The Eiffel Tower, with its iconic lattice structure, is the most recognizable symbol of Paris and one of the most visited monuments in the world. Standing at 330 meters (1,083 feet) tall, this masterpiece of ironwork offers visitors an unforgettable experience across three distinct levels, each providing unique views, dining options, and insights into the tower’s remarkable history. Here’s what you can expect when visiting the Eiffel Tower and how to make the most of your time there.
First Level (57 meters / 187 feet) – A Scenic Introduction
Your journey to the Eiffel Tower starts on the spacious First Level, a welcoming platform that offers much more than its impressive vantage points. As you step out onto this level, you’re greeted by breathtaking views, thrilling attractions, and unique opportunities to immerse yourself in the history and culture of Paris. Here’s what you can explore on the First Level:
Unobstructed Views
From this height, the First Level offers an expansive perspective over the surrounding area. You’ll get sweeping views of the Champs de Mars, a vast green park often filled with locals and visitors enjoying picnics, games, and leisurely strolls. This level is also a perfect spot to gaze out over nearby Parisian neighborhoods, soaking in the sights of quaint rooftops and tree-lined avenues. With large, open spaces designed for relaxation and photo opportunities, you’ll find plenty of places to snap beautiful shots of the Eiffel Tower’s intricate ironwork and the panoramic scenes beyond.
Transparent Floor
One of the most exhilarating features on the First Level is its transparent floor section. This thrilling glass panel allows you to look straight down—57 meters (187 feet) to the ground below—offering a bird’s-eye view that’s both mesmerizing and heart-pounding. If you’re feeling adventurous, step onto the glass and experience the sensation of floating above the city! It’s a popular photo spot and a great place to test your courage while getting a completely unique perspective of the tower’s structure and the bustling activity below.
Historical Exhibition
For those who want to learn more about the Eiffel Tower’s fascinating past, the First Level is home to an interactive historical exhibition. This engaging display takes you on a journey from the tower’s initial construction for the 1889 World’s Fair to its modern-day status as one of the most beloved monuments on the planet. You’ll find photographs, drawings, and models that tell the story of the tower’s design, engineering, and significance over the years. There are even insights into the challenges faced by Gustave Eiffel and his team, adding depth to your appreciation of this architectural marvel. It’s a must-visit for history buffs and anyone interested in how the Eiffel Tower became a timeless symbol of innovation and creativity.
Dining at 58 Tour Eiffel
After taking in the views and exploring the exhibition, consider stopping for a meal at the 58 Tour Eiffel Restaurant. This charming restaurant offers a menu that celebrates the flavors of French cuisine, from freshly baked bread and pastries to hearty regional dishes. The restaurant features floor-to-ceiling windows that provide diners with stunning views of the surrounding area, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner. With a laid-back ambiance, 58 Tour Eiffel is ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers looking to savor delicious French food in a unique setting. You can even enjoy a pre-set picnic-style lunch option, which lets you experience French dining in a casual and accessible way.
Beyond these main attractions, the First Level is also a great place to pause and recharge, with plenty of benches, photo ops, and open spaces. Throughout the year, it hosts various seasonal events and activities, from outdoor art installations to family-friendly workshops, adding extra layers of excitement to your visit. The First Level is an inviting blend of thrill, history, and culture, making it the perfect start to your Eiffel Tower adventure.
Second Level (115 meters / 377 feet) – The Best Views of Paris
The Eiffel Tower’s Second Level is often considered the favorite spot for visitors, as it offers not only incredible panoramic views of Paris but also a range of unique attractions. This level is the ideal blend of sightseeing and fine dining, making it perfect for both casual visitors and those looking for a special experience. Here’s what you can look forward to on the Second Level:
Panoramic Views
At 115 meters (377 feet) above ground, the Second Level offers some of the best views in Paris. From this height, the city’s most famous landmarks unfold before you in spectacular detail. Look to one side, and you’ll see the Louvre Museum, with its stunning glass pyramid and sprawling grounds. Turn slightly, and the gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral comes into view, with its spires reaching skyward and hinting at centuries of history. Off in the distance, the Arc de Triomphe proudly stands at the end of the Champs-Élysées, serving as a tribute to French military victories. The unobstructed views make this level a paradise for photographers, allowing you to capture Paris from a perspective that few get to experience. Be sure to bring a good camera or your smartphone to take panoramic shots of the city’s beautiful skyline and capture memories that will last a lifetime.
