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Best Time to Visit Eiffel Tower

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Best Time to Visit Eiffel Tower

Parisians may argue that the Eiffel Tower is nothing more than a touristy cliché, devoid of the city’s genuine romantic essence. But let’s be honest—nothing will stop you from wanting to see this iconic landmark, right? No matter what people say, this towering iron structure remains an unmissable sight. There are countless ways to experience it: you can admire its beauty from some of Paris’s top vantage points or take a heart-pounding ride up to the summit for an up-close encounter. But when is the best time to visit to avoid those dreaded lines? Keep reading to find out.

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Parisians may argue that the Eiffel Tower is nothing more than a touristy cliché, devoid of the city’s genuine romantic essence. But let’s be honest—nothing will stop you from wanting to see this iconic landmark, right? No matter what people say, this towering iron structure remains an unmissable sight. There are countless ways to experience it: you can admire its beauty from some of Paris’s top vantage points or take a heart-pounding ride up to the summit for an up-close encounter. But when is the best time to visit to avoid those dreaded lines? Keep reading to find out.

The Eiffel Tower: A Brief History

A display of colorful Eiffel Tower souvenirs
Unquestionably the most recognizable symbol of France, the Eiffel Tower was constructed as the focal point of the 1889 Paris Exposition, a global fair that attracted approximately 32 million visitors. Curious travelers from all over the world flocked to witness this extraordinary feat of iron craftsmanship, though not everyone was impressed—many French artists and intellectuals of the era disapproved of its design.
Named after Gustave Eiffel, whose company engineered and built it between 1887 and 1889, the structure shares an interesting connection with another famous monument—Eiffel’s company was also responsible for the internal framework of the Statue of Liberty. Standing at 984 feet (300 meters) when first completed, the tower was the tallest man-made structure on Earth for more than four decades, until it was surpassed by the Empire State Building.
Today, the Eiffel Tower is arguably the most famous monument in existence, widely celebrated as an architectural masterpiece. A far cry from the ‘monstrous black chimney’ and ‘loathsome column of riveted metal plates’ it was once derided as, it is now revered as an artistic and engineering marvel. Beyond just visiting, you can take a piece of it home in countless forms—whether as a fridge magnet, keychain, snow globe, stuffed toy, or even socks and jam. These souvenirs can be found everywhere, from street vendors and tourist shops to luxury boutiques on the Champs-Élysées, and of course, at the official Eiffel Tower store itself.

Eiffel Tower by the Numbers

A view from the base of the Eiffel Tower, with a hot air balloon floating above
For those who love trivia, here are some intriguing stats:
  • With roughly seven million visitors annually, the Eiffel Tower is the world’s most visited paid monument. Since its grand opening in 1889, around 300 million people have set foot on its platforms.
  • The tower stands at 983 feet tall, or 1,083 feet if you count the antennas. The base stretches 410 feet across.
  • Originally meant to stand for just 20 years, it was saved from demolition thanks to advancements in radio and telecommunications.
  • Weighing over 10,000 tons, the structure consists of 18,038 iron components, held together by an astonishing 2.5 million rivets.
  • The tower features three levels, at heights of 187 feet, 377 feet, and 906 feet. Visitors can climb all 674 steps up to the second floor.

Best Time to Visit and Avoid Long Queues

A woman taking a selfie with the Eiffel Tower on a sunny day
The Eiffel Tower is never quiet, but don’t worry—certain times of day are less chaotic than others. Wait times also depend on your ticket choice. Planning to ascend to the very top? Expect lines. However, those who opt for the stairs (all 674 of them) to the second floor will likely face a much shorter wait. Let’s break it down.
Peak season runs from June to September, with weekends being the busiest. If you visit between October and May, especially midweek before 10:30 AM or after 5 PM, the crowds are significantly smaller.
For the shortest queues, aim for a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday morning, late afternoon, or evening. Evening visits offer a magical experience as the entire structure shimmers in golden light for five minutes every hour, and a sweeping spotlight casts a beam across the city. These late hours are also the least crowded.
The official Eiffel Tower website provides more precise crowd data, so checking it before your visit is always a good idea.
There’s an overwhelming number of ticket options available, from lunch and champagne packages to choices between taking the stairs or the elevator. The key to avoiding unnecessary waiting is to book online in advance. Additionally, purchasing tickets through a private tour company can grant you faster access to the lifts. While it comes at a premium, it does save time.
Alternatively, consider getting a Paris Pass, which provides entry to numerous attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Musée d’Orsay. While it won’t get you to the top of the tower any quicker, it can save you money on multiple must-see sites. And in Paris, extra savings mean more croissants and macarons—definitely a win.

Essential Tips for Visiting the Eiffel Tower

A picnic in the Champs de Mars with the Eiffel Tower in the background
  • While the views from the Eiffel Tower are breathtaking, they don’t include the tower itself! For the best panoramic shots, head to Tour Montparnasse (included with the Paris Pass) or climb the steps of Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre for a stunning cityscape.
  • Another great way to soak in the scenery is to grab some treats from a nearby market and enjoy a picnic in the picturesque Champs de Mars park, located right next to the Eiffel Tower. Not only is it a fantastic way to experience Paris, but it also makes for the perfect Instagram-worthy moment.
  • For the shortest lines, visit late in the evening—the tower remains open until 11 PM daily.
  • Allocate about 90 minutes to explore the first and second floors, and add an extra hour if you’re planning to reach the summit.
  • Need a little courage before heading to the top? There’s a champagne bar waiting for you on the highest floor. Plus, you’ll find several dining spots on the lower levels, including the renowned Jules Verne restaurant.
The Eiffel Tower remains an absolute must-see, whether you admire it from a distance or journey to its highest point. By planning ahead and choosing the right time to visit, you can make your experience even more enjoyable!

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