Visiting the Eiffel Tower is one of Europe’s most iconic travel experiences.

While it can be crowded and costly, the breathtaking ascent and descent make it a must-do activity!

The Eiffel Tower first welcomed visitors in 1889, serving as the grand centerpiece of the Paris World’s Fair. Constructed from 18,000 iron beams and 2.5 million rivets, the tower was a marvel of engineering—built purely to showcase France’s innovation and ability to the tallest structure in the world at the time. Initially, it had no practical purpose and was slated for dismantling after 20 years.

Today, this 1,000-foot-tall architectural gem continues to captivate visitors. Tickets to the summit cost about $30, and while the crowds can be daunting, the experience is unforgettable. Here are some tips to make your visit enjoyable, efficient, and memorable.

1. Book Your Tickets in Advance

Avoid wasting hours in entry lines by reserving your tickets ahead of time. In summer, wait times can stretch to one or two hours (or longer on weekends and holidays). Booking online is quick, easy, and free. Reservations open 60 days in advance (at 8:30 a.m. Paris time) and sell out fast during peak periods, so plan ahead.

2. No Reservation? Try These Tips

If you don’t have a reservation, aim to visit early in the day (about 30 minutes before opening), late in the evening (after 7 p.m. in summer, 5 p.m. in spring and fall, or 4 p.m. in winter), or during poor weather conditions like rain, when lines are often much shorter.

3. Best Times for a Magical Experience

To make the most of your visit, plan your trip around sunset. This allows you to enjoy daylight views and stay to watch the city transition into night as the Eiffel Tower’s lights come to life. At the top of each hour, the tower sparkles for five minutes in a dazzling light display. The best views of this spectacle are from below, either at Place du Trocadéro or the Champ de Mars park. Twilight and evening visits offer a truly unforgettable experience as the illuminated tower shines against the night sky.

4. Time Your Visit Wisely

Expect to spend at least three to four hours during peak season to account for lines, the ascent, and time to enjoy the views and exhibits on the way down. With a reserved ticket and minimal crowds, you might complete your visit in about 90 minutes. If you have a reservation, plan to arrive about 30 minutes early to ensure a smooth entry.

5. Explore from Top to Bottom

The Eiffel Tower features three levels with observation platforms at approximately 200, 400, and 900 feet. These are connected by elevators and stairs, but there’s no single elevator that goes straight to the top. To reach the summit (le sommet), start by riding an elevator (or climbing 775 steps) to the second level.

Some elevators stop on the first level, but it’s more efficient to visit this floor on your way down. Once on the second level, head straight to the line for the next elevator to the top—look for the shortest queue, as there are several feeder lines.

6. Spot Gustave Eiffel’s Secret Apartment

On the top level, keep an eye out for Gustave Eiffel’s private hideaway. Few people know that Eiffel built himself a small, cozy apartment at the summit for quiet reflection and hosting select guests. Visitors can peek inside the still-furnished space, which remains as a fascinating relic of the tower’s history.

7. The Best Views Are in the Middle

While the summit offers unparalleled heights, the second level often provides the most rewarding views. From here, you can see all of Paris while still picking out individual landmarks. If your schedule is tight, consider skipping the top and spending more time on this middle platform.

Don’t miss the first level either—it offers shops, exhibits, and a thrilling glass floor where you can experience the feeling of standing atop an 18-story building.

8. Save Time by Taking the Stairs

Elevator lines on the tower are notoriously long, especially on the way down. While you’ll need to take the elevator from the summit to the second level, you can save time and enjoy a unique experience by walking down the stairs from there. It only takes about five minutes to walk between each level and is a far faster and more memorable option than waiting in line for the elevator.