Eiffel Tower Guide
Brief History
Two senior engineers working for the architect and engineer Gustave Eiffel designed the Tower, which was then approved by Eiffel and proposed as the centrepiece for the world fair held in France’s capital, the Exposition Universelle in 1889. Once approved, 250 builders were hired to build the monument, which took over two years to finish.
Initially, the Eiffel Tower was subject of controversy. The artists of the period thought the monument to be monstrous, and given its poor profitability, it was suggested on several occasions that they should demolish it.
During World War I, enemy messages were intercepted thanks to the tower radiotelegraphy centre.
Currently, the Eiffel Tower is the most-visited monument in the world with over 7 million visitors a year. This is partly due to the popularity of Paris as a tourist destination.
Visiting The Eiffel Tower
If it’s your first time in Paris, going up the Eiffel Tower is a must. Visitors can choose to go up using the Tower lift or the stairs. However, before making your mind up on how you want to visit the monument, it is important to keep in mind that there are 1,665 steps to the top. We chose the lift!
If you decide to take the stairs, you can only visit the second floor. Although the stairs admission ticket is cheaper, the difference is not worthwhile and we recommend taking the elevator.
When you reach the first floor you will find a transparent floor and with glass balustrades, giving you a inner view to the tourists below. Walking on the glass floor, 57m from the ground definitely gives you a unique sensation of stepping out into the void.
Your arrival on the 2nd floor is marked by amazement: Paris in all her splendour greets your incredulous eyes. You will enjoy clear views of all of the French capital’s monuments: the Louvre, Grand Palais, the bends in the Seine, Montmartre, Invalides, Notre Dame, etc.
After a spectacular ascent in glass-walled lifts, you’re finally at the top. 276m up with only the antennae above you, Paris lies at your feet. There are two floors (one open-air and another indoor), you can take a stroll and enjoy the views day or night. There is a champagne bar where you can enjoy an unforgettable flute of champagne, or explore Gustave Eiffel’s office which has been restored to its original condition.
The best moment to enjoy the breath-taking views of Paris is early in the morning to avoid the lines or at dusk, when visitors will see Paris lit up. It really is a breathtaking sight!
If you go on a cold day, make sure you wrap up warm! It’s cold at the top!
Opening Hours
7 July – 1 September: 9am – 12:45am
Rest of the year: 9:30am – 11:45pm (stairs: 9:30am – 6:30pm)
Tickets
Adults:
Ticket for 2nd floor (stairs): € 10.20 (£ 8.80)
Ticket for 2nd floor (elevator): € 16.30 (£ 14)
Ticket to the top (elevator): € 25.50 (£ 21.80)
Ticket stairs + elevator: 19:€ 40 (£ 34.30)
Youth (ages 12 – 24):
Ticket for 2nd floor (stairs): € 5.10 (£ 4.40)
Ticket for 2nd floor (elevator): € 8.10 (£ 7)
Ticket to the top (elevator): € 12.70 (£ 10.90)
Ticket stairs + elevator: 9:€ 70 (£ 60.10)
Concessions:
Ticket for 2nd floor (stairs): € 2.50 (£ 2.10)
Ticket for 2nd floor (elevator): € 4.10 (£ 3.50)
Ticket to the top (elevator): € 6.40 (£ 5.50)
Ticket stairs + elevator: 4:€ 90 (£ 77.20)
Children under 4: free
If you want to avoid the long lines at the Eiffel tower ticket office, the best option is to buy your tickets online.
We recommend purchasing from our partner below:
How to get there
Metro: Trocadero, lines 6 and 9; Ecole militaire, line 8.
Bus: lines 42, 69, 72, 82 and 87.
RER: Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel, line C.
Images
We loved the Eiffel Tower! Make sure its on your list!