Le Jules Verne Restaurant
For a truly unforgettable dining experience, look no further than Le Jules Verne, a Michelin-starred restaurant renowned for its sophisticated atmosphere and exceptional French cuisine. Perched high above the city, this restaurant features floor-to-ceiling windows that offer diners stunning views of Paris while they enjoy expertly crafted dishes. The menu at Le Jules Verne is overseen by some of France’s top chefs, with dishes that celebrate classic French flavors reimagined with modern techniques. Each course is thoughtfully prepared, using only the finest ingredients sourced from local markets and artisan producers. Dining at Le Jules Verne is a highly sought-after experience, so be sure to make a reservation well in advance. Whether it’s a romantic evening for two, a special occasion, or simply a chance to indulge, a meal here is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that combines culinary excellence with breathtaking views.
Souvenir Shops
No visit to the Eiffel Tower would be complete without picking up a few keepsakes, and the souvenir shops on the Second Level offer a curated selection of unique items to commemorate your visit. You’ll find everything from miniature Eiffel Towers and postcards to beautifully crafted trinkets that capture the elegance of Parisian design. For something extra special, browse the selection of handmade jewelry, Eiffel Tower-themed apparel, and artisan crafts that make thoughtful gifts for friends and family back home. Many items are exclusive to these shops, so it’s the perfect opportunity to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs that reflect the spirit of Paris.
Interactive Displays and Viewing Telescopes
The Second Level is also equipped with interactive displays and viewing telescopes that allow you to zoom in on various landmarks and learn more about the city’s rich history and architecture. Each telescope offers a close-up look at famous Parisian sites, with informative panels explaining their significance. These interactive elements make the Second Level an educational experience as well, providing context and enhancing your appreciation for Paris’s architectural heritage.
Photography Opportunities
For photography enthusiasts, the Second Level is a dream. The combination of open viewing areas and telescopes means you can take panoramic shots and zoomed-in details alike, capturing the essence of Paris from this iconic landmark. Early morning or late evening visits are particularly recommended, as the soft light of sunrise and sunset gives the city a magical, golden glow.
The Second Level of the Eiffel Tower provides an unparalleled experience, where world-class views meet world-class dining. Whether you’re admiring the cityscape, indulging in gourmet cuisine, or browsing for the perfect souvenir, this level offers a unique slice of Parisian life that you won’t find anywhere else. It’s an essential stop on your Eiffel Tower adventure, offering you the chance to appreciate Paris from one of the best vantage points in the entire city.
Top Level (276 meters / 906 feet) – The Pinnacle of Paris
Reaching the Top Level of the Eiffel Tower is the culmination of an extraordinary journey, as it’s the highest observation deck open to the public in Paris. Offering a view that seems to touch the sky, this level provides a perspective on the city that is both thrilling and humbling. Whether it’s day or night, the Top Level invites you to see Paris from a viewpoint like no other. Here’s what you’ll discover at the very pinnacle of the Eiffel Tower:
Unmatched Cityscape Views
As the highest point in Paris, the Top Level boasts a 360-degree panoramic view that is simply breathtaking. On clear days, visibility can extend up to 70 kilometers (43 miles), allowing you to see not only Paris’s famous landmarks but also the rolling hills and forests beyond the city. From this height, you’ll experience the full expanse of Paris’s architectural beauty. You can trace the curve of the Seine River as it winds through the city, catch sight of Montmartre with the Sacré-Cœur Basilica perched atop, and gaze down upon the Champs-Élysées stretching out toward the Arc de Triomphe. During sunrise and sunset, the city is bathed in warm, golden hues, creating an awe-inspiring scene that photographers and romantics alike cherish. At night, Paris sparkles below you as thousands of lights twinkle across the landscape, earning its title as the City of Lights.
