Paris 3-day itinerary
France
Where to go and what to see in Paris – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Anna Brooke.
Bucket list experience:
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.
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France
Where to go and what to see in Paris – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Anna Brooke.
France
Where to go and what to see in Paris – a 6-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Anna Brooke.
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.
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.
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
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.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Paris, Ile-de-France, France[0 miles]
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Paris, Ile-de-France, France[0.4 miles]
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Paris, Ile-de-France, France[0.7 miles]
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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..
Paris, Ile-de-France, France[0 miles]
World-class food and unrivalled Paris views at Michelin-starred Frederic Anton’s daring restaurant on the Eiffel Tower’s second level.
Best for ages: 12+ | £120
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.
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Paris, Ile-de-France, France[3.7 miles]
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Best for ages: 18+ | Free
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