Paris: Eiffel Tower Reserved Summit or 2nd Floor Lift Tour

Summary

Reserved lift, city lights, real stories atop the Eiffel Tower

You’ll glide past long lines with reserved lift access to the Eiffel Tower, hear local stories from your live guide, and get time to soak in those Paris views from either the summit or second floor. Take photos, listen for city sounds below, and stay as long as you like — it’s an experience that lingers long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

We were already laughing about my terrible French when we met our guide near the base of the Eiffel Tower — she waved us over with this big, easy smile that made me feel like I’d known her for ages. The crowds looked endless but somehow we slid past most of them thanks to our reserved access (honestly, I still don’t know how people do it without). The elevator creaked a little as we rose; you could hear snippets of conversations in half a dozen languages and smell someone’s pastry from their bag. My stomach did a weird flip as Paris started shrinking below us.

On the second floor, our guide pointed out Montmartre — all gold in the late light — and told us about Gustave Eiffel’s secret apartment up at the top. She had this way of mixing facts with little jokes (she called the tower “the world’s fanciest radio antenna”) and didn’t rush us at all. I was surprised by how windy it got up there; my hair kept sticking to my face while she snapped a photo for us with the city behind. If you’re doing a day trip to Paris or want that classic view, this is honestly where you feel it hit you — Paris really is that beautiful, even if your hair’s a mess.

I didn’t expect to stay so long after the tour ended, but nobody hurried us off. We wandered around, watched kids point out boats on the Seine below, and just let ourselves be quiet for a bit. The city lights started flickering on and suddenly everything felt softer, warmer somehow. I still think about that view sometimes — how small everything looked but also how close it all felt from up there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Eiffel Tower Night Reserved Access

• Arrive at Eiffel Tower
• Use reserved elevator access
• Ascend to second floor
• Listen to guide's history stories
• Enjoy panoramic city views
• Take memorable photos
• Experience Eiffel Tower illumination
• View Paris landmarks at night

Top questions

Is summit access included in this Eiffel Tower tour?

You can choose between access to just the second floor or include summit access by lift when booking.

How long can I stay on the Eiffel Tower after the guided tour?

You’re free to stay as long as you wish after your guided portion ends.

Does this tour include skip-the-line entry?

Yes, reserved elevator access lets you bypass much of the regular waiting lines.

Will there be a live guide during my visit?

Yes, a knowledgeable professional guide will lead your tour with live commentary.

Are children or strollers allowed on this tour?

Infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers; it’s suitable for families.

Where does this Eiffel Tower tour take place?

The tour takes place at the Eiffel Tower in Paris’ 7th Arrondissement.

What’s included

Your experience includes reserved elevator access to either the second floor or summit (if selected), a guided tour with real-time insights from an expert local guide, unlimited time on the tower after your tour ends so you can linger over those city views as long as you want.