Guide to the Eiffel Tower in Paris
An absolute must-see. In this guide, you will find out all the tips to prepare your visit in advance and all the information about this iconic Parisian landmark.
The 324-meter-high Eiffel Tower by Gustave Eiffel is not only the most famous sight in Paris, but also the national symbol of France.
The magnificent building, which attracts millions of visitors every year, offers with its observation decks unique panoramic views on three floors. In addition to the spektacular view of Paris, visitors can enjoy gastronomic offers, visit souvenir shops and see exhibitions such as Gustave Eiffel’s office.
Three Floors
Entrances:
The Eiffel Tower is secured by a high glass wall. There are two entrances that lead to the Eiffel Tower’s esplanade: the east entrance "Le Pilier Est" and the south entrance "Le Pilier Sud".
All visitors go through a security check here. Visitors without tickets can then go to the ticket counters. Visitors with tickets stand in the appropriate queue for their ticket.
Tip: Our recommendation is the east entrance, which is usually less crowded.
Tickets, Price and Entrance to the Eiffel Tower
There are 4 different types of tickets for visiting the Eiffel Tower. Eiffel Tower Tickets can be purchased in advance online and at the ticket offices on site. Children under 4 years of age are eligible for free entry.
The ticket prices depend on the visitor’s age and the ascension choice. Visitors can either take the elevator to the 2nd or 3rd floor, take the stairs of the Eiffel Tower to the 2nd floor or buy a combo ticket for taking the stairs to the 2nd floor and then using the elevator to get to the top of the Eiffel Tower (3rd floor).
Here are the 5 easy-to-buy options you can find on our official Paris Tickets Shop :
- Eiffel Tower: Skip The Ticket Line + 2nd Floor and Summit Option (recommend)
- Eiffel Tower Summit: Guided Visit (online only)
- Eiffel Tower Climbing Experience with Optional Summit Access (online only)
- Eiffel Tower’s 2nd Floor or Summit Access with Seine River Cruise (best combo)
- Dinner at Eiffel Tower's Madame Brasserie (dinner option)
Tips : If you want to appreciate this unique moment, we recommend you to get a guided tour of the masterpiece to learn all the details. If you prefer to be at your own pace, visit the Eiffel Tower with an audioguide. If you are here only for the view, you might as well skip the line and save 2 to 3 hours.
Paris Tours & Tickets
Discover Paris today with the most preferred tours & tickets without waiting in line.
Standard: Tickets for the Eiffel Tower that are sold on-site at ticket counters are for immediate use. Four different types of tickets are available. Visitors can choose between "tickets with access by lift" (up to the 2nd or 3rd floor) and "tickets with access by stairs" (see below).
Skip The Line: To avoid waiting times of several hours, we recommend buying skip the line tickets. These are e-tickets and can only be bought online. For this you have to select a fixed day and time. Due to the high demand, the skip-the-line tickets should be purchased well in advance.
Combo Ticket Seine Boat Tour: This combo ticket, which consists of a skip-the-line ticket for the Eiffel Tower and a cruise on the Seine, is very popular. The boat tour that cruises along many monuments starts in the immediate vicinity of the Eiffel Tower and also offers unique photo opportunities of the Iron Lady. The combo ticket is offered online by many different providers.
Access by Stairs: It is only possible to climb up to the 1st and 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower. There are two tickets to choose from. With the "Ticket with access stairs 2nd floor" visitors can climb 765 steps to the 2nd floor. With the “Ticket with access stairs 2nd floor + lift to the top” (only available on site), visitors climb the 765 steps to the 2nd floor and then take the elevator to the 3rd floor where the champagne bar is. This tickets are cheaper than access by lift.
Where can I eat in the Eiffel Tower?
There are various restaurants on all three floors of the Eiffel Tower that serve a large selection of international and French delicacies.
From the snack bar to the Michelin-starred restaurant, visitors will find numerous options that offer something for every budget.
How to get to the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is situated in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, on the north-western edge of Champs de Mars. Visitors can easily reach the Iron Lady with public transport.
The best way to get to the Eiffel Tower is by public transport in Paris, either metro or RER, but many buses also serve the Parisian landmark. Since the Eiffel Tower is in the immediate vicinity of the Seine, you can also take the Batobus across the Seine River to reach the tower. Or you can follow the visit with an amazing Seine River Cruise right in front of the Tower.
- See all most popular and top-rated selected tickets HERE: Seine River Cruise Tickets.
Public Transportation:
Events at the Eiffel Tower, from Illuminations to Public Holidays
Not only the Eiffel Tower itself is an attraction, numerous events take place around the world-famous tower throughout the year, attracting locals and tourists from all over the world.
The highlight of the year are the fireworks on Bastille Day, but the nearby Christmas markets or the sparkling light show in the evening are also very enchanting.
1. Illumination
The traditional illumination at night covers the Eiffel Tower in a golden yellow light. In particular, the light show, in which the Eiffel Tower sparkles for 5 minutes every full hour after dark, captivates visitors every day.
2. Bastille Day
Bastille Day, the French National Day celebrated on July 14th, is a very special spectacle every year. The highlight of the celebrations is the stunning fireworks, which transform the Eiffel Tower into a dazzling scene for 30 minutes. The concert of the French National Orchestra at the foot of the Eiffel Tower is also worth seeing.
