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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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”

    • Chris – East Coast, USA – Writer, journalist, wanderer. "Gnashing," a blog about stuff — cultural, personal, important and frivolous. Lots about wanderlust and books and movies and memories. Much about travel and social observations. Hopefully entertaining, a little insightful, forever random and rambling.
      Chris says:

      Freaking lovely pix. Though, I’d crop the guy out of the first one or two. He’s an intrusion, no matter how much you love him! ; )

      Reply
  2. Astrologerpeg – I have been a practicing Professional Astrologer for over 40 years with "Personality Plus" Astrological Services. I'm a former member of the Arizona Society of Astrologers in Scottsdale. I authored the monthly Astrology column for "The Arizona Sentinel" newspaper for 7 years and previously wrote an Astrology column for "The Arizona Light" for several years. I studied personally with world-renowned Astrologer and Author Noel Tyl while we both lived in Fountain Hills. My work includes casting birth charts which help with self-understanding, as well as checking current transits, which show what is going on in your life now and the near future, so you know what could possibly occur and plan accordingly. Compatibility Charts are invaluable for understanding your partner and how you tend to interact. Charts for new babies help parents understand the new life that is placed in their hands, so as to raise them in the best way possible. We also do Rectified and Relocation Charts. I also read Tarot Cards for individuals and at Corporate Events and parties; and I enjoy designing and creating jewelry which I sell individually and also on E-Bay. I just designed an astrology card deck for fun and learning while playing familiar card games. The 'Astrology Game of Cards' is now available for purchase on www.makeplayingcards.com/sell/Pegs-Game-Designs Sorry about all the sentences beginning with "I".
    Astrologerpeg says:

    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!

    Reply
  3. beyondthefjords – Oslo – Just an American girl conquering life in Norway. Flashback... About two years ago I took the plunge and moved to Oslo to challenge myself academically and personally. Today... Since then, I have been experiencing new cultures, new travel destinations, and new relationships. Aside from all the new experiences, I have been continually trying to maintain my health, fitness, and spirituality. Have these new experiences been challenging? YES. Have they been worth it? OF COURSE. Through my writing, I hope to inspire you live your life to the fullest. Whether that is to move to a new country, travel to a desired destination, or create a healthier lifestyle. Scare yourself a little and be the best version of you can be.
    beyondthefjords says:

    Beautiful! I still haven’t been to Paris yet! It’s high on my travel bucket list!

    Reply

  4. It is an amazing site. I took many photos. (They are fifteen years old now.) Any time of the day is a great time.

    Reply
  5. Camie – Utah, USA – I cherish my roles as a daughter of God, a wife to my husband of 28 years, and a mama to two sons and two daughters. I am a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I am passionate about homeschooling and education. My hobbies include crafting, photography, journaling, and traveling.
    Camie says:

    Very pretty! I’ve never seen the Eiffel Tower, but would like to someday.

    Reply
  6. kagould17 – Not much to tell. After working for 3 companies over 43+ years (38 years 7 months with my last company), I finally got that promotion I had waited my entire career for……retirement. I have been exploring this new career for the past 7+ years and while it is not always exciting, the chance to do what I want for myself and my family instead of what my company wants has been very fulfilling. Early on, there was a long list of projects in my “to-do” hopper and I attacked these projects with a vengeance for the first 9 months of retirement. Eventually, my brain told me that this was not what retirement was about, so it took me another 5 months before my industriousness again took over and I attacked another line of projects, this time somewhat shorter and less complicated, as well as many new projects related to the family weddings in 2016. After going hard for 6 weeks and 3 weddings, my body was telling me to relax, then the flu bug hit and as soon as that was done with me, my sciatic acted up. No rest for the wicked. In 2020 and 2021, the Covid 19 pandemic changed the whole retirement gig. I was lucky to not be still working, for sure. I enjoy photography, gardening, working with my hands, walking, cycling, skiing, travelling, reading and creating special photo and video productions obtained in my first pastime. I may never become wealthy in any of these pursuits, but I already feel I am rich in life experiences far beyond any expectation.
    kagould17 says:

    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.

    Reply

    • That’s so amazing! And yes you are correct, you can see the tower all over the city which is so neat! Thanks for your comment 🙂

      Reply

    • It really is! Every building is absolutely gorgeous and you can’t beat the bakeries! You’ll love it as much as you think you will 🙂

      Reply

      • I actually just posted a new blog with this info! 🙂 Besides the things in the post, I highly recommend you get a crepe from one of the stands near the arc de triomphe. They are absolutely delicious!!

  10. 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.

    Reply
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  12. allin321 – I am a 46 health and fitness enthusiast. I discuss all things health & fitness related while managing a personal and professional life. I discuss the ups and downs to living a healthy lifestyle and struggle and beauty of living each day to the beat of your ability. As always remember, ‘You Cannot Out Train A Bad Diet’!
    allin321 says:

    Nice posting.

