Eiffel Tower Guide: Tickets and Best Times to Visit

Gustave Eiffel's tower was built for the 1889 World's Fair and was only meant to stand for twenty years. It survived partly because it turned out to be useful as a radio antenna. Today it's the most recognisable structure in Europe, and you'll see it from all over the city whether you go up or not.

Do you need to go up?

Not necessarily. Plenty of people find the view of the tower better than the view from it. On a first trip, though, going up once helps the whole layout of the city click into place.

Which ticket?

Tickets are sold by level. You can go to the second floor by lift or by the stairs, and the summit is an extra, more expensive ticket that includes a second lift. The second floor has arguably the best view, high enough to see everything and low enough to recognise the streets. Book online for a specific time slot, especially from spring to autumn.

Stairs or lift?

The stairs to the second floor (around 670 steps) are cheaper, the queue is usually shorter, and you see the ironwork up close. It's fine for anyone reasonably fit. The lift is the only way to the summit.

When to go

First thing in the morning, or about an hour before sunset so you see the city in daylight and then with the lights on. Midday in summer brings the longest queues. On hazy or rainy days the view from the top is limited, so if your plans are flexible, pick a clear day.

The sparkle

Every evening after dark, the tower sparkles with thousands of lights for five minutes at the start of each hour. Time your walk so you catch it.

Where to see it from

The Trocadéro terrace across the river has the classic front-on view. The Champ de Mars, the long lawn at the tower's feet, is where people picnic in the evening. For a view with the tower in it, go up the Montparnasse Tower, or look from Pont de Bir-Hakeim.

Security

There's airport-style bag screening to get into the area under the tower. Arrive fifteen to twenty minutes before your ticket time.