Travel bucket list idea:

Eiffel Tower

Paris, Ile-de-France, United Kingdom (UK)

|www.toureiffel.paris|

Bucket List Experience

Landscape view of the Eiffel Tower from across the river on a sunny blue day with large clouds

Last updated: 28 May, 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.

Logistics

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.

Who to go with: organised tours

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

Paris Eiffel Tower Guided Tour with Access via Lift

Paris

ExperienceFirst invites you on an exhilarating journey up the Eiffel Tower! As you ascend, our expert local guide will share captivating stories and facts about this iconic landmark and its surroundings. After your guide gets your ticket, ascend to the second level together and learn about Gustave Eiffel's journey from engineer to legendary builder, and delve into the rich tapestry of Parisian history. On the second level, take in the mesmerizing views of Paris' landmarks as your guide provides fascinating insights into the city from this elevated perspective. Choose the summit option for a swift elevator ride to the top following your tour. Please note, the summit may temporarily close for various reasons, but if this happens, we'll ensure you receive a refund — excellent customer service is one of the top reasons ExperienceFirst is highly rated! And there's more! If you've chosen the cruise option, enjoy a one-hour Seine River boat cruise, offering a unique perspective of Paris.

Price: €44

Min age: 0

Rating 4.04 / 5 [4516 ratings]

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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 to your friends and join your fellow group of "warriors" as you ascend 704 steps on foot with your expert guide who will share stories and fun facts about the Tower and surrounding landmarks! As per the regulations of the Eiffel Tower, if you have upgraded your tour to access the summit, you are required to proceed directly to the summit upon reaching the second floor. Once you have visited the top, you are free to explore the first and second floors on your descent. If the summit closes at the discretion of Eiffel staff at the time you receive your ticket, you will receive access to the second floor and a partial refund. Please note this is NOT a skip the line tour and sometimes wait periods with your guide can be 90 minutes or more depending on the crowd restrictions, COVID security measures and construction at the Eiffel Tower.

Price: €38

Min age: 0

Rating 4.64 / 5 [4203 ratings]

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Eiffel Tower Tour with Reserved Entry Ticket

Paris

Book your tour to the summit of the Eiffel Tower and leave the details to us! This is a fully escorted tour by an English-speaking expert guide, who will lead you all the way to the 3rd (and highest!) level of the Eiffel Tower. Before exploring, your guide will entertain you with interesting anecdotes and facts about the tower and its architecture, including stories about the various wedding proposals and publicity stunts the tower has hosted over the years. With a choice of departure times during the day as well as an evening or sunset viewing (varies according to the time of year), your reserved entry tour offers the most flexible and enjoyable way to visit this must-see Paris landmark. You will have time to walk around the levels at leisure, taking in the breathtaking Paris cityscape from this unique vantage point! If you're looking for a more intimate group, opt for our small group option!

Price: €69

Min age: 0

Rating 4.69 / 5 [3946 ratings]

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Eiffel Tower Reserved access Tour with Summit Access by Elevator

Paris

Skip the notorious long lines at the Eiffel Tower and discover Paris' most famous landmark with a local and passionate guide during this engaging 60-minute tour. Your ticket includes skip-the-line access to the second level of the Eiffel Tower as well as access to the tower's summit, where you can enjoy a view of Paris' skyline from 1,063 feet above the city.

Price: €89

Min age: 4

Rating 4.04 / 5 [1961 ratings]

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Guided Eiffel Tower Climbing Experience & Optional Summit Upgrade

Paris

See a different side of Paris’s ‘Iron Lady’ on a guided climbing tour of the Eiffel Tower. Take the slow and scenic route and climb the stairs! Learn all about the construction, controversies, and mystique surrounding the iconic tower from a guide as you ascend to the second level, admiring Gustave Eiffel’s intricate design from angles and viewpoints that most visitors miss. It’s an adventurous way to go behind the scenes—and under the beams—of one of the world’s most popular attractions.

Price: €39

Min age: 0

Rating 4.27 / 5 [1766 ratings]

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Destination guides

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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