Guide to visiting Eiffel Tower’s different floors

Challenge yourself to climb the Eiffel Tower’s 704 steps to the second floor or opt for an elevator ride to the summit. Stunning views of Paris await you! Book your tickets in advance to secure your spot for this amazing adventure.

The Eiffel Tower, one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, stands tall at the height of 330 meters (1,083 feet) in the heart of Paris, France.

The Eiffel Tower has three levels open to the public, providing breathtaking panoramic views, thrilling experiences, and a glimpse into the tower’s fascinating history.

These observation decks are accessible via elevators or, for the more adventurous, by climbing the stairs to the first and second levels.

In addition to its observation decks, the Eiffel Tower hosts a range of seasonal events, exhibitions, and light shows, which makes it the next stop on your travel bucket list.

This article covers everything you need to know before booking your tickets to the Eiffel Tower.

Top Eiffel Tower tickets

# Second-floor access + summit (optional)
# Elevator access to the second floor + audio guide
# Climbing Experience
# Small-group guided visit to the summit
# Dining at Madame Brasserie

Booking Eiffel Tower tickets in advance is a must! They sell out fast, and reserving early guarantees your chance to experience this iconic landmark hassle-free.

Key takeaways

Avoid long queues by booking your Eiffel Tower tickets online, especially during peak tourist seasons. Early reservations ensure your preferred time slot.

Visit early morning (before 11 am) or during off-peak hours for a less crowded experience. Sunset hours offer breathtaking views.

Most visitors spend 2-3 hours exploring the Eiffel Tower. If dining at its restaurants or visiting the summit, plan for an additional hour.

Reserve ahead for a unique dining experience at Madame Brasserie or Le Jules Verne to enjoy gourmet French cuisine with stunning views.

What’s ahead

Things to know before booking tickets

Eiffel Tower tickets can be purchased online or at the attraction, but online prices are often cheaper.

Booking online helps you avoid long queues and secure your preferred time slot.

Since a limited number of tickets are available, early booking is essential, especially during peak days, to avoid disappointment.

Once you book, tickets will be emailed to you, so there’s no need for printouts—just show the e-ticket on your smartphone.

Don’t forget to carry a valid ID for entry!

Eiffel Tower tickets

Here are some tours and itineraries to help you plan your visit to this iconic attraction.

Second-floor access + summit (optional)

Paris Eiffel Tower Summit or Second FloorPin
Image: Getyourguide.com

Experience the iconic Eiffel Tower with an expert, English-speaking guide, beginning with a brief history session a short walk from the tower. 

This ticket includes priority access and elevator rides to the first and second floors, where you’ll learn about the tower’s 18,000-part construction. 

For an even more unforgettable experience, choose the summit access option at checkout, which enhances your visit for a small additional cost.

At the summit, explore Gustave Eiffel’s former office or enjoy a drink at the bar. 

Ticket Price: From €49 per person.

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If you need assistance navigating to the Eiffel Tower entrance, opt for the second-floor elevator access with a host and an optional Summit ticket. This ticket includes priority access to the Eiffel Tower.


Recommended


Elevator access to the second floor + audio guide

Paris Eiffel Tower Summit Floor & Seine River CruisePin
Image: Tripadvisor.com

With this ticket, you can enjoy swift entry to the Eiffel Tower, with priority access that lets you bypass the queues and head straight to the first and second floors via elevator. 

From these vantage points, take in panoramic views of Paris, including landmarks like the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and La Grande Arche de la Défense. 

Learn about the tower’s rich history and the city itself with a downloadable audio guide. 

On the second floor, challenge yourself to walk on the transparent walkway 57 meters above the ground. 

This ticket includes a tour escort to guide you through the first security check, ensuring a seamless and informative visit to Paris’s most iconic monument.

Infants up to 3 years can enter for free, but an adult should accompany them.

Ticket Price (4+ years): €79

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Related: Best ways to snap amazing deck photos

Eiffel Tower climbing tour with summit access

Paris Eiffel Tower tickets for Stairs Climb to Level 2Pin
Image: Headout.com

With this ticket, you’ll enjoy an adventurous climb to the Eiffel Tower’s 1st and 2nd floors, conquering 704 steps for a truly rewarding experience.

If you opt for the Summit Tour, an elevator will take you from the second floor to the summit, offering breathtaking views.

An English-speaking guide will accompany you on the climb, sharing fascinating insights along the way, though the summit portion is self-guided.

Tickets for this tour must be collected at the Tower’s ticketing booth, so plan to queue briefly before starting your adventure.

The climb typically takes 30-40 minutes, depending on your fitness level, and while food and drinks aren’t included, the experience is unforgettable!

Ticket Prices

Adult (18+ years): €59
Child (4 to 17 years): €50
Infant (up to 3 years): Free

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Small-group guided visit to the Summit

Eiffel Tower small group tourPin
Image: Travel-buddies.com

With this priority access ticket, you can take an elevator ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower and soak up spectacular panoramic views. 

Join a small group of no more than 10 people and a professional English-speaking guide for an insider’s tour of Paris’s number one landmark. 

Begin at the base, where your guide will take you to the second floor by elevator, sharing fascinating facts about the tower’s controversial history and near-demolition. 

From there, ascend to the summit for unparalleled views of Parisian landmarks such as Montmartre, the Louvre Museum, and the Arc de Triomphe. 

You can even peek inside Gustave Eiffel’s apartment. 

Your ticket includes elevator access to the first, second, and top floors, as well as access to security check shortcuts, ensuring a smooth and informative visit.

