I’m late to planning my trip and all lift-to-top tickets for the Eiffel Tower are sold out online for every day we’re visiting. My 9-year-old is really excited and I don’t want him to miss going to the top.
The website says tickets can still be purchased on-site on the day of visit. Has anyone actually done this recently?
From what travelers report and official guidance, on-site tickets are still sold, but availability is not guaranteed, especially for summit access. During busy periods, summit tickets can sell out early in the day, and sometimes only second-floor tickets remain available later on.
Here’s what people generally find in practice:
Arriving early (around opening time or before 9am) gives the best chance
On-site ticket lines can still be long, but usually move within 30 to 90 minutes depending on crowd levels
Summit tickets are the first to run out, so you may be offered second floor instead
Guided tours or packages often still have summit access when official tickets are gone
Some travelers do succeed with same-day tickets, but it is not something you can fully rely on, especially in peak season.
If the summit is the priority, a pre-booked tour or early-morning arrival gives a better chance than walking up later in the day.
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