Experiences
Eiffel Tower tickets: the best time to go and hotels with a view
A lift to the top, stairs to the second floor and a light show every hour after dark. How to visit the Eiffel Tower without needless queueing, and where to stay with a view.
It is dark, and you are standing on a bridge over the Seine. Just as the hour strikes, the Eiffel Tower starts to sparkle, thousands of tiny lights twinkling for five minutes. People around you raise their phones, but most of them end up simply watching.
The Eiffel Tower is the most famous landmark in Paris and one of the most visited in the world. Here is how to buy tickets, when to go up, where to get the best photos and which hotels have the tower outside the window.
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How to buy Eiffel Tower tickets
Tickets are sold on the official website and through resellers offering guided tours. Book ahead, especially in summer and at weekends.
Lift to the summit: the most popular ticket, stopping at the second floor.
Stairs to the second floor: cheaper and often a shorter queue. From the second floor you can take the lift on up.
Guided tour: often includes reserved entry and the story of the tower.
Book the experience: See tickets and tours in Paris
The best time and viewpoints
Go up early in the morning or late in the evening. Sunset is popular but gives wonderful light over the city.
Trocadéro
The square across the Seine gives the classic photo of the whole tower. Arrive early in the morning to have it almost to yourself.
Champ de Mars
The park beneath the tower is lovely for a picnic. From here you look straight up at it.
A Seine cruise
Boats leave from the quay by the tower and take you past the Louvre and Notre-Dame. Evening cruises show you the tower lights from the water.
The light show
After dark the tower sparkles for five minutes every hour on the hour. Watch from Trocadéro or a bridge over the Seine.
Where to stay with a view of the Eiffel Tower
The hotels in the 7th and 16th arrondissements are closest to the tower. Many offer rooms with a view, but those tend to be the first to sell out.
Shangri-La Paris
Just across the river from the tower.
Shangri-La Paris
The Shangri-La is in a former princely palace just across the Seine from the tower. Many rooms and balconies look straight at the Eiffel Tower, and the hotel has a spa and restaurants.
Book your stay: See rooms at Shangri-La Paris
Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel
The Pullman sits right at the foot of the tower. Practical, with a short walk to the entrance and the boats on the Seine.
Book your stay: See rooms at Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel
Hôtel Plaza Athénée
Classic luxury on Avenue Montaigne.
Hôtel Plaza Athénée
The Plaza Athénée is on Avenue Montaigne, a short walk from the Seine. One of the most famous hotels in Paris, and several rooms look towards the tower.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hôtel Plaza Athénée
When is the best time to visit the Eiffel Tower?
Early morning: the shortest queues and the clearest air.
Sunset: beautiful light, but the busiest time. Book early.
Winter: fewer tourists. The summit can close in strong winds.
Eiffel Tower FAQ
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
It is recommended, especially in summer and at weekends.
Can I take the stairs to the top?
The stairs go to the second floor. From there you take the lift to the summit.
When does the Eiffel Tower sparkle?
Every hour on the hour after dark, for five minutes.
Where can I get the best photo?
From Trocadéro, across the Seine.
Which hotels have a view of the tower?
The Shangri-La Paris is known for its views, and several hotels nearby have rooms facing the tower.