Is The Eiffel Tower Worth Visiting?

Heading to Paris? What next? Well, you may be wondering if the Eiffel Tower is worth visiting.

Going up the Iron Lady is one of the great thrills of Europe. It’s magnificent because of its iconic design and incredible scale, a true masterpiece of romance and engineering.

Its intricate iron lattice structure, combined with its stunning panoramic views of the city from the top, is an unforgettable experience.

But to visit, you’ll have to battle huge crowds, pickpockets, and pay quite a bit on top of that. For these reasons, some might consider it a tourist trap.

Eiffel Tower: Pros & Cons Of Visiting

Let’s go through the pros and cons of a visit to the Eiffel Tower.

Pros

I definitely think the Eiffel Tower is worth visiting. It’s the very symbol of Paris.

Over the years, I’ve gone up several times. To say the least, it’s hard to be disappointed by the views. Though I did skip it on my last visit.

So, what makes it worth it? Well, for one, it’s just such an iconic landmark.

There’s something thrilling about actually standing on the tower itself, taking in the intricate design of the trusses, whether you’ve climbed the stairs or taken the elevator.

Being in the middle of that famous structure is pretty incredible. And, of course, the views over Paris are amazing.

On a clear day, you can see for miles, and the panorama from the top is truly unforgettable. I think the best views are from the middle level as opposed to the top.

But there are three levels with observation platforms at roughly 200, 400, and 900 feet high. There is no single elevator to the top though.

Even the first floor has a rather vertigo-inducing glass floor. It provides a thrilling view straight down, offering a unique perspective of the tower’s structure and the ground far below.

It’s a fun and slightly nerve-wracking experience for visitors looking for an extra bit of excitement while exploring the tower!

Another great thing about visiting the Eiffel Tower is that it doesn’t take too, too long. You’ll still have time for other activities that day.

But I would still budget 3-4 hours. You can save time by just visiting the second floor. And, to speed up your exit, you can take the stairs back down.

The Eiffel Tower has several restaurants, including the 58 Tour Eiffel and the Michelin-starred Le Jules Verne, where you can dine with a view.

It’s a pretty unforgettable way to enjoy Parisian cuisine while soaking in the views. For the Jules Verne, be forewarned, you’ll need to book months in advance.

Every evening, the Eiffel Tower sparkles with lights for five minutes at the top of each hour after sunset.

Watching the tower light up is a magical experience, and seeing it from the top as the city glows below adds an extra layer of charm.

Cons

First, you can’t be spontaneous to visit the Eiffel Tower. You absolutely must book tickets in advance.

If you don’t, you’ll have to queue up at the initial entry line. Lines might be 2 hours long. And there are then more lines to wait in.

If you can’t get a time slot, don’t worry. You can try booking a guided tour for access. Or, you can show up super early (30 minutes before opening) or super late to improve your odds of getting in.

No matter what kind of ticket you buy, or even if you purchase it in advance, you’ll still have to stand in line to visit the Eiffel Tower. It’s just one of those unavoidable things.

Keep in mind that the Eiffel Tower isn’t included in the Paris Museum Pass, so you’ll need a separate ticket for it.

second floor observational platform — view from the second floor

Ticket prices vary depending on how high you want to go and whether you take the elevator. Here are your options:

Whatever you do, don’t choose a “host” option. Last time I tried this to get my ticket, I couldn’t find the host or the spot where we were supposed to meet.

It’s also unclear that the Eiffel Tower even offers the best views in Paris. For one thing, when you’re on the tower, you can’t actually see it in the skyline. Which might sound obvious, but it’s worth noting.

Some of the best views of Paris include the Eiffel Tower itself. So seeing the city from another vantage point, like Montparnasse Tower or the Arc de Triomphe, can be just as magical. Or more!

observational platform at the summit — summit

And of course, the weather can be a factor. If it’s rainy, foggy, or the tower is covered in clouds, the experience could be downright miserable.

It’s always a good idea to check the forecast before you head out, especially if you’re aiming for those stunning views from the top!

Another con of visiting the Eiffel Tower is the oppressive crowds. There are vendors trying to sell you stuff. People taking in the tower. And you’ll be cheek to jowl with people climbing up.

And there are so many lines! Here’s where you should expect to queue up:

ticket line (if you didn’t pre-book)
security check
elevator line (at the second floor & summit)
line for stairs to the second floor if you’re hiking up

If you are not super patient, the Eiffel Tower may not be for you.

One last con is the pickpockets around the tower. Street thieves like to plunder awestruck tourists.

Keep a sharp eye on your belongings. And be thoughtful about where you put your phone.

Bottom Line: Is The Eiffel Tower Worth Visiting?

In the end, whether the Eiffel Tower is worth visiting depends on what you’re looking for. The iconic views and architectural significance make it a must-see for many, especially if it’s your first time in Paris.

The panoramic vistas are breathtaking, and there’s nothing quite like standing on the tower itself. You should do it once in your life, for sure!

However, the crowds and long lines can be a huge downside. If you don’t mind the wait and want to experience a true Parisian landmark, it’s definitely worth it.

But if you’re short on time or prefer quieter spots, you might skip it and still have a memorable trip. If you only have a day or two in Paris, I would pass because it takes a chunk of time. Better just to look at the Iron Lady.

And if you’re not a fan of tourist hotspots, the Eiffel Tower might not be your favorite stop. If you get bad weather, don’t bother going at all.

Honestly, these days, I’m satisfied with just watching the light show at night.

Practical Tips For Visiting The Eiffel Tower

Address: Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France

Metro:

The closest metro stops to the Eiffel Tower are:

Bir-Hakeim (Line 6) – This is the closest metro station, about a 10-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower.
Trocadéro (Line 9) – Offers one of the best viewpoints of the Eiffel Tower, just across the Seine River, about a 15-minute walk away.
École Militaire (Line 8) – Located slightly further but within a 15-20 minute walk.

street in Paris with a view of the Eiffel Tower

Pro Tips:

There are two entrances to the Eiffel Tower on the esplanade. Entrance 1 is on the south corner. Entrance 2 is on the east corner and is usually less crowded.

These entrances are for security checks, not tickets. You’ll go through airport style security. Then, get in line for the elevator or stairs.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to whether the Eiffel Tower is worth visiting. You may find the other Paris travel guides useful:

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