Eiffel Tower tours and tickets
Since 1889, Gustave Eiffel’s Iron Lady has watched over the Seine and offered sunset views of Paris.
Hours of operation
9:30 AM to 10:45 PM daily, including holidays. Open until 11:45 PM in summer.
Ticket required
Tickets required. Advance online booking recommended.
Best time to visit
Early mornings and late evenings are the calmest, but sunset has the most magical views. Reservations sell out fast, so book early.
Eiffel Tower tours under $75
Explore budget-friendly options to visit the Eiffel Tower.
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Eiffel Tower tours with access to the summit
See Paris from the top.
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Eiffel Tower tours combined with other landmarks
Pair your Eiffel Tower visit with other landmarks.
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Eiffel Tower dining experiences
Combine your Eiffel Tower visit with a memorable meal.
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Most popular Eiffel Tower tours
Get an insider’s view of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
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About the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower was built between 1887 and 1889 as the centerpiece of the Exposition Universelle, a world’s fair held to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the French Revolution. Originally meant to be a temporary structure, the tower was designed to showcase the ambition of French engineering. While critics called it “monstrous” and “unnecessary” at the time, it has since become one of the most recognized landmarks on earth.
Top highlights for your visit
The glass floor at 57 meters
The first floor features a transparent glass walkway suspended 57 meters above the ground, giving you a direct view straight down to the esplanade below.
Gustave Eiffel's restored office
At the very top of the tower, Eiffel’s private summit office has been restored with wax figures to recreate the historic conversations he hosted there—including a visit from Thomas Edison.
The nightly light display
Every evening after sundown, the tower sparkles with golden lights for 5 minutes at the start of each hour. The display continues until the tower closes for the night.
Le Jules Verne restaurant
Located on the second floor, this Michelin-starred restaurant sits within the tower’s iron structure and offers views of Paris landmarks, including the Louvre and Notre Dame.
Eiffel Tower FAQs
Can I photograph the Eiffel Tower at night?
Go for it. You’re welcome to photograph and film the Eiffel Tower’s nightly light display for personal use and social media sharing. If you’re a professional photographer planning to use those images commercially, you’ll need to get authorization before you shoot, since the lighting display is protected by copyright.
Where can I eat inside the tower?
Whether you’re in the mood for something casual or a full sit-down meal, there’s a good option for you. On the first floor, Madame Brasserie serves a contemporary Parisian meal with views to match. On the second floor, Le Jules Verne offers a Michelin-starred experience that’s well worth planning ahead for. If you’d prefer something more relaxed, there are also buffet options on the esplanade and upper floors.
When can I see the Iron Lady sparkle?
Every evening after sundown, the Eiffel Tower lights up with its famous sparkling display. It runs for 5 minutes at the start of each hour and continues until the tower closes for the night. It’s worth planning your evening around.
Is it true that the tower changes size with the seasons?
It really does. The Eiffel Tower is made of iron, which naturally expands in the heat and contracts in the cold. On a warm summer day, the tower can grow by several inches. Come winter, it shrinks back down. Even a structure as enduring as the Eiffel Tower is still at the mercy of the weather.
Can I visit Gustave Eiffel’s private apartment?
Yes, and it’s one of the highlights of a visit to the top. Gustave Eiffel kept a private office at the summit, where he once hosted guests including Thomas Edison. Today, the space has been carefully restored with wax figures that bring those historic conversations back to life.
Is climbing the stairs a good alternative to the elevator?
Yes, for many visitors, it’s the better way to go. Taking the stairs gives you a chance to get up close with the tower’s intricate ironwork, and you’ll often find shorter wait times than the elevator queues. Just keep in mind that the stairs only take you as far as the second floor, so you’ll need the elevator if you want to reach the very top.
How is the tower kept looking so beautiful?
Every 7 years or so, a team of painters gives the Eiffel Tower a full refresh by hand. It takes around 60 tons of paint to cover the entire structure, and the tradition has been kept up since the tower was first built. It's a real labor of care, and it shows.
Things to know before visiting the Eiffel Tower
Entry and access
- Book your timed entry ticket online in advance to skip the queue.
- Walk through Champ de Mars for a scenic approach to the tower.
- Children under 4 are admitted for free, but they’ll still need a ticket.
Dress code
- Bring an extra layer or jacket. It’s much windier and colder at the top than on the ground.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, especially if you plan to climb the stairs.
- Leave large luggage, non-folding strollers, and glass bottles behind.
Additional information
- All visitors must pass through security on the esplanade before entering.
- Personal photos and videos of the nightly light display are welcome.
- The first two floors are accessible by elevator for visitors with reduced mobility.