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Eiffel Tower Tickets

The " Iron Lady ", as the Eiffel Tower is known, is the symbol of Paris and can be seen from any corner of the city.

Eiffel Tower Tickets: Priority Entrance

Ascend to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower, a symbol of Paris. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the city.

Book your visit

Ticket information, how much does it cost to ascend the tower.

The cost of a ticket to ascend the Eiffel Tower varies for adults and children and whether you want to reach the summit or stop at the second floor.

For an adult who wants to ascend to the 2nd floor, prices start from €11 and go up to nearly €30 for the summit . For children, rates start at just under €3 for children under 11 years old and a little over €5 for those under 25. Children under 4 years old enter for free .

How long does it take to visit the Eiffel Tower?

If you choose to reach the 2nd floor by elevator, the visit takes about 1.5 hours for both floors. If you want to go to the summit, it takes about 2.5 hours.

The elevator ride to the first two floors only takes a few minutes. If you use the stairs, you should allow 10-15 minutes per floor.

How long is the queue to go up the Eiffel Tower?

The length of the queues to go up the Eiffel Tower varies depending on the time of year and the visiting hours . During the summer months and on weekends, the queues can be longer.

Early mornings and late evenings tend to have fewer people. However, if you want to save time, it is advisable to book your ticket online .

Can you go up the Eiffel Tower at night?

Yes, you can go up the Eiffel Tower at night. The tower is illuminated and offers a spectacular view of the city of Paris. Before booking your visit, you should check the opening hours as they vary depending on the time of year.

Are there restaurants on the Eiffel Tower?

Yes, there are two restaurants on the Eiffel Tower : the 58 Tour Eiffel, located on the first level, and the Jules Verne, located on the second level. Both restaurants offer a spectacular view of the city of Paris.

Eiffel Tower Opening Hours

The Eiffel Tower is open every day of the year, from 9:30 am to 10:45 pm .

The best time to visit the Eiffel Tower is early in the morning when there are fewer people or late in the evening to enjoy a romantic sunset over Paris. If you don't suffer from vertigo, it's a must-visit attraction in Paris.

How to get to the Eiffel Tower

There are several options to reach the Eiffel Tower . The closest metro stations to the tower are "Bir-Hakeim" (line 6) and "Trocadéro" (lines 6 and 9).

Alternatively, you can take the bus and get off at the "Tour Eiffel" stop (lines 42, 69, 82, 87) or the "Champ de Mars - Tour Eiffel" stop (lines 69 and 82).

To enjoy the city, you can easily reach the Eiffel Tower on foot thanks to its imposing structure visible from various parts of the city.

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Welcome to the Eiffel Tower visitor’s guide

The 2nd floor

The 1st floor.

The esplanade

West garden

East garden

Official eiffel tower tour guide for your mobile.

The Eiffel Tower mobile guide provides you with all the information you need to make the most of your visit to the Eiffel Tower. In it, you will discover all the services available: restaurants, refreshments, shops, restrooms, etc. A multidimensional map will allow you to orient yourselft to the floors and gardens, without missing any of the cultural and historical information about the Tower.

History and Culture

How tall is the Eiffel Tower? When was it build? Did they really intend to demolish it? Since when has the tower been illuminated? Where is Gustave Eiffel's office located? Must see sites on each floor: the square, gardens, 1st floor, 2nd floor, the summit. The Eiffel Tower, a world icon, has also been a source of inspiration for many artists. During your visit, we will introduce you to some of these works of art.

Important statistics

So, you think you know the Tower? But do you know how long it took to build it? Discover all the important statistics about the Tower during your visit.

A magnificent view

Incredibly majestic, the Eiffel Tower dominates Paris. It offers a magnificent view of the entire city. Revealing, on you climb up, an infinite number of perspectives. The panorama on the 2nd floor is exceptional, revealing details of the closest monuments and the intermingling of streets and avenues designed by Baron Haussmann. From the summit, the view is breathtaking: with your hair tousled by the wind that blows most of the time, you will be surprised by the silence that reigns there, the city noises that reach the summit are quite muffled. Our tour guide will introduce you to one of the most fabulous monuments ever built by man.

©k_samurkas/Shutterstock

Eiffel Tower

Top choice in Paris

Lonely Planet's Ultimate Guide

Explore insider tips, fascinating history and surprising secrets to make the most of your experience.

There are different ways to experience the Eiffel Tower, from a daytime trip or an evening ascent amid twinkling lights, to a meal in one of its restaurants. And even though some seven million people come annually, few would dispute that each visit is unique – and something that simply has to be done when in Paris.

