No trip to Paris, France, is complete without visiting the Eiffel Tower. Whether you’re visiting the Eiffel Tower for the first time or you’ve made the trip before, I’m here to give you some facts and tips on how to make your trip easier and more enjoyable. From accessibility info for disabled travelers to ticket prices to the best time to visit the Eiffel Tower, I’ll take you through all the pertinent info you need to know before making your trip.

My first trip to Paris was in 1993, on a school trip. At that time, I made the trip to the Eiffel Tower but was sadly greeted by a massive thunderstorm upon my arrival. The Tower closed, and I wasn’t able to make the trip to the summit. I returned in 2026, determined to make it to the top! Below is what I learned along the way that will make your Eiffel Tower trip easier and more enjoyable.

Eiffel Tower History:

Let’s be honest, when you finally see the Eiffel Tower in person, it kind of doesn’t feel real. It’s so iconic that your brain short-circuits for a second, like, “Wait… that thing from every romantic comedy actually exists?”

But behind all that sparkle and selfie glory is a surprisingly spicy history.

The Eiffel Tower was built for the 1889 World’s Fair, officially called the Exposition Universelle, as a celebration of the French Revolution’s 100th anniversary. The government wanted something that screamed modernity, and engineer Gustave Eiffel (yes, the guy it’s named after) delivered: an enormous iron structure that looked futuristic and kind of scandalous for the 19th century.

At the time, Parisians were not having it. Artists and writers called it “an iron monstrosity” and “a factory chimney gone rogue.” Victor Hugo allegedly rolled his eyes. People were convinced it would ruin the city’s skyline forever.

Fast-forward 135 years, and that “monstrosity” has become the most-visited paid monument in the world, a global symbol of Parisian romance and innovation. Originally meant to be temporary (it was supposed to be dismantled after 20 years), the tower earned its stay by proving surprisingly useful as a radio antenna in the early 1900s.

Now, it’s survived wars, weather, and waves of TikTokers. At night, 20,000 glittering lights turn it into something straight out of a dream, and yes, even the most travel-jaded among us get emotional watching it twinkle.

So, the next time you’re sitting in the Champ de Mars with a baguette and a questionable bottle of rosé, remember: the Eiffel Tower wasn’t always beloved. It just needed time, and a little French drama, to become the world’s favorite backdrop.

Eiffel Tower Height:

984 feet, 1,083 feet to the tip

Eiffel Tower Address:

Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France, located in the 7th arrondissement on the left bank of the Seine, is a central spot in Paris easily found via Metro, RER, or bus. 

Is the Eiffel Tower Accessible?

The Eiffel Tower is accessible, to a point. It is not possible to visit the summit if you are traveling with a wheelchair or mobility aid. While there is an elevator (or lift if you’re European) to the top floor, it is very windy; there are also stairs to the final floor, and the space is quite cramped. You must climb steps to reach the summit. While there are not a lot of them, it will pose a challenge if you have mobility issues. 

While you may not be able to reach the summit, you can still go halfway up the tower via an elevator to the second floor, which is well worth the trip and will still give you some first-rate views of the city of Paris. 

The 2nd floor, located around 115 meters high, offers stunning panoramic views of Paris, iconic landmarks, and the Seine River, with distinct lower and upper levels featuring shops, dining (including the Michelin-starred Le Jules Verne), the Pierre Hermé Macaron Champagne Bar, and interactive exhibits, accessible by stairs or elevator, making it a popular spot for photos and a great alternative to the more crowded summit.  

Getting Eiffel Tower Tickets:

If you’re visiting the Eiffel Tower, prices vary depending on how far up you want to go. 

Get your Tour Eiffel Tickets here.

Eiffel Tower Tickets Prices: 

Eiffel Tower Second Floor Tickets with access lift:

Eiffel Tower Summit Tickets with access lift:

If you’re visiting the Eiffel Tower with kids, be aware that children under 4 still need to be in possession of a ticket. It’s free, but they will still need one.

If you’re disabled, documented proof of disability may be requested for reduced-price tickets. I brought my disabled parking placard.

You can book tickets to tour the Eiffel Tower through Get Your Guide, the Eiffel Tower website, or in person at the Eiffel Tower box office.

