Eiffel Tower Stairs Tour Review (2025): Is Summit Worth It?

So, you are standing in Paris, and there it is. I mean, the Eiffel Tower is just kind of… there, bigger and more real than you thought it would be. You see pictures your whole life, but actually, seeing it in person is a different story. Anyway, the next thought is pretty much always the same: how do I get up there? You could, of course, take the elevator, which is what most people do. Or, you could do something a little different, something that feels more like a real adventure, you know? This is, basically, where the guided tour by stairs comes in. I decided to give the 2025 version of this tour a go, complete with the optional trip all the way to the top, so I could honestly tell you what it’s like. At the end of the day, is taking the hard way up really the better way? Let’s talk about it.

So, Why Would You Pick the Stairs? First Level Feelings

Frankly, choosing the stairs seems a little bit crazy at first. There are a lot of them, you know, like 674 steps to the second floor. At the end of the day, that number sounds big. But the tour breaks it down, right? The first part is just 328 steps to the first level, which is actually very manageable for most people. The guide we had was pretty great about it. He, you know, kept the pace nice and easy, stopping along the way. In that case, you have time to catch your breath and, more or less, listen to some cool stories. For more details on what to expect, you can find more planning information here. Honestly, without the guide, you would just be climbing a bunch of stairs. But with him, you’re sort of seeing the tower come alive.

I mean, our guide pointed out things you would just never notice. For instance, he showed us the names of the 72 French scientists and engineers engraved on the side of the tower, and sort of explained who a few of them were. You start to feel the history of the thing, not just its size. Actually, you’re inside the iron lattice, feeling the breeze, and hearing the city sounds below you, which is a very different feeling from being in a packed elevator car. To be honest, this part of the trip is less about speed and more about soaking it all in. We learned about how many people thought the tower was an eyesore when it was first built, which is kind of funny to think about now. It makes the climb pretty special, like you are in on a little secret or something. For some interesting historical tidbits, these historical facts are quite interesting.

Okay, so when you finally walk onto that first level, there’s a real sense of accomplishment. You look down, and frankly, you’re already pretty high up. The best part, honestly, is the glass floor. Walking on it is a bit strange at first; you’re looking straight down at the people who look like little ants on the ground below. The guide gives you some free time here, so you can explore, take pictures, and just enjoy the moment. This level is often a bit less crowded than the second level, so it feels more relaxed, in a way. You can grab a drink, look at the displays, and just kind of process that you’ve just climbed part of the Eiffel Tower. It’s a pretty rewarding feeling, seriously. More or less, it’s the perfect introduction to the views of Paris, a city that just starts to unfold before you. You might find this guide to Paris views very helpful.

The Climb to the Second Level: Pretty Much a Story in Every Step

Alright, after a little break on the first level, it’s time for the next part of the climb. This is another 346 steps, and frankly, this is where the view really starts to open up. You know, you are climbing higher, and the buildings of Paris start to look more like a map. It’s pretty amazing how the perspective changes with every flight of stairs. The guide, still with you, keeps the stories coming. This part of the tour, basically, is where we learned all about Gustave Eiffel himself. I mean, we found out he was a pretty clever businessman who really had to fight to get his tower built. Honestly, these stories are what make the experience so much richer. You start to appreciate the engineering and the sheer guts it took to create this structure.

As I was saying, with each step, famous landmarks start popping out. The guide was great at pointing things out. “Over there,” he’d say, “you know, that’s the Arc de Triomphe. And you can just make out the golden dome of Les Invalides.” You feel like you’re getting a personal tour of the Paris skyline. It’s a very different experience than just looking at a sign or a map. I mean, you’re literally seeing it from inside the landmark itself, and the guide’s voice in your ear gives it all context. He even told us some funny stories about the tower’s role in history, like how it was almost torn down. Honestly, this tour option feels like you get so much more from your visit. A good way to prepare is to check out some information on Parisian landmarks before you go.

Finally, you step out onto the second level. And wow. Honestly, this is the money shot. This is the classic, postcard view of Paris that everyone dreams of. It’s arguably the best height for photos. You’re high enough to see everything clearly, but not so high that everything becomes a tiny speck. You can really make out the Sacré-Cœur on its hill, the winding path of the Seine, and the layout of the streets. The guide wraps up their part of the tour here, leaving you to explore on your own. There are shops and places to eat here too. At the end of the day, reaching this platform feels like a real victory, a reward for all that climbing. To make the most of your time, it is smart to find out about the most photogenic spots in the city.

The Big Question: So Is the Summit Option Worth the Extra?

