How To Choose an Eiffel Tower Tour

It's no secret that Paris can be one of the most expensive cities to visit in Europe, and with so much to see, private tours and admission tickets can begin to add up. Stretch your travel budget with a tour that takes you to the Eiffel Tower's 2nd-floor observation deck. Located at an impressive 377 feet (115 meters) above the Champs de Mars, you'll enjoy outstanding 360-degree views of the city without breaking the bank so you can go on even more Parisian adventures.

The Eiffel Tower is notorious for its endless ticket lines, especially in the summer months during the high season. Maximize your precious vacation time in the City of Light with a priority access tour. You'll bypass the queues and head straight to the elevator. As tours are offered from morning to night, this quick and convenient sightseeing experience easily fits into any travel itinerary.

Epicurean travelers know that crepes, cheese, and croissants are just the start of Paris' culinary scene. Combine your Eiffel Tower visit with fine French dining and have lunch at Madame Brasserie Restaurant. Located on the tower's first level, you'll enjoy unrivaled city views throughout the 3-course meal. Skip-the-line admission, plus free time to explore before or after the meal, ensures a delicious, memorable Eiffel Tower experience.

While traveling with children can be an absolute joy, it often comes with its challenges, especially when most tours cater to an adult audience. Choose your own itinerary to introduce your kiddos to the Eiffel Tower and other Parisian landmarks on a private customized family tour. The personalized excursion includes commentary and family-friendly activities to keep kids and grown-ups engaged, creating a unique excursion that covers all of your family's must-see sites.

If you want to get a head start on your Paris sightseeing, consider a sunrise bike tour of Paris which passes by the Eiffel Tower just as the sun is rising. Visiting this structure first thing in the day enables you to avoid the Parisian heat and the tower's afternoon tourist rush. As a result, you'll enjoy a more intimate and leisurely experience without the overwhelming tourist crowds—plus, you'll have a great photo opportunity as the Eiffel Tower is bathed in early morning light.

The Eiffel Tower might be at the top of your Paris bucket list, but it isn't the only attraction in town. After a skip-the-line tour to the tower's summit, enjoy a relaxing sightseeing cruise along the River Seine. From the water, you'll see landmarks including Montmartre, the Louvre, Notre-Dame de Paris, and the Iron Lady herself, without getting worn out from walking around the city to hit every attraction.

While taking the elevator to the top of the Eiffel Tower is a memorable event for any traveler, it's the monument's exterior that sets it apart from any other structure, which is best enjoyed (and captured) from the ground. Leave the selfie stick at home and create a memento of your visit with a private photoshoot. Fun for families, couples, and friend groups, you'll get professional, frameable pictures in front of the world-famous landmark.

Travelers seeking a personalized Paris vacation from beginning to end may want to consider a semi-private guided tour of the Eiffel Tower. Unlike on some crowded large group tours, you'll enjoy commentary that goes beyond the typical tourist guidebook. The tour is capped at 10 travelers, so as you skip the line up to the Eiffel Tower summit, you'll receive extra attention from your guide and get more of your questions answered.

If you're a solo adventurer who prefers to do things at your own pace, consider a self-guided audio tour. This experience is the perfect way to discover Gustav Eiffel's masterpiece, without feeling rushed or having to plan around a set meeting time. You'll get the standard information that comes with a guided visit … the only thing you'll miss is the expensive price tag of a guided tour. (Just keep in mind that tower admission is not included in the tour.)