The Eiffel Tower is the most iconic symbol of Paris and it gets 15,000 to 25,000 visitors each day. It gets busy! Even with timed tickets, you’re going to wait in line. Based on our recent visit, we’ll share what’s worth it, what’s not, and how to make the most of your visit to the famous Tour Eiffel.
Don’t bother visiting the top
Your first decision when booking tickets is whether you want to visit the second floor, or go all the way to the top. While the idea of visiting the top is alluring, we found that it’s really not worth it.
The only way to the top is via elevator, and the lineups for the elevator can be long (yes, even with timed tickets). There’s a first elevator from the ground-level that takes you to the second floor, then you walk around to a second elevator to the top. Line-ups at both, then you get crammed in like sardines. It wasn’t fun.
Once at the top, there’s not much room and it gets crowded quickly. You have to elbow your way to the edge if you want a photo. And honestly, you’re so high up that the photos aren’t that interesting (everything is so small!).
They try to entice you with the romantic notion of drinking a glass of champagne at the top. We nearly pre-booked this option. We’re happy we didn’t, since the champagne is served in a cheap plastic glass out of a takeout window that reminds one of a McDonald’s drive through. There’s nowhere to relax and enjoy it. Absolutely nothing charming or romantic about it.
By skipping the top, you’ll save €10-20.
Stick to the first and second levels
The second floor is much more spacious than the top floor, and offers just as spectacular views (if not better views because everything is closer and bigger). There are even places to stop, sit, and contemplate the view.
Make sure to stop on the first floor, which has several cafés and food/drink stalls, plus plenty of space to sit down and actually enjoy the view. You can even test your fear of heights with a glass floor.
If you make a reservation at Madame Brasserie, you can get to the first floor without buying an Eiffel Tower ticket (although the restaurant itself is rather pricey and offsets any savings).
Take the stairs
If you are physically able to climb the stairs, it will be faster since you avoid the lineups for the elevator (we waited nearly an hour for the elevator to the second floor).
Taking the stairs offers some of the best views of the tower structure. You get close up to the rivets that hold the entire tower together. You get to see across the rows of trusses that give the structure strength. Best of all, you can pause to take it all in at your own pace.
The second floor tickets via the stairs are also nearly €10 cheaper than the tickets via the elevator.
Visit the ground-level gardens and esplanade for free
The ground-level gardens esplanade at the base of the Eiffel Tower are blocked off with a security fence and seem to be off-limits to those without tickets. But you do not need a ticket to pass through security and visit the gardens, admire the Eiffel Tower structure from up close, and even visit the gift shops.
When in Paris, visiting the Eiffel Tower is absolutely a must-do. But save yourself some time, money, and much of your sanity by purchasing timed tickets to the second floor via the stairs, and skip the top and elevators. If you want to enjoy a beverage on the tower, do this on the first floor where you can relax and enjoy it. If you’re pressed for time or money, simply pass through security and visit the ground-level gardens and esplanade for free.
Leave a Reply