Paris · The Classics

Eiffel Tower

The most-visited paid monument on earth. You'll love the view of it more than from it.

Photo · Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
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Verdict
Go differently
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Best time
Golden hour, from Trocadero
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Cost
Free to view / ticketed up
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Time needed
30 min–2 hr
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Skip if
You just want the classic photo

The Eiffel Tower is the most-visited paid monument on earth and the symbol of Paris itself. Whether you go up is a real question; whether you see it is not.

The intelwhat we'd tell a friend
ReallyThe real deal
The best experience of the tower is from outside it: the Trocadero terrace across the river at golden hour, or a picnic on the Champ de Mars as it sparkles on the hour after dark. If you must go up, book online days ahead and take the earliest slot, because the walk-up queues are punishing. Most people love the view of it more than the view from it.
SafelyThe risk read
A heavy pickpocket and scam zone — the gold-ring and petition scams work the base, and pickpockets work the lifts and the RER. Ignore anyone thrusting something at you; bag zipped and in front.
DeeplyThe culture
Parisians rolled their eyes at it in 1889 and now can't imagine the skyline without it, which is very Paris. Say bonjour before asking anything of a vendor; skipping the greeting reads as rude.
Quick answers
Is Eiffel Tower worth it?

Yes to see it — from Trocadero at golden hour; going up is optional and queue-heavy.

Is Eiffel Tower free? What does it cost?

The grounds are free; going inside or up is ticketed — book online ahead to skip the queue.

What's the best way to visit Eiffel Tower?

The best experience of the tower is from outside it: the Trocadero terrace across the river at golden hour, or a picnic on the Champ de Mars as it sparkles on the hour after dark.

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