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Eiffel Tower

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Paris Icon with Stunning Views

The Eiffel Tower stands tall in Paris as a symbol of engineering skill and city pride. Built for the 1889 World’s Fair, it rises over three hundred meters above the Seine River. Visitors can take elevators or climb stairs to reach observation decks with wide views of rooftops, parks and bridges. At night, thousands of lights illuminate its iron lattice structure, creating a striking silhouette against the skyline. The tower draws millions each year who come to see Paris from above.

Monument in Paris
Climate zone: Mild oceanic

Mild oceanic: Marine-influenced climates with cool summers, mild winters and frequent precipitation year-round, typical of western coasts at mid-latitudes.

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Ticket price: $$$
$Cheap
$$Medium
$$$Expensive, upscale
$$$+Very expensive, luxury
Safety: 8.0
General Safety:8
Accessibility:8
Read details
Tourist English: 4/5
English is commonly spoken by staff at tourist sites including the Eiffel Tower, making communication and ticketing straightforward for international visitors.
Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Eiffel Tower Summary
World-class for city views and iconic architecture. Ride elevators to observation decks, enjoy skyline panoramas and dine above Paris.
Opening hours:
Mon-Sun:09:30 - 23:00
Public website: www.toureiffel.paris
France – Quick facts
Power Grid: 230 V, 50 Hz
Plug: Type C , Type E
Type C:
Diagram of a Type C power plug
Type E:
Diagram of a Type E power plug

Read about power adapters
Currency: Euro (EUR)
£1 ≈ €1.19
Cashless info: Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted, especially in cities and tourist areas.

Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers: Best value: Saily
Flexibility: Airalo
Read our in-depth comparison
Tipping: Tipping is optional but appreciated in restaurants (5-10%) and for exceptional service.
Public drinking: Public drinking is allowed in designated areas, but restrictions apply in some cities.
Public smoking: Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces but common in outdoor cafes.
Bastille Day
(July)
Parades and fireworks occur nationwide.
Easter
(March/April)
Cultural celebrations and closures.
Christmas
(December)
Markets and festive events.
Emergency contact: Emergency Numbers: 112 (EU emergency), 15 (Ambulance), 17 (Police), 18 (Fire)
Taxi apps: Uber, Bolt, Heetch
Other: France offers diverse experiences, from art and culture to nature and cuisine. Be cautious in crowded areas.
Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Eiffel Tower, France
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High season: May - Sep.
Shoulder season: March - April, Oct., Dec.
Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info
Timed tickets often sell out weeks ahead, book online in advance
Summit sometimes closed in strong wind or snow; lifts and stairs may close in bad weather
Tower sparkles for five minutes every hour after dark, until about 23:45

The Eiffel Tower, designed by Gustave Eiffel and completed in 1889, was originally built as the entrance arch for the World’s Fair celebrating the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. Towering 330 meters high, it was the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 40 years and remains an engineering icon recognized worldwide.

The tower has three public viewing platforms at different heights, accessible by stairs or elevators, offering sweeping views over Paris’s rooftops, the River Seine and landmarks like the Louvre and Notre-Dame Cathedral. The first two levels also host restaurants including the Michelin-starred Le Jules Verne, providing memorable dining experiences with spectacular surroundings.

Despite its allure, visiting the Eiffel Tower does come with challenges. Long waiting lines are common unless tickets are booked well in advance and the crowds can be overwhelming, especially during peak seasons and weekends. Visitors should also be cautious of pickpockets in the vicinity. Additionally, weather conditions like fog or rain can affect visibility from the top, potentially diminishing the experience.

Nonetheless, the Eiffel Tower’s unique combination of historical importance, architectural brilliance and unbeatable city views makes it a must-visit for anyone traveling to Paris.

Why travel to Eiffel Tower?

🏯Places worth seeing
  • 1 Field of Mars
  • 2 Montmartre
  • 3 Seine
  • 4 Trocadéro Gardens
🏞️Natural landmarks
  • 1 Field of Mars
🎈Events
  • Bastille Day Fireworks
  • Light Shows

Knowledge before you go

  • Book tickets online in advance to skip long entry lines.
  • Visit near sunset for stunning city views and sparkling night light show.
  • Take stairs down from second floor to avoid elevator queues and save time.
  • Peek into Gustave Eiffel's secret top-floor apartment with wax figures of famous guests.

How to travel to Eiffel Tower

Visitors typically arrive to Paris via Charles de Gaulle Airport or Orly Airport. From there, convenient public transportation options include the RER B train to central Paris, followed by metro lines 6 or 9 or bus routes heading towards the 7th arrondissement where the Eiffel Tower is located. Walking from nearby central neighborhoods like Trocadéro offers scenic views and fresh air.

Access summary

  • From Charles de Gaulle (CDG): RER B+RER C or taxi, about 45–75 minutes.
  • From central Paris hotels: Metro or RER to Champ-de-Mars/Bir-Hakeim, 10–30 minutes.
  • From London/Brussels: Eurostar to Gare du Nord, then Metro/RER, around 40–60 minutes.

Where to stay near Eiffel Tower

Paris offers a broad spectrum of accommodation options ranging from luxury hotels near the Eiffel Tower and along the Seine to affordable hostels and boutique stays throughout the city. Staying in the 7th arrondissement gives easy access to the tower and other nearby attractions.

Packing recommendations for Eiffel Tower

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Budget snapshot
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+12 %
Daily expenses in the region are around 12% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend more on meals and getting around.
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-3 %
Your exchange rate (GBP to EUR) is 3% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Safety information overview

General safety
8
Paris’s Eiffel Tower area remains one of the city’s safest tourist spots, with heavy police presence and well‑lit walkways. Pickpocketing is rare in the main plaza, but keep valuables secure. Follow standard urban safety tips: stay aware, avoid isolated alleys after dark.
Accessi­bility
8
The Eiffel Tower offers wheelchair access to its main platforms via elevators and audio‑guide services are available in multiple languages. However, crowds can create bottlenecks and the summit’s narrow stairs remain inaccessible. Advance booking and early visits help avoid long waits.

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