The Eiffel Tower has long inspired francophiles and world travelers alike — it’s one of those iconic sights that never loses its magic. It instantly brings Paris to mind, standing tall as the city’s most beloved landmark.
Who hasn’t had a poster of this symbol on their wall or on a mug at some time?! We all recognize the Eiffel Tower a mile away! Visiting this icon was on our list when we set out for world travels as a family of seven, and it’s an experience you don’t want to miss when traveling with kids.
We LOVE our trips to Disneyland Paris, and get there 1-2 times a year after moving to Portugal. However, there is obviously SO much more to discover in Paris. If you’re planning Paris with kids, the Eiffel Tower is a must-do that sets the tone for your trip.
Let’s dive into the world of Parisian adventures and discover the best tips for visiting the Eiffel Tower with children so that you can make the most of it. While the tower sees hundreds of tourists a day, visiting with kids adds another element to your visit. A little planning ahead can make your visit so much smoother and way more enjoyable.
First of all, if you prefer to have an experience already mapped out and handled for you, we recommend a tour! These are often “door to door”, meaning they will pick you up from your hotel.
Sometimes, this is just the best way to go with kids. You’ll already have a lot on your mind getting out the door and getting everyone fed. It can be so lovely to have someone else handle the logistics!
Below are some tour options to consider:
Many of these tours are designed with children in mind and often include engaging commentary to enrich your visit.
Prices: Starts at €65.00 per adult or child.
Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.
Family Highlight: Enjoy panoramic views with your family. And, if you choose to, you can upgrade to the one-hour Seine River cruise.
Another option includes climbing the stairs instead, such as the Eiffel Tower Stair Climb Tour.
Prices: Starts at €47.00 per adult or €42.00 per child under 18.
Duration: 3.5 hours.
Family Highlight: Trust me — tackling the 700 stairs gives you a totally different view of the Eiffel Tower, and it’s a fun memory to make with the kids.
As you embark on this exciting adventure to the Eiffel Tower with your kids, be sure to pack essentials like snacks and water. Please remember to enjoy them before entering, as food and drinks are not allowed inside.
Don’t forget sunscreen for those sunny Parisian days, and of course, keep your phone handy to capture every delightful moment!
Another way to plan your trip is to make your own tour, book your tickets early, and lock in your visit.. Here are the ticket prices for exploring this magical place you’ve been dreaming of visiting! Prices range from €14.50 to €36, depending if you climb the stairs, take the elevator, or both.
We recommend you to buy your tickets 60 days in advance, so you can choose your preferred date and time. And, although digital tickets are fine, as back up, you may want to print them as well. Nothing is worse than relying on foreign data and not be able to pull something up you need!
Time to pick our path and conquer those heights together!
There are several ways to get to the Eiffel Tower with kids. Choosing what works best for you and your family is crucial.
When we visited the tower, we had our entire StroudInc team with us, along with their families. Taking over a dozen kids to the tower was no small feat! We were also staying at an amazing chateau about an hour away from Paris.
We had to get going early to make our ticketed time, and with unexpected transportation delays, some of us barely made it in time!
If you are staying in Paris proper, the Paris Metro offers two fantastic routes for a scenic arrival: Line 6 to Bir-Hakeim station or Line 9 to Trocadero.
Both unveil breathtaking views of the iconic tower as you approach. Look at the Metro map for easy navigation – a lifesaver with children! Checking your stops to make sure you are going in the right direction is crucial.
I personally recommend Google Maps when using public transportation in a new city. You can use the transport option, and it will tell you which line, what time, and sometimes even the platform! It takes a bit of time to get used to reading, but it is super helpful.
You can purchase your Metro tickets using the automatic machines available at all Metro and RER stations. Don’t worry—these machines are multilingual and offer English as well, so you’ll be all set. You can also buy your tickets online at the RATP website.
You can pay with debit/credit, or Euros/coins. Sometimes the machines also accept contactless payment methods. A single ticket costs €2.50, and a reduced fare for children from 4 to 10 years old is €1.25.
You can also get the Navigo Easy Pass, a reusable card that costs €2 and works on all metro lines within Paris. You can load single tickets with €2.50 each or €1.75 each when you buy a set of 10 for €17.50. It is available at RER and many Metro stations. Please note that prices are subject to change.
Alternatively, and what I prefer with so many kids in tow, you can go to the ticket window and just ask what you need for your group. Be sure to mention if you want to ride the metro all day, multiple days, multiple stops, etc.
If your kids have energy to burn, why not stroll to the Eiffel Tower from nearby gems like the Trocadero Gardens or the Champ de Mars? This walk allows you to truly absorb the Parisian atmosphere and create those precious, spontaneous family memories. You will love taking pictures with those beautiful views.
Taxis and rideshares can be a great option, especially when managing tired children. Forget about the stress of figuring out public transportation and the crowds, at least for now, and you’ll be dropped off much closer to the entrance, saving you and your kids from long walks.
A car ride will be way more comfortable, and it will save you time, so you can enjoy your day on this adventure. Also, it’s safer for you and your family.
You can plan your ride with Uber or G7 (a well-known taxi company in Paris) and book your ride up to 30 days in advance. You can also have an English speaking driver. Other options include Taxi Bleus and Bolt.
