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The Eiffel Tower – Le Tour Eiffel – is the ultimate Paris icon. Over 7 million people visit it each year, proving just how popular it still is.
If you’re planning to be one of them, you’ve likely heard some scary stories about hours-long waits for tickets—sometimes 4 hours or more during peak seasons, especially in the summer heat.
Unfortunately, those stories are true.
But don’t stress—if you’re wondering how to score Eiffel Tower tickets without the wait, we’ve got eight smart strategies to help you save time and avoid frustration.
Eiffel Tower Ticket Requirements: A Quick Overview
A view of the Eiffel Tower’s 3 upper levels from the ground
Let’s break down what you can access inside the Eiffel Tower, how to get to each level, and which ticket options exist.
The Tower has three main levels above ground. Each one offers a different experience and stunning 360° views of Paris.
- 1st and 2nd Levels: You can use stairs or elevators. Going up, elevators only stop at the 2nd Level. They stop at the 1st Level on the way down. You need a ticket for access.
- 3rd Level (Summit): Only accessible by a separate elevator from the 2nd Level, requiring a separate Summit ticket. You can’t just decide to go up once you’re already at the 2nd Level—tickets for the Summit must be bought in advance.
Guided tours are also available to either the 2nd Level or the Summit, and those include access to the 1st Level.
Want to go just to the 1st Level? Dining at Madame Brasserie or attending a Tower concert will get you in. More on that below.
Eiffel Ticket Types
To access the Eiffel Tower, you’ll need one of the following: a ticket, a tour voucher, a restaurant reservation, or a concert ticket.
Here are the main ticket options for Levels 2 and 3:
- 2nd Level by elevator – elevator stops at 1st Level on the way down.
- Summit by elevator – two elevators involved; first to 2nd Level, then transfer to another for the Summit.
- 1st & 2nd Level by stairs
- 1st & 2nd Levels by stairs + Summit by elevator – elevator descent ends at 2nd Level, then stairs down to the ground.
These ticket options help you avoid lines by pre-purchasing, choosing guided experiences, or using lesser-known booking tricks.
Option 1: Buy Your Eiffel Tower Entrance Tickets in Advance
There are two main ways to buy tickets online in advance:
Buy from the Official Eiffel Tower Website
Head to the official website and pick a specific date and time for your visit. Print your ticket or save the digital version.
You’ll skip the long ticket lines, though you’ll still need to go through security checks and may wait a bit for the elevator.
Three things to note:
- Limited availability: Elevator tickets are released 60 days in advance and often sell out immediately. Stairs tickets go up 14 days in advance.
- Non-refundable: If you miss your time slot due to delays, illness, or strikes, you won’t get a refund or reschedule.
- Weather closures: The Summit may close due to high winds or other issues. Refunds are not guaranteed but have improved.
Buy Through a Tour Company (No Longer Promoted)
Previously, you could buy last-minute tickets with “skip-the-line” access via tour companies, which offered availability when the official site was sold out. Since this content is now non-promotional, we’re focusing on other alternatives instead.
Option 2: Tour the Eiffel Tower with a Guided Tour
Booking a guided tour is one of the most seamless and informative ways to visit.
A good guide:
- Manages your tickets and time slot
- Gets you through a faster group security line
- Shares fascinating facts and history about the Tower
- May offer a private group elevator
Some guides will also take you to the Summit or let you explore it at your own pace.
If you’re short on time or want the full Eiffel Tower experience with minimal stress, this is a top pick.
Option 3: Make Lunch or Dinner Reservations at an Eiffel Tower Restaurant
View from the Eiffel Tower’s 1st Level in late November
Dining in the Eiffel Tower gives you automatic access to the floor of your chosen restaurant. It doesn’t include access to the rest of the Tower, though.
There are two restaurants:
- Madame Brasserie (1st floor): Bistro-style cuisine, offers set lunch and dinner options. Walk-ins are allowed only when space permits.
- Le Jules Verne (2nd floor): Michelin-starred fine dining with formal service, city views, and a private elevator.
Important notes:
- Reservations open 90 days in advance and fill up fast.
- Prices vary. Expect premium prices at Le Jules Verne due to its gourmet menu and Michelin status.
- These reservations grant you access to the restaurant floor only—not the Summit or other levels.
Other, more affordable snack bars and a Champagne Bar are also available throughout the Tower.
Option 4: Get Tickets for an Eiffel Tower Concert
Concert in the Eiffel Tower
A lesser-known but magical way to visit is by attending a concert in the Eiffel Tower.
These typically happen in the Gustave Eiffel Salon on the 1st Level and offer:
- Gorgeous city views
- Classical or themed music (Candlelight Concerts, holiday events)
- Post-concert access to walk around the level
Concerts are rare and sell out quickly, but if you’re lucky enough to get tickets, it’s a truly unique experience.
