Visiting The Eiffel Tower: Everything You Need To Know

Are you planning a trip to Paris and eager to visit the iconic Eiffel Tower? How thrilling! The Eiffel Tower isn’t just a symbol of Paris; it’s an experience that encapsulates the city’s charm and elegance.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to enjoy the views again, this guide will help you make the most of your visit.

I’ve got you covered, from how to get there to the best times to visit and tips to enhance your experience. Let’s dive in and plan your unforgettable adventure to the Eiffel Tower!

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Visiting The Eiffel Tower: Everything You Need To Know

Did you know that the Eiffel Tower, one of Paris’s most famous, if not the most famous, landmarks, wasn’t meant to stay initially? Of course, it is now a well-known and loved monument of the city known worldwide, but that wasn’t always the case.

Built by Gustave Eiffel in January 1887 and finished on March 31, 1889, for the Universal Exposition (the next one is in Osaka in 2025!), the Eiffel Tower wasn’t well welcomed by the city’s locals. It was initially quite an eyesore, as Paris doesn’t have any skyscrapers and a very traditional architecture.

How to Get To The Eiffel Tower

La Tour Eiffel is located on the Champ de Mars in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. It’s easily accessible by various modes of transport, so visiting the Eiffel Tower is very easy.

Metro: The closest metro station is Bir-Hakeim (Line 6). From here, it’s a short walk to the tower.
RER: The Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel station (Line C) is another convenient option.
Bus: Several routes stop near the Eiffel Tower, including lines 42, 69, 82, and 87 – but the traffic around the area can be crazy.
Boat: Consider taking a Seine River cruise that stops near the tower for a scenic arrival.
Walk: This is a very simple option. Depending on where you are staying or what’s your itinerary for the day, you can also walk to the tower!

When to Visit the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is open year-round, but timing your visit can make a big difference in your experience as it can get quickly busy:

Early Morning: Arriving early, around 9 a.m., is ideal for avoiding large crowds, especially during peak tourist season.
Late Evening: Visiting after sunset offers stunning views of Paris illuminated at night. Plus, the tower itself lights up, with a sparkling light show every hour on the hour.

To access the main ground underneath the Eiffel Tower, you’ll have to go through security, and the line to get through security can get quite busy, so remember this when you come with your time entry.

The main ground underneath the tower is free to access; you can enter it whenever you want, so even if you have a time slot ticket, you can still arrive before that to pass customs.

Buying Tickets For The Eiffel Tower

You can purchase tickets for the Eiffel Tower both online and on-site, but buying in advance is highly recommended:

Online: Booking your tickets online allows you to skip the long lines at the ticket booths. You can choose from several options, including access to the second floor, the summit, or both.
On-site: If you prefer buying tickets on the day of your visit, be prepared for long queues, especially during peak hours. It might even be sold out, so I recommend buying your ticket in advance to avoid disappointment!

Visiting The Eiffel Tower Tips

Dress Comfortably: You’ll walk a lot and potentially stand in lines, so wear comfortable shoes and dress accordingly for the weather. It can be way more windy at the top of the Eiffel Tower!
Stay Hydrated: Carry a bottle of water, especially during summer. There are also several spots on the tower to grab refreshments; otherwise, if you want to buy a water bottle up there, it will cost a whopping 4€.
Use the Stairs: Consider taking the stairs at least part of the way up for a different perspective. The stairs are less crowded than the elevators and offer unique views and it is also cheaper than buying a elevator ticket!
Watch for Pickpockets: Like any major tourist site, the Eiffel Tower can attract pickpockets, so keep your belongings secure. I have a complete post about Scams to avoid in Paris!

Special Events at the Eiffel Tower

Throughout the year, the Eiffel Tower hosts a variety of events that add a special touch to your visit:

Bastille Day Fireworks: On July 14th, the Eiffel Tower is the centrepiece of a spectacular fireworks display celebrating France’s national holiday.
Ice Skating Rink: During winter, an ice skating rink is set up on the first floor, offering a festive activity with a view (but it’s a little pricey!).

Throughout the year, the Eiffel Tower will lit up in different colours according to other events happening (e.g. pink for breast cancer awareness etc)

What To Do Near The Eiffel Tower

Once you’re done with your visit to the Eiffel Tower, here are a few spots of interest nearby for you to visit:

Champ de Mars: The expansive park surrounding the Eiffel Tower is perfect for a stroll or a picnic with the tower as your backdrop.

Seine River: A short walk from the tower, the Seine offers opportunities for boat cruises, which provide a different perspective of Paris.

Trocadéro Gardens: Located just across the river, these gardens offer some of the best views of the Eiffel Tower, especially at sunset.

Explore Musée du Quai Branly: Discover Indigenous art and cultures worldwide.

Stroll Along Rue Cler: Visit this charming market street for fresh produce, cafés, and Parisian treats.

Also, follow me on Instagram to check out my travel adventures around Europe and more lifestyle content @cpt_lyne!

That’s a wrap on everything you need to know when you’re planning on visiting the Eiffel Tower!

Would you like to know more about Paris? Check out those Paris Travel Guides!

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Visiting The Eiffel Tower: Everything You Need To Know

✈ Best Travel Ressources To Plan Your Next Trip

✈ How To Find Flights?

– Skyscanner; it is a good comparator for finding the cheapest flights.
– Google Flights is also a good help when comparing flights.

✈ Where To Book Accommodations?

– Booking.com: plenty of options and ways to get discounts the more you book.

✈ Best Sites To Book Activities

– GetYourGuide when I can’t get a ticket directly on the website or if it’s easier to go through them.
– Klook if you need to book more than just activities and would like to get everything from the same website or different day trips—(i.e. transport cards, car rental, hotel…).

✈ Other helpful travel resources

– Radical Storage: If you need a place to keep your luggage for an extended period when you travel, I recommend using them.
– TheTrainline: If you love to travel by train like me, then TheTrainline needs to be your go-to website for train travel in Europe.

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Visiting The Eiffel Tower: Everything You Need To Know