Paris: Eiffel Tower Stairs Tour & Optional Top Floor Access

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/20

Duration1h 30m

GroupUp to 200

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Climb the Eiffel Tower by stairs for city views, stories, and sweet surprises

You’ll climb the Eiffel Tower from its base with a local guide, pausing for stories and city views along the way. Taste fresh macarons on the second floor, get tips on Paris hotspots, and choose to ride up to the summit for champagne or linger over panoramic sights. The stairs add a sense of adventure—and make every view feel earned.

1h 30m

Step-by-step itinerary

Eiffel Tower guided tour and visit

Meet guide at 7 Av. Silvestre de Sacy
Take elevator to second floor
Enjoy panoramic views of Paris
Listen to guide's commentary
Ask questions and take photos
Receive local recommendations and tips
Optionally continue to top summit
Descend to first floor
Visit glass bridge and exhibitions
Explore Madame Brasserie and café

The Experience

The first thing I noticed was how the iron lattice of the Eiffel Tower looked almost golden in the late afternoon light, not gray like I’d always imagined from photos. Our guide—her name was Camille—waved us over near Avenue Silvestre de Sacy, red cap bobbing in a sea of selfie sticks. She handed out our tickets and grinned, “Ready for some stairs?” I laughed but my knees tensed up a little. You can take the elevator if you want, but honestly, climbing those steps felt like being let in on a secret side of Paris most people skip.

We moved slow at first—there’s no rush when you’re catching your breath every few flights and pretending it’s just to admire the view. Camille pointed out Notre Dame way off in the haze and told us about Gustave Eiffel’s stubbornness (she called him “le boss”). The wind up there is different—colder, sharper—and you can smell roasted chestnuts from vendors below if you lean out just right. Someone asked about the lights; apparently they sparkle every hour after dark. Didn’t know that before.

On the second floor, we stopped for macarons—bright little things that melted quick on my tongue—and took silly photos leaning against the railings. Camille gave us tips on where to find cheap wine bars nearby (I wrote them down but lost the paper later). If you want to go all the way up to the top floor, there’s an elevator for that part. Some of us did it for the champagne bar—I didn’t expect to feel nervous looking down at all those tiny Parisian rooftops. The glass bridge on the first floor was another surprise; standing on it made my legs wobble more than any staircase.

I still think about that view—the city sprawling out under clouds, everyone below looking so small and busy while we just stood there chewing macarons and listening to stories. It wasn’t perfect (my calves hurt for two days), but I’d do it again just for that feeling of being part of something old and enormous. So yeah… if you’re thinking about an Eiffel Tower guided tour by stairs from Paris, bring comfy shoes and maybe someone who’ll laugh with you when you mispronounce “Trocadéro.”

What’s included

Your day includes entry tickets to climb by stairs up to the second level of the Eiffel Tower with a knowledgeable local guide sharing history along each landing. You’ll taste French macarons mid-tour, get WiFi access onboard (for sharing those views), receive insider recommendations about Paris dining and shopping spots—and if chosen, elevator access straight up to the summit’s champagne bar before heading back down at your own pace.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

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