The Eiffel Tower is the most famous monument in Paris and symbol of the French capital.

It was built for the World Exhibition of 1889; 300 meters high and weighing 10,000 tons, it offers impressive views of the city from the third-floor platform.

A little history

Its builder Gustave Eiffel (who also designed the frame of the Statue of Liberty in New York) raised this monument for the World Exposition that also coincided with the commemoration of the centenary of the French Revolution. It was opened by the Prince of Wales who would later become King Edward VII of England.

In addition to the elevators that lead to three different floors, you can go up some stairs, with 1,665 steps, which run through the interior of this fascinating metal structure.

Fun facts about the Eiffel Tower

Nicknamed “La dame de fer” (the iron lady), this iconic monument held the title of the tallest man-made structure in the world for 41 years, until the Chrysler Building was built in New York.

During the German occupation the French cut the elevator cables so that Hitler had to go up the stairs , but he failed to do so and as the Allied troops approached Paris, he ordered the tower to be destroyed along with the rest of the city and, as we well know, he was disobeyed.

FM and TV broadcast antennas work in its facilities and 50 tons of paint are needed every five years to protect it.

This place has 7 million visitors a year.

The Tower and Paris

At first Parisians were not very enthusiastic about this monument that took two years to build, but over time it has become a representative symbol of which they are proud.

The best view of the Tower Eiffel can be enjoyed from the Trocadero Gardens, on the other side of the river.

How to climb the Eiffel Tower

You can go up using the stairs or the elevator to the second floor.

From there to the top you must go by elevator. The tickets have a different price depending on whether you go on foot or by elevator and if you go to the second floor or the top.

Ticket prices to the Eiffel Tower

Ticket to use the elevator to the second floor

• Adults – €16.70
• Youth from 14 to 24 years old – €8.40
• Children from 4 to 11 years old and disabled – €4.20€

Ticket using the elevator to the top

• Adults – €26.10
• Young people from 14 to 24 years old – €13.10
• Children from 4 to 11 years old and disabled – €6.60

Ticket using the stairs to the second floor

• Adults – €10.50
• Youth from 14 to 24 years old – €5.20
• Children from 4 to 11 years old and disabled – €2.60

Companions of disabled people pay the same reduced rate as children from 4 to 11 years old and disabled.

Ticket for the stairs to the 2nd floor + elevator to the top is sold only at the Tower ticket offices on the day of your visit and for immediate access.

Remember that the Paris Pass tourist card includes the Eiffel Tower, with a guided tour. Plus 75 other attractions.

Buy tickets for the Eiffel Tower

Buying your ticket to climb the Eiffel Tower in advance, is something that we strongly recommend, it will save you waiting time in long queues. If the purchases on the official website will be cheaper, however, they may run out, and your only option will be to buy a visit with a host or audio guide like the ones we show you below:

• Free Walking Tours in París
• Entrance to the 2nd floor Eiffel Tower with guide
• Entrance to the 2nd floor, on your own, with audio guide and priority entrance

Schedules

Every day 9.30 am-11.00 pm / From 10 am-12.44 am from June 15 to September 1

Address

Avenue Gustave Eiffel, Paris

How to get

Metro line 6, Bir Hakeim station / RER: line C, Champ de Mars station / Buses: 42, 69, 72, 82,87

If you can’t think of anything else to see in Paris, take a look at the most important things to see in Paris in our tourist guide.

You can discover many curious anecdotes and stories about Paris and the Eiffel Tower by participating in one of the free tours in Paris, where we highlight the most popular and best valued.

If you want to visit the outskirts, we recommend visiting the Palace of Versailles or reviewing excursions from Paris.