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Hippopotamus

Ratings and reviews

Food and ambience, location and contact.

I come to paris many time but i never had a chance to try till now. We order medium rare steak but what we got a rare steak and we order grill whole fish and muscles, it turn out muscle is not cooked and fish... is nearly over cooked. Waitress is friendly but abit hard sell on the menu. Overall is ok. I like a potato chips that they provide it for free. More

I gave this restaurant a 3 rating because the tomato and burrata salad was very good. Otherwise not so good. The steak and frites were served cold. When I told the waiter he seemed displeased took it back, to return later with it lukewarm. This... restaurant seems to do a volume business but still, for the price, it should make sure food is served as soon as it is prepared. More

With this station being so close to Gare Saint-Lazare, we popped in for dinner after a day sightseeing in Versailles. We were seated quite promptly and the waiter was very understanding and helped us translate the menu to decide what we wanted. Food came relatively... promptly and was absolutely delicious. Took a while for the waiter to bring us the bill but it had started to get busy and there seemed to be only two staff on the floor. Overall it was a lovely way to end our day out. More

There was a big scam: when we arrive the waiter outside spoke english while the water on the inside spoke Only in french even if we made it clear that se didn't understand french at all. When we ordered She kept correcting us with the... pronounce of the food, but then we asked for steack of cheval, and She correct, but we di not understand what She said. When we paid we realize the steak that we were eating was not what we order but a steak much more expensive. More

Waited in line for 50 minutes ,for taking a seat ,the waitress just crossed my name to let her friends in .When i asked why did she do that ,she was just telling that she called my name ,which never happened because i was staying... near her . They serve good food but they don't really give a damn about the clients. More

Went for an early dinner while it was still quiet. Kids enjoyed playing on the fussball table while we waited for food to arrive. Quick service. Recommend the crush fixed price menu and the boeuf surprise. I had steak au poivre (also good) and the... kids had the kids menu and the waitress kindly said the kids menu burger is same size as adult burger just no mustard. Excellent service and good food. Only complaint is it was raining when we left but that is not the restaurant's fault! 🤣 More

Cher Tomnjo, Quel plaisir de lire votre commentaire, merci beaucoup pour vos encouragements ! Nous attendons avec impatience votre prochaine... More

If you want a very good beef I can hardly recommend to visit Hippopotamus in Paris. Good atmousphere, good service and great food. If you want salat, you have to order. The beef will be with fries ans sauce

Husbands meal was fine but I had the fish and chips and it wasn’t cooked. Service was great and she returned fish to the kitchen only for me to receive same piece of fish, this time cooked with cold chips. Oil fish was cooked in... needs to be changed as fish was greasy. Will not eat here again. Disappointing More

the worst steak house ever. Ordered a medium rear steak, got a very well done piece of meat 4mm thick. Back to the kitchen. Then I got an almost raw piece of meat. Sent back to the kitchen again. Then I got the same piece... of meat, still all red inside. Ate a few pieces, then not eaten again. Had to pay for everything. The meat was probably also contaminated, because that same evening I had a huge stomach ache. More

Dear ,Wiko49. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. I am sorry to hear that your visit did not satisfy you. The entire restaurant team pays particular attention to the quality of service in order to best satisfy all our... More

Staff were lovely and it was incredibly busy but we got a table regardless! You get free bread and crisps after you order your food which was a very nice touch. The chicken wings were nice but nothing special. They were also very small in... comparison to what i’ve had in other places. The fish looked weird and had a horrible taste to it. The chips were good, just average. My partner enjoyed his burger. Wouldn’t go here again. It was a pretty affordable meal though. More

We are vegan, but we like steakhouses because they usually have great potatoes. Hippopotamus surprised us because it was exceptionally good. We cheated a bit and tried the cheese ravioli. It was the best ravioli that I have ever had in my life. This is... a great restaurant chain with great atmosphere and service---even for a vegan. More

Went to eat dinner on April 20th, 2024 here and were seated at a table for two. We were handed menus and never received another thought by the staff. A French gentleman was seated promptly right beside us and was given a menu, ordered, and... received his food while we continued to wait. After 20+ minutes we decided to leave without receiving even water to drink, no order, and no food. Worst experience in Paris and felt like they didn’t want to upset their regulars by serving us. Our table was merely inches from the gentleman who was served and waited on. More

Hello Heric J, I am very surprised by the comments you make about the service provided during your visit to our restaurant. We always communicate the QR information for the translation of the menu into English for our foreign customers and as soon as the... More

Hands down, the worst dining experience in all of Europe. Family of four (9 and 7 yo kids), we had to ask for water. Then ask for service. Our drinks never came until we asked for them, having seen them sitting in the bar for... 20 minutes before we finally caved. Then two of our meals came. 30 minutes later had to ask for the other two meals. Then 20 minutes after finally finishing, had to ask for the kids deserts, which are included with kids meals. All in all, a 110 minute dinner, for a burger, a pasta and two kids meals. The burger was tiny, dry and frankly awful Please. Use your time more wisely. Go elsewhere. More

Dear PMJ1971, We regret that you did not find this dish to your liking. Be aware, however, that you have come to the wrong establishment. We do not produce pasta. But we offer quality beef and burgers. Hoping that this unfortunate visit does not prevent... More

We enjoyed the food and the service so much we went back twice in 6 days. My wife and I enjoyed the BBQ ribs. Also enjoyed their wings and for dessert we shared the tiramisu. That was so good that we went back 3 days... later just for the tiramisu which we ordered 2 since we both did not want to share. They also have a QR code to see the menu in English More

Restaurant is across the street from Hilton Paris Opera, so we decided to give it a try. Just like most of the restaurants in Paris, service is very slow. Happily, the food was very good! Not overly expensive either. One negative: I really wanted to... try their chocolate mousse, but was getting full from meal so I was hoping to get it to go. They don't pack anything to go! Eat it, or leave it.. I waited a few minutes, then ordered the mousse. It was good, but not sure it was worth eating then & there More

HIPPOPOTAMUS, Paris - 12-14 rue de Rome, L'Europe - Updated 2024 Restaurant Reviews & Phone Number - Tripadvisor

• Service: 3.5
• Atmosphere: 3

Visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris — A Complete Guide

By: Author Emily

Posted on Last updated: November 27, 2023

Going to the top of the Eiffel Tower is a quintessential bucket list item for anyone visiting Paris. However, long lines, crowded observation decks and sold-out tickets can make the excursion seem like more of a chore than the romantic experience it’s made out to be.

Don’t let these things deter you. With a little bit of planning and flexibility, you can have a truly magical trip to the Eiffel Tower summit.

This post will guide you through a perfect visit to the Eiffel Tower. We’ll break down how to get tickets (even if online tickets are sold out), explain the layout of the tower and ensure you know exactly what to expect when you arrive. We’ve filled this post with all of our best tips for reducing wait times, too, so you can have the most enjoyable time with the Iron Lady of Paris.

Let’s get started!

In this Post

Here’s what we’re covering in this post. We invite you to read the full guide or jump ahead to the section you’re most interested in.

About the Eiffel Tower

Getting around the eiffel tower — stairs vs elevators.

• How Much Does it Cost to Visit the Eiffel Tower
• Eiffel Tower Ticket Options
• Advance Tickets for the Eiffel Tower

How to Avoid Lines at the Eiffel Tower

Plan your visit, tips for visiting the eiffel tower.

The Eiffel Tower is the symbol of Paris. It was designed and built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World’s Fair. A cool 7 million people visit the Eiffel Tower annually, making it the most visited monument with an entrance fee in the world.

You can go inside the Eiffel Tower and visit three floors open to the public.

The first floor of the Eiffel Tower sits at 187 feet above ground. On this level you will find quick-service dining, gift shops and spacious, open-air seating with views overlooking Champ de Mars.

