The Eiffel Tower is not just a symbol of Paris, but a symbol of the whole of France. Erected by Gustave Eiffel to commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution in 1889, the 1,050-foot (320-meter) tower was once considered the tallest structure in the world. Despite being dwarfed by Dubai’s Burj Khalifa and London’s The Shard, the Eiffel Tower remains one of the most recognizable landmarks on the planet. See the architectural icon from afar or stop at the three observation levels for stellar views of the city.
- 5 Avenue Anatole, Paris
How to Visit Paris Eiffel Tower in 2023 Tourist Guide
The first floor of the Eiffel Tower offers exhibitions, experiences for children, and the 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant; the second deck includes the Jules Verne Restaurant; and the third-floor summit, accessible via a glass elevator, features Gustave Eiffel’s private apartments and a Champagne bar. Of course, all levels offer impressive 360-degree views of the City of Lights.
While it’s a testament to the structure’s global popularity, crowds can be quite large, meaning priority-access tours are highly recommended — in high season, long queues mean waits can often exceed three hours. Save precious sightseeing time by booking a skip-the-line ticket to the Eiffel Tower with or without a tour guide; this experience can be combined with a Paris city tour that covers the main sights such as the Arc de Triumphed, Notre Dame Cathedral, Moulin Rouge, Montparnasse, and the Louvre Museum. If you’d rather see the iconic structure in all its glory than go to the top, book a Seine River cruise or a hike, bike, or Segway tour.
- Things to know before you go
- Plan your visit and book skip-the-line tickets to avoid long wait times.
- If you buy an Eiffel Tower summit access ticket, you’ll head straight to the top before stopping at the lower levels on your journey down.
- There are ATMs and souvenir shops on the ground floor.
- The first two levels of the tower are wheelchair accessible, but the summit is not.
- You will be required to pass a security screening before entering the tower.
How to get to the Eiffel Tower
Take metro line 6 to Bir Hakeim stop or RER line C to Champ de Mars station. For the best views, take metro line 6 or 9 to the Trocadero stop opposite the River Seine.
when you get there
There’s no bad time to visit the Eiffel Tower, but the summer and holiday months are especially atmospheric, and evening tours offer luminescent panoramic views. For a unique experience, time your visit on Bastille Day and see the tower lit up by fireworks.
Exclusive Eiffel Tower Experiences
The 58 Tour Eiffel Restaurant on the first floor is the perfect place to see the Paris skyline and experience French cuisine. Travelers can also choose to go behind the scenes of the tower to see the unique engine room and second-level roof terrace.