Named after its designer, Gustave Eiffel, the Tour Eiffel was built for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World's Fair). It took 300 workers, 2.5 million rivets and two years of nonstop labor to assemble. Upon completion, the tower became the tallest human-made structure in the world (324m) – a record held until the 1930 completion of New York's Chrysler Building. A symbol of the modern age, it faced opposition from Paris’ artistic and literary elite, and the ‘metal asparagus’, as some snidely called it, was originally slated to be torn down in 1909. It was spared only because it proved an ideal platform for the transmitting antennas needed for the newfangled science of radiotelegraphy.

Sporting six different colors throughout its lifetime, the tower has been painted red and bronze since 1968. Work is underway to strip the previous 19 coats and apply the yellow-brown shade originally conceived by Gustave Eiffel, giving it a new golden hue in time for the 2024 Olympics.

First floor: cafe and souvenir shop

Of the tower's three floors, the 1st (57m) has the most space but least impressive views. The glass-enclosed Pavillon Ferrié houses an immersion film along with a small cafe and souvenir shop, while the outer walkway features a discovery circuit to help visitors learn more about the tower’s ingenious design. Check out the sections of glass flooring that provide a dizzying view of the ant-like people walking on the ground far below. This level also hosts the restaurant  58 Tour Eiffel . The 1st floor's commercial areas are powered by two sleek wind turbines within the tower.

Second floor: Le Jules Verne restaurant

Views from the 2nd floor (115m) are the best – impressively high but still close enough to see the city below. Telescopes and panoramic maps pinpoint locations in Paris and beyond. Story windows give an overview of the lifts’ mechanics, and the vision well allows you to gaze through glass panels to the ground. Also up here are toilets, a souvenir shop, a macaron bar, and Michelin-starred restaurant  Le Jules Verne .

Top floor: Champagne bar and 'secret apartment'

Views from the wind-buffeted top floor (276m) stretch up to 60km on a clear day, though at this height the panoramas are more sweeping than detailed. Celebrate your ascent with a glass of bubbly (€13 to €22) from the Champagne bar (open 10.15am to 10.15pm). Afterwards peep into Gustave Eiffel’s restored top-level office, otherwise known as the 'secret apartment', where lifelike wax models of Eiffel and his daughter Claire greet Thomas Edison. 

Tours, tickets and other practicalities

Visitors must pass through security at the bullet-proof glass barriers surrounding the tower's base. The two entrances to the glass enclosure are on avenue Gustave Eiffel; the two exits are on quai Branly.

Ascend as far as the 2nd floor (either on foot or by lift), from where there's a separate lift to the top floor (closed during heavy winds). Pushchairs must be folded in lifts and bags or backpacks larger than aeroplane-cabin size aren't allowed. Note that the top floor and stairs aren't accessible to people with limited mobility.

Pre-purchasing tickets online gives you an allocated time slot and means you only have to queue for security. Print your ticket or show it on your phone. If you can’t reserve your tickets ahead of time, expect lengthy waits for tickets in high season.

Stair tickets can't be reserved online. Buy them at the south pillar, where the staircase can also be accessed: the climb consists of 360 steps to the 1st floor and another 360 steps to the 2nd floor.

If you have reservations for either restaurant, you're granted direct post-security access to the lifts.

For the best view of the light show, head across the Seine to the Jardins du Trocadéro.

How to get there

The nearest Metro stop is Bir Hakeim, while the nearest train station is Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel (RER C).

Champ de Mars, 5 av Anatole France, 7e

Get In Touch

08 92 70 12 39

https://​www​.toureiffel​.paris​/

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The symbol of Paris as it was meant to be experienced

Eiffel tower tours.

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Eiffel Tower Elevator Tour

A guided ride to the most famous view of Paris

• Paris shuttle for convenient transportation
• Guided elevator ride to the second level of the Eiffel Tower
• Optional visit to the first floor on the way back

Eiffel Tower Guided Climb

Scale the Eiffel Tower with your guide leading the way

• Guided climb to the first level of the Eiffel Tower
• Continue to the second level

What our customers say

What an incredible tour! Our guide, Sid, was exceptional! He shared some amazing facts, stories and jokes — we absolutely LOVED this trip!

Fabulous experience. The tour guide was welcoming and knowledgeable. It was interesting to hear the history of the tower. Would recommend ExperienceFirst.

Great information provided, friendly and funny. Organised from the start and interacted with everyone. Merci!

Outstanding tour. Our guide was so knowledgeable! He was friendly and social and showed us a great time.