    Reply
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  14. Nawab Tanweer Ahmad – Born on 10th of March in 1974 at Karachi, the business capital of Pakistan. A Computer Systems Engineer by Education and working in eCommerce and Online Shopping Industry for more than 14 years. Born on the 10th of March in 1974 at Karachi, a business capital of Pakistan. A Computer Systems Engineer by Education and working in eCommerce and Online Shopping Industry for more than 14 years. Since love travelling and nature, hence have visited many places including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [Riyadh, Diriyah, Ab-qaiq, Dhahran, Dammam, Al-Khobar, King Fahd Causeway, Al-Jubail, Unayzah, Buraydah, Al-Bukayriyah, Uglat Asugour, Madinah Al Munawwarah, Al-Badar, Jeddah, Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Taif], United Arab Emirates [Dubai, Al-Sharjah, Abu Dhabi Airport], Bahrain Airport, Malaysia [Kuala Lumpur, Singapore Airport], Sri Lanka Airport, India [New Delhi, Agra, Budaun, Bareilly], Pakistan [Karachi, Hyderabad, Makli, Thatta, Haleji Lake, Larkana, Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, Naudero, Mohen-jo-Daro, Ranikot Fort, Sann, Multan, Muzaffargarh, Qasba Gujrat, Kot Addu, Dera Ghazi Khan, Fort Monroe, Taunsa Barrage, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Muree, Ayubia, Patriata, Peshawar, Mardan, Rawalakot, Toli Pir, Banjosa, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Balakot, Kaghan, Naran, Saif-ul-Muluk, Lalazar, Batakundi, Jalkhad, Lalusar Lake, Babusar Pass, Dalain, Chillas, Tata Pani, Confluance of River Indus & Niver Gilgit, Junction point of Karakorum, Hindukush and Himalyas, Nanga Parbat View Point, Gilgit, Karimabad (Hunza), Bharpo Hopper Nagar, Altit, Baltit, Aliabad, Gulmit, Passu, Sost, Khunjerab]. Hobbies include Travelling, Reading, Stamp Collecting, Coin Collecting. In a path to learn about different countries and their people the hobbies that helped in this regard are Stamp and Coin Collecting. Having a large collection of stamps dated back to 1947. Reading books and material related to countries and places also play a major part of learning that fulfills traveling zeal. And the travelling also created love for plants, flowers, trees, full moon, and water/rain well basically anything that had to do with nature. Love sitting under a tree, or lay down under the open sky watching starts and sky. Having a strong desire to visit every city in the world and learn about their culture. As said by Vera Nazarian “Whenever you read a good book, somewhere in the world, a door opens to allow in more light”. In a desire to have more and more light love reading either in hardcopy or e-books. Loves different books related to Technology, Travel, Nature, Research but the most favorite book is “Readers Digest” an American general interest family magazine that includes topics from all aspects of life including Technology, Travel, Stories, Health and many more. This love of learning, collecting, researching and developing new skills has proven useful in career and also just to relish. Love watching & playing Football. Another sport loved, is Golf but never played it at Golf Court, but played many times on PC and Xbox. As of friendly nature and love people, have many friends at both in personal and professional life. Enjoy sitting with them and having chit chat. Hobbies include Travelling, Reading, Stamp Collecting, Coin Collecting. On a path to learn about different countries and their people the hobbies that helped in this regard are Stamp and Coin Collecting. Having a large collection of stamps dated back to 1947. Reading books and material related to countries and places also play a major part of learning that fulfills traveling zeal. And the travelling also created love for plants, flowers, trees, full moon, and water/rain well basically anything that had to do with nature. Love sitting under a tree or lay down under the open sky watching stars and sky. Having a strong desire to visit every city in the world and learn about their culture. As said by Vera Nazarian “Whenever you read a good book, somewhere in the world, a door opens to allow in more light”. In a desire to have more and more light love reading either in hard copy or e-books. Loves different books related to Technology, Travel, Nature, Research but the most favorite book is “Readers Digest” an American general interest family magazine that includes topics from all aspects of life including Technology, Travel, Stories, Health and many more. This love of learning, collecting, researching and developing new skills has proven useful in career and also just to enjoy. Love watching & playing Football. Another sport loved, is Golf but never played it on Golf Court but played many times on PC and Xbox. As of friendly nature and love people, have many friends at both in personal and professional life. Enjoy sitting with them and having a chit chat.
    Nawab Tanweer Ahmad says:

    Reblogged this on My Liked Blogs.

    Reply
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  19. 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.

    Reply
  20. Reg Spittle – Reg is the author of three trekking adventure books: Camino Sunrise, Trippin’ Through My 60s, and Hoofin’ It on the John Muir Trail. He and his wife have walked ten distance trails in seven countries.
    Reg Spittle says:

    Wow, I am impressed that you have more than 28 thousand followers! I just started my book blog…do you think you could spare a few thousand?

    Reply

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