Eiffel Tower Elevator Tickets Help

Alan, having been up the tower twice (the 2nd time only because the friend I was with got free tickets), I feel like it is not the best use of time or money. Since you can't see the tower itself from there (obviously), my favorite view is from the Champs de Mars at sunset and from the Trocadero when the tower lights up after dark. Other good views come from Sacre Cour and the Montparnesse tower. The view OF Eiffel's tower is romantic and wonderful; the view FROM the tower is not. Do it once if you feel you have to. Chances are once will be enough.

Yes you can purchase tkts to the top on the second level from automated machines. They only accept cash however in maximum denominations of 20 euro. There is someone there to help you. The additional wait time for the elevator was only about 15 min. This was in April of this year. Very easy.

I used to think the same - that the Eiffel Tower is so iconic I want it to be part of any view. I loved walking around various areas, turning a corner and suddenly seeing all or part of the Tower in the distance or nearby. But then I climbed it with an engineer friend and he pointed out and told me fascinating things about its history and construction. Much of the information is available if one is willing to dig for it. Now I look at and think about the Tower in a completely different way whenever I even see pictures of it. I think it should be climbed once on that account alone.

Thanks everyone,
I had been on the tower many years ago, but this time I am with my family and they really want to do it... I guess the remaining question is... Should we go early in the morning before they open and sell tickets and queue up in the line or buy advance tickets from the 'Classic Walks Paris' website before we arrive in Paris. Will we wait a very long time if we queue up 45 minutes before the ticket window opens? Thanks Joann for letting me know about being able to purchase the Summit Elevator ride on the second level. Alan

I would ( and have) walk up to second level.. and then get tickets to top from there, but frankly views are great from second level, ,and dislike the top level ( its small and very very crowded ) .
Waiting for stairs is always a lot shorter, and its only 5 euros. You can take the elevators down for free( and I recommend this as its harder on your legs going down)

I just returned from Paris this week. Was there last week w/my 11 year old grand daughter. We found virtually NO line @4pm. Sometimes, like at the Vatican the longest lines are early AM because everyone wants to be "first." We were in line maybe 15 minutes and got tickets to the second floor. On the advice of a former French Exchange student we hosted years ago, who is a local Parisian, born and raised there the BEST view of the Tower is from the café @ the Architectural Museum @ Trocadero. You don't even have to pay the entrance fee to sit on the terrace of the café and have a completely close up unobstructed view! Amazing! My little grand daughter's eyes about popped out! Also they light the tower every night at 10PM, and turn on the glittering lights for 5 minutes every hour until 1am. Free and priceless! We stayed in a small hotel close to the Tower and walked over there every single night for the lighting.

Alan: We just returned from Paris and we had the same problem in buying advance tickets Since the Eiffel Towner was on our priority list we went the morning of the first full day in Paris (a Tuesday) just in case wethere were longs lines. No problem as we arrive there about 10am and were in line not more than 15 minutes to buy our ticket (about 9 euros). We were in the Eiffle Towner vicinity on Sunday and it was a zoo! Good luck and enjoy your trip. We had a great time.

OK, I know this doesn't answer the question, but... For the best (and most expensive) view, you can go to the Jules Verne restaurant. If you don't mind listening to a bunch of other Americans eating around you (apparently this isn't a place for the locals) and paying a small fortune, the food is great and the view is nothing short of spectacular. It was on my "bucket list" and just had to do it once. Am I glad I did? Absolutely! The memories of the food and the views will last a lifetime.

OK, I know this doesn't answer the question, but... For the best (and most expensive) view, you can go to the Jules Verne restaurant. If you don't mind listening to a bunch of other Americans eating around you (apparently this isn't a place for the locals) and paying a small fortune, the food is great and the view is nothing short of spectacular. It was on my "bucket list" and just had to do it once. Am I glad I did? Absolutely! The memories of the food and the views will last a lifetime.