Thinking of climbing the Eiffel Tower? Whether you go with or without a guide, it’s an absolute must during your city trip to Paris. But how much does a ticket cost? And how many steps are there to the top? With over 7 million visitors each year, the Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city, a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll want to plan properly.
In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know for your visit: the exact address, opening hours, fun facts, and practical tips. We’ll also explain where to buy affordable entry tickets, whether you prefer to take the stairs or the elevator to the summit.
To avoid long queues, it’s best to book your skip-the-line tickets in advance. You can reserve online through the official website (without a guide) or choose a guided tour. While guided tickets are slightly more expensive, they offer a richer experience with fascinating stories and insights about the tower’s history and architecture.
• TIP: have lunch or dinner on the 1st floor of the Eiffel Tower at Madame Brasserie. A unique experience!
• Fun to do: Tickets Cruise on the Seine by Bateaux Mouches (1h) →
• Nice combo: Tickets Louvre Museum + Eiffel Tower 2nd Floor or Summit →
1. Buy (cheap) tickets online for a visit to the Eiffel Tower
How much do tickets cost for the Eiffel Tower? And what is the price for a ticket to climb the Eiffel Tower with or without a guide? It is best to buy an entrance ticket in advance. This can be done on the official site or you can opt for a visit with a guided tour and explanation by a guide, which is of course very nice! The tickets on the official website of the Eiffel Tower unfortunately also sell out quickly. You can choose to book skip the line tickets only via the stairs (cheapest tickets), via the elevator or a combination of stairs and elevator.
So keep in mind that the skip the line tickets for visiting the Eiffel Tower are limited (sometimes sold out months in advance during busy periods). But don’t worry right away, there are always individual tickets available on site. Worth trying because about 20% of all tickets are only sold at the box office.
• TIP: book cheap tickets for the Eiffel Tower? Choose to climb the stairs. From the second floor you can then take the elevator to the top if desired.
2. How much does a ticket to the top of the Eiffel Tower cost with or without a guide
• The official prices for a visit to the Eiffel Tower without a guide:
– A ticket to the summit with elevator access costs €36.70 for adults, €18.40 for ages 12-24, and €9.20 for children ages 4-11 and people with disabilities.
– A ticket to the summit with stairs to the second floor and elevator access costs €28 for adults, €14 for ages 12-24, and €7 for children ages 4-11 and people with disabilities.
– A ticket for the second floor with elevator access costs €23.50 for adults, €11.80 for ages 12-24, and €6 for children ages 4-11 and people with disabilities.
– A ticket for the second floor with stairs only costs €14.80 for adults, €7.40 for ages 12-24, and €3.80 for children ages 4-11 and people with disabilities. – Admission to all levels is free for children under 4 accompanied by their parents or guardians. They must have a free ticket.
3. Climbing the Eiffel Tower to the top and what is the height
The Eiffel Tower in Paris consists of 3 floors, the highest floor is 276 meters high. The first and second floors are accessible by stairs and elevator. Only an elevator goes to the 3rd floor. What is the height of the Eiffel Tower? In total, the Eiffel Tower is 330 meters high, if you include the antenna on top.
There are often gigantic queues at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, but patience is rewarded. The magical view of Paris on the summit is truly breathtaking. Touristy or not, no visit to Paris would be complete without feasting your eyes on the world’s most recognized structure. Nice to know: many Parisians were initially not so charmed by the Eiffel Tower. Now the unmistakable symbol of the French capital. Visiting and climbing the Eiffel Tower is more than worth it.
• How tall is the Eiffel Tower? The tower is 330 meters tall, including the antenna at the top.
4. Opening hours of the Eiffel Tower
What are the opening hours of the Eiffel Tower? And until what time is the Eiffel Tower open? The Eiffel Tower in Paris is open every day of the year, but opening times vary according to the season. Check the official website for any changes.
• The opening hours of the Eiffel Tower in Paris:
– In high season, the Eiffel Tower is open every day from 9am to midnight
– In low season, the Eiffel Tower is open every day from 9.30am to 11pm
5. History thanks to Gustave Eiffel
The Eiffel Tower was built as a temporary structure for the 1889 World’s Fair, marking the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. The idea came from two engineers, Maurice Koechlin and Émile Nouguier, who worked for the company of the famous architect Stephen Sauvestre. They wanted to create a monument that was both technically advanced and visually stunning. Gustave Eiffel, a renowned engineer known for his work on several bridges, was attracted to the project and took charge of its construction.
