It’s hard to imagine Paris without the Eiffel Tower. Constructed in two years, two months and five days, the Iron Lady is an architectural feat of its time. Now the most visited paid monument in the world, the tower stands tall as one of the iconic symbol of France. But deciding which ticket is best for you can be a little confusing. With several options to consider, understanding the tower is key to ensuring you make the most of your experience. From whether or not Eiffel Tower summit tickets are worth it, to deciding between the stairs and the elevator, here’s your guide to exploring the impressive Iron Lady.
For more tips on how to choose the best Eiffel Tower expereicne, check out our Ultimate Guide to Planning the Perfect Eiffel Tower Visit.
Understanding the Eiffel Tower Floors
The Eiffel Tower has three levels: first floor, second floor, and summit. When purchasing your ticket, you’ll need to decide whether you want to only visit the 2nd floor, or the summit - the later option being the more expensive. In addition to observation decks, each level offers different amenities, ranging from exhibition rooms, souvenir shops, internet stations, a post office, and restaurants.
The Square
TUpon arriving at the Eiffel Tower, your journey will being on the ground floor, also known as the forecourt or the square. As you stand under the Eiffel Tower - its impressive, square base sprawling out 125 metres (410 ft) on all sides - it is here that you truly understand the tower’s sheer magnitude! Here you can find a couple souvenir shops and a food stall offering quick snacks and sweets. When you’re ready to ascend the tower, make your way to one of the elevators or stair cases located at the tower’s pillars. Each leg of the Eiffel Tower is used for a different entrance: the stairs, elevators, and one for those who have already reserved tickets for the elevator.
Keep in mind, it is highly recommend you pre-purchase your tickets online to avoid the long queue. (Wait times to buy tickets on-site can reach up to 3 hours during peak season!) With skip-the-line the tickets, you can simply make your way through security and into the tower via the reserved elevator mentioned above. Get more details and tips on how to beat the crowds with our in-depth article on skipping the Eiffel Tower lines.
Eiffel Tower 1st Floor
The first floor of the Eiffel Tower stands 57m (182ft) above the ground. You can make your way up to the first floor by either taking one of the elevators, or the stairs - there are 328 steps to the first floor. Some elevators stop on the first level, while others proceed straight to the second. In the case that your elevator does stop, we suggest you don't get off, as it's much more efficient to see the first level on the way down. This is for two reasons. First off, the line for elevators can get quite long; if you get off, you’ll have to wait again to proceed to the second floor. Rather than give up your spot, we recommend working your way from top to bottom.
After exploring the summit (if you choose to) make your way to the second floor. From there, take the stairs down to the first floor for an exhilarating experience. The first floor, as well as the stairs, has a transparent floor! Offering a thrilling experience with striking views, it’s one of the tower’s highlights. This will also save you time (there are no lines for the stairs); plus, it’s much easier to walk down stairs then up.
On the first floor, you’ll find more souvenir and snack shops, as well as one of the two famous Eiffel Tower restaurants. If your visiting with children, be sure not to miss out on the “Follow Gus” activity. At the Ferrié pavilion, free bilingual French/English activity books are available. Perfect for kids aged 6-10, they can learn all there is to know about the Eiffel Tower by following the signs with Gus on them for a fun, educational tour. You can also download a pdf version from the official website.
Also at the Ferrié pavilion, enjoy the Cineiffel - an immersive show projected on 3 walls by 7 projectors. Along the passageways, you’ll find screens, touch screens, showcases, digital albums, reprographics of objects and more allowing you to discover and learn more about the all Eiffel Tower.
Eiffel Tower 2nd Floor
Situated 115 meters (377 feet) from the ground, the Eiffel Tower’s second floor is home to Paris’ most famous observation deck. Take in unobstructed views of neighboring Parisian attractions like the Seine River, Montmartre, the Louvre, the Grand Palace, Notre Dame, Champs Elysees and more. While the summit does boast an even more thrilling height, the second floor views are the best!
As mentioned above, we recommend working your way top to bottom. Once on the second level, immediately line up for the next elevator, to the summit. (Unless you’re skipping it.) There are several elevators, so be sure to look for the shortest line. There are no stairs from the second floor to the elevator.
In addition to a stunning observation deck, the second floor is also home to the Eiffel Tower’s Michelin star Le Jules Verne restaurant. Run by Alain Ducasse, a talented chef who has earned 18 Michelin stars thus far in his career, Le Jules Verne offers traditional French cuisine with a twist. Guests can enjoy an elaborate 5 or 6 course meal, available for both lunch and dinner.
For those looking for a lighter bite, check out the snack bar or indulge in some delicious treats from the macaroon bar.
Eiffel Tower Summit
At a whopping 276 meters (905 feet) from the ground, witness what it’s like to stand atop the City of Lights! With a glass -walled elevator, the ascent is nothing short of exhilarating. At the summit, enjoy two platforms, perfect for daytime and evening viewing. From here, it’s a bird’s eye view you can’t find anywhere else in Paris.
Be sure to visit the reconstruction of Gustave Eiffle’s office. Composed of realistic wax characters, this room evokes the era when this architectural masterpiece first came to life. Nestled within the platforms, head to the champagne bar for a drink with a view. A non-alcoholic drink is also available, so the whole family can cheers to the magical moment.
A lot of people debate whether or not they should splurge on tickets for the summit. The simple answer is - while the views of the city are more spectacular from the second floor, nothing compares to the feeling you get when you make the ascent to the top. If you love adrenaline, this is a once in a lifetime experience you won’t want to miss. With that being said, remember to book your tickets far in advance. Summit tickets are in high demand and sell out quickly. If by chance there are no summit tickets available for the day you’re planning to visit, you can also purchase second floor tickets and try your luck on the day of your experience. There’s a ticket booth on the second floor where you can purchase last-minute summit tickets, so long as it’s not full.
Practical Information
Open Hours
Mid-June to early September
9 AM - 12:45 AM, last elevator ride to the top leaves at 11 PM
Similar stair access timings
Rest of the year
9:30 AM - 11:45 PM, last elevator ride to the top leaves at 10:30 PM
Stair access timings: 9:30 AM - 6 PM
Getting There
There is no shortage of ways to get to the Eiffel Tower. The Metro has two lines that have stops in close proximity to the Eiffel Tower i.e Line 6 and 9. Additionally, you can use the RER Train and get off at the Champs de Mars station.
Buses 82, 42, 87, and 69 operate to the Eiffel Tower. You could also get to the Tower by using any of the Batobus boats. This means of transport gives you a different view of the Tower from the water.
For more tips on how to choose the best Eiffel Tower expereicne, check out our Ultimate Guide to Planning the Perfect Eiffel Tower Visit.
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