The Eiffel Tower is probably one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world. It was constructed for the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris, and stands watching over the city.

Even if you’ve never been to Paris, you’ve almost certainly seen photos of it. And when you finally do visit Paris, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask yourself is: do I actually need to pay to experience the Eiffel Tower? The short answer is no, but, if it’s your first time in Paris and you want to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower – you will.

When I started planning my first visit to Paris, I quickly realised that you don’t actually need to spend money to visit the Eiffel Tower. At the same time, paying to go up the tower offers a completely different experience and gives you some of the best views of Paris.

The good news is that you don’t have to choose one or the other. You can admire the Eiffel Tower for free from some fantastic viewpoints around the city. And then decide if climbing or taking the lift to the upper levels is worth adding to your itinerary.

 

Already know you want to go up the Eiffel Tower? Here’s your options:

Climb the stairs up to the 1st or 2nd floor.
Catch the lift to the 2nd floor with optional access to the 3rd floor (the summit – the top).
Stay in accommodation that has a view of the Eiffel Tower.

Whether you are on a 3 day Paris visit or travelling around Europe for a month or more a visit to see the Eiffel Tower is a must. Here’s everything you need to know about seeing and exploring the Eiffel Tower for free and paid options. 

 

How to See the Eiffel Tower for Free

 

You don’t need to buy a ticket to appreciate just how impressive the Eiffel Tower really is. In fact, some of my favourite views of the tower are completely free! You can see the Eiffel Tower from many places around Paris. I even had a great view from my hotel room.

 

Eiffel Tower from my hotel room

 

Free Places to See the Eiffel Tower around Paris

 

Trocadéro

 

The first place I suggest you see the Eiffel Tower for free is in the Trocadéro. If you’ve ever seen those iconic photographs of the Eiffel Tower stretching across a large plaza, chances are they were taken from Trocadéro.

Located directly opposite the Eiffel Tower across the Seine River, Trocadéro offers what many people consider to be the best view of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The large terraces, impressive fountains and wide open spaces create the perfect setting for photos, picnics or simply sitting and taking in the view.

Trocadéro is also one of the busiest spots in Paris, particularly during the day, as tourists, photographers and influencers all gather here for that classic Eiffel Tower shot. If you can, try to visit early in the morning when the crowds are smaller and the light is beautiful for photography.

Another great time to visit is just before sunset. Stay until dark and you’ll see the Eiffel Tower illuminated, If you’re there on the hour, you’ll catch the famous five-minute sparkling light show. 

 

Champ de Mars

 

The large grassy park stretching out beneath the Eiffel Tower is called Champ de Mars, and it is one of the best places to experience the tower up close without paying for entry.

Many visitors bring a picnic, sit on the grass and spend an hour or two simply admiring the views. If you’re travelling on a budget, pick up a baguette, cheese and a drink from a nearby supermarket and enjoy your own Eiffel Tower picnic for a fraction of the cost of eating in a tourist restaurant.

I found this to be one of the best places to simply slow down and appreciate the Eiffel Tower without feeling rushed. It is particularly beautiful in the late afternoon and evening when the tower begins to light up.

 

Pont de Bir-Hakeim

 

If you enjoy photography, make time to visit Pont de Bir-Hakeim. This bridge has become famous for its stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and has appeared in numerous films and photographs over the years. The elevated metro line and steel structure create some fantastic photo opportunities.

For the best experience, try visiting early in the morning or around sunset when the light is softer and there are fewer people around. Even if you’re not a photographer, it’s worth stopping here for a few minutes to take in the view and appreciate one of Paris’s most iconic landmarks from a different angle.

 

Rue de l’Université

 

If you’re looking for that classic Paris photograph with the Eiffel Tower perfectly framed by beautiful Parisian buildings, Rue de l’Université is the place to go.

The view of the Eiffel Tower at the end of the street creates a picture-perfect Paris moment and is particularly popular with photographers, influencers and visitors wanting that iconic shot. Because of its popularity, the street can become quite crowded during the day.

My tip is to visit early in the morning when there are fewer people around and you’ll have a much better chance of taking photos without crowds in the background. 

 

Seine River Walkways

 

One of my favourite ways to experience Paris is simply by walking. Some of the best views appear when you’re not looking for them. Don’t be afraid to simply wander along the river and stop whenever you see a view you like.

The walkways along the River Seine provide constantly changing views of the Eiffel Tower and cost absolutely nothing. Walking also allows you to appreciate how the tower dominates the Paris skyline from different angles.

If you have time, consider walking both during the day and after dark when the tower is illuminated.

 

Watch the Eiffel Tower Sparkle at Night – for Free

 

One of the best free experiences in Paris happens every evening.

After sunset, the Eiffel Tower sparkles for five minutes at the beginning of every hour until late at night. The first time I saw it, I understood why so many people stop what they are doing just to watch. There is something quite magical about seeing the whole tower light up against the night sky.

You can watch the light show from all over Paris, but Trocadéro and Champ de Mars are probably the best places to experience it. My tip is to arrive a little early, grab a spot to sit and simply enjoy the atmosphere. It can get very busy, especially during peak season, but I think it is one of those Paris experiences that is absolutely worth the crowds.

 

How to See the Eiffel Tower – Paid Options

 

While seeing the Eiffel Tower from the outside is impressive, going inside offers an entirely different experience. When I say inside, I mean inside the structure. As it is made of metal with no solid walls you can see straight through it.

There are several ticket options available depending on how much you want to spend and how high you want to go. If you’re visiting during peak season, it’s best to book tickets in advance.

To decide on paid option you want to explore the Eiffel Tower, you should know it has three floors or levels. You can visit one of them or all of them. Each has something different to offer.

 

To decide the paid option to visit and explore the Eiffel Tower, you will want to know what paid options are available. They include walking up one leg of the Eiffel Tower to Level 1 or Level 2. Knowing what services are on each level and what the view is like.

Already know how you want to visit the Eiffel Tower, I suggest you buy your ticket in advance to avoid a long wait in a long queue. Like many places since covid, a certain amount of people are allowed on the Eiffel Tower at one time.

 

 

Paid Options to Visit the Eiffel Tower

 

Climb the Eiffel Tower Stairs 

 

If you’re reasonably fit and don’t mind a workout, climbing the stairs is one of the more affordable ways to experience the Eiffel Tower.

One advantage of climbing the stairs is that queues are often shorter than for the lifts, particularly during peak season. You also get a much closer look at the iron framework that makes the Eiffel Tower such an incredible feat of engineering.

The stair option usually provides access to:

●      The first floor
●      The second floor
●      Viewing platforms
●      Restaurants and shops
●      Historical exhibits

 

Purchase your ticket to climb the stairs here.

 

Eiffel Tower’s First Floor

 

I think many visitors underestimate the first floor because they’re so focused on reaching the top. However, if you don’t enjoy heights, this level offers fantastic views without feeling quite as intimidating.

Located around 57 metres above ground, the first floor provides impressive views across Paris while still allowing you to appreciate the scale of the tower itself.

Some of the highlights include:

●      A glass floor where you can look directly down beneath your feet
●      Interactive exhibits explaining the history and construction of the Eiffel Tower
●      Historical displays and information panels
●      Restaurants and cafés
●      Outdoor viewing areas

For travellers who don’t enjoy heights, the first floor can provide a good balance between experience and comfort.

 

Eiffel Tower’s Second Floor

 

For many visitors, the second floor offers the best views in the entire tower.

At around 115 metres above ground, you are high enough to enjoy spectacular views across Paris while still being close enough to identify famous landmarks.

From here, you can often see:

●      The River Seine
●      The Louvre
●      Notre-Dame Cathedral
●      Sacré-Cœur Basilica
●      The Arc de Triomphe
●      Montparnasse Tower

The second floor also has some dining options and viewing platforms that allow you to photograph Paris from multiple directions.

If someone asked me which ticket offers the best value, I’d probably choose the second floor. The views are spectacular, you can still recognise many of Paris’s landmarks, and it is usually less expensive than going all the way to the summit.

 

Purchase your ticket to catch the lift to the 2nd Floor.

 

Eiffel Tower’s Third Floor (The Summit)

 

 

View from the top

 

If you’ve travelled all the way to Paris and want the full Eiffel Tower experience, visiting the summit is hard to beat.

Located approximately 276 metres above ground, the summit provides breathtaking panoramic views across the entire city and beyond.

Depending on weather conditions, visibility can extend for many kilometres.

Highlights of the summit include:

●      The highest public observation deck in Paris
●      Panoramic views across the city
●      Gustave Eiffel’s restored office
●      Historical displays
●      Champagne bar
●      Unique photo opportunities

If this is your first trip to Paris and you’re unlikely to return soon, I would seriously consider paying the extra money for the summit. Standing at the highest point open to visitors in Paris is one of those experiences you tend to remember for years afterwards. I’ve been up the Eiffel tower 4 times, and I remember the view clearly.

If heights aren’t your favourite thing, however, be prepared that the summit can feel significantly higher and more enclosed than the lower levels. And as you can see through the lift as you ascend, it can be a little scary!

 

Purchase your ticket to Eiffel Tower’s summit here.

 

Which Eiffel Tower Experience Should You Choose?

 

If you’re travelling on a strict budget, you can have an incredible Eiffel Tower experience without spending any money at all. Visiting Trocadéro, enjoying a picnic at Champ de Mars and watching the tower sparkle at night can easily become some of your favourite memories of Paris.

If you decide to pay for entry, the second floor offers what many travellers consider the best balance of price and views.

And if this is your first trip to Paris and you don’t know when you’ll return, you may decide that going all the way to the summit is worth the extra cost. I think it is!