3. Christmas Market
The Christmas market at the foot of the Eiffel Tower (Le Village de Noël du Champ-de-Mars) offers a unique view, an ice rink, handicrafts, delicacies and entertainment. The Christmas market on Quai Branly, however, is a smaller market with a view of the Eiffel Tower. Another market near the tower is the Bir-Hakeim Christmas market.
4. New Year
Contrary to popular belief, there are no fireworks at the Eiffel Tower for the New Year. Nevertheless, many people are drawn to the tower to behead their champagne bottles in front of the landmark that sparkles at midnight. The Jules Vernes restaurant on the Eiffel Tower is an exclusive location to celebrate. An early reservation is necessary.
5. Ice Skating on the Eiffel Tower
In winter, the first floor of the Eiffel Tower features an ice rink measuring around 190 square meters. From a height of 57 meters, visitors can slide onto the ice rink projected with colored light effects while enjoying the view of Paris. Use of the ice rink is free of charge for visitors.
6. The Eiffel Tower Race "La Verticale"
Another exciting event is the stair race on the Eiffel Tower, the so-called "La Verticale“. Selected participants compete in a race in which they run up the 1,665 steps from the foot of the Eiffel Tower to the top.
Where can I take the best Pictures?
A Souvenir of the Visit...
1. Photo spot : Trocadero
One of the best places to take photos of the Eiffel Tower is the Trocadéro. The terrace at the Place du Trocadéro offers the perfect view of the Iron Lady. Since the place is extremely popular as a photo spot, you should come as early as possible to take photos.
2. Photo spot : Champs de Mars
The Parc du Champs de Mars in front of the Eiffel Tower is not only perfect for picnicking and lingering, it is also a great place to take classic photos of the iconic Parisian landmark. The view from the nearby bridge Pont de Bir-Hakeim is even better.
Other good photo locations are viewpoints such as the towers of Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Montparnasse Tower and the rooftop terrace of the Printemps department store. But also insiders such as the Rue Saint Dominique, the Avenue de Suffren, the Avenue de Camoens and the Avenue de New York (along the river) offer outstanding photo opportunities. If you want to take unique photos of the Eiffel Tower, we also recommend a cruise on the Seine or the bridge Pont Alexandre III, which open up completely new perspectives on the tower.
Technical Details of the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower was built from 1887 to 1889 on the occasion of the 1889 World's Fair. In contrast to its current height of 324 meters, it measured 312 meters at the time of its completion. At that time it was the tallest structure in the world until the Chrysler Building was completed in 1930.
In the following you will find further interesting data and facts at a glance.
Key Information with Numbers, Data & Facts:
Tower at Night
Lounge
Every summer the Eiffel Tower hosts DJ sets. The musical interludes take place at night in the landmark's lounge on the first floor.
For refreshment, drinks and snacks are also offered for sale in the lounge.
Lights
The Eiffel Tower is illuminated at night by over 300 projectors, giving it a golden shade. For special occasions such as a World Cup victory, the tower lights up in different colors. The light show of the Eiffel Tower can be seen every evining after dark, when it sparkles for 5 minutes every hour on the hour (until 1:00 am).
Venue for Events
The Gustave Eiffel Salon on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower is a popular venue in Paris. It has a capacity for 300 people and can be used in many ways. Booking the hall is particularly useful for M.I.C.E events such as seminars, receptions, gala dinners or incentives. Thanks to the stained glass windows, you have a wonderful view of Paris.
History of the Eiffel Tower
Construction of the Eiffel Tower began in 1887. It was designed by the engineer Gustave Eiffel and his company for the 1889 World's Fair and centenary of the French Revolution. After two years of construction, the building was officially opened on March 31, 1889. Gustave Eiffel climbed the steps of the tower himself and hoisted a French flag on top. At that time, the tower was considered the tallest structure in the world.
Originally planned as a temporary structure to be demolished after 20 years, the Eiffel Tower developed into one of the most popular and most visited attractions in Paris, despite initial protests calling it an eyesore.
The three most important periods
Contact :
Address : Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France
Phone : +33 89 270 12 39
Website : https://www.toureiffel.paris/en
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
The Eiffel Tower is located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, on the northwestern edge of the Park Champs de Mars near the Seine. The address is: Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France
The current total height of the Eiffel Tower with antenna is 324 meters. Without the antenna, the tower is 300 meters high. At the time of its construction, the Eiffel Tower was 312 meters high.
Construction of the Eiffel Tower began on January 28, 1987. After two years of construction, the Eiffel Tower was officially inaugurated on March 31, 1889.
The Eiffel Tower has a total of 1665 steps that connect all three floors. However, since 1983 the third floor can only be reached by elevator. 765 steps lead to the 2nd floor.
The weight of the metal frame of the Eiffel Tower is 7,300 tons. The total weight of the Eiffel Tower is 10,100 tons.
The light show begins after dark. The Eiffel Tower sparkles then for 5 minutes every full hour until 1 a.m.
The Eiffel Tower is currently brown. At the time of its construction it had a Venetian red color. Almost 50 years later it was brown-yellow.
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