A visit to Paris in France is not complete without seeing one of the world's most iconic landmarks – the Eiffel Tower.
What’s a trip to Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower at least once? Gustave Eiffel and his company designed this now iconic landmark, and construction took just over two years to complete. They built it for the Exposition Universelle of 1889 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. Today, it remains a symbol of Paris, the tallest structure in the city, and one of the most visited paid monuments in the world.
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Eiffel Tower Quick Facts
Construction: 1887 – 1889
Material: Wrought iron
Height: 330 metres
Weight: 10,100 tonnes roughly
Location: Champ de Mars, 7th Arrondissement, Paris
Nearest train stations:
– Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel (RER C)
– Bir-Hakeim (Metro Line 6)
– Trocadéro (Metro Lines 6 & 9)
Best Free Vantage Points
The Eiffel Tower can be seen from several vantage points across Paris for free. As someone who’s been to the City of Love multiple times, I’ve tried and tested these spots myself. Here are five of the best locations to photograph the tower.
1. Trocadéro
Probably the most famous viewpoint, Trocadéro sits directly across the Seine River from the Eiffel Tower. Its elevated terraces offer a perfectly centred, postcard-style perspective of the landmark. That said, it can get very crowded, especially during peak hours, and you’ll often find souvenir sellers around the area who may approach visitors quite persistently.
The carousel located near the Eiffel Tower. Photo: Lord Acuña
At the foot of Trocadéro, you’ll also find the Carrousel de la Tour Eiffel, located near the intersection. From certain angles, photographers can frame the carousel in the foreground with the Eiffel Tower rising behind it.
2. Pont d’Iéna
Taken on my first trip to Paris.
Pont d’Iéna is the bridge that goes towards the Eiffel Tower. From this view, you get very close to the tower while still being able to fit most or all of it in the frame. Just be careful of the bicycles when crossing the street. From here, it’s just a stone’s throw to the base of the tower.
3. Seine Riverbanks
The Seine riverbanks offer a lower, more cinematic angle of the Eiffel Tower. The reflections on the water, especially at sunset, add a more dramatic feel to your photos. From Pont d’Iéna, you can access the riverbanks via staircases and ramps on both sides of the bridge.
4. Champ de Mars
A great picnic spot with the Eiffel Tower in the background.
Champ de Mars is a long green promenade stretching out from the base of the tower. It’s a popular spot for picnics, particularly in summer. It also offers some of the best wide-angle views, making it ideal for capturing the full height of the Eiffel Tower from ground level.
5. Pont de Bir-Hakeim
Enjoying this view with my baguette. Photo: Lord Acuña
Pont de Bir-Hakeim is one of Paris’ most photogenic bridges and has been featured in several films. Its steel arches create a strong foreground element for photos of the Eiffel Tower. You can shoot from the bridge itself or use the pedestrian walkway along the side to frame the tower over the Seine.
Going up the Eiffel Tower
While the city offers plenty of free viewpoints, you can also go up the Eiffel Tower itself. Tickets to visit the tower’s observation decks are available online and on-site – both offering the best prices. If online slots are sold out, you can still purchase tickets on-site for same-day entry, subject to availability. Combo tickets are only available online, and e-tickets can typically be booked up to 60 days in advance.
Eiffel Tower Ticket Rates
| Access | Adults | Age 12-24 | Age 4-11 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stairs to 2nd floor | €14,80 | €7,80 | €3,80 |
| Lift to 2nd floor | €23,50 | €11,80 | €6,00 |
| Lift to summit | €36,70 | €18,40 | €9,20 |
Make sure to bring a valid ID for each member of your group, including children. Check the time stated on your e-ticket carefully – this is the time you are required to be at the base of the tower and in the queue. It is recommended to download your e-ticket on your phone or print a copy before arrival.
Things to see and do on the Eiffel Tower
First floor
– Glass floor walkway
– Madame Brasserie restaurant
– Exhibits on the tower’s history
– Seasonal exhibitions and displays
– Outdoor viewing terrace
Second floor
– Le Jules Verne restaurant
– One of the best panoramic viewpoints in Paris
– Clear views of landmarks such as the Seine, Arc de Triomphe, and Sacré-Cœur
– Shops, champagne bar, and gourmet food counters
Top floor
– Champagne bar
– Highest observation deck in Paris
– Gustave Eiffel’s restored private office
– Open-air views over the entire Île-de-France region
The Eiffel Tower at Night
The Eiffel Tower takes on a completely different character at night. As the sun sets, the structure is illuminated, creating a more atmospheric and memorable view for visitors. Every hour after nightfall, the tower sparkles for five minutes, shimmering with thousands of lights. This continues until 1:00 AM, with the final display extending the evening spectacle across Paris.
So whether you visit the Eiffel Tower in the morning, afternoon, or at night, this guide should help you plan your visit and make the most of the experience.
Get your tickets via the link above or book through their official website.
Discussion
Thanks for the information, we had no idea about the strong history and what is actually represented. The list of prices also comes in handy when planning a visit!
We went late at night when the crowds had started to thin and walked up the stairs. It’s such an epic and unforgettable sight.
The Eiffel Tower is indeed the iconic sight of Paris. We really enjoyed our visit to Iron Lady when we were in Paris a couple of years ago. The ride to the top was thrilling and we had some amazing views from the top. After that we went on a cruise on the river Seine.
haha My greatest memory of the Eiffel tower is actually all the vendors underneath and the people selling Eiffel tower nic-nacs ahah
Who in the World doesn’t love the Eiffel Tower!! You have done a great job attaching the prices for going all way up the tower.
I didn’t have time to go up in the Eiffel Tower when I was in Paris as I was on the chocolate trail, but it is magnificent to see, even at a distance. I can’t imagine climbing the 1655 stairs! I wonder how many people have done that!
No matter how much has been written about Eiffel Tower and no matter how much Eiffel tower has been photographed, it is still one of the most desirable tourist destinations in the world. Your blog is a proof why.
We agree that it’s totally worth braving all the other tourists to visit the Eiffel Tower. Going up is a great experience too even if its a cloudy day. Paris is gorgeous.
Thinking about it now, I kind of regret not going up!
The Eiffel Tower is definitely a must see when in Paris. I am not sure how I feel about the night lights. The twinkle is a bit borderline corny to me.
Haha I kind of see what you mean!