Are you looking for the best Eiffel Tower tours in Paris? You’ve come to the right place.
Below, you can find a comprehensive guide to the numerous Eiffel Tower tours available, including group tours, private tours, audioguide tours, night tours, combined tours and more!
Find out which Eiffel Tower guided tour suits best your travel needs and make the most of your time in Paris.
If you already want to book your Eiffel Tower tour right now and don’t want to read ahead, click here to book your Eiffel Tower tour.
Eiffel Tower tours – Is it worth taking a tour?
It is absolutely worth it to take a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower! From fast entry to the monument to enjoying an informative experience, there are numerous benefits to a guided tour.
With a guided tour, there is no need to worry about waiting in long queues as your tickets are bought in advance as part of your tour. All you need to do is show up and meet your tour guide, who will be waiting for you with your Eiffel Tower tickets so you can skip the line.
Moreover, a tour guide will be able to offer you a highly insightful experience that you may not otherwise enjoy on your own. When you have a tour guide with you, there is someone to answer any questions you may have. On a guided tour, you will no doubt see things you would have overlooked on your own. It is considerably advantageous to have a knowledgeable guide who can explain to you just what you want to know.
By going on a guided tour, you may be able to combine your visit to the Eiffel Tower with visits to other notable attractions and even other experiences. Your guide will also be able to provide further ideas of what you shouldn’t miss during your time in Paris.
Eiffel Tower – Second floor or summit?
The Eiffel Tower has three levels: the first floor, second floor and summit, or third floor.
When booking your Eiffel Tower ticket or tour, you’ll need to choose whether you want to visit only up to the second floor or go all the way to the summit. All tickets include access to the first floor, and summit tickets include access to all three floors.
For budget travelers, we recommend that you book tickets that go to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower tickets as they are cheaper. You can also opt to go by the stairs or the lift, depending on your preference.
Going to the second floor offers a stunning perspective of the city, and you’ll still be able to make the most of the restaurants, stores and attractions of the first and second floors.
Eiffel Tower tickets to the summit take you 276 meters up in the air, where you will find panoramic views, a champagne bar and Gustave Eiffel’s old office. The summit of the Eiffel Tower can only be accessed by lift, but you can also get tickets that include stairs access to the first and second floors if you’d like a cheaper price.
See also: Eiffel Tower Tickets Price – All you Need to Know
Eiffel Tower tours – Which one is right for you?
So, you have established that you would perhaps like to book an Eiffel Tower tour, but the tricky question now is, which tour is best for you? In short, it varies from person to person depending on their budget and specific interests.
There are myriad different types of Eiffel Tower tours. All tours include a skip-the-line ticket, and most include a licensed tour guide. Whether you want to reach the second floor or the summit of the Eiffel Tower, one of these tours should satisfy your needs and ensure you have the experience of a lifetime!
1 – Eiffel Tower audioguide tours
An audioguided tour of the Eiffel Tower is one of the cheapest tour options. If you are on a budget, an audioguide tour will still provide you with copious information and fascinating insights into the Eiffel Tower.
You can choose between either taking a tour to the second or third floors. Some audioguide tours even include the option of taking a Seine river cruise.
A major benefit of an audioguide tour is that they come in a range of different languages, making them accessible to people who may not otherwise find a tour in their preferred language.
For audioguide tour options, you can firstly meet your tour operator who will guide you through the entry to the Eiffel Tower. From there, you will be able to use the audioguide by downloading it as an app onto your phone. The entire tour would last on average around 2 hours.
Check online for the best prices.
2 – Eiffel Tower group tours
Eiffel Tower guided group tours are among the most popular tours in Paris. These tours come in at an affordable price and offer a comprehensive experience of the tower.
You can choose between tour options that go to the second or third floor, where you will be accompanied by your guide for the duration of the approximately 2-hour visit.
These guided tour options will let you skip the line and get you straight to exploring the monument. Small group tours also limit the number of people to between 10 and 20 visitors, ensuring you can enjoy a closer tour.
