10 Tips for Visiting the Eiffel Tower (when to do, duration of the visit, etc.)

Visiting the Eiffel Tower is a unique experience, but to make the most of it, it is important to plan your visit well. From knowing the best times to avoid crowds to choosing the right type of ticket, there are several things that can make all the difference. In this guide you'll find 10 key tips on when to go, how long the visit lasts, how the elevators work and other practical details that will help you make the most of this iconic monument.

Those who simply show up without pre-booked tickets are likely to waste a lot of time at the entrance. In summer, waits of one to two hours are very common (weekends and holidays can be worse). It's a shame, especially because if you anticipate in advance it is very easy and quick to book online and buy your ticket to the Eiffel Tower from the official website of Hellotickets.

In addition, you have several types of tickets: simple, with elevator ride, with access to the top for those who want to see it from all points of view, without queues and cruise on the Seine for those looking for a combined experience, night for those who want to see the Eiffel Tower under the light of the tickets or you can even choose to take a guided tour. Here is the list, which one do you choose?

• Tickets for the Eiffel Tower in Paris - from $36.
• Tickets for the Eiffel Tower by elevator - from $62.
• Priority tickets to the top of the Eiffel Tower - from $112.
• Skip the line tickets to the Eiffel Tower and Seine River cruise - from $89:.
• Guided tour of the Eiffel Tower - from $53.
• Night tickets for the Eiffel Tower in Paris (Available only in summer season).

If you don't manage to get tickets in advance, don't worry, there are still ways to enjoy the Eiffel Tower. An exclusive alternative is to book a table at one of its restaurants, which will allow you to access the tower without a standard ticket and, in addition, live an unforgettable dining experience with panoramic views of Paris.

Of course, the restaurants of the Eiffel Tower usually have higher prices, so if you are looking for a different option, you can also enjoy a dinner at one of the restaurants near the Eiffel Tower, where you will find gastronomic proposals with stunning views.

Lunch at Madame Brasserie at the Eiffel Tower

With your lunch reservation at the Madame Brasserie at the Eiffel Tower, you will enjoy a gastronomic experience in one of the most important monuments in the world. You will have priority access and take the elevator up to the restaurant, which serves classic French cuisine.

Dinner at Madame Brasserie at the Eiffel Tower

And if you prefer to dine at Madame Brasserie, it is also possible. Yes, at a higher price. But it is a dream experience, to enjoy French cuisine from the Eiffel Tower.

The best time to climb the Eiffel Tower is at sunset. This way you can enjoy the views of Paris in daylight, admire the spectacle of colors as the sun sets, and then watch the city gradually light up. Then stay as it gets dark in Paris to watch the lights. Spectacular!

At the top every five minutes thousands of bright lights flash across the tower in bursts of light (actually best seen from a Seine River cruise or from the Champs Elysées).

As impressive as it is to climb the tower during the day, you'll certainly enjoy it more at twilight, when darkness completely envelops the city, and the tower sparkles with its spectacular light show. Plus, you'll be seeing all the lights of the city.

Street thieves loot astonished visitors gawking beneath the tower and tourists in crowded elevators. For pickpockets these are the best occasions to steal.

Wear an anti-theft belt or some other means to keep your cash and credit cards well hidden under your clothes and, above all, be careful where you keep your cell phone, as without it you will be a needle in a haystack.

The tower has three levels with observation decks (57, 115 and 276 meters), all connected by elevators and stairs. But there is no single elevator directly to the top (le sommet).

To get to the top, you must first choose between using the elevator or climbing 775 steps to the second level. Once on the second level, don't waste time and get in line immediately for the next elevator, the same one that takes you to the top. (Look for the fastest line, there are several elevators and feeder queues).

Being able to enjoy each floor separately is what gives meaning to this magnificent tower as, thanks to the remarkable difference in height between one floor and another, the views seem to change remarkably.

Few people realize that Gustave Eiffel built a small apartment hidden on the top level of the tower. It is just above the platform where the observatory is located, and has an area of 90 square meters.

Eiffel used the luxurious space to meditate deeply and invite a few people in particular (including inventor Thomas Edison), and he resisted all offers to rent it.

Best of all, you can look inside the space, which is still furnished! For more information on this apartment visit the following link.

As much as you want to get to the highest point, I would recommend enjoying the first and second floors primarily; indeed, if your schedule is tight I would advise you to abort that urge to climb to the top and enjoy these wonderful two floors.

For starters, the best views from the Eiffel Tower are from the second floor: high enough to see all of Paris, but low enough to make out landmarks. Remember that at 276 meters above sea level it is difficult to make out the details of the most emblematic monuments and areas, let alone if it is raining or foggy.

The first level should not be skipped either, since from here you can explore stores and exhibits of great interest, then you can also approach the glass area and feel what it's like to be 18 floors above the ground.

The tower is known for its elevator lines, both up and down. To some extent it makes sense to endure the long lines to take the elevator up, but going down, I don't think it's worth it.

True, you will be able to take the elevator from the top to the second level, but you can use the stairs from there. It takes as little as five minutes walking between each level, much faster than the elevator line and a much more memorable way to get back to the ground. Once back on the ground, you'll appreciate the engineering of the tower even more, as you'll have been descending step by step.

And for a look to remember, I recommend strolling along the Seine River to the Place du Trocadéro and looking back to enjoy the excellent views of the symbol of Paris.

There are advantages to enjoying the view of the Iron Lady both in daylight and at night. By day you can better appreciate the details of the buildings, squares and monuments. Besides, the best way to appreciate the contrast between the green (the parks), the blue (the Seine River), and the big buildings is in the morning.

You don't need to climb the Tower twice, but you will definitely want to see it at 10 pm when the lights are bright, and Paris seems to turn into a sleepwalking city. That said, if you don't have the chance to go twice, a good time to climb the Tower is shortly before dusk, so you can experience the sunset and also, shortly after, the sunset. Another option is ideal is to go up if you go in summer in Paris.

The closest Paris metro station to the Eiffel Tower is Champ de Mars / Tour Eiffel on the RER C line. Other metro stations close to the Eiffel Tower include École Militaire on line 8 and Bir-Hakeim on line 6.

If you want to enjoy a pleasant ride to the Eiffel Tower you should go on the opposite side of the Seine River, which is accessed by the Trocadero station on line 9 and metro line 6. Anyway, if you have doubts visit this post on how to get to the Eiffel Tower In addition, I recommend that you also consult the article Eiffel Tower ticket prices to organize your travel expenses.