When you visit the city of love, one of the top things that should be on your list of things to do is a trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Although many people believe that a trip to the top is a waste, the incredible views across Paris and the opportunity to learn the tower’s fascinating history makes it well worth a visit to the top.
Getting To The Eiffel Tower
Address: Champ de Mars, 5 Av. Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France
Before COVID and Paris 2024 renovations started, you could easily reach the tower ticket desks by simply walking under the tower itself. There were ticket desks located in various different locations under the tower, but now, you have to enter using a specific entrance so that you can show your COVID-19 pass before entering. This entrance is just off of Rue De General Lambert.
COVID-19 And The Eiffel Tower
Currently, there are a number of rules in place when it comes to visiting the Eiffel Tower. First, you must be able to present a negative COVID test or proof of vaccination. Secondly, you have to wear a mask throughout your entire visit. Although a lot of the overall experience is technically classed as outside, a mask is still required and you will be asked by staff to wear it if you’re seen without one.
There are various hand sanitising stations located across the tower and it is recommended you use them whenever you can.
On busy days, you have to share a lift with a large group of people, so this is something to bear in mind if you’re feeling uncomfortable around crowds.
You can read more about the Eiffel Tower’s COVID-19 policy on their official website, here.
How Much Does It Cost To Get To The Top Of The Eiffel Tower?
When it comes to getting to either the second floor or summit, there are a number of different ways in tickets you can buy, depending on how you’d like to travel and which floor you’d like to go to. The options are via the stairs, via the lift or… both!
Ticket with access lift 2nd floor: This ticket grants access to the second floor via the lift.
Adult (€16.70) Age 15-24 (€8.50) Child (€4.20) Disabled (€4.20) Under 4 (Free)
Ticket with access lift top floor: This ticket grants access to the top via two lifts.
Adult (€26.10) Age 15-24 (€13.10) Child (€6.60) Disabled (€6.60) Under 4 (Free)
Ticket with access stairs 2nd floor: This ticket grants access to the second floor by the stairs.
Adult (€10.50) Age 15-24 (€5.20) Child (€2.60) Disabled (€2.60) Under 4 (Free)
Ticket with access stairs 2nd floor + lift top floor: This ticket grants access to the top of the Tower via the stairs up to the second floor, and then in a lift. Please note, this ticket is on sale at the Tower only.
Adult (€19.90) Age 15-24 (€9.90) Child (€5.00) Disabled (€5.00) Under 4 (Free)
There are also guided tours and skip the line tickets available from sites such as Get Your Guide and Viator.
How Long Does It Take To Climb The Eiffel Tower?
When you arrive at the Eiffel Tower, please be aware that you may have to queue for a substantial amount of time to pay for your ticket. Certain tickets can only be purchased from ticket desks, so this is definitely something you should factor into the time taken to get through the entire experience.
On average, it should take you roughly 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours from start to finish, but these times can vary depending on the season and how long you stop on each floor.
Climbing The Stairs At The Eiffel Tower
If unlike me, you’re feeling brave and fancy a challenge, you can climb the 674 steps to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. This should take roughly 30-45 minutes and it is definitely not for the faint-hearted.
The staircases are reasonably wide and there is space to stop for a rest if needed, but it is not recommended you take the stairs if you have any mobility issues.
Although there are 1665 steps in total to get to the top of the tower, the steps from the second floor onwards are not accessible to the public. If you want to go to the top, you will then have to use the lift.
Please note: there are no ticket sales on the second floor so if you want to go to the top, you need to decide before you make your way to the stairs.
Using The Eiffel Tower Lifts
To get to the top of the Eiffel Tower, there are a number of different lifts.
The first lift takes you from the ground floor to the second floor (116m). The second takes you from the second floor to the top (276m). The final lift takes you from the second floor back down to the bottom, however, it stops at the first floor on the way down (57m). You can only access the first floor on your way out, so make sure you don’t forget as you make your way down.
First Floor
The first floor is where you will be able to take a break after your visit to the rest of the tower. As it’s only accessible on the way down, you will definitely be ready for a drink and a snack from either the restaurants or shops, all of which have an incredible view of Paris.
Here you will also be able to learn more about the tower, with touch screens and digital displays along the outer passageway. Part of this display includes one of the remaining spiral staircases, part of the original design of the Eiffel Tower.
Finally, if you’re feeling brave, you can walk along the glass floor, watching the bustling city of Paris go by right below your feet.
Second Floor
The second floor is where you’ll find a 360 view of Paris, all of which you can access simply by walking around the perimeter of the tower. The Michelin-starred restaurant, Jules Verne is also located here. It’s a little pricey, but definitely worth it if you’re looking to make your visit to the tower one to remember.
Summit
The summit is made up of two floors, one indoor and one outdoor. Here, you can break free from the hustle and bustle of the city and instead be met with a hoard of tourists, all trying to get the same view. The views are magical, but be wary that there is not a lot of space to wander around. To help with the crowds, there’s a champagne bar located at the top, selling glasses for roughly 15 euros.
While it can be busy and over-crowded, a visit to the top of the Eiffel Tower is definitely something you should add to your Paris bucket list, if only to say it’s something that you’ve done.
