1. Eiffel Tower; Take The Stairs
The Eiffel Tower is always going to be a popular attraction in Paris so finding a way to keep the costs down is never going to be easy. One way to help you save you both time and money is by electing to take the stairs to the second floor rather than opting for the lift as tickets are significantly cheaper. Taking the stairs is also a great way to bypass the queues as lines for the stairs are relatively shorter than those waiting to take the lift.
With 670 stairs to climb to reach the second floor, there are plenty of stopping places along the way to let people past & you’ll feel a fantastic sense of achievement when you arrive at the top. Half way up the stairs, you’ll find a natural break as you reach the first floor where you can stop for refreshments, enjoy the view and try out the glass floors. Worth noting that the stairs will only offer you access to the second floor. Previously if you wanted to make it all the way to the top, you could take the lift from the second floor for an additional charge. Unfortunately, due to capacity issues, this was not available on our recent visit so if you’re keen to reach the summit then we’d suggest best booking the lift to the top.
The Eiffel Tower
2. Eiffel Tower; Book In Advance
Visiting the Eiffel Towers now involves 3 distinct queues including 2 security bag searches. To bypass the bulk of the queues, we would suggest booking your tickets in advance. Whilst there is no discount for booking in advance, you’ll find swifter access into enter ground level, (look out for lines marked ‘avec billets’) & you’ll also avoid the queues that build around the ticket kiosks throughout the day. Once you’ve entered ground level, you’ll be able to head straight to lift/stairs showing your tickets at the gate. You can book tickets in advance whether you are opting for the stairs or the lift and it’s an easy way to keep your wait times down.
3. Eiffel Tower; The Early Bird
Queues for the Eiffel Tower build throughout the day so an easy option to get ahead of the queues is to arrive early. Keep an eye on opening times on the day of your visit & we suggest you aim to be there up anywhere up to 40-60 minutes before that. The great advantage of an early visit is, not only will the queues be shorter, but also comes with the added bonus of experiencing the Eiffel Tower during a quieter time.
Most visitors to Paris will inevitably want to climb the Eiffel Tower to explore this iconic attraction & take in the views over the city. The down-side of course is that you won’t have Eiffel Tower within your view. Whether you are looking to compliment your visit or looking for affordable ways to enjoy the Eiffel Towers without forking out on entrance charges, there are a range of options available to you.
View from the Eiffel Tower
4. Eiffel Tower; FREE Access to the Gardens & Esplanade
You don’t need a ticket gain ground level access to the gardens and esplanade beneath the Eiffel Tower. Simply go through the security checks at entry level 1 or 2 via the queue for visitors ‘sans billet’ and explore the area directly below this iconic attraction. The historic gardens offer you an opportunity to meander below the Eiffel Tower and a great backdrop to capturing the moment.
5. Eiffel Tower; View For Free
Another great way to enjoy the Eiffel Tower for free is by camping down within the Parc du Champ de Mars that is located below the Eiffel Tower. Pack a picnic tea and take in the carnival feel as the sun goes down & the Eiffel Tower lights up for the evening. Be sure not to miss the Eiffel Tower sparkling for 5 minutes every hour, (on the hour from night fall to 1am). Whilst the Parc du Champ de Mars is currently fenced off in preparation for the Olympic Games, this continues to be a popular spot for Parisians and tourists alike.
6. Views of The Eiffel Tower; The Trocadero
Climb up the steps to nearby Trocadero to take in impressive views of the Eiffel Tower with plenty of ideal vantage points in order to capture the moment. This is a popular spot, surrounded by pavement vendors and hustlers, so an early dart could give you a more peaceful experience.
Taking the stairs at the Eiffel Tower
There are plenty of vantage points away from the Eiffel Tower that offer you great views of this iconic structure alongside the sights of Paris.
7. Viewing the Eiffel Tower; Arc de Triomphe
Our favourite view of Paris, other than from the Eiffel Tower itself, is by climbing the Arc de Triomphe. We’re always a firm believer in engaging with an attraction, so by climbing 284 steps to the top offers, you’ve earnt your view some 50 metres off the ground. Visit the tomb of the unknown soldier, understand the social history behind the landmark & take in 360 degree views from the top of the observation deck including the Eiffel Tower & attractions as far away as Sacre Coeur. The great news here is that children under 18 years are FREE of charge and offers you a chance to explore the biggest arch in the world. More information within our Guide to the Arc de Triomphe.
8. Viewing the Eiffel Tower; Montparnasse Tower
For those willing to explore further afield, head towards the Montparnasse district to explore the observation deck of one of the tallest buildings within the area. Whilst the Montparnasse Tower is not the most architecturally pleasing structure, it does offer an alternative view over Paris securing of up to 40km visibility on a clear day. The tower provides you with stunning 360 degree views over the city from both within the enclosed 56th floor as well as the roof top viewing deck plus it comes with the added bonus of relatively smaller queues. More details available within our Guide to the Montparnasse Tower.
9. Viewing the Eiffel Tower; The Terrace at Galleries Lafayette
For those looking for a free option to view the Eiffel Tower, then head over to Lafayette’s flagship store over on 40 Boulevard Haussmann. Head to the 7th floor where you’ll find a FREE roof terrace that offers great views of the Eiffel Tower & Scare Coeur plus a chance to pose by their well known slogan. Here’s a chance to combine a spot of shopping with a fine view of Paris but you’ll not be surprised to find this can be a crowded experience. Weather permitting, the roof terrace is available during department store opening hours.
10. Viewing the Eiffel Tower; Sacre Coeur
Take the metro out to Montmartre & pick up a great view of the Paris skyline for FREE from the steps of the Sacre Coeur. This can be a fantastic spot for those willing to start early in the day and enjoy the sunrise away from the crowds.
Arc de Triomphe
Check out the recent £24million refurbishment that includes the New Glass Floor on level 1 at the Eiffel Tower.
Insider guide
Tips To Beat The Queues
1. There are now 2 or 3 distinct queues to access the Eiffel Tower. The first being to gain access the ground level where you’ll find the gardens & esplanade. Ensure you have joined the correct queue depending upon whether you have already booked your tickets in advance or have opted to pay on the day at the ticket kiosks within ground level. All queues will need to go through airport-style security.
2. The second queue will be for those who have chosen to purchase tickets on the day. The ticket kiosks are located within ground level and queues tend to build throughout the day. Whilst booking in advance does not come with any online discount, it does mean you can bypass this line completely.
3. The third queue is to access the entry point for the lift or stairs that includes a second security point. Unsurprisingly the queue for the stairs is generally much shorter than the queues for the lift. If you opt for the stairs, you can access both the first and second floors but not the top. Check you are entering the correct line by double checking with staff positioned within the site.
4. Queues build for the Eiffel Tower throughout the day so we always suggest booking an early time slot and then aiming to get there ahead of time. Whilst it makes for an early start, it does lend itself to a quieter experience.
5. The Eiffel Tower remains open until very late each night so it can make for a very different experience accessing it late into the evening and seeing it lit up. Queues can also be shorter but remember to wrap up warm against the elements.
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