Eiffel Tower Climbing Tour with Summit Access
Get your steps in to the second floor before taking the elevator to the summit for epic Paris views
Looking for a budget-friendly tour of the Eiffel Tower summit that's ideal for active people? This guided climb of France’s most famous landmark gives you the chance to live that dream. You'll ascend to the summit to take in the incredible views of Paris before descending to the second floor to enjoy the unique views of the Paris skyline.
- Guided tour to the summit
- Stairs and elevator access
- Admire the Eiffel Tower from below
- First level views
- Second floor access
- Ascend to the summit
- History of the Eiffel Tower
After meeting your guide near the Eiffel Tower, you’ll pass through the security area to begin your climb. Your first stop is the summit of the Eiffel Tower, where you’ll have an unmatched view of the city from a staggering 906 feet (276 meters)! You’ll be given access to the summit elevator for this part of the tour. Along the way, your guide will inform and entertain with stories of the city’s history and the tower’s construction.
Next, you’ll descend to the second floor where you can enjoy a unique perspective of the Paris skyline. Finally, your guide will then bring you to the first floor, where the crowds are usually smaller, and you can walk on the 188-foot-high glass floor, where you’re free to stay for as long as you please.
Eiffel Tower Summit Climb Tour Description
Your 2.5-hour tour includes:
Guided climb to the first and second levels
Access to the summit elevator
Fun, informative local guide (English-speaking)
Maximum group size of 19
Eiffel Tower climbing tickets don’t include skip-the-line access, so there may be a short wait before you begin your climb. If you just want daytime access to the Eiffel Tower without climbing, then check the FAQs for some alternative ways to experience the tower.
Ascend to the Summit
After passing through security, your local guide will take you directly below the imposing tower. This will be your first look at just how enormous the tower is before you begin your 674-step climb. Your guide will share some fascinating insights and entertaining stories about the tower's history and construction, before taking the elevator to the summit.
Catch the elevator with your friendly local guide to the very top level of the Eiffel Tower. From here you will enjoy incredible views of Paris - 906 feet below you, to be exact! Once you've finished admiring the spectacular views, your guide will lead you via elevator to the second floor to continue your Eiffel Tower adventure!
First and Second Floor Access
Upon reaching the second-level observation deck, you'll be greeted by views of the city's most iconic landmarks, including the Arc de Triomphe, Champs- Élysées, and Notre Dame. You'll also have time to take pictures and enjoy the view.
You’ll then head down to the first floor. Since most tours don't stop at the first level, you'll have a chance to avoid crowds and observe views that many don't get to see. You’ll even be able to walk on Eiffel’s best-kept secret - the glass floor that sits 188 feet (57 meters) above the ground!
Why Was the Eiffel Tower Built?
All the way back on 1889, the nation celebrated the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. Two years earlier, one plan had been selected from 107 proposals for an adequate centerpiece for this grand event.
Construction began on February 28, 1887. After just 2 years, on March 31, 1889, Gustave Eiffel himself showed a group of officials and journalists the newly-completed tower. The elevators were not yet in operation, but a few of the group climbed the entire 1,710 stairs all the way to the top! (There are 1,665 total today.)
The French tricolor flag was raised before a 25-gun salute. A few months later, the World's Fair officially began and members of the public flocked to the tower. Almost 2 million people climbed the tower during the fair alone.
Has It Always Been Popular With the French Public?
The initial reception for what is now a universally beloved monument was a little frosty. Several prominent Parisians protested the building, saying it did not fit in with the rest of the city. One famous opponent, writer Guy de Maupassant, vocalized his opinion of hating the tower but ate at its restaurant frequently. When confronted with this apparent contradiction, he claimed to frequent the Eiffel Tower’s restaurant because it was the only place in the city from which you couldn’t see the giant structure!
The rest is history. The Eiffel Tower has enjoyed immense popularity despite the early protests and is now one of the most visited paid attractions in the entire world. An estimated 6-7 million people a year get tickets to climb the tower and see Paris from up high.
