Hello, travel lover! If your next destination is the City of Light, we assure you a magical experience awaits. Paris is one of those cities that captures the heart, and at the center of its charm lies the majestic Eiffel Tower, an icon that has captivated millions of people. However, for your visit to be as perfect as you imagine, it is key to be prepared.

At The Touring Pandas, we want your trip to be unforgettable and without setbacks. That’s why we have created this practical guide with the best tips for you to make the most of your visit to the Eiffel Tower. Get ready to discover its secrets and make sure your Parisian adventure is perfect.

Key Tips for Visiting the Eiffel Tower

For your experience to be smooth and memorable, here are the best updated tips:

Buy your tickets in advance

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most visited monuments in the world. We recommend you buy your tickets online, at least 2 months in advance. This way, you avoid long queues and secure your access on the desired date and time.

Know the Levels and Their Attractions

Many visitors just go up and down, without exploring the surprises that each level has to offer the Eiffel Tower and its surroundings.

Trocadéro Gardens Although often confused, the Eiffel Tower gardens and the Trocadéro gardens are two different places. The Trocadéro Gardens are in front of the Tower, across the Seine River, and from there you can get some of the best photos of the Eiffel Tower. You must not miss this spot if you also want to have your own iconic photo with the Tower. Access is free and this place in itself deserves its own blog post, where we will talk in more detail about everything you can find near the Paris Trocadéro.
	Eiffel Tower Gardens The Eiffel Tower gardens, distinct from those of the Trocadéro, are located directly below and around the base of the monument. These green spaces are free to access and offer paths, ponds with wildlife, artificial caves, and waterfalls. They are perfect for a picnic with views of the tower, enjoying a walk, or even finding a quiet corner to relax. The gardens also house souvenir kiosks and, at times, artistic events and shows.
Atrium The atrium, located at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, offers an impressive view of the Iron Lady and its four pillars. This space is the perfect starting point to admire the iron structure and the city’s historical axis. In addition, in the atrium, you can find points of interest such as the bust of Gustave Eiffel, an information center, and the iconic elevators, which are a historical and unique piece of engineering.
	Stairs The experience of getting to know the Eiffel Tower will not be complete if you don’t go up its stairs. Although there are elevators, going up or down its steps allows you to get inside the iron structure and appreciate its architecture up close. You can go up by elevator and take advantage of the descent by the stairs to explore the internal structure.
First Floor At 57 meters high, this level has an impressive glass floor that will make you feel as if you are floating over the Champ de Mars. Here you will also find restaurants, souvenir shops, and interactive exhibitions that detail the history of the Tower.
	Second Floor At 116 meters, it is the main and most popular viewpoint. The view is simply spectacular and is considered the best for capturing photos of the most emblematic monuments of Paris, such as the Arc de Triomphe and the Seine. Here you can also discover shops and a variety of gastronomic options.

The Summit

At 276 meters high, it is the highest point of the Tower and access is only by elevator. From here, the views are unique, and you can enjoy the panorama of Paris. Here you will also find a small private apartment of Gustave Eiffel and a replica of his office.

“Upon reaching the summit, the experience becomes even more magical. Make a toast with a glass of champagne and celebrate your adventure at the top of Paris, a small detail that turns the moment into an unforgettable memory.”

Decide what level you want to visit

The Tower consists of three visitable levels:

• The first floor offers views of the Tower’s own architecture and options for leisure, gastronomy, and relaxation.
• The second floor offers impressive views to appreciate some of the most emblematic nearby monuments, perfect for photos. Here you will also find various gastronomic options and shops.
• The summit, although more crowded, gives you a unique perspective of the city from the maximum height and wider panoramic views of all of Paris.

Here we mention the ticket options that exist:

• Access to the Second Floor by Elevator: The most popular and basic option. The second floor offers the best views of the city to appreciate some of the famous monuments of Paris in detail.

• Access to the Summit (Sommet) by Elevator: The most complete entry. It includes access to the second floor and the final ascent to the summit, both by elevator. The advantage of this option is that it allows you to go up in the most comfortable and fastest way to the summit. However, only if you wish, you can have access to the stairs on the descent, which allows you to get a close look at the tower’s architecture, making the experience the most complete and with less effort.

