The Eiffel Tower, a Parisian icon, stands tall as one of Europe’s most thrilling travel destinations. Though its popularity means bustling crowds and hefty admission fees, the experience is truly unforgettable.
Imagine being one of the 250 million souls who have ascended this magnificent monument, experiencing the world from its lofty heights.
A Monument of French Ingenuity
The Eiffel Tower’s journey began in 1889, coinciding with the Paris World’s Fair. This intricate structure, resembling an 18,000-piece erector set, was constructed from iron beams held together by an astounding 2.5 million rivets. Initially, it was purely a spectacle, designed to showcase France’s architectural prowess and financial strength.
From Temporary Landmark to Essential Icon
Surprisingly, the original plan was to dismantle the tower after a mere 20 years. However, Gustave Eiffel, the ingenious designer, transformed the tower’s fate by adding a radio antenna and telegraph transmitters to its peak. This strategic move made the tower invaluable to the French government, which decided to keep it standing.
During World War I, one of these very transmitters played a vital role in jamming German radio communications, solidifying the tower’s strategic significance.
Navigating the Tower: Tips for a Memorable Experience
Visiting this 1,000-foot-tall masterpiece today comes with its own set of challenges, including throngs of visitors and an approximate $30 per person admission fee for an elevator ride to the top. But don’t fret! With a little planning, you can make your ascent a delightful and efficient journey.
Pre-booking: Your Key to Effortless Access
The most crucial tip? Book your tickets in advance! Those who arrive without a pre-booked ticket face potentially lengthy waits, especially during the summer months, where lines can stretch for one to two hours (weekends and holidays see even longer delays). Online booking is a breeze, and you can reserve your spot at no additional cost.
For peak season (which essentially includes most of the summer), it’s wise to secure your tickets well in advance. Dates open up 60 days ahead (at 8:30 Paris time) and can quickly become fully booked.
Ticket Types: Choosing the Right Option
Creating an account (using your 10-digit mobile phone number as your login) is a straightforward process. When selecting your ticket, consider your desired height and preferred mode of transportation.
You can choose to ride elevators to the summit (recommended!), opt for a ride only to the second level, or conquer the stairs to the first or second levels (the top can only be reached by elevator). Make sure your date is correct, as reservations are non-refundable.
After paying with a credit card, you can either print your ticket (adhering to the printing specifications carefully) or have the bar code texted to your smartphone. Remember, the ticket confirmation itself is not your entry ticket – you must present your bar code, printed or on your phone, for scanning at the entrance.
Alternative Options: When Summit Tickets Are Sold Out
If the summit tickets are sold out, don’t despair! If you’re not fixated on reaching the very top, try selecting the “Lift entrance ticket with access to 2nd floor” option on the tower’s website – these tickets may still be available.
For those seeking a last-minute solution, consider joining a “Skip the Line” Eiffel Tower tour offered by Fat Tire Tours. These tours grant access to the second level for approximately $65, including the Eiffel Tower entrance ticket. Additionally, booking a table at one of the tower’s chic restaurants, Madame Brasserie or the more luxurious Jules Verne, allows you to bypass some (but not all) entry lines.
Last-Minute Opportunities: Seizing the Moment
Even if summit tickets are booked solid, don’t lose hope. Try checking online a week before your visit – last-minute slots occasionally open up.
Unconventional Timing: Avoiding the Crowds
If you’re willing to be flexible, try arriving early (about 30 minutes before opening), late (after 7 p.m. from May to August, after 5 p.m. during spring and fall, or after 4 p.m. in winter), or when the weather isn’t ideal – lines tend to dissipate during rainfall.
Timing is Key: Maximizing Your Experience
For the most captivating views, aim to arrive around sunset. This way, you can enjoy the scenery as the sun sets and then witness the tower’s enchanting light display, which occurs at the top of every hour. From below, the best vantage points are across the Seine River at Place du Trocadéro or the grassy park beneath the tower. The tower’s beauty is truly amplified at twilight, when the city is bathed in darkness and the tower’s lights create a spectacular spectacle.
Plan to spend at least three to four hours at the tower, especially during the summer, to allow for queuing, reaching the top, and exploring the views and exhibits on the way down. A quick visit, with a reserved ticket, minimal crowds, and limited sightseeing, could take approximately 90 minutes. If you have a reserved entry time, arrive about 30 minutes beforehand.
Safety First: Protecting Your Belongings
Always be mindful of your belongings, especially in bustling crowds. Pickpockets prey on tourists, particularly those captivated by the tower’s grandeur. It’s wise to wear a money belt or keep your valuables securely tucked under your clothes. Be cautious about where you place your phone.
A Tower of Discoveries: Unveiling the Tower’s Layers
The Eiffel Tower boasts three levels with observation platforms at approximately 200, 400, and 900 feet, all interconnected by elevators and stairs. However, there is no direct elevator to the summit. To reach the top, you’ll first need to take an elevator (or climb 775 steps) to the second level. Some elevators stop at the first level, but it’s more efficient to explore it on the way down. Once you reach the second level, quickly queue for the next elevator to the summit. Several elevators and feeder queues ensure you’ll find the shortest line.
A Hidden Gem: Gustave Eiffel’s Secret Apartment
Few visitors are aware that Gustave Eiffel built himself a cozy apartment on the tower’s top level. This private sanctuary served as his retreat for reflection and occasional visits. Eiffel refused all offers to rent it out. Today, you can glimpse inside this still-furnished apartment.
The Heart of the Experience: The Second Level
While the summit offers an unparalleled view, the second level holds its own charm. It provides a perfect balance – high enough to see the entire city but low enough to identify distinct landmarks. Don’t miss the first level either, with its intriguing shops, exhibitions, and an awe-inspiring glass floor that offers the feeling of standing atop an 18-story building.
Embracing the Descent: The Stairs Offer a Unique Perspective
The Eiffel Tower is known for its elevator lines, both up and down. While it’s tempting to use the elevators for the ascent, consider taking the stairs on the way down. From the summit, you’ll need to take the elevator to the second level, but from there, the stairs are your best bet. The walk between each level takes about five minutes, making it a significantly faster and more memorable way to return to earth.
The Final Adieu: A Last Glimpse of Parisian Majesty
Upon returning to ground level, your appreciation for the tower’s romance and engineering marvels will deepen. For a final farewell, stroll across the Seine River to Place du Trocadéro and turn back to capture the quintessential Parisian symbol in all its glory.
