The Eiffel Tower in Paris is often seen as a symbol of romance and style that attracts millions of visitors each year. Whether it’s your first time visiting the Eiffel Tower or you’re a seasoned traveler to Paris, this is a must-see icon.
The Eiffel Tower opened in 1889, built by Gustave Eiffel for the World’s Fair in Paris. It was an engineering marvel at the time of its construction and still is to this day. I’ve been to Paris countless times and have visited the Eiffel Tower twice.
Before you embark on your journey to the tower, here are some of my favorite tips and tricks I wish I’d known before exploring this icon for the first time. Some of you might want to take notes on this topic before you arrive, and other suggestions are for your trek up the tower. So, let’s dive into the details of this Parisian landmark!
Book Your Tickets In Advance
If you’re planning your visit to the Eiffel Tower, planning in advance is a smart move. This iconic landmark draws massive crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons. By booking your tickets in advance, you can skip the long lines and guarantee entry on your preferred date and time. Tickets are available up to 60 days in advance but sell out quickly.
Booking online allows you to choose from various ticket options, including access to different levels and experiences. Availability varies depending on the season, so it’s best to reserve early for flexibility. It also means you get a choice on what time you go, and not whatever is available on the day.
Some visitors opt for guided tours or special packages that offer additional perks like fast-track entry or exclusive access areas. Others may opt for a romantic dinner at one of the restaurants. Researching your options can help you find the best deal tailored to your preferences and make your visit unforgettable.
Think About Your Timing
When planning your visit to the Eiffel Tower, timing is key for both your preference and the crowds. Opening times vary depending on the date you visit and are subject to change depending on the weather. In the height of summer, the tower is open from 9 a.m. until 12:45 a.m. every day. During off-season periods, opening times are between 9:30 a.m. and 11 p.m.
If you don’t have a ticket and want to beat the crowds and the lines, consider going early in the morning or late in the evening. If you want to see panoramic city views, it’s best to go in the daytime. Sunset is a very popular time to visit, so the crowds are heavy, but it is an extraordinary time. If you want to see why Paris is called the City of Lights, head up during the nighttime for a view of Paris sparkling below.
Whatever time you choose, check the weather forecast beforehand. Cloudy days may not offer the best panoramic views from the top of the tower. The top floor can also get cold and windy, so be sure to dress accordingly. The summit might be forced to close during extreme weather conditions.
Don’t Be Late
Make sure to leave plenty of time to get to the Eiffel Tower, and don’t let time slip away. Although there aren’t any instructions about late arrivals, many reviews from other visitors state that if you’re over 30 minutes late, you will be turned away without a refund.
You won’t be allowed to ascend the tower before your slot. However, arriving early allows you to enjoy the structure without feeling rushed. It also means you can enjoy the rest of your schedule without missing out on the other attractions in Paris. So set your alarms and double-check your route. If you’re early, enjoy time in the new gardens around the tower.
Enjoy The Newly Landscaped Gardens
As you wander around the Eiffel Tower, take advantage of its newly landscaped gardens. The gardens were completed in 2018 and are free for all to visit. The lush greenery and colorful flowers add a touch of tranquility to your visit. The entrances are located here.
The serene atmosphere of these gardens creates a harmonious contrast to the steel structure towering above. Making it an ideal spot for reflection and appreciation of the tremendous tower. Relax on one of the many benches scattered around the gardens and watch the Parisian world go by.
Choose The Right Queue
When visiting the Eiffel Tower, choosing the right queue is crucial. Don’t do as some tourists do and choose the wrong line, only to be told to head to the correct one and have to wait all over again. The entrances are in the side gardens. Visitors with pre-booked tickets should join the lines with a green flag.
Those without pre-booked tickets should join the line with a yellow flag for the ticket office. Many electronic notice boards provide detailed information on the day, so be sure to check them. The lines vary in length depending on the time of day and season. In peak season, non-ticketed lines can be longer than three hours.
Prepare For Security Checks
When visiting the Eiffel Tower, planning ahead for security checks is essential. These checks ensure the safety of all visitors and maintain a pleasant experience for everyone at one of Paris’ most visited sites. The Eiffel Tower website recommends arriving ahead of your timed slot and allocating at least 15 minutes for this process.
To streamline your entry process, ensure your bags are ready for inspection. Avoid carrying prohibited items like large backpacks or sharp objects. Non-foldable strollers are also not permitted. There are no locker facilities, so checking out the Eiffel Tower’s rules and conditions before arriving is essential.
You must be mindful of what you carry during your visit. It’s recommended that you pack light and only bring essentials such as a camera, wallet, and maybe a small backpack. If you have larger bags or belongings, consider renting a storage locker at a nearby hotel or train station before heading to the tower.
Connect To The Digital Visitors Guide
Connect to the digital visitors guide to enhance your experience. The guide provides valuable information about this monument’s history and exciting facts you might not know. It can also help you navigate through the different levels and exhibits with ease.
The visitor’s guide can help you learn more about Gustave Eiffel, the mastermind behind this architectural masterpiece, and how it has become a symbol of Paris. It can also provide insights into current events or special exhibitions at the Eiffel Tower. If you don’t have access to a smartphone, pick up a map at the entrance.