Ticket Price: €140

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Dining at Madame Brasserie

Paris Eiffel Tower's Madame Brasserie 3-course lunchPin
Image: Toureiffel.paris

Elevate your Parisian experience with a luxurious meal at Madame Brasserie, the elegant restaurant on the first level of the Eiffel Tower. 

Enjoy spectacular city views through large windows while savoring gourmet French cuisine crafted by committed artisan chef Thierry Marx, who infuses his dishes with local, seasonal ingredients and a touch of Asian inspiration. 

Whether for lunch or dinner, guests receive priority access to the Eiffel Tower, including a dedicated queue for the restaurant and elevator access to the first floor. 

The welcoming wait staff and beautifully adorned Parisian-style interior featuring classic French artwork create an unforgettable dining atmosphere. 

Indulge in traditional French dishes paired with fine wines, making your visit to the Eiffel Tower a truly memorable culinary adventure.

Ticket Prices

Lunch at Madame Brasserie

Menu Brasserie without drinks – Adult (12+ years): €70
Menu Madame with drinks – Adult (12+ years): €100
Child (4 to 11 years): €40

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Dinner at Madame Brasserie

Menu Gustave – Adult (12+ years): €130
Menu Grande Dame – Adult (12+ years): €187
Child (4 to 11 years): €47

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Opening hours

The Eiffel Tower operates with varying opening hours depending on the season.

It is open daily from 9.30 am to 11.45 pm during the summer months (mid-June to early September) and from 9.30 am to 11 pm during the rest of the year.

The last entry for elevator access is 45 minutes before closing, while stair access closes an hour earlier.

How long does the tour take

The Eiffel Tower tour takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to complete.

For those planning to visit the second floor exclusively, 2 hours should suffice.

If you intend to explore the summit or dine at one of the restaurants, it’s advisable to budget an additional hour.

However, it’s good to plan for an extra hour as the waiting times for security checks and elevator rides result in delays at times.

Best time to visit Eiffel Tower

The best time to visit is before 11 am in the morning on non-holiday weekdays.

The Tower is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and gets heavy footfall, especially in the peak tourist months of mid-June to September.

Visiting during off-peak hours and months will let you tour the tower in relative leisure and lessen the arduous security check and elevator waiting times, which can go as high as 40 minutes during peak hours.

After twilight, every hour strike till closing, the Tower sparkles for five minutes in a dazzling show of thousands of lights.  

Eiffel Tower restaurants

Le Jules Verne at Eiffel TowerPin
Image: Wikipedia.org

Le Jules Verne

Le Jules Verne, on the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower, offers a captivating dining experience with stunning views of Paris.

The restaurant features three dining rooms overlooking Quai Branly, Trocadéro, and Champ de Mars.

Diners can enjoy the culinary creations of chef Frédéric Anton, including inventive dishes from the 5 or 7 course Tasting Menu.

An intimate alcove for four and the exclusive Le Comptoir provide unique perspectives of the Tower’s mechanics.

Master sommeliers curate premier wines to complement the exquisite meals, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

Madame Brasserie

Madame Brasserie, located in the Eiffel Tower, offers a sophisticated dining experience with a focus on contemporary and sustainable cuisine.

Chef Thierry Marx uses locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to create dishes like blue lobster with quinoa and chicken cannelloni gratin.

The menu caters to both families during the day and offers a refined evening experience.

Lunch starts at €48 with two services, while dinner begins at €90. Reservations are recommended.

The brasserie operates from 10 am to 11 pm, aligning with the Tower’s seasonal opening hours.

Frequently asked questions

Here are a few frequently asked questions visitors ask before booking tickets for the Eiffel Tower.

Which view is superior, the Eiffel Tower second-floor view or the Eiffel Tower Summit view?

While the summit view is jaw-dropping, and you can see a transcendent view of Paris from a giddy, incredible height, most people prefer the second-floor view.
The second-floor view allows you to soar over all of Paris while still allowing you to spot and distinguish between Paris’ legendary attractions and buildings.
The summit view is too high for you to spot everything you are looking for.

How tall is the Eiffel Tower, and how many stairs does it have?

The Tower is approximately 330 meters (1083 feet) tall, including its antennas.
 The Tower has a total of 1710 steps. However, visitors are allowed to climb only to the second level using the staircase, which has 674 steps. The rest of the ascent to the top level must be done by elevator.

Is the Eiffel Tower disability friendly?

The Eiffel Tower is partially disability-friendly. Elevators provide access to the first and second floors, but the summit requires stairs or a smaller elevator, making it less accessible for wheelchair users.

Can I visit the Eiffel Tower at night?

Yes, the Eiffel Tower is open at night and offers a magical experience. The tower sparkles every hour after twilight, and the city’s lights create breathtaking views from the second floor or summit.

Can I carry luggage or large bags to the Eiffel Tower?

Large bags, luggage, or bulky items are not allowed at the Eiffel Tower for security reasons. Only small bags are permitted, and visitors must pass through security checks at the entrance.

What facilities are available for children at the Eiffel Tower?

The Eiffel Tower is family-friendly, with interactive displays and exciting views to entertain kids. Strollers are allowed on lower levels, but facilities like diaper-changing stations are limited, so plan accordingly for a smooth visit.

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Researched & written by
Jamshed is a versatile traveler, equally drawn to the vibrant energy of city escapes and the peaceful solitude of remote getaways. On some trips, he indulges in resort hopping, while on others, he spends little time in his accommodation, fully immersing himself in the destination. A passionate foodie, Jamshed delights in exploring local cuisines, with a particular love for flavorful non-vegetarian dishes. Favourite Cities: Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Dublin, Prague, Vienna

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