Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel)
8.6Friend Score / 10#8 of 20 Attractions in Paris
Known foreiffel towertour eiffelparis landmarksummit views
Paris's unmistakable icon, and yes, worth doing once. Book online well ahead for a fixed time. Honest caveat: the queues and prices are brutal, and the view from the second floor is nearly as good as the pricier summit.
Key facts
| Hours | Daily 09:00–00:45 |
|---|---|
| Price | $$$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Bir-Hakeim (M6) or Trocadéro (M9); RER C Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel |
| Time needed | 2-3 hours with the ascent |
| Best time to go | First slot at opening, or sunset for the light-up (it sparkles on the hour after dark) |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Friend Score
8.6/10- Value7.0
- iconic9.5
- Freshness9.1
- Crowd level3.0
- Authenticity7.5
- Accessibility8.5
Frequently asked questions
- Is it open on Bastille Day?
- Watch the dates: in 2026 the tower is closed to the public on July 13 rather than the 14th, because the fireworks were rescheduled. Check toureiffel.paris before planning around mid-July.
- Do I need to book in advance?
- Absolutely, yes. Timed tickets sell out days ahead in summer, and walking up means a long wait plus the risk of no summit access. Book the moment your dates are set.
- How much are Eiffel Tower tickets in 2026?
- Adults pay from €14.80 for the stairs to the second floor up to €36.70 for the summit by lift, with the second floor by lift around €23.50. Kids and under-25s pay less. Book on the official site, toureiffel.paris, to avoid resale markups.
- Can I take the stairs instead of the lift?
- Yes, and it's cheaper and often faster to the second floor. It's about 674 steps, doable if you're reasonably fit. You still need a lift for the summit.
- When does the Eiffel Tower sparkle?
- It shimmers with thousands of lights for five minutes at the top of every hour after dark, until around 1am. Best watched from Trocadéro or the Champ de Mars lawn, not from inside.
- Is there security screening?
- Yes, there's airport-style screening at the perimeter, so build in extra time. Don't bring large bags or glass, and arrive 15-20 minutes before your slot.
- Is the summit worth the extra money?
- Honestly, not always. The view from the second floor is already sweeping, and the summit adds height but also more queuing and cost. If you're budget-conscious, stop at level two.
- Where's the best photo spot?
- Trocadéro across the river for the classic full-tower shot, or Rue de l'Université for a street-framed angle. Come at dawn for the same views without the crowds.
Nearby in Ask Paris
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- Palais de TokyoMuseum0.71 km · 9 min walk
- CaretteCafé0.8 km · 10 min walk
- Les Invalides (Hôtel des Invalides)Attraction1.35 km · 17 min walk
- Bel Horizon Coffee RoastersCafé1.48 km · 18 min walk
Where to stay near Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel)
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