Eiffel Tower

The Complete Guide to Visiting the Eiffel Tower

A trip to Paris is incomplete without experiencing its most iconic landmark. The Eiffel Tower draws millions of visitors annually, and navigating the crowds and ticket options can be a challenge in itself. It is from this complexity that we, and other travel experts, have compiled essential advice to ensure your visit is seamless and spectacular. We look at the best times to go, ticket types, and hidden secrets to help you plan your trip.

While the allure of the Iron Lady is universal, the reward of a well-planned visit is skipping the long lines and experiencing one of the world's most romantic views without the stress.

Eiffel Tower Visit Tips

Here are our top 5 tips for your Eiffel Tower visit, and the reasons they are essential for a perfect trip!

The advice is far from conclusive (there are many ways to enjoy the tower), but to us, these are the strategies that all travelers should use to avoid common pitfalls:

1. Book Tickets Online, Well in Advance

This is the single most important tip. Queues for tickets on-site can be hours long. By booking your specific time slot online through the official website weeks or even months ahead, you can bypass the vast majority of the wait. The peace of mind and saved time are invaluable.

2. Go at Night for a Different Vibe

While the daytime views are classic, the tower takes on a magical quality after dark. It sparkles for five minutes on the hour every hour once the lights come on. The crowds are often thinner, and the sight of the illuminated structure against the night sky is an unforgettable experience.

3. Consider the Stairs for the Second Level

If you're able, take the stairs to the second floor. Not only is it cheaper and often has a shorter queue, but it provides a unique, up-close perspective of the tower's magnificent ironwork and a sense of accomplishment you don't get from the elevator.

4. Have a Picnic at the Champ de Mars

Instead of paying for a pricey meal at the tower's restaurants, embrace the Parisian tradition of a picnic. Grab a baguette, some cheese, and a bottle of wine from a local market and enjoy your feast on the green lawns of the Champ de Mars with the tower as your breathtaking backdrop.

5. Visit the Trocadéro Gardens First

For the ultimate postcard photograph, start your visit at the Trocadéro gardens, directly across the Seine from the tower. This vantage point offers the most famous and sweeping panoramic view, especially beautiful in the morning light, before you even step foot inside the structure itself.