Our tour guide Rawda was amazing. Definitely worth the money. The tour was great and a must for visitors to Paris.

Great presentation of facts with great humour! Fascinating storytelling to go with it made everything memorable.

Excellent tour! Our guide Melanie was awesome from the very beginning to the end. The tour operators were exactly where they said they would be. Very organized!

Amazing experience! Paula was such an enthusiastic and informative guide! I would recommend her to anyone and go on another tour!

Unbelievable! It exceeded my expectations. I would definitely recommend the tour and visit to the Eiffel Tower.

Phenomenal guide. Ana was so entertaining and sweet. We loved all of the stories and information. I highly recommend it!

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Second level.

360-degree panorama of Paris, including the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, Montmartre, and more

Ground Level

A unique perspective directly underneath the tower

Featuring a champagne bar, Gustave Eiffel's private office, and a true bird's-eye view of Paris

FIRST LEVEL

Exhibits, a break from climbing, and a transparent floor to view the forecourt below

This tour was a wonderful way to experience the Eiffel Tower. So interesting and fun! - Matthew

Montparnasse Tower and Neighborhood Tour

Explore the neighborhood with the best view of the Eiffel Tower

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Louvre Guided Tour With Small Group Option

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Authentic French Baking Experience in Paris

A hands-on class with tastings along the way!

Montmartre Walking Tour

From the Moulin Rouge to the Sacré-Cœur in the bohemian heart of Paris

Latin Quarter Walking Tour

Discover the oldest district in Paris with a local

Saint-Germain-des-Prés Tour

Welcome to the real Paris

Eiffel Tower tour info

Want to see the Eiffel Tower? It’s one of the most visited monuments in the world, a must for any trip to Paris. Get up-to-the-minute information on everything you need to know before you go:

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The First floor of the Eiffel Tower is popular among travelers. It contains multiple restaurants, snack bars, and shops. You can easily spend a few hours on the first floor having lunch or drinks. You can also purchase tickets or a tour that includes the first floor with or without elevator access. The stairs will work out your legs but can be more pleasant than a crowded elevator in the hot summer. All of our Eiffel Tower tours will give you access to the first floor and we recommend spending time there during your day visit to have a refreshing beverage! The second floor is the most popular and provides stunning views. If you are highly athletic, you could walk up to the second floor but it is recommended to use the elevator for most people. On your way down, the stairs can be less crowded and easy from the second floor. The summit is the most desired floor and the hardest to get tickets for. We run an Eiffel Tower Summit tour which you'll want to book far in advance if you are to reserve spots.

The Eiffel Tower is a must-see monument if you're visiting Paris, which means it can be difficult, if not impossible, to find tickets during warm months. Check out our options below so you don't miss your chance to climb the Eiffel Tower! We offer a variety of tours including the elevators, stairs, different levels of access, and even Seine River cruises. Booking in advance ensures you'll get a spot and takes the guess work out of travel! The First floor of the Eiffel Tower is popular among travelers. It contains multiple restaurants, snack bars, and shops. You can easily spend a few hours on the first floor having lunch or drinks. You can also purchase tickets or a tour that includes the first floor with or without elevator access. The stairs will work out your legs but can be more pleasant than a crowded elevator in the hot summer. All of our Eiffel Tower tours will give you access to the first floor and we recommend spending time there during your day visit to have a refreshing beverage! The second floor is the most popular and provides stunning views. If you are highly athletic, you could walk up to the second floor but it is recommended to use the elevator for most people. On your way down, the stairs can be less crowded and easy from the second floor. The summit is the most desired floor and the hardest to get tickets for. We run an Eiffel Tower Summit tour which you'll want to book far in advance if you are to reserve spots.

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Paris in a Day Tour with Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Seine River Cruise

See the Mona Lisa, Sacre-Coeur, and Moulin Rouge with organized transportation and an expert guide

( 308 ) From: $142.45

Premium Access Eiffel Tower Summit Tour with Seine River Cruise

Fulfill your bucket-list dream of viewing the City of Lights from the best spot in the city

( 117 ) From: $96.28

Guided Tour

Eiffel Tower Climbing Tour with Summit Access

Get your steps in to the second floor before taking the elevator to the summit for epic Paris views

( 141 ) From: $56.38

Privileged Access Eiffel Tower Tour with Seine River Cruise

See beautiful Paris with second floor Eiffel Tower elevator tickets, a river cruise, and champagne

( 181 ) From: $79.18

Eiffel Tower Access with Host

Explore the first and second floors of Paris’ most iconic landmark for striking views of the city

From: $33.06

Semi Private Paris Day Tour with Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Seine Cruise

Explore Montmartre and Latin Quarter neighborhoods and admire Mona Lisa in a group of 6

( 9 ) as low as $270.35

Eiffel Tower Tickets with Exclusive Summit Access

Enhance your Eiffel Tower experience accessing the elevator and marvel at panoramic views of Paris

( 33 ) From: $136.69

Eiffel Tower Morning Tour with Summit Access

Ride the elevator to the top of the Eiffel Tower and admire the City of Light from above!

