Ready to visit the Eiffel Tower? Here’s what you need to know

Visitor information at a glance

Timings

The Eiffel Tower is open from 9:30am to 12am, with the last admission at 10:45pm.

Location

You can find the Eiffel Tower at Champ de Mars, 5 Av. Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France. Get directions.

Entrances

There are two main entrances to the Eiffel Tower: the South Pillar and the East and West Pillars.

Number of visitors

Approximately 7 million people visit the Eiffel Tower annually.

Eiffel Tower opening hours

Eiffel Tower view from the Seine River Cruise during guided elevator tour in Paris.

General hours:
Daily: 9:30am to 12am
Elevator & stairs:
Elevators: 9:30am to 12am
Stairs: 9:30am to 11:45pm
Restaurants:
Madame Brasserie (First Floor): Breakfast (10am to 12pm), Lunch (12pm to 1:30pm), High tea (3pm to 6pm), Dinner (6:30pm to 9pm).
Le Jules Verne (Second Floor): 12pm to 1:30pm, 7pm to 9pm; closed on July 14th (dinner only).
Champagne Bar (Summit): 10:30am to 10:30pm
Lighting display: The Eiffel Tower lights up for a 5-minute sparkle show every hour from dusk until 1am.

Get detailed hours

Eiffel Tower Guided Tour by Elevator: Summit or Second Floor

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Mobile ticket

1 hr. - 1 hr. 30 min.

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Eiffel Tower Elevator Tickets with Host to Summit or Second Floor

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Mobile ticket

1 hr. 30 min.

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Combo: Eiffel Tower Guided Tour by Elevator with Seine River Cruise

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Mobile ticket

1 hr. 30 min. - 2 hr.

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Dinner at Eiffel Tower's Madame Brasserie

Free cancellation

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Mobile ticket

1 hr. 30 min.

Meals included

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Best time to visit the Eiffel Tower

Weekday vs. weekend

Want to avoid the hustle and bustle? Skip weekends and public holidays when the Eiffel Tower is packed with visitors. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays are your best bets for a more serene experience. With fewer crowds, you can enjoy the iconic sights and sounds without the stress.

Peak vs. off-season

Planning your visit strategically can make a big difference. Off-season, from October to March, offers a quieter and more relaxed experience. You can explore the tower at your own pace, with shorter wait times and fewer crowds. On the other hand, the peak season, June to August, is bustling with tourists. While it's a great time to experience the festive atmosphere, be prepared for longer queues.

Eiffel Tower location

Address: Champ de Mars, 5 Av. Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France

Find on maps

Perched on the banks of the Seine River, the Eiffel Tower offers a unique perspective of Paris. Located in the 7th arrondissement, it's surrounded by iconic neighborhoods like the Trocadero and the Invalides, making it a perfect starting point for exploring the city.

Closest landmark: Trocadéro (1.2 km)

Get detailed directions

How to get to the Eiffel Tower?

Eiffel Tower view from inside a train in Paris.

By public transport

By metro:
Bir-Hakeim Station (Line 6): 650 m, ~8-min walk.
Trocadéro Station (Line 9): 1.2 km, ~10-min walk for a scenic view.
By RER:
Champ de Mars - Tour Eiffel (Line C): 400 m, ~6-min walk.
By bus:
Lines 82, 30: Direct stops at Eiffel Tower, 4 mins away.
Line 72: Stops nearby; ~15 min walk.
By bike:
Velib Station: Closest at Av. Octave Gérard, ~2-min walk.

By car

While the quickest route might be via Avenue de New York, it's often congested. For a smoother journey, take Quai d'Orsay instead.

Starting from the 1st arrondissement, head northeast on Place des Pyramides towards Rue Saint-Honoré. Continue on Avenue de l'Opéra, and you'll eventually arrive at the Eiffel Tower, nestled in Champ de Mars.