Also on the first floor is Madame Brasserie, which opened in June 2022. This restaurant is billed as contemporary cuisine with a rotating, seasonal menu. Reservations are recommended, but not required.

The second floor is the largest observation deck at the Eiffel Tower, showcasing 360-degree views of Paris. The second floor is 377 feet high, which is roughly 34 stories. Central Paris doesn’t have many other skyscrapers, so the views from here are uninterrupted and expansive.

On the second floor, there is a quick-service cafe and bar, macaron shop and gift shop. The Michelin-starred restaurant, Jules Verne, is also located on the second floor. Reservations for the restaurant are required and can be made online up to 90 days in advance.

The Eiffel Tower reaches 1,083 feet at its tallest point, but the highest publicly accessible floor sits just below that at 906 feet. The observation deck at the top of the Eiffel Tour offers a birds-eye view of the City of Lights.

The top of the Eiffel Tower comprises both indoor and outdoor (fenced-in) observation decks. There’s  a small bar at the top of the Eiffel Tower that sells Champagne, caviar and macarons. Also at the top of the Eiffel Tour is a restored replica of Gustave Eiffel’s office.

Each of the three public levels at the Eiffel Tower can be accessed by stairs and/or elevators (lifts).

Let’s start with stairs. You can take the stairs between the ground, first and second levels of the Eiffel Tower. You cannot take the stairs all the way to the top of the Eiffel Tower.

From the ground to the first floor is 327 steps, and from the first floor to the second floor is 347 steps. That’s a total of 674 steps from the ground to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. That’s roughly the same as taking the stairs to the 35th floor of a building. It takes about 30 – 45 minutes to climb the stairs to the second floor at the Eiffel Tower.

If stairs don’t appeal to you, there are two primary elevators that run in both directions between the ground floor and the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. There is a separate, single elevator that runs between the second floor and the summit.

Navigating the first floor via elevator is a bit more complicated. You can only get to the first floor on the elevator by coming down from the second floor. There is not standard elevator access from the ground level to level one or from level one up to level two. If you’re taking the elevator, it’s best to visit the first floor last on your way down.

It’s also worth noting that the second floor and top floor of the Eiffel Tower actually have two floors each. Even if you take the lift to these floors, there is a single flight of stairs required to access the primary observation deck and amenities on that floor.

Lastly, restaurant patrons at either Madame Brasserie or Jules Verne can take a separate elevator directly to the restaurants. These restaurants have special check-in locations on the ground level at the base of the Eiffel Tower.

How much does it cost to visit the Eiffel Tower?

Tickets to the Eiffel Tower vary in price based on how high you go and how you get up there.

It costs 26.80€ to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower via the elevator. This requires taking one elevator from the ground floor to the 2nd floor, and then switching to a different elevator from the second floor to the summit.

If you want to visit the summit and save a bit of money, you can select the stairs and elevator option. For 20.40€, you can take the stairs from the base of the Eiffel Tower to the second floor (674 steps), and then take the elevator from the second floor to the summit.

You can save even more money by skipping the summit completely. It costs 17.10€ to visit the second floor of the Eiffel Tower via elevator and only 10,70€ if you take the stairs.

Ticket prices for all levels of the Eiffel Tower include access to that level and all lower levels. There are also reduced ticket prices for children and visitors with disabilities. Do note that individuals with reduced mobility, including wheelchairs, are unable to access to the summit.

How to Purchase Eiffel Tower Tickets

There are two main ways to purchase tickets to go inside the Eiffel Tower.

The first option is to buy Eiffel Tower tickets online in advance. These advance tickets are often called eTickets, priority tickets or skip the line tickets.  Advance tickets for the Eiffel Tower are limited and sell out very quickly, especially tickets for the summit.

If you purchase Eiffel Tower tickets in advance, you will need to select a specific date and time for your visit. Guests with advance eTickets will have access to an expedited security queue and will be able to skip the line at the Eiffel Tower ticket office.

You can also buy tickets for the Eiffel Tower on the day of your visit from the ticket offices located at the base of the tower. Same-day tickets are for immediate entry and will not have a return time. There are two ticket office locations, one near each of the two entrances.

Please note, same-day Eiffel Tour summit tickets are limited and can sell out midday if capacity is reached.

One final way to get a ticket to the top of the Eiffel Tower is to take a paid tour. Several tour companies, such as Tripadvisor or Viator , offer tours of the Eiffel Tower. These tours are more expensive than the standard ticket pricing, and include added commentary.

If you choose to do a paid tour, do your research first. Not all tours include summit access.

How to Get Advance Tickets to the Eiffel Tower

There are a limited number of advance tickets for the Eiffel Tower available for purchase each day. Each advance ticket is for a specific date and time, which you must select when purchasing the ticket and cannot be modified.

Advance tickets for the Eiffel Tower are released 60 days in advance. Summit tickets can sell out within a few days of being released, and time slots can become limited within hours. Second floor only tickets remain available for purchase much longer.

For the best chance of getting summit tickets and the best selection of entrance times, check for tickets 60 days before your visit. Tickets are usually released around 9 AM Paris local time, so that’s the best time to snag your ideal entrance time.

The price of an advance eTicket to the Eiffel Tower is the same as tickets purchased same-day at the ticket office.

Skip the Line Tickets for the Eiffel Tower

Advance eTickets for the Eiffel Tower are sometimes called “skip the line” tickets, but that’s not exactly accurate. There are no true “skip the line” tickets for the Eiffel Tower, just “skip some of the lines” tickets.

Guests with advance eTickets can go through expedited security and skip the queue at the ticket office. However, all guests regardless of ticket type, will have to wait in the same queue for the elevator to the summit and back.

Summit elevator queues at 11:20 AM on a June Monday morning

For that reason, we suggest selecting an early morning time for your advance eTicket if possible. While advance tickets will save you time getting to the second floor, you’ll have to wait in lines for all subsequent elevators just like everyone else. These lines will be shortest early in the day.

If you want to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower at night, try selecting a time after 8 PM for the shortest evening lines.

Pros & Cons of Advance eTickets to the Eiffel Tower

Advance eTickets for the Eiffel Tower are appealing for two reasons: they guarantee entry and eliminate wait times at the ticket office. This is important because day-off tickets to the summit of the Eiffel Tower can sell out midday if they hit capacity.

For guests who want to visit the Eiffel Tower in the evening, advance tickets make this experience substantially more pleasant. There is no stress of summit tickets selling our or multi-hour queues at the ticket office.

The down side to advance tickets, though, is that it illuminates flexibility. Advance eTickets for the Eiffel Tower are for a specific date and time. If there are changes to your travel plans or the weather doesn’t cooperate, you’re out of luck.

All this to say, advance eTickets are overall good to have, but don’t panic if you can’t get them.

If you want to avoid long queues at the Eiffel Tower, the answer might surprise you. The trick isn’t getting advance eTickets; it’s simply arriving early.

While an advance eTicket will reduce wait times at security and the ticket office, arriving early is the best way to reduce wait times at all elevator queues. How early you need to arrive at the Eiffel Tower will vary based on when you visit.

If you’re visiting the Eiffel Tower on a weekday, we suggest arriving at the scheduled open time (typically 9 AM). If your schedule in Paris requires a weekend visit to the Eiffel Tower, it’s best to arrive 30-60 minutes before it opens.

Eiffel Tower Ticket Office queue at 1 PM on a Monday in June

The Eiffel Tower is the most crowded during the summer months of June, July and August. During these months, expect wait times to get longer, faster. Even if you arrive early and get to the summit quickly, you may still experience waits for descending elevators. The waits will still be shorter earlier in the day than later.

Weather can also impact wait times. If the weather is less than ideal, you can comfortably plan to arrive within the first hour of opening and still experience minimal waits. (NOTE: The tower doesn’t typically close for poor weather, but extreme weather can cause disruptions and occasional closures.)