Visiting the Eiffel Tower Restaurant, Madame Brasserie:

Madame Brasserie, located on the first floor, is a contemporary brewery with breathtaking views of the city.

Led by Chef Thierry Marx, Madame Brasserie invites you to sample its creative, locally sourced cuisine in a friendly, contemporary atmosphere while enjoying a unique view of the capital.   
They prepare all meals using local, seasonal produce. The dishes created by Chef Thierry Marx are an absolute delight for the taste buds, and visiting is a great way to relax, enjoy a good meal, and see the city.

Best Time To Visit the Eiffel Tower:

It is best to go early in the morning when the line is much shorter. Of course, if you want to see the sparkling light show, visiting in late afternoon/ evening cannot be avoided. Visiting the Eiffel Tower at night is its own unique experience and, for many visitors, is well worth the wait in line.  Evenings, especially around sunset, offer that chef’s kiss golden-hour glow, plus, you can watch the tower light up and sparkle every hour after dusk.

We visited at sunset, and it was a truly magical experience.

For more information, visit the Eiffel Tower official site. 

Eiffel Tower FAQs:

1. Can you buy Eiffel Tower Tickets on the day of your visit?

You can, but it’s not advisable, especially during busy seasons when tickets sell out.

2. How much does it cost to go up the Eiffel Tower?

Tickets range from €11 to €29, depending on how high you go and whether you take the elevator or stairs. (Yes, stairs are cheaper… but also, stairs.) I highly recommend booking ahead of time as lines for same-day tickets are no joke.

3. Is the Eiffel Tower accessible for wheelchair users or travelers with mobility needs?

Yes, mostly! The first and second floors are fully accessible via elevators, and there are accessible restrooms and restaurants. The summit, however, is not wheelchair-accessible due to the structure of the final elevator. Still, the views from the second floor are stunning and absolutely worth it.

Oh, yes. You’ve got options:

• Madame Brasserie (1st floor) for modern French dining with great views
• The Champagne Bar (at the summit) for that “I’m in Paris!” flex moment
• Snack kiosks for crepes and coffee on the go

Pro tip: If you’re there in nice weather, pack a picnic and enjoy it on the Champ de Mars lawns afterward. It’s cheaper and gives you that perfect tower backdrop.

5. Where’s the best place to take Eiffel Tower photos?

• Trocadéro Gardens: Classic head-on view, perfect for sunrise shots.
• Pont de Bir-Hakeim: The artsy cinematic bridge from Inception.
• Rue de l’Université: That “I accidentally live in Paris now” aesthetic.
• Champ de Mars: For picnics, people-watching, and sparkling-night views.

6. How long should I plan to spend at the Eiffel Tower?

Give yourself about 2–3 hours, longer if you’re going up to the summit, buying same-day tickets, or stopping for a meal. Crowds move slowly, and trust me, you’ll want to linger and take it all in (and catch the sparkle show if you can).

7. What should I wear?

Paris is chic but also full of cobblestones and weather mood swings. Wear comfy shoes, bring a layer (the top can be windy!), and pack patience, even Eiffel herself can’t control the queue lines.

8. Should I buy skip-the-line tickets?

YES. Always. Especially in spring and summer. You’ll still wait for the elevators, but pre-booked tickets save you a ton of time and energy.

9. Can I see the Eiffel Tower light show every night?

Absolutely. The tower sparkles for five minutes every hour on the hour after sunset, with its golden glow staying lit until 1 AM (2 AM in summer). Grab a seat on the grass, pop open a drink, and let your main character moment begin.

10. Is it worth visiting the Eiffel Tower if you don’t go up?

Yes! Even if you skip the climb, the experience of seeing it up close, feeling the ironwork tower over you, and watching it light up is pure Paris magic. Pair it with a slow stroll along the Seine and a stop for macarons. Trust me, you’ll still get the moment.

Final Thoughts On Visiting The Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

I’m so happy I finally made the trip up to the top of the Eiffel Tower after all these years. The views at sunset did not disappoint. Even on the second floor, the cityscape is absolutely beautiful.

In a city where there are so few truly accessible attractions, it’s nice to see that the most visited landmark in the world is mostly wheelchair friendly.

I hope this guide helps you to better plan your own trip to this fabulous landmark.