Visiting the Eiffel Tower: How to Plan It Right

The Eiffel Tower is the one sight almost every visitor to Paris thinks about—and most end up seeing. It’s the most recognised landmark in the world, one of the most popular on the planet, and of course, THE symbol of Paris.

You’ll spot the Iron Lady constantly—between buildings, from metro windows, across the river. It’s everywhere, and somehow, it never gets old.

But visiting it isn’t as simple as it looks. The tower draws over 7 million visitors a year, and ticket slots are limited. Demand is high, lines are long, and showing up without a plan often means hours of waiting—or missing out completely.

The Eiffel Tower is the must-see attraction of Paris after all.

This guide breaks it all down: when to go, how to get tickets, what to skip, and how to make the most of your visit.

#1 Quick History and Facts

The Eiffel Tower was built as the entrance arch for the 1889 World’s Fair, celebrating the centenary of the French Revolution. It was designed by engineer Gustave Eiffel. At the time, it was a bold move—many Parisians called it ugly and wanted it gone.

It was supposed to be dismantled after 20 years. What saved it was its usefulness as a radio transmission tower—an unexpected function that gave it lasting value beyond aesthetics.

Since then, it’s become the most recognisable structure in Paris and one of the most iconic in the world.

The tower stands 330 meters tall today, including the antenna. On hot summer days, it can grow by up to 15 centimeters as the metal expands in the heat. It also gets a fresh coat of paint every seven years—around 60 tonnes of paint are needed to protect it from rust.

With 1,665 steps from the ground to the summit, it’s not a casual climb—but you can walk as far as the second floor if you’re up for it.

#2 Ticket Options and How to Book

▶ Don’t wait until the last moment, book your ticket here today

A few years ago, you could just show up at the Eiffel Tower, wait a bit, and get in. That’s no longer the case. Things have changed drastically—especially in the last few years. People now book everything in advance, from museum slots to dinner tables. And Eiffel Tower tickets? They’re the first to go.

I know people who set alarms to log in at midnight—right when new tickets drop—just to grab their preferred time slot. It’s not far off from trying to get Taylor Swift tickets.

If you’re visiting in low season—say November to early March—you might still get lucky showing up on the day. But it’s a gamble. Unless you’re fine skipping it, I’d still book ahead.

Main Ticket Types

Choosing a ticket might seem simple, but it’s not as straightforward as it looks. There are stairs, lifts, summit options, combo options—and not every type is always available. Here’s what you need to know before you book.

• Lift to the 2nd Floor (book here)
• Lift to the Summit (via 2nd Floor) (book here)
• Stairs to the 2nd Floor (book here)
• Stairs to the 2nd Floor + Lift to Summit (book here)

If you’re fit and want to avoid crowds, the stairs are a great option. You’ll save time, skip part of the queues, and get a different sense of the tower as you climb.

The summit is only accessible by lift, but you can combine both.

When to Book your Ticket

▶ Don’t wait until the last moment, book your ticket here today

Timing matters more than you’d think. Eiffel Tower tickets don’t just sell out—they disappear fast. Especially if you want a sunset slot or summit access. Knowing when tickets are released can make all the difference.

• Lift tickets (2nd floor or summit): released 60 days in advance, at midnight Paris time
• Stairs tickets: released 14 days in advance, also at midnight

If everything’s booked on the official site, you still have options. Third-party platforms like GetYourGuide, Tiqets, or Viator often offer last-minute availability.

These cost more but can be refundable and sometimes include guided tours or extras.

#3 Best Time to Visit the Eiffel Tower

▶ Don’t wait until the last moment, book your ticket here today

The Eiffel Tower is never empty. But some times are definitely better than others.

Mornings are your best shot at a calmer experience—especially right after opening. The light is soft, the crowds are thinner, and if you’re done by late morning, you’ve still got the rest of the day free.

Late evenings are also great, especially in summer. The tower sparkles every hour after sunset, and the city lights from the top are worth the climb.

Avoid weekends, public holidays, and anything around midday—this is when it’s busiest, loudest, and most chaotic. If you’re visiting in summer, know that heat and long queues don’t mix well. Go early or go late.

