A Complete Guide to The Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is that tall, shiny thing in Paris that looks like a giant metal triangle—and yes, it’s just as cool in real life as in pictures. It’s one of the most famous buildings in the world and the number one thing people want to see when they visit France. This guide is here to help you with everything you need to know: how to get there, when to go, what to eat nearby, and how not to get stuck in a two-hour line. Whether you’re going for the perfect Instagram photo or just to stare and say “wow,” this guide will make your Eiffel Tower trip easy, fun, and full of memories. Let’s get climbing (or riding) our way to the top of Paris, step by step!

The Eiffel Tower looks like a giant metal skeleton—but in a good way! It was built in 1889 by a clever engineer named Gustave Eiffel (yes, that’s where the name comes from). It’s made of iron, not steel, and weighs over 10,000 tons—basically the weight of 1,000 elephants wearing fancy hats. It has four legs at the bottom that curve in and meet to form one tall pointy top, kind of like a giant “A” standing up. It was super modern back then and looked nothing like other buildings. Some people even hated it at first! But now, it’s loved all over the world. The design is strong but also light-looking, with over 18,000 iron pieces held together by 2.5 million rivets (yes, someone counted). It was built to last 20 years, but it’s still standing tall today—more than 130 years later. Now that’s one strong selfie spot!

Getting to the Eiffel Tower is easy—unless you’re walking from another country (please don’t). If you’re already in Paris, you’ve got plenty of ways to get there. The easiest? Take the Metro! That’s Paris’s underground train. Just get off at Trocadéro, Bir-Hakeim, or École Militaire—all are close and will give you a short walk (and great views) to the tower. You can also take a bus, taxi, bike, or even a scooter if you’re feeling cool. Walking is fun if you’re nearby—just follow the crowds and look up! The Eiffel Tower is hard to miss; it’s 300 meters tall and waves at you from every corner of the city.

Pro tip: Go early in the morning or late at night to avoid the crowds. And don’t worry, there’s no secret maze—you can’t get lost. Just follow the Iron Giant!

Find the best times to visit the Eiffel Tower in Europe – Skip the crowds and enjoy beautiful views with perfect timing!

Spring in Paris is like a rom-com movie. The weather is soft, flowers are blooming, and the Eiffel Tower is extra pretty with blue skies. Crowds are smaller than in summer, so lines aren’t too scary. Plus, you can take lovely photos without 100 people in the background. Win-win!

Summer is the busiest time; it’s warm, bright, and full of tourists from everywhere. The Eiffel Tower stays open late, so you can see it sparkle at night. But, be prepared for long lines, packed elevators, and lots of selfie sticks. Bring water, patience, and your best summer hat.

Winter means fewer people and twinkling lights. Paris in December feels like a snow globe (sometimes with real snow!). It’s cold, yes, but the Eiffel Tower shines like a holiday star. Just wear a warm coat and drink hot chocolate afterwards.

Want the perfect Eiffel Tower photo? You’re in luck! This iron beauty loves the camera—you just need the right spot.

Trocadéro is the star of the show, an area with big stairs, open space, and BOOM—Eiffel Tower right in your face (but in a good way). Go at sunrise for fewer people and golden light. Also great for twirls, jumps, and dramatic poses.

Champ De Mars is a big green park right under the tower, perfect for picnic shots, chill vibes, or pretending you live in Paris now. You can lie on the grass with the tower behind you—classic!

A cute little street with the Eiffel Tower peeking at you between buildings. Great for “Oh wow, I just live here casually” photos.

Bonus Tip: At night, the tower sparkles every hour! Have your camera ready—it only lasts 5 minutes!

Here are some of the best things to do at the Eiffel Tower and make your visit unforgettable with these best must-try experiences!

You made it to the top! The summit is the highest point you can visit, and yes, it’s super high (300 meters!). The view? Wow. You can see all of Paris—tiny cars, tiny people, and lots of rooftops. There’s a mini-museum and even Gustave Eiffel’s old office (he’s the guy who built this thing). It can be windy and chilly, so bring a jacket unless you want Eiffel air. Get your camera ready—this is the “I’m on top of the world!” moment. Warning: not great for people who fear heights!

Yes, there’s a Macaron Bar. Yes, it’s as amazing as it sounds. It’s on the 2nd floor and it’s full of colorful little cookie sandwiches that taste like heaven. You can eat a pink macaron while looking at the pink sunset. Fancy, right? It’s perfect for sweet lovers or people who just need a snack break mid-climb. Try classic flavors like vanilla, raspberry, or chocolate, or be bold and try something wild. Either way, you’ll leave happy (and maybe sticky).

Pro tip: don’t drop your macaron. That’s the saddest thing that can happen on the Eiffel Tower.

The 1st level is like the living room of the Eiffel Tower; it’s big, spacious, and has a glass floor! Yes, you can look straight down—if you dare. It’s also where you’ll find shops, a café, and fun facts about how the tower was built. The view is still amazing, but not too scary high, so it’s great if you want Eiffel vibes without too much height. There’s even a small garden area, making it a perfect place to take a break, sip a drink, and say “I’m inside the Eiffel Tower!” while munching on a snack.

