I will be in Paris around the end of June and already tried to buy tickets in advance as suggested. I tried for an evening and morning ticket to see if I could get either, but all are sold out for the days I will be there. If I were to just go and get in the line to try and buy tickets once I am there, what is the best time of day to do so? Is there a time when I might not have to wait AS long?
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8880 posts
I just (barely) purchased tickets for our trip last night. I knew that they went fast, but the tickets to the top were sold out in less than 1 minute after going on sale online (I wasn't fast enough). I did get two tickets to the second level, but noticed that all times were sold out except for the last time within 5 minutes of the tickets going on sale. This is crazy........
I have read where people suggest going first thing in the morning and lining up just a little bit early to avoid the worst of the lines when purchasing tickets there. I have also read that going late at night can also be a better time as far as lines are concerned.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Good to know! I will keep that in mind... Thanks so much Carol :)
Posted by
Vacaville, Ca
1441 posts
Others have commented on being able to purchase tickets at the tower. And it is cheaper if you walk up the stairs. So, you still have a chance to get up the tower, you just may have to plan on arriving before they open to purchase your tickets there or try later in the day as mentioned above. When I went last Oct, even with my 5:30pm reservation, it still took me an hour just to process through and get to the second level. Then everyone waits in the same line to take the elevator to the top, no matter if you purchased you ticket online or bought it that day.
Posted by
Medford, OR, USA
5837 posts
Work actions could affect access:
http://news.yahoo.com/eiffel-tower-many-schools-closed-big-french-strike-105752094.html
PARIS (AP) — Thousands of protesters, many blowing whistles and waving union flags, marched through Paris and other French cities on Thursday in a day of nationwide strikes that kept many children out of school, forced the closure of the Eiffel Tower and cancelled some 2,000 flights in and out of France.
Posted by
Placentia, CA
1075 posts
I found the lines to be the smallest around the dinner hour. I only had around a 20 to 30 minute wait to go up to the second level. We stayed up on the tower and watched the lights come on in the city. We went during the first week of August in 2008.
I would assume that the same would apply when you go. Dinner is more important to most people than waiting in a line.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you BrushTim and Yosemite1! All of these suggestions have been most helpful!
Posted by
Novato, CA, United States
172 posts
I don't know your age or level of physical fitness. We walked up the stairs. There was only a fifteen minute or so line. Realize that you can take your time, it's not a race. I was sixty six at the time and walk a lot. the stairs are doable and the view incredible. Hank, Novato Ca
Posted by
23 posts
Paige, I feel your pain. I've been on the site last night and tonight and don't have tix yet for our July visit. Last night I was clueless. Tonight, I got really close. I actually had tix in my cart. But by the time I put in the verification code, the tix had been scooped by someone else. Last night I was heartbroken. Tonight I'm gearing up for tomorrow night. We WILL go up that Tower whether with advance tix or not. But I will have tried my darnedest to get them! It's kind of fun. Congrats to those who get them!
Posted by
San Francisco
1008 posts
I know, I have been planning my ticket-getting strategy for our summer trip!! :) Any hints??
I only have one shot, we are only in Paris for basically one day (well I could try for arrival night maybe)....
If we don't get them, we will just be there in line really early!
Good luck!!
Kim
Posted by
San Francisco
1008 posts
How far can you go through the process before the magical time? Or do you have to start on "Buying Tickets" at the magical time?