Every year, millions of travelers flock to the iconic Eiffel Tower, making it one of the most visited monuments worldwide. Its magnetic charm means that it’s perpetually buzzing with activity. Consequently, planning your visit can be a daunting task. Knowing your way around tickets, deciding whether to opt for the stairs or the lift, can significantly enhance your experience. Here are some of the tips to ensure your visit is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Top Recommended Eiffel Tower Tickets & Tours
12 Eiffel Tower Tips No One Has Told You!
#1. It's worth visiting the Eiffel tower at night!
Paris is often called the city of lights. Have you ever wondered why is that? Though there are many theories as to why Paris is called the city of lights, one theory suggests that it is because of the way the city looks at night. This view is especially magical from the Eiffel tower. By nightfall, the city is draped in warm lights, and the monuments look magical and different from what they looked like in the morning.
This is a perfect opportunity to take your loved one to experience Paris, and the symbol of its people - the Eiffel tower at night. The Eiffel Tower lights are fitted with 20,000 light bulbs. These lights come up every hour after sunset. Just make sure to secure a spot along the Seine or the Trocadero gardens for your beautiful art show. At 1 am the light installation goes on for an extra few minutes.
The ticketed entry to the Eiffel tower is only permitted till 10.45 PM. But you can book tickets to club your Eiffel at night experience with a ride down river Seine, or a romantic dinner at the coveted 58 Tour Eiffel.
#2. Schedule your visit for early in the morning
You can beat the crowds and get unfettered access to the beauty of the Eiffel tower by visiting in the early morning. It opens at 9:30 am. Make sure you book your tickets online. This will allow you to skip the general crowd line.
#3. Make a reservation at one of the restaurants at the Eiffel Tower
The French are known for their excellent cuisine and world-class dining experience. If you want to get the full Eiffel tower experience, make sure to get a reservation at one of the three restaurants located in the Eiffel tower. Delight your tastebuds with the culinary delights concocted by Michelin-star chef Thierry Marx. You can also have a one MICHELIN star experience in the Jules Verne. The restaurants offer some of the best views over Paris ever! If you are looking for a quick bite to eat, check out The Buffets located in the first and the second floors.
#4. Checkout the official souvenirs shops located on every floor
If you want to bring a piece of your Eiffel tower trip back home, then go to one of the three souvenir shops located in the Eiffel Tower. There is a wide range of Eiffel tower related souvenirs and knick-knacks. There is something for everyone! There are stationeries, champagnes, sparkling wines, and of course Eiffel tower replicas.
#5. Visit during the off-season for a smaller crowd
If you visit during the European winter, you might get a lesser crowd. Although it might get biting cold, the months from October to March are equally lively especially during the Crhistmas.
#6. Make sure you check the weather before your visit.
One of the main draws of the Eiffel tower is its observation decks. If you feel strongly about being able to see the beautiful views of Paris from the observation decks, then your weather app is going to be your best friend. Make sure to schedule your trip when the weather is going to be sunny and clear. You can get the best views from the observation deck from early July to late August.
#7. Keep an eye out for your belongings
Like all the popular tourist destinations, there are bound to be a few thieves and pickpockets. Paris is no different. Eiffel tower doesn't have locker facilities, so make sure to keep your luggages back at your hotel. It’s always smart to be extra vigilant about your bags and goods.
#8. Opt for a stairs walking tour
There are elevators you can take to reach the first and second floors of the Eiffel tower. However, there is the South pillar staircase that you can take. If you have booked tickets to the Eiffel towers’ first and second floors, you will also get a multilingual tour guide. Your specialist tour guide will be able to tell you fun stories and tidbits about the Eiffel tower and the places around it.
#9. Club your experience with everything that's around the Eiffel
If you book your tour tickets, you can also book extra activities along with your Eiffel tower tour. Schedule a beautiful boat ride along the seine river. Or you can also book combo tours and knock several attractions out of the park with one ticket!
#10. Don’t forget the secret apartment that Gustave hid in the summit
There is only one way to reach the summit of the Eiffel tower- through the second-floor elevators. The summit of the Eiffel tower is popular for observatory access, but don't forget to check out the secret apartment that the architect of this structure hid in the tower- this secret apartment houses the workstation of Gustave Eiffel. You can also view the early works of Gustave and the earlier renditions of the Eiffel tower.
#11. Opt for a guided tour of the Eiffel tower and its other attractions.
Here is one of the most valuable Eiffel tower tips we can offer - Opt for an Eiffel tower guided tour for yourself. This allows you several advantages,
- You can combine several admissions to several attractions.
- The guided tour will also allow you access to an expert guide. Your guide can give you valuable facts and stories about the Eiffel tower!
- The guided tour ticket will also allow you to skip the lines in the admissions line. The tickets will also allow you to schedule your time. This is useful if you are working within a tight schedule!
Best time to visit Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel tower is great for visiting throughout the year. You can visit early in the morning to beat the crowds, or you can also visit after sunset to see the beautiful city of Paris light up in the darkness.
Even though the light installations begin soon after sunset, it goes on till 1 am! So really, you can catch the show anytime you want! Just remember that the attraction remains open only till 11 pm.
