Eiffel Tower

The basics

The first floor of the Eiffel Tower features exhibits, kid-friendly experiences, and the 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant. The second level of the tower is home to the Jules Verne Restaurant. The third-floor summit, accessible via a glass lift, features Gustave Eiffel's private apartments and a Champagne bar. Of course, all levels offer 360-degree views of the City of Light.

The Eiffel Tower can get incredibly crowded, with wait times exceeding 3 hours during the busy summer months. The best way to avoid long waits is to book your Eiffel Tower tickets online. Make sure to look for packages that include skip-the-line access. Some Eiffel Tower tours also include visits to other top sights in Paris, such as the Arc de Triomphe, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Moulin Rouge, Montparnasse, and the Louvre Museum. If you'd rather view the iconic structure in all its glory than head to the top, book a Seine River cruise, or a walking, biking, or Segway tour.

Things to know before you go

• Book skip-the-line tickets to avoid long wait times and ensure priority access to visit the Eiffel Tower.

• If you purchase an admission ticket for Eiffel Tower summit access, you'll head straight to the top before stopping at the lower levels on your downward journey.

• There are ATMs and souvenir shops on the ground floor.

• The tower's first two levels are wheelchair accessible, but the summit is not.

• You'll be required to undergo a security screening before entering the tower.

How to get there

Take metro line 6 to stop Bir Hakeim or RER line C to the Champ de Mars station. For better views, take metro line 6 or 9 to the Trocadero station near the Seine River.

When to get there

There's no bad time to visit the Eiffel Tower, but summer and the holiday months are especially atmospheric. Night tours are also great if you want to see the city illuminated. Consider visiting on Bastille Day (July 14), when firework displays light up the skies around the tower.

Unique Eiffel Tower experiences

The first-floor 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant is the perfect place to take in panoramic views of Paris and try some French cuisine. Travelers can also opt to go behind the scenes at the tower to see the exclusive engine room and the second level's rooftop terrace.

Ways to explore

The first floor of the Eiffel Tower features exhibits, kid-friendly experiences, and the Madame Brasserie restaurant. The second level of the tower is home to the Michelin-starred Le Jules Verne restaurant. The third-floor summit features Gustave Eiffel’s private apartments and a Champagne bar. Of course, all levels offer 360-degree views of the City of Light.

Some Eiffel Tower tours also include visits to other top sights in Paris, such as the Arc de Triomphe, Moulin Rouge, and the Louvre. If you’d rather view the iconic structure in all its glory, book a Seine River cruise, or a walking, biking, or Segway tour. Most visits last around 2 hours, but you’ll need more time if you haven’t pre-booked tickets (or if you want to enjoy a meal at one of its restaurants). The Eiffel Tower can get incredibly crowded, with wait times exceeding 3 hours during the busy summer months—the best way to avoid long waits is to book your Eiffel Tower tickets online.

Accessibility

The tower’s first two levels are wheelchair accessible, but the summit is not.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, passports or photo ID for all visitors, reusable water bottle

What to wear

Light jacket, comfortable shoes (if taking the stairs), smart-casual attire (if dining)

Not allowed

Oversized baggage, non-folding strollers, large quantities of food and drinks

Amenities

Wi-Fi, food and drink, gift shops, restrooms

Address

The Eiffel Tower is located in the 7th arrondissement of central Paris, just south of the River Seine. It is accessible by both car and public transportation, as well as river-boat services and taxis. Some guided tours include transit services.

Driving

While you could drive to the Eiffel Tower, navigating Paris’ busy streets could pose a challenge, and parking options around the tower may be limited. It’s much more convenient to take public transit or a taxi. If you do drive, parking is available at the nearby Quai Branly-Tour Eiffel lot for €4.80 per hour, with other packages available.

Public transportation

To get to the Eiffel Tower using public transportation, take Métro line 6 to Bir-Hakeim (an 8-minute walk), line 8 to École Militaire (a 14-minute walk), or the RER C commuter train to Champ de Mars Tour Eiffel (a 4-minute walk).

Best times to visit

The Eiffel Tower is open daily. Sunset is a great time to visit the monument and see why the City of Light earns its nickname. Otherwise, visit later in the evening for a calmer experience.

Best days to visit

The Eiffel Tower is generally busiest during weekends. Though visitor numbers can fluctuate, it typically has the fewest crowds on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

Best months to visit

The Eiffel Tower is busiest between the end of June and the beginning of September, as well as during school holidays. Visit at other times of year for smaller crowds.

Special events

While the Eiffel Tower is closed on Bastille Day (July 14) every year, the landmark lights off a fireworks show to celebrate—find a good place nearby to take in the view.