Paris: Eiffel Tower Stair Climb Tour & Optional Summit Lift

Summary

Climb the Eiffel Tower’s stairs with a guide then ride to the summit for sweeping Paris views

You’ll climb hundreds of steps inside the Eiffel Tower with a local guide who brings its history to life, pause on glass floors high above Paris, then ride to the summit if you choose. From sweeping city views to quirky stories about Gustave Eiffel himself, every moment feels personal—and by the end, you might never look at Paris quite the same way.

What’s the experience like?

You know that weird flutter in your stomach when you first see the Eiffel Tower up close? That’s how it started for me—standing at its base, craning my neck, realizing we’d actually be climbing those stairs. Our guide, Camille, grinned and handed out tickets like it was just another Tuesday. She had this way of mixing facts with little jokes (she called Gustave Eiffel “the original stairmaster,” which made me laugh harder than I should’ve). The metal smelled faintly rusty in the morning air—almost like rain on old coins—and there was this mix of chatter in French and English all around us. We started up, one foot after another.

I lost count somewhere after step 300, but Camille kept us distracted with stories about how Parisians hated the tower at first. At one point we stopped on the first floor where you can look down through a glass floor. My legs tingled—part nerves, part excitement. There was a salvaged spiral staircase there too; she said it used to connect all the floors before they replaced it. Some kid pressed his nose to the glass and squealed, which made everyone smile (even the grumpy-looking guy next to me). The keyword here is climb: this isn’t just a walk-up-and-snap-a-photo thing—it’s a real day trip up the Eiffel Tower from ground level, and you feel every bit of it.

The city opened up as we reached the second floor—Montmartre looked hazy in the distance and I could pick out Notre Dame along the Seine. If you book summit access (I did), you get to take this glass elevator even higher. It’s quick but your ears pop and suddenly Paris is just rooftops and rivers. There’s Gustave Eiffel’s old office up there too—wax figures inside looking oddly serious—and a tiny champagne bar if you want to toast (I skipped it; too dizzy). Camille told us we could stay as long as we liked afterwards, so I just stood there for a while letting it all sink in. Honestly, I still think about that view sometimes when I hear street music back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Climb Eiffel Tower and explore summit

• Climb Eiffel Tower stairs with guide
• Pause on first floor for views
• Step onto glass floor vantage point
• Continue to second level for city views
• Enjoy macarons or shop souvenirs
• Take elevator to summit (optional)
• Visit Gustave Eiffel’s restored office
• Explore historical exhibits at summit
• Optional toast at champagne bar

Top questions

How many steps are there in the Eiffel Tower stair climb?

There are 674 steps from ground level up to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower.

Is summit access included in this tour?

Summit access is available if you select that option when booking; otherwise, your tour goes up to the second floor only.

What happens if the summit is closed during my visit?

If you’ve booked summit access but it’s closed unexpectedly, you’ll receive a partial refund for that portion.

How long can I stay on the tower after my guided tour ends?

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

Is lunch or food included during this Eiffel Tower tour?

No meals are included but there are snacks like macarons available for purchase on-site.

Do I need to be fit for this day trip up the Eiffel Tower?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness since climbing involves many stairs.

Are security checks required before entering?

Yes, security checks are mandatory and can take up to an hour during busy times.

What’s included

Your day includes entry tickets for both stair access up to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower and lift access to the summit if selected; a guided tour led by an expert who shares real-time stories; unlimited time inside after your tour finishes so you can explore or relax at your own pace; plus panoramic views across Paris from every level along your climb.