Eiffel Tower with reserved access to the 2nd floor

Visiting the Eiffel Tower is often a highlight for travelers in Paris, but how you experience it can make all the difference. This tour offers reserved access to the 2nd floor, bypassing long lines and providing some engaging guided commentary. While it’s not a perfect experience for everyone, it’s a solid choice if you value quick entry and informative guides.

We like that this tour includes skip-the-line tickets, which can save you hours waiting in crowds. Plus, the guides are generally praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the ascent more enjoyable. On the flip side, some reviews point out issues like poor organization or unresponsive staff, which suggests you should stay flexible.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a more streamlined visit with some expert insights without spending a fortune. It’s especially good if you’re short on time or prefer guided experiences rather than wandering on your own. But if you’re after a completely hassle-free trip or the absolute best views from the summit, you might want to explore other options.

Key Points

• Skip the Long Lines: Reserved access to the 2nd floor means shorter waits and a smoother entry.
• Expert Guides: Most reviews highlight knowledgeable and engaging guides, adding value to the experience.
• Breathtaking Views: The 2nd floor offers stunning panoramic sights of Paris, perfect for photos or just soaking in the city.
• Limited Summit Access: This tour doesn’t include the top of the tower, so if you want that, check other options.
• Cost-Effective: At about $75, it’s a decent price for quick, guided access with great views.
• Variable Reviews: While many have enjoyed it, some have faced issues with organization or customer service.

The Experience: What You Can Expect

When you book this tour, you’re signing up for a roughly two-hour adventure that combines sightseeing, history, and breathtaking views. The meeting point is just a few steps from the Eiffel Tower itself—at 7 Rue de la Manutention—so you won’t have trouble finding it, especially if you’re familiar with Paris’s public transport.

Once you meet your English-speaking guide, the ascent begins. You’ll walk to the tower, where the guide shares stories about its construction and history, making the experience more than just a photo op. The reserved tickets mean you’ll skip the frustrating long lines typically associated with visiting the Eiffel Tower, which is one of the main perks according to both positive reviews and those who had bad experiences elsewhere.

Reaching the 2nd floor, the views are impressive. Most travelers agree that the 360-degree panoramas of Paris are unforgettable, with landmarks like the Seine, Notre Dame, and Sacré-Cœur in the distance. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or just want to take in the city’s layout, this spot delivers.

You can choose to explore on your own at this level or just enjoy the scenery. Some guides point out key landmarks, giving you context and stories, which enhances the visit. Note that the tour does not include the summit, so if peering over the very top or riding to the highest point is your dream, you’ll need an additional ticket or a different tour.

The Itinerary in Detail

Meeting Point and Introduction

The tour starts at 7 Rue de la Manutention, close to the Eiffel Tower. This is a good location, especially if you’re staying nearby or arriving via public transportation. The guide introduces themselves, shares some quick background, and gets everyone ready to ascend.

Walk to the Tower and Ascent

Walking to the tower from the meeting point, your guide will tell you about the Tower’s design, construction, and significance. This walk also helps you avoid the crowds waiting at the base, especially during busy times—something many travelers appreciate.

Once at the tower, you’ll skip the ticket lines and directly ascend via elevator to the 2nd floor. Several reviews praise the efficiency of this process, with one saying, “Sylvia was fantastic. Knowledgeable and energetic. I would definitely hire her again for an Eiffel Tower visit.” This quick access is a big plus, especially during peak tourist season when lines can stretch hours.

Exploring the 2nd Floor

The main event is on the 2nd floor, where you’ll spend some time taking in the views. The experience is often described as “breathtaking,” with many reviewers commenting on how impressive the vistas are. Some, like Karen_M, mention that the view from the tower is “impressive,” and others enjoy the chance to snap memorable photos.

Guides typically point out important landmarks, giving historical or fun facts. Several reviews highlight how knowledgeable the guides are, with one stating, “Caterina gave a good history of Paris and answered all questions.” This added commentary makes the experience richer than just sightseeing alone.

Optional Additional Access

You have the option to buy a summit ticket, but it’s not included in this tour. If reaching the very top is a priority, you