The Eiffel Tower's light show is a must-see, and it happens every hour from sunset until 1 AM. Each show lasts for 5 minutes, where the tower lights up with 20,000 twinkling bulbs. The grand finale at 1 AM is extra special, lasting a full 10 minutes!
The lights and the beacon are turned on only after sunset, but you can visit the tower from 8:45am. The tower’s lights are automatically turned on about 10 minutes after sunset, thanks to light-sensitive sensors. These sensors ensure the tower begins to glow as dusk falls, setting the stage for the stunning sparkle displays that follow.
✨ Hourly sparkle show: Starting at 8pm, the Eiffel Tower sparkles for 5 minutes at the top of every hour. This dazzling display continues every hour throughout the evening until 1am, creating a magical atmosphere as the tower’s 20,000 bulbs blink rapidly in unison.
✨ Extended final sparkle: The final sparkle of the night takes place at 1am and is a special 10-minute show. This extended sparkle gives you a longer, more dramatic light display, making it a perfect way to end your Parisian night.
✨ The beacon: A powerful beacon also shines from the tower, sweeping across Paris and visible up to 80 kilometers on a clear night.
Head to the Trocadero, a popular spot with a wide platform right across the Seine River from the tower. You get that iconic, postcard-perfect view. Just wander over, find a good spot, and soak it all in. It's completely free, and the atmosphere is electric.
Imagine a relaxed evening picnic, the tower sparkling above you. Pack a blanket and grab some snacks: the gentle, golden glow of the Eiffel Tower combined with the park’s open space creates a romantic and intimate vibe. Enjoy the show under the starry Parisian sky!
Seine River cruises let you see the tower sparkle from the water— as your boat glides along the river, you’ll see the tower’s dazzling lights reflected in the water, adding a magical touch to the evening. Many evening cruises also include dinner, making it the perfect way to combine a meal with the magical light display.
Treat yourself to a luxurious evening. Picture this: fine dining, champagne, and the Eiffel Tower sparkling right before your eyes. Many rooftop restaurants offer this breathtaking view, so make a reservation for an unforgettable night. Some top choices include: L'Oiseau Blanc, Café de l’Homme, 20 Eiffel and ILVOLO Bar Rooftop.
It's a bit of a local's secret, but the bridge offers a unique, slightly angled view of the tower, and it's especially stunning at night. It's a lovely walk, and you'll get some fantastic photos. The bridge itself is an iconic piece of Parisian architecture, and the view from here, especially at night, is both dramatic and beautiful.
This modern skyscraper offers an uninterrupted sight of the Eiffel Tower sparkling in the distance. At 210 meters high, the observation deck provides a unique bird’s-eye view of the Eiffel Tower’s glittering lights. The best part? Unlike many of the crowded spots near the Eiffel Tower, the observation deck offers a spacious, peaceful setting.
For years, the Eiffel Tower has been a giant spotlight for special occasions, changing colors to celebrate all sorts of things, using extra lights on the tower itself or shining brightly from across the river at Pont d'Iena.
🔎 Did you know? In the event of a tragic incident, the lights on the Eiffel Tower are turned off in mourning and to show solidarity, spreading a powerful message that humanity comes first, no matter what.
Yes, you can take photos of the Eiffel Tower's light show for personal use! Just note that professional photography for commercial purposes requires permission due to copyright restrictions.
Weather can impact the experience. While the light show generally happens regardless of weather, cloudy or rainy nights might reduce visibility of the sparkle. Clear skies give you the best view!
Even though it might seem otherwise, the tower's lights only use up about 4% of its energy for the whole year. They've been working hard to be more eco-friendly: in 2004, they made their spotlights use less energy, and in 2008, they shortened the time the tower twinkles each hour. All that effort means the sparkling lights now only use about 0.4% of the tower's energy each year.
Sadly, no. For the best view of the Eiffel Tower sparkling all over, you should reach the lower level of the second floor just before the light show begins, that is after sunset.
No, you don’t need tickets to watch the Eiffel Tower’s light show. However, guided tours or night-time tickets to the summit can enhance your experience by offering unique views and additional insights.
Yes, the Eiffel Tower is open at night, and you can visit the summit with a night-time ticket to see Paris lit up. The light show is a great reason to visit, but the tower itself stays open for late-night visitors.
The sparkle shows still happen during holidays, and in some cases, the Eiffel Tower may even feature special light shows to mark significant events, like New Year’s Eve, Christmas, and national celebrations.
