Tour Eiffel

Tip for an even more exceptional visit.

For a smart visit to the Eiffel Tower, the ultimate tip is to skip the elevator to the second floor and take the stairs instead. Not only is the ticket cheaper and the queue shorter, but you'll literally climb into the heart of Gustave Eiffel's iron lacework, closely observing the rivets and gears you never otherwise see. Once on the second floor, if you have a ticket to the Summit, don't immediately rush to the line for the second elevator: take the time to explore the nooks and crannies of the landing to find the reconstructed office where Eiffel used to receive Thomas Edison. The real secret to avoiding the crowds while still enjoying the view is to go to the glass floor on the first floor on your way back down: most visitors miss it when they go straight down, but the sensation of floating 57 meters above the ground is truly unique. For the perfect photo without the thousands of tourists at the Trocadéro, head to Square Rapp or Avenue de Camoëns: these dead-end streets offer intimate, framed architectural views of the Eiffel Tower. Finally, if you're staying for the nighttime sparkle, be aware that it happens every hour on the hour; the best spot to admire it is from the Pont d'Iéna, directly in line with the lights, where they reflect on the Seine.