First Timers Guide to Visiting the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most visited attractions in the world. Because of that you can always expect crowds, however, the sheer size and views from the top make it so worth it! Here is our first timers guide to visiting the Eiffel Tower in France including what type of ticket to buy, what to expect on each floor and tips to know before you go!

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How to Buy Tickets for the Eiffel Tower

You can buy tickets ahead of time online here if you know when you will be visiting and what type of ticket you want. Be aware that tickets online book far ahead of time. If you don’t buy tickets online don’t worry it doesn’t mean you won’t be able to visit. We checked online about a month before visiting and there were no tickets available. However, we were able to buy tickets in person and still visit!

As soon as you know what dates you’ll be in Paris look online to book tickets. You can only buy tickets online to take the lift. If you want to take the stairs to the 2nd floor you need to purchase them at the Eiffel Tower in person.

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What Type of Ticket Do I Want for the Eiffel Tower?

The type of ticket (and cost) depends on how far up you want to go and how you want to get there.

To just go to the 2nd floor there are 2 options. You can buy a ticket to take the stairs and walk up to the 2nd floor. They call this access stairs. You can also buy a ticket to take the elevator (lift) up to the 2nd floor. They call this access lift.

To go all the way up to the top of the Eiffel Tower, you also have 2 options. You can buy a ticket to take the stairs and walk up to the 2nd floor and then take the elevator (lift) up to the top. Additionally you can buy a ticket to take the elevator (lift) up the 2nd floor and then a second elevator up to the top.

If you want to go to the top you have to take the lift from the 2nd floor to the top regardless so really your option is either taking the stairs part of the way or taking the lift the entire way.

Make sure to check the website ahead of time to check for renovations or any other changes that may result in the top being closed.

We chose to take the stairs up to the 2nd floor and would recommend it to anyone who is physically able. It totals over 600 stairs from the start before you reach the 2nd floor so it’s a lot of stairs. Your legs will definitely be burning, and if you’re like us, you’ll be slightly out of breath. But it’s an experience, you get views the whole climb up, and it’s cheaper than taking the lift the entire way up. So if you’re looking for a little adventure (or looking to save some money) take the stairs!

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Where is the Eiffel Tower Entrance?

When we went there was construction in front of the entrances and it was confusing to find where to go. This may be different depending on when you go and the state of the construction and entrances.

There are 4 legs to the Eiffel Tower, commonly referred to as the north pillar, south pillar, east pillar and west pillar. Each pillar provides access to the 1st and 2nd floors. However, the number of pillars that are open when you visit can vary depending on the day. When we arrived on a morning in June there were only 2 pillars open.

Another tip to know if that not all pillars provide access to both the stairs and lift so before you wait in line for a while make sure you’re in line for your type of ticket. For example, if you want to take the stairs up make sure you are in line for access stairs and vice versa for the lift. There are signs that clearly mark which pillars you should use for stairs and/or lift access.

Are the Lines for the Eiffel Tower Long?

Honestly, yes! We got there in the morning (hoping to beat the crowds) but really there is no beating the crowds at the Eiffel Tower. We waited in line for 1 hour and 40 minutes to buy tickets and get access to the stairs. Even with the lines and the waiting it’s totally doable though. Just accept that you’ll have to wait and it will make it a lot more enjoyable!

But you are at the Eiffel Tower which according to the Official Eiffel Tower Website gets something like 7 million visitors every year. So keep that in mind when thinking about the lines and the crowds. Yes, it was a long line and yes, there were a lot of people. But it is incredible given how large it is and it’s age. If you’re visiting Paris for the first time you need to visit the Eiffel Tower!

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1st Floor of the Eiffel Tower

After 350 stairs you’ll reach the 1st floor of the Eiffel Tower . There is plenty of space to walk around the 1st floor and read about the history. In the middle of the 1st floor there is a see-through section looking down to the courtyard where you waited in line. Which is both cool and also a little scary at the same time!

We actually thought that the 1st floor was the 2nd floor and spent some time looking for the lift to the top. After some wandering around we realized that we were only halfway done.

If you do take the stairs wear shoes that won’t hurt your feet! We passed a bunch of people struggling to take the stairs in heels. I wore my Birkenstocks which have so much support and because they have an ankle strap I wasn’t worried about them falling off.

2nd Floor of the Eiffel Tower

Up another 327 stairs is the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower. This is where you will take the lift all the way to the top. There are a few restaurants as well as bathrooms on the 2nd floor. If you need a break this is a good spot to stop before going to the top.

The Top of the Eiffel Tower

At 906 feet high, you get expansive views of Paris in every direction from the top of the Eiffel Tower. The viewing platform is significantly smaller than the first or second floor (obviously) as the tower gets thinner going up.

We really would recommend going to the top of the Eiffel Tower especially for first time visitors. Yes we waited in line for a while but it really is impressive! You really can see so much and get such a good perspective of how remarkable the Eiffel Tower really is.

Tickets cost about 9 more Euros, at the adult rate, to go up to the top. However, if you already waited in line, and climbed almost 700 steps, you deserve to finish the visit by seeing the view of Paris from the top!

If you’re afraid of heights going to the top may not be your thing. Beware the stairs going up are very open and you can see all the way down to the ground. But the 1st floor, 2nd floor and the top all have gates we felt very secure and safe!

Travel Truth: It is open air though so ladies don’t wear a dress! I wore a dress and instantly regretted it. I basically spent the whole time holding it down because it can get pretty windy as you go up.

Visiting the Eiffel Tower at Sunset

Visiting the Eiffel Tower at sunset is an incredibly popular way to see this attraction. People begin camping out pretty early but don’t worry there is a ton of space for all. Stop by a boulangerie or a patisserie and grab some snacks and a bottle of wine before you head over. We threw down our packable towels and it was the perfect way to end the night!

Don’t forget that you can see the Eiffel Tower from a ton of different locations around Paris! Part of the fun of visiting this city is wandering around and seeing what you find.

Tips for Visiting the Eiffel Tower

1. If you take the lift, book tickets ahead of time online!

You can book tickets online if you are going to take the elevator (lift). So if that is your choice save yourself some time and book your tickets ahead of time. Then you won’t need to wait nearly as long in line when you get there.

2. There is security at each entrance!

Before going inside the courtyard there is security. There you’ll go through metal detectors and have your bags inspected. Go through whichever entrance you come in on and then inside you will see all 4 pillars. From there you can choose which pillar you want to go to depending on whether you want the stairs access or lift access.

I brought this small crossbody bag and had no trouble bringing it in. I was glad that it was small and could be worn across my body. Walking up all those stairs with a heavier backpack would have been uncomfortable!

3. Don’t fall for the scams in front of the Eiffel Tower!

One common scam is groups of woman who approach you asking if you speak English to attempt to get you to sign something. While you are distracted they will try to pickpocket you.

The other common scam is the shell game where you’ll see a group of people standing and watching someone pick a shell. The goal is to bet money to pick the shell with the ball hidden underneath. However, the majority of the time all of the people standing watching are in on it and are trying to get your money.