*A quick tip for drivers: The Eiffel Tower doesn't have its own parking, so you can park at these spots:*

2 Place Joffre, Paris 75007: A quick 10-minute walk to the Eiffel Tower.
443 Avenue Joseph Bouvard: A short 8-minute walk.
Pullman Parking Tour Eiffel: Very close, but often crowded.

Know before you visit the Eiffel Tower

There are two entrances to the Eiffel:

The elevator express (East/West pillars):
If you're looking for a swift ride to the second floor, the East or West Pillar is your starting point. Just keep an eye out for the green flags. Remember, you'll need a ticket to board the elevator. Don't worry if you haven't got one yet; you can purchase it at the ticket booth near the base of each pillar.
The classic climb (South pillar):
For those who prefer a more traditional approach, the South Pillar is your go-to. This is where you'll find the staircases leading to the first and second floors. But, like the elevator, you'll need a ticket to start your climb. Grab yours at the ticket booth near the South Pillar.

Get details on entrances

Toilets: You can find toilets on every floor of the Eiffel Tower.
Baby changing rooms: There are rooms to change babies on the ground floor and on each floor of the tower.
Information: Ask any questions you have at the information desk on the ground floor.
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available. Connect to the "WiFi_Tour_Eiffel" network and log in with your email address.
Guides: You can use your phone to access an online guide or pick up a paper map to help you navigate the tower.
Shops: Gift shops are located on the Esplanade's first and second floors. They offer souvenirs, clothing, postcards, and gourmet items.

Elevator access: Elevators are available to reach the first and second floors, making these levels accessible to people with mobility challenges.
Wheelchair-accessible bathrooms: The tower provides specially designed bathrooms equipped with grab bars, roll-in showers, and other features to accommodate wheelchair users.
Accessible amenities: The gift shop, cafeteria, and Salon Gustave Eiffel are designed for wheelchair users.
Priority access: Individuals with disabilities and their companions receive priority access to reduce wait times.
Additional support features:
Braille guides and tactile maps for visually impaired visitors.
Audio induction loops for hearing aid users.

Looking for the perfect souvenir to commemorate your Eiffel Tower visit? You're in luck! The tower offers a variety of shopping experiences:

Esplanade:
General store: Pick up essentials for your visit, from snacks to postcards.
Souvenir shop: Find unique keepsakes to remember your trip by.
First floor:
Fashion boutique: Discover stylish clothing for you and your little ones.
Second floor (Lower level):
Postcard shop: Send a piece of Paris to your loved ones.
Gourmet & tableware store: Indulge in delicious treats and elegant tableware.
Textile shop: Find beautiful fabrics and home goods.
Second floor (Upper level):
Bestseller shop: Shop for the most popular Eiffel Tower merchandise.

Eiffel Tower Buffets (Esplanade, first, and second levels)
Timings: 9am to 11:45pm
Options: A wide range of snacks, salads, sandwiches, pizzas, pastries, beverages, and ice cream.
Madame Brasserie (First floor)
Timings: Breakfast: 10am - 12pm, Lunch: 12pm - 1:30pm, Snacks: 3pm - 6pm, Dinner: 6:30pm - 9pm
Options: Contemporary French cuisine with local ingredients.
Le Jules Verne (Second floor)
Timings: 12pm - 1:30pm and 7pm - 9pm
Options: Michelin-starred gourmet cuisine.
Champagne Bar (Top floor)
Timings: 10:30am - 10:30pm
Options: Champagne, caviar, artisanal lemonade, still or sparkling water.

