by Celeste Lipford and Terry Lipford - last updated on 9/24/2025
Paris, the world's most famous City of Light, is a testament to both intellectual illumination and technological advancement. Its luminous reputation was earned not only from its historic role as a beacon of ideas during the Age of Enlightenment but also from its pioneering efforts in urban lighting, from early lanterns to the dazzling gas and electric lamps that lit its streets.
Standing at 330 meters tall, the Eiffel Tower is more than a Parisian landmark — it’s a symbol of innovation, resilience, and romance that has captured imaginations for over a century. Completed in 1889 for the World’s Fair, the tower was once dismissed by critics as an eyesore. Yet today, it draws millions of visitors each year and remains one of the most recognizable structures in the world. Approaching the tower in person, you quickly realize just how massive it is, with its iron latticework stretching skyward and its base forming a dramatic gateway onto the Champ de Mars.
Climbing or riding to the viewing platforms is an experience that blends excitement with awe. The first and second levels offer cafés, exhibits, and expansive views of the Seine and the surrounding neighborhoods. From here you can pick out Paris’s most famous icons — the Arc de Triomphe, the golden dome of Les Invalides, and the graceful curve of the Seine as it winds past Île de la Cité. For many visitors, the second level provides the best balance of height and perspective, where the city’s details remain vivid yet the horizon stretches in every direction.
Reaching the summit is an unforgettable moment. The elevator rises through the iron framework, delivering you to the highest platform in the city. On clear days you can see for miles across the Île-de-France region, while at night the city glitters like a sea of lights. Gustave Eiffel’s private office, preserved at the top, gives a glimpse into the history of the tower and its role as a triumph of 19th-century engineering. Even if you’ve seen countless photos of the view, nothing compares to the feeling of standing at the pinnacle of Paris.
Of course, one of the best ways to experience the Eiffel Tower is from the ground. The wide lawns of the Champ de Mars are perfect for a picnic with the tower as your backdrop, while the Trocadéro terraces across the river provide one of the most photographed vantage points in Europe. At night, when the tower is illuminated and its famous sparkle lights up the sky for five minutes every hour, the atmosphere becomes magical. Whether you are admiring it from afar or standing high above the city, the Eiffel Tower is a reminder of why Paris is known as the City of Light.
Do I need advance date & time reservations?
Yes — purchasing Eiffel Tower tickets in advance is highly recommended. Due to modern security measures, including fenced perimeters and metal detector portals, entry lines can be very long. Buying tickets online with a scheduled time guarantees your access and saves hours of waiting.
How can I avoid long lines at the Eiffel Tower?
Lines at the Eiffel Tower can be extremely long, especially during the busy season. The best way to avoid waiting for hours is to purchase a guided tour or a timed-entry ticket in advance. These tickets often include priority access through a separate entrance reserved for tours and pre-booked visitors.
If you are planning to visit during peak hours (late morning to mid-afternoon), advanced booking is strongly recommended. Even with a timed ticket, you should still arrive a bit early, as security checks are required for all guests.
Restaurants near the Eiffel Tower
If you are looking for a restaurant close to the Eiffel Tower, there are several on the Avenue de Suffren - just a block west of the tower. We ate lunch at the Le Castel Café prior to our stroll down the River Seine. You will find that the reviews are all over the place, but our experience was reasonable.
Avoid the Paris Pick-Pockets
The Bir-Hakeim Metro station serving Metro Line 6 (just 2.5 blocks west of the Eiffel Tower) is (and will probably always be) "pick-pocket central" for all the local thieves. If you use this station, keep your valuables somewhere very safe & don't let anyone stand near to you! The pick-pocket techniques include; Creating a crowd around you to distract you while an accomplice lifts your wallet or phone, holding a map in front of you while their partner picks your pocket, or blocking your view with a fake performance while someone else steals your belongings.
