Paris: Eiffel Tower Elevator Tour & Second Floor Tickets

Summary

Paris city views, elevator ride stories & local guide insights on the Eiffel Tower

You’ll ride up the Eiffel Tower by elevator with a local guide who keeps things lively (even if there’s a line). Enjoy city views from the second floor, learn quirky legends and facts along the way, and soak up real Paris energy — plus your entry ticket is sorted so you can just focus on being present up there.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to get nervous right before stepping into the Eiffel Tower elevator — but there it was, that little jolt in my stomach as we joined the line. Our guide, Camille, noticed and just grinned, telling us about her first time up as a kid (apparently she’d cried halfway). The wait wasn’t short, but she kept us laughing with stories about “the Iron Lady” and some wild myths — like how people once thought it would collapse in the wind. I caught a whiff of roasted chestnuts drifting over from a street vendor below, which somehow made everything feel more real than all those glossy postcards.

The elevator itself felt surprisingly smooth — almost too quick — and then suddenly Paris just opened up beneath us. Camille pointed out where Hemingway used to live and joked about Parisians pretending not to care about the view (she said they secretly love it). The city looked soft and pale under spring clouds, with tiny dots moving along the Seine. I tried to say “Tour Eiffel” properly; Li laughed when I butchered it. There’s something about being up there with people from everywhere — you hear Portuguese, Mandarin, bits of English — everyone craning for that same impossible photo. It’s noisy but also kind of peaceful at the edges.

If you pick the summit option (we didn’t this time), you can go even higher. But honestly? The second floor is already dizzying enough if you’re not used to heights. I leaned against the cool iron railings and just let myself watch Paris for a while. Camille handed out some facts about Gustave Eiffel hiding his apartment at the top — I still wonder what he saw at night from up there. We took our time heading down; nobody rushed us. And yeah, I still think about that view sometimes when I see Paris on TV.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Eiffel Tower guided exploration

• Meet local expert guide
• Learn Eiffel Tower history
• Discover facts, myths, legends
• Explore Eiffel Tower views

Top questions

Is summit access included in this Eiffel Tower tour?

Summit access is only included if you choose that option when booking; otherwise, your ticket covers up to the second floor.

Does this tour include an elevator ride?

Yes, your ticket includes an elevator ride up to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower.

Are tickets for entry included or do I need to buy them separately?

Your entry ticket is included in the tour price; no need to purchase separately.

Will there be a local guide during my visit?

Yes, an experienced local guide will accompany your group throughout your Eiffel Tower experience.

Is hotel pickup provided for this tour?

No, hotel pickup is not included; you’ll meet your guide near the Eiffel Tower entrance.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Yes, infants and small children are welcome; prams or strollers are allowed and specialized infant seats are available.

Are service animals permitted on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed during your visit to the Eiffel Tower.

Is public transportation available nearby?

The Eiffel Tower area is well-served by public transportation options for easy access.

What’s included

Your experience includes guided storytelling with a local expert, entry tickets for elevator access to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower (and summit if you select that option), plus plenty of time for photos and soaking in Paris views before heading back down at your own pace.