Paris Eiffel Tower Tours
Experience the iconic Iron Lady with skip-the-line access, panoramic views, and the magic of Paris from above!
Compare the best eiffel tower tours in Paris — see prices, durations, and book with instant confirmation.
Compare top-rated eiffel tower tours in Paris. Small-group and guided options with local experts — see prices and availability below.
Stand atop the world's most iconic monument - the magnificent Eiffel Tower, the Iron Lady that defines Paris! Built in 1889 for the World's Fair, this 330-meter engineering marvel offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Paris from multiple levels. Skip the notorious lines with priority access, ascend via glass elevator while learning fascinating history, and experience Paris spread before you - from Arc de Triomphe to Sacré-Cœur, from the Seine's curves to Montparnasse Tower. Whether visiting the first level's glass floor, the second level's restaurants, or the summit champagne bar at 276 meters, the Eiffel Tower delivers unforgettable moments. Learn about Gustave Eiffel's engineering genius, discover the tower's near-demolition story, and understand why this temporary exhibition became Paris's eternal symbol. Perfect for first-time visitors, romantics, photographers, and anyone seeking THE quintessential Paris experience!
Eiffel Tower Tours in Paris
Compare top-rated eiffel tower tours in Paris — guided experiences, local experts, and small-group options. See prices, durations, and availability.
- Duration
- Multiple Levels
- Panoramic Views
- Historical Stories
- Photo Opportunities
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Why Choose Eiffel Tower Tours in Paris?
Skip Enormous Lines
Avoid 2-3 hour waits with priority access - more time enjoying, less time queuing!
Spectacular Views
See all of Paris from above - the city of lights spreads in every direction below you.
Fascinating History
Learn how the "temporary" tower for the 1889 fair became Paris's eternal symbol.
Romantic Icon
Experience the world's most romantic monument - perfect for proposals and special moments!
Types of Eiffel Tower Tours in Paris
Skip-the-Line Tours
Priority access with expert guides to second level or summit with comprehensive history.
Sunset Tours
Timed perfectly to see Paris in daylight, sunset, and sparkling at night - magical!
Dinner at Eiffel Tower
Dine at the tower's restaurants - Jules Verne or Madame Brasserie with stunning views.
Private VIP Tours
Exclusive access with dedicated guides and flexible timing for personalized experiences.
What to Expect on Your Paris Eiffel Tower Tours
Duration
Tours last 1.5-3 hours including ascent, exploration, and descent at your pace.
Multiple Levels
Visit first level (57m), second level (115m), or summit (276m) depending on tour type.
Panoramic Views
See Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame, Sacré-Cœur, and all Paris landmarks from above.
Historical Stories
Learn about construction, Gustave Eiffel, near-demolition, and how it became beloved.
Photo Opportunities
Unlimited photos from platforms - capture Paris from the world's best viewpoint!
Expert Guides
Knowledgeable guides share fascinating facts and point out landmarks.
Expert Tips for the Best Experience
Book skip-the-line tickets months in advance - the tower sells out quickly, especially summer!
Evening visits (after 6 PM) have shorter lines and you see Paris lit up at night.
The hourly sparkle show (5 minutes on the hour after dark) is magical from nearby or atop tower.
Second level offers best photo angles - summit is higher but views less detailed.
Bring a jacket - it's windy and cool at the top even in summer!
The champagne bar at summit offers unique experience (€12-20 per glass).
Visit Trocadéro Gardens after for the iconic tower photos with fountains.
Security lines are separate from ticket lines - arrive early for both!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:How tall is the Eiffel Tower?
A: The Eiffel Tower stands 330 meters (1,083 feet) tall including antennas! The main observation deck (summit) is at 276 meters (906 feet). It has three levels: first level at 57 meters with glass floor, second level at 115 meters with the best views and restaurants, and the summit at 276 meters with champagne bar. It was the world's tallest structure for 41 years until 1930! The tower weighs 10,100 tonnes (iron structure) and contains 18,038 metal parts held by 2.5 million rivets. It sways slightly in wind and grows 15cm taller in summer heat as iron expands! Climbing all stairs means 1,665 steps to summit - though elevators are recommended!