Eiffel Tower Security
After the 2015 terror attacks in Paris, the Eiffel Tower has implemented a multi-layered security system to protect its millions of annual visitors. See our information on this page for more depth regarding this subject.The Eiffel Tower's history begins with its ambitious conception for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World's Fair), held in Paris to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. The tower was designed by the engineering firm of Gustave Eiffel, based on plans drawn by engineers Maurice Koechlin and Émile Nouguier and architect Stephen Sauvestre. Though initially intended as a temporary gateway to the fair, Eiffel successfully argued for its potential scientific utility, which ultimately saved it from demolition. Construction began in 1887 and, using prefabricated wrought iron components, was completed in a record-breaking two years, two months, and five days. The final structure was twice as tall as any building in the world at the time and, despite being initially criticized by some of France's leading artists and intellectuals as an eyesore, it was an instant public success at the exposition.
Following the 1889 fair, the Eiffel Tower faced a new existential threat, as its original land-use permit was set to expire at the end of 1909. Facing pressure to tear down the colossal structure, Gustave Eiffel ingeniously promoted the tower's use for scientific purposes, such as meteorological and astronomical observations. His most important initiative was to establish a wireless telegraphy station at the top, a technology that was rapidly gaining strategic military importance. During World War I, this radio tower proved crucial, intercepting enemy messages and enabling a decisive counter-attack at the Battle of the Marne in 1914. This strategic value cemented the tower's permanent place in the Parisian skyline, and its concession was renewed.
Throughout the 20th century, the Eiffel Tower continued to evolve and witness pivotal moments in history. In the 1920s, it became a symbol of modernity and art, inspiring countless artists and writers. It also served as a unique advertising space for brands like Citroën. During the German occupation of Paris in World War II, French resistance fighters cut the tower's elevator cables, forcing Nazi soldiers to climb the stairs to hoist their flag. Following the war, the tower's popularity soared with the growth of international tourism. Today, the "Iron Lady" is not only a major tourist attraction, but also an indispensable broadcasting hub for radio and television signals across the Île-de-France region, continuing its dual role as a cultural landmark and a pillar of technical advancement.
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Click the above video poster image to see a video of our elevator ride, a rather unusual ride as it shakes & rattles its way up to the observation platform. There isn't much room inside these elevator cars and everyone is packed in tightly! The east & west hydraulic elevators were designed by the Fives Lille company in 1899. The north & south Otis hydraulic elevators were installed when the Eiffel Tower opened in 1889 and were replaced by Otis elevators in 1900.
There are several routes & methods you can utilize to get to the Eiffel Tower, much of which depends upon where you are coming from and what kind of experience you want to have on your way there. For example; The Eiffel Tower is located in the 7th arrondissement, and the arrondissement that borders it on the other side of the Seine River is the 16th arrondissement. The Eiffel Tower sits on the Left Bank of the Seine River in the wealthy 7th arrondissement, while the 16th is on the Right Bank, across the river. So if your accommodations are in one of those two areas, you would probably just walk to the Eiffel Tower.
| Route Option | Route Details | Walk Time to Tower |
|---|---|---|
| Bir-Hakeim Station - Metro Line 6 | This is the closest metro station to the Eiffel Tower. The elevated tracks on this line also offer a great view of the tower as you approach. This is perhaps the quickest route. | ~5 to 10 minutes |
| Trocadéro Station - Metro Line 6 or 9 | Take the metro to the Trocadéro station for the most spectacular view of the Eiffel Tower from across the Seine River. From here, you can walk down through the Trocadéro Gardens and cross the Seine on the Pont d'Iéna. This is a nice walk through the Gardens, we took this route when we were staying in The Marais. | ~15 to 20 minutes |
| École Militaire Station - Metro Line 8 | This station is located on the opposite side of the Eiffel Tower, next to the Champ de Mars park. It provides a more relaxed approach through the park to the base of the tower. | ~15 minutes |
| Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel - RER Line C | The RER C is a regional train network that acts like a metro line within the city. This station is located a short walk from the tower's entrance. | ~5 to 7 minutes |
You could just as easily take a taxi, or a bus; take bus lines 42, 69, 82, 72, or 30. Bus 42 stops at the "Tour Eiffel" stop, while bus 82 stops at "Tour Eiffel" and "Montessuy". Bus 72 drops you off near Trocadéro, and lines 69 and 86 have stops at Champ de Mars.
