The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world and a must-see for any visitor to Paris.
However, with ticket prices and long waiting lines, the experience can become costly and time-consuming.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the cheapest ways to visit the Eiffel Tower, along with tips to make your visit more enjoyable and affordable.
Summary
- Buy tickets online in advance
- Choose the stairs instead of the elevator
- Consider visiting during off-peak hours
- Take advantage of combo deals or Paris passes
- Explore free viewpoints around the city
Buy Tickets Online in Advance
One of the easiest ways to save money when visiting the Eiffel Tower is to buy your tickets online in advance.
By purchasing tickets from the Eiffel Tower’s official website, you can avoid the long lines at the ticket office and ensure you have a guaranteed entry time.
Online ticket prices start from €10.40 for adults and €2.60 for children (4-11 years) for access to the second floor by stairs. Keep in mind that tickets to the summit are more expensive, starting from €26.10 for adults and €6.60 for children. Those wondering if its free to visit the Eiffel tower, it is not, prices are mentioned above.
Choose The Stairs Instead of the Elevator
Opting for the stairs instead of the elevator can save you money when visiting the Eiffel Tower.
While the elevator ticket for the second floor costs €16.70 for adults and €4.20 for children, the stairs ticket is significantly cheaper at €10.40 for adults and €2.60 for children.
Not only will you save money, but you will also get some exercise and enjoy the unique experience of climbing the tower’s 674 steps to the second floor. Consider visiting the summit of Eiffel Tower.
Consider Visiting During Off-Peak Hours
Visiting the Eiffel Tower during off-peak hours can help you save money and avoid long waiting lines. Generally, the tower is less crowded early in the morning or late in the evening. You may want to consider opting a skip the line ticket.
Additionally, consider planning your visit during the off-peak season, which runs from November to February. Not only will you find shorter lines, but you may also find discounted rates for tickets and accommodations during these months.
Take Advantage of Combo Deals or Paris Passes
Combo deals and Paris passes can be a cost-effective way to visit the Eiffel Tower and other popular attractions in the city. Many tour operators and websites offer packages that combine Eiffel Tower tickets with other activities, such as a Seine River cruise or a Louvre Museum visit.
The Paris Pass, for example, is an all-inclusive sightseeing pass that grants you free access to over 60 attractions, including the Eiffel Tower, and can save you a significant amount of money if you plan to visit multiple sites.
Explore Free Viewpoints Around the City
Although the Eiffel Tower itself is not free to visit, there are several locations around Paris that offer stunning views of the tower without any cost. Some of the best free viewpoints include:
- Trocadéro Gardens: Located just across the Seine River from the Eiffel Tower, the Trocadéro Gardens offer a fantastic view of the tower and are a popular spot for taking photos.
- Champ de Mars: This large public park lies at the foot of the Eiffel Tower and provides a perfect setting for a picnic with the tower as a backdrop.
- Montparnasse Tower: Although the observation deck at Montparnasse Tower has an entry fee, the 56th-floor lobby offers a free, albeit less panoramic, view of the Eiffel Tower.
- Sacré-Cœur Basilica: Situated on the highest point in Paris, the steps in front of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica offer a distant, yet breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower.
- Galeries Lafayette Rooftop Terrace: This popular department store features a rooftop terrace with a free and impressive view of the Eiffel Tower and the Parisian skyline.
- Pont de Bir-Hakeim: This picturesque bridge over the Seine River offers a unique vantage point to capture the Eiffel Tower along with the river in your photographs.
Conclusion
Visiting the Eiffel Tower doesn’t have to break the bank.
By following these tips, such as buying tickets online in advance, choosing the stairs over the elevator, visiting during off-peak hours, taking advantage of combo deals or Paris passes, and exploring free viewpoints around the city, you can enjoy the iconic tower on a budget.
Plan ahead and make the most of your trip to the City of Lights.
References:
- Eiffel Tower Official Website: https://www.toureiffel.paris/en
- The Paris Pass: https://www.parispass.com/
- Galeries Lafayette: https://www.galerieslafayette.com/
- Montparnasse Tower: https://www.tourmontparnasse56.com/en/
- Sacré-Cœur Basilica: https://www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com/english/