Travel Experiences for Kids: Climbing the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower, perhaps the most iconic structure in the whole world, is not just a sight to behold from the ground but a challenge to conquer for those who prefer to ascend its heights on foot. Children will love climbing the Eiffel Tower for the great views of the city and the satisfying sense of achievement for undertaking the journey. This post delves into what it takes to climb the Eiffel Tower, the experience, and why it's a must-do for explorers of any age.
The Eiffel Tower at a Glance
The Eiffel Tower was designed by Gustave Eiffel and was completed in 1889 ahead of the Exposition Universelle. The tower stands at an impressive height of 330 meters (1,083 feet), making it one of the tallest structures in Paris. Although originally met with criticism, it is now one of the most recognized and visited monuments in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year.
The Eiffel Tower has three levels that are accessible to the public. The first two levels can be reached either by stairs or elevator. However, those wishing to truly climb the tower will be taking the stairs from the ground up to the second level. This climb involves ascending over 700 steps, a journey that is both challenging and exhilarating.
Is Climbing the Eiffel Tower a Good Activity for Young Children?
In short, yes! Climbing the Eiffel Tower is a great activity for children. For one thing, it is a physical experience, which is a nice changeup from visiting art museums. It is also a great way to see Paris from above.
What Should Be Done to Prepare for Climbing the Eiffel Tower?
Purchase Tickets
Without a doubt, the single most important thing you can do to prepare for climbing the Eiffel Tower is to purchase tickets ahead of time. When we visited the tower in July 2023, the line to buy tickets on sight was several hundred people deep. In contrast, the line for those with tickets was maybe five or ten minutes. If you don’t want to waste valuable vacation time waiting in line to buy tickets, it is strongly recommended to purchase them ahead of time.
Tickets can be purchased on the official Eiffel Tower website: https://www.toureiffel.paris/en. On the website, click ‘Buy a Ticket’ and then select your date.
There are options for tickets with elevator access, but they sell out extremely quickly. In fact, they are like a hot concert ticket! I tried logging on the ‘second’ tickets opened up for my prospective visit date, and the site froze. By the time I refreshed my browser, no tickets were available. By contrast, it is much easier to purchase tickets to the Eiffel Tower via the stairs as there are many more available slots. Plus, climbing is more fun!
By Paris standards, visiting the Eiffel Tower is very affordable. A ticket to the upper level costs about 12 euro for an adult over 24 years of age, 6 euro for an older child ages 12 to 24, and a mere 3 euro for children ages 4 to 11. Children 3 years of age and under are free. More information on ticket prices here: https://www.toureiffel.paris/fr/tarifs-horaires
Preparing to Climb the Eiffel Tower with Children
Before attempting to climb the Eiffel Tower with children, it's important that everyone be in decent physical condition. While the climb is not extremely strenuous, it does require a decent level of fitness. Make sure everyone is wearing comfortable shoes and clothing - no high heels, flip-flops, etc. Additionally, luggage is not permitted to be brought into the Eiffel Tour and there is no storage at the base of the tower. Bringing a water bottle to stay hydrated is a good idea. Please note that you should have IDs (such as passports) for each person with a ticket, even children.
When is the Best Time to Climb the Eiffel Tower?
There is no bad time to climb the Eiffel Tower. However, climbing the tower in the late afternoon at “golden hour” is magical. We had tickets around five o’clock, which gave us plenty of time to make the climb, get a snack, enjoy the views, and descend so that we could walk to our dinner reservations. I have also heard good things about climbing the Eiffel Tower after dark, but those tickets go fast.
The Experience
It is recommended that you arrive fifteen minutes before the entry time on your ticket. There are two entrances at the base of the tower, and Entrance #2 is often less crowded. After going through security, find the line for visitors with tickets (marked with green flags). After a short line, the journey starts at the base of the tower, where climbers begin their ascent through the iron structure. Along the way, there are spots to pause on platforms. We found this helpful on our climb to allow faster climbers to pass. Fortunately, there are ‘up’ stairs and ‘down’ stairs, although not every visitor follows those rules. The views as you climb the tower are breathtaking, with the Parisian landscape unfolding below.
Reaching the Top
There are 674 steps in total, with 327 steps from the ground to the first level, and another 347 steps from the first level to the second level. There are restaurants, restrooms, and concessions on both the first level and second level and plenty of seating. During our visit in July 2023, all four of us climbed to the first level. We left Rebecca on the first level to relax while myself and the kids climbed to level two. We were rewarded with amazing views and soft pretzels from the snack bar. Even the views from the first level are spectacular and worth the climb.
Why Climb the Eiffel Tower?
Climbing the Eiffel Tower is an immersive experience for your family that your children will remember forever. For many people around the world, climbing the tower is a bucket list item that many will not experience in their lifetime. For your kids to experience climbing the Eiffel Tower at a young age is a true gift, and one that offers a unique connection to the history and heart of Paris.