The 2nd floor is the sweet spot of the Eiffel Tower—high enough for great views but not so high that it makes your ears pop. From here you can see the Seine River, Notre-Dame, and more. It’s also where the famous Le Jules Verne restaurant lives (very fancy, bring your wallet). This floor has great photo spots, gift shops, and yes, the magical macaron bar. You can take the stairs or elevator to get here, and it’s not too tiring. If the summit feels too high, this floor is the happy middle!

Check out the best places to visit near the Eiffel Tower –Explore top spots just a short walk from Paris’s most legendary landmark!

Did you know Paris has fish? Not just in the river—but in a cool underground aquarium! The Paris Aquarium is near the Eiffel Tower and has sharks, jellyfish, and even glowing fish (yes, they glow!). It’s dark, fun, and full of bubbles. Kids love it, but grown-ups have fun too. Want to touch a real starfish? You can! It’s great for rainy days or if your feet need a break from walking. Ever seen a fish that looks like it’s smiling? You might hear. It’s not the Louvre—but it’s still full of stars. Fishy ones!

Big. Bold. Triangular-ish. The Arc de Triomphe is one of the best tourist attractions in Europe, located at the end of the Champs-Élysées, and looks like a fancy stone gate. Built to honor French soldiers, it’s full of history and cool carvings. You can climb to the top (lots of stairs!) for an amazing view of Paris. Ever seen 12 streets meet in one spot? That’s the crazy circle around the Arc. Don’t try to cross it—use the underground tunnel unless you’re training for Frogger! Want to feel like a tiny ant next to giant stone walls? Here’s your spot.

Montmartre is like stepping into a painting, full of narrow streets, artists, cute cafes, and old-timey charm. Ever wanted to watch someone paint your face in 10 minutes? You can, in the famous Place du Tertre. Climb the hill (yep, it’s steep!) and you’ll find the big white church, Sacré-Cœur, with a killer view of the city. This area was once a home to famous artists like Picasso and Van Gogh—so maybe your selfie will be historic too! Get a crêpe, hum some accordion music, and pretend you’re in a French movie. Who says sightseeing can’t be sweet?

Explore some of the best eateries in and near the Eiffel Tower – Delicious food and great views just steps from Paris’s shining star!

Francette is a fun floating restaurant on the Seine River near the Eiffel Tower. It’s like a boat, but with food! You can eat fish, steak, and even oysters while watching the water. The Eiffel Tower waves hello from nearby! There are three levels: bar, bistro, and fancy dining. People love the view and the chill vibe, making it an idyllic place for photos and wine. You might even feel like a cool Paris pirate. Just don’t fall in the river — the fish already have enough friends. Good food, great view, and it floats? Yes, please!

Jules Verne is a super fancy restaurant inside the Eiffel Tower. It’s on the second floor and has amazing views of Paris. You feel like a VIP astronaut eating up in the sky. The chef here makes delicious French food like duck, lobster, and magic-looking desserts. It’s named after the writer Jules Verne, who dreamed of flying and traveling, and it costs a lot, but hey — you’re eating in a tower! Dress nice, smile big, and maybe practice your “ooh la la.” Warning: after dessert, you might want to live there.

Le Bistro Parisien sits right next to the Eiffel Tower, almost like it’s holding hands with it. You can eat on the sunny terrace or inside by the big windows. The food is classic French — like onion soup, cheese, and sweet crepes. Boats pass by, birds chirp, and everyone’s snapping photos. It’s relaxed, not too pricey, and great for families or hungry tourists. No need to dress like royalty — just bring your appetite. The view is so good, even your sandwich gets jealous. If you want Eiffel Tower magic without climbing, this is your spot!

You need a ticket to visit the Eiffel Tower, and the best way to buy it is online from the official Eiffel Tower website. This saves time because the lines at the tower can be very long. You can ascend up the stairs or get into an elevator, and visit the 2nd floor or the top floor. Prices are different for adults, children, and youth. You choose a date and time when you book your Eiffel Tower tickets online. This is called a time slot, plus you can also buy tickets at the tower, but it will take a long time, especially in summer. So book early. No reservation is needed to see the tower from the outside — only if you want to go up. And yes, it’s worth it!

If you come by car to visit the Eiffel Tower, you need to know about parking. There are some parking spots nearby, but they can be hard to find! The biggest one is called “Parking Quai Branly,” close to the tower, safe, and easy to use. Another one is “Parking Pullman Tour Eiffel” near the hotel. Be prepared — these spots fill up fast, especially on busy days and weekends. Also, parking in Paris is not cheap. Sometimes it’s better to park a little far and walk or take the metro. The nearest metro stops to the Eiffel Tower are Bir-Hakeim and Trocadéro. Remember: parking here is like a treasure hunt — a little patience helps! Or just enjoy a nice walk and see more of Paris on foot!

Visit the Eiffel Tower for an unforgettable experience. From delicious cuisine to stunning views and iconic photo spots, it truly has it all. Whether you're savoring a meal with the Tower glowing behind you or taking in the panoramic views from the top, every moment becomes a cherished memory. It’s not just a landmark—it’s a highlight of your Paris adventure. If you're looking to stay near the Eiffel Tower, check out our curated list of top hotels nearby for a convenient and memorable stay:

8.3 Very good

Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel

18 Avenue De Suffren Entrée Au 22 Rue Jean Rey Paris, fr

8.8 Very good

Derby Alma

8 Avenue Rapp Paris, fr

8.0 Very good

Mercure Paris Centre Tour Eiffel

20 Rue Jean Rey Paris, fr