The Eiffel Tower needs little introduction, but visiting it well takes some planning. Tickets for the lifts sell out at busy times, security queues can be long, and the experience changes a lot depending on whether you go up by stairs or lift, by day or after dark. This guide covers the metro route, tickets, timing and what you will find on each level.
About the Eiffel Tower
The tower was built between 1887 and 1889 by the company of the engineer Gustave Eiffel as the entrance arch to the 1889 World's Fair, held for the centenary of the French Revolution. It was meant to stand for only twenty years and drew strong criticism from artists of the day. Its use for radio transmission helped save it, and it became the symbol of Paris. At around 330 metres including its antennas, it was the tallest structure in the world until the early 1930s.
The tower is repainted by hand roughly every seven years, and its wrought-iron structure is held together by millions of rivets.
Getting to the Eiffel Tower by metro
The closest metro station is Bir-Hakeim on Line 6. From the station, walk along Quai Branly beside the Seine, and you will reach the base of the tower in about ten minutes. Line 6 runs above ground here, and the stretch between Passy and Bir-Hakeim crosses the Seine on a viaduct with a direct view of the tower, so it is worth sitting on the right side of the train.
Other useful options:
- Trocadéro (Lines 6 and 9), across the river, for the classic view from the Palais de Chaillot terrace before walking over the Pont d'Iéna to the tower.
- Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel on the RER C, a few minutes from the tower.
- École Militaire (Line 8), at the far end of the Champ de Mars, for a walk up the park toward the tower.
Find more spots near these stations in our Paris metro guide.
Eiffel Tower tickets: lift, stairs and summit
Buy tickets on the official website (toureiffel.paris). Tickets are sold for timed slots, and lift tickets for popular times often sell out weeks ahead in high season. The main choices are:
- Lift to the second floor, or lift to the summit, which includes a change of lifts on the second floor.
- Stairs to the second floor, usually cheaper and often easier to get at short notice. There are several hundred steps, and you can continue to the summit by lift with the right ticket.
The summit can close temporarily in strong wind or when it is too crowded. Prices, hours and seasonal changes are set by the operator, so check the official site for current prices and hours. Avoid unofficial sellers around the tower.
Everyone passes a security check to enter the area around the tower's base, so arrive with time to spare before your slot and keep bags small.
Best time to visit the Eiffel Tower
The first slots of the morning are usually the least crowded. Late evening is also calmer and gives you the city lights. Sunset is beautiful but in high demand. Clear days give the longest views, while low cloud can hide the summit view completely, so keep an eye on the forecast if your plans are flexible.
After dark, the tower is lit every evening, and for a few minutes on the hour it sparkles with thousands of flashing lights. The best places to watch are Trocadéro, the Champ de Mars and the river.
Plan on two to three hours for a visit to the summit, including security and lift queues. A visit to the second floor only can take less.
What to see on each level
First floor
The first floor has a section of glass floor where you can look straight down, as well as exhibits on the tower's history and construction. It is the widest level and usually the least crowded.
Second floor
Many visitors consider this the best viewing level, high enough for a wide panorama but close enough to pick out landmarks such as Notre-Dame, the Arc de Triomphe and Montmartre. The restaurant Le Jules Verne is on this level.
Summit
The top platform gives the highest view in Paris. Here you can see a reconstruction of Gustave Eiffel's office, with wax figures of Eiffel and his visitor Thomas Edison.
Nearby on the same metro stop
- The Champ de Mars, the long park stretching from the tower to the École Militaire, good for a picnic.
- The Musée du quai Branly–Jacques Chirac, a few minutes along the river, with art from Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas.
- Seine river cruises, which leave from the quays near the tower.
- The Pont de Bir-Hakeim and the Île aux Cygnes, a narrow island walk that leads to a small replica of the Statue of Liberty.
- Rue Cler, a market street with cafés and food shops, a short walk east.
For cafés, restaurants and other sights within walking distance, see the Eiffel Tower page on Around the Metro.