Visiting the Eiffel Tower should be a highlight of your trip, but small mistakes can turn it into a frustrating experience. Avoid these common pitfalls to make the most of your visit!
1. Not Booking Tickets in Advance
Many visitors wait to buy Eiffel Tower tickets when they arrive.
But lines can be very long, especially in the afternoon or on weekends.
Buying tickets online ahead of time saves hours of waiting.
You can also choose exact times and skip some of the lines.
It’s easy to do on the official website.
Don’t wait until the last minute—tickets often sell out, especially for the top floor (called “the summit”).
2. Only Visiting During the Day
Seeing the Eiffel Tower in daylight is nice, but many people miss the magic of the evening.
After sunset, the tower lights up and sparkles every hour for five minutes until 11 p.m (1 a.m. in summer).
It’s one of the most beautiful sights in Paris.
Visit during the day if you want the views, but come back at night to see the sparkle.
It’s free to enjoy from outside, and great from spots like Trocadéro or Champ de Mars.
3. Thinking the Top Has the Best View
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Most people rush to the summit (top floor), but the 2nd floor often has the better view.
From there, you can see Paris monuments more clearly, and you’re not behind glass or fences.
The top is very high and sometimes cloudy or windy.
It’s also more expensive and more crowded.
Unless you really want to say you’ve been to the top, the 2nd floor is enough for most people.
It also has more space to walk around.
4. Not Avoiding Street Vendors and Scammers
Around the Eiffel Tower, you’ll often see people selling souvenirs, toys, or asking you to sign petitions.
Some are harmless, but others are scams.
They may distract you while someone else tries to steal your things.
It’s best to ignore them and walk away.
Don’t sign anything or take “free” gifts.
Stay alert, especially near crowded areas and staircases.
These scams target tourists who look distracted or unsure, so stay aware of your surroundings.
5. Underestimating the Time Needed for the Visit
A visit to the Eiffel Tower can take a long time—much longer than people expect.
Between waiting in line, going through security, walking around each level, and stopping for photos, it can easily take 2 to 3 hours.
If you’re planning other activities, make sure to leave enough time.
Don’t book tight dinner reservations or museum visits right after.
Give yourself space to relax and enjoy it. Rushing through ruins the experience.
6. Thinking the Elevator Is the Only Way Up
Most tourists line up for the elevator, but there’s another way: the stairs.
You can walk up to the 1st and 2nd floors using 674 steps.
It’s cheaper, faster, and usually has a shorter line.
Along the way, you get great views and can stop to take photos.
It’s not too hard if you’re in normal shape.
Many people even enjoy the climb more than the ride.
You’ll also avoid the crowd packed in the elevator.
7. Not Knowing There’s a Champagne Bar at the Top
At the very top of the Eiffel Tower, there’s a small champagne bar that many visitors miss. It’s not very big, and it’s easy to overlook.
But having a glass of champagne while looking out over Paris is a special experience.
It costs extra, but for many, it’s worth it.
If you do plan to go to the summit, check for it once you arrive.
It’s a fun little moment to remember your visit.
8. Paying Too Much for Nearby Food
The area around the Eiffel Tower has many tourist restaurants, but most are overpriced and not great.
A simple meal or coffee can cost much more than in other neighborhoods.
Many tourists stop here because it’s close, but you’ll get better food for less money just a short walk away.
Head to Rue Cler or try local bakeries and cafés in quieter streets nearby.
9. Not Checking if the Summit Is Open
The Eiffel Tower summit (top floor) is sometimes closed because of strong winds, maintenance, or bad weather.
Many tourists only find out after waiting in line or buying a ticket.
If the summit is important to you, check the official Eiffel Tower website before your visit. It shows daily updates.
Even if it’s closed, the 2nd floor is still open and offers great views.
Don’t plan your whole day around the top without checking first.
10. Skipping the Trocadéro Viewpoint
Trocadéro offers one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower, but many tourists don’t know about it.
It’s a large square with wide steps across the river from the tower.
From here, you get perfect full photos with no buildings in the way.
Many famous Paris pictures are taken here.
It’s especially nice at sunrise or evening.
Don’t just walk under the tower—go to Trocadéro for a great photo and view.
11. Missing the Light Show Because They Left Too Early
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Many visitors leave right after sunset and miss the Eiffel Tower’s sparkle.
Starting at nightfall, the tower twinkles for 5 minutes every hour on the hour until 11 p.m. Even until 1 a.m. in summer.
It’s one of the most magical sights in Paris.
Just pick a good spot nearby, like the Trocadéro steps or the Champ de Mars lawn, and wait.
Don’t leave too early—you’ll miss a moment many people remember for the rest of their lives.
12. Trying to Dine at the Restaurants Without a Reservation
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
The Eiffel Tower has two restaurants: Madame Brasserie and Le Jules Verne.
Many people try to eat there without booking in advance, only to find they’re fully booked.
These places are popular, especially for dinner and sunset times.
If you really want to dine with a view, make a reservation online well before your trip.
13. Not Taking the Stairs Down
Many people take the elevator both up and down, but they miss out by skipping the stairs.
Walking down from the 2nd floor gives you new views and is much faster than waiting in line for the lift.
It’s a fun, open-air walk with less crowding.
Plus, it’s easier going down than up. If your legs are okay and it’s not too late in the day, take the stairs down to enjoy the full experience.
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
