Paris: Eiffel Tower Stairs Tour & Optional Top Floor Access

Summary

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.

What’s the experience like?

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.”

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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

Top questions

How many steps are there on this Eiffel Tower guided tour?

You’ll climb stairs up to the second floor (about 674 steps), then have an option to take an elevator to the top floor.

Is summit access included in this day trip?

Summit access is included only if you select that option during booking; otherwise your tour goes up to the second floor by stairs.

Where does this Eiffel Tower stairs tour start?

The meeting point is 7 Avenue Silvestre de Sacy in Paris; look for guides with red caps and signs.

Are food or drinks included during this tour?

You’ll enjoy local treats like macarons on the second floor; there are also restaurants and cafés at various tower levels.

Can I ask questions or get recommendations from my guide?

Yes—your guide will share stories about Paris landmarks and offer personal tips for hotels, restaurants, and shopping.

Is this tour suitable for people with health issues?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy due to physical exertion.

Is public transportation available near the meeting point?

Yes—public transportation options are close by for easy arrival or departure after your tour.

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.