The Ultimate Guide to an Eiffel Tower Guided Tour (2025 Update)

More Than a Tower, It's a Dream

For over 130 years, it has been the star of a million postcards, the backdrop to countless romantic moments, and the undisputed symbol of Paris. But the Eiffel Tower is more than just a beautiful silhouette. It's a marvel of engineering that was once hated by the city, a cinematic icon, and a bucket-list dream for travelers around the world.

But what is it really like to visit? How do you navigate the tickets, the queues, and the crowds to have the perfect experience?

This is your definitive guide to doing just that. We'll go beyond the postcards to uncover the history, the hidden secrets, and the practical tips that will transform your visit from a simple sightseeing stop into an unforgettable memory.

The Essential Guide to Eiffel Tower Tickets & Hours (2025)

Navigating the ticketing process for the Eiffel Tower can be the most stressful part of planning a visit. Tickets sell out far in advance, and understanding the options is key. This section will break down everything you need to know to secure your spot.

Do you need to buy Eiffel Tower tickets in advance?

Yes, absolutely. This is the single most important piece of advice. Tickets for the elevators, especially those going to the summit, often sell out weeks or even months in advance on the official website. Arriving on the day and hoping to buy a ticket for the lift is nearly impossible, especially during peak season. Planning ahead is essential.

What are the different ticket options?

You generally have three main choices for your ascent:

1. Stairs to the 2nd Floor: The most athletic option, offering a unique perspective from inside the tower's iron lattice.

2. Elevator to the 2nd Floor: The most common option, taking you directly to the main viewing platform.

3. Elevator to the Summit: This includes the elevator ride to the 2nd floor, plus a second, separate elevator from the 2nd floor to the very top.

What are the Eiffel Tower's opening hours?

The Eiffel Tower is typically open every day of the year, usually from around 9:00 AM until past 11:00 PM. However, these hours can change depending on the season (summer hours are often longer than winter hours) and special events. It is crucial to always check the official Eiffel Tower website for the exact opening and closing times for the specific date of your visit.

Is a guided tour a good way to get tickets?

A guided tour is a fantastic and stress-free way to experience the Eiffel Tower. When you book one of our tours, the entry ticket for the elevator is pre-booked for you as part of the package. While you will still have to go through the mandatory security queues with everyone else, a guide navigates the process with you and enriches your visit with stories and facts you'd never discover on your own.

Getting to the Tower & What to Expect When You Arrive

The Eiffel Tower is visible from all over Paris, but getting to its base and navigating the entrance requires a little planning. Here’s how to get there and what to know about the infamous queues.

How do I get to the Eiffel Tower?

You have several excellent public transport options:

• Métro: The closest station is Bir-Hakeim (Line 6), which offers a stunning view as the train crosses the river. The Trocadéro station (Lines 6 & 9) is also very popular as it drops you at the famous viewpoint.

• RER Train: The Champ de Mars - Tour Eiffel station (Line C) is the nearest RER stop.

• Bus: Lines 82, 30, 42, and 72 all have stops very close to the tower.

• Boat (Batobus): For a scenic approach, you can take the Batobus river shuttle, which has an "Eiffel Tower" stop.

How long is the wait at the Eiffel Tower?

This is one of the most common questions. It's important to understand there are two sets of queues.

1. The Security Queue: Every single visitor, even those with pre-booked tickets or on a guided tour, must wait in line for the security check at the entrance to the grounds. During peak season, this queue can take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour.

2. The Elevator/Stairs Queue: After security, there is a second queue for the elevators or stairs. This is the line that having a pre-booked, timed-entry ticket (either from the official site or a guided tour) helps you manage

A Journey Upward: Exploring the Three Floors

The Eiffel Tower is more than just a single viewpoint; it's a vertical journey with unique experiences on each of its three accessible levels. Whether your ticket takes you to the second floor or all the way to the summit, there is plenty to discover.

The Esplanade (Ground Level)

Before you even begin your ascent, take a moment to appreciate the sheer scale of the tower from directly beneath it. On the esplanade, you can admire the four immense pillars, see the names of the 72 scientists and engineers engraved on the sides, and find the original hydraulic lifts that powered the first elevators.

The First Floor

Often skipped by visitors rushing to the top, the first floor is a destination in itself. It's most famous for its thrilling glass floor, which allows you to look straight down 57 meters (187 feet) to the people on the esplanade below. This floor also has a panoramic terrace, a small museum, and often features seasonal cultural exhibitions.

The Second Floor

This is the most popular viewing platform and offers what many consider the best panoramic view of Paris. At 116 meters (381 feet), you are high enough to see all the city's iconic landmarks—the Louvre, Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe—in stunning detail. This level has two floors, one open-air and one enclosed, as well as souvenir shops and the Michelin-starred Jules Verne restaurant.