• Access by Stairs (up to the Second Floor): For the most adventurous. It is the most economical option and allows you to climb 674 steps. It is an incredible way to see the iron structure up close and feel the history of the Tower.

• Access by stairs (up to the Second Floor) + elevator (up to the Summit): Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office or online. The route begins on the stairs of the South pillar (blue flag), you can take a break on the first floor and enjoy a terrace to eat and drink something. The route continues up the stairs to the second floor and then by elevator to the summit. One thing to know is that the descent from the second floor can be done by elevator or for those who didn’t get enough, they can always go back to the stairs.

Best time to visit the Eiffel Tower

If you are planning your visit to the Eiffel Tower, the choice of timing is key for a smoother experience. Weekdays are the best option, especially Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, when crowds are smaller and queues are shorter.

If your trip coincides with a weekend, consider arriving early, before 10:00, or later, after 20:00, to avoid crowds. In addition to the days, the season also influences. The high season is from June to August, coinciding with the summer holidays, which means longer waiting times and more crowded viewpoints.

For a quieter visit, the low season (October to March) is ideal. Keep in mind that festivities and school holidays, such as Christmas or Easter, attract more visitors, so plan ahead to secure your entry and enjoy the best view without stress.

Decide the time of day for the experience you are looking for

If you opt for the morning, you will enjoy a quieter atmosphere and soft light, ideal for capturing sharp photos of the structure and the landscape without the crowd. It is a moment of serenity perfect for those who seek to contemplate the “Iron Lady” in peace.

On the other hand, the sunset visit gives you a “golden hour” show, a magical moment in which the light of the setting sun paints the sky with vibrant colors, creating a romantic and postcard-worthy backdrop.

Finally, at nightfall, the experience becomes dazzling. The Tower lights up, becoming a bright beacon in the heart of Paris. In addition, every hour, a show of twinkling lights transforms it into a fascinating show. Each of these perspectives offers a different vision of its beauty, ensuring that, no matter the time, your visit will be unforgettable.

Know the visiting hours for the Eiffel Tower

From June 15 to September 6 they are open from 8:45 a.m. to 12:45 a.m. with the last admission at 11:45 p.m. And the rest of the year from 9:15 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. with the last admission at 10:45 p.m. The last elevator trip to the summit is usually 1 hour before the tower closes (the exact times can vary each day).

Eiffel Tower light show times and best places to watch the Show

If you thought the Eiffel Tower was impressive by day, get ready for a breathtaking show at nightfall. From 8:00 p.m., the Iron Lady becomes a beacon of light that shines with its bulbs twinkling in unison for five minutes at the beginning of each hour, until 1 a.m. This flash, visible even at 80 kilometers on a clear night, culminates with a longer and more spectacular show at 1 a.m.

To experience the magic in all its splendor, the best idea is to visit the tower and then go down to witness the show from solid ground. You can enjoy this iconic view from the Trocadéro Gardens or the Champ de Mars, ideal places for a nighttime picnic.

For a more romantic and magical experience, sail on a cruise on the Seine River and watch how the lights are reflected in the water. If you prefer something more intimate, look for a restaurant with a rooftop terrace or head to the Bir-Hakeim Bridge for a unique perspective.

Finally, the Montparnasse Tower gives you an unparalleled panoramic view of the Eiffel Tower shining in the distance, in a quieter and more spacious environment.

Take advantage of the gastronomic offer and shops of the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower not only offers spectacular views but also a remarkable offer of gastronomy and shopping that elevates the Parisian experience. Throughout its different levels, you can enjoy a variety of culinary options, from a luxury dinner at the famous Le Jules Verne restaurant, known for its haute cuisine and panoramic views, to a more informal and contemporary meal at Madame Brasserie, located on the first floor.

For those looking for a faster option, there are several buffets that offer sandwiches, salads, and desserts. In addition, the Tower has shops that allow visitors to take home a unique souvenir of this iconic monument.

Keep in mind the security checks

All bags and personal items are checked at the entrance. Avoid carrying large items, as there are no luggage lockers or cloakrooms. However, a few minutes’ walk away, you can find different options for lockers.

