9 Things to Know About Going Up the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is a must-see for many travelers. But going up? That’s not always so simple.
Some visitors leave underwhelmed. Others remember it forever. Whether or not to go up the Eiffel Tower depends on your time, your patience, and your personal expectations.
Here’s what travelers say about the experience.
1. Book early if you want the summit
Tickets to the top sell out fast. They’re released every Tuesday six weeks ahead, and don’t last long. Walk-up tickets are sometimes available but hit-or-miss.
The visit itself takes time. You’ll go through security, then wait for elevators at both the base and the second level. Plan for two hours minimum, not including travel or nearby sights.
Some visitors stop at the second level and feel it’s enough. The views are already wide, and the lines are shorter. But others say the summit is unforgettable, especially after dark.
2. You can walk up instead
You don’t have to take the elevator. You can walk up to the second level – about 10 to 20 minutes for most people. Some even say it’s quicker than waiting in line.
It’s cheaper, too. And you get to see the tower’s structure up close as you climb. If you change your mind, you can buy a summit ticket at the second level.
Note that it’s possible to climb to the summit (1,665 steps). Most people take the elevators though.
3. Go at the right time
The tower is open late, often until midnight. Many travelers recommend going just before sunset. You’ll catch views in both daylight and darkness.
The lights sparkle every hour after dusk. People often say that moment alone is worth the visit.
Evenings tend to be less crowded than daytime, but early mornings can be peaceful too.
4. It may have more impact than you expect
Even skeptics admit that going up the tower feels special. For some, it’s about the view. For others, it’s a photo, a memory, or a childhood dream.
One person said it gave them chills. Another felt connected to a century of history. If it’s your first time in Paris, the emotional impact can be stronger than expected.
5. You might prefer to stay on the ground
Some people skip the climb entirely and don’t regret it. Many say the best views of the Eiffel Tower come from a distance.
Trocadéro is a classic choice for full-frontal views, especially at sunrise or night.
The Arc de Triomphe gives you a sweeping cityscape with the tower in it. Montparnasse Tower is often mentioned too, ugly from outside but great views from the top.
Other spots include the rooftops of Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, the Bir Hakeim bridge, and the Beaugrenelle area near the small Statue of Liberty.
Pont Mirabeau is nice for night walks on the east bank. Some even suggest the balloon ride at Parc André Citroën, but that depends on weather.
6. Skip it if you’re in a rush
If your time in Paris is short, some travelers say the tower climb isn’t worth the hassle.
Instead, they recommend walking through the city and choosing a few major stops. The Louvre is often suggested, with a clear warning: don’t try to see it all. Choose a few sections and take your time.
Musée d’Orsay is another favorite,especially for fans of Impressionist art. The Pompidou’s modern collection also gets praise, and it tends to be less crowded.
Other classic picks: Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, and Montmartre. And many say the best part of Paris is simply wandering.
7. Watch out for scams and pickpockets
The area around the Eiffel Tower is busy, and that means petty crime.
Pickpocketing is a known issue. Petition scams are common too, where someone asks you to sign something and then demands money. Don’t engage. Just walk away.
8. Know the entrance system
Lines for the elevators can be long. But there are separate lines for people who booked online and those buying tickets on-site. That alone can save you a lot of time.
9. Use the free audio guide if you’re curious
If you’re interested in the tower’s history, the free Eiffel Tower audio guide by Rick Steves gets a few mentions. It’s a quick way to add some context to your visit.