Your guide to visiting the Eiffel Tower | CNN (2024)

CNN —

Picture Paris, and you conjure images of the Eiffel Tower soaring above the city.

It was only supposed to be a temporary structure, but the wrought-iron icon has become as much part of the fabric as the River Seine.

Designed as the red-painted centerpiece of the 1889 Exposition Universelle, celebrating the centennial of the French Revolution, the tower was meant to be dismantled after 20 years – much to the relief of Parisian artists and intellectuals who protested the “monstrous” blight on the elegant city skyline.

Luckily for us, the edifice proved indispensable for scientific experiments (such as early radio transmissions) and the edifice – all 10,000 tons of it – has stood the test of time.

Today “La Dame de Fer” (the Iron Lady) looms large in imaginations across France and around the world.

The structure celebrates its 130th anniversary in 2019 – the inauguration was on March 31, 1889, and it opened to the public on May 15 of the same year.

Let’s explore the lore surrounding it, which borders on travel mythology.

Did you know that con man Victor Lustig once “sold” the landmark to a scrap-metal dealer? Not once, but twice? And that Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built the tower, kept a private office at the top, welcoming guests like Thomas Edison? (The inventor arrived bearing gifts: a gramophone, what else?)

Often imitated but never duplicated, the Eiffel Tower has inspired numerous copycats. There are miniversions all over the globe – from Prague to Shenzhen, not to mention Sin City. But there’s only one original, and you can’t come to Paris without going to the top. A visit is de rigeur.

Planning your visit

The Eiffel Tower is one of the world's most recognisable landmarks.

The Eiffel Tower is open every day of the year, from 9 a.m. to midnight in summer (mid-June to late August) and from 9:30 a.m. until 11:45 p.m. the rest of the year.

If you’re the spontaneous type and don’t want to plan ahead, keep in mind that it’s best to avoid weekends and the period between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Another option for sportifs is to walk up the stairs (count them, 704 steps to level two), as the line is always shorter. This is a great workout, and also provides perspective on the tower’s construction with interesting information boards along the way – not to mention the bird’s-eye views.

Note: You can’t climb all the way to the summit. You must buy another ticket for the elevator from the second to the third floor. Pregnant women get automatic cut-the-line access, also. Click here for most recent tickets prices, which in the spring of 2019 started at 10.2 euros (about $11.50 US) for one adult.

Avoid third-party resellers, who often mark up the price heftily.

Even if you have a ticket in hand, check the official website and Twitter account for up-to-the-minute information regarding weather and security. In some rare instances, the Eiffel Tower’s opening can be delayed, in which case, if you purchased tickets through the official website, you will receive an email suggesting an alternative time for the visit. Otherwise, tickets can be refunded.

And then keep an eye on the news. Workers at the tower have been known to go on strike, most recently in August 2018 and June 2013.

Arrival by metro at Trocadéro (lines 6, 9) affords the opportunity to gape at the Iron Lady from a privileged vantage point above the Seine. This is also a top spot for watching the Bastille Day fireworks and the dazzling show when the Eiffel Tower sparkles on the hour. From here, it’s a 15-minute walk across the Pont d’Iéna.

The Eiffel Tower stands on the south bank of the River Seine.

Alternatively, the Bir-Hakeim metro station (line 6) is a 10-minute walk along the Quai Branly, and the École Militaire metro station (line 8) is 15 minutes away.

The Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel stop on the RER C line is the closest. Be sure to check for station and route closings and repairs before you head to the tower.

Did you know?

The Eiffel Tower isn’t immune to rumors – some true (oui! a zipline was set up during the French Open), and others false (non! a wall is not set to go up around the landmark).

The best way to get the inside scoop, and hear insightful anecdotes, is with a private guide.

Offered by Cultival, this “behind-the-scenes” tour provides access to areas usually closed to the public, like the original machinery room and the “bunker” under the Champ de Mars.

The guide will also point out interesting features not usually visible to visitors, such as the new wind turbines, camouflaged with the same paint color as the Eiffel Tower.

Other fun new novelties include the transparent glass floor on the first level – not for the faint of heart – where an ice skating rink is set up in winter. And if you’re visiting in March, you might catch a glimpse of a unique race called “la Verticale de la Tour Eiffel” in which runners sprint to the top of the tower (all 1665 steps).

Louvre Museum —

Let's explore all of Paris' glittering allure. "During a visit to Paris for work, I took this image from the Louvre courtyard at sunset just before a storm moved in from the east," iReporter Frank Childress said. Click through the gallery for more snapshots of Paris:

Eiffel Tower —

See Also

Everything You Need to Know to Visit the Eiffel Tower

Bob Graham captured this stunning view of the Eiffel Tower at sunset from the top of Montparnasse.

Pont de l'Archevêché —

Allie Roberts took this photo of the "love locks" on the Pont de l'Archevêché, known as the Archbishop's Bridge. "Couples write their names on padlocks, lock them to a bridge over the river, and throw the key in the river, signifying that their love will last forever."

Feeding the birds at Notre Dame —

Kyle Mercury captured a perfect moment while a young tourist was feeding the birds outside Notre Dame. "I chose this particular one because I feel it represents the pure joy and wonderment that comes from spending time in such an amazing city."

Champs-Élysées —

Ania Taylor captured this view of the Champs-Élysées from the top of the Arc de Triomphe. "The whole city has this amazingly romantic feel to it."

