Guidelines for Experiencing the Eiffel Tower with Fewer Tourists

The Eiffel Tower ranks among the globe's most frequented tourist sites, attracting nearly 7 million visitors annually. Constructed for the 1889 Exposition Universelle, this iconic structure by Gustave Eiffel allows visitors to gaze over the vast expanse of Paris. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the engineer’s passing, celebrated through various exhibitions and events. Yet, the most fitting homage remains a visit to his masterpiece, showcasing its impressive 1,083 feet of latticework, 2,500,000 rivets, and 7,300 tons of iron. But how can one enjoy this experience without being overwhelmed by crowds? Here are some tips.

Familiarize yourself with the Eiffel Tower’s structure to devise a strategy

The Eiffel Tower features three viewing platforms: the first (187 feet), the second (377 feet), and the summit (906 feet), which consists of two levels—one indoors and one outdoors.

To reach the first and second levels, visitors can opt for elevators or take the stairs (details below), but the summit is accessible exclusively by elevator.

Visitors purchasing elevator tickets must begin their tour at the highest level included in their ticket; those opting for the stairs can choose freely. Remember, you must decide in advance—there’s no option to buy a ticket for the second floor and then upgrade to the summit once you're there.

Congestion occurs at several key points, so it's beneficial to be aware of these areas to manage your expectations for wait times. The first bottleneck arises at the security checks at the main entrances of the tower. (If you're buying tickets on-site, expect an additional wait at the ticket counters.) Another delay typically occurs at the security checkpoint for the elevators. Visitors using the smaller lift to the summit may also encounter another wait at the second floor while awaiting the elevator. Unfortunately, these delays are unavoidable.

Purchase tickets ahead of time

To avoid lengthy wait times for tickets on-site (which can exceed an hour), it’s advisable to buy them online—most options are available up to 60 days ahead. Pro tip: Since they’re timed, if you want to catch the sunset, aim to book your tickets about 90 minutes prior to that time.

However, if you're willing to tackle the stairs—there are 674 of them—your approach might change. For those aiming for the very top, the combination ticket of 'stairway + lift' (stairs to the second floor followed by the elevator to the summit) can only be purchased on-site. Tickets for stairs to the first and second floors can be bought online (up to 14 days in advance). Don’t forget to consider the weather as well.

"The general advice is to book tickets ahead of time, but the challenge lies in predicting the weather," says Wendy Perrin, founder of travel-advice site WendyPerrin.com and TripAdvisor’s Travel Advocate. "You want to avoid foggy days. The right weather conditions are unpredictable. So, the main issue is how to plan ahead for something so uncertain." Previously, Perrin has waited for a clear day, then bought her tickets on-site and climbed the 674 steps to the second platform. However, on her latest visit in late April on a Sunday afternoon, the ticket line stretched for an hour. She even noticed a sign warning: "The top floor may be closed during peak times due to capacity limits. Expect delays exceeding 45 minutes on the second floor."

Pro tip: Jennifer Virgilio from Queen of Clubs, a travel concierge service focusing on France and Italy, highlights that behind-the-scenes private tours are no longer permitted, and according to the tower’s own website, there are no VIP or skip-the-line tickets available—regardless of what you may see advertised online.

Steer clear of the peak days and times

This can be quite challenging, given that it’s Paris and the Eiffel Tower. Nonetheless, the tower’s website conveniently outlines the busiest times of the year (generally June–September, with some specific weeks noted), as well as holidays that could exacerbate the crowds.

"November, January, and February are the ideal months to visit," states Virgilio. However, she quickly adds that even during those months, this attraction rarely experiences a slowdown. "I took my daughter in November, and the wait to reach the very top was about an hour. Getting through the second floor is manageable. You go through security and then access the lift. It’s all very routine, but you’re still dealing with the crowds. There’s no luxurious way to navigate this, and you can’t escape them."

Regarding the best times to visit (the tower is open from 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.), the early morning hours and the late evening are likely to see the fewest visitors. During Perrin’s visit, entry was permitted until 11:45 p.m.—"allowing you to admire the City of Light after dark."

Opt for the stairs

While visitors once had the option to climb the entire tower to the very top, nowadays, they can only take the stairs to the first two platforms—a total of 674 steps. (From there, an elevator ride is necessary to reach the summit.) Perrin believes the stair climb is worthwhile.

"In many European monuments, the stairways lack views. Ascending a bell tower or cathedral dome can feel quite confining. You often find yourself on a narrow spiral staircase surrounded by stone, unable to see anything. That’s not the case here—each step offers a view. You have clear sightlines, and nothing obstructs your view. You can appreciate the ironwork and structure as you walk through it," she explains.

Stair tickets are available for purchase either online (up to 14 days ahead) or on-site at the South pillar, where the designated stair access is located. This option is the most economical and always accessible, while tickets for the summit may sell out.

Dine at the Eiffel Tower’s Michelin-star restaurant

Le Jules Verne restaurant is located on the second floor of the tower. Guests with a reservation at this one-Michelin-star venue can use a special elevator that allows them to skip the main crowds. A reservation grants access to the first viewing platform of the tower; however, if you wish to reach the summit, you’ll still need to purchase a ticket and wait for the summit elevator, just like everyone else (and it's advisable to visit before dining).

Consider skipping the summit

Hear us out. While most visitors instinctively want to reach the top of the Eiffel Tower, there’s a valid case for avoiding the crowds and the wait for the smaller elevator that takes you to the most confined viewing area.

"The perspectives from the first and second floors are often better than those from the top," Perrin explains. "The view from the summit provides a standard aerial perspective of the city, where everything appears distant—whereas from the lower levels, you’re closer and more immersed, allowing you to see details that are lost from above."

Enjoy the tower . . . from outside its walls

You know what you can’t see from the Eiffel Tower? The Eiffel Tower itself. That’s why Virgilio directs her clients to alternative viewing spots, such as the Arc de Triomphe or the Montparnasse Tower, which tend to be less crowded. "When you ascend the Tower, all you’re doing is gazing at the city," she explains. "I prefer to have [my travelers] admire the tower instead." To facilitate this, she often organizes unique experiences like private boat cruises or luxurious picnics with views of the iconic landmark.

A free, DIY option is to simply walk beneath the tower and explore the surrounding gardens—none of which require a ticket; just be prepared to go through a security check.

Tickets starting at approximately $12.30; toureiffel.paris/en

Staying for a few days? Check out our list of Paris’s top hotels.