So, you’ve made it to the second floor, and you feel amazing. Now comes the choice: do you go to the very top? This is what the ‘optional summit’ part of the tour is all about. From the second floor, you take an elevator the rest of the way up. The main reason to do it, obviously, is to say you’ve been to the absolute peak. I mean, the view from up there is… different. You are so high up that Paris looks almost like a toy city, spread out below you. On a clear day, you can apparently see for miles. For anyone deciding, reading about the summit experience can help.

On the other hand, there are a few things to think about. First, it costs extra. So, you have to ask yourself if that super-high view is worth more money. Second, you have to wait for an elevator again. Even with your tour ticket, there can sometimes be a bit of a line for that final ride to the top. When it is really busy, you might spend a little time waiting. The summit itself is also pretty small and can get very crowded. And frankly, it can be really windy and cold up there, even on a nice day. For a lot of people, you know, the view from the second floor is actually better for pictures. Things are still recognizable from there, unlike the very abstract map-like view from the summit. You can compare different Paris activities at various price points, which is kind of a smart move for your trip.

Still, there is something very special about the summit. You can see Gustave Eiffel’s private apartment, which has been restored with wax figures and everything. It’s a pretty cool little peek into the history of the man behind the tower. And there’s a champagne bar up there. I mean, sipping a glass of champagne at the top of the Eiffel Tower is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime kind of thing. So, what’s the verdict? I’d say, if it’s your first time and the weather is very clear, it’s probably worth doing. But if you’re on a budget, scared of heights, or if it’s cloudy, honestly, you won’t miss out on too much by just enjoying the amazing view from the second floor. It really depends on what kind of experience you are looking for. Having a good idea about special activities in Paris might help you decide.

Practical Stuff and What to Actually Expect on Your Tour Day

Okay, so let’s get into the real details for tour day. First, you will have a meeting point, which is usually near one of the tower’s ‘legs’ but away from the main ticket lines. This is a huge benefit, by the way. Your guide will be there, they check you in, and then they lead you right past a lot of the crowd to the special entrance for pre-booked tours. It’s just a smoother way to start. Security is, you know, pretty serious, so be prepared for a bag check and a quick scan. My advice? Literally, travel light. Just bring your phone or camera, your wallet, and maybe a small bottle of water. For a list of visitor do’s and don’ts, it is a good idea to check some visitor guidelines online.

What you wear is actually super important. Seriously, wear comfortable shoes. Sneakers or good walking shoes are your best friends on this tour. You are going to be on your feet and climbing for a good while. Also, dress in layers. It can be breezy as you climb, and like I said, it can be quite windy and a lot colder at the top, even on a warm day. A light jacket or sweater is a really good idea. The timing of your tour makes a big difference too. A morning tour is great for fewer crowds and good light. But an evening tour is absolutely magical. Climbing as the sun sets and seeing the city light up is something you won’t forget. And if you are still on the tower on the hour after dark, you get to see it sparkle from the inside out, which is pretty amazing. You could research the best seasons for visiting Paris to plan your trip perfectly.

One more thing is managing your expectations. The Eiffel Tower is one of the most popular places on the planet. There will be other people there, you know? The guided tour definitely helps you feel less like you are in a massive herd of tourists, but it will still be a popular spot. Your guide is honestly your best resource. They know the tower inside and out, from the best spots for a photo to where the cleanest bathrooms are. Don’t be shy; ask them questions! That’s what you are paying for, after all. At the end of the day, a little bit of planning makes the entire experience much smoother and a lot more fun. It helps to check out a few tips on dealing with busy tourist spots before you head out.

My Final Thoughts: Pretty Much More Than Just a Climb

So, looking back on the whole experience, taking the stairs was absolutely the right choice for me. I mean, you get this amazing sense of connection to the tower. You’re not just a passenger being lifted up; you’re actively taking part in the ascent. You can literally touch the iron, feel the wind, and see the structure from a unique angle. Honestly, it turns a simple sightseeing visit into a proper memory. Finding other unique activities in Paris could make your whole trip just as memorable.

The guided part of it really makes a huge difference. Without the stories and the history, it’s just a lot of steps. But with the guide, every section of the climb has a purpose and a story. You learn things that make you look at the tower, and at Paris, in a new way. For me, that’s what travel is all about. It’s about more than just seeing things; it’s about getting a little bit of understanding, too. It is sort of what makes a trip special. People interested in this will likely appreciate guides to other culturally rich tours in the city.

This tour is honestly perfect for a few types of people. If you’re reasonably active and like to feel like you’ve earned your view, you’ll love it. If you’re a history or engineering buff, you will find the guide’s information totally fascinating. And if you want a story to tell when you get home that is a little different from everyone else’s, this is definitely it. So yes, your legs might be a little tired the next day. But you will have earned that incredible view, and honestly, you will have a story that’s a whole lot better than just “I took the elevator.” At the end of the day, that’s what a good trip is all about. You can always search for more adventurous ways to see the sights of Paris if this sounds like your kind of thing.