One of the most-visited attractions in Paris, the Eiffel Tower welcomes almost seven million visitors annually and is the most visited paid-monument in the world. Opened 129 years ago, it stands 324 meters tall and weighs 10,100 tons. Construction took two years, two months, and five days and it was once France's tallest structure until the construction of a military transmitter in the town of Saissac. Gustave Eiffel, was the engineer behind the structure, hence the name. Since its opening, more than 250 million people has visited the tower.
Eiffel Tower is repainted every seven years, and the venture requires 60 tons of paint. It is possible to climb to the top of the tower, but this is a mean feat because the tower has 1,665 steps. Most people take the lift to the top. The lifts travel a combined distance of 103,000 kilometers annually, two and a half times the circumference of the Earth.
The below table includes a brief description of various handpicked Eiffel Tower tickets & skip the line guided tours of the Eiffel Tower. They're based on users reviews, cost, customer experience as well as all the best ways to see the famous Eiffel Tower sight.
We've compared prices from a variety of skip the line Eiffel Tower guided tours & tickets, websites and have handpicked the most affordable Eiffel Tower combination tickets, but utterly enjoyable Eiffel Tower 1st floor, 2nd floor, summit level Tours & tickets below:
Eiffel Tower is impressive, to say the least. It is one of the most recognizable monuments in the world and continues to fascinate people, every single day. You may have seen the Eiffel Tower many times in pictures, movies, and postcards but nothing quite beats standing in front of it. the tower has three levels, the ground floor, the second floor, and the summit.
Regardless if you decide to just stay on the ground floor or ascend the second floor and the summit, the Eiffel Tower is an unforgettable experience. However, do keep in mind that going to the summit affords you a stunning vista of the city of love.
If you show up without pre-booked tickets, you will be likely to waste time in the initial entry line. During summer, the waiting time can take as long as two hours. Weekends and holiday can be much worse. It is advised to book a reservation online, well ahead of time.
Plan to arrive close to sundown to see the amazing view then stay until it gets dark, so you can see the lights. There is a five-minute display featuring thousands of sparkling lights lassoing the tower. The tower is impressive by day, but it is something to behold at night.
The tower has three levels with observation platforms and they are connected by stairs and elevators. However, there is no single elevators going straight to the top. To get there, you have to first ride an elevator to the second level and once you are on the second level, you have to line up again for the next elevator that will take you to the top.
As with any metropolis, Paris also has its share of predatory pickpockets. There are street thieves who will readily plunder tourists of their valuables. Wear a money belt or something that will keep your cards and cash tucked away under your clothes. Be mindful where you keep your phone too.
It is best to arrive during meal times to avoid long lines and the crowd. Lines tend to be especially shorter during lunchtime. Furthermore, visiting during winter or on a foggy day will help you avoid tedious queues and give you the best views. Arrive a little before sunset and you will have the best of both worlds, Paris by day and Paris at night!
Eiffel Tower is open every single day of the year with the exception of particular holidays that either extend or reduce the admission times. The regular operation hours from early July until late August are 9:00 am to 12:45 am, through the last elevator ride to the top which departs at 11:00 pm.
The tower is open for the remainder of the year from 9:30 am until 11:45 pm, with the last elevator ride departing at 10:30 pm. Stair access times are similar to those of the elevators during peak season, but it is drastically cut back to 9:30 am to 6:30 pm for the rest of the year.
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The Eiffel Tower has three levels: the first floor, the second floor, and the summit or the top. Before you spend money on your ticket, it is important to know whether you want to go to the top or only on the second floor. Of course, going to the top means paying more. There are unique amenities on each floor
The Square or the ground floor is where your Eiffel Tower journey starts. This imposing square base measures 125 meters on all sides. There are souvenir shops where you can buy gifts for friends and family and if you want to fill your tummy before heading to the summit, there are food stalls where you can grab a quick bite. The elevators and the stairs are located at the pillars. Each of the tower's legs hosts different entrances, one for elevators, one for stairs and one for those who have already reserved their tickets.
The first level of the tower is 57 meters above the ground. Depending on your ticket, you can use the elevators or the stairs to get to the 1st floor. Just remember that you have to take 328 steps to reach the first level. If you have an elevator ticket and it stops on the first floor, it is best not to get off and just see the place on your way down. Elevator lines can be notoriously long, and you will have to wait a long time to get on the elevator. Save you time and energy and get to know the tower from top to bottom.
One of the highlights of this floor level is the transparent floor, which offers an amazing experience to every visitor. The Eiffel Tower restaurants are on this level and if you are traveling with tiny tots, remember to participate in the "Follow Gus" activity. This fun and educational tour is perfect for children aged 6 to 10.
Located 115 meters above the ground, the 2nd floor is home to the city's most recognizable observation deck. Stand on the platform and get stunning views of the Louvre, Seine River, Montmarte, Notre Dame, the Grand Palace, Champs Elysees, and many more. There are no stairs from the first level to the summit, so be on the lookout for the elevator with the shortest line, but then again work your way up from top to bottom.
The 2nd floor is also where you can find the Michelin-star restaurant, Le Jules Verne, run by a talented chef, Alain Ducasse, who has earned an amazing 18 Michelin stars. If you have the money to spend, you can tickle your taste buds with their 5 or 6-course meal offerings. If you plan on dining elsewhere, you can always get a few treats at the snack bar, instead.
The summit is 276 meters from the ground. The ascent to the top is nothing short of exhilarating with the glass-walled elevator. Standing atop the tower and looking over the City of Lights is just remarkable. A construction of Gustave Eiffel's office is on the summit and it is complete with wax characters. There is a champagne bar on top where people can enjoy alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
There is a ticket booth on the second floor where guests can purchase last-minute tickets to the summit, in case they change their minds about not going to the top.