The Eiffel Tower is synonymous with Paris, standing majestically in the heart of Paris. This iron-wrought beauty is a cultural icon, drawing visitors from around the world. As one of Europe's most popular attractions, it's no surprise that over 7 million people flock to the tower annually – that's nearly 20,000 daily! With such massive crowds, long wait times are inevitable. But fear not! With some insider knowledge, you can bypass the queues and make the most of your time with the Iron Lady. Let's dive into the best tips and tricks for skipping the line at the Eiffel Tower.
Buying Eiffel Tower Skip the Line Tickets
There are two lines at the Eiffel Tower. One for those without tickets, and another for those who've bought it online. Buy your ticket in advance so that you don’t have to stand in the non-ticket holder queue which is often long. The main attraction is, of course, the summit and the two observation floors. But if you're looking for a more indulgent experience, consider dinner at the esteemed Jules Verne restaurant. Whatever your preference, a little planning goes a long way in minimizing your wait time.
Wait Times - What to Expect at Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is 324 metres high, and consists of three levels that are open to the public: the first level, second level, and the summit. The first and second levels are accessible via stairs or elevators from the ground level. The summit level is only accessible via elevators from the second level.
The wait can be as long as 2 hours
The line to buy Eiffel Tower tickets to enter the tower are incredibly long - in peak season, your wait can be as long as two hours. And once you’re on the second floor, the line to get to the summit is also quite long, with waiting times going up to 90 minutes.
As the Eiffel Tower is an unmissable tourist attraction, lines are usually massive. You may get there early, but it is highly likely that most tourists will have done the same. The waiting time can be 30 minutes to an hour, but during peak tourist season, wait time can go up to three hours.
Climb 700 steps to the second floor and still wait for another 30-45 minutes.
While you can take the stairs to the second floor, you still have to wait in a line. However, the waiting time for this line is approximately 30 minutes, a far cry from the elevator line. The stairs aren’t very crowded, and you can climb at your own pace. The only downside to taking the stairs is that to get to the second level, you’ll need to climb over 700 steps!
4 Tried & Tested Ways To Skip The Lines at Eiffel Tower
Now that you know how long the lines to get tickets are, you also know how important it is to plan in advance. Here are four ways you can skip the ticket line and make your Eiffel experience a memorable one:
1. Book Eiffel Tower Tickets in Advance
Given that the Eiffel Tower is Paris’ most famous landmark, it is not a surprise that tickets sell out very quickly - sometimes months in advance! While you can buy tickets directly to the summit, it is also possible to get tickets to the second level. Once at the second level, you can decide whether or not you want to go to the summit. If you choose to go to the summit, it is possible to buy tickets in the second floor itself. And if you are late by more than 30 minutes, you lose your spot. If you decide to go and purchase tickets to the tower, you will have to wait in a long queue, and that can take up over an hour.
By booking in advance, after getting through security, you can skip the line to buy tickets, saving you a lot of time. This way, you can directly head to the tower, and soak in the beauty of Paris. The tickets that are booked in advance save your spot, so you can just head to the tower.
When entering the tower, you need to show a valid ticket, with the barcode. You can either print it out, or show it on your mobile phone, as long as it is compatible with barcode systems.
The entrances to the Eiffel Tower are at the ground floor, at the legs of the tower. To reach the tower through stairs, you have to enter through the south corner leg. Those going to the restaurant, Le Jules Verne, can access the tower through a separate entrance. Once you’ve passed security, you can show your tickets and enter the tower.
2. Take the Eiffel Tower Steps
You can choose to take the stairs to climb the Eiffel Tower as well. While it may take about 15 minutes to reach one level, it is a cheaper ticket and you won’t have to wait in a queue. There are 347 steps to the first level, and another 329 to the second, so if you do not mind climbing stairs, you can avoid the crowd. Climbing the stairs will also give you incredible views of the city you would have missed otherwise.
Once you reach the second floor, you can decide whether or not you want to go to the summit. If you do, you can buy a ticket at the tower itself, right next to the elevator on the second level that goes to the summit.
This is a good option in case summit tickets are sold out for the day you want. You can pre-book your second floor tickets, and once you’re there, just buy the summit tickets from the tower, as summit tickets are offered when space is available.
If walking up the stairs isn’t your cup of tea, you can even take the elevator to the second level, and then walk down to the first level. The first level has a glass floor zone, which will make you feel like you are walking on air.
