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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 02 March, 2023
Expert travel writer: Anna Brooke

When French civil engineer Gustave Eiffel won a competition to design a building that would be unveiled at the 1889 World Fair in Paris, no-one could have foreseen that it would become one of the most iconic structures on the planet. Eiffel’s design won out against 106 other entries, with digging begun in January 1887, and the tower completed in time for the Exposition Universale two years later, held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution.

Much derided at the time – in spite of being the tallest building in the world – it was only meant to stand for twenty years. More than a century later it remains a much-loved and iconic symbol of Paris; if you can stomach the crowds and the ride up in the vintage lift, the view from the top remains an enchanting treat.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price from: £23
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The nearest metro station to the tower is Bir-Hakeim. The first lift takes you up to the first and second levels, where you have to change lifts for the top. Be prepared to queue for the lifts, though hardier souls looking to get more intimate with the tower can climb the 704 steps to the second level.

You can turn up and buy tickets for the lifts or stairs (up to 3 hours before your timeslot), but you risk long queues or not getting a timeslot at all, especially in July and August. Better to buy in advance on the website. You can book up to two months in advance.

There is an online, interactive visitor guide and basic paper versions, all in multiple languages.

For food & drink before or after, The Jules Verne is a renowned gastronomic restaurant on the second floor. There’s also a brasserie on the first floor, and a Champagne bar right at the top of the tower.

When to do it

The tower is open all year round, seven days a week. Queues tend to be shorter in the evening when the tour buses have left; and if you visit at night, the tower is less crowded and sparkles with thousands of lightbulbs for 10 minutes every hour.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Eiffel Tower Climbing Experience with Guide and Optional Summit Upgrade

Eiffel Tower Climbing Experience with Guide and Optional Summit Upgrade

Paris

Experience new perspectives from Paris’ most iconic landmark: the Eiffel Tower. By ascending the stairs, you’ll witness views most visitors ...

€35 | Rating 4.31 / 5 [1332 ratings]

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Paris Eiffel Tower Guided Climb Tour by Stairs

Paris Eiffel Tower Guided Climb Tour by Stairs

Paris

Enjoy the Eiffel Tower during a 2-4-hour adventure and climb the stairs to the 2nd level with an entertaining and knowledgeable guide.  Brag...

€36 | Rating 4.65 / 5 [2455 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Eiffel Tower Tour with Reserved Entrance and Optional Summit

Eiffel Tower Tour with Reserved Entrance and Optional Summit

Paris

Save hours of waiting time as you whiz past the long lines with your hassle-free Skip-the-Line Access ticket to the Eiffel Tower on this 1-h...

€41 | Rating 4.14 / 5 [360 ratings]

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Paris Eiffel Tower Guided Tour with Access Via Lift

Paris Eiffel Tower Guided Tour with Access Via Lift

Paris

Join your expert guide for a ride up the Eiffel Tower. On the way up you will hear stories and fun facts about the Tower and surrounding lan...

€44 | Rating 4.15 / 5 [1527 ratings]

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Shangri-La Paris

Paris, Ile-de-France, France[0.6 miles]

Experience a truly imperial lifestyle in the former residence of Prince Roland Bonaparte (Napoleon’s great nephew), with unbeatable views of the Eiffel Tower.

Official star rating:

Hotel du Champ de Mars

Paris, Ile-de-France, France[0.9 miles]

Bargain prices and boutique style at this family-run hotel near the Eiffel Tower. One of city’s most popular affordable hotels.

Official star rating:

Hotel Saint James Paris

Paris, Ile-de-France, France[1.7 miles]

Live out your country house fantasies at this delightfully eccentric, handsomely revamped chateau hotel in a smart western suburb of the city.

Official star rating:

Hotel Le Royal Monceau Raffles

Paris, Ile-de-France, France[2 miles]

Soak up the buzz at design legend Philippe Starck’s gloriously decadent take on a grand palace hotel – in a very convenient location for seeing the sights.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Paris

Ile-de-France, France

Crammed with iconic buildings, world-class art and a culinary scene steeped in history, Paris is one of the world’s great capitals, overflowing with style, romance, and art de vivre. 

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Rodin Museum

Paris, Ile-de-France, France[0 miles]

This exceptional collection of works by one of the world’s most famous sculptor, is presented in his former home and gardens in Paris.

Best for ages: 13+ | £10

Quai Branly Museum

Paris, Ile-de-France, France[0.4 miles]

Fascinating primal art and indigenous artefacts from all over the globe, theatrically presented in Jean Nouvel’s striking modern building. 

Best for ages: 13+ | £10

Les Invalides

Paris, Ile-de-France, France[1.3 miles]

This grandiose Baroque ensemble of military history museums contains more than 1.5 million artefacts and the imposing tomb of Napoleon I. 

Best for ages: 18+ | £12

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Louis Vuitton Foundation

Paris, Ile-de-France, France[3 miles]

One of Paris’ main museums for Contemporary & Historical art exhibitions, set in a stunning avant-garde silver and glass structure designed by Frank Gehry.

Best for ages: 18+ | £16

internal view showing extraordinary stained glass windows
Experience

Sainte-Chapelle

Paris, Ile-de-France, France[3.7 miles]

Paris’ most exquisite Gothic monument was built by Louis IX in 1248 to house his collection of Passion relics, including Christ’s Crown of Thorns (now at Notre-Dame Cathedral). It has one of the most extensive 13th-century stained-glass collections anywhere in the world.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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view of undeground cellar with two pillars and a wall of skulls
Experience

Paris Catacombs

Paris, Ile-de-France, France[3.9 miles]

These eerie bone-lined passages, set in a former quarry 20m underground, contain the remains of several million Parisians. The residents – including many victims of the notorious guillotine – were buried here when existing cemeteries overflowed during the French Revolution.

Best for ages: 13+ | £23

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