Is Arc de Triomphe worth it?
Worth it if…Overhyped · −29Napoleon's triumphal arch atop the Champs-Élysées, with a 284-step climb to a rooftop terrace
Worth it, with conditions. Google 4.7 from 300k reviews; reviewers repeatedly say the rooftop view is worth the climb.
Hype94How famous and hyped it is
Reality65Evidence-based, votes take over as they come in
4.7 ★ Google · 300,959 reviews— hypegap votes · be one of the first
Been to Arc de Triomphe? Was it worth it?
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The rooftop gives the classic Paris panorama with the Eiffel Tower in it, for less than the tower itself.
Why Reality is 65
Lives up to its fame4/5Google 4.7 from 300k reviews; reviewers repeatedly say the rooftop view is worth the climb.
Value for money4/5€16 (winter/Wednesdays) for a top-tier view is good value; the €22 summer price is less so.
Can’t get it elsewhere3/5The radiating-avenues view is distinctive, but Paris has several strong panoramas (Montparnasse, Sacré-Cœur steps, free department-store rooftops).
Easy to do3/5Direct metro and late hours, but no timed slots, security lines, 284 steps with no working lift and pickpockets.
What people loved
Rooftop view down the 12 radiating avenues, with the Eiffel Tower in frame — often called one of the best viewpoints in ParisCheaper than the Eiffel Tower summit, with the Eiffel Tower actually in the viewOpen until 10:30–11 p.m., so sunset and night-lights visits are easyTomb of the Unknown Soldier and nightly flame ceremony are free to seeSculptures and carvings are impressive up closeWhat wore them down
284 steps up a tight spiral with few places to rest; the lift is out of serviceNo timed entry, so summer queues build at security and the stairsPickpockets work the crowds around the archVisitors still try to dash across the roundabout instead of using the underpass€22 summer price is steep for a stair climb; non-refundable ticketsKnow before you go
See something out of date? Fix it right here.Booking: No time slots; buy on site or from the official CMN ticket site (non-refundable) and queue for security.
Entry (rooftop)€16 daily Oct–Mar; €22 Apr–Sep (€16 on Wednesdays). Same price for all nationalities. Free under 18, EU nationals/residents 18–25, disabled visitor plus companionSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
FreeGround level, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the 6:30 p.m. flame ceremony are always free; rooftop free to all on the first Sunday of Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov and DecSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
HoursOct–Mar 10 a.m.–10:30 p.m. (Tue from 11 a.m.); Apr–Sep to 11 p.m. Last entry 45 min before closing. Closed 1 May, 8 May, 14 July, morning of 11 Nov and for some ceremoniesSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
ReservationNo timed slots — entry is first come, first served; tickets via tickets.monuments-nationaux.fr are non-refundable. Everyone goes through securitySource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Access284 steps; the lift is out of service (stated 'until further notice') and never reached the terrace, so wheelchair users cannot currently go up. Bags max 40×40×20 cm, no cloakroom, no pushchairsSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Getting thereMetro 1/2/6 or RER A Charles de Gaulle–Étoile; reach the arch via the underpass, never across the roundabout. ~15 min on Metro 1 from ChâteletSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Opening hours (Google)
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
In their words
“If you do try to cross, there are some stairs and a tunnel, do not try to cross the road!!!”
“Definitely worth seeing and ticking off the list, also be aware of pickpocketers!”
“Be prepared for some stairs if you head to the top, but the view is well worth the effort.”
“Standing here, you can clearly see the twelve grand avenues radiating perfectly from the monument.”
Tips from people who went
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Questions people ask
How much does it cost to go up the Arc de Triomphe?
€16 from October to March and on Wednesdays April–September; €22 on other days April–September. Under-18s and EU nationals/residents aged 18–25 go free.
How many steps are there to the top of the Arc de Triomphe?
284. The lift is currently out of service, and even when working it stops below the terrace.
How do you get to the Arc de Triomphe safely?
Use the underground Passage du Souvenir from the top of the Champs-Élysées or Avenue de la Grande-Armée; don't cross the roundabout.
Do you need to book the Arc de Triomphe in advance?
No. There are no timed slots; entry is first come, first served and tickets are non-refundable.
When is the flame ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe?
Every evening at 6:30 p.m. at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; it is free to watch.
Better fits, according to people who went
Sources
- Arc de Triomphe — official site (CMN)
- Art Visit Guide — Arc de Triomphe tickets guide (updated Aug 2026)
- Google Maps — Arc de Triomphe