5 Factors That Determine How Long a Tower Visit Takes

Elevator wait time On busy days, expect to queue 45 minutes just for the elevator at major towers like the Eiffel Tower or Empire State Building.

Security and ticket pickup Add 15–20 minutes for security screening and collecting tickets if you didn’t buy them in advance.

Time spent at the top Most people spend 30 minutes to an hour at the top walking around, taking photos, and possibly getting a drink.

Full experience vs. quick visit If you visit both levels, the souvenir shop, and grab a snack, plan for closer to three hours total.

Timing matters Off-peak visits (early morning or late evening) can cut the total time in half. A quick photo from the ground takes only five minutes.