Eiffel Tower schedule : hours of operation and busy times

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Although the most famous monument in Paris seems timeless, we recommend knowing the times the Eiffel Tower is open to avoid disappointment, prevent long waits and make the most of your visit.

Eiffel Tower : opening Hours

What are the business Eiffel Tower hours?

Visiting the Eiffel Tower is a magical experience regardless of the time or season. This is why its hours of operation cover a broad swathe of the day and even part of the night! Each time offers its own advantages and views. Whether it's your first time or you've already had the chance to visit the "Iron Lady", the awe-inspiring experience feels new every time. Here is everything you need to know about the Eiffel Tower's schedule to prepare your trip.

Seasonal hours of operation

The monument is the symbol of Paris and one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world. To accommodate all that traffic, it is open year round and has extended hours of operation so that it can host as many visitors as possible. Its hours of operation are:

  • 9:00 am to midnight from mid-June to early September
  • 9:30 am to 11:00 pm the rest of the year (closing time is pushed back to midnight over Easter weekend and spring break)

Is it better to visit the Eiffel Tower in the day or at night?

Each outing is a unique experience, regardless of the time or season you choose. You will find a new perspective and an intensely emotional atmosphere each time. Nevertheless, everyday part has advantages and you can time your visit based on your mood and preferences.

A daytime tour is perfect for soaking in the view, especially the panorama from the second level, where you can see over 50 miles away when the skies are clear. The bird's-eye view of Paris enables you to see over the tops of many famous Parisian sites and monuments, including the Champs Elysées and the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, Sacré Cœur, La Défense business district, La Madeleine and the Hôtel de Ville. It is a great way to get your bearings in Paris, see the big picture and soak up all the capital's architectural glory in a single take. When the air is very clear and the weather permits, you can even see the far-off forests at Compiègne, the hills of Saint-Cloud and the Fontainebleau woods.

So it's better to schedule a visit during the day if you want to see the panoramic view or take pictures with all of Paris in the backdrop. We also recommend avoiding evening visits in the winter if you are afraid of being cold because the temperature at the top is usually lower than what is felt at the base of the monument.

At night, the main attraction is the light show. The lighting of the Eiffel Tower itself, which is powered by 336 spotlights, can be seen from the second level because of the structure's curved shape. The twinkling effect that brings it to life for the first five minutes of each hour from nightfall to 1:00 am also creates a magical moment, not to mention the special lighting concepts designed for major events (commemorations, World Cup, etc.). Visiting the Eiffel Tower at night also lets you contemplate the city lights and the other illuminated monuments, such as Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre. The spectacle is all the more exciting before Christmas with special light decorations like the shower of shooting stars that adorned the 400 trees along the Champs Elysées in 2016. Go at dusk and the sunset will afford you a unique experience and an unsurpassed moment of romance.

Hours subject to safety recommendations

For safety reasons, especially concerns arising from inclement weather or heavy visitor traffic, admission and hours of operation at the Eiffel Tower may be temporarily restricted. Wind, heavy storms or particularly heavy traffic may prompt the staff to limit access to the second level. Similarly, some areas are sometimes closed to the public for safety reasons.

In addition, if you want to avoid the busiest times and do not have a front-of-line ticket, it's best to go in the morning or at the very end of the day.