In our personal experience, we arrived one hour after open on a cloudy Monday in June and barely waited in any lines. However, by the time we were leaving, lines for the elevator to the summit were already quite long.

The official Eiffel Tower website has great crowd information which can help you plan for and avoid busy times. There’s also a handy live crowded tracker on their homepage .

As your Paris travel plans begin to take shape, start thinking about how your visit to the Eiffel Tower will fit into your itinerary.

In this section, we’ll breeze through some planning questions to help you pick the best month, day and time to visit the Eiffel Tower.

When is the Eiffel Tour Open?

The Eiffel Tower is open every day of the year except one — the Eiffel Tower is closed on Bastille Day on July 14. Unlike most museums in Paris that close on Tuesdays, the Eiffel Tower is open every day of the week.

On most days of the year, the Eiffel Tower opens at 9 AM. During parts of May and June it opens at 9:30 AM, so be sure to check the official hours before your visit.

What’s the best time to visit the Eiffel Tour?

The summer months and weekends are the most popular times at the Eiffel Tower. According to their website , the Eiffel Tower is the busiest from late June through early September. It’s more crowded on weekends versus weekdays, and it reaches its peak daily crowds between 11 AM – 5 PM.

If you’re looking to avoid some of the peak crowds, try targeting shoulder season in April/May and September/October. You do face a greater chance of poor weather during the spring and fall months, though. Be sure to set your expectations accordingly.

When considering specific days, we suggest visiting the Eiffel Tower on a Tuesday if possible. Most other museums are closed on Tuesdays, so it’s a great way to fill an otherwise quiet tourism day in the city. It’s also one of the least crowded days at the Eiffel Tower.

I personally believe that nothing beats Paris in the Fall. The weather is crisp, the foliage is delightful, and the fashion is on point. I would suggest visiting the Eiffel Tower on a Tuesday morning in early October for the ideal visit.

Should you go to the Eiffel Tower during the day or at night?

Day and night at the Eiffel Tower are two completely different experiences. Daytime at the Eiffel Tower will offer the clearest views of the city, but they don’t call Paris the City of Lights for nothing. The evening view from the top of the Eiffel Tower can be spectacular, too.

Personally, we would recommend daytime at the Eiffel Tower. Specifically, we recommend visiting in the early morning. The daylight allows you to find Paris landmarks around the city and appreciate the pops of color from the parks around town.

Of course the Eiffel Tower at night is magical, too. From sundown till 1 AM, the Eiffel Tower lights up with a sparkling light show. The best way to appreciate the glistening Eiffel Tower at night, though, is from the ground, not inside the tower.

If you want to see the Eiffel Tower at night, we suggest finding a spot at Trocadero Gardens at dusk. It has the best view of the tower and is the perfect place to relax after a long day in Paris.

How long does it take to visit the Eiffel Tower?

Depending on when you visit and how high up you go, a trip to the Eiffel Tower can take anywhere from 2 – 4 hours.

We suggest spending 30-60 minutes at the summit and another 30 minutes each on the second and first floors. If you’re planning on dining, we suggest eating on the first floor for the shortest waits. Lunch can take another 30-60 minutes.

In a perfect world, we’d spend two hours at the Eiffel Tower, but that does not account for wait times. Buffer in an extra 1-2 hours for queues at the ticket office and elevators.

To be safe, we would recommend blocking off 4-5 hours in your day for a leisurely visit to the Eiffel Tower. It might not take that long, but you don’t want to be rushing through it.

• Visit the Eiffel Tower from top to bottom . If you have a summit ticket, start by going all the way to the top and working your way down. This will help ensure you have the shortest waits and least crowded experience on each floor. It’s also the easiest way to access all of the floors via elevator.
• Take the stairs down from the second floor . The lines to take the elevator down can be long, but the waits for the stairs are usually low or non-existent. Even if you have an elevator ticket, you’re still allowed to take the stairs down if you choose. If you’re able to take the stairs, it’s a great way to cut out a few lines.
• Buy souvenirs and food on the first floor . There are souvenir shops on the first and second levels, and a coin press at the summit. The store on the first floor is the least crowded and has mostly the same items available as the upper floors, even the summit souvenir coin. Cafe lines are also much shorter on the first floor and the options are similar.
• Take advantage of imperfect weather. Don’t be deterred if it’s a little cloudy on the day you visit the Eiffel Tower. In fact, it will keep crowds down and might actually be better! We visited on a cloudy day and the views were still incredible.
• Buy your tickets from the ticket office near Entrance 2 . There are two entrances at the Eiffel Tower, each with a ticket office nearby. The ticket office near Entrance 1 (south pillar) is more crowded, because that’s the more popular entrance. Head to the ticket office near the eastern pillar by Entrance 2 for a shorter line.

Closing Thoughts

I’m not going to lie, I was not excited about visiting the Eiffel Tower. Reports of huge crowds and long lines made it sound awful. I also like my views of Paris to include the Eiffel Tower, which I wasn’t going to get from the Eiffel Tower.

I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by my Eiffel Tower experience. With an early arrival and weekday visit, the crowds were very low. This made the our visit low stress and super easy.

The open air observation deck at the summit feels like you’re at the top of the world. I’ve been to the top of a lot of tall buildings, but nothing quite compares to standing on that tiny observation deck at the top of the Eiffel Tower.

While I didn’t expect to love a Paris view without the Eiffel Tower in it, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t impressed. The sweeping views highlight the sheer size of the city of Paris and it’s fun to hunt down all the other icons.

The view from the second floor was way better than I expected, too. Some things (like Montmartre) were even more impressive from the second floor than from the top.

It was a real bucket-list moment that I didn’t expect to love, but did. I definitely don’t think I’d have loved it as much if I had to wait in line for 3 hours, though.

At the end of the day, I would say that a visit to the Eiffel Tower is absolutely worth it. It’s definitely something worth doing once in a lifetime in the City of Lights. I’m not sure I’ll do it again, but I’m glad I did it once.

Want even more great views of Paris, including a great view of the Eiffel Tower herself? Consider a visit to the top of Montparnasse Tower , too!

More From This Trip

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• London Travel Guide
• Things to do in London with Kids – Family Travel Guide + Tips
• How to Use the London Underground – A Beginner’s Guide to the Tube
• Bankside Hotel London Review
• London Eye Visitor Guide – How to Visit the Iconic Ferris Wheel in London
• Stonehenge Visitor Guide + Inner Circle Tour Review
• Little Venice London Boat Ride Guide & Review
• Visiting London Transport Museum
• Complete Guide to Big Ben in London
• Borough Market Visitor Guide
• Best Views of Paris that Aren’t the Eiffel Tower
• Visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris – A Complete Guide
• Walking in Paris – 5 perfect walks through Paris with maps
• Paris with Kids – Planning Guide, Things To Do & Tips
• Montparnasse Tower Visitor Guide + Tips
• Amsterdam with Kids – Planning Guide, Things To Do & Sample Itinerary

The birth of the Eiffel tower

A realized utopia, eiffel tower.

You are at the top of the Eiffel Tower, overlooking Paris at a height of almost 300 m / 1000 feet.

At the opening of the Tower in 1889, this very place was different from what you are seeing.

Le Campanile et le Phare de la tour Eiffel - Les merveilles de l'Exposition 1889 by © Collection tour Eiffel Eiffel Tower

It was used, in particular, as a laboratory to carry out scientific experiments and measurements. Many instruments were installed here such as barometers, anemometers, lightning conductors.

In fact, Gustave Eiffel arranged an office for himself at the very top of the Tower for astronomical and physiological observations. He even installed a weather station.