Related Read: All You Need to Know About Eiffel Tower Stairs vs Lifts
3. Have Lunch or Dinner at the Eiffel Tower
There are two dining outlets in the Eiffel Tower - 58 Tour Eiffel on the first level, and Le Jules Verne on the second floor (only dinner). If you choose to have a meal at either of these Eiffel Tower restaurants, you can enter the tower through a separate entrance, away from the crowd.
One of the best ways to make the most of your visit to the Eiffel Tower is to combine it with a meal. You can choose to have lunch or dinner at the tower, and then see the tower. Not only will you get to see the tower after your meal, you will have a meal with the best view the city can offer.
Related Read: All About Grabbing Lunch At The Eiffel Tower
4. Opt for the Hosted Entry tickets
Ditch the wait with a Hosted Entry Ticket to the Eiffel Tower. You'll be escorted by a host from the meeting point to the first security check, granting you seamless access to the 1st and 2nd floors or the summit. Take your time to marvel at the stunning views, and don't miss the 1st floor's transparent flooring for a unique perspective on the crowds below. With this ticket, you'll enjoy a hassle-free experience, leaving you more time to soak up the Eiffel Tower's magic.
5. Eiffel Tower at Night
The waiting lines for the Eiffel Tower during the day are massive, especially during summer. With tourists and families thronging the lines, it’s easier to see the tower at night. The Eiffel Tower closes late in the night, so you can go later, and experience the City of Lights in all its glory.
Not just that, after sunset, the tower is lit up hour after hour for five minutes. The feeling of being on the tower at the time is indescribable. Moreover, as you leave the tower, you can look back and watch the tower come alive.
Nothing can match Paris’ picturesque view at night from the Eiffel Tower, as the city glitters at your feet.
Related Read: Visiting the Enchanting Eiffel Tower At Night
Eiffel Tower Guided Tours
There are a bunch of combo guided tours worth the bang for your buck too. For example, grabbing a Seine River Cruise + Eiffel Tower Guided Tour combo is much cheaper than buying the two tickets individually. One of our favourite (read popular) combos is the Eiffel 2nd Floor Guided Tour + Versailles Skip-the-Line Tickets - a real steal deal for just €60!.
Eiffel Tower Tickets Reviews
Guide was fantastic! Amazing experience, highly recommend!! Views from the stairs are something you cannot replicate the by simply taking the elevator.
- Lee-ann, Headout, May 2024
The eiffel tower has been an incredible experience. Not only have the views just been absilutely breathtaking, but also our guide has been incredibly nice. He explained the history if the eiffel tower so that it was easy to understand and even included a few jokes and fun facts about the tower and told us what else we could visit in paris. He was also always very helpful, understanding and answered all of our questions. It has been a great experience.
- Radovan, Headout, May 2024
Handy Tips
- Cloud cover and fog can completely obscure your views from the Eiffel Tower and can be an absolute bummer. Make sure to check the weather forecast before booking your tickets.
- Depending on your ticket, Eiffel Tower has multiple entrances you'll be ushered in from. Make your way to the right entrance to avoid standing in wrong queue.
- If you're grabbing the Skip the Line Eiffel Tower ticket, download the Eiffel Tower app that allows you to be your own tour guide. It has an hour-long audio tour with 30 themed chapters, covering everything from the history of the Eiffel Tower to the Secret Eiffel Tower Apartment and more.
- For the best selfies of the Eiffel Tower, arrive/depart at/from the Trocadéro or Bir-Hakeim stations. If you're not interested in taking pictures of the Eiffel, Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel is the closest station. Check out out guide on the best views of Eiffel Tower for more cool places to capture the best pictures.
- Gather some knowledge of the history of the Eiffel Tower before you make your visit to know the how and why of this tower.
Eiffel Tower Location & Opening Hours
Opening Hours
Timings: 9.30am to 12am
DIRECTIONS
Metro: Lines 6 and 9.
RER Train: Get off at the Champs de Mars station.
Bus: 42, 69, 82, and 87.
You could also get to the Tower by using any of the Batobus boats.
Best Time to Visit Eiffel Tower
Eiffel Tower is busiest time from mid-July to late-August and the quietest times are weekdays during the winter. If you're ready to brave the Paris winters, there's no better time to visit the Eiffel Tower than November to February. Weekends are for obvious reasons more crowded, so opt for a weekday visit to avoid brushing shoulders with tourists.