Q:How long does an Eiffel Tower visit take?
A: With skip-the-line tickets, budget 1.5-2 hours for second level visit - including elevator waits, exploring both levels, photos, and descent. Summit visits add 30-60 minutes (separate elevator from second level to top). WITHOUT skip-the-line, add 1-3 hours of waiting! During peak season, waits reach 2-3 hours easily. Guided tours typically last 1.5-2 hours. If dining at tower restaurant, allow 2-3 hours total. For photography and soaking in views leisurely, you could spend 2-3 hours. Most people spend about 2 hours total. The experience is worth every minute!
Q:Should I go to the second level or summit?
A: The second level (115m) offers the BEST views! You're high enough for spectacular panoramas but close enough to identify landmarks clearly. You can see architectural details and read the city. The restaurants are here too (Madame Brasserie). The summit (276m) is much higher with more bragging rights, but views are less detailed - Paris becomes a map beneath you. Lines for summit elevator add time. Weather at summit can be problematic (clouds, wind). RECOMMENDATION: Choose second level for best experience and views! Visit summit only if you must say you reached the very top. Most guides agree second level is superior for actual viewing enjoyment!
Q:When is the best time to visit the Eiffel Tower?
A: For views: Clear days obviously! Check weather forecasts. Morning (9-11 AM) has best visibility before afternoon haze. For photos: Sunset timing lets you photograph Paris in daylight then again lit up at night - two visits in one! For crowds: Early morning (9-10 AM opening) or evening (after 7 PM) have shorter lines. For sparkle: Visit after dark to see the hourly light show (5 minutes every hour on the hour). For romance: Sunset or evening when tower is illuminated. Avoid midday (noon-3 PM) when lines peak! Winter has smallest crowds but shortest days. May-June and September offer ideal weather with moderate crowds.
Q:Can you buy tickets at the Eiffel Tower?
A: Yes, but DON'T! Same-day tickets at the tower often sell out by late morning, and lines are brutal (2-3 hours in summer!). Online tickets must be purchased well in advance (opens 60 days out) and sell out quickly for good time slots. Skip-the-line tour tickets are expensive but save hours of waiting and include expert guides. The €10-20 premium for skip-the-line vs regular tickets is absolutely worth it! Stairs-only tickets (cheaper) have shorter waits but you climb 674 steps to second level - quite a workout! Bottom line: BOOK AHEAD. Never just show up hoping to buy tickets. You'll waste your Paris day standing in line!
Q:How much does the Eiffel Tower cost?
A: Official tower tickets: stairs to 2nd level €11 (674 steps!), elevator to 2nd level €18.80, elevator to summit €29.40. Children and youth get discounts. However, tickets sell out weeks in advance! Skip-the-line guided tours cost €45-90 but save hours of waiting and include expert commentary - excellent value! Summit tours cost €90-150. Dining reservations (Jules Verne, Madame Brasserie) include tower access - lunches from €100, dinners €185-300 per person. The investment is worth it for skip-the-line convenience and enhanced experience. Budget €50-90 per person for quality tour including priority access.
Q:Is the Eiffel Tower worth it?
A: Absolutely YES! Despite being touristy and expensive, the Eiffel Tower is genuinely spectacular and delivers on expectations. The views are breathtaking, the engineering is impressive up close, the history is fascinating, and the experience is quintessentially Paris. First-time Paris visitors should definitely go! The key is managing expectations - book skip-the-line tickets, go at good times, and embrace it as tourist experience. The tower sparkles with romance and magic despite crowds. At night, illuminated, it's enchanting. From above, Paris sprawls majestically. It earns its iconic status! Even Parisians appreciate it. Some say it's overrated - they're wrong!
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