When you only have 24 hours in Paris, every minute counts. With so much to see, the Eiffel Tower remains a non-negotiable stop for most travelers. The challenge is not just fitting it into your itinerary. And will be doing it efficiently, without wasting time in queues or missing your preferred time slot.
Here is how to visit the Eiffel Tower in a single day without disrupting the rest of your Paris plans.
Start Early or Go Late: The Two Winning Options
If you are aiming for speed and low crowd levels, the best time to visit the Eiffel Tower is shortly after it opens. Morning visits give you a head start and let you enjoy clearer city views before the day gets hazy. If you are more interested in atmosphere than clarity, an evening slot offers golden light, city lights, and the tower is hourly sparkle after dark.
- Opening time: 9:00 AM
- Last elevator entry to the summit: 10:45 PM (may vary seasonally)
- Best crowd-free window: 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM
- Best for night views: 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Sample One-Day Itinerary Including the Eiffel Tower
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30 AM | Grab coffee and croissant | Rue Cler or Cafe; de Flore |
| 9:30 AM | Arrive at the Eiffel Tower | Champ de Mars |
| 10:00 AM | Take elevator to the summit | Eiffel Tower |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch with a view | Madame Brasserie (1st floor) |
| 2:00 PM | Walk along the Seine | Trocadéro to Pont Alexandre III |
| 3:30 PM | Visit a museum (Louvre or Orsay) | Left or Right Bank |
| 7:00 PM | Dinner and Eiffel Tower view | Seine cruise or rooftop bistro |
Time-Saving Tips
- Book your Eiffel Tower ticket at least 3-5 days in advance to secure your preferred time
- Arrive 15 minutes early to pass security without pressure
- Download your ticket to your phone in advance (Wi-Fi at the tower is limited)
- Plan the Eiffel Tower visit before midday or after 6 PM to free up the rest of the day
- If summit access is unavailable, the second floor still offers fantastic views
Where to Book Tickets Without Hassle
To keep your itinerary on track, it’s critical to avoid long ticket queues or last-minute surprises. One trusted option for advance bookings is: https://tickets-eiffeltower.fr/
This platform offers fast, secure access to various ticket types including summit entry, guided tours, and elevator or stairs options. For one-day visitors, booking in advance isn’t a suggestion. It’s a time management strategy.
Conclusion
Fitting the Eiffel Tower into a short Paris itinerary is absolutely doable, but only with precision. Book early, arrive on time, and plan the rest of your day around this iconic moment. With just a little strategy, your 24 hours in Paris can include the most unforgettable view in Europe.
