Eiffel Tower: Climb to 2nd Floor & Summit Access with Guide

Climb the Eiffel Tower's Stairs, Then Ride to the Top

You climb the Eiffel Tower's first two levels on foot with a local guide who shares the tower's construction stories and Paris history, then take the elevator to the summit at 906 feet. You stay at the top as long as you want, and the small group size (under 19) means you're not packed in with crowds. Moderate fitness is needed for the 674 steps, and the whole outing fits into a single afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Climb Eiffel Tower and summit visit

• Meet guide near Eiffel Tower
• Pass ticketing and security
• Climb to first floor
• Enjoy glass floor and skyline view
• Climb to second floor
• Listen to guide's stories
• Take elevator to summit
• Enjoy panoramic Paris views

The experience

The ticketing line moves faster than you'd expect, and then your guide is pointing out the security checkpoint ahead. You're about to walk 674 steps up one of the world's most famous structures, and the thing that catches people off guard is how real it feels once you're inside: the metal, the angle, the sound of footsteps echoing. Your guide meets you near the tower's base and leads the group through entry, then straight into the climb. Groups stay under 19 people, which means you're not shuffling shoulder-to-shoulder with a hundred others. There's actual room to breathe and look around.

The first floor comes first, and it's quieter than you'd think. Your guide talks through the tower's construction history (the engineering, the skeptics who thought it would collapse, the whole messy beginning), while you're standing on the 188-foot-high glass floor looking straight down at the city. Then you keep climbing to the second level, where the view opens up even more and the air feels different. By the time you reach 376 feet up, Paris is already laid out below you in a way that makes the climb feel worth it. Your guide stays with you through both levels, filling in details about the city's neighborhoods and the tower's wild past, then lets you know the next part is yours alone.

The elevator takes over from the second floor to the summit: 906 feet straight up. No more stairs, just the ride and then you're at the top, where the view doesn't quit. You can stay up there as long as you want. There's no timer, no "move along" signal. The whole experience takes the physical effort out of reaching the summit but keeps the satisfaction of having climbed part of the way yourself. Public transport stops are nearby if you need them after, and the 7th Arrondissement is walkable once you're done.

What’s included

• Guided climb to the first and second levels of the Eiffel Tower.
• access to the summit by elevator from the 2nd floor.
• English-speaking local guide.
• entry to all three levels of the tower.
• small group size capped at 19 people.

Before you book

Operated by The Tour Guy

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to actually climb part of the Eiffel Tower but don't want to tackle all 674 steps to the summit. The guide handles the lower levels and the story, the elevator handles the final push, and you get the full view without the full exhaustion.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

How many steps do you actually climb?

674 steps to reach the second level. From there, an elevator takes you to the summit at 906 feet.

What's included in the tour?

Guided climb to the first and second floors; summit access by elevator from the 2nd floor; English-speaking local guide; entry to all three levels.

How long does the whole thing take?

The tour duration can extend during peak season due to visitor numbers and potential delays, so plan for a full afternoon.

What's the group size?

Maximum 19 people per group.

Do I need to be very fit?

At least moderate fitness is required for the 674-step climb to the second level. The elevator handles the final stretch to the summit.

Can I stay at the top as long as I want?

Yes, once you reach the summit, you're free to stay for as long as you please.

Is there a glass floor?

Yes, the first floor has a 188-foot-high glass floor where you can look straight down at the city.

Are there stairs the whole way?

You climb stairs to the first and second levels, then take the elevator from the 2nd floor to the summit.