Hi all,
I am helping my cousins with their trip of a lifetime to Paris. They absolutely want to see the Eiffel Tower and possibly eat there. (they love kitchy) The tickets for May have not been available yet on the website. I check every day. Should I book their restaurant now? If you have a restaurant reservation do you automatically get tickets up to the second level? Lunch vs. dinner? Which restaurant (they have a budget and are not sophisticated foodies)? Any suggestions on time to go up? Time to eat? Which should you do first (go up and then eat or vice versa), how much time should I allow between the meal and the summit? Thank you all so much.
Posted by
shingle springs, CA, USA
782 posts
We had dinner at Tour Eiffel restaurant and sat at the window looking at the Sun going down and the dinner was very good and came with access to the first level where the restaurant is located.
Mike
Posted by
Panguitch, Utah
2707 posts
There are two restaurants on the Tour Eiffel: Jules Verne and 58 Tour Eiffel. Reservations for the Jules Verne include elevator access to the restaurant. Reservations for 58 Tour Eiffel allow priority access to the elevators but you must still purchase a ticket (and purchase a ticket to the summit if that is an objective.)
Those wanting the experience without the high cost should book 58 Tour Eiffel for lunch. The piano in the bar is 58 meters from the ground, hence the name.
Posted by
Florida
498 posts
(they have a budget and are not sophisticated foodies)
For sure, that should point them towards 58 Tour Eiffel. Of the two, Jules Verne is considerably more expensive and has a more sophisticated menu. Lunch will be less expensive than dinner, but dinner offers the possibility of seating at sunset which can be an extra bonus. Of course the weather may not cooperate with your chances of seeing the sunset.
menus are here https://www.restaurants-toureiffel.com/en/58-tour-eiffel-restaurant.html and here https://www.restaurants-toureiffel.com/en/jules-verne-restaurant/the-menu.html
Sequence doesn't seem too important in my opinion. You can go up first or eat first. I would think most people would enjoy the Eiffel Tower experience before and after they ate.
Posted by
OP
South Florida
225 posts
Thank you all!
Bob that really helps. The website still hasn’t opened for May. Anyone know why, or what I can do? Also, should I make the restaurant reservations now or wait?
Posted by
9 posts
Hi Bob,
I am waiting to make Eiffel reservations in May too, but I did go ahead and book my reservations at Tour 58 already, on the off chance that they would fill up when I want to go. And I figure if I miss the Eiffel booking window and the times become sold out, well, at least I can enjoy the restaurant views.
I believe the Fat Tire tour company will provide a guided tour of the Eiffel, where you can assure your cousins access to the Eiffel as well, if you are unable to secure a timed-entry for them.
Good luck!
Posted by
OP
South Florida
225 posts
Thanks again, Bob. Unfortunately, it seems that the restaurant is already booked on the two days they have free. 😢
Posted by
Florida
498 posts
Oh that's too bad. They can still go up in the tower if they want, and get something to eat from the Buffets (pizza, sandwiches, hot dogs, etc) on the esplanade, first floor and second floor of the Eiffel Tower. https://www.toureiffel.paris/en/restaurants-shops.
It is kitchy, touristy, overpriced but in my opinion it's such an essential part of a Paris visit. I hope they get to go.