Option 5: Get Eiffel Tower Skip-the-Line Tickets in Combo with the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, Louvre Museum, or Seine River Cruise
If you want to maximize your time in Paris, consider buying a combo tour package. These often include Eiffel Tower skip-the-line tickets bundled with other top attractions like:
- Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours
- Louvre Museum entrance
- Seine River Cruises
These packages are time-saving and sometimes more affordable than buying each attraction separately. Even better, they’re a smart backup option when regular Eiffel Tower tickets are sold out—many of these bundles reserve a block of Tower entries in advance.
Benefits of combo tickets:
- You get more for your money.
- You see more of Paris in one day.
- You avoid the stress of coordinating multiple bookings.
For example, a popular package might include:
- Eiffel Tower 2nd or Summit level access
- 1-hour Seine River cruise (day or evening)
- Open-top bus ticket valid for 1 or 2 days
Combo tickets are a great choice for first-time visitors who want to experience as much as possible with minimal planning.
Option 6: Buy Walk-Up Stairs-Only Eiffel Tower Tickets – Bonus: Great Exercise & Usually No Ticket Line!
View from the Eiffel Tower’s stairs between the ground and the 1st Level
If you’re up for some physical activity, stairs-only tickets can be a fantastic alternative.
Here’s why:
- They’re usually available onsite, even when elevator tickets sell out.
- The line for stairs tickets is shorter or sometimes nonexistent.
- You get a unique perspective of the Tower’s architecture and Paris views.
The stairs-only ticket lets you climb 704 steps to the 2nd Level, passing by the 1st Level along the way. It’s surprisingly fun and rewarding.
You can also combine it with an elevator ticket to the Summit if you want to go all the way up.
Pro Tips:
- This is a great option for families with energetic kids.
- If you have vertigo or aren’t comfortable with heights, this might not be for you.
- Wear comfortable shoes and take your time—the views are worth it!
Bonus: You’ll get some of the best photos from the stairs, including close-ups of the Tower’s iconic ironwork.
Option 7: Stand in Line to Get Your Tickets
Yes, this is still an option—just not always a great one.
Buying your Eiffel Tower tickets onsite is possible, but it comes with some big caveats:
- Lines can be hours long, especially in the summer, during school holidays, and on weekends.
- Tickets might be sold out, especially Summit tickets, by the time you get to the window.
- You’ll still have to go through security, which adds more waiting time.
That said, there are a few rare situations when this option could work:
- Cold but sunny winter days in January, February, or March
- Late evenings close to closing time
- Days with bad weather (fewer tourists)
If you choose this route, arrive early in the morning, ideally before opening, and be prepared to wait. Bring snacks, water, and patience.
But let’s be honest—you’re in Paris, and your time is valuable. Most visitors don’t want to spend it standing in line.
Option 8: See the Eiffel Tower Without Eiffel Tower Tickets
View of the Eiffel Tower from Trocadero during April when cherry trees bloom
Don’t want to go inside the Tower? You can still have a magical experience just admiring it from the outside.
There are so many amazing viewpoints all over the city:
- Trocadéro Gardens – Best spot for classic postcard views
- Seine River Cruises – See the Tower lit up at night
- Top of Montparnasse Tower – Incredible skyline panorama
- Arc de Triomphe rooftop – A bird’s eye view of the city and Eiffel Tower
- Various hotel rooms with balcony views
- Place de la Concorde and bridges nearby
This option is ideal if:
- You’re short on time
- You don’t like heights
- You prefer seeing the Tower from different angles
Plus, seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night from the ground is pure Paris magic.
Conclusion
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most visited landmarks in the world, and for good reason. But no one wants to waste hours standing in line. Fortunately, with a bit of planning, you can avoid the hassle and experience the Tower your way—whether that means dining at the top, climbing the stairs, or taking in the view from the Seine.
Whatever your travel style, one of these 8 options is bound to help you enjoy the Eiffel Tower without the wait.
FAQs
1. Can I visit the Eiffel Tower without a ticket?
Yes! You can explore the base, the gardens, and admire the view from many locations around Paris without going inside.
2. Are there elevators for people with mobility issues?
Yes, elevators are available to all levels except the Summit during maintenance or weather issues. Staff are also available to assist visitors with disabilities.
3. Is it worth going to the Summit?
Absolutely! The views from the top are stunning, especially on a clear day. But if you’re afraid of heights or on a budget, the 2nd Level is still spectacular.
4. What’s the best time to visit the Eiffel Tower?
Early mornings and late evenings typically have fewer crowds. For the best views, go just before sunset.
5. How long should I plan for a full visit?
Plan for 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the level you visit and how busy it is. Add more time if you plan to dine or attend a concert.
