Eiffel Tower Summit or 2nd Floor Access & Sight Seeing Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Paris, a visit to the Eiffel Tower is pretty much unavoidable. This tour offers a way to skip the long lines and get straight to the views, plus explore some of the city’s hidden streets at your own pace. We’ve looked into it, and here’s what makes this experience worth considering—and what to be aware of.

First, what we really like about this tour is how flexible it is. You can choose to access either the 2nd floor or the summit, depending on what kind of adventure you’re after. Plus, the self-guided audio app adds a layer of storytelling that makes wandering Paris feel like discovering a favorite neighborhood with a knowledgeable friend. But, a possible downside is that this isn’t a guided tour with a live guide, so you’ll be navigating on your own, which might not suit everyone.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want to combine key sights with some independent exploration, and who appreciate the convenience of pre-booked tickets. If you’re comfortable walking around at your own pace and enjoy having a bit of background info to enrich your experience, this could be a good fit. Keep in mind, it may not be ideal if you need wheelchair access or prefer a guided group experience.

Key Points

• Skip the lines: Pre-booked tickets mean less waiting and more sightseeing.
• Flexible options: Choose between 2nd floor or summit access depending on your interest.
• Self-guided storytelling: An audio app with maps and stories makes exploring more engaging.
• Optional Seine cruise: You can add a river cruise for a different view of Paris.
• Approximate duration: The entire experience lasts about 2 hours.
• Cost: At $41 per person, it’s a bit of an investment but offers great value for the convenience and views.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect from the Tour

Imagine walking straight past the crowds, thanks to your pre-booked tickets, and heading up the Eiffel Tower without the usual stress of long queues. Once inside, you’ll get elevator access to either the 2nd floor or the summit, depending on your choice. The elevator ride itself offers spectacular views of Paris as you ascend—it’s a brief but memorable moment that sets the tone for the experience ahead.

Exploring the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is not just a structure of iron; it’s an icon that offers some of the best panoramic vistas of Paris. From the 2nd floor, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the city’s rooftops, landmarks, and the Seine River winding through the city. The summit takes it a step further, offering a bird’s-eye perspective that will make you see Paris in a whole new way.

Reviews highlight how friendly and engaging guides are, even when they’re not physically present. One reviewer said, “The guide was very informative and nice to chat with,” which suggests that even without a live guide, the experience is enriched by the storytelling through the app.

The Self-Guided Audio Tour

Post or pre-visit, you can extend your exploration with the self-guided audio tour app. This feature is a real boon for those who like to take their time, explore independently, and learn stories about Paris and its iconic landmarks. The app offers interactive maps and storytelling in English, which helps keep the experience lively and informative.

Many travelers appreciated how easy it was to navigate and found the stories engaging. One review said, “The guides were very helpful and helped my get my tickets through as I was having problems with my phone,” demonstrating how this setup can be quite convenient.

Combining the Tour with Other Activities

If you want to diversify your day, there’s an option to add a Seine river cruise, which runs from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. You can choose to do this before or after your Eiffel Tower visit, depending on your schedule and preference. The cruise offers a different way to see the city, floating along the waterways with views of Paris’s bridges, buildings, and vibrant life.

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The Real Value of the Experience

While $41 might seem steep compared to regular tickets, it’s important to weigh this against the convenience of skipping lines and the quality of the experience. Many reviews emphasize that the skip-the-line tickets are worth it, especially during peak seasons when lines can be long and frustrating.

The tour’s length, around 2 hours, makes it manageable even for a busy sightseeing day. Plus, having pre-arranged tickets means you won’t waste time waiting, freeing you up to spend more time enjoying the views and exploring the city.

The Pros and Cons

Pros:
– Fast-track access avoids long waiting times
– Flexible options for 2nd floor or summit
– Audio guide with storytelling enriches the experience
– Great reviews for guides and views
– Option to add a Seine cruise for a varied perspective
– Good value considering the convenience and access

Cons:
– Not a guided tour with a live guide, so less personal interaction
– Limited accessibility for wheelchair users (no upper-level access)
– Price may seem high if you’re only after a quick visit without extras

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who values hassle-free access and enjoys exploring at your own pace, this tour hits the sweet spot. It’s perfect if you want to combine the Eiffel Tower with a self-guided tour of Paris’s streets, and appreciate the storytelling element that adds context to the sights.

It’s especially suited for travelers who are okay with a more independent experience, rather than a guided group led by a person. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, the skip-the-line access and flexible options make it a reliable choice.

The Sum Up

This Eiffel Tower experience is best for those who want to avoid long lines and enjoy the spectacular views without feeling rushed. The combination of elevator access, a self-guided audio tour, and optional river cruise makes for a versatile day in Paris. The reviews frequently praise the knowledgeable guides (even indirectly through the app), the breathtaking vistas, and the overall value for money given how smooth and stress-free the experience is.

While it’s not a guided tour with a personal touch, the independence and flexibility often outweigh that for many travelers. If you’re comfortable navigating on your own and love to take in sights at your own pace, this is a solid way to check off a major Paris highlight with minimal fuss.

Consider this tour if you want a straightforward, well-organized way to ascend the Eiffel Tower, learn some stories along the way, and perhaps even combine it with a scenic river cruise. Authentic, convenient, and highly rated, it’s a practical choice for a memorable Paris visit.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While the tour itself doesn’t specify family-specific features, the experience is generally suitable for anyone comfortable with walking and independent exploration. Keep in mind, the elevator access to the top levels isn’t wheelchair accessible, so consider mobility needs.

Can I choose between summit and 2nd floor access?
Yes, your booking options allow you to select either elevator access to the 2nd floor only or to the summit, depending on your preference and interests.

How long does the entire experience last?
The tour is approximately 2 hours long, which includes elevator time and some time exploring the views and using the audio guide.

Is there a guide physically present during the tour?
No, this is a self-guided experience with an app that provides storytelling and interactive maps. Reviews note that guides aren’t physically present but the app creates an engaging experience.

Can I add a Seine River cruise to this tour?
Absolutely, the cruise is an optional extension that can be scheduled either before or after your Eiffel Tower visit, with daily runs from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended for the walking portion. Since the elevator ride is short, dress for the weather, especially if you plan to spend time outside enjoying the views.

Is this tour recommended if I want a guided experience?
If you prefer a live guide and more personal interaction, this might not be your best fit. However, the app-based storytelling and skip-the-line access offer a lot of value for independent explorers.

You can check availability for your dates here: