A trip to Paris is not complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower. To get the most out of your visit, read our ten tips below:
1. Visit at Night - The Eiffel Tower is a must-see anytime, but there is something magical about visiting the Eiffel Tower at night. Riding up the Eiffel Tower at night, looking out over the streets of Paris, you'll see why Paris is known as the "City of Light." At street level, seeing the spotlight on the top of the Tower zoom across the Paris skyline, and the reflection of the Tower in the Seine are sights not to be missed.
An added bonus is that the lines are much shorter in the late evening, than in the afternoon.
2. Walk to the Tower from the Trocadéro - The closest metro stop to the Eiffel Tower is Bir- Hakeim. You walk a few blocks, round a corner, and you're at the base of the Eiffel Tower. For a truly memorable stroll to the Eiffel Tower, try this approach.
Ride the metro to the Trocadéro station. Walk up the steps to the Palais de Chaillot, which houses theaters and a few museums. On the large, marble plaza, take in the spectacularly stunning view of the Eiffel Tower across the Seine river framed by the fountains in the Trocadéro gardens. Time your visit, so that you are standing in the Plaza at the top of the hour when the Tower turns on the "sparkles" for ten minutes.
View walking through Trocadéro Gardens to Eiffel Tower
Continue walking towards the Eiffel Tower, through the gardens, and over the Pont d'Iena bridge to the base of the Eiffel Tower. For kids, take a spin on the antique carousel. For lovebirds, sneak a kiss on the benches scattered through out the Trocadéro Gardens, known as the Parisian version of Lover's Lane.
3. Buy your Ticket in Stages - You can buy your ticket up the Eiffel Tower in stages.
- First stage or level - 4.50€
- Second stage - 7.80€
- Top - 11.50€
Most people buy a ticket to the top when they enter the Tower. If you are short on time or patience, you may want to only purchase a ticket to the 2nd level.
The best views of Paris are on the 2nd level. You are high enough up to see the stunning panorama of the Paris skyline. Yet, not too high, so that you can easily recognize most Paris landmarks without using a map.
At the second level, you can decide whether or not to take the elevator to the top. If the lines to the top are outrageous ( a wait of of a few hours in line for the elevators to the top is not uncommon) or the weather is not cooperating (wind and rain obscuring the view), enjoy the view on the second floor. If you decide to ride to the top, simply buy your ticket on the second floor.
To check most recent rates and use the online calculator to plan your trip, view the Eiffel Tower rate page.
4. Have Drinks and Snacks at the Eiffel Tower - If you're like us, after an exciting trip to the Eiffel Tower, you'll be ready to rest your legs and have a relaxing snack and a drink in a Parisian cafe. The question is: Where are all the good cafes?
Around the corner on the Quai Branly towards the Bir Hakeim metro are a few cafes that cater to tourists. The atmosphere, service and high prices leave much to be desired. The only interesting thing about these cafes are the number of different languages that are displayed on the outside menus.
Across the Seine in the Trocadéro area, there are many elegant cafes crowded with the rich Parisians that live in this area. The ambiance is great, but the prices are in the stratosphere.
Altitude 95 Interior
After much trial and error, we've found the perfect place to for a break - on the Eiffel Tower at the Altitude 95 bar/restaurant. Altitude 95, on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower, has a large bar area with many tables overlooking the Seine and the lights of Paris. For dinner, reservations are expected. However, for drinks and appetizers seating is open with a "first come - first served" policy. The best thing is that despite the spectacular view and sophisticated setting, the prices are reasonable. For 10€, you can sip champagne and watch the sun set over Paris. Beats the typical tourist cafe hands-down. For prices and additional info, browse Altitude 95's menu.
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