Eiffel Tower Paris – Best Views, How to Get There & Practical Tips (2026)

Eiffel Tower Paris – Complete Visitor Guide (2026)

The Eiffel Tower is the symbol of Paris — instantly recognisable, endlessly photographed, and on just about every visitor’s list.
But visiting it isn’t quite as simple as turning up. Queues can be long, tickets sell out, and timing makes all the difference between a memorable experience and a frustrating one.
This guide brings together everything you actually need to know — from tickets and timing to whether going to the top is really worth it.

Eiffel Tower at a glance

Location: Champ de Mars, 7th arrondissement
Height: 330 metres
Levels: 3 (1st floor, 2nd floor, summit)
Built: 1889 World’s Fair
Visitors: around 7 million per year

It remains the most visited paid monument in the world — so a little planning goes a long way.

TICKETS & PRICING

There isn’t just one way to visit the Eiffel Tower. Choosing the right ticket can make a big difference to both your experience and how long you spend queuing.
Lift to the 2nd Floor: The most popular option. It gives you excellent views without the higher cost and longer wait for the summit.
Lift to the Summit: Takes you to the very top. It’s the highest viewpoint in Paris, but also the busiest and most time-consuming.
Stairs to the 2nd Floor: A good alternative if you’re comfortable with the climb. It’s cheaper and often quicker, and gives a more immersive feel of the structure itself.
Stairs + Lift to Summit: A combination option for those who want both the climb and the top.
Worth knowing: Many visitors find the second floor offers the best overall experience — high enough for sweeping views, but still close enough to see the detail of the city.
You can check out the current prices here on the official site.

HOW TO SKIP THE LINES

This is where most visits succeed or fail.

Book tickets online in advance whenever possible
Choose early morning or late evening time slots
Avoid weekends if you can
Consider stairs tickets to reduce waiting time

Turning up without a ticket in peak season can mean waiting well over an hour, sometimes longer.

BEST TIME TO VISIT THE EIFFEL TOWER

Timing has a big impact on your experience.

Early morning: quieter, more relaxed
Late evening: best atmosphere and lighting

After dark, the tower sparkles for five minutes at the start of every hour — a simple detail, but one that leaves a lasting impression.

HOW TO GET THERE

Several metro stations serve the area, each offering a slightly different approach.

Bir-Hakeim (Line 6)
Trocadéro (Lines 6 & 9)
École Militaire (Line 8)

Arriving via Trocadéro is often the most striking introduction, with the tower appearing gradually as you walk towards the river.

Nearest metro stations to Eiffel Tower are:

Bir-Hakeim
10 mins walk

Trocadéro
15 mins walk

École Militaire
14 mins walk

wHAT TO EXPECT (LEVELS EXPLAINED)

1st Floor : Often overlooked, but worth a stop. There are exhibits and even sections with glass flooring.
2nd Floor: For many visitors, this is the highlight — wide panoramic views and a good sense of the city’s layout.
Summit: The highest point, reached by lift. It’s memorable, but can feel more crowded and a little removed from the detail below.

IS IT WORTH GOING UP?

For a first visit to Paris, going up the Eiffel Tower is hard to resist — and for many, it’s a highlight.
That said, it’s not essential for everyone.

Click here for hotels near the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is the most iconic landmark in Paris and for good reason. Whether you want the classic photo, a relaxed walk along the Seine, or just a great view without fighting the biggest crowds, here’s everything you need to know based on real experience in the city.

Avenue Gustave-Eiffel
75007 PARIS
Located in 7th arrondissement
"My flicker consists of 20,000 bulbs (5,000 per side). It makes me shine for 5 minutes at the start of each hour after dark, until 1 a.m."

The Eiffel Tower is open every single day of the year !
From 9 a.m. to midnight from 15 June to the 1st of September,
From 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. during the rest of the year,
At Easter weekend and during the Spring holidays : extended opening hours to midnight.

Your choice of access will depend on where you have chosen to stay and your plans on the day. We would recommend using line 6 or 9 to 'Trocadero' where you can get the perfect backdrop for your holiday memories at Place du Trocadéro with its breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower before. jumping back on the metro to 'Bir-Hakeim' station.

You can easily walk from here (15mins) but then you would miss the great view of the tower and the river Seine as you cross on the Bir-Hakeim bridge.

We would even recommend jumping off at the station in between Trocadéro and Bir-Hakeim, Passy, to get a view of what looks like the train coming out of the nearby apartment blocks! Don't worry, you will not have long to wait until the next train comes along.

You still have around a 10 minute walk from Bir-Hakeim on Quai Branly along the bank of the river but it is well worth it.

The Eiffel Tower, what's all the fuss about?
Good article here.

Below is some of our 'takes on the tower' - you can see more on our blog here...

Other places to visit near the Eiffel Tower:

Champ de Mars: This large public park stretches out from the Eiffel Tower, offering a pleasant green space for picnics, leisurely walks, and relaxation. It provides a great view of the tower and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Trocadéro Gardens: Located across the Seine River from the Eiffel Tower, the Trocadéro Gardens offer one of the best panoramic views of the tower. It's a popular spot for taking photos and enjoying the scenic beauty of the area.
Musée du Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac: This museum, dedicated to indigenous art and cultures, is situated near the Eiffel Tower. It features a diverse collection of artifacts from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas.
Seine River Cruises: Several boat companies operate Seine River cruises departing from near the Eiffel Tower. These cruises provide a unique perspective of Paris and its landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, illuminated at night.
Eiffel Tower Neighborhood: The area surrounding the Eiffel Tower is filled with charming streets, cafés, and shops. Stroll through the nearby neighborhoods like Rue Cler, known for its market and artisanal shops, to experience local life.
École Militaire: This military complex and school are located near the Eiffel Tower. The impressive École Militaire building adds to the architectural charm of the area.
Invalides: A short walk from the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides is a complex of museums and monuments related to military history. It houses the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte, the Army Museum, and several other exhibits.
Musée Rodin: Housed in the beautiful Hôtel Biron, the Musée Rodin showcases the works of the renowned sculptor Auguste Rodin. The museum's garden is a serene oasis with several sculptures, including Rodin's famous "The Thinker."
Cruise on the Seine: Enjoy a scenic boat cruise along the Seine River, offering breathtaking views of iconic Parisian landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower.
Palais de Tokyo: This contemporary art museum is located on the banks of the Seine and is known for its cutting-edge exhibitions. It's a short distance from the Eiffel Tower and offers a different artistic experience.

Whether you choose to explore the surrounding parks, museums, or take a leisurely stroll along the Seine, the area near the Eiffel Tower provides a rich tapestry of experiences for visitors to enjoy.