Every summer, millions of visitors from all over the world flock to see the Iron Lady. An iconic symbol of Paris, the Eiffel Tower is a must-see attraction during any stay in the capital. To make your visit as smooth and enriching as possible, here are three essential and easy-to-follow tips, especially in summer.
Book online as early as possible
Summer is undoubtedly the busiest time to visit the Eiffel Tower. We recommend that you book well in advance to get the ticket you want. Online booking is highly recommended, as you can reserve access on a specific date and time and avoid waiting at the ticket office. Elevator tickets, especially those for the top, go on sale 60 days in advance and are usually sold out very quickly, sometimes on the first day of sale. We release tickets back onto sale a few days before the visit date, so we advise you to check the official ticket website.
By booking early on the official website, you can choose the time of your visit and plan your day without stress. It also ensures you avoid unofficial platforms that sometimes offer tickets at inflated prices or with no real advantage. We provide all our tips for avoiding scams here.
You can always buy tickets at the ticket office
In any case, if you weren’t able to buy your dream ticket online, don't despair: it is always possible to purchase tickets on site on the day of your visit for immediate access. And to reach the top floor, we recommend opting, if you can, for an economical and attractive option available only at the Tower: the ticket that combines climbing the stairs to the 2nd floor, then taking the elevator to the top. By going through the ticket office for the stairs, where there are fewer people, you’ll save time.
Of course, the sale of tickets to the top remains subject to the number of visitors on site at the time of your visit.
Be an early bird or aim for the evening: fewer crowds
If your schedule allows, and especially if you were unable to purchase tickets online, here are our tips for a smoother visit: arrive as soon as the Tower opens (8:45 a.m. at the entrances, 9 a.m. at the ticket office) or opt for an evening visit. From 9 p.m. onwards, visitor numbers begin to decline, creating a calmer and more pleasant atmosphere.
Temperatures, which are often high during the day, are milder in the morning and in the evening. And above all, the view of Paris lit up at night is absolutely spectacular. Illuminated monuments, the peaceful Seine, Parisian rooftops stretching as far as the eye can see... The nighttime panorama is simply unforgettable. It's also an opportunity to see the Tower itself lit up, which glows golden at nightfall and sparkles every hour after dark. Don't miss the unchanging ballet of the beacon at its summit.
Take the stairs on your way down: save time and enjoy a unique experience
On your way down from the second floor, consider taking the stairs (if you are coming from the top, you must take the elevator from the top to the second floor). But for those who are tempted to take the elevator from the second floor, we recommend avoiding it: you won't necessarily save time, quite the contrary. Going down the stairs is often faster than the elevator, which can involve a long wait, especially during high season.
But it is also an original, fun and immersive way to discover the Tower, if you are able. You will find yourself at the very heart of its metal structure, close to its beams, while enjoying a panoramic and vertiginous walk. At each landing, new perspectives on Paris open up to you. And for photography enthusiasts, walking down the stairs is a valuable opportunity to capture unique angles.
In summary, for a successful visit this summer: book online in advance, come in the evening, and dare to take the stairs on your way down. The Eiffel Tower is not just a monument, it is an experience to be enjoyed to the full, at your own pace... and with a little forward planning!