At 986 feet tall upon construction, the Eiffel Tower surpassed the Washington Monument in Washington D.C. as the tallest building in the world. It was bested by New York's Chrysler Building in 1930. Since the tower is made of wrought iron, it actually grows and shrinks with temperature changes. In the summer, it's about 6 inches higher than in winter.
What you get with this tour
See what people are saying
114 total reviews
Leave a reviewAwesome tour with the friendliest guy
Unverified Review
Loved our tour he answered all our silly questions in awesome detail he worked super hard to keep everyone happy would 100% reccommend
Loved It!
Stacey A Almeida Hurwitz
This was a great tour!! The security line was a little long but it worked in our favor as the summit reopened at the time we were getting to the ticket window. Our tour guide Hisham was super knowledgeable and entertaining and guided us up & through the second level. We even saw a rainbow while in the tower. The steps were defiitely doable. A highlight of our time in Paris for sure.
Robert Black
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
Water, a camera, and comfortable shoes to wear during your climb.
What to bring?
Water, a camera, and comfortable shoes to wear during your climb.
Can I remain at the Eiffel Tower after the tour?
Yes, after the tour, feel free to remain as long as you'd like taking in the amazing views.
Is the tower summit (top level) included on this tour?
Yes! This tour includes climbing tickets to the second level and elevator access to the summit of the Eiffel Tower.
Can I bring my kids?
There's no age limit for ascending the tower, but they will need to be capable of climbing 674 stairs.
Will I skip the line on this tour?
Eiffel Tower climbing tickets don’t include skip-the-line access, so there may be a short wait before you begin your climb. If you just want daytime access to the Eiffel Tower without climbing, then check out our first and second floor tickets or our Skip the Line Eiffel Tower Tour with Seine River Cruise
What if I'm nervous about heights but really want to go to the summit?
We understand it can be a little fearful for anyone concerned about heights. Fortunately, there are heavy-duty fences around each level to keep people secure. In addition, you can step inside the enclosed inner areas of the Eiffel Tower if you need to take a break from being on the outer floor.
You may also like
Skip the line
Ultimate Palace of Versailles Tour from Paris
Breeze past the lines for the palace and gardens with a friendly English speaking guide
Skip the Line
Paris in a Day Tour with Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Seine River Cruise
The ultimate day in Paris with skip-the-line Louvre tickets, transport, and an expert local guide
Skip the Line
Semi-Private Louvre Tour with Mona Lisa
See the World's greatest art with a friendly English speaking guide and max group size of six!
Twilight Magic: Eiffel Tower Summit Tour with Seine Cruise
Fulfill your bucket-list dream of viewing the City of Lights from the best spot in the city
Skip the Line
Paris Catacombs Tour with Secret Rooms & Privileged Access
Skip the line and gain exclusive access to secret parts of the Catacombs
Skip the Line
Secrets of the Louvre Museum Tour with Mona Lisa
Get to know Venus de Milo, Liberty Leading the People, and Napoleon's Coronation like never before
New Tour
Semi Private Paris Day Tour with Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Seine Cruise
Explore Montmartre and Latin Quarter neighborhoods and admire Mona Lisa in a group of 6
New Tour
Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches Day Trip with Cider Tasting and Lunch
Pay respects on your visit to Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, and more on this tour from Paris
Skip the Line
Privileged Access Eiffel Tower Night Tour with Seine River Cruise
Witness a Paris sunset with second floor Eiffel Tower elevator tickets, river cruise, and champagne
Skip the Line
Louvre at Closing Time Tour with Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo
See the best of the Louvre with fewer crowds and a passionate guide on this late afternoon tour
New Tour
Eiffel Tower Tickets with Exclusive Summit Access
Enhance your Eiffel Tower experience accessing the elevator and marvel at panoramic views of Paris
New Tour
Chef Led Food Tour of Paris' Montmartre District
Feast on local cheeses, escargot, beef bourguignon, and more with a local celebrity guide
Skip the Line
Private Golden Versailles Palace and Garden Tour
Travel to Versailles from Paris for a private tour with free time in the gardens and Trianon Estate
New Tour
Paris by Segway 2-Hour Sightseeing Tour
Effortlessly discover the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more
New Tour
Paris Food Tour in Le Marais
Delight in superb French dishes and sample delicious wine in one of the city’s most vibrant district
Cheers
Montmartre Food and History Walking Tour
Sample traditional French dishes and pastries while learning about Montmartre’s fascinating history
New Tour
Eiffel Tower Morning Tour with Summit Access
Ride the elevator to the top of the Eiffel Tower and admire the City of Light from above!
