We will be visiting Paris in July end and I was not able to get the tickets for Eiffel tower on line as it was sold out...We are planning to take the stairs till second level and then buy the tickets....My question is which day is better to visit Eiffel.... Will it be too crowded on Sunday as my plan was to visit Eiffel on Sunday morning...Also how long it may take to reach the level 2 as I read that it has 700+ steps..Kindly advise
Posted by
Marion
50 posts
It will be busy no matter what day you pick. No day is better than any other. Just choose a day that fits well with your schedule and weather.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
77 posts
Rick offers his suggestion in our Paris guidebook. He says:
Crowds overwhelm this place much of the year, with one- to two-hour waits to get in (unless it’s rainy, when lines can evaporate). Weekends and holidays are worst, but prepare for ridiculous crowds almost any time.
If you don’t have a reservation, go early; get in line 30 minutes before the tower opens. Going later is the next-best bet (after 19:00 May-Aug, after 17:00 off-season--a bit earlier in winter as it gets dark by 17:00--see “Hours,” earlier, for last-ascent times). If you’re in line to buy tickets, estimate about 20 minutes for every 100 yards, plus 30 minutes more after you reach the security check near the ticket booths. When you buy tickets on-site, all members of your party must be with you; you can’t buy tickets in advance for people not present. To get reduced fares for kids, bring ID.
You can bypass some (but not all) lines if you have a reservation at either of the tower’s view restaurants. Or you can hike the stairs (shorter lines).
If you can’t get a reservation, you can buy one (almost right up to the last minute) for €40 through Fat Tire Bikes. Their €59 guided tour of the tower includes your entrance.