Built of wrought iron and towering like a sentinel over the chic city of Paris, the Eiffel Tower is one of the continent’s most recognizable and visited icons.
Constructed over 3 years in the 1880s, it was originally built to wow and welcome attendees at the 1889 World’s Fair.
According to some statistics, it’s the most visited site in the world.
It draws nearly 7 million visitors per year and features unobstructed views of the city, and held the title of tallest building in the world for more than 40 years.
Below are 15 of the best Eiffel Tower tours that you won’t want to miss.
1. Night Bike Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket to Eiffel Tower
Source: beboy / shutterstockThe Eiffel Tower is a majestic structure, and it’s a wonder to behold no matter when you see it, but there’s something extra special about seeing it lit up at night against a dark sky.
Before making your way to the tour, you’ll set out on a guided bike tour along the Seine River and visit a few notable Parisian neighborhoods like the Latin Quarter.
When it’s time for the tower tour, you’ll be pleased to find that your ticket allows you and your companions to skip the line and head straight into the tower.
It’s a great value as the lines are often maddeningly long.
2. 3-Course Lunch at 58 Tour Eiffel Restaurant
Source: getyourguide.com58 Tour Eiffel restaurant is a trendy place to enjoy tasty French food while taking in the views around the park.
The restaurant is on the first floor so you won’t need to climb hundreds of stairs, and each ticket includes a 3-course lunch with a complimentary drink.
Lunches are served in a picnic-style basket, and with such iconic surroundings you may feel like you’ve stepped back in time a few decades, and are shooting a scene for a black and white noir romance movie about two French lovers.
After lunch don’t forget to collect your priority lift tickets and head to the observation area.
3. Eiffel Tower Summit Tour by Elevator
Source: Gimas / shutterstockFor those weary travelers who are in less than tip-top condition, a guided tour by elevator is the perfect way to see the Eiffel Tower and the amazing city vistas it affords.
Guests will meet their guide, and as they’re waiting to ascend he or she will give them an insightful narration into the tower and the amazing architect and builder who conceived it.
From the second level, clear views of the Champs-Élysées, Notre Dame and the Louvre Museum will provide amazing photo opportunities that you’ll want to take advantage of.
After the tour’s guided portion, visitors can take the elevator to the tower’s summit.
4. Paris and Eiffel Tower Small-Group Segway Sightseeing Tour
Source: viator.comSegway tours have become very popular lately. They’re inexpensive, fun, and enable users to cover a lot of ground quickly without requiring much physical effort.
This 2-hour guided Segway tour includes a quick orientation so everyone will be up to speed on how to operate their machine.
Then the tour will head off along the Seine River before visiting the Eiffel Tower, Place de la Concorde and the amazing statues that fill the scenic garden at the Rodin Museum.
Tour size is limited to 10 so you’ll get more personalized service, and you may see areas on the tour that you’ll choose to visit again later on your own.
5. Eiffel Tower Stair Climb with Optional Summit Access
Source: viewgene / shutterstockFor those fit and energetic travelers who relish the chance to experience a world-renowned site and burn off some extra breakfast calories, this stair climb tour to the tower’s second floor would be a great way to spend a few hours.
Though the second floor doesn’t sound very daunting, keep in mind that it takes over 700 steps to get there.
Along the way, you’ll learn about the tower’s history and construction and about the man who dreamt up the idea and then built it.
The tour lasts about 2 hours, and there’s an option to purchase an upgrade that will allow you to reach the summit as well.
6. City Tour with Eiffel Tower Lunch and Versailles Tour
Source: S-F / shutterstockThis 8-hour day-tour is a great way to combine a few of the city’s most noteworthy sites into one convenient value-packed tour.
The tour includes fast-track Eiffel Tower tickets to ensure guests don’t spend their valuable time waiting in line, and before heading out again, guests will eat a yummy picnic-style lunch at the trendy 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant.
The transportation portion of the tour is via a roomy, air-conditioned bus, and in addition to the Eiffel Tower, guests will get a guided tour of the Palace at Versailles and a quick stop at Notre Dame Cathedral as well.
7. Eiffel Tower Dinner and Seine River Cruise
Source: Samot / shutterstockIn Paris, dining out is taken seriously, and it’s often more of an experience than just a way to fill a rumbling stomach.
This 3-hour evening tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, and a tasty 3-course meal with wine at 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant.
After dinner and a few photos, guests will depart on the Seine River cruise portion of the tour, which will give them unique views of the city and some of the impressive bridges that span the river.
It’s a perfectly relaxing and indulgent way to cap off a day of exploring one of Europe’s most alluring cities.
