Is Eiffel Tower worth it?
Worth it if…Overhyped · −35Gustave Eiffel's 1889 iron tower with lift and stair access to two floors and the summit
Worth it, with conditions. 4.7 on nearly 500k Google reviews; the in-person scale and night sparkle live up to the hype, even for those who call it a tourist trap.
Hype94How famous and hyped it is
Reality59Evidence-based, votes take over as they come in
4.7 ★ Google · 498,057 reviews— hypegap votes · be one of the first
Been to Eiffel Tower? Was it worth it?
One tap. No account. Your vote moves the Reality score.Is it worth it for you?
Worth itEditorial verdict until 5 first-timers vote
Near-universal 4.7 across almost 500,000 reviews; even sceptics call it a necessary stop. Book a timed slot.
Why Reality is 59
Lives up to its fame4/54.7 on nearly 500k Google reviews; the in-person scale and night sparkle live up to the hype, even for those who call it a tourist trap.
Value for money3/5Free to admire; €23.50–€36.70 to ride up is fair for the experience but guides note cheaper views of Paris that include the tower.
Can’t get it elsewhere4/5Nothing replaces the tower itself; the view from it is less unique, since the Arc, Montparnasse and Sacré-Cœur all offer panoramas.
Easy to do2/5Two security checks, timed slots that sell out, peak crowds and pickpocket warnings; a pre-booked e-ticket smooths it considerably.
What people loved
Seeing the tower up close, especially the hourly sparkle after dark, is free and consistently called magicalSummit view takes in the Seine, bridges and the whole city skylineWith an e-ticket, entry and crowd control are described as smooth and well organisedCheaper stairs option (€14.80 to the 2nd floor) for active visitorsWhat wore them down
Long queues for security and lifts; summit slots sell out, so walk-ups may miss the topAt €36.70 for the summit, critics say better city views exist for less, and the view lacks the tower itselfSummit is often packed; reviewers and guides warn of pickpockets and street hustlers around the baseEven fans call it a tourist trap — just an unavoidable oneKnow before you go
See something out of date? Fix it right here.Booking: Strongly recommended: book a timed slot online, as summit slots sell out; stairs tickets must be booked in advance from 29 Sept 2026.
Entry (lift)Lift to summit €36.70 adult, €18.40 age 12–24, €9.20 age 4–11; lift to 2nd floor €23.50 / €11.80 / €6.00; under-4s free but need a ticketSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Entry (stairs)Stairs to 2nd floor €14.80 adult; stairs + lift to summit €28.00 adult. New 2027 fares apply from 11 January 2027Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026
HoursDaily 9:30 a.m.–11:00 p.m. (last ascent 10:45 p.m.); summit may be restricted in bad weather or peak periodsSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
ReservationTimed slots sold online and on site; stairs tickets require advance online reservation from 29 September 2026Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Time needed2–3 hours including security and a summit visitSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Getting thereMetro 6 Bir-Hakeim or RER C Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel, ~10 min walk; ~25–30 min from Châtelet. Bir-Hakeim closed on some Sundays Sept–Nov 2026 for line 6 worksSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Opening hours (Google)
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
In their words
“This is definitely a tourist trap, but a necessary one if you are in Paris.”
“Be careful of thieves in the area and stays open till late.”
“Everything was very well organized and the crowd control was excellent.”
“During the day, the tower looks powerful and elegant, and at night it becomes even more magical when the lights turn on and sparkle.”
Tips from people who went
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Questions people ask
How much does it cost to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower?
€36.70 for an adult lift ticket to the summit, €18.40 for ages 12–24 and €9.20 for ages 4–11 (2026 fares). Stairs plus lift to the summit is €28.00 adult.
Do you need to book Eiffel Tower tickets in advance?
It is strongly advised: summit slots sell out. From 29 September 2026, stairs tickets also require advance reservation.
What are the Eiffel Tower's opening hours?
The official calendar shows 9:30 a.m.–11:00 p.m. daily, with last ascents at 10:45 p.m.; times can change without notice.
Which metro stop is closest to the Eiffel Tower?
Bir-Hakeim (Metro 6) and Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel (RER C) are each about a 10-minute walk.
Can you climb the Eiffel Tower stairs?
Yes, to the 2nd floor (€14.80 adult); the summit is reached only by lift from there.
Better fits, according to people who went
Sources
- Tour Eiffel — Prices & Times (official)
- Tour Eiffel — Getting to the Eiffel Tower by public transport (official FAQ)
- Solo Sophie — Don't go up the Eiffel Tower (and what to do instead), updated 2022
- Google Maps — Eiffel Tower