While arguably the most recognized monument in the world, the Eiffel Tower hardly survived the 1889 World’s Fair. Few tourists today realize that, as the tower was constructed for the event, the city planned to tear down the tower in the days following the fair.
Good thing that they never got around to it, because these days everyone wants a piece of the Dame de Fer (Iron Lady).
Planning your visit to Paris’ most famous attraction? Here are a few tips to make your visit as enjoyable as possible:
Ticket prices
Elevator admission to the 1st and 2nd Floor: €17.10
Stairs entrance ticket to the 1st and 2nd Floor: €10.70
Entry to the top: €26.80
Discounts on Eiffel Tower tickets
Ages 12 to 24 enjoy a discounted price of €8.60 on elevator admissions to the second floor, €13.40 to the top, and €5.40 on a stairs ticket. Ages 4 to 11 receive a discounted rate of €4.30 on elevator admissions to the second floor, €6.70 to the top, and €2.70 on a stairs ticket.
Hours
The Eiffel Tower is open every day of the year, including many major holidays. Hours are as follows:
May 7 – June 17: Open from 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
From June 18 – May 6: Open from 9:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Closed July 14 for Bastille Day.
How to skip the line
Buying your tickets online, up to 60 days in advance, is an easy way to skip the line at the ticket window. When you arrive, you can head right to the elevators to ride up to the 2nd Floor or top. You can also book lunch or dinner at the Eiffel Tower Restaurants, but this is outside of our typical cheapo budget.
Time of day to go
Everyone has a favorite time to head up the tower, but the evening time, right around sunset, is one of the most stunning. If you time it right, you’ll be watching the sun set over Paris while the twinkling lights below start to pop alive. By the time you reach the summit, you’ll have the best possible view of the city at its finest.
Walking it
As long as you’re not wearing heels, you may opt to walk up to the tower’s second level to catch the elevator to the very top. This ticket saves you €6.40, or put that money toward a well-deserved glass of wine (or two!) at a café afterward.
What to wear
It gets windy at the top of the tower, so it’s a good idea to dress accordingly, especially during the cooler months. You’ll be much more comfortable at the top if you have a little something extra to wrap around yourself.
Alternative towers
In the end, there are no real tricks to visiting the tower. If there’s a huge line, there’s a huge line. But no one is forcing you to wait.
If simply seeing the tower is enough, consider going up the Tour Montparnasse, that big ugly skyscraper in the south of the city. From the top of this building you get a bird’s eye view of everything with less fuss. There’s also a bar up top — win-win situation?
Related:
• 50 Ways to save time and money on your trip to Paris
• When is the best time to visit Paris?
• A Guide to beating the crowds at Paris’ top attractions
Transportation to the Eiffel Tower
The Metro line 6 will drop you off at Bir Hakeim, the closest station. For better views while arriving at the tower, lines 6 and 9 at the station Trocadéro is a stunning way to introduce yourself to Eiffel’s masterpiece with just a short walk across the river afterward. Line 8 at Ecole Militaire is also a short walk through the Champs de Mars, offering great views of the tower as well.
Cheap hotels near the Eiffel Tower
If you’re looking for budget hotels nearby, be sure to read our hotel recommendations near the Eiffel Tower. Our editors have visited and reviewed these properties and will help you find the best deal.
The post Eiffel Tower: How to get tickets, find discounts and save time appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.
Source: Euro Cheapo