The world's most visited paid monument. Everything you need to know before your visit — the three levels, best times, and practical ticket advice.
The official seller is the tower’s operator, on toureiffel.paris. Tickets are timed, by lift or by stairs, to the 2nd floor or the summit, and summit slots go first. Resellers sell guided tours and packages, and sometimes still have availability when the official site shows a date as sold out.
The address must be toureiffel.paris. Sites with “eiffel tower” in a different address are resellers — which is fine, as long as you know what you are paying for. Whichever you choose, check the date, the time slot, lift or stairs, and whether the summit is included before you pay.
The Eiffel Tower was built as the entrance arch to the 1889 World Fair, intended to stand for 20 years and then be dismantled. Gustave Eiffel iron lattice structure — assembled from 18,038 metallic parts by 300 workers over two years — was at the time the tallest man-made structure in the world. Critics called it an eyesore. The tower was saved by its usefulness as a radio transmission tower, and today welcomes more than 7 million visitors a year, making it the world's most visited paid monument.
The first floor (57 metres) has a glass floor section and thoughtful exhibitions on the tower history. The second floor (115 metres) has the most considered views — Paris is close enough to read detail, and on a clear day visibility extends 70 kilometres. The summit (276 metres) offers a full 360 degree panorama from a smaller, more intimate platform. For a first visit, the summit is worth the upgrade. Champagne is available at both upper levels.
Early morning, at first entry, gives the smallest crowds and clear air before heat haze builds. After dark, the tower sparkles for five minutes on the hour after dusk, visible from the Trocadero or Champ de Mars without a ticket. In July and August, the middle of the day (roughly 11am to 3pm) is the busiest. A timed ticket skips the access queue but not security screening — allow roughly an extra 10 to 15 minutes on arrival.
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