The Ultimate Guide to Buying Eiffel Tower Tickets for Families with Kids

The Ultimate Guide to Buying Eiffel Tower Tickets
Planning a trip to the Eiffel Tower with kids? It’s the stuff family travel dreams are made of. You imagine wide eyes, big smiles, and pointing fingers as your little ones spot the top for the first time.
The excitement is real.
But here’s the twist: there’s one often-missed detail that can flip that dream into a meltdown: the tickets. It sounds small, but the wrong choice can leave you sweating in a slow-moving line while your toddler asks for snacks every 30 seconds.
The fun? It gets buried under frustration.
No need to stress, though. This guide is here to help. You’ll get a simple breakdown of the best entry types for families, how to book them, and some tips to make the visit smoother.
Looking into buying Eiffel Tower tickets?
Read on!
Best Ticket Options for Families
There are many entry options available for the Eiffel Tower, both online and offline. But they are not all created equal.
Some cater better to toddlers; some have more excitement for older kids. Here’s what works well for different family needs:
2nd Floor Elevator Pass
This one is the easiest and most realistic option when you have young kids. It includes elevator second-floor access. There’s no climbing, and lines are often shorter.
From this floor, you still get a full view of Paris—plenty of rooftops to spot and landmarks to point out. It’s also a manageable amount of time, so kids won’t get too tired or restless.
This is a solid choice if you’re trying to balance fun with comfort.
Summit Ticket
Got older kids who love a bit of adventure? The summit pass takes things higher—literally. After reaching the second floor, you hop onto a second elevator that takes you all the way up.
The views are stunning, and for many kids, it feels like reaching the top of the world. Just be prepared: summit access can take longer and may get crowded, especially in peak seasons.
It’s not ideal for little ones who aren’t fans of waiting or heights.
Combo Packages
Here’s where it gets really convenient. Instead of booking each attraction separately, some online platforms let you combine two experiences into one easy pass.
One popular example? The Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum combo ticket.
It’s an easy way to explore two iconic spots in one go without having to re-plan your whole day. And there’s a bonus.
Some trusted providers offer this combo of Louvre and Eiffel Tower tickets with skip the line access. That means you’re not stuck waiting while your kids ask, “Are we there yet?”
Another relaxed option is the Tower with a Seine River cruise pass. After your visit, just hop on the boat and let everyone unwind while spotting Paris from the water.
Dining Experiences and Photoshoots
For something extra special, there are dining packages that offer a meal at the tower. They typically have access to elevators and special reserved seating, perfect for those special occasions or birthday treats.
There’s also the opportunity to book a professional photo shoot in the background of the Eiffel Tower. It’s easy, fast, and a wonderful way to remember things.
These are extras that you don’t have to do, but they personalize your visit.
How to Pick What’s Best for Your Family
The right choice depends on your children’s needs and your own travel style. Here’s what to think about before booking:
- Ages of kids: Smaller children may not have the patience for longer visits. Older kids might want to go higher or spend more time exploring.
- Energy levels: If your children run out of steam quickly, target shorter visits, such as the second floor only.
- Interests: There are kids who are interested in views and kids who can take it or leave it. Know what excites your crew.
- Crowd tolerance: If your kids are not fans of crowds, steer clear of peak hours or summit visits.
When in doubt, keep it simple. A happy, relaxed child makes the whole experience better for everyone.
Where to Buy the Tickets
Depending on the access you choose, some can be bought online, others at the location. But if you’re visiting with children, booking in advance is always the smarter choice.
The lines are long, and time drags even more when little feet start to hurt, or little stomachs get hungry.
You’ll come across lots of online booking sites. But don’t just go with the first one that pops up. Look for a platform that’s not only trustworthy, but also built with real travelers in mind.
The best ones are clear about what’s included, offer flexible options, and send instant confirmation right to your phone. That way, there’s no last-minute scrambling.
When Is the Best Time to Visit with Kids?
This part matters more than you might think. The time of your visit can change your whole experience, for better or worse.
- Morning: Best time overall. Cooler, quieter, and easier to manage with kids who are fresh and rested.
- Afternoon: It can get very hot and crowded, especially in summer.
- Evening: Beautiful views, especially when the city lights come on. Great for older kids who can stay up later.
Avoid weekends and public holidays if you can. Those are the busiest times, and moving through crowds with children can be overwhelming.
Tips to Keep Kids Happy During the Visit
The Eiffel Tower can be an exciting place, but it can also test little ones’ patience. These tips can help keep things smooth:
- Bring snacks and water. Even short waits feel long when kids are hungry.
- Use a baby carrier instead of a stroller. It’s easier to move around and navigate crowds.
- Play games at the top. Spot famous landmarks or count how many bridges you can see.
- Take breaks. Use the rest areas or grab a quick treat from one of the cafés.
You can also turn the visit into a mini-story. Talk about how the tower was built, or imagine it as a rocket ship or castle. It makes the experience more playful.
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Ready to Buy Tickets?
The Eiffel Tower is one of those places kids never forget—and honestly, neither will you. A little planning goes a long way.
Choose the type of access that fits your family, skip the long lines, and give yourself time to actually enjoy the view.
Book early, stay flexible, and let Paris be the memory your family takes home, not the wait in line.
Do you have any tips for buying Eiffel Tower tickets?
Let me know, til then—cheers m’deres!

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Nancy Polanco is a freelance journalist, lifestyle content creator, and editor of Whispered Inspirations. She is a proud Mom to Gabby and Michaela and partner and best friend to Darasak. Having worked as part of a health care team for almost a decade, Nancy is happy to be back to her passion. She is a contributor to the Huffington Post, TODAY’s Parents, and an Oprah Magazine Brand Ambassador.