The Summit (The Top)

For the ultimate experience, a second elevator takes you from the second floor to the summit. At a dizzying 276 meters (906 feet), this is the highest public viewing platform in the European Union. The view is breathtakingly vast. On a clear day, you can see for miles. Here you will also find Gustave Eiffel's private apartment, restored to its original condition, and a champagne bar where you can toast your ascent.

The Iron Lady by Night: Illumination & Sparkle

As beautiful as it is by day, the Eiffel Tower transforms into pure magic after dark. The nightly illuminations are a beloved spectacle and a quintessential part of any trip to Paris. There are two distinct light shows to experience.

The Golden Illumination

Every evening from sunset until 1 AM, the entire tower is bathed in a warm, golden light. This illumination highlights the intricate details of the ironwork and turns the tower into a magnificent golden beacon that can be seen from across the city.

The Sparkling Light Show

This is the moment everyone waits for. For the first five minutes of every hour, from sunset until 1 AM, the golden tower is overlaid with a cascade of 20,000 sparkling white lights. The entire structure glitters and twinkles, creating a dazzling, celebratory spectacle. For the best view, find a spot at the Trocadéro or on a boat on the Seine.

Dining at the Eiffel Tower: Restaurants & Champagne

For a truly unforgettable experience, you can dine inside the Eiffel Tower itself. From Michelin-starred elegance to a celebratory glass of bubbly at the top, there are a few unique options for a meal with the best view in Paris.

The Jules Verne (Fine Dining on the Second Floor)

This is the tower's most famous and exclusive restaurant. With its own private elevator, The Jules Verne is a Michelin-starred destination offering contemporary French haute cuisine. It's a world-class gastronomic experience with a price tag to match, and reservations must be made months in advance.

Madame Brasserie (Contemporary Dining on the First Floor)

Located on the first floor, Madame Brasserie offers a more accessible yet still chic dining experience. With a focus on modern, seasonal Parisian cuisine, it's a wonderful option for a memorable lunch or dinner surrounded by the tower's iron architecture. Reservations are highly recommended.

The Champagne Bar (A Toast at the Top)

For a truly celebratory moment, there is a small Champagne Bar at the very summit of the Eiffel Tower. Here you can purchase a glass of chilled champagne to toast your ascent while enjoying the highest, most breathtaking view of the city.

Why a Guided Tour is the Best Way to Visit the Eiffel Tower

With pre-booked tickets now mandatory, you might wonder, "Why do I need a guide?" While a ticket gets you in, a guided tour transforms your visit from a simple ascent into a rich, unforgettable experience.

Context is Everything

The Eiffel Tower is more than just a metal structure; it's a story of innovation, controversy, and Parisian pride. An expert guide doesn't just take you up the tower; they provide the context that brings its history to life. You'll learn about Gustave Eiffel's audacious vision, the protests from Paris's artistic elite who called it a "monstrous factory chimney," and the hidden details you would never notice on your own.

Navigate the Process with Ease

The entrance to the Eiffel Tower, with its multiple queues for security and elevators, can be confusing and stressful. A guide navigates this process with you, ensuring you are in the right place at the right time. This removes the logistical headache, allowing you to relax and simply soak in the incredible atmosphere and views.

Get Your Questions Answered

What is that building over there? Why are there names engraved on the side? A guidebook can't answer your questions in real-time. A live, passionate guide can, making your visit a dynamic and interactive conversation. This personal touch is what makes an Eiffel Tower guided tour a truly premium experience.

A History of Controversy & Genius

Today it is the beloved symbol of France, but the Eiffel Tower was born in controversy. Its creation story is a dramatic tale of engineering genius, artistic protest, and a temporary structure that refused to disappear.

Why was the Eiffel Tower built?

The Eiffel Tower was built as the spectacular centerpiece for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World's Fair). The fair was organized to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, and the French government held a competition to design a monument that would showcase the nation's industrial and engineering prowess to the world.

Who built the Eiffel Tower?

While it is named after Gustave Eiffel, the design was the brainchild of two senior engineers in his company, Maurice Koechlin and Émile Nouguier, with help from architect Stephen Sauvestre. Eiffel's company, a leader in building complex iron structures like bridges and viaducts, won the competition. Gustave Eiffel funded most of the construction himself in exchange for the rights to the ticket sales for the first 20 years.

The "Tragic Street Lamp" - A Tower of Protest

When construction began, 300 of Paris's most prominent artists and intellectuals—including author Guy de Maupassant and composer Charles Gounod—signed a petition vehemently protesting the "useless and monstrous" tower. They decried the "dizzily ridiculous tower dominating Paris like a gigantic black factory chimney," calling it a "tragic street lamp" that would dishonor the city's beauty. The plan was always to tear it down after 20 years, but its value as a radio and telegraph tower (and its immense popularity with the public) saved it from demolition.