It was these scientific experiments carried at the Tower which saved it from being destroyed by popular demand. Did you know the Tower should have been pulled down just 20 years after it was erected for the 1889 Exposition Universelle!

Affiche - Chemin de fer Paris-Lyon-Méditerranée - Exposition Universelle 1889 - Paris by © Collection tour Eiffel Eiffel Tower

For the 1889 Universal Exhibition, marking the centenary of the French Revolution, a great competition was announced in the country's Official Gazette.

Universal exhibitions were a technological and industrial showcase for nations, testifying to the achievements made during the industrial revolution.

Le Champ de Mars et l'Ecole Militaire depuis les hauteurs du Trocadéro avant la construction de la tour Eiffel by © Collection tour Eiffel Eiffel Tower

The 1889 competition consisted of "studying the possibility of erecting on the Champ-de-Mars a 300-metre tower with a 125m2 square base". 

The Champ-de-Mars and the Military school as seen from the Trocadéro before the construction of the Eiffel Tower.

Selected from among 107 projects, it was that of Gustave Eiffel, an entrepreneur, Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier, both engineers, and Stephen Sauvestre, an architect, that was accepted.

Gustave Eiffel en pied dans l'escalier de la tour Eiffel by © Collection tour Eiffel Eiffel Tower

A brilliant engineer, Gustave Eiffel founded a company specialising in metal structural work.

In this sense the Eiffel Tower was the very height of his career. He devoted the last thirty years of his life to experimental research.

This enthusiast and true genius was able to transcend his own limits to leave us monuments such as the dome on the Nice Observatory, the metal structure of the Statue of Liberty and the Bordeaux railway bridge.

Bureau des Etudes de Gustave Eiffel - La Tour Soleil de Bourdais, projet concurrent de la tour Eiffel (calque à la plume) by © Collection tour Eiffel Eiffel Tower

The competition held at the time of the 1889 Exposition Universelle received several other entries for 300-metre towers.

A serious component was the project of Jules Bourdais, he was the architect of Palais du Trocadéro. 

He imagined a tower of 300 m based only of stone.

Dessin projet de MM Eiffel, Nouguier et Koechlin by © Collection tour Eiffel Eiffel Tower

In June 1884, Emile Nouguier and Maurice Koechlin, the two chief engineers in Eiffel's company, came up with the idea of building a very tall tower. It was to be designed like a large pylon.

It would have four columns of latticework girders, separated at the base and coming together at the top, and joined to each other by more metal girders at regular intervals.

Pylône de 300m de hauteur pour la ville de Paris - 1889 - Avant Projet de MM Nouguier et Koechlin by © Collection tour Eiffel Eiffel Tower

The company had by this time perfectly mastered the principle of building bridge supports. The tower project was a bold extension of this principle up to a height of 300 metres - equivalent to the symbolic figure of 1,000 feet.

Reproductions des planches originales de Gustave Eiffel by © Collection tour Eiffel Eiffel Tower

On 18 September 1884, Eiffel registered a patent “for a new configuration allowing the construction of metal supports and pylons capable of exceeding a height of 300 metres”.

Sauvestre proposed stonework pedestals to dress the legs, monumental arches to link the four columns and the first level, large glass-walled halls on each level, a bulb-shaped design for the top and various other ornamental features to decorate the whole of the structure.

The first floor - Copy of Gustave Eiffel's original plates

The second floor - Copy of Gustave Eiffel's original plates

The top - Copy of Gustave Eiffel's original plates

Antennas - Copy of Gustave Eiffel's original plates

The first digging work started on 26 January 1887 and marked the beginning of the Tower's construction.

Conception—Société d'Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel

The Eiffel Tower in 1900

The eiffel tower's inauguration and first visitors, the construction of the eiffel tower.

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How To Visit the Eiffel Tower in 2024: Tickets, Hours, Tours, and More!

Brandon Shaw Last Updated: February 21, 2024

The Eiffel Tower is synonymous with Paris. Who doesn’t want to visit this iconic monument and one of the biggest attractions in Europe? Tickets to the Eiffel Tower are hard to come by but don’t worry. This article will cover everything you need to know about how to visit the Eiffel Tower, from tickets to tours.

Pro Tip: Planning your trip to the Eiffel Tower in Paris? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. Check out our guide to Paris and the Eiffel Tower for more planning resources and a list of the best tours of the Eiffel Tower .

Visiting the Eiffel Tower: What We’ll Cover

Gustav Eiffel’s monument hasn’t always been the jewel of Paris, but it certainly is to millions of visitors today. There are three levels you can visit on the Eiffel Tower, so you’ll need to plan your trip accordingly.

All tickets to the Eiffel Tower can be hard to get during the peak summer season, so be sure to plan ahead. Keep reading to learn how to visit the Eiffel Tower and what you need to know.

• Opening hours and tickets
• How long to budget for your visit
• How to get there
• What to see when visiting the tower
• Guided tour options
• Facts and history of the Eiffel Tower
• Best time to visit
• Places to eat inside and nearby

Eiffel Tower Opening Hours and Tickets

Opening Hours:

The Eiffel Tower monument is open daily from 9 am to 12:45 am (last admission at 11:45 pm). Opening hours are subject to seasonal changes, so be sure to check the official website for up-to-date hours on the day of your visit.

There are five different types of admission tickets for the Eiffel tower at varying prices. Some include access by the stairs or the elevator. Here is a quick summary of ticket types and prices.

Address: Champ de Mars

We also run a few amazing Eiffel Tower tours that get 5-star reviews. It’s a great way to guarantee admission and hear insider stories with a local guide!

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  best Eiffel Tower tours to take and why .

How Long To Spend at the Eiffel Tower

Short Answer: 3 hours

Assuming you get tickets or a tour to go up the Eiffel Tower, you should plan on at least three hours. As you’ll read in my below recommendations, I think this is best done in a half-day event including a meal and ideally champagne if you plan on doing things correctly.

If you are reading this then you are very possibly planning ahead for your trip. I recommend putting aside some additional sheckles to have a killer meal on the Eiffel Tower! Eating and exploring would take about 4 hours at lunch or 5 to 6 hours at dinner.

If you can’t get tickets or decide not to go up (which is a true mistake!) you should plan on spending 20 minutes walking through the area until you capture that picture of you touching the top of the Eiffel Tower.

How To Get To the Eiffel Tower

The preferred method of transport in Paris is the metro. The Eiffel Tower is located footsteps away from Camp de Mars / Tour Eiffel station which is on the RER C. You can also get off at the Ecole Militair on Line 8 or Bir-Hakeim on Line 6 which are both within walking distance. When you get out of the metro station look for the Eiffel Tower and you’re there!

You can take the 30, 42, 80, 82, 86 or Direct 2. Get off when you feel you are close enough to walk to the tower.

Luckily, you can see the Eiffel Tower from basically anywhere in Paris. Walk towards it!

Our Best Guided Tours of Paris

Likely to Sell out

Privileged Access Eiffel Tower Night Tour With Seine River Cruise

Sometimes the most amazing moments happen by chance. Other times, they are orchestrated by professionals. Our Eiffel Tower tour takes you on a cruise down the Seine River for incredible views of Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower. Champagne included, of course. Then you’ll be guided to the Eiffel Tower, skip the long lines, and head up the elevator to the second floor for a night to remember.

Top Selling

Ultimate Taste of Paris Food Tour in Le Marais

Embark on a culinary journey in Le Marais—one of the hippest neighborhoods in Paris. Most food tours in Paris offer cheese and wine, but we include a full, sit-down meal! Enjoy a feast of French cheeses, oysters, street food, boeuf bourguignon, crème brûlée, and more. This 3-hour food tour combines the best of Paris’ culinary heritage and you won’t find a better deal out there!

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  best Paris tours to take and why .

What To See When Visiting the Eiffel Tower

You may read this and think, “You go to the tower, then you go up the tower, and finally, you see a great view. Right?”