Use an interactive map, like one provided on La tour Eiffel's website, to find the closest bus stop to your current location.
The Eiffel Tower was built for the 1889 World's Fair, stood as the world's tallest building for 41 years, and has a hidden apartment for Gustave Eiffel at its top. Its height changes due to temperature, it's repainted every seven years to prevent rust, and it plays a vital role as a radio antenna for France.
History and Design
Construction & Materials
Height and Appearance
Unique Features & Uses
Security controlling access to the Eiffel Tower has become ever more stringent; As is the case for all French facilities open to the public, the Eiffel Tower has implemented a strict security system and checks, which are reinforced by the national “Vigipirate” plan (currently the “increased security – risk of attack” level). All visitors, whether they bought their tickets in advance or want to buy them on site, must undergo two security check steps: the first occurs at the entrance to the site and the second prior to entering the pillar to take the elevator or stairs.
The base of the monument is now surrounded by permanent bulletproof glass walls on two sides and metal fences on the others, with vehicle-ramming prevention bollards in place. All visitors must pass through security checkpoints at the perimeter, where bags are checked and belongings are screened. A second screening occurs before visitors take the elevators or stairs to the upper levels. Security patrols by soldiers and police are a regular presence both inside and outside the fenced perimeter. This rigorous approach, which includes video surveillance, reinforces the national "Vigipirate" security plan to ensure the safety of everyone enjoying the landmark.
You should visit the Eiffel Tower Visitor's Practical Guide page for all information pertaining to security and visitation of the Eiffel Tower. This is a very comprehensive statement and it describes what is allowed and not allowed.
There is also a 3 page PDF that was created by the "Tour Eiffel Website" where all of the rules are throughly discussed.
Paris gives you dozens of angles on the tower. These are the most reliable spots, with notes on timing and composition so you can get “keeper” shots without a lot of trial and error.
Trocadéro Esplanade & Steps
The classic postcard view across the Seine. Shoot wide from the top of the steps for full symmetry, then move down into the gardens for water-feature foregrounds. Best at sunrise (quiet, soft light) and at blue hour when the tower lights come on.
Champ de Mars (Center Line)
Stand on the central gravel path beneath the tower for powerful leading lines. Step back for a full height shot or move closer to frame the latticework against the sky. Great for picnics + candid shots of the tower “in the scene.”
Pont d’Iéna & Carousel
On the bridge, you get a strong perspective up the river with the tower looming. Include the vintage carousel near the bridge for a playful foreground and a nice day-to-night transition shot.
Bir-Hakeim Bridge (Double-Decked)
Shoot from the center under the metal colonnade for perfect vanishing lines, or from the downstream sidewalk for a clean profile of the tower with the Seine. Sunset and blue hour work especially well here.
Rue de l’Université (Framed Street View)
A narrow, photogenic street that naturally frames the tower between Haussmann façades. Go early to avoid parked delivery trucks and foot traffic; a 35–50mm focal length keeps verticals tidy.
Avenue de Camoëns (Balcony Lookout)
A quiet cul-de-sac with a stone balustrade overlooking the rooftops toward the tower—great for portraits and “we were here” shots without crowds in your frame.
From the Seine (Riverside or Cruise)
Riverside paths give you low-angle reflections and boat light trails after dark. A short cruise adds fresh angles without walking, and the timing around golden hour/blue hour is hard to beat.
Shooting From the Tower (2nd Floor & Summit)
On the tower, work the corners of the second level for unobstructed views of the Seine bend and Trocadéro. The summit is about the grand panorama; use a longer focal length to compress landmarks. On stair sections, the ironwork makes strong leading lines.
