Ah, Paris—the city of romance, art, and… standing in line for hours? If spending half your day waiting to see a monument sounds like an essential part of the Parisian experience, then fast access tickets probably aren’t for you. But if you prefer actually exploring the city instead of just queuing up, maybe it’s time to reconsider.
Still unsure? Here are five (totally valid) reasons you might want to skip the skip-the-line tickets—unless, of course, you enjoy a bit of self-inflicted patience training.
1. You Enjoy Watching Paint Dry
Some people love the thrill of anticipation. You know, that feeling of excitement as you stand in a queue that stretches around the block. If slowly inching forward while watching tourists scroll through their phones is your kind of entertainment, by all means, avoid fast-track tickets.
For those who would rather spend their time actually exploring the Eiffel Tower instead of waiting outside it, fast-access options like priority entry to the Eiffel Tower exist for a reason.—but hey, to each their own.
2. You Have No Other Plans in Paris
Paris is a city made for wanderers. From strolling along the Seine to sipping an espresso in a quiet Montmartre café, there’s never a dull moment—unless, of course, you’ve planned your whole day around standing in line.
If your itinerary is looking suspiciously empty, then sure, take your time. But for those with Versailles, the Louvre, or maybe even a Seine cruise lined up afterward, skipping the queue could mean squeezing in another unforgettable experience before the day ends.
3. You Love Playing ‘Guess the Landmark’ from the Ground
Picture this: you’ve come all the way to Paris, walked right up to the Eiffel Tower, and… that’s it. Instead of soaking in the panoramic views from the summit, you’re stuck staring at its iron beams from below.
Sure, the structure itself is stunning, but if you actually want to see the city unfold beneath you, a fast-access ticket might be your best bet. Otherwise, enjoy the mystery of imagining what the view must be like from the top!
4. You’re Training for a Patience Marathon
Long lines are a test of endurance, and the queues for Paris’s most famous landmarks are no exception. If you’ve been looking for a chance to challenge your patience—or simply prove you can stand for three hours without losing your mind—then skipping the line probably isn’t necessary.
Of course, if the idea of waiting less and exploring more sounds appealing, there’s an easy fix. But hey, who needs extra time to sip wine along the Seine or uncover hidden gems in the Marais when you could be staring at the back of someone’s sunhat for hours?
5. You Prefer Talking About Waiting Over Experiencing
Imagine getting home and telling your friends: “We stood in line for three hours to see the Eiffel Tower!” Sounds thrilling, right? Forget stories about sunset views from the top, or strolling through the palace gardens of Versailles—the real highlight is the wait itself.
Unless, of course, you’d rather be talking about the incredible view of Paris bathed in golden light, or how you got the perfect shot of the Seine winding through the city… in which case, well, you know what to do.
Final Thoughts
Look, if standing in line is your thing, no judgment here. But for those who prefer seeing more and waiting less, fast-access tickets aren’t just a convenience—they’re a game changer. Whether it’s cutting down hours at the Eiffel Tower, or making the most of your time at must-see Parisian landmarks, sometimes the smarter way to explore is also the simplest.
Paris is calling—will you be soaking in the views, or waiting to get in?