Is it better to go to the top or second floor of the Eiffel Tower?

The peak experience is halfway down. By all means, go to the top if you have the time (skip it if your schedule's tight). But I prefer to linger on the second floor: For me, the best views are from this middle level — high enough to see all of Paris, but low enough to pick out distinguishing landmarks.



People Also Ask

We recommend taking the stairs to the second floor because the queue to get on the elevator is usually 2-3 hours long. The stairs offer breathtaking views of the city besides giving you complete freedom and control over your ascend. You can take small breaks from climbing and enjoy the gorgeous views of Paris.

MORE DETAILS

By all means, go to the top if you have the time (skip it if your schedule's tight). But I prefer to linger on the second floor: For me, the best views are from this middle level — high enough to see all of Paris, but low enough to pick out distinguishing landmarks.

MORE DETAILS

We strongly recommend a visit to the 1st floor where there is a great visitor experience with cultural and entertaining displays to deepen and enhance your experience at the Eiffel Tower. There is also a children's play area, and a terrace where seasonal entertainment is proposed.

MORE DETAILS

It takes about 30-45 minutes to climb the stairs to the 2nd level. It all depends on how fit you are! However, please avoid taking the stairs with very young children or babies (gentle reminder: there is no space or locker room for left luggage), or anyone in poor health.

MORE DETAILS

Lift vs Stairs | Which to Choose? For people in good health who want a unique experience up the Eiffel Tower, the stairs are a great way to catch beautiful views of Paris while also enjoying a quick workout. Tickets for the stairs are cheaper than the tickets for the lifts, and also have minimal waiting times.

MORE DETAILS

Attendance over the course of the day depends on the period of the year, weather conditions, as well as the day of the week. In general, to feel more comfortable, start your visit early in the morning (before 10:30am) or at the end of the day after 5 PM, or even in the evening.

MORE DETAILS

Attendance over the course of the day depends on the period of the year, weather conditions, as well as the day of the week. In general, to feel more comfortable, start your visit early in the morning (before 10:30am) or at the end of the day after 5 PM, or even in the evening.

MORE DETAILS

The tower's summit can only be reached via elevator, but its first two levels are accessible through a series of winding staircases inside its pillars — 327 steps to the first level and then 347 to the second (that's 674 total if you're counting). It might sound hard, but climbing the tower is easier than you'd think.

MORE DETAILS

How long will it take to reach the Eiffel Tower top using the elevator? A. It will take approximately 10 to 15 minutes to reach the top of the Eiffel Tower from the ground floor, without any crowds. If it's a busy day, it may take up to 2.5 hours in total to reach the top.

MORE DETAILS

Visiting time to the Eiffel Tower is not limited. However we recommend that you plan sufficient visiting time at the end of the evening (i.e. around 1 1/2 hours for a visit to the 2nd floor and 1st floor and 2 1/2 hours for a full visit up to the top).

MORE DETAILS

The second floor offers a comprehensive experience during which you can not only admire the view of the City of Light, but also buy refreshments, taste the exceptional Pierre Hermé Paris x Eiffel Tower macaroons and browse the shops.

MORE DETAILS

There are two restaurants at the Eiffel Tower, for which bookings can be made separately to a visit of the Tower: the legendary Jules Verne, a Michelin-starred restaurant by Frédéric Anton on the second floor, and Madame Brasserie, a new Parisian venue headed by Chef Thierry Marx on the first floor.

MORE DETAILS

Every evening, the Eiffel Tower is adorned with its golden covering and sparkles for 5 minutes every hour on the hour, while its beacon shines over Paris.

MORE DETAILS

The Eiffel Tower's lighting and sparkling lights are protected by copyright, so professional use of images of the Eiffel Tower at night requires prior authorization and may be subject to a fee.

MORE DETAILS

If you have a fear of heights, we advise against attempting to reach the top of the Eiffel Tower, since you will not fully enjoy the experience. The climb from the second floor offers an extraordinary experience but can be unpleasant for those with a fear of heights.

MORE DETAILS

There is an observation deck at the top of the tower. A. It takes anywhere between 30 and 45 minutes to walk up the Eiffel Tower stairs, and about 20 minutes to walk down the stairs.

MORE DETAILS

A ticket is required to access the 1st and 2nd Levels. Several types of tickets are offered, based on whether you want to take the elevator and/or stairs.

MORE DETAILS

There are free toilets on all floors of the Tower (1st, 2nd and the top) as well as on the parvis. There are baby changing facilities on all floors (parvis, 1st, 2nd) apart from the top of the Tower.

MORE DETAILS