour.

Pro Tips for Visiting the Eiffel Tower

  1. Book online and arrive early. Even with advance tickets, you may need to wait 15-30 minutes for security screening and elevator boarding.
  2. Check the weather. Cloudy or foggy days significantly reduce visibility from the upper levels. Check the forecast before your visit.
  3. Dress in layers. It is noticeably colder and windier at the summit than at ground level, even in summer. Temperatures can be 8-10 degrees cooler at the top.
  4. Bring a camera with a good zoom. The views are incredible, and a zoom lens helps you appreciate the details of the cityscape below.
  5. Visit the Trocadéro for photos. The esplanade across the river offers the classic, unobstructed view of the entire Eiffel Tower and is free to access.
  6. Avoid Fridays and weekends if possible, as these are the busiest days.
  7. Take the stairs if you are able. The stair climb to the second floor (674 steps) is manageable for most people, costs significantly less, and often has shorter queues than the elevator.

The Eiffel Tower is more than just a tourist attraction; it is a symbol of Paris, a feat of engineering, and an experience that will stay with you forever. Whether you admire it from the ground, climb to the summit, or simply enjoy watching it sparkle from a nearby café, the Eiffel Tower is the heart and soul of Paris. Plan ahead, book early, and get ready for an unforgettable experience.

Ready to book? book skip-the-line Eiffel Tower tickets online.