( 8 ) From: $98.04

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Eiffel Tower: Everything You Need to Know

The Eiffel Tower , one of the most visited landmarks in the world today, was once the tallest structure ever built too. At the time of its completion in 1889, its 984 feet (or 300 meters) far surpassed the height of the reigning tallest structure, the Washington Monument, which rises 554.5 feet (or 169 meters). And though the Eiffel Tower only held the title of tallest for 41 years—the Chrysler Building in New York surpassed it in 1929—its cultural influence has only grown over time.

“It’s become the symbol of Paris, and of France as well,” says Savin Yeatman-Eiffel , a great-great-great-grandson of Gustave Eiffel, the engineer behind the tower. “There were very strong critics until the beginning of the 20th century, but there was never a lot of protest from normal Parisians. They would happily climb on top of it. It gradually became more and more part of the landscape, and it became very hard to imagine Paris without the Eiffel Tower.”

The tower is visible throughout much of Paris.

Since Paris is such a low-slung city (there was a building height limit of about 115 feet, or 35 meters, in place until the 1960s), the Eiffel Tower can be spotted from almost anywhere in the French capital. Its wrought-iron lattice construction—which was actually a mathematical choice, not an aesthetic one—sticks out proudly along the skyline. “You can see it from a lot of places,” Yeatman-Eiffel adds. “It’s a love story between Parisians and the Eiffel Tower.”

Here, Yeatman-Eiffel, who is the vice president of the Association des Descendants de Gustave Eiffel , the documentarian behind Eiffel’s Race to the Top , and the curator of the Eiffel: Toujours Plus Haut exhibit, shares more about this iconic structure.

Where is the Eiffel Tower located?

The Eiffel Tower (or the Tour Eiffel in French) is located in the Champ de Mars, a big public park on the banks of the Seine River, in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. It’s not far from Musée du Quai Branly, Musée Rodin, and Musée d’Orsay. Right across the river, another large park called Jardins du Trocadéro offers more green space and a beautiful view of the structure.

What is the history of the construction of the Eiffel Tower?

The Eiffel Tower originated with a global desire to reach 1,000 feet. “There was a race for heights, a race to be the highest tower in the world that started at the beginning of the 19th century,” says Yeatman-Eiffel. “There were several projects [that aimed to be 1,000 feet] before, during, and after the Eiffel Tower that never got completed.”

The Eiffel Tower under construction in 1888

French engineers decided to enter the “race” ahead of the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris. In years past, it had been customary that each fair “had a monument, an amazing construction that was supposed to be more impressive than the previous one,” Yeatman-Eiffel says. “And 1889 was a very special date for France because it was the centenary of the French Revolution of 1789. It was also the difficult period after the German beat Napoleon III. The republic wanted to show the world that the French were back, that it was a strong country, and that is had to be recognized.”

Over 100 projects were submitted to a national competition to design that year’s monument. The decision committee ultimately chose Eiffel’s design, and hence the tower was born.

Why was the Eiffel Tower controversial?

The Eiffel Tower was originally named the 300-Meter Tower.

Eiffel and his team, including Maurice Koechlin and Émile Nouguier, who drew up the original design, set out to dazzle the world with a 300-meter tower—which is what Eiffel called it. “Gustave Eiffel never called the Eiffel Tower ‘the Eiffel Tower,’” shares Yeatman-Eiffel. “He always called it the Tour de 300 Mètres , or the 300-Meter Tower. The press nicknamed it the Eiffel Tower, which was a bit condescending because they were associating his name with the tower to make it stand out as an engineer’s project.”

While the press was patronizing, artists and intellectuals were fully oppositional. “They accused the tower of being too American, not in the French taste, because it looked too modern, too industrial,” Yeatman-Eiffel explains. They argued that the giant metal structure would clash with the classical architecture that defined the city, like Notre-Dame , the Louvre , and the Palais Garnier. “They saw it as a provocation and an abomination,” he says. “They tried very hard to stop the project.” But Eiffel prevailed and built the tower using mostly his own money, which he recouped in ticket sales by the end of the 1889 World’s Fair.