Get to a detailed restaurant guide

Budget:
Hotel Au Pacific Tour Eiffel (1.7 km)
Hôtel Saphir (2.2 km)
Mid-level:
Hôtel Mercure Paris Centre Tour Eiffel (350 m)
Hôtel La Bourdonnais Paris (1.3 km)
Hotel Chambiges Elysées (1.4 km)
Luxury:
Résidence Charles Floquet (260 m)
Sofitel Paris Baltimore Tour Eiffel (1.2 km)

No smoking, skateboards, scooters, or rolling items are permitted. Folding strollers are allowed.
Large bags, suitcases, and non-foldable strollers are not permitted. No storage or lockers are available.
Daytime photos are unrestricted; however, nighttime photos of the Tower’s lights require special permission for commercial use.
Children under 12 must be with an adult.
Only guide dogs for visitors with disabilities are allowed.
No refunds for lost tickets or closures due to weather or public authority decisions.
Picnics are not permitted anywhere in the monument.

Trocadéro Gardens: Just a 10-minute stroll away, these stunning gardens offer panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower. It's the perfect spot for a leisurely walk, a romantic picnic, or simply to capture that iconic Instagram shot.
Musée du Quai Branly—Jacques Chirac: If you’re an art lover, you will be captivated by the Quai Branly Museum, which showcases Indigenous art from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. It's a 7-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower.
Champ de Mars: This expansive park stretches out beneath the Eiffel Tower, providing a serene escape from the bustling city. You can admire the iconic landmark from a different perspective from here.

Visitor tips

Want to make the most of your visit? Plan two trips! Experience the breathtaking daytime views of Paris and then return at night to witness the tower illuminated in a dazzling display of lights. It's a truly magical sight!
The Eiffel Tower is one of the world's most popular attractions. To avoid long queues, book your tickets in advance. You can choose your preferred floor and access method (elevator or stairs) to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
To keep your visit hassle-free, pack light. The Eiffel Tower doesn't have lockers, so carrying bulky bags can be inconvenient. Stick to essentials like your wallet, phone, and a water bottle.
Don't rush your visit! Take your time to explore each floor, savor the stunning views, and perhaps indulge in a delicious meal at one of the tower's restaurants.
If you're feeling energetic, consider taking the stairs to the second floor. It's a great way to save time and enjoy a unique perspective of the tower's intricate structure.
A little planning can go a long way. Check the weather forecast before your visit. While a sunny day is ideal for outdoor activities, a cloudy day can offer unique photo opportunities.
Download the official Eiffel Tower app for a self-guided audio tour. Learn about the tower's history, architecture, and engineering marvels at your own pace.
For a more immersive experience, consider booking a guided tour. Expert guides will share fascinating stories and insights, making your visit even more memorable.
Pack a picnic basket and enjoy a leisurely meal at the base of the tower. It's a perfect way to relax and soak up the Parisian atmosphere.

Frequently asked questions about visiting the Eiffel Tower

Is there an elevator to the top of the tower?

Yes, elevators operate at all levels. Visitors can take elevators to the first, second, and summit floors, while stair access is available to the second floor.

How long should I plan to spend there?

Plan for about 2-3 hours to enjoy all levels, with additional time for photos, meals, or relaxing at the top. Allocate more time for peak hours.

Can I visit the Eiffel Tower during the winter?

Yes, the Eiffel Tower is open year-round. While colder, winter visits offer shorter lines, beautiful evening views, and festive illuminations.

Are there any health or fitness requirements for climbing the stairs?

Climbing is accessible but can be strenuous, with over 600 steps to the second floor. Elevators are an alternative for those needing it.

Is it safe to visit the Eiffel Tower at night?

Yes, the Eiffel Tower is well-lit and secure at night. Surrounding areas are popular with tourists, making it a safe option for evening visits.

Can I watch the Eiffel Tower light show for free?

Yes! The twinkling light show happens every hour after sunset and lasts for five minutes. You don’t need a ticket—just find a great viewing spot near Trocadéro Gardens or the Seine River.

How early should I arrive before my scheduled entry?

It’s best to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time to allow for security checks. If you’re visiting during peak hours (late morning and afternoon), consider arriving even earlier to avoid delays.

What happens if I miss my scheduled entry time?

If you miss your time slot, your ticket may no longer be valid, and you might need to buy a new one. Some flexible tickets allow rescheduling, so check the terms when booking.