New Tour
Semi-Private Musée d'Orsay Tour with Skip the Line Tickets
Admire pieces by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, and more alongside an expert guide and semi-private group
Tickets
Skip the Line Paris Catacombs Tickets
The easy way to skip the long lines and explore Paris’s creepiest attraction on your own
New Tour
Mont Saint Michel Day Trip from Paris
Visit France's most Picturesque Island and Medieval City
New Tour
Loire Valley Day Trip with Castles & Wine from Paris
Visit fairy tale castles and drink delicious wine in the picturesque French countryside
Private Tour
Private Day Trip from Paris to Champagne
Sip some of the finest bubbly while exploring one of the world's wine capital regions
Private Tour
Private Tour from Paris to Normandy Beaches and WWII Memorials
Walk where heroes fought for freedom at Omaha Beach, American Cemetery, Pointe du Hoc, and more
Skip the Line
Private Louvre Tour in Paris with Expert Guide
See the Louvre your way with the help of an expert guide, with Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and more!
Skip the Line
Private Eiffel Tower Tour with Champagne and Seine River Cruise
Join your own personal guide to see the beauty of Paris by boat and from the Eiffel Tower 2nd floor
Skip the Line
Versailles Gardens Tour from Paris with Skip the Line Palace Access
Guided tour of the gardens, entry to the château, and round-trip transportation from Paris
Skip the Line
From Versailles: Skip the Line Royal Palace of Versailles and Gardens Tour
Breeze past the crowds and uncover the secrets of Versailles Palace with an engaging local guide
Skip the Line
Skip the Line Eiffel Tower Tour with Seine River Cruise
Cruise past Paris' landmarks and the Eiffel Tower's famously long lines and enjoy elevator access
Skip the Line
Private Musée d'Orsay Tour with Skip the Line Tickets
Discover the incredible Paris museum that most tourists miss, with Monet, Van Gogh, Gaugin, and more
Skip the Line
Private Paris in a Day Tour with Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Montmartre
See the most iconic Paris sites and cruise down the Seine in just a day with a dedicated local guide
New Tour
Palace of Versailles and Eiffel Tower Full Day Combo Tour
Save money with round-trip transportation to Versailles, a Seine River cruise & second floor access
New Tour
Louvre Museum and Eiffel Tower Combo Tour with Seine River Cruise
Get more bang for your buck with skip the line tickets to both monuments and a Seine cruise too!
New Tour
Monet’s House and Palace of Versailles Day Trip
Trade Paris' bustling streets for the tranquil village of Giverny and the Palace of Versailles
New Tour
Guided Eiffel Tower Tour with Elevator and Summit Access
Take in the panoramic views of Paris with exclusive elevator access to the Summit
New Tour
Beat the Traffic Half-Day Versailles Tour by Sidecar Motorcycle
Ride through Paris to visit the Palace of Versailles grounds, Marie Antoinette’s Temple, and more
New Tour
Thrilling Paris Monuments Tour by Sidecar Motorcycle
Join this two-hour excursion to see the Arc de Triomphe, the Dome des Invalides, and more
New Tour
Local Cheese and Wine Tour in Latin Quarter
Explore Latin Quarter and sample local cheese and wine alongside a local guide and sommelier
New Tour
Semi Private Champagne Day Trip From Paris With Lunch and Tastings
Delight in two tastings, tour iconic Champagne houses and indulge in a 3-course French feast
New Tour
Versailles Bike Tour from Paris
See the best of the palace and gardens & enjoy a picnic with Parisian delicacies
New Tour
Small Group Authentic Paris Bike Tour
Cruise through the most lively, local neighborhoods of Paris on this immersive, fun-filled bike tour