In reality, there’s a lot more to do than you may expect. The structure is extremely tall and it is framed by two huge parks that occupy more than 2 million square feet of downtown Paris, France. In this section, we’ll explain what do to in, at the top, and around the Eiffel Tower.

First Floor, Second Floor, and the Summit

Yes, you should make every effort possible to go up the Eiffel Tower. The tickets start at €11.30, which is affordable enough for anyone who can afford a visit to Paris.

However, don’t think you can show up on a Saturday and say, “Two please!” These tickets are extremely difficult to get. You’re going to want to book ahead, especially if you’re looking to see the best view from the summit.

Hungry? Restaurants at the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower may look like a thin, wiry structure but at any given moment there could be up to 3,000 people eating, drinking, or snapping selfies from 58 meters to 276 meters off the ground on the Eiffel’s three observation decks.

When I travel, I’m a bit of a bon vivant . We all work hard, so decompressing on vacation and enjoying the sweet fruits of our labor is super important.

This is why I always say, “If you can, you should go inside.” This goes for eating at Madame Brassiere or Le Jules Verne—if you can. Check out our dedicated article on eating at the Eiffel Tower to plan and even make reservations.

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if  Paris tours are worth it .

Eiffel Tower Tours Options

While seeing the Iron Lady is a wonderful experience if you go by yourself or with friends, the historical value is often lost on visitors. Joining a small group tour of the Eiffel Tower guarantees you get to skip all of the lines, learn from a professional historian, and see Paris’ most famous structure in all of its splendor. Here are our most popular Eiffel Tower tours:

Privileged Access Eiffel Tower Night Tour with Seine River Cruise

This top-rated tour is one of the best Eiffel Tower tours for families, solo travelers, and couples looking for a romantic evening. Your evening starts with a serene cruise on the Seine seeing the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, and Notre Dam as the sun begins to set. On your way back, the Eiffel Tower will be lit up to guide your way to the elevator that will take you to the popular second floor. And with skip-the-line tickets, you’ll avoid the extra long lines in the evening!

See tour itinerary, price, and description

Paris in a Day Tour with Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Notre Dame (includes river cruise)

Paris is home to three famous attractions and you’ll see all of them on this tour. It’s the perfect way to get to know this incredible city from the streets of Montmarte to the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. In just one day, you’ll take pictures of the famous Mona Lisa , gaze upon Notre Dame, cruise the Seine River, and view Paris from the second floor of the Eiffel Tower!

Twilight Magic: Eiffel Tower Summit Tour with Seine Cruise

This Eiffel Tower tour is the most sought-after tour we have in Paris. Not only do you sip champagne on a river cruise, skip the line past the general public, and get a local tour guide, but you also get to visit the summit of the tower for the best view in Paris! Oh, and you’ll even stop at the second floor before heading to the top. It’s an incredible deal that is worth every penny for the memories you’ll make.

Private Eiffel Tower Tour with Champagne and Seine River Cruise

Booking a private tour is always the way to go if your budget allows. With a private guide, you’ll hear explanations about what you’ll see during your Seine River cruise, then be escorted at your own pace past the lines at the Eiffel Tower. The private Eiffel Tower tour with a Seine River cruise is the most elegant way to visit the Eiffel Tower!

Eiffel Tower Climbing Tour with Summit Access

For the active traveler, this climbing tour of the Eiffel Tower is another solid choice. With skip-the-line tickets and a local guide, you’ll climb 674 steps to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. Take in the awesome views from this popular level before getting in the elevator to the summit. You can enjoy your time on either level as long as you like, so don’t forget to make a restaurant reservation!

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if an Eiffel Tower tour is worth it .

Facts and History of the Eiffel Tower

• The Eiffel Tower is located in a park known as Champ de Mars which is in the 7th arrondissement of Paris in France.
• The tower was constructed to be the entrance to the World’s Fair in 1889 and took two years to build.
• It was built by engineer Gustave Eiffel whose innovative design has led to his name going down in the history books. Many said that a structure of this size simply couldn’t be built. I assume that motivated him even more.
• The Eiffel Tower is 1063 feet tall (324m) which makes it about 75 stories tall (14ft per story).
• On average, about 7 million people visit the tower per year making it one of the most visited (ticketed) buildings on Earth. It was constructed to display France’s engineering prowess at the World’s Fair and beyond. Today, it has become the emblem of Paris.
• Mountain Climbers: Apparently when the city decided to add more lights to the tower, approx 20,000 lights, they hired mountain climbers to scale the tower and attach them. I wonder what the electricians union thought about that?
• The tower is host to three levels, two restaurants, and various bars.
• Le Jules Verne, which is a Michelin star-rated restaurant on the second level of the tower. The second is named Le 58, which is on the tower’s first level, 58 meters from the ground.
• The absolute top level features a Champagne bar named “Bar A Champagne”. You don’t need a fancy name to sell a class of Champagne on the summit of arguably the world’s most romantic structure.
• Beyond that, there are multiple buffets, terrace bars, and even a macaroon bar (which makes sense).

Best Time To Visit the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most visited attractions on Earth with 7 million + visitors per year. Reserving ahead is the key to a positive and stress-free experience. If you can get the tickets, when is the best time to go?

At and after sunset is by far the most attractive time to visit the Eiffel Tower. The tower lights up every hour on the hour after sunset for 5 minutes until 1 am or 2 am depending on the season. The 336 lamps/projectors make the tower light up in a very sporadic fashion which is really a joy to look at.

Do a search for when sunset is the day of your visit and show up 45 minutes before sunset. Book your tickets anytime between 45 minutes before sunset to closure. This way you can see the tower at sunset and go up in the same evening.

You can enjoy the Eiffel Tower during the day as well and watch the light show from the ground at night.

An afternoon at the Eiffel Tower can be really great. The official website advises 1.5 hours for the 1st and 2nd levels and 2.5 hours for all three levels, but you can really stay as long as you like.

Visiting during the day allows you to explore and have a casual meal and or drink while walking around.

Try to get tickets to go up around noon. This way you can have a drink and meal while you are in the tower. If you don’t want to eat buffet food, reserve your tickets for later afternoon. Maybe after 4 pm. This way you can have some drinks on the tower at the end of your day before you get ready for dinner.

April 1 to Oct 31:

From April 1st to Oct 31st, the Eiffel Tower will be extremely hard to reserve. Make sure you reserve in advance to get the entry time you like.

I highly recommend joining a guided tour if you go in the summer. The guides really make the tower come to life and it often includes a sunset cruise on the Seine river. Make sure you read the details to know if the tour you are booking includes that. It is an awesome experience.

Nov 1 to March 31:

With the exception of Christmas, you basically will be able to have your pick on what time to visit the tower. I recommend you go in the afternoon as the temperatures may be warmer.

That said, you are going to want to see it at night evening in the winter. If this is the case, dress warm!

Places To Eat Inside and Nearby the Eiffel Tower

When you visit the Eiffel Tower, you have the option of dining in one of three fantastic restaurants on the Eiffel Tower. We’ve also included a few suggestions for great places to eat nearby, Fore more options, check out our article on the best restaurants near the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Madame Brassiere

This is a great restaurant with views over the Seine. The cuisine is also wonderful thanks to Michelin-star chef Thierry Marx who focuses on sustainable foods.

You can opt to eat in the classy restaurant or sit in the more relaxed lounge that also has great city views and is ideal for an evening drink and appetizers. Coming in the morning? They also serve breakfast that’s worth coming early for.

• Priority access to 1st level of Eiffel Tower
• A very high-quality meal crafted by Thierry Marx who received two Michelin stars at Sur-Mesure
• An experience you will not forget.

For me, it is a no-brainer. If you can plan ahead far enough to get the reservation, you should save the extra money for you and another person to enjoy this experience.