During the tour, your guide will share fascinating facts and historical tidbits about the construction of the tower, its engineer Gustave Eiffel and other little-known stories.
You can choose between morning, afternoon and evening tours depending on what kind of experience you want. At the end of the tour, you’ll be able to keep exploring the Eiffel Tower at your own pace for as long as you wish.
3 – Eiffel Tower private tours
If you are looking for an in-depth visit where you can also have more say in the itinerary, then a private tour is a great option. With private yours, you can enjoy a more personalized experience with a guide just for yourself and your select group. Private tours also ensure you can skip the lines and make the most of your time in Paris.
While private tours are typically more expensive than group tours, they come with added advantages. Depending on your tour option, you can enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off in Paris, saving you from the hassle of travel arrangements. Private transport will also allow you to do more sightseeing in the city at your own pace.
On a private tour of the Eiffel Tower, you’ll benefit from increased attention from your guide, and you’ll be able to ask as many questions as you wish.
Some private tour options also combine guided tours to other notable attractions in Paris, including the Louvre Museum, Montmartre, and Musee d’Orsay. You can also choose a tour with a Seine river cruise and lunch or dinner.
Check out these private tour options to find the ideal Paris and Eiffel Tower tour for you.
4 – Eiffel Tower tours with lunch
Some guided tours include a lunch at the Madame Brasserie, a restaurant located on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower. Visitors will enjoy a delicious culinary experience in a light-filled location, offering breathtaking views over the whole of Paris.
Headed by chef Thierry Marx, Madame Brasserie offers diners a sustainable and varied menu to choose from.
Tours that include a lunch at the Eiffel Tower may also include a Seine river cruise and sightseeing excursion across Paris, giving a comprehensive experience.
Have a look at the multiple Eiffel Tower tour and lunch options you may choose from.
5 – Eiffel Tower tours with dinner
Dinner at Madame Brasserie is an equally impressive experience in comparison to lunch. You can dine above Paris at night, and see why it was named the City of Lights. Indulge in a 3- or 4-course dinner with wine or champagne for the full Parisian experience.
Some tour operators also give you the option of combining a dinner at the Eiffel Tower with a Seine river cruise and a show at the Moulin Rouge, making sure you make the most of a night out on the town.
6 – Eiffel Tower night tours
Eiffel Tower night tours are an excellent way of discovering the City of Lights. With tour options ranging from admiring the tower from afar to climbing it in the evening, there are numerous ways of seeing the Eiffel Tower lit up at night.
If you want to see the Eiffel Tower shine its beacon across the city, opt for an e-bike tour of Paris that will take you past the monument and other notable locations, including Notre Dame and the Louvre Museum.
One of the best of ways of seeing not just the Eiffel Tower but the city is by climbing the monument at night. Some tours give you the option of combining this with a river cruise down the Seine, which includes a complimentary glass of champagne.
Head to the second or third floor of the Eiffel Tower with your ticket to see the monument come to life. Every hour, 20,000 lightbulbs light up in a sparkling spectacle that lasts 5 minutes.
Hot tip: Check our recommendations for the best bike tours in Paris to explore the city’s charm.
Are there any Eiffel Tower combined tour tickets?
The Eiffel Tower is one of several notable attractions in Paris that you must visit during your trip. If you are traveling in the French capital, it is more than likely that you also wish to see other attractions such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, Louvre Museum and opulent Versailles Palace.
There are many Eiffel Tower combined tour tickets, including other attractions in Paris. Have a read below for the best combined sightseeing tour and attractions in the city.
7 – Eiffel Tower tour + city tour
If you wish to visit several attractions in Paris, adding a city tour to your visit to the Eiffel Tower is an excellent idea.
With these combo tours, you’ll not only be able to visit the Eiffel Tower, but you’ll also be able to do some sightseeing in Paris from the comfort of a coach.
Join a city tour where you’ll stop by some of the most notable locations, including Champs Elysees, the Opera House, Place de la Concorde, Conciergerie, Louvre Museum and Notre Dame. You’ll also benefit from commentary describing what you are seeing.
