Things to do · Paris
Eiffel Tower tickets: how to choose the right one
The lift climbs at an angle up one of the legs, and through the iron lattice you watch Paris shrink. At the top there is always a breeze. The Seine lies below like a silver ribbon, and the tower's shadow falls across the Champ de Mars.
In short: Eiffel Tower tickets
You choose between the second floor and the summit, and between the lift and the stairs. The summit can only be reached by lift. Tickets are sold with a time slot and often sell out in high season, so book before you travel. For something simpler, choose a guided tour or dinner in the tower.
How to choose the right Eiffel Tower ticket
First time in Paris: the lift to the summit. That is the view people remember.
You like to walk: the stairs to the second floor. Around 670 steps, and often a shorter queue.
You want the story: a guided tour by lift. The guide explains why the tower was nearly torn down.
A special evening: dinner in the first-floor restaurant, with Paris all around you.
Three ways to experience the Eiffel Tower
Choose by how high you want to go and how much time you have.
The links to experiences and hotels are affiliate links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Worth knowing
Getting there
Metro to Bir-Hakeim or Trocadéro, or RER C to Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel.
Security
Everyone goes through a check before entering the area under the tower. Expect a queue.
The light show
Every hour on the hour after dark, the tower sparkles for about five minutes. Watch from Trocadéro.
Time
Allow two hours including queues, security and the summit.
Weather
The summit can close in strong wind. Have a plan B.
How Picolo chooses
Our editors pick every hotel and experience themselves, and most of them we have tried. Nobody can pay to be included or ranked higher. When you book through our links, Picolo earns a small commission. It never changes the price you pay, and it never decides what we write.
Stay with a view of the tower
16th arrondissement
Shangri-La Paris
- Eiffel Tower views
A former palace built for Prince Roland Bonaparte. The best rooms look straight across the river to the Eiffel Tower, which sparkles outside the window at night.
Best for: For the balcony
By the Eiffel Tower
Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel
- Close to the boats
A modern chain hotel a stone's throw from the foot of the tower and the quay where Bateaux Parisiens departs. Many rooms face the tower.
Best for: For the location
Picolo earns a commission from Hotels.com when you book through the links on this page. The price stays the same.
More things to do in Paris
Eiffel Tower tickets: FAQ
Do I need to buy Eiffel Tower tickets in advance?
Yes, you should, especially from April to September and during holidays. Tickets are sold with a time slot, and the summit tends to sell out first. Sunset slots often go first. In winter it is easier to get tickets at short notice.
Can I take the stairs to the top of the Eiffel Tower?
No. The stairs go to the second floor, and from there you take the lift to the summit. The stairs are around 670 steps, and most people take about half an hour. Many walk up and take the lift down.
When does the Eiffel Tower sparkle?
The tower sparkles for about five minutes every hour on the hour after dark. In winter that starts early in the evening, in summer late. Watch from Trocadéro or a boat on the Seine.
How long do I need at the Eiffel Tower?
Allow two hours including queues, security and the summit. Arrive for the first slot of the morning and you are often out in an hour and a half. With dinner or a cruise it becomes half an evening.
Where should I stay to see the Eiffel Tower?
Shangri-La Paris in the 16th has rooms and balconies facing the tower. Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel is right by its foot. Rooms with tower views are popular, so book early.
Updated 5 Nov 2026All articles