Special Occasions: Bastille Day & Beyond

The Eiffel Tower is more than just a tourist attraction; it is the backdrop for France's most important national celebrations. On special occasions, the Iron Lady dresses up in unique and spectacular displays of light and fire.

The Bastille Day Fireworks (July 14th)

The most spectacular event at the Eiffel Tower is the annual Bastille Day fireworks display on the evening of July 14th. This is not just a simple show; it's a massive, world-class pyrotechnic and musical performance with the tower as its star. For about 30 minutes, an incredible array of fireworks is launched from the tower itself and the surrounding Champ de Mars park, set to a themed musical score. It is one of the most popular and breathtaking events in the Parisian calendar.

Special Illuminations

Throughout the year, the Eiffel Tower's lighting often changes from its traditional gold to mark special events or show solidarity. It has been lit up in pink for Pink October (breast cancer awareness), in green for St. Patrick's Day or for environmental accords, and has displayed the colors of the French flag to celebrate major sporting victories. These special illuminations are temporary and make for a unique and rare photo opportunity.

Why a Guided Tour is the Best Way to Visit the Eiffel Tower

With pre-booked tickets now mandatory, you might wonder, "Why do I need a guide?" While a ticket gets you in, a guided tour transforms your visit from a simple ascent into a rich, unforgettable experience.

Context is Everything

The Eiffel Tower is more than just a metal structure; it's a story of innovation, controversy, and Parisian pride. An expert guide doesn't just take you up the tower; they provide the context that brings its history to life. You'll learn about Gustave Eiffel's audacious vision, the protests from Paris's artistic elite who called it a "monstrous factory chimney," and the hidden details you would never notice on your own.

The entrance to the Eiffel Tower, with its multiple queues for security and elevators, can be confusing and stressful. A guide navigates this process with you, ensuring you are in the right place at the right time. This removes the logistical headache, allowing you to relax and simply soak in the incredible atmosphere and views.

Get Your Questions Answered

What is that building over there? Why are there names engraved on the side? A guidebook can't answer your questions in real-time. A live, passionate guide can make your visit a dynamic and interactive conversation. This personal touch is what makes an Eiffel Tower guided tour a truly premium experience.

Navigate the Process with Ease

Frequently Asked Questions for Your Eiffel Tower Visit

What is the official website for Eiffel Tower tickets?

The only official website is toureiffel.paris. Be cautious of other sites that may look official but are resellers. Booking through a trusted tour partner like Scenic Zest is another secure way to get your entry tickets included in an experience.

Are the restaurants in the Eiffel Tower worth it?

Dining at the Eiffel Tower is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Madame Brasserie on the first floor offers a fantastic modern dining experience, while The Jules Verne on the second floor is a world-class Michelin-starred restaurant. Both require reservations far in advance and are perfect for a special occasion.

What are the best photo spots for the Eiffel Tower?

For the classic, iconic shot, the Trocadéro plaza is unbeatable. For a view from below, the Champ de Mars park is perfect. For a more unique angle, try the Pont de Bir-Hakeim bridge or the view from a boat on the Seine.

Can I take the stairs up the Eiffel Tower?

Yes, you can purchase a ticket to take the stairs to the second floor. It's a climb of 674 steps and offers a unique perspective from inside the iron lattice. However, you cannot take the stairs all the way to the summit; the final ascent from the second floor is by elevator only.

Are there different elevators for the summit?

Yes. A large elevator takes you from the ground to the second floor. To reach the summit, you must get out and take a second, different set of smaller elevators from the second floor to the top.

What is the closest airport to the Eiffel Tower?

The closest airport is Orly Airport (ORY), which is about 20 km away. The largest international airport, Charles de Gaulle (CDG), is about 35 km away. Both are well-connected to the city center by train and taxi.

Is it possible to propose at the Eiffel Tower?

Yes, the Eiffel Tower is one of the most popular places in the world for marriage proposals. The Trocadéro plaza at sunrise or the summit at night during the sparkling light show are two of the most romantic and popular options.

What else is there to do near the Eiffel Tower?

The area is rich with attractions. You can take a scenic cruise on the Seine river, explore the military history at Les Invalides (home to Napoleon's tomb), or visit the Rodin Museum with its beautiful sculpture garden.

What are the 72 names engraved on the tower?

Gustave Eiffel had the names of 72 French scientists, engineers, and mathematicians engraved on the side of the tower to recognize their contributions to science and to protest the artists who were against the tower's construction.

How often does the Eiffel Tower light up and sparkle?

The tower is illuminated in its golden light every evening from sunset until 1 AM. The famous sparkling light show, using 20,000 bulbs, happens for the first five minutes of every hour during that time.