Many Eiffel Tower and city tours also include a river cruise down the Seine, where you’ll be able to admire the city from an entirely new perspective. Depending on your tour option, your visit to the Eiffel Tower may either include access to the second or third floor.
You can also opt for a tour that includes lunch at the Eiffel Tower for a delectable experience.
8 – Eiffel Tower tour + Seine river cruise
A Seine river cruise is one of the most popular things to do in Paris for first-time visitors. It provides you with an unparalleled perspective of the city, taking you past the most famous sights along the river banks, including the Louvre, Les Invalides, Musee d’Orsay and Notre Dame.
For even more incredible views, head to the Eiffel Tower to explore the second floor or the summit. Joined by a guide, you’ll get an all-encompassing understanding of the monument and Paris. Your guide will provide you with a detailed history of the Eiffel Tower and the life of Gustave Eiffel.
If you’d like an even more romantic experience, you can opt for a Seine river cruise and an Eiffel Tower tour at night. As the sun sets, watch from your boat how the City of Lights comes alive. Savor the sights while sipping on a complimentary glass of champagne. Afterward, you’ll enter the Eiffel Tower with your guide to explore the monument.
Some combination tours of the Eiffel Tower and the Seine also include tickets to the Louvre Museum. This is an excellent way of making the most of a single day in Paris. Start off with a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower and access to the summit before going to the Seine for a cruise. At the end, enjoy entry to the Louvre Museum and spend time browsing the galleries.
9 – Eiffel Tower tour + Moulin Rouge show
If you’re looking to make the most of a night out in Paris, there’s no better way than by combining your Eiffel Tower tour with a show at the famous Moulin Rouge.
The Moulin Rouge is one of the most prestigious cabarets in the world, and has been putting on spectacular performances since 1889, the same year the Eiffel Tower was opened.
These two icons of Paris have simultaneously contributed to its distinct culture ever since. With a combination tour, you can savor a delicious dinner at the Eiffel Tower before heading to the Moulin Rouge for a show like no other.
Be awed by the spectacle of the classic Moulin Rouge show, “Féerie.” The revue is divided into four main acts, taking you on a whirlwind journey from the gardens of the Moulin Rouge itself to a pirate ship in Indonesia. Ending with a tribute to the women of Paris, the show will end with the famous can-can.
Alternatively, you can combine a visit to the Eiffel Tower and a show at the Moulin Rouge with a 3-course dinner on the glistening waters of the Seine from a boat. Use TourScanner to find the best deal for you.
10 – Eiffel Tower tour + Notre Dame
No visit to Paris is complete without a visit to Notre Dame. Of all the stunning monuments and museums spread across the city, you simply can not miss the Notre Dame cathedral.
Notre Dame is one of the most iconic cathedrals in the world, and is regarded as an exemplary example of French Gothic architecture. Built in the 13th century, it has played a central role in Parisian history.
While Notre Dame has been closed since the devastating fire in 2019, it is still possible to admire it from the outside. One of the best ways of exploring the monuments of Paris is on a bike tour, where you can cycle past iconic attractions, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre Museum, Invalides and Champs Elysees.
For a unique experience, you can opt for an evening e-bike tour when the streets are quieter, and you can see the Eiffel Tower lit up at night. If you’re short on time, you can do a day tour that covers not just the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame but the Louvre as well. Check out TourScanner to find the tour that’s right for you.
11 – Eiffel Tower tour + Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum is the most visited museum in the world and an absolute must-see on a trip to Paris. For the most all-encompassing experience of the City of Lights, book a combination tour that includes the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum.
On these combination tours, you can benefit from the knowledge of a local expert with a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower. You can spend as much time here afterwards, and head to the summit for incredible views.
At the Louvre, skip the line and go straight into the galleries either with a guide or on your own. On a guided tour, you will learn more about the stories behind some of the world’s most famous artworks, including the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory of Samothrace and the Venus de Milo.
Some tour options also include a Seine river cruise and visits to Ile de la Cite and Notre Dame. If you have planned to visit the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower on your trip to Paris, check combined ticket options including these two landmarks so you can save time and money.
