The Eiffel Tower is one of the most visited spots in Europe. There is a great appeal to visit a place so famous, as well as to climb to great heights and see the Paris sights below. You may not be aware that in addition to being able to visit the top of the Eiffel Tower, you can also dine there. This article will explore how to dine on the Eiffel Tower.
Plan your trip to visit the Eiffel Tower. Maybe you will visit Paris for a day, and then catch the Eurostar to London. Or, you could make a week-long excursion out of it, and stay in a hotel right near the Tower, such as the hotel Eiffel Seine, which is listed in Resources.
Decide what day you will visit the Eiffel Tower, and determine whether you will purchase tickets in advance. If so, you can do this directly through the Eiffel Tower website, listed in Resources. You don't have to purchase your tickets in advance, but it alleviates having to stand in a potentially hour-long line or more to purchase the tickets when arrive. The only downside is that you are then locked into that day to visit the Eiffel Tower.
Learn about the different dining options. One is Les Buffets, which are located on the ground level, first and second floors of the tower. Here, you can purchase items like hot dogs, pizza, salads and sandwiches, as well as hot and cold beverages. They also have assorted pastries and ice creams. This is the most casual setting for eating on the Eiffel Tower. You wouldn't need any type of reservation, just walk up and order food. It costs about $15 for a hot dog and cold beverage (blame it on the exchange rate of the dollar!).
The second option for dining on the Eiffel Tower is the Altitude 95 restaurant. This restaurant, on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower, offers a panoramic view of Paris while dining. You want to make a reservation way in advance if you plan to eat here (see Resources). Seats book up months ahead of time. If you don't make a reservation, you could get lucky, but it's not really worth the risk. If you arrive without a reservation and can't get a seat, you could still visit the bar area and have drinks and snacks. For lunch, plan to spend about $75 to $80 including tip for a main course, appetizer and beverage including tip. If you dine in the evening and order the five-course meal, plan to spend about $150 including tip.
Your third option is to visit the Jules Verne restaurant on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. It reopened in December of 2007. This restaurant is your top of the line option, featuring long-standing traditional menu items from chef Alain Ducasse's creation made by chef Pascal Feraud. You can make reservations online. Make sure you budget plenty of money for your dining at this restaurant!
Visit the Eiffel Tower and dine! Keep in mind the visiting hours of the Eiffel Tower for the day of your visit. Check the weather in advance so you can be prepared with rain gear or jackets for chilly weather. This is an outdoor attraction, and if it's raining, you will get wet at the top of the tower. Dress appropriately based on where you will dine. If you are visiting the Jules Verne restaurant, prepare to go all out with your clothing selection.
