Paris is a city of dreams, but long queues can turn your dream trip into a waiting game. If you think you can just show up at a monument, grab a ticket, and waltz right in—think again.
Without fast-access tickets, you could be spending more time standing in line than actually exploring.
So, how long would it really take to visit Paris’ top attractions without priority access? These numbers will surprise you!
1. Eiffel Tower – Up to 2+ Hours Before You Even See the View
⏳ Time in line without fast access:
✔ 1-2 hours just to purchase a ticket (especially in peak season).
✔ 30+ minutes for security checks.
✔ Another 30+ minutes waiting for the elevator (longer for summit access).
✔ Total estimated wait time: 2-3 hours. (Eiffel Tower Official Site)
How to Skip the Wait:
- Get a priority ticket via Eiffel Fast Tickets for immediate entry.
- Book a guided fast-track tour with Wonder Meets and Tours to enter without hassle.
- Visit late at night (after 9 PM) when the crowds shrink.
2. Louvre Museum – 1.5+ Hours Just to See the Mona Lisa
⏳ Time in line without fast access:
✔ 30-90 minutes to enter, depending on time of day.
✔ 10-30 minutes waiting for security screening.
✔ 30+ minutes just to get through the crowds to see the Mona Lisa.
✔ Total estimated wait time: 1.5-2.5 hours. (Paris Tickets Guide)
How to Skip the Wait:
- Use the Carrousel du Louvre entrance (instead of the Pyramid) for faster entry.
- Book a priority entry pass via Allejo.fr.
- Join a skip-the-line tour with Wonder Meets and Tours to go straight to the highlights.
3. Palace of Versailles – Up to 2 Hours of Waiting
⏳ Time in line without fast access:
✔ 60+ minutes waiting in the security line.
✔ 30-60 minutes waiting to buy a ticket.
✔ Total estimated wait time: 2+ hours before entering the palace. (Paris Discovery Guide)
How to Skip the Wait:
- Get a skip-the-line ticket from the Official Versailles Website.
- Book a guided tour with Wonder Meets and Tours for priority entry and expert insights.
- Arrive before 9 AM to get ahead of the rush.
4. Notre-Dame – Up to 1 Hour Just to Step Inside
⏳ Time in line without fast access:
✔ 30-45 minutes waiting for general entry.
✔ 15-30 minutes for security screening.
✔ Total estimated wait time: 1 hour. (Notre-Dame Official Site)
How to Skip the Wait:
- Visit before 9:30 AM or after 6 PM when the lines are smaller.
- Join a guided history tour with Allejo.fr for a better-paced visit.
- Check the official website for restoration updates & crowd conditions.
5. Arc de Triomphe – 45 Minutes of Climbing Delays
⏳ Time in line without fast access:
✔ 20-30 minutes waiting for a ticket.
✔ 15-30 minutes waiting for rooftop access.
✔ Total estimated wait time: 45-60 minutes. (Paris Arc de Triomphe Official Site)
How to Skip the Wait:
- Pre-purchase a fast-access rooftop ticket via Allejo.fr.
- Visit before 10 AM or after 6 PM for shorter lines.
- Go on a weekday (Monday-Thursday) when there are fewer visitors.
Final Thoughts: Time is Precious—Skip the Lines!
Paris is too beautiful to spend hours stuck in a queue. Without fast access, you could waste over 10 hours across just a few landmarks!
✔ Book skip-the-line tickets in advance.
✔ Visit early or late to avoid peak hours.