The Best Time to View the Eiffel Tower

If you are heading to Paris, there is no doubt that you have plans to visit the Eiffel Tower at least once during your trip. This tower is actually one of the first things that many people think of when talking about Europe in general. It is iconic and beautiful. So, when should you plan to go and see it for the ultimate viewing?

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One Hour Before Sunset

If you want to see the Eiffel Tower at a really fun time, I would go around one hour before sunset. Since you will probably be spending a little time here, this would be perfect so that you can see it both unlit and watch it as it lights up.

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I would recommend having your starting point at a good distance away from the tower so that you can fully view it. A good place to go is walking up the steps at Trocadéro. This gives you a stunning view of the entire tower. You can hang out here for a little while and take some great photos while you still have some daylight.

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After an hour or so, you will have the opportunity to see the Eiffel Tower light up. To me, this was one of my favorite parts of my visit to Paris. After you see the glimmering lights from the Trocadéro area, you can start to walk towards it to get a closer view.

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Walking up to the tower during the evening is another awesome experience. After you are there, this is the perfect opportunity to take the elevator (or stairs) up the tower and view the amazing lights of this historic city.

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While there is no bad or wrong time to view the Eiffel Tower, just before sunset is my personal favorite. I prefer this because you can get several different views of the tower in the most efficient amount of time.

Have you visited the Eiffel Tower? If not, is it on your bucket list?

-Haley

33 thoughts on “The Best Time to View the Eiffel Tower

  1. We had dinner at the Eiffel Tower,at the restaurant midway up a few years ago. We celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary with friends who surprised us with dinner reservations. Such a memorable experience and trip to Paris!

  2. We have been up the Tower twice, once in 1984 and again in 2007 on our 30th anniversary. The last time was the best as we did go up just before dusk and watched the City of Light come alive. Magical. We did not go up this past May, as the lineups and security checks just were not in our schedule. But, still a great sight to see from almost anywhere in the city. Another good vantage point is from the top of L’arc de Triomphe.

  3. Lovely photos and excellent advice. I’ve been to Paris a couple of times and there is so much to see but the Eiffel Tower is definitely the highlight, although Sacre-Coeur is pretty awesome as well.

  4. I have been to the Eiffel Tower twice and cannot wait to visit France again. I found the best time to go was mid- to late-morning. The crowds are light, providing you the opportunity to enjoy the view without being jammed or hurried.

    I do not recommend crawling into the elevator undercarriage ala Lois Lane in Superman II.

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