Construction of the Eiffel Tower began on January 28, 1887 and was completed on March 15, 1889. It was an engineering feat of its time, using over 18,000 pieces of wrought iron and more than 2.5 million rivets. Standing 1,000 feet (330 meters) tall, the tower was the world’s tallest structure when completed and held that title until the completion of New York’s Chrysler Building in 1930. Throughout its long history, the Eiffel Tower has undergone several renovations and alterations to maintain its structural integrity. and meet modern safety standards.
6. Practical tips for a carefree visit
A few tips to make your visit to the Eiffel Tower go smoothly. The Eiffel Tower is open every day of the year. Do not plan your visit to the Eiffel Tower in Paris around opening hours. There is often already a long queue. At the beginning of the evening it is relatively quiet at the Eiffel Tower and then you can also enjoy a beautiful sunset in good weather.
Most visitors choose to climb the Eiffel Tower by elevator, but the stairs are also definitely worth it. You enjoy the view more, there are fewer people than with the elevator and you also pay less for your entrance ticket.
• TIP: you can take the elevator back down without having to pay an extra price if desired.
7. Fun facts about the Eiffel Tower
• Gustave Eiffel built a personal office at the very top of the Eiffel Tower. It has been completely restored and you can visit it on the top floor of the tower.
• It is the most visited paid monument in the world. About 7 million people visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris every year.
• The tower must be repainted by hand every 7 years to prevent rust and pollution damage. This requires about 60 tons of paint.
• It consists of more than 18,000 metal parts containing no less than 7,300 tons of iron. It is held together by 2,500,000 rivets.
• It takes 20,000 light bulbs to light the Eiffel Tower. Originally the tower was lit by gas lamps, but electric lamps were installed in 1958.
• Make sure you don’t miss the sparkle of the Eiffel Tower at night. You can admire the lighting every hour after nightfall until 1am. The tower will then sparkle for a few minutes.
• Did you know that the Eiffel Tower also has two restaurants where you can enjoy culinary delights with a beautiful view? On the first floor you have restaurant Madame and on the 2nd floor the famous Jules Verne.
Visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris should definitely be on your bucket list. Climbing the Eiffel Tower to the summit with or without a guide remains a magical experience. Time to book your cheap skip the line tickets for the Eiffel Tower online! Fun to do? A cruise or boat trip on the Seine with a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower.
FAQ about visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris
1. What’s the best time to visit the Eiffel Tower?
Early morning or late in the evening are the best times to avoid the crowds. If you want that magical sparkle, come at night, the tower twinkles every hour after sunset!
2. Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Yes, especially during high season. You can buy tickets online to skip the lines, highly recommended if you want to go to the top.
3. Can I take the stairs to the top?
You can take the stairs up to the second floor, but the summit is only accessible by elevator. It’s 674 steps, great exercise with great views!
4. How long does a visit take?
Plan for 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on whether you’re climbing or taking the elevator, and how long you linger at each level.
5. What’s the best spot for photos of the Eiffel Tower?
Try Trocadéro for the classic wide-angle view, Champ de Mars for a picnic shot, or Rue de l’Université for that romantic Instagram moment.
6. Are there restaurants or cafés inside the Eiffel Tower?
Yes! There’s Madame Brasserie on the first floor and Le Jules Verne, a Michelin-starred restaurant, on the second. There are also champagne bars for a toast with a view.
7. How much does it cost to visit?
As of 2025, ticket prices range from about €14 to €36, depending on whether you choose the elevator, stairs, or summit. Discounts are available for kids and EU residents under 26.
8. Is the Eiffel Tower accessible for people with reduced mobility?
Yes, elevators are available to take visitors with limited mobility to the second floor. The summit is not fully accessible, though.
9. Can I bring luggage or big bags?
No, large bags and suitcases are not allowed. Small backpacks are fine, but expect security checks at the entrance.
10. Is there anything fun to do nearby?
Absolutely, take a boat cruise on the Seine, visit the Musée du Quai Branly, or enjoy a riverside picnic with the tower as your backdrop.
Bonus tip: don’t rush! Enjoy the views from every level, the second floor is especially stunning at sunset. And yes, the Eiffel Tower really is that impressive in person.