Address: Madame Brassiere

Le Jules Verne

The definition of bon vivant is a person who enjoys a sociable and luxurious lifestyle. The photo next to it had better be someone eating a meal at Jules Verne. The restaurant has received 1 Michelin star under all four chefs who have run Le Jules Verne.

Here, a meal will run you €190 – €230 per person for dinner excluding beverages—a five-course and seven-course menu respectively. It might not be for everyone, but if you can you should.

They have a slightly more affordable menu at €105 for lunch excluding beverages for a 3-course tasting menu. Eating at the Jules Verne is a special experience for anyone who can afford it and manages to get a booking.

You can book through their official website. They release timeslots 90 days in advance, so forget about booking a year ahead. You have two choices: the Main Rooms (overlooking the city) and the Alcove (overlooking the interior).

Main Rooms obviously go first, although the website tries to sell the benefits of the Alcove. You can sit down for lunch between 12 to 1:30 pm at 15-minute intervals.

Dinner sit-down times are 7, 7:15, and 7:30 pm. Expect a magnificent 3-hour dining experience for the 5-course menu and longer for the 7-course menu.

Address: Le Jules Verne

Bistrot Buffet

Throughout the 1st and 2nd floors, there are various buffets, snack bars, and shops that will satisfy your hunger or thirst. Exactly what you will expect from a stand-up counter service establishment. Definitely gets the job done.

If you manage to get the coveted ticket to the summit or top tier, definitely put aside a few euros for a glass of champagne. There is a small bar that serves champagne named Champagne A Bar . Very straightforward.

Near the Eiffel Tower

Café de l’Homme : €€€€ | Eiffel Tower Views —You could say this upscale bistro is more about the view than the food but many would say it’s about both. Just across the river located on Place de Trocadéro, this treat would definitely impress that special someone. Be sure to reserve a table with a view in advance or you will only see part of the experience.

Arnaud Nicolas : €€€ | French Cuisine —Enjoy a cut of meat? This institution has earned the most prized awards in France for preparation of pâté and foie gras among other dishes. This is a special meal so make reservations and come hungry.

Where To Stay in Paris

With a city as magnificent as Paris, it can be hard to find the perfect hotel at the perfect price. Explore the best hotels and places to stay in these incredible neighborhoods in Paris.

About Brandon Shaw

Brandon is a co-founder and owner of The Tour Guy and its subsidiary The Roman Guy. He left the States to travel the world at 18 and never looked back! As an official Tour Guide of Rome and Certified Sommelier, he loves to travel the world and share these experiences with his readers.

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Hippopotamus Ticket Price, Hours, Address and Reviews

• Île-de-France
• Things To Do In Paris

Hippopotamus

• Address: 27 Rue de Dunkerque, 75010 Paris, France
• Timings: 11:00 am - 10:30 pm Details

Hippopotamus Reviews & Ratings

Attractions Nearby

• Eiffel Tower
• Louvre Museum
• Musee D Orsay
• Luxembourg Gardens
• Arc De Triomphe
• River Seine
• Sacre Coeur Montmartre
• The Grand Trianon
• Disneyland Park
• Chartres Cathedral
• Chateau De Versailles
• Walt Disney Studios Park
• La Maison Picassiette

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Venez la découvrir sans plus attendre !

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Avec le programme de fidélité Steakhouse Club

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Des chaises hautes et réhausseurs sont à disposition

Le restaurant dispose d'un parking

Offres ciné

5€ de réduction sur présentation d'un ticket de cinéma du jour pour toute consommation d'au minimum 23€/personne. Conditions disponibles en restaurant.

Service continu

Votre restaurant vous sert à toute heure !

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Eiffel Tower Concert Series

Until June 23, 2024

Choose your date From 29€/person

• Information

No intermission

Classical concert

For all audiences

No dialogue

Highlights: Eiffel Tower Concert Series

A magical classical concert with the most gorgeous view to be found in the City of Lights - what’s more to love? Enjoy this symphonic spectacle at the Eiffel Tower, featuring some of the most beautiful classical arias from the greatest composers of all time: Vivaldi, Strauss or the greatest arias from the greatest soprano of all times: Maria Callas. Allow yourself to be bewitched by the sublime melodies of the strings and orchestra, atop the one of the most iconic monuments in the world: Paris would not be Paris without its celebrated landmark and renowned musicians and singers!

Don't forget that all tickets also include a free Elevator Pass giving you access to the 1st floor, and if you wish, you can also access the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower by stairs to enjoy Paris from new heights! 

Story: Eiffel Tower Concert Series

Talented musicians offer you the jewels of classical music for violin, voice, and orchestra. From Vivaldi to Maria Callas, enjoy the most beautiful arias of the repertoire to spend an evening surrounded by the famous Iron Lady, the true symbol of Paris. A memorable and timeless experience. What could be more intense than a classical concert in the air above Paris!?

Premium Experience

Want a little more than just a ticket to the show? To make your experience unforgettable, you can choose the option to include a glass of champagne to enjoy upon arrival. 

Concert Programme

Sunday, June 16th, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. Famous Opera Arias With the Paris Classik Orchestra conducted by Bertrand Cervera (violin soloist for the Orchestre national de France) Arias by Bizet, Mozart, Donizetti... Schubert/Caccini: Ave Maria Mozart: A Little Night Music

Sunday, June 16th, 2024 at 8:30 p.m. With the Paris Classik Orchestra conducted by Bertrand Cervera (violin soloist for the Orchestre national de France) Vivaldi: The Four Seasons Strauss: Waltzes and polkas

Sunday, June 23rd, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. Famous Opera Arias With the Paris Classik Orchestra conducted by Bertrand Cervera (violin soloist for the Orchestre national de France) Arias by Bizet, Mozart, Donizetti Schubert/Caccini: Ave Maria Mozart: A Little Night Music

Sunday, June 23rd, 2024 at 8.30 p.m. With the Paris Classik Orchestra conducted by Bertrand Cervera (violin soloist for the Orchestre national de France) Vivaldi: The Four Seasons Strauss: Waltzes and polka

Flawless music, famous scores, engaging musicians - a truly excellent performance.

Awesome performance!! Great experience. Highlight of my Paris trip.

Excellent concert in a unique location for a very memorable evening!

The Gustave Eiffel Lounge

The Gustave Eiffel Lounge is the only venue of its kind in Paris. This 200-seat modular concert hall, function room, and theatre is located inside of the city’s most iconic monument: the Eiffel Tower. The Lounge was completely renovated in 2013 as part of a bid to revamp the tower's expansive first floor. Situated nearly 60 meters above ground level, the state-of-the-art venue is designed to incorporate the distinctive historical architecture of the Eiffel Tower, while giving it a stylish contemporary update. A criss-cross of oblique lines on glass revives the iron latticework that was Gustave Eiffel’s signature touch when he designed his tower back in 1884. Even the seats themselves pay tribute to this heritage, a nod to the architectural structure for which Paris has come to be known.

Sandwiched in-between the room glass and steelwork is, of course, the most famous panorama in Paris. To one side of the Gustave Eiffel Lounge, guests enjoy a close-up view of the architecture of the tower; on the other, a spectacular perspective of the illustrious skyline of Paris. Since its opening, the lounge has housed a programme of exclusive events and soirées.

Fast facts Capacity: 200 Handicap Accessible: Yes Air conditioning: Yes Heating: Yes Coat Check: Yes

How do I get to Eiffel Tower in the 7th arrondissement of Paris?

The Eiffel Tower accessible by: Metro lines: The Eiffel Tower is accessible by the metro lines 6, 8, 9 which run until the following metro stations: Bir-Hakeim, École Militaire or Trocadéro. RER subway lines: The Eiffel Tower is accessible by taking the RER C to the station Champ de Mars - Tour Eiffel. Bus lines: The Eiffel Tower is accessible by the bus lines 82, 30, 42, 72 which run until the following bus stations: Tour Eiffel or by the bus lines: 69, 86 which run until the station: Champ de Mars. We invite you to consult the map in the "photos" section of the theatre to better understand how to arrive at the Gustave Eiffel Lounge at the Eiffel Tower. In case of difficulty, our hotline can be reached during our business hours. Please see the footer of this page for our contact details.

What do I do when I get to the Eiffel Tower?

Please arrive at least 1 hour before the time indicated on your ticket. Late arrivals will not be admitted to the show. The last elevator leaves 15 minutes before the show. When you arrive near the Eiffel Tower, you will go through a security checkpoint. Then head to the Gustave Eiffel kiosk (near the north pillar of the Eiffel Tower) to collect your free elevator passes that will give you access to the first floor where the concert will take place. Once you arrive on the 1st floor, please report to the Gustave Eiffel Lounge entrance, where Eiffel Tower staff will guide you to your seats. Before or after the concert, you can explore the second floor by taking the stairs and showing the staff your concert ticket. Please note that, in the Eiffel Tower, anyone carrying a bag that exceeds the standard dimensions (32cm height, 50cm width, 21cm depth) will be refused entry. We invite you to consult the map in the "photos" section of the theatre to better understand how to arrive at the Gustave Eiffel Lounge at the Eiffel Tower.

Where will I be seated?

Seating for this event is unallocated. We recommend arriving in good time to ensure you have the widest choice of available seats.

How long do the concerts at the Eiffel Tower last?

Can i take photos during the concert, are the concerts at the eiffel tower for an international audience or for french speakers.

Both! The Eiffel Tower has been welcoming people from all over the world for more than 130 years ago. With a programme of composers originating from all across Europe, this concert can be enjoyed by speakers of any language.

Does the Eiffel Tower have a specific dress code?

No, there is no dress code for the Eiffel Tower concert series. However, guests are recommended to dress between formal and casual. We suggest avoiding the use of shorts, crocs, and caps.

If I'm late, will I still be allowed into the show?

What is included with the eiffel tower concert ticket.

A ticket to the Eiffel Tower Concert Series grants you access to a free elevator pass that goes to the first floor, access to the second floor by stairs, and the concert itself. There is no need to purchase an additional ticket to climb the Eiffel Tower.

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Hippopotamus Bastille

Ratings and reviews

Location and contact.

Paid two evening visits - both were very good. Food is a mixture of French and Italian with steaks and burgers thrown in. Food was excellent if not over large portions. Service was very good - English nicely spoken here. Good view of funky stuff... going on outside. Child friendly More

Nice place. I love the cafe gourmet. A surprisingly condition of not well maintained comfort room considering a good chain of steakhouse. More

Bonjour parisfactotum, Merci beaucoup pour vos compliments sur notre restaurant ! A très bientôt chez Hippo :) Alexis, Directeur Hippopotamus... More

Quite nice place actually, space between tables. Service might be a little slow but good quality of meet and fair fixed menu. It worth the money spent and afterwards we were quite full More

Bonjour P860IZmarcog, Quel plaisir de lire votre commentaire, merci beaucoup pour vos encouragements ! Nous attendons avec impatience votre prochaine... More

We wandered in after seeing the burgers through the window, they looked great however we were quickly disappointed as the food was some of the worst we have had in a long time! My partner had the steakhouse burger and I had the original burger... with a vegetarian patty and both were absolutely awful in terms of flavour and texture. Even the chips were completely bland. to top it off the toilets were disgusting. We would not recommend a visit to this restaurant! More

When in Paris, wake up early, go to Hippopotamus. Take that nice cappucino with a chocolate croissant and a fresh orange juice. Then go to the Viaduct des Arts for a morning walk. I promisse you will feel the Paris you wanna feel. :)

My son lives in Paris and he asked my wife and I why With all the great bistros here, we had decided to eat the “Chili’s” of France. We knew it was a chain and went in. The food was decent. I had roasted chicken... preced3d by a good terrine. The food was decent not great, but unfortunately the service fell apart pretty quick with an order for a cup of tea which took way too long. The poor waitresses were running around a lot so probably an understaffing issue. More

Merci pour votre avis, nous prenons bonne note de vos remarques et mettons tout en œuvre pour encore mieux vous... More

A nice and comfortable place, with good and friendly staff, but the food itself was mediocre. Reasonable price. More

Cher olvic, Je vous remercie d’avoir pris le temps d'écrire cet avis. Nous n’avons pas été à la hauteur de... More

Service so terrible there was no service. Sat down at an outside table and waited for about 20 minutes before walking into the restaurant to order at the bar instead. A shocked (shocked that I spoke to her) waitress told me that i would of... course be served at my table and that someone would be out immediately. Sat back down, 10 minutes later nothing, so got up and left, crossed the road and took a seat at Cafe des Phares instead where the service is amazing and the food absolutley delicious. Hippo Bastille was hands down the worst service I have ever come across anywhere. More

We have visited a similar one elsewhere in france and that’s why we decided to go here I had the steakhouse burger and it was one of the best burgers I’ve had in a long time - only minor gripe is that the frites could... be better as they seem a bit of an after thought top the main event - but thats a minor detail Friendly welcome and service - would definitely come back More

I found the restaurant simply be looking around. What an amazing meal. Beautiful space and excellent service.

I met some friends here and we all had a drink on the terrace. This is part of a large franchise of steak restaurants, usually located at crossroads, like this. Food is supposed to be OK.

Watress was very rude ant nationalistic. I asked her ,,do you speak English" and she even didnt replay me and startes laughing with other waitres. totally no for Hippopotamus More

Bonjour Gediminas, Je vous remercie d’avoir pris le temps d'écrire cet avis. Nous n’avons pas été à la hauteur de... More

Very hot day in Paris so no outside seating. I think waiter was completely overwhelmed. Food was great but too long to wait for entree and desert.

This is our go to place for late night desserts --- ice cream sundaes. We usually walk for several hours after dinner and work up an appetite for dessert. We've never eaten a meal here, but have seen or talked to others who say that... the food is good. Late at night, we talked to nearby tables and met some really nice people who regularly come here for late night food, which is almost impossible in Paris. More

Cher Canthespam, effectivement pas très commun à paris de trouver des restaurants ouvert de 11 à 1 h et aussi... More

Pleasant dinner.-Magret de canard and the daily special:Argentine Steak-Very tender,and excellent chocolate mousse.A Ricard to start.

Sofitel Paris Baltimore Tour Eiffel

Welcome to sofitel paris baltimore.

La vie est belle at this chic hotel in the heart of the 16th arrondissement. Sofitel Paris Baltimore invites you to live the French way.

Established during the 1920s, a post-war era of decadence and discovery, Hotel Baltimore has been seducing guests with its quintessential Parisian elegance ever since. Carefully preserving the charm of yesteryear, with its Haussmannian façade and wrought-iron balconies draped in bright red geraniums, the interiors are a tribute to contemporary French style and sophistication.

Feel like you’ve been invited into the exquisite private home of a native Parisian. Sleep on beds that were designed for supreme comfort, along with the pillows of your choice. Wake up every morning with our delicious breakfast. At the LPC bar as at the Lordy’s Paris Club restaurant, one feels at home, entrusted to a welcoming team.

The neighborhood overflows with points of interest. Stroll along Avenue Kléber until you reach the Arc de Triomphe, then turn right onto the most beautiful avenue in the world: the Champs-Élysées. Cross the River Seine to the south to take the elevator up to the top of the Eiffel Tower and see Paris laid out in all its splendor. Then head back to your luxurious room or suite, relax, and let our attentive Sofitel ambassadors attend to your every desire.

Discover Paris & limit its environmental impact : no greenhouse gas emissions, no micro-particles or toxic fumes, no noise. Cycling calms the city and improves the quality of life for everyone. Cycling is silent and preserves the environment . A bicycle station is at your disposal 200 meters from the hotel.

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Each Sofitel draws inspiration from local culture and tradition while celebrating innovation and the French art de vivre to offer a one-of-a-kind, luxurious hotel experience. From design details to exhibitions and events, discover what makes our hotel so unique.

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When you stay in one of our rooms or suites, you get more than just a place to rest your head. This is your own...

LORD BALTIMORE WELCOME’S YOU !...

You don't have to leave your exercise routine at home when you stay at Sofitel Paris Baltimore. Our SoFIT gym is open all hours of the day so...

Meetings are magnifique at Sofitel Paris Baltimore Tour Eiffel.   Behind the iconic façade of this 5-star hotel four elegant salons, a...

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Our Parisian house proposes you an offer of Body & Beauty Care in order to relax you after a shopping day, a meeting or a long trip... Enjoy a...

Start your day with a delicious in-room breakfast, in restaurant or to go* ! *Early check-out or breakfast outside, we offer a continental...

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My fiancee and I had a WONDERFUL experience at the Sofitel Bmore hotel in Paris. Jamal, our concierge, was incredibly helpful in booking museum tickets and restaurant reservations. The daily hotel...

Perfect location. Charming hotel. Outstanding staff. Breakfast was excellent. I enjoyed my stay very much and do not hesitate to give it a highest recommendation. The concierge Emilien deserves a...

This is a wonderful hotel! The first thing we noted was the lovely Parisian architecture with individual balconies and flower boxes. The staff could not have been more welcoming, from the doorman to...

I would like to share an appreciation note to Sirine who was of great assistance in the reservation process as well as the checking out process. She demonstrated a great deal of professionalism and...

we stayed a week in the Sofitel Paris Baltimore. the hotel is located in a perfect location. the hotel is close to many interactions. so, you will save on transportation. Breakfast is acceptable...

Based on 695 user reviews

Sofitel Paris Baltimore Tour Eiffel ☆☆☆☆☆ 88 bis avenue Kléber 75116 Paris, France Tel: (+33)1 44 34 54 54 Fax: 01 44 34 54 75 Email: [email protected]

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Catch up on all the latest news and events.

The Eiffel Tower during the 1889 Exposition Universelle

The tenth Exposition Universelle was organised in Paris in 1889, from the 15th May to the 6th November, and it was for this occasion that the Eiffel Tower was built. Stretching over 95 hectares, the Exposition filled the Champ-de-Mars, the Trocadero Hill, and the banks up to the Invalides esplanade, and the Eiffel Tower was at the centre of everyone’s view.

• Attractions et fêtes au dessus de Paris
• De nombreux restaurants
• Une effervescence festive
• Gustave Eiffel au sommet

Immediate success for the tallest tower in the world

The 1889 Exposition Universelle received millions of visitors. Amongst them, 1,953,122 came to see the Eiffel Tower, in other words almost 12,000 a day! The Tower was met with immediate success.

From the very first week, though the lifts were not yet in service (they would be from the 26th May), almost 30,000 visitors climbed the monument using the staircase, that is to say 1,710 steps to the top !

At the time, the Eiffel Tower was the tallest tower in the world and people from all countries went to the heart of the French Capital to admire this architectural masterpiece.

The public hurried to experience not only the dizzy heights of the ascent, but above all an unprecedented view over Paris, since no one had yet seen the view from an aeroplane.

The Eiffel Tower has attracted among its copious number of celebrity visitors the French actress Sarah Bernhardt, the Prince of Wales (future King Edward VII) and the Princess of Wales, George I of Greece, le Shah of Persia, Prince Baudouin and other, more unexpected guests such as one certain American: he had long hair, a broad hat and tan-coloured chaps. It was William F. Cody, known by the name of Buffalo Bill.

On the 10th July, the President of the French Republic, Sadi Carnot, very satisfied with his visit, offered a sum of 200 Francs to the Eiffel Tower employees and a sum of 100 Francs to the Figaro printing staff!

Attractions and celebrations overlooking Paris

Already festive, the Eiffel Tower lit up every evening with the light of hundreds of gas lamps protected by opal glass cases. A tricolour beacon, housed in the campanile, sent out three signals of blue, white, and red light over Paris (using two mobile projectors mounted on a circular rail at the top). Lastly, the opening and closing of the Exposition were announced every day by a cannon shot fired from the top under the direction of a certain Mr. Chobert, the "harquebusier" of Paris, in his capacity as "qualified associate and medal-holder at the Exposition Universelle".

All sorts of boutiques (sale of souvenirs, photographers’ booths, binocular rental, refreshments) and restaurants opened up on the monument.

Four restaurants

On the first floor, four restaurants were put in, each built in a different style:

• The truest Muscovite-style Russian restaurant was one of the wonders of this floor
• The Anglo-American bar consisted of a large room with a bar in the middle following the British and American trend
• The French restaurant had a façade reminiscent of a gazebo with a green trellis on a white backdrop. Situated on the platform facing the Ecole Militaire (now free), it consisted of a group of suites and exhibition rooms in the style of Louis XV
• The Flemish restaurant. It would be transformed into a theatre after the 1889 Exposition, and would become "Dutch" in 1900, becoming a theatre once again after the 1900 Exposition.

Le Figaro printed on the Tower!

On the second floor, Le Figaro set up a printing works and produced a special edition of the daily newspaper on-site every day. Visitors who bought the newspaper could get their name put in it to "certify" that they had climbed the Tower. The newspaper’s cover illustration showed the Barber of Seville sat astride the Eiffel Tower.

Send your letters by balloon!

An unusual attraction was proposed to the public : send your letters by balloon! In its edition : " Imprimée dans la Tour Eiffel" ("Printed on the Eiffel Tower") on the 29th August, Le Figaro reported: "the Tower’s company is doing its utmost to increase the number of attractions in favour of its clientele. It has just decided to soon put up for sale, on all of the Tower’s floors, small balloons and cheap parachutes arranged in such a way that one can attach a letter to them. The sender’s address will be left blank. We wish the Tower’s parachutes the same success as its postcards! " . Indeed, the Eiffel Tower was to thank for the increasing popularity of the postcard in France , and it was at the request of visitors in 1889 that the Tower's administration put the renowned "Libonis" on sale, named after its famous engraver. The oldest postmark stamped on a postcard showing the Eiffel Tower is the 21st August 1889.

It was in this festive excitement that the first in a long series of achievements was reached on the Tower. On the 9th September, a baker from the Landes climbed the 347 steps that lead up to the first floor on stilts!

Gustave Eiffel at the top

At the top of the Eiffel Tower, while the public admired the panoramic views, Gustave Eiffel reserved an office for himself in which he received his guests.

Notably he welcomed Thomas Edison there, who offered him his famous "spectacle" class M type Phonograph. The scene, reconstructed, can be seen at the top of the Tower today.

It was also in this office that, on the 10th September during a lunch, he acknowledged the French composer Charles Gounod, sat at a neighbouring table. Gustave Eiffel asked if he would do him the honour of joining his guests. The lunch over, everyone went up to his apartment set up on the top floor for a coffee. The scene was held in good taste, Gounod having been one of signatories of the Artists’ Petition to protest against the erection of the Eiffel Tower!

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On the same theme

History of the restaurants

For the Universal Exhibition of 1889, four majestic wooden pavilions designed by Stephen Sauvestre decked the platform on the first floor. Each restaurant could seat 500 people.

Origins and Construction of the Eiffel Tower

It was for the 1889 Exposition Universelle , the date that marked the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, that a great competition was launched in 1886.

Gustave Eiffel

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