What are the architectural elements of the Eiffel Tower?

Koechlin is said to have described the original plans for the Eiffel Tower as “a great pylon consisting of four lattice girders standing apart at the base and coming together at the top, joined together by metal trusses at regular intervals.” The final product reflects this early design, which was devised to withstand wind but also includes ornamental features added by architect Stephen Sauvestre in subsequent blueprints.

“The basis for constructing the tower was not an artistic choice—it was a mathematical equation to resist the wind pressure,” says Yeatman-Eiffel. “The weight is balanced between the four sections so that it doesn’t topple over. It’s just an engineer’s dream. There were some elements that were added by an architect to make it a bit more pleasing to the eye. The arches under the first floor are purely decorative. You don’t need them to keep the tower standing. They add beauty and give a sense of stability but are totally unnecessary.”

What is the Eiffel Tower made of?

The tower is made from iron.

The Eiffel Tower is made of wrought iron, which is why its nickname is Iron Lady. Altogether, 18,038 pieces of metal were connected with 2.5 million rivets to construct the tower. The metal frame weighs 7,300 tons, but the total weight of the tower, including its elevators, shops, and antennae, is 10,100 tons. “It’s like iron lace,” describes Yeatman-Eiffel. “The tower is quite light.”

How long was the Eiffel Tower supposed to stand?

Eiffel only had a 20-year permit for the Eiffel Tower, after which the land and the structure was to be returned to the city of Paris. During this two-decade span, critics tried to ensure the Eiffel Tower would be destroyed at the end of its lease, suggesting alternate development plans for the Champ de Mars. Meanwhile, Eiffel attempted to prevent the tower’s demise.

“He knew it was a very close call, and he did his best to find ways to protect the tower because he certainly knew it was his masterpiece and he had no desire to see it be torn down,” Yeatman-Eiffel shares. “He invited a lot of scientists to come to the tower and use it as a laboratory because of its specific stature 300 meters above ground. A lot of experiments could be done with wind pressure and falling objects.”

The tower has been used to commemorate different events over the years, including the 2024 Olympics.

Ultimately, the Eiffel Tower was saved because Eiffel met Captain Gustave Ferrié, who was studying the military applications of wireless transmission. The engineer suggested that Ferrié use the tower for his tests and even financed the entire operation. “Huge antennas were attached to the top of the tower, and it was a huge success,” Yeatman-Eiffel says. “Ferrié managed to contact Tunisia in 1907 and Canada in 1910. It was a very useful strategic element for the French during World War I, so Gustave Eiffel was allowed to extend the concession and keep the tower alive.”

What is the the Eiffel Tower used for?

Eventually, the Eiffel Tower antennae, which bring its current height to 1,083 feet (330 meters), began to transmit television waves too. “Nowadays, in addition to being among the most visited monuments in the world, with almost 7 million visitors each year, the Eiffel Tower is also the main antenna for the whole of the Paris region, with 10 million people getting their TV transmission from the Eiffel Tower,” reports Yeatman-Eiffel.

What is inside the Eiffel Tower?

On the ground floor, otherwise known as the Esplanade, there is an information desk, a casual buffet-style eatery, and souvenir shops. On the inside of the Eiffel Tower’s four legs, there are staircases and elevators that lead to the tourist attractions on all three levels. The tower features 1,665 steps, but only 674 of them are open to visitors, allowing them to ascend to the second floor on foot. The third floor is only accessible by elevator.

Can you go inside the Eiffel Tower?

The view from the top of the Eiffel Tower, where there is an observation deck.

Visitors can indeed go inside the Eiffel Tower. On the first floor, there is a contemporary restaurant called Madame Brasserie , a casual buffet-style eatery, souvenir shops, a terrace, and an interactive educational exhibit. On the second floor, there is a Michelin-starred restaurant called Le Jules Verne , a casual buffet-style eatery, souvenir shops, a Pierre Hermé macaron bar, and a sweeping observation deck that offers views of the Arc de Triomphe, Les Invalides, and more.

On the third floor, otherwise known as the Top, there are two observation decks (one indoor and one outdoor), as well as a Champagne bar and the apartment Eiffel once used to perform his scientific experiments and host guests like Thomas Edison. The space has been restored to its original condition and filled with wax models so visitors can imagine what it was like in 1889. “In the background, you can see Claire, my great-great-grandmother,” Yeatman-Eiffel says.

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