Check transport options

To get to the Eiffel Tower, visitors have multiple public transport options that facilitate access. One of the most popular and efficient ways is the metro, with nearby stops such as Bir-Hakeim (Line 6), which is the closest to the tower, and Trocadéro (Line 9), ideal for those who want a spectacular view of the monument before arriving at its feet.

Another alternative is the RER suburban train network, using Line C to the Champ-de-Mars – Tour Eiffel station, which is a 5-minute walk away. In addition, several bus lines, such as 82 and 30, have stops very close, offering a practical journey with views of the city.

Options for Visiting the Eiffel Tower

Don’t settle for less. The opportunity to visit the Eiffel Tower does not come every day, and to visit it again even less, that’s why we want you to live the most complete experience possible.

Direct purchase on the Official Website

The most basic option for those who prefer to explore on their own. Book your ticket at www.toureiffel.paris well in advance to secure your access.

Book a tour with us through our partner Tiqets

Tiqets offers a simple way to book tickets with access to the Tower. You can find an Eiffel Tower Guided Tour in Chinese (soon in other languages) with access to the summit and the second floor on Tiqets, an excellent option if you are looking for a guided experience with our expert guide.

Book a Guided Tour in your language directly with The Touring Pandas

If you are looking for a hassle-free premium experience in your language, our Eiffel Tower Guided Tour to the Summit is the ideal option. For a limited time, take advantage of our launch promotion and book your tour at a special price directly on our website. Our expert guide will take care of everything, allowing you to enjoy the Eiffel Tower and its secrets without worries.

The Tour begins at the Trocadéro Square, an ideal place to appreciate the Eiffel Tower and keep a memory in a photo. Our guide will take you to learn about the history and secrets of the Iron Lady of Paris all the way to the summit so that you don’t miss anything and make the most of your visit to one of the most famous monuments in the world on a tour in your language, available in English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese.

In both options, Tiqets and direct booking, The Touring Pandas offers the most complete experience you can find. This experience includes access to the summit by elevator, access to the second floor by elevator, and the possibility of going up the stairs if you wish, for an experience that leaves nothing behind with an expert guide in your language.

Complete Your Day in Paris

Paris has much more to offer. Along with visiting the Eiffel Tower, you can complete your day with other unforgettable experiences. Here are some ideas, with tours you can book through The Touring Pandas and through our partner Tiqets:

Immerse yourself in art at the Louvre Museum

Discover the masterpieces of world art with our Louvre Museum Tour, where you can see the enigmatic Mona Lisa and other emblematic works with an expert guide in your language (English, Chinese, Korean, or Japanese).

A walk through history: Visit the majestic Palace of Versailles and its gardens

Located on the outskirts of Paris, the Palace of Versailles transports you to a world of royal opulence. With our expert guide, you can explore the impressive Hall of Mirrors and the sumptuous royal apartments without queues. Discover the history of Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette as you walk through the rooms that once housed the French court.

Take a cruise along the Seine and enjoy unique views and a relaxing atmosphere.

Enjoy the beauty of the city from the water with a cruise on the Seine River, a relaxing way to see the illuminated monuments.

Tour the city at your own pace on a Tourist Bus

The Hop-On Hop-Off tourist bus allows you to explore Paris at your leisure, getting on and off at the most iconic stops.

Notre Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle

The majestic Notre Dame Cathedral, an icon of French Gothic and one of the oldest temples of its kind in the world. Did you know that Napoleon was crowned and proclaimed emperor in this cathedral?

A few steps away, the Sainte-Chapelle awaits you with its dazzling interior. Built to house sacred relics, its stained-glass windows, which cover almost the entire surface of its walls, create a breathtaking spectacle of light and color.

The Adventure Awaits

Now that you have the Essential Eiffel Tower Tips: Your Ultimate Guide Decoded, you are ready to live your unforgettable experience. At The Touring Pandas, we are here to make sure your trip to Paris is perfect. Explore our guided tours and book today to discover the City of Light without worries, with the company of our expert guide who will reveal all its secrets. Your Parisian adventure awaits you!

Are you ready to live your own story in the City of Light?