When it opened in 1889 as the entrance to the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World's Fair), it was the world's tallest human-made construction, rising 324 metres (1,063 ft) above the land. The Tower maintained the status for 41 years until the New York City took over by Chrysler Building in 1930. Today the Eiffel Tower is the most important icon of France and one of the most recognisable landmarks around the world. Probably everyone who eventually makes it to the French capital doesn't leave it without visiting its iconic monument or at least catching a glimpse of it. The yearly tourist flow to the Eiffel Tower exceeds 7 million which makes it the world's most visited paid-for monument.
Great popularity lead to year-round lines, therefore it's wise to purchase a bypass line ticket. The peak season between July and August offers extended operating hours—9:00 am to 12:45 am, with the last elevator ascent at 11 pm. During the extremely busy summer months, booking your tickets online might be the only possible way to get to the top. The rest of the year, admission time is reduced to 9:30 am and 11:45 pm, the last ride departing at 10:30 pm.
Apart from the elevator, it's also possible to use the staircase, climbing 330 steps to the first level, and 670 steps to the second level. To reach the very top of the tower, you'll have to proceed by elevator anyway. Climbing the stairs allows you to stop at every point you like and observe the views around. You'll have the privilege of being high enough to enjoy Paris from the bird's perspective, but at the same time low enough to recognise its monuments scattered below. Just note that in peak season the opening hours coincide with the elevator's, while for the remainder of the year the staircase access closes at 6:30 pm.
Though the time of year isn't that relevant, visitors face another dilemma—what time of the day is the best to ascend the Eiffel Tower? The daylight is better for photos, but the City of Lights has its own charm. Not to miss any experience, you could always visit it twice. But to kill two birds with one stone, opt for the late afternoon time, an hour or so before the sunset. You'll have the unique opportunity to behold everything—daytime Paris, urban sunset, evening blues, and finally the magnificent lighting.
Also, you might be interested in how to approach the landmark for the best distant views. Take Metro, but don't get out at Bir-Hakeim stop, even though it's the closest one. Instead, opt for Trocadéro stop. You'll love the views.
Practical info
When can you visit the Eiffel Tower, and when does it close?
The Eiffel Tower welcomes visitors throughout the year except on January 1st and December 25th. Operating hours vary depending on the season, with admission open from 9:30 am to 11:45 pm for most of the year and from 9:00 am to 12:45 am during peak season from July to August. The peak season's last elevator ascent is at 11 pm, while the rest of the year stands at 10:30 pm. Show more
Is there a way to skip the long lines at the Eiffel Tower? Where can I buy bypass line tickets?
The South pillar of the Eiffel Tower has a ticket booth where visitors can buy bypass line tickets to avoid waiting in long queues. Alternatively, visitors can purchase tickets online. During peak season, there may be a delay in purchasing tickets on the spot, further highlighting the need to buy bypass line tickets. With these tickets, visitors can ascend to the first and second floors or the summit without wasting time in queues. Show more
What is the highest point that visitors can climb via the Eiffel Tower's stairs, and until what time is it possible?
By stair, visitors can climb the Eiffel Tower to the first and second floors, with the first floor accessible after 330 steps and the second floor after 670 steps. From either floor, visitors can proceed up to the next level by stairs or an elevator to the summit. However, stair access closes at 6:30 pm from September to May and coincides with elevator operating hours from June to August. Show more
When is the best time to visit the Eiffel Tower to get the most magnificent views of Paris?
The Eiffel Tower offers a unique experience from dawn till dusk, but visitors are advised to visit twice to experience it fully. However, one of the best times to catch the most magnificent views of Paris is an hour before sunset in the late afternoon. During this time, visitors get to admire Paris in the daytime, sunset, evening lights, and night illumination, all in one visit. Show more
Which station should visitors use if they want the best possible view of the distant Eiffel Tower?
To catch the best and most distant views of the Eiffel Tower, visitors need to use The Trocadéro metrô station. The station is located across the Seine and offers panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower. Besides the outstanding views of the Eiffel Tower, visitors can also enjoy breathtaking views of Paris, including the Seine River, from the Trocadéro metrô station platform. Show more