And don’t forget the weather. If the summit is covered in clouds, it’s probably not worth the extra ticket.

#4 Climbing vs Taking the Lift

▶ Don’t wait until the last moment, book your ticket here today

You can either take the lift or climb the stairs—and both come with their own advantages. It really depends on how much time, energy, and patience you’ve got.

Taking the Lift

• The easiest and most popular option
• Gets you to the 2nd floor or all the way to the summit
• Timed tickets only, and slots sell out quickly (check availabilities)
• Expect queues even with a ticket (security + elevators)

Taking the Stairs

• Access only to the 2nd floor
• 674 steps—doable for most, with rest platforms along the way
• Great views of the tower’s structure as you climb
• Usually shorter queues and a quieter experience
• You can add the summit lift from the 2nd floor (if available)
• Not sheltered—it’s open to wind and rain, and it can get cold, even in warmer months

If you’re up for the stairs, it’s a different experience—and a lot less crowded. But if you’re short on time or energy, take the lift and just enjoy the view.

#5 How Bad Are the Queues?

▶ Don’t wait until the last moment, book your ticket here today

Queues at the Eiffel Tower can get long—really long. And even with a ticket, you won’t skip everything.

There are three main bottlenecks:

• Ticket counters: The longest line. You can skip this entirely by booking online in advance.
• Security check: Mandatory for everyone. No way around it, and it can take time.
• Lift or stair access: Even with a timed ticket, you’ll likely wait to board.

Skip-the-line tickets only bypass the ticket counter. They don’t exempt you from security or the lift queue. Plan for at least some waiting, especially in high season or at popular times like sunset.

If crowded Paris isn’t really your thing, this guide might help → Paris Without The Overwhelm, a guide for travelers who want to experience the city fully, just a little more calmly.

#6 Dining at the Eiffel Tower

Yes, you can eat on the Eiffel Tower—and no, it’s not just overpriced snacks. There are two main restaurants on site, both with solid views and very different vibes.

Madame Brasserie (1st floor)

▶ Book your table at the Madame Brasserie here

This is a proper sit-down brasserie with good food and a view over the city. It is more casual than the fancy Jules Verne, but still top notch. It’s run by Thierry Marx, one of France’s most respected chefs.

Prices are reasonable by Paris standards and considering the location, and you can usually book a table even at a shorter notice. (verify availabilities here)

Bonus: A restaurant booking includes tower access and lets you skip the general queue through a separate entrance.

Le Jules Verne (2nd floor)

▶ Verify their availabilities here

Fine dining with Michelin stars and a price tag to match. It’s more formal, more exclusive, and usually booked out months in advance. If you’re going for a once-in-a-lifetime dinner, this is it.

There are also takeaway counters and snack bars on all levels, but they’re mostly for quick bites, not full meals.

#7 Extra Tips and What Not to Miss

▶ Don’t wait until the last moment, book your ticket here today

• Watch out for scammers. The area around the tower is full of shell games and fake petition scams. Don’t engage—just keep walking.
• Restrooms are available on the 2nd floor and summit.
• Check the weather before you go—clouds can block the summit view, and bad weather can shut it down entirely.
• Don’t miss the first floor. The lift doesn’t stop here on the way up, so you’ll need to walk down to see it. There’s a glass floor, an exhibition, and fewer people.
• Bring a small bottle of water. Especially if you’re climbing—it gets warm fast, even if the weather is cool.
• Security is tight. Expect bag checks and metal detectors. Large bags and sharp objects aren’t allowed.
• The sparkle. Every hour on the hour after sunset, the tower lights up for five minutes. It’s still one of the best moments in the city.

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À bientôt,

Lena

Parisienne since 2006 🇫🇷
Sharing Paris life, French culture, cafés, food & honest travel tips

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NEW: The Salut from Paris Travel Guide:

Want more Paris recommendations? Here’s my free Google Map with 200+ spots 🗺️

À bientôt,

Lena

Parisienne since 2006 🇫🇷
Sharing Paris life, French culture, cafés, food & honest travel tips

Join me on Facebook for updates and news about Paris.

NEW: The Salut from Paris Travel Guide: