Eiffel Tower Guided Tour by Stairs with Optional Summit by Lift

Paris , France

Eiffel Tower Guided Tour by Stairs with Optional Summit by Lift

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(2625 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

A unique adventure to discover Paris from a breathtaking perspective!

Embark on an exceptional immersive experience and discover Paris like you've never seen it before!

Walk in the footsteps of Gustave Eiffel himself and experience the Eiffel Tower as he knew it — by climbing its stairs !

Unlike most visitors who take the elevator, you will ascend on foot, thus enjoying an authentic and captivating experience , punctuated by spectacular views .

Your host is there to facilitate your entry, provide you with all the necessary information , and ensure that every nook and cranny is explored. Once you have your tickets, you can choose to continue your visit independently , at your own pace, or remain with a host for enhanced access.

Once you reach the second floor , you can then take the elevator to the top If the option is selected and admire a breathtaking panoramic view of all of Paris — an unforgettable moment not to be missed!

Available options

Guided Climb + Summit Access

Access to Summit

Summit Access + Cruise Ticket

Summit Access + Cruise Ticket: Guided climb to the 2nd floor + summit access via lift + Cruise ticket.

Guided climb to 2nd floor

What's included

Unlimited Time: After the tour, stay as long as you wish.

Panoramic Views: Marvel at sweeping Paris vistas.

Access to the Eiffel Tower Summit by lift (if option selected)

Your Host is there to facilitate your entry, provide you with all the necessary information

Access up to the second floor by stairs

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Ascend the Eiffel Tower as Gustave Eiffel intended—on foot. He believed walking offered the best experience, so we created the original Eiffel Tower Guided Climb. Follow your local guide inside to learn about its engineering, design, and once-controversial story.

Pause on the first floor to see a salvaged spiral staircase and step onto the glass floor for a unique vantage point. Then continue to the second level for sweeping views of the Louvre, Notre Dame, Montmartre, the Seine, and beyond. Treat yourself to macarons or shop for souvenirs before your guided tour concludes.

If you’ve selected the summit upgrade, board a glass-walled elevator to the pinnacle. Peek into Gustave Eiffel’s restored office—complete with wax figures of Claire and Thomas Edison—and explore historical exhibits. If you’d like a toast at the champagne bar, please note any drinks are at your own expense. Per tower rules, head straight to the summit from the second floor, then revisit the lower levels afterward.

What's not included

Skip the line

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Food and drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.0

138 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

2,487 reviews

5★

2293

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

The summit may close unexpectedly at the tower's discretion. If this happens and you’ve booked summit access, you’ll receive a partial refund.

During peak periods, security checks can sometimes take as long as an hour.

According to tower regulations, if you book the summit, you must visit the top first before exploring the lower floors.

If you chose the cruise option: It’s a 1-hour Seine River cruise with Bateaux Parisiens, departing from the Eiffel Tower. Admire Paris’s top landmarks like Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Musée d'Orsay, with audio commentary available in 14 languages. Cruises run daily, every 30 minutes from 10:30 AM to 10:30 PM. Your tour guide will give you the tickets on the day of the tour, and they’re valid for 1 year.

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

Meeting point

Important notes

Please do not go directly to the Eiffel Tower.
Arrive 15 min early at 3 Rue Buenos-Ayres, 75007 Paris (outside, next to the café).
The street faces Entrance 1. Look for our team holding a blue sign that says "Epic Tours."

For Google Maps, use these coordinates: 48.857033, 2.292173.

Important Notes:
1) Do not go through the Eiffel Tower security checks—meet your guide outside.
2) The summit may close unexpectedly at the operator’s discretion. If this happens and you’ve booked summit access, you’ll receive a partial refund.
3) During peak periods, security checks can sometimes take as long as an hour.
4) If you chose the cruise option:
It’s a 1-hour Seine River cruise with Bateaux Parisiens, departing from the Eiffel Tower. Admire Paris’s top landmarks like Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Musée d'Orsay, with audio commentary available in 14 languages. Cruises run daily, every 30 minutes from 10:30 AM to 10:30 PM. Your tour guide will give you the tickets on the day of the tour, and they’re valid for 1 year.

You may experience waiting times to enter the Eiffel Tower, which can vary depending on the season and time of day; queues for lifts and mandatory security checks typically range from 30 minutes up to 1–2 hours

A link to the official Eiffel Tower visitor’s practical guide: “For further information about your visit to the Eiffel Tower, please consult the official visitor’s practical guide: https://www.toureiffel.paris/en/news/visit/visitors-practical-guide

About Paris

Paris, the capital of France, is a city steeped in history, art, and romance. Known for its iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and charming neighborhoods, Paris offers a unique blend of timeless elegance and modern vibrancy. From the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, the city is a treasure trove of cultural and historical gems.

Top Attractions

Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is Paris's most iconic landmark and a symbol of France. Built in 1889 for the World's Fair, it offers breathtaking views of the city.

Architecture 2-3 hours €17.10-€26.80 (depending on the level)

Louvre Museum

The Louvre is the world's largest art museum and a historic monument in Paris. It houses thousands of works of art, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.

Museum 3-4 hours €17 (full price), free for under 18s and EU residents under 26

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Notre-Dame is a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture and one of the most famous cathedrals in the world. It has been undergoing restoration since the 2019 fire.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free (towers and crypts may have reopening fees in the future)

Montmartre

Montmartre is a historic and artistic district known for its bohemian past, charming streets, and the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica.

Cultural Half-day Free to explore (Sacré-Cœur dome visit €6)

Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is a grand royal château and garden located just outside of Paris. It was the principal royal residence of France from 1682 to 1790.

Historical Full day €18-€28 (depending on the pass)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Croissant

A buttery, flaky pastry made from laminated dough. Best enjoyed fresh from a local bakery.

Breakfast Contains gluten and dairy

Baguette

A long, thin loaf of French bread with a crispy crust and soft interior. Often served with cheese or ham.

Breakfast/Lunch Contains gluten

Steak Frites

A classic French dish consisting of steak and French fries, usually served with a side of salad and béarnaise sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Contains gluten (if served with fries) and meat

Crêpes

Thin pancakes that can be filled with a variety of sweet or savory ingredients, such as Nutella, cheese, or ham.

Snack/Dessert Can be made gluten-free and vegetarian/vegan options available

Popular Activities

Hot air balloon rides Rock climbing in Fontainebleau forest Kayaking on the Seine Picnicking in the Luxembourg Garden Boat tours on the Seine Spa day at a luxury hotel Visiting museums and galleries Attending a cabaret show

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in Paris, with warm weather and long daylight hours. This is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities and festivals. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: French
Widely spoken: English, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Paris is generally safe for travelers, but pickpocketing and petty theft can be a problem in tourist areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas and on public transport
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

Charles de Gaulle Airport • 25 km (15.5 miles) from city center
Orly Airport • 14 km (8.7 miles) from city center

By train

Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon

By bus

Bercy Seine, Porte Maillot

Getting around

Public transport

The Paris Metro is one of the most efficient and extensive subway systems in the world, covering all major attractions and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, G7

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Le Marais Montmartre Latin Quarter Saint-Germain-des-Prés Champs-Élysées

Day trips

Versailles

17 km (10.5 miles) from Paris • Full day

The Palace of Versailles is a grand royal château and garden located just outside of Paris. It was the principal royal residence of France from 1682 to 1790 and is famous for its opulent interiors and vast gardens.

Giverny

75 km (47 miles) from Paris • Half day to full day

Giverny is a charming village known as the home of the famous impressionist painter Claude Monet. The village is home to Monet's House and Gardens, which inspired many of his most famous works.

Château de Fontainebleau

55 km (34 miles) from Paris • Full day

The Château de Fontainebleau is a grand royal château and park located just outside of Paris. It was a residence of the French monarchs from Louis VII to Napoleon III and is known for its beautiful architecture and vast forests.

Festivals

Fête de la Musique • June 21st (annual) Paris Fashion Week • February and September (annual) Nuit Blanche • First Saturday in October (annual)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic French phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture
Use public transport, walk, or bike to get around the city and avoid traffic and parking issues
Consider purchasing a Paris Museum Pass or a multi-day public transport pass to save money on attractions and transport
Explore the city's many neighborhoods and hidden gems, not just the major tourist attractions
Try local specialties and enjoy the dining experience slowly and leisurely