Gustave Eiffel’s Office
One of the hidden gems on the Top Level is the small but fascinating recreation of Gustave Eiffel’s original office. Preserved as a tribute to the tower’s creator, this exhibit features wax figures of Eiffel and his daughter, offering a glimpse into the life of the man who dared to build one of the world’s most famous monuments. The office is designed to look just as it did when Eiffel used it, complete with period furnishings and personal effects. It’s a moving experience that humanizes the grand structure, reminding visitors of the innovative spirit and dedication that brought the Eiffel Tower to life. For those who enjoy delving into history, this office provides a poignant connection to the visionary mind behind the tower.
Champagne Bar
If you’re looking to celebrate your Eiffel Tower experience in style, the Champagne Bar on the Top Level is an absolute must. With a glass of champagne in hand, you can toast to the breathtaking views of Paris while feeling on top of the world. The bar offers both rosé and white champagne, served in elegant flutes that add a touch of sophistication to your visit. This experience is particularly magical after dark, when the city glows below, and the lights of the Eiffel Tower add a gentle sparkle overhead. For couples, it’s a romantic setting perfect for making memories, while friends and solo travelers can savor a moment of sheer delight and appreciation. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply reveling in the moment, sipping champagne at the top of the Eiffel Tower is an experience you won’t soon forget.
Interactive Displays and Telescopes
The Top Level is also equipped with telescopes that allow you to zoom in on various points of interest throughout Paris. These high-powered scopes are free to use, providing a fun way to pinpoint specific landmarks or to take a closer look at the beauty of the city below. Additionally, interactive displays are available with information about the sites you can see from this height, adding a layer of education to your sightseeing. It’s an engaging experience for those who want to learn more about Paris’s rich history and the significance of its landmarks.
Experiencing the Tower’s Sparkling Light Show
If you time your visit just right, you may get to experience the Eiffel Tower’s sparkling light show from a unique vantage point. Every evening, the tower shimmers for five minutes at the top of each hour, thanks to 20,000 bulbs that create a dazzling display. Watching this show from the Top Level is an unforgettable moment, as you’ll be surrounded by the lights themselves, feeling as if you’re part of the display.
Tips for Visiting the Top Level
To fully enjoy the Top Level experience, a few tips can help enhance your visit:
- Dress Warmly: Since the Top Level is high up and more exposed to the elements, it can be noticeably cooler and windier than at ground level. A light jacket or sweater is recommended, especially during the colder months.
- Visit at Sunset or Night: For a truly magical experience, consider timing your visit for sunset or nighttime. The views during these times are breathtaking, and you’ll get to see Paris transition from day to night, with the city gradually lighting up below.
- Bring a Good Camera: The views from the Top Level are worthy of great photos. If you have a camera with a good zoom lens, you’ll be able to capture some incredible shots of Paris’s landmarks from above. Alternatively, a smartphone with a high-quality camera can still produce stunning photos, especially if you have it set to capture low-light images.
- Book Ahead: Tickets for the Top Level can be limited, so booking online in advance is highly recommended. This ensures you’ll get the chance to reach the highest point of the tower without the worry of availability issues, particularly during peak tourist seasons.
The Top Level of the Eiffel Tower offers an extraordinary experience that few places in the world can match. It’s a place to marvel at Paris from above, immerse yourself in the spirit of its creator, and toast to the beauty of one of the world’s most enchanting cities. Whether you’re there for the views, the history, or a glass of champagne, the Top Level is a fitting finale to an unforgettable visit to the Eiffel Tower.