8. Private Guided Night Tour of Paris by Citroën 2CV
Source: getyourguide.comIf you’ve ever wondered what those bizarre but cute little cars often seen in old French movies are, you’re in luck. They’re called the Citroën 2CV, and on this short, 45-minute evening tour you’ll get to ride in one.
It’s a perfectly quirky and romantic way to spend an evening and will include views of the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, Orsay Museum and the Louvre.
For those without much free time on their itineraries, it’s a great way to see some of the city’s most memorable sites in a short time, and get a historic narration from the driver-guide along the way.
9. Paris Bus Tour, Eiffel Tower Lunch and Seine Cruise
Source: Richie Chan / shutterstockThis 2-hour whirlwind tour will whisk eager guests through the city by bus and along the Seine by boat, and includes visits to most of the city’s iconic sites such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, Orsay Museum and Madeleine Church.
At each site, your guide will give you a brief historical overview of what you’re seeing, and many of the site’s histories go back centuries and are interwoven with the interesting and often tumultuous history of France.
The tour is capped off with lunch at 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant, which will give guests some much-needed time to relax, enjoy their lunch and take in the views.
10. Eiffel Tower Wedding Vow Renewal with Photo Shoot
Source: viator.comFor those happy couples looking for a truly unique activity to enjoy while in Paris, this wedding vow renewal with photo shoot would be a superb choice.
The tour and photo shoot are coordinated by a professional photographer who’ll get the most stunning pictures possible, most of which will have the dramatic Eiffel Tower and Champ de Mars gardens in the background.
The package includes 25 digitally edited images that you’ll receive on the same day as the tour, plus more that you’ll recieve on the following day.
It’s the perfect way to celebrate your visit to the undisputed romance capital of Europe.
11. Full-Day Eiffel Tower and Seine River Cruise with Lunch Tour
Source: Viacheslav Lopatin / shutterstockThe Seine River winds its way through Paris and the French countryside, and many of the country’s most notable sites are just a stone’s throw from its banks.
This full-day small group tour includes stops at Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, Arch de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysées.
Informative and interesting narration from your guide is included along the way, and at just the right time you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch.
Another tour highlight is the neighborhood of Montmartre, a bohemian area known as the home of many of the city’s artists and authors, and a chic place to stop for a drink or an afternoon coffee.
12. Dinner, Cruise & Champagne at Eiffel Tower and Moulin Rouge
Source: Lukas Gojda / shutterstockParis is referred to as the City of Lights, and on this evening combo-tour you’ll understand why.
The city comes alive at night with lights, tourists and city residents looking to unwind, dine, and share a few drinks with friends and family.
This well-planned and value-loaded tour includes many of the city’s must-see sites such as dinner at the 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant.
There’s a Seine cruise as well, and the land portion of the tour includes visits to the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre, after which it’s off to Moulin Rouge for a little bubbly and a lot of showgirls.
13. Eiffel Tower Skip-the-Line Admission and Seine River Cruise
Source: Feel good studio / shutterstockOn busy days the lines leading into the Eiffel Tower can make it seem like time is standing still.
By booking a tour such as this one, which includes a skip-the-line feature, guests can make the most of their limited time, and leave less savvy tourists in the dust.
The tour includes access to the viewing area on the tower’s second floor, and once participants have had their fill of the dramatic vistas, it’ll be time to head off to the river cruise portion of the tour.
On both portions of the tour you’ll be accompanied by a professional guide who’ll describe the things you’re seeing and why they’re so noteworthy.
14. Eiffel Tower and Food-Tasting Walking Tour
Source: Page Light Studios / shutterstockFor adventurous foodies, Paris is a city with unlimited possibilities, and this walking Eiffel Tower and food tour is a pleasant mix of exercise, history and world-class food.
The tour’s top attractions are the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides and Rodin’s gardens.
Along the way, you’ll learn about the city’s history and will enjoy multiple stops to sample local cheese, pastry and other delectable tidbits.
To promote an intimate atmosphere, tour size is limited to 8 guests.
The tour lasts about 3 hours and includes at least three tastings, a complimentary drink and guide.
Hotel pickup is an option but must be scheduled in advance.
15. Paris, Eiffel Tower Lunch and Louvre Tour from London by Rail
Source: Netfalls Remy Musser / shutterstockIf you’re staying in London but are dying to visit Paris and see its most iconic sites, then this Eurostar rail-trip would be an unforgettable way to visit the City of Lights.
The tour includes all the highlights that you’d expect, such as the Arch de Triomphe, Champs-Elysees, and of course the Eiffel Tower.
You’ll enjoy a hearty lunch on the tower’s second floor before heading off to see more sights.
Every portion of the tour is guided, so you won’t need to bother yourself with pesky details, and after a long but unforgettable day you’ll be deposited back in London.