Eiffel Tower
The months in gold are when the weather, the crowds and the prices work out best.
Yes, it is worth visiting if you prepare well, but expect heavy crowds and long queues. The best months to visit are May, June, September, and October for comfortable weather. You should allow three to four hours for security checks and the climb.
Summit lift tickets sell out months in advance, forcing expensive third-party tours.
The daily figure is an estimate and does not include flights. The exchange rate is real, and it moves once a day, not by the second.
Allow three to four hours to clear security and visit the upper levels.
Take the metro to Bir Hakeim or Trocadero station and walk.
Book official summit tickets online months in advance to avoid inflated prices.
Summit lift tickets sell out months in advance, forcing expensive third party tours.
The Reality of the Experience
The area around the base is heavily guarded, surrounded by high glass walls and metal barriers. You will pass through two separate security checkpoints before you even reach the ticket scanners. The crowds are constant, and you will share the viewing platforms with hundreds of other visitors.
If you choose to take the stairs to the second floor, you will climb 674 steps. It is a physical workout, but it bypasses the longest elevator lines and costs less. The summit is only accessible by a second elevator, which often has its own long queue once you are already inside.
Choosing the Right Month
Paris is crowded in July and August, and winter weather brings cold winds that make the open air platforms uncomfortable. May, June, September, and October offer the best balance of mild temperatures and clearer skies.
If you visit during these recommended months, booking a slot just before sunset allows you to see the city in daylight and watch the hourly light show begin. Be prepared for temperatures to drop rapidly at the top after dark.
The Ticket Trap
Many travelers assume they can buy tickets to the very top on the day of their visit. In reality, official summit lift tickets sell out online months in advance.
If you miss this window, your only options are climbing the stairs to the second floor or paying much more for a third party tour group. Plan your budget around a daily cost of 250 EUR per person to cover central accommodation, meals, and these potentially inflated ticket prices.
The background
The Eiffel Tower ( EYE-fəl; French: Tour Eiffel [tuʁ ɛfɛl] ) is a lattice tower on the Champ de Mars in Paris, France. It is named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built the tower from 1887 to 1889. Locally nicknamed "La dame de fer" (French for "Iron Lady") for its use of wrought iron, it was constructed as the centrepiece of the 1889 World's Fair, and to crown the centennial anniversary of the French Revolution. Although initially criticised by some of France's leading artists and intellectuals for its design, it has since become a global cultural icon of France and one of the most recognisable structures in the world. The tower received 5,889,000 visitors in 2022. The Eiffel Tower is the most visited monument with an entrance fee in the world: 6.91 million people ascended it in 2015. It was designated a monument historique in 1964, and was named part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site ("Paris, Banks of the Seine") in 1991. The tower is 330 metres (1,083 ft) tall, about the same height as an 81-storey building, and the tallest structure in Paris. Its base is square, measuring 125 metres (410 ft) on each side. During its construction, the Eiffel Tower sur
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Questions people ask
Can you walk up to the very top?
No, you cannot walk all the way to the summit. You can climb the stairs to the second floor, but you must take an elevator from there to the top.
What happens if it rains?
The tower remains open in the rain, but the top deck can become very windy and cold. In extreme weather, the summit elevator may be temporarily closed for safety.
Is it better to visit during the day or at night?
Sunset offers the best of both. You get daytime views of the city, and then you can watch the tower illuminate and sparkle on the hour.
How much does a visit cost?
A normal day costs about 250 EUR per person. This covers meals, transport, and standard entry, though last minute tour bookings will increase this price.
Can I bring a large bag or suitcase inside?
No, large bags and suitcases are strictly forbidden. There are no luggage storage lockers at the monument, so you must leave large items at your hotel.