Watch Out For Pickpockets
As you wander around (and up!) the Eiffel Tower, soaking in its grandeur and beauty, it’s important to watch out for pickpockets lurking in crowded areas. These opportunistic individuals often target distracted tourists in the hustle and bustle, so stay vigilant and protect your belongings at all times, wherever you are when traveling.
To avoid becoming a victim of theft, consider using a secure crossbody bag or hidden pouch to store your valuables. Keep your wallet, phone, and other essentials close to your body and avoid displaying them openly. Stay vigilant of anyone approaching you with distractions or asking for directions.
The Eiffel Tower website states, “For your own safety, please do not take part in street card games or tricks and do not answer to petition solicitations.” During your visit, you’ll hear regular announcements about watching out for pickpockets, too.
Enjoy All The Levels
When visiting the Eiffel Tower, make sure to explore all the different levels it has to offer. Each level provides a unique perspective and view of Paris. Giving you a chance to see the city from various angles. From the first level, you can admire the intricate ironwork up close and take in panoramic views of the city below.
The second level offers even more breathtaking sights, including iconic landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral and Montmartre. It wasn’t until my first visit to the Eiffel Tower that I realized just how big Paris is! And don’t forget about the summit. At 276 meters high, you’ll find unparalleled views stretching as far as the eye can see.
My favorite level was the second floor, which was high enough to view the entire city and recognize the monuments. The summit was incredible, but you couldn’t make out some landmarks. Unlike the Sagrada Familia, I think visitors should go right to the top of the Eiffel Tower to experience it to the fullest.
Be Aware Of Elevator Queues
Once you’ve passed the lines to get into the tower, more lines are yet to come. Most people don’t want to climb the stairs, although I discuss this more in my next tip. Because of this, there are queues for the elevators. Those with pre-booked time slots can join the quicker elevator queue.
Visitors with a pre-booked table at the legendary Jules Verne restaurant can enjoy a private elevator to the second floor. Although there are additional security checks, it is much quicker than waiting for the general elevator. But you must show your reservation. Similarly, those with a table booked at Madame Brasserie can skip the general elevator line to the first floor.
The queue to the summit takes between 20 to 30 minutes, and there is no way to get ahead. For safety reasons, there is only a limited number of people allowed on the top floor at once. You must factor these waiting times into your visit. But with the panoramic views of Paris all around, it doesn’t matter all that much.
Take The Stairs
This is my most important tip for the Eiffel Tower after pre-booking your ticket: Please take the opportunity to climb the stairs. Climbing the stairs not only provides a great adventure and sense of accomplishment, but it is also less crowded and cheaper. Most importantly, it offers unique perspectives along the way.
The public staircase consists of 674 steps leading up to the second floor. Although it is more physically demanding than taking the elevator, many visitors find it rewarding and memorable. Take your time to admire this marvelous structure’s intricate ironwork and design details up close.
I took the elevator up to the second floor and descended on foot via the staircase. You can climb the stairs up and down, or just one way, like I did. But you can only reach the summit from the second floor via a lift. I’m not particularly interested in engineering, but the views of the tower from the stairs made my visit even more impressive.
Treat Yourself
Visiting the Eiffel Tower is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so consider checking out the restaurants. I haven’t personally been to the restaurants, but the reviews and the views as you dine look incredible. On the esplanade, first and second floor, there is a snack and buffet service.
On the first floor is Madame Brasserie, a contemporary and seasonal restaurant offering cuisine designed by Michelin-starred chef Thierry Marx. For something a little more luxurious, why not book a table at the one-Michelin-star restaurant, The Jules Verne? This iconic restaurant spans three rooms with some of the best views in Paris.
At the summit is a champagne bar where you can enjoy the City of Lights over a flute of bubbly. My favorite cuisine option at the Eiffel Tower is the La Maison de Pierre Hermé, the macaron bar. The Madagascan vanilla, hazelnut praline, and pistachio praline are my personal favorites.
Look For The Secret Apartment
Only some people know that a secret apartment is located within the Eiffel Tower. Hidden away on the third level, Gustave Eiffel’s private apartment offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of this iconic structure.
Although you can’t enter the apartment, you can peek through the windows and imagine what life was like for Monsieur Eiffel himself. The apartment is beautifully decorated in a typically French Belle Epoque style, with period furniture and decor that transport you back in time.
Visit The Exhibits
When visiting the Eiffel Tower, take some time to explore the various exhibits available. The tower hosts several displays that provide insight into its history, construction, and cultural significance. These exhibits offer a glimpse into life during the tower’s early days and how it evolved.
You can learn about Gustave Eiffel’s original plans for the tower and how it was initially met with skepticism by Parisians. The exhibits also showcase the engineering marvel behind this iconic structure and how it has stood the test of time.
Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about one of Paris’ most famous landmarks, visiting these exhibits will enrich your experience at the Eiffel Tower. Take your time to absorb all the fascinating information displayed throughout.
Head To The Glass Floor
When visiting the Eiffel Tower, make sure to head to the glass floor for a nerve-wracking experience. Located on the tower’s first level, this transparent section allows you to look down and see Paris beneath your feet in a whole new way. You’ll get a different perspective of the city and feel like you’re floating above it all.
Whether you choose to walk across or simply gaze down at the bustling streets below, be sure to check it out when you’re there. I ventured onto the glass floor as my sister watched from the side. Take your time to admire the intricate ironwork of the Eiffel Tower from below while standing on this modern addition. It’s an excellent spot for photos, too.