The Eiffel Tower is the icon of Paris and one of the most recognizable structures on earth — a 330-meter lattice of iron built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World's Fair. Visitors ascend by lift (or, for the energetic, stairs to the second floor) through three levels: the first, with a glass floor and exhibits; the second, with the best wide city views; and the summit, for the highest panorama over Paris. With restaurants, a champagne bar at the top, and the tower's hourly sparkle after dark, it's the definitive Paris experience — and one to book well ahead.
Built by Gustave Eiffel's company for the 1889 Exposition Universelle and initially intended as a temporary structure, the Eiffel Tower endured to become the enduring symbol of Paris and France. Standing about 330 meters tall (with antennas), it was the tallest man-made structure in the world for decades and remains the city's defining landmark, visible across the skyline and glittering with lights after dark.
A visit takes you up through three levels. The first floor features a glass-floor section (a thrilling look straight down), exhibits, and dining. The second floor offers the best balance of height and detail in the city views. The summit, reached by a separate lift, gives the highest panorama over Paris, with a champagne bar and a recreation of Gustave Eiffel's office. You can buy tickets for the summit or stop at the second floor; the stairs (to the second floor) are a cheaper, less-crowded option for the able.
It's busy year-round, so booking timed tickets in advance is essential to avoid long queues — and choose your level when you book. Sunset and the blue hour are magical, and on the hour after dark the tower sparkles for a few minutes, a sight best enjoyed from the Trocadéro across the river or the Champ de Mars below. The tower sits in the 7th arrondissement; the lawns of the Champ de Mars are a classic picnic spot beneath it.
What to expect
The experience
Timed-entry ticket. Lifts (or stairs to the second floor) up through three levels; summit access is a separate ticket tier. Self-paced, with restaurants and a top-floor champagne bar.
Best time
Sunset and the blue hour are spectacular; first thing in the morning is least crowded. After dark, the tower sparkles for a few minutes on the hour.
How long
2-3 hours including the queue and the ascent.
Tips
Book timed tickets well in advance — walk-up queues are long. Decide between second-floor and summit tickets when booking. For the able, stairs to the second floor are cheaper and less crowded. For the classic photo, view it from the Trocadéro across the river. Security lines apply; arrive a little early.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Every first-time visitor — it's the essential Paris experience.
- Families
- Kids love the lifts and the glass floor; the summit can be windy and crowded, so the second floor may suit younger ones better.
- Couples
- Sunset at the summit or champagne at the top is a quintessential romantic Paris moment.
- Pair with
- The Champ de Mars and Trocadéro gardens below, the Seine river cruise, and the 7th's museums (Rodin, Orsay) are all close.
- Time needed
- 2-3 hours.
Good questions
Do I need to book the Eiffel Tower in advance?+
Yes — booking timed tickets ahead is strongly recommended, as walk-up queues can be very long. Choose your level (second floor or summit) when you book.
How high can I go?+
Three levels: the first floor (glass floor, exhibits, dining), the second floor (best wide city views), and the summit (highest panorama, champagne bar). Summit access is a separate, higher ticket tier.
Can I take the stairs?+
Yes — stairs go up to the second floor, a cheaper and usually less-crowded option for those able to climb. The summit is reachable only by lift.
When does it sparkle?+
After dark, the tower's lights sparkle for about five minutes at the start of each hour — a magical sight, best seen from the Trocadéro across the river or the Champ de Mars below.
What's the best time to visit?+
Sunset and the blue hour are most beautiful; early morning is least crowded. Booking a timed slot for either helps you avoid the worst lines.
