CityBuddy
Eiffel Tower
Best time to visit
Early morning on weekdays offers the shortest lines and softer light for photos; arrive before opening if you plan to climb the stairs. Sunset gives dramatic colors and lets you watch the tower sparkle after dark.
Budget tips
Timed tickets are sold on the official site, book in advance to avoid long queues; elevator tickets to the summit cost significantly more than stairs-only tickets to the second floor, and the Paris Museum Pass does not cover the tower. No regular free-entry days are offered, so plan for paid tickets.
Recommended for
Photography enthusiasts, Couples, First-time visitors, Families with older children
Plan your visit
1-2 hours
About
Quick facts: Visitors often marvel at its intricate iron lattice that seems to dance against the sky, creating mesmerizing shadows during sunset. Surprisingly, the structure expands and contracts with temperature changes, causing it to grow by up to 6 inches in the heat.
Highlights: The tower twinkles every hour on the hour after sunset, with exactly 20,000 light bulbs creating a sparkling spectacle that lasts for five minutes. Gustave Eiffel, the engineer behind the design, installed a secret apartment near the top where he hosted famous guests like Thomas Edison and even held private dinner parties with incredible views of the city.
Insider tips
- Book a timed ticket online and arrive 15-30 minutes before your slot to pass security with minimal delay.
- For the classic photo, shoot from the Trocadéro steps in the morning, or from the Champ de Mars at sunset for golden light.
- Choose the stairs to the second floor to save money and often time, but wear comfortable shoes and be ready for many steps.
- Expect security checks and restricted bag sizes, so carry a small backpack and leave large liquids at your hotel.
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