Notre Dame Cathedral —

David Culp shared this serene view of Notre Dame at night. "I came upon this scene just as the lights began to illuminate the most famous cathedral in Paris."

Montmartre —

"The Montmartre neighborhood has nurtured many French artists over the past century and is now a big tourist destination with many night clubs, stores and restaurants," Kevin Kasmai said of his photo. "In this photo, it is lit up for Christmas."

Arc de Triomphe —

David Hetzler snapped this shot of the Arc de Triomphe while taking an evening stroll during his time in the city. "The beauty of it at night is impressive."

Jardin du Luxembourg —

Lisa Homstad shared this photo of the Medici fountain in the Jardin du Luxembourg. "I came home from Paris wanting to put flowers in all of my windows. Between that, the trees and beautiful buildings, it felt like a garden-village that just went on and on."

Parisian cafe —

Gary Hill captured this interesting perspective while on a home exchange vacation. "Those quiet moments in the early morning, just soaking in the soul of the city, are my favorite memories of the trip. One morning I looked down and saw this reflection on the cafe table and taking the picture has allowed me to reflect on those wonderful memories over and over again."

Notre Dame —

Robert S. Ondrovic shot this photo of "a street performer outside of Notre Dame who was juggling batons that were on fire on a beautiful summer evening at midnight." The long exposure caused the juggler to appear transparent.

Moulin Rouge —

"It was almost counterintuitive to shoot this in black and white because the music hall is just alive with vibrant color, but I think it is very striking to the contrasts created by the absence of color," Bennett Fellows said of his photo.

Macarons —

Ania Taylor snapped this shot of the colorful Parisian delicacy, macarons.

Basilique du Sacre Coeur —

Bob Graham, a retired American Airlines pilot, took this photo of Sacre Coeur during one of his 40 trips to Paris.

Notre Dame Cathedral —

Kevin Kasmai captured this intriguing view of one of Notre Dame's gargoyle statues overlooking Paris. "Paris is probably my favorite city in the world. In terms of architecture, places to see, things to do, it's a top destination in my book."

The River Seine —

Jeremy La Zelle took this "dreamy" photo of the River Seine. "Located within stylish and elegant Paris, the River Seine evokes a grand feeling of nostalgia and romance."

Arc de Triomphe —

Carolyn Breathed snapped this shot of the French military raising the flag the day before Bastille Day. "It was really thrilling to finally see the French flag flying proudly under the Arc de Triomphe."

Eiffel Tower souvenirs —

"Visiting Paris for the first time, my wife and I stopped in a gift shop near the Eiffel Tower, where these brightly colored souvenirs caught my eye" Thomas Toerpe said of his photo.

Louvre Museum —

Kevin Kasmai snapped this photo of curious onlookers taking in the "beauty and mystery" of the famous Mona Lisa painting at the Louvre.

Where to take incredible travel snapshots of Paris

Photography tips

The Eiffel Tower steals the show on Instagram as one of the most photographed attractions in the world, and you can always get a gorgeous photo from many points throughout the city.

Popular spots for snapping pics of the Eiffel Tower include the Trocadéro and the Champ de Mars.

Photographer Mary Quincy, who has more than 122,000 followers on Instagram, keeps a tally of lesser known spots to snap the Eiffel Tower. “From the Avenue de Camoens, it’s a nice perspective to take photos – especially if you want personal portraits with the Eiffel Tower in the background and no one else around,” she says.

Her other tip is the Square Rapp, which “offers an original view of the Eiffel Tower between two buildings.”

The Normandy-born photographer also suggests the Rue Saint-Dominique, when you’re walking from Invalides to the Champ de Mars; the top of the Sacré-Cœur basilica; and the top of the Arc de Triomphe because of its relative proximity to the Eiffel Tower and the impressive panoramas.

The view from the observation deck at the top of the Montparnasse Tower is also sublime.

Where to eat nearby

If you can’t splurge at Le Jules Verne, the magnificent restaurant perched on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower, there are a few nearby eateries that aren’t tourist traps.

Inside the Musée de l’Homme (Museum of Mankind) on the Trocadéro, the Café de l’Homme has one of the city’s finest terraces where you can indulge in the Eiffel Tower views paired with creative French cuisine showcasing seasonal products (like heirloom tomatoes and summer truffles).

The Eiffel Tower views are also dynamite from Les Ombres, the rooftop restaurant on top of the nearby Quai Branly museum, and the seasonal Krug Terrace at the Shangri-La Hotel.

Philippe Excoffier, head chef at the American Embassy for more than a decade, runs an eponymous bistro that’s just a 10-minute walk away from the Eiffel Tower. You’ll notice a devoted crowd of regulars tucking into the prix-fixe lunch.

A note to diners: In Paris, it’s always best to call/email ahead for reservations. If you didn’t get a chance to do that, the famous Rue Cler market street is also a stone’s throw away, and you can pick up picnic items at the specialty food stores lining this pedestrianized thoroughfare.

The Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris

Café de l’Homme, 17 Place du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, 75016 Paris; +33 1 44 05 30 15

Les Ombres, 27 Quai Branly, 75007 Paris; +33 1 47 53 68 00

Shangri-La Hotel, 10 Avenue d’Iéna, 75116 Paris; +33 1 53 67 19 98

Philippe Excoffier, 18 rue de l’Exposition, 75007 Paris; +33 1 45 51 78 08

This article was first published in August 2017 and updated in March 2019.

When you use affiliate links on this page, CNN may receive revenue. CNN is not responsible for the goods or services provided through such links.