Imagine Paris without the Eiffel Tower – it’s unthinkable! This architectural marvel, affectionately nicknamed the “Iron Lady,” was built in just two years, two months, and five days. Today, it stands tall as the most visited paid-for monument in the world, a true symbol of France. But with so many ticket options, planning your visit can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry, this guide will help you navigate the Eiffel Tower like a pro!
Start at the Bottom: Your Journey Begins
Your Eiffel Tower adventure starts on the ground floor, also known as the forecourt or the square. As you stand beneath the tower, its massive base stretching 125 meters (410 feet) in every direction, you truly grasp its immense scale. You’ll find souvenir shops and a food stall offering quick snacks.
When you’re ready to ascend, head towards one of the elevators or staircases located at the tower’s pillars. Each leg of the Eiffel Tower serves a different purpose: one for stairs, one for elevators, and one for those who have reserved elevator tickets. A word of advice: pre-purchase your tickets online to skip the long queues! During peak season, on-site ticket lines can stretch up to 3 hours. With pre-purchased tickets, you can breeze through security and enter the tower via the designated elevator.
The First Floor: A Step Up in Excitement
The first floor, 57 meters (182 feet) above ground, offers two ways up: the elevator or the stairs (328 steps). Some elevators stop at the first level, while others go straight to the second. Don’t get off if your elevator stops here; it’s more efficient to explore the first floor on the way down. The lines for elevators can be long, and waiting again to go to the second floor is a waste of precious time. Work your way from top to bottom!
The first floor, as well as the stairs, boasts a transparent floor! This thrilling feature provides spectacular views and is a highlight of the tower. Plus, taking the stairs saves you time (no lines!) and is easier on the way down. You’ll find more souvenir and snack shops on the first floor, as well as one of the two iconic Eiffel Tower restaurants.
Don’t miss the “Follow Gus” activity if you’re visiting with kids! At the Ferrié pavilion, free bilingual French/English activity books are available, perfect for children aged 6-10. They can follow the signs with Gus and learn all about the Eiffel Tower in a fun, educational way. A downloadable pdf version is also available on the official website. The Ferrié pavilion is also home to Cineiffel, an immersive show projected on three walls by seven projectors. Explore the passageways to discover screens, touch screens, showcases, digital albums, and more, offering insights into the Eiffel Tower’s history and construction.
The Second Floor: Parisian Panoramas and Culinary Delights
At 115 meters (377 feet) above the ground, the Eiffel Tower’s second floor boasts Paris’ most famous observation deck. Take in the breathtaking, unobstructed views of iconic landmarks: the Seine River, Montmartre, the Louvre, Orsay Museum, Palace of Versailles, Disneyland Paris, and more.
Following our top-to-bottom strategy, once on the second floor, immediately line up for the next elevator to the summit (unless you’re skipping it). There are multiple elevators, so find the shortest line. No stairs connect the second floor to the elevator.
Beyond its stunning observation deck, the second floor is home to Le Jules Verne, the Eiffel Tower’s Michelin-starred restaurant. Led by Alain Ducasse, a chef with 18 Michelin stars to his name, Le Jules Verne offers traditional French cuisine with a modern twist. Indulge in a 5 or 6 course meal, available for lunch and dinner. For a lighter bite, visit the snack bar or treat yourself to delicious macarons.
The Summit: Standing Atop the City of Lights
At a towering 276 meters (905 feet) above the ground, experience the exhilarating feeling of standing atop the City of Lights! The glass-walled elevator ascent is a thrilling experience in itself. Don’t forget to peek into Gustave Eiffel’s office, a room with realistic wax figures that transports you back to the era when this architectural masterpiece was born.
Nestled within the platforms, the champagne bar offers the perfect place to raise a toast to this magical moment. Non-alcoholic drinks are also available, making it a celebration for the whole family.
Many debate whether summit tickets are worth the splurge. The simple answer is: while the city views are spectacular from the second floor, nothing compares to the feeling of reaching the top. However, summit tickets are in high demand and sell out quickly, so book in advance.
If summit tickets are unavailable on your chosen day, you can purchase second-floor tickets and try your luck on the day of your visit. A ticket booth on the second floor sells last-minute summit tickets, as long as they’re not sold out.
No matter how you choose to experience the Eiffel Tower, be sure to savor every moment. This architectural masterpiece offers something for everyone: history, breathtaking views, and unforgettable memories. So, go on, ascend the Iron Lady and discover the magic of Paris from its peak!