Quick Tips
One-hour loop: Trocadéro → Pont d’Iéna (carousel) → Champ de Mars. For a longer session, add Bir-Hakeim and Rue de l’Université, then finish with a blue-hour riverside shot.
What’s the best time of day to visit?
Early morning (right at opening) is calm with soft light; late afternoon into blue hour gives you sunsets and the nightly sparkle. Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends.
Should I take the stairs or the elevator?
Stairs tickets are cheaper and put you inside the ironwork—with landings to rest—while elevator tickets are faster and better for accessibility. Reaching the 2nd floor by stairs is about 674 steps; summit access beyond that requires a lift.
Which metro/RER stations are closest?
Bir-Hakeim (Line 6) is closest; Trocadéro (Line 9) and École Militaire (Line 8) are about a 10–15 minute walk. RER C stops at Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel.
When does the Eiffel Tower sparkle?
The tower’s golden lighting comes on at dusk; it sparkles for about 5 minutes at the start of each hour after dark. Seasonal end times can vary—check the official Eiffel Tower illuminaton show page before you go.
Can I bring luggage or large bags?
No—there’s no left-luggage facility and larger items (suitcases, bulky bags, non-folding strollers, etc.) aren’t admitted. Pack light for security screening.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Highly recommended, especially for the summit. Time-stamped e-tickets take you directly to the correct pillar and guarantee summit access when included.
Where are the best photo spots?
For classic angles: Trocadéro Esplanade/steps, Champ de Mars centerline, Pont d’Iéna (with the carousel), and Bir-Hakeim bridge. See Best Photo Spots in the Plan section (on this page) for compositions and timing tips.
Is the Eiffel Tower accessible?
Elevators serve the 2nd floor and the summit; queues can be long at peak times. If stairs are an option, you can climb to the 2nd floor and take the lift higher from there. Wheelchair access at the Eiffel Tower is possible up to the 1st and 2nd landing via an elevator. Wheelchair users should use the elevator in the north leg of the tower. If you are at the river facing the Eiffel tower, it will be on your left.
Visiting the Eiffel Tower can be one of the highlights of a trip to Paris, but a little planning makes the experience smoother and more rewarding.
Best Time to Go
Crowds build quickly, especially during peak summer months and on weekends. If possible, aim for early morning or late evening visits. Sunrise offers calm and stunning views of Paris waking up, while evening visits provide the magic of the tower’s nightly light show. Winter tends to be quieter, though colder, and lines are shorter.
Tickets and Reservations
Tickets are best purchased in advance through the official Eiffel Tower website. Online reservations let you choose your time slot and avoid the longest lines. Separate ticket options are available for the second level or the summit — if you want the full experience, the summit is worth it. If you don’t mind the climb, stairs tickets are cheaper and allow you to appreciate the tower’s structure up close.
The Eiffel Tower has a total of 1,665 steps from the ground to the very top, but visitors can only climb 674 steps from the ground to the second floor. The final section of the staircase from the second floor to the summit is not open to the public for safety reasons, so those who wish to reach the very top must use a lift.
Accessibility
Elevators serve the second floor and summit, making the tower accessible to visitors with mobility needs. Be aware that elevator queues can still be long, so plan extra time if accessibility is a concern. Stairs are available for those looking for exercise (around 700 steps to the second floor).
Nearby Attractions
Plan extra time for the surrounding area. The Champs de Mars, directly beneath the tower, is perfect for photos and picnics. Across the river, the Trocadéro Gardens offer some of the most iconic views of the tower — especially beautiful at sunset. A Seine River cruise, which often departs nearby, provides a different perspective on both the Eiffel Tower and the city’s landmarks.
Plan Your Visit Travel Resources — Maps, Parking, Passes & Links
More Info Travel Resources — Maps, Parking, Passes & Links
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