Views & landmarks
Eiffel Tower
What it is
The Eiffel Tower is an iron lattice tower on the Champ de Mars, built as a temporary structure and now the defining symbol of Paris. Visitors come for the observation decks, which offer wide views over the city's rooftops, the Seine, and surrounding landmarks. It's as much an experience of the structure itself, walking under and around the ironwork, as it is about the view from the top.
Getting there
From central Paris, it's usually a 20-30 minute ride by metro or RER. The closest stations are Bir-Hakeim (metro line 6) and Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel (RER C), both a short walk from the base. Buses also stop nearby, and the site is walkable from the 7th arrondissement.
How much time to allow
Plan for at least 2-3 hours if you intend to go up, including time in line for security checks and elevators. If you're only viewing it from the Champ de Mars or Trocadéro without going up, 30-45 minutes is enough.
When to go
Mornings tend to be quieter than afternoons and evenings. Crowds build steadily through the day and around holidays and summer months, so arriving early or booking timed entry in advance can save significant waiting. The tower is also lit up after dark, which draws additional crowds to the surrounding lawns in the evening.
Combine it with
- Champ de Mars (0.4km) — the park right at the tower's base, good for a relaxed view or picnic.
- Musée d'art moderne de Paris (0.7km) — an easy add-on for modern art.
- Pont Alexandre III (1.5km) — a walk along the Seine to one of the city's ornate bridges.
- Musée Rodin (1.6km) — sculpture museum with gardens, suited to a half-day combined itinerary.
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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