Why go

No building says Paris quite like the Eiffel Tower. Built by Gustave Eiffel’s company for the 1889 World’s Fair and meant to stand for only 20 years, it became the city’s symbol instead, and it still draws millions of visitors a year. Seen from below, the riveted iron lattice is far more delicate than photographs suggest. Seen from above, the whole city opens out: the Seine curling past the Louvre, the white dome of the Sacré-Cœur on its hill, and the long green line of the Champ de Mars at your feet.

Going up is the classic first-time experience, but the tower is also worth seeing without a ticket. The esplanade beneath it, the gardens around it and the view from the Trocadéro across the river are all free, and after dark the tower sparkles on the hour for a few minutes.

What to see

  • The first floor. At 57 metres, it has a glass floor section that lets you look straight down, plus displays on the tower’s history.
  • The second floor. At 116 metres, this is the best level for picking out landmarks, close enough to see detail but high enough for a sweeping view.
  • The summit. At 276 metres and reached by a second lift, it has the widest panorama and a small champagne bar.
  • Trocadéro. Across the Pont d’Iéna, the terrace of the Palais de Chaillot frames the classic photograph of the whole tower.

Plan your visit

The tower opens every day. In November 2026 the official site lists opening hours of 9.30am to 11pm, with the last ascents at about 10.45pm. Hours change through the year, and the summit can close in strong wind or at very busy times, so check the official calendar before you go.

Adult prices for 2026 are €23.50 to the second floor by lift and €36.70 to the summit by lift. If you are happy to climb, a stairs ticket to the second floor costs €14.80, and €28 buys the stairs to the second floor plus the lift to the top. Young people aged 12 to 24 and children aged 4 to 11 pay less, and under 4s go free with a ticket. New prices apply from 11 January 2027.

Book online if you can. Timed tickets for the lifts are often sold out days ahead in spring and summer, and booking lets you choose a slot. The first slot of the morning and the hour before sunset are the most popular; late evening is often quieter and the views of the lit city are superb.

Security is strict. Large bags and suitcases are not allowed and there is no luggage storage, so leave cases at your hotel. Allow two to three hours for a visit to the summit, including queues.

Nearby

A Seine cruise leaves from the river bank right beside the tower, which makes it easy to combine the two. The Musée du quai Branly is a short walk east, and the golden dome of Les Invalides, where Napoleon is buried, is about 20 minutes on foot across the Champ de Mars.