Eiffel Tower Tickets & Tours – Skip-the-Line, Guided & Summit Access

If the Eiffel Tower is on your Paris list — and let's face it, it is — then you'll want to plan your visit smartly. So, we've created what we like to think of as the Ultimate Guide to Eiffel Tower tickets & tours, with tips, recommendations, and direct links to the best experiences available.

Booking Eiffel Tower tickets & tours in advance means no standing around in long lines, no confusion at the gates, and no disappointment when summit access is sold out. Instead, you get fast-track entry, expert guidance, and a smooth route to the top. This guide covers everything from full Eiffel Tower tours — which we believe are essential for the best experience — to standard Eiffel Tower tickets if you want to go it alone.

Why You Shouldn’t Wing It at the Tower

The Eiffel Tower, the iconic symbol of Paris, towers over the city

The Eiffel Tower might be the only place where standing still could take longer than climbing up it. Entry lines — especially in high season — can stretch well over an hour. And summit tickets? They are often gone days (sometimes weeks) in advance.

By reserving your Eiffel Tower tickets & tours early, you get access to exactly the experience you want — whether that's a quick skip-the-line visit, a guided walk through history, or a combo tour that includes a Seine River cruise. Of course we'll also make sure that you get standard perks like elevator access (Climbing the steps? No thanks.) and summit-level views.

Skip-the-Line Eiffel Tower Tours

A skip-the-line tour makes your Paris day even better with priority access

Cut your wait time and head straight to the top. Skip-the-line Eiffel Tower tours are the fastest way to see Paris from above — without wasting precious hours below. Choose fast-track entry on a skip-the-line tour, and be sipping champagne at the summit while others are still queuing. You'll bypass the bottlenecks and go straight to the views.

You'll find a range of entry options designed to match your pace. Want to linger on the second level? Or zip to the top? Some tours include commentary, others just the shortcut. Either way, it's an efficient and enjoyable way to check the Eiffel Tower off your list — without spending half your day standing in line.

Eiffel Tower Guided Tours

A guide points out the sights of Paris to her the Eiffel Tower tour group

A guided Eiffel Tower tour is like having a smart, entertaining friend with you — one who knows all the quirks, controversies, and feats of engineering that built the Iron Lady. These tours give you deeper access, a richer experience, and plenty of "I had no idea!" moments along the way.

All include second-level access and many offer a summit upgrade. You'll hear stories of how Parisians once hated the tower, how it nearly got dismantled, and what went into its construction. Guides bring it all to life, giving your visit more meaning than just a photo op with a great view.

Eiffel Tower Summit Tours

At the top of the photo is the Summit Level of the Eiffel Tower, with the most spectacular views

This is it — the top of the tower and the literal high point of your Paris trip. Eiffel Tower summit tours take you to the topmost level, where the city spreads out in every direction. You'll see the bends of the Seine, Montmartre on its hill, and landmarks you'll later visit on foot. Not every ticket includes summit access, so plan ahead.

Some summit tours include commentary, but most are self-guided — all offer bragging rights and views you won't forget. There's even a glassed-in viewing platform and Gustave Eiffel's restored office. It's a small space with a big payoff — and one well worth the climb (well. in an elevator).

Eiffel Tower Tickets

The long line is an example of why you want to book your Eiffel Tower visit in advance

Looking to visit on your own schedule? Eiffel Tower tickets offer just that. Choose your date, time, and elevator or stair access. While they don't include guides, they still unlock Paris's most famous view — and are a smart option for confident travelers who like to do things their own way.

Even so, don't wait to buy them. These tickets sell out, especially those that include summit access. Weekends and evenings go first, so plan early. Booking online means no guessing or gambling — you'll secure your spot and walk past the ticket counter as if you've done this before.

Eiffel Tower & Seine Cruise Combo Tours

A river cruise boat sails past the Eiffel Tower: both are included in a combo tour

Double your Paris pleasure with Eiffel Tower + Seine River cruise combos. You start high — at the tower — and finish low, gliding past monuments and under bridges. Some packages do the reverse, but either way, you see the city from two unbeatable vantage points, all in one outing.

These Eiffel Tower tickets and tours are a great value. Some include commentary, others might throw in perks like lunch or champagne. It's a brilliant choice for first-timers, or anyone who wants to avoid piecing together multiple bookings. Two major Paris experiences, one simple plan. What's not to like?

What to Know Before You Go

Sunset over Paris, from the Eiffel Tower

Expect airport-style security, busy afternoons, and plenty of photo ops. Mornings or evenings tend to be quieter. The tower is wheelchair accessible to the second level, and you can choose stairs (boo!) or elevator (yay!) depending on your ticket type and stamina.

Want to know more? Our in-depth guides to visiting the Eiffel Tower, its restaurants, and useful Eiffel Tower facts will help you make the most of your trip.

1. Tips and Tricks for a Smooth Visit

What time should you go? How long will it take? We cover all the logistics of visiting the Eiffel Tower, from entrance options to best viewpoints.
• Plan Your Eiffel Tower Game Like an Insider…

2. From Great Views to Fine Dining

Yes, you can dine on the Eiffel Tower. We break down your options—from glass-of-champagne stops to multi-course tasting menus with a view at Le Jules Verne.
• See What's on the Menu at 125 Meters…

3. Entrances, Elevators, & Essentials

Hours, entrances, security, and elevator tips — it's all here in one place to help you plan a smooth visit.
• Get the Lowdown Before You Go Up…

4. Scandal, Skeptics & Survival Since 1889

It was once loathed, now it's loved. Learn the history of the Eiffel Tower and how she went from an eyesore to the defining symbol of Paris.
• Trace the Tower's Tumultuous Origins…

5. Strange Stats, Tall Tales & Iron Truths

Did you know the Eiffel Tower shrinks in winter? We've rounded up our favorite Eiffel Tower facts — trivial, quirky, and surprising.
• Browse the Tower's Most Tantalizing Facts…

What Everyone Asks (And Needs to Know)

The Iron Lady towers over Paris against a red sky

Do I need to book Eiffel Tower tickets & tours in advance?
We strongly suggest you do — especially for summit access and skip-the-line entry. Tickets often sell out, particularly in high season. Booking ahead means peace of mind and a better experience.

What's included in an Eiffel Tower guided tour?
All Eiffel Tower guided tours include access to the first level but it's at the second level that the real views begin, and every Eiffel Tower tour gets you there with expert commentary. For the best experience choose a tour that includes an upgrade to the summit. Always check the tour details before booking.

Can I visit the summit with a standard ticket?
Only if your ticket explicitly includes summit access. Many standard tickets are limited to the second level. If the top is a must for you, make sure it's specified.

How long should I plan for a visit?
If you book a guided tour with skip-the-line access, expect about 1.5 to 2 hours for the first and second levels. Add another 30 to 45 minutes if you're heading to the summit—longer if you linger over the view or stop for a glass of bubbly.

Eiffel Tower Tickets & Tours Tips

The Eiffel Tower – a pigeon's perspective

The Eiffel Tower deserves more than just a passing glance. Make your visit count by choosing Eiffel Tower tickets and tours that match your travel style. Our hand-picked recommendations link you to the best guided visits, fastest entry, and most memorable combos.

Don't wait — Paris isn't known for standing still, and neither is the line at the tower. Book Eiffel Tower tickets & tours now and enjoy the view from the top.