Once you’ve figured out how to get to the Eiffel Tower, its time to conquer how to see it best!
Imagine the iconic Eiffel Tower looming majestically over the Parisian skyline, a must-see for any adventurer. Add a couple of pint-sized explorers into the mix, and you’ve got yourself a whole new level of excitement. Kids make everything new, even if you’ve been to this famous hot spot before.
Alright, friends, listen up. If there’s one thing we’ve learned from our countless travels, it’s this: beat the crowds, and you’ll thank me later. Trust me, it will be a more enjoyable experience for the kids, and there will be fewer tourists to navigate.
We are notorious night owls, so I’m not the best at practicing what I preach! However, for a top travel spot like this, I’m willing to get to bed a bit earlier and set the alarm. For this attraction, earlier is simply better with kids in tow.
Arrive, ideally, before 10:00 AM. Typically, the Eiffel Tower opens around 9:30 AM. This can change to 9:00 AM during the busiest months. Beat the rush, breeze through the lines, and actually enjoy the view — all perks of getting there early with kids in tow.
So, set your alarms early, grab those croissants, and make a beeline for the Eiffel Tower at the crack of dawn. You’ll thank us when basking in the tower’s glory without the maddening crowds.
Alternatively, you can visit the Eiffel Tower with your kids in the late evening, after 8:00 PM. By this time, a lot of visitors have gone to their homes or hotels, and you can have a beautiful experience seeing the city illuminated at night. The tower lights up at each hour and is spectacular!
Keep in mind that the final entry is usually around 10:45 PM or 11:00 PM.
If seeing the sunset over Paris is on your list, arrive about an hour before it happens. You’ll get to see the city in daylight, watch the beautiful sunset, and then see everything light up at night. Just be prepared—it’s going to be crowded!
To potentially avoid significant crowds, consider planning your visit during the off-season, which typically runs from October to March, and on weekdays, such as Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.
While the tower gets thousands of visitors each year, it can be a bit more manageable in these off times.
I know waiting in lines is as fun as a sunburn on a beach day, especially with antsy children. One solution is to get those skip-the-line tickets in advance, and you’ll breeze past the queues like a VIP (Very Important Parent, that is).
No whining, no time wasted, just straight to the elevator, up, and away to Eiffel Tower heaven.
We recommend having a hearty breakfast so you and your kids don’t get hungry when you are at the Eiffel Tower. They usually don’t allow food or drinks inside the tower. While there are food options inside, they can be pricy!
Sometimes a granola bar or a tiny snack can go unnoticed, but for other options on site...
While the elevator may seem like the obvious choice, as it could appear to be the most comfortable option, why not spice things up a bit? Yes, it’s time to climb the stairs in the Eiffel Tower.
The kids might love the mini-hike (and maybe burn off some of that sugar from the snacks) if you can make it into a challenge! See who can do the most stairs without whining or who can climb the fastest (if crowds allow). The views from the Eiffel Tower’s steps are worth every step, we promise.
Being at the Eiffel Tower is a moment you want to treasure, even if it’s not your first time. Each experience is unique, and yes, when the inevitable moment comes when the kids spot the souvenir shops, and you hear “Can we get this, pretty please?”
Turn souvenir-hunting into a game—a scavenger hunt of sorts. Give each kid a budget and let them loose to find their perfect Eiffel Tower memento. It will keep them entertained, and maybe you’ll snag a cute magnet for the fridge.
I always encourage my kids to save their money for trips and remind them where else we are going… it’s a learning curve not to spend all your money on the first shop!
You can also buy souvenirs online if you prefer or if you forgot to buy an extra souvenir for the relatives.
Pro tip: You will find TONS of street vendors outside the Eiffel Tower. Most of these guys are not legal, and it can be a bit sketchy. However, they sometimes are offering the same things for less! Warn kids about this (and not to rush off and grab stuff from them), and you can decide if you want to barter with them or not.
No matter if you arrive in an Uber, taxi, or tour, you will thank me later for wearing comfortable shoes for you, your partner, and the kids. Nothing brings down a family adventure faster than hungry tummies or tired feet. These are the things my kids complain about the most!
Some of my recommendations for travel shoes include:
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And there you have it! The best tips for visiting the Eiffel Tower with kids. Remember, it’s about creating memories that’ll last a lifetime.
So, strap on your walking shoes, grab those skip-the-line tickets, and prepare for a Parisian trip. Now, go forth and appreciate the City of Light with your kids.
Keep in mind to add a dash of humor and a sprinkle of adventure to your family escapades when in doubt. Until next time!
Check out your travel necessities from a comprehensive list of all the 7Wayfinders Travel Must-Haves. Click Here!
Find a nice hotel near Paris from Expedia, or Vrbo, (we also love Tripadvisor and Hotels.com)
Discover more of Paris while having fun through exciting activities from GetYourGuide, Airbnb Experiences, or Viator
Need to rent a car to navigate the city? Visit Rentalcars.com.
Get insured while traveling with World Nomads / SafetyWing
Want to have a photo shoot while traveling? Check out flytographer!
Capture your best memories in Paris as we do with a GoPro, Sony camera, or our favorite drones: DJI FPV, Air, and Mini
Check out your travel necessities from a comprehensive list of all the 7Wayfinders Travel Must-Haves. Click Here!
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