An icon of Paris and one of the world’s most famous landmarks, the Eiffel Tower draws nearly 7 million visitors annually. The credit goes to Gustave Eiffel, a French civil engineer who marked the historic Industrial Revolution of France with this tower, built using 18,000 individual iron parts held together by 2.5 million rivets.
While you can admire the iconic iron lattice tower from many vantage points around Paris, going up into the tower offers an unforgettable experience with incredible city views.
However, with immense popularity comes challenges in accessing the landmark. Securing Eiffel Tower tickets at the right time and price can enhance your experience and save precious time and money. If you are wondering how to get Eiffel Tower tickets, follow these strategic tips for buying Eiffel Tower tickets amid the crowds.
What are the different types of Eiffel entrance fees?
Before delving into the essential tips for purchasing Eiffel Tower tickets, it’s important to understand the various types of tickets available and the corresponding entrance fees.
The Eiffel Tower offers different ticket options for visitors to access its various levels using elevators or stairs. Ticket prices are different for adults and children (ages 4-11), while children under 4 can enter for free. The Eiffel Tower ticket fee ranges from €11-22 for stairs access and €18-28 for elevator access to levels 1 and 2.
If you wish to reach the top level (Level 3) at a height of 906 feet, you will need a Summit Access Ticket, which includes elevator access. These Eiffel Tower tickets’ prices can range between €21-30 per person depending on the date, time, and method chosen. A pro tip for buying Eiffel Tower tickets is buying in advance, as Summit Access Tickets are highly popular and availability on the day of the visit is limited. Stairs access to Level 3 may be restricted in certain weather conditions. Additionally, Night Tickets provide visitors with special after-hours access to the Summit.
Another tip for buying Eiffel Tower tickets is that if you are visiting with family or a group of 2-4 members, you can avail of special rates with Family and Group Tickets. When purchasing tickets online or at the Tower, you must select a specific entry time slot for security purposes. You must ensure that you arrive within 30 minutes of your allotted time or risk being denied entry.
Top tips for buying Eiffel Tower tickets
Apart from obtaining Summit Access or purchasing group or family tickets, there are plenty of other ways to get your hands on an Eiffel Tower ticket. Here are a few more options for you:
1. Purchase Eiffel Tower passes in advance online
A strategic tip for buying Eiffel Tower tickets for your preferred date/time and avoiding long wait times is to purchase Eiffel Tower tickets online in advance. You can choose a timed entry slot and print or download mobile tickets.
Buying at least 2-3 weeks ahead is best for peace of mind. Last-minute online tickets can sell out, especially for summit access.
2. Understand when to visit to avoid crowds
The Eiffel Tower is a popular spot, especially in summer, attracting large crowds. To avoid long lines and big crowds, consider visiting during the off-season, from mid-January to March, as it’s less busy. Weekdays are also quieter than weekends and holidays. If possible, arrive early when it opens at 9:30 am.
Another handy tip is to book your tickets in advance for a less crowded entry. Check the online crowd calendar to plan your visit on less busy dates. If you enjoy the tower’s lights, go on midweek nights during the off-season when there are fewer people.
3. Choose your entry method: stairs or elevator
You have two options to reach the top of the Eiffel Tower: take the stairs or the elevator. The stairs are cheaper but more physically demanding, while elevators are more effortless but tend to have longer waiting lines.
If you choose to climb the stairs, you do not need to pre-book tickets and can buy them on-site. The queues are typically shorter than those for the elevators. On the other hand, if you prefer an easier way to reach the top, it’s recommended that you buy elevator tickets pre-booked online.
4. Book a tour for priority access
Another strategic tip for buying Eiffel Tower tickets and skipping the long lines is to join a guided small group Eiffel Tower tour. Affordable 2-hour tours may include Summit elevator access, commentary from a guide, and time to enjoy the views.
Many reputable companies offer 1-2 hour walking tours of the Eiffel Tower. Look for small groups of under 20 people at most. These tours may also provide skip-the-line access, saving hours of wait time.
5. Dining at the Eiffel Tower
If you want to enhance your experience by booking meals at one of the restaurants at the Eiffel Tower, reservations are essential, especially at the renowned Jules Verne restaurant on Level 2.
You can try calling the same day for last-minute cancellations, but having a reservation guarantees a table. Some tour companies bundle meals at Le Buffet or 58 Tour Eiffel into their packages. Check for dining tour options to skip reservations.
Finance your trip to Paris!
The Eiffel Tower is a beloved must-see attraction on any Paris itinerary. However, long waits and limited daily capacity can hamper the experience. Using these strategic tips allows you to maximise your time at the iconic landmark. With a few strategic tips for buying Eiffel Tower tickets, you can outsmart the crowds and create a stress-free, memorable visit to the Eiffel Tower.
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17 January 2024
5 mins read
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