12 – Eiffel Tower tour + Versailles Palace
Located an hour outside of Paris, Versailles Palace makes for a stunning trip outside of the city. And it’s possible to visit both the Eiffel Tower and Versailles Palace in one day!
With special combo tickets available, you can do a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower and get skip-the-line entry to Versailles. Take in the views of Paris from the top of the monument before heading out of the metropolis to discover the opulent and expansive Versailles Palace and its grounds. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Versailles Palace was built in the 17th century and spans over 800 hectares with the gardens.
You can also choose to include a Seine cruise in your day’s journey or opt for a private tour. This way, you can enjoy the comfort of a private vehicle and benefit from the knowledge of an accompanying guide to both locations.
Check TourScanner to find the best options for this excellent combination tour.
How to book Eiffel Tower tours?
You should aim to book your Eiffel Tower tour online and in advance ahead of your desired tour date. With so many visitors every year, Eiffel Tower tickets and tours can sell out quickly. To secure your spot, make sure you book ahead of time.
If you’ve been looking for a last-minute Eiffel Tower ticket, booking a guided tour is a great way of seeing the Eiffel Tower at short notice. Tickets to the Eiffel Tower sell out fast on the website, but many tour operators may have openings available for you on the day or following days.
There are many online travel agencies where you can book Eiffel Tower tours, such as Viator, GetYourGuide, Headout and Musement, to name a few. It is best to compare prices before booking as discounts and deals are sometimes available and can save you some money.
What will you see on an Eiffel Tower tour?
The Eiffel Tower is divided into three floors, and depending on your ticket or tour option, you will see either the first two floors or all three floors. Here’s what you can expect to see on each floor.
First floor
On the first floor of the Eiffel Tower, you can walk along the outer passageways and find interactive displays that will provide more information about the monument. You’ll also be able to spot the remains of the original spiral staircase that provided access to the top of the Eiffel Tower. This staircase was used by Gustave Eiffel himself, and is still painted in the original red color of the Eiffel Tower!
For a thrilling experience, dare to stand on the glass floor located 57 meters up from the ground. Look down towards the esplanade and appreciate just how high up you are already.
If you’re looking for a bite to eat, head to the buffets and choose from a variety of sweet and savory delicacies. For a more relaxing time, you can find a seat on the terrace from where you can look across Paris. Or, take a turn around the gift shops to find some unique items.
For a Parisian culinary experience, you can book a tour that includes a lunch or dinner at the Madame Brasserie located on the first floor. With its delectable menu and stunning views, Madame Brasserie is an excellent addition to any tour of the Eiffel Tower.
Second floor
The second floor of the Eiffel Tower provides optimal views of the city, and you can see notable monuments and locations with the help of a tour guide.
For a delicious treat, visit the Pierre Hermé Paris macarons bar and choose from an interesting selection of artisanal macarons, some of which have been inspired by the Eiffel Tower itself.
The second floor is also home to the Jules Verne, a Michelin-starred restaurant where you can make a reservation for lunch or dinner in an incomparable location. Situated 125 meters high up, admire views of the Trocadéro and Champ de Mars while indulging in haute cuisine.
The second floor can be reached either by elevator or by stairs. Should you choose to take the stairs, you’ll have to climb 674 steps from the bottom. You’ll be able to access both the first and second floors this way and gain an intimate perspective of the structure of the Eiffel Tower.
Third floor or summit
The highest point you can reach at the Eiffel Tower is the third floor, situated 276 meters high. The Eiffel Tower is in fact 330 meters in total. When it was first built, it was just 312 meters high. It has grown in height with the addition of antennas over the years.
From the third floor, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and even use interesting maps to determine your location in comparison to the world’s major cities. Check out a model of the original design for the top of the Eiffel Tower, coated in the red color the monument was first painted in.
One of the highlights of the third floor is being able to look into Gustave Eiffel’s original office, which has been reconstructed to portray a meeting between him, his daughter and Thomas Edison.
Make a toast to your reaching the summit at the Champagne Bar, where you can choose from roses, white champagnes and non-alcoholic drinks!
Note that the third floor can only be reached by the elevator, and you’ll have to select tickets with specific access to the summit. However, you’ll have access to all three floors with a summit ticket.
Are there any free Eiffel Tower tours?
While there are no free tours for entering the Eiffel Tower, it is possible to either visit the esplanade and gardens beneath the Eiffel Tower or learn about the monument on a free walking tour.
The esplanade and gardens beneath and surrounding the Eiffel Tower are completely free to visit. Walking beneath the esplanade allows you to gaze directly up into the tower and gain an appreciation for the phenomenal intricacy of the steelwork. You can grab a bite to eat at the food stores or even browse for souvenirs at the gift shops. There’s even a buff of Gustave Eiffel that you can visit!
The gardens around the Eiffel Tower have been carefully restored to reflect the gardens that were here during the Belle Epoque era, before the monument was even built. You can stroll beside ponds, admire the verdant greenery and see the grounds come to life with various bird species. There is also a chimney you can see, which originally let out the steam from the machines that operated the elevators.
If, however, you would like the benefits of a guided tour, but on a lower budget, you can join a free walking tour in Paris. On a free walking tour, you’ll be able to stroll past all of the major monuments of the city and learn about them from your guide without having to pay for an entrance fee. At the end of the tour, it is customary to tip the guide at your discretion.
Can you cancel or modify your Eiffel Tower tour?
It is possible to cancel or modify your Eiffel Tower tour. However, the conditions of this are dependent on your tour provider.
Some tours do not allow any modifications or cancelations, and you will not get a refund. Others may allow modifications or cancelations up to 24 hours in advance with a refund. Make sure you know what the terms and conditions are of your tour before booking.
If there is a tour you are interested in but want to keep your plans flexible, it is possible in some cases to reserve a spot on the tour and pay at a later date.
How to avoid the crowd – when is the best time to visit the Eiffel Tower?
With 7 million visitors every year, the Eiffel Tower can get crowded, very crowded. The Eiffel Tower is busiest in the highest tourist season in the summer months between June and September. It’s also at its busiest during the midday and afternoon.
Luckily, the Eiffel Tower is open from morning until evening. According to the official website, the quietest times to visit are between 9 AM and 11 AM and between 8 PM and 10:30 PM.
We would recommend booking your guided tour close to sundown to see the views, then staying as it gets dark to see the city lights. Even if the Eiffel Tower is impressive by day, it is an awesome thing to behold at twilight.
If you really want to avoid the crowds, consider making your trip in the shoulder months outside of summer, when there are fewer tourists and the weather is still enjoyable.
Are any Eiffel Tower tours included on the Paris Pass?
Yes, a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower is included in the Paris Pass! The Paris Pass offers visitors entry to over 60 attractions in the city, with pass options including a 2-day pass, 3-day pass, 4-day pass and 6-day pass.
With the Paris Pass, you can do a guided climbing of the Eiffel Tower, and climb the 674 steps to the second floor in the company of a guide. You’ll get an incredible view of the interior structure of the Eiffel Tower, as well as views across Paris.
Your guide will be able to share fascinating stories behind the tower’s engineering and history, and point out notable monuments, including Invalides, Montmartre, Louvre Museum and Notre Dame. The entire experience takes 3 to 4 hours in total.
Travel Tips
- Book your guided tour of the Eiffel Tower in advance in order to secure your ideal tour and benefit from skip-the-line access to the monument.
- Opt for a night tour of the Eiffel Tower for the best sightseeing, or make the most of your time in Paris by choosing a combination tour to other attractions.
- Check the official website for a weather forecast of the Eiffel Tower on the day of your tour so you know exactly how to dress for your excursion.
- Make sure you remember to bring along your ID and any other relevant documentation to be checked.
- Don’t be late for your tour. Entry into the Eiffel Tower is according to time slots, and if you are late you may not be allowed in. It’s also important to check with your tour operators what the conditions are for canceling or modifying your booking should your situation change.
Don’t hesitate to comment below if you have any questions or travel tips to share.
Wishing you an excellent time in Paris 🙂