Eiffel Tower in Winter: A Complete Guide to Visiting in 2026
Seeing the Eiffel Tower in winter is something I’ll never forget. I visited Paris in January and was lucky enough to see snow fall just before sunset, it was magical! With fewer crowds and a quieter atmosphere, winter is the perfect time to visit the Eiffel Tower.
Whether you visit the Eiffel Tower in December for the holiday season or in January or February for smaller crowds and shorter lines, winter is great time to go, just dress warm! If you don’t mind cold weather, seeing the Eiffel Tower with less tourist crowds is incredible.
Get Lost in Wanderlust contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of the links below, we may receive a very small compensation at no extra cost to you.
Paris Travel Resources:
Find Hotels: Booking.com or Expedia
Book an Airport Transfer: Welcome Pickups
Take a Tour: Viator or Get Your Guide
Is the Eiffel Tower Worth Visiting in Winter?
The Eiffel Tower is absolutely worth visiting in winter! In fact, it is a magical time to visit the famous Parisian Landmark. Not only is the Eiffel Tower far less crowded in winter, but wintertime provides scenic views of Paris, especially when the city is glistening from a fresh snowfall. Visiting the Eiffel Tower is the perfect winter activity in Paris.
✅ Click Here to Book Your Eiffel Tower Tickets
How to Visit the Eiffel Tower in Winter
There are a few things to know about visiting the Eiffel Tower, and below is some helpful logistical information on opening times, where to buy tickets, and how to get there.
Winter Opening Times
The Eiffel Tower is open every day from 9:30am to 11pm. There can be occasional closures due to bad weather.
Buying Tickets for the Eiffel Tower
As the Eiffel Tower is one of the most popular places to visit in all of France, it is essential to buy tickets in advance, even in the off-season. Tickets for the Eiffel Tower are typically released about 2-3months in advance.
You can book your tickets through the Eiffel Tower website or you can book tickets here through Get Your Guide.
We personally use Get Your Guide when traveling as it is in English, its easy to use, and offers free cancellation.
✅ Click Here to Check Availability and Book Eiffel Tower Tickets
Important Note: When booking tickets, it ill give you the option of 2nd Floor or the Summit. If you want to go all the way to the top and enjoy a glass of champagne at the champagne bar you will want to select summit.
If you are just looking for a nice view of Paris, in my opinion the 2nd floor is a good option (and its cheaper).
Getting to the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is located in at Champ de Mars, 5 Av. Anatole France, 75007. As it is located in the heart of central Paris, getting to the Eiffel Tower is easy.
The Eiffel Tower can easily be reached by using Uber, taxis, or public transportation.
You can reach the tower by public transport by taking the RER C train to the Champ de Mars Eiffel Tower stop, or by taking the metro to the Bir-Hakeim stop.
Another option is to head to the Trocadéro metro stop. This will take you on the other side of the Seine River, but you will find incredible views of the Eiffel Tower at the Trocadéro Gardens. Afterwards, it is a short 15-20 minute walk to the Eiffel Tower.
5 Reasons to Visit the Eiffel Tower during Winter
1. Take in the Magical Views from the Top of the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower during wintertime is truly magical. There is just something special about Paris in the winter, especially after a fresh snowfall.
Going up the Eiffel Tower is a bucket list experience, and winter is a mesmerizing time to take in all of the scenic views.
Whether you go to the 2nd floor or all the way to the summit for a champagne toast, you are sure to have an incredible time.
2. Winter is Less Crowded
One of the best reasons to visit the Eiffel Tower during the winter season is that it is much less crowded, especially in January and February.
Winter is considered off-season in Paris and so while there will still be tourists, there will be far less than compared to the summertime.
Being on top of the Eiffel Tower with fewer crowds makes the experience that much better. There is truly nothing worse than finally going on a bucket list experience only to find yourself jammed in a crowd or standing in long lines.
These things will be less likely in winter than compared to summer, and so you are more likely to have a better experience.
3. See the Eiffel Tower Sparkle at Night
There is truly nothing like seeing the Eiffel Tower light up at night. The dazzling glow gives the City of Lights a truly romantic atmosphere.
Every hour on the hour, you will see the Eiffel Tower sparkle and glitter, and it is one of the most beautiful sites in all of Paris. It is especially stunning when the city has a fresh snowfall covering the landscape.
I’ve been to Paris several times now, and every time I go I just cannot get enough of watching the Eiffel Tower glisten and sparkle. It is a highlight of any trip to Paris.
4. Get the Best Winter Eiffel Tower Views from Trocadéro
The best place to view the Eiffel Tower is from Trocadéro, which is directly across the Seine River. Trocadéro is home to splendid gardens with stunning views of the Eiffel Tower.
This is by far the best place to capture photos of the Eiffel Tower and is the perfect Instagrammable spot.
For a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower against the winter landscape, you’ll definitely want to visit Trocadéro.
5. Experience Holiday Cheer at the Eiffel Tower during Christmas
The Eiffel Tower during Christmas is enchanting, and its one of the most unique times to visit.
The Eiffel Tower turns into a festive atmosphere during the holidays, and is filled with holiday cheer.
On the first floor of the tower you can enjoy some Christmas treats like crepes or raclette platters while you sip on some hot chocolate or mulled wine.
On certain dates in December, you can even see Santa at the Eiffel Tower! It truly makes for a magical holiday experience.
Tips for Visiting the Eiffel Tower during the Winter
✔️ Buy Tickets in Advance
The Eiffel Tower attracts almost 7 million people per year. You read that right – 7 million. That is a crazy amount of visitors for one place.
For this reason, the Eiffel Tower sells timed entry tickets. Tickets are released about 2-3 months in advance, and they do sell out.
Especially if you want to visit the summit (top of the Eiffel Tower) you must book in advance.
If you don’t like booking too far in advance, I recommend getting tickets here through Get Your Guide, as it allows for free cancellation in case your plans change.
✅ Click Here to Book Eiffel Tower Tickets
✔️ Dress Warmly
When visiting in the winter, make sure to dress warmly. The Eiffel Tower is a metal structure that is open to the outside, meaning it can get very chilly and windy on top.
I recommend wearing layers, a cozy winter coat or stylish trench coat and Parisian scarf is sure to keep you toasty warm while visiting the Eiffel Tower on a brisk winter’s day. You’ll also want to add a hat and gloves!
✔️ Watch Out for Pickpockets
Sadly, pickpockets are common throughout Paris. They are especially common on the Metro. When traveling around make sure to keep a secure hold on your belongings.
Below are a few tips to help you avoid pickpockets:
👉Don’t keep valuables in a backpack or back pocket.
👉While on the metro, keep a hand on your purse or wallet.
👉Always act confident and like you know where you are going.
👉Don’t sign petitions or take a flower or bracelet if offered one by a stranger – as most of these are scams or distractions so you can be pickpocketed.
👉When taking pictures, be cautious of your wallet/valuables – since you are distracted it is a prime time for pickpockets to target you.
In general, Paris is safe to visit but it is always good to be aware of the pickpocket issue. For more tips on avoiding pickpockets, view these safety tips from the US Embassy.
Fun Fact: The Eiffel Tower is Shorter in Winter
Did you know the Eiffel Tower is a few centimeters shorter during the wintertime? This is because the metal of the tower contracts with the cold weather, causing it to shrink a few mere centimeters.
Don’t worry, you won’t be able to see or feel a difference in the height, but it is a unique aspect of the famous Parisian structure.
Where to Stay in Paris Near the Eiffel Tower
Many people visiting Paris dream of waking up with beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower. While hotels with views of the Eiffel Tower can be pricey, there are plenty of great options near the Eiffel Tower.
📍 Budget-Friendly Hotel: Hotel Korner Eiffel
I stayed here on my very first trip to Paris and it was magical. This adorable boutique hotel is located in the 15th arrondissement, only a short walk from the Eiffel Tower.
While the rooms don’t have Eiffel Tower views, they do have large Parisian windows that overlook the charming street. The rooms are clean and modern, and the staff is incredibly friendly.
☑️ Click Here to Book Hotel Korner Eiffel
📍 Mid-Range Hotel with Eiffel Tower Views: Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel
This 4-star hotel is modernly decorated and offers fantastic views of the Eiffel Tower. Many rooms have Eiffel Tower views or you can even opt for a balcony room.
Imagine having breakfast from your balcony while enjoying spectacular Eiffel Tower views. There is truly no better way to wake up in Paris.
☑️ Click Here to Book Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel
📍 Luxury Hotel with Panoramic Eiffel Tower Views: Shangri-La Paris
The Shangri-La Paris is the ultimate 5-star luxury hotel in Paris. Many of these elegantly decorated rooms offer stunning, panoramic Eiffel Tower views.
I haven’t stayed here personally yet.. (but hey a girl can dream right?) but many celebrities have stayed at this beautiful hotel. Anyways, this is the perfect hotel option for a honeymoon, anniversary, or for an engagement.
☑️ Click Here to Book the Luxurious Shangri-La Paris
Other Winter Activities in Paris
Winter is a great time to visit Paris and in addition to visiting the Eiffel Tower here are a few other must-do things while visiting Paris.
❄️ Visit Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is the most magnificent palace in all of France, and it is worth visiting Versailles in winter. Versailles is an easy day trip from Paris and can be done on your own or by taking a guided tour like this one.
❄️ Explore the Christmas Markets
From November to January, Christmas Markets fill the streets of Paris. Enjoy sipping on mulled wine as you wander through the charming markets filled with Christmas treats and handmade items.
❄️ Explore the Museums of Paris
From the famous Louvre to the Musée d’Orsay, Paris is filled with incredible museums. If you love art, history, or culture you are sure to enjoy one of the Parisian museums.
❄️ Attend a Cabaret Show
Paris is known for its cabaret shows such as Moulin Rouge, Paradis Latin, and Crazy Horse, and attending a show is the perfect way to spend a winter night in Paris. Watch in awe as the dancers dazzle you with exquisite costumes and energetic choreography.
FAQ: The Eiffel Tower in Winter
Yes. You can go up the Eiffel Tower in winter, and it is actually a fantastic time to visit, as it is much less crowded than compared to summer. The Eiffel Tower is open all winter long, and going up it will give you enchanting views over the city of Paris.
Due to a natural phenomenon called thermal expansion, the Eiffel Tower will expand a few centimeters in the heat of summer. When the cold temperatures of winter hit, it shrinks back down, making the Eiffel Tower slightly shorter in winter.
Paris is incredibly fun in December. In fact, December is one of the best times of year to visit the City of Lights. During the holiday season, Paris has a magical feel filled with glittering lights, charming Christmas Markets, and glistening snow.
The Wrap Up: Visiting the Eiffel Tower in Winter
The Eiffel Tower is a highlight of Paris, and you absolutely should visit in winter. The captivating views, festive holiday season, and fewer crowds all add to the charm of visiting this famous Parisian landmark during the winter months.
Looking for more information about Paris? Check out the following guides:
🇫🇷 Do They Speak English in Paris or do I Need to Speak French?
🇫🇷 Hidden Gems in Paris that you MUST Visit
🇫🇷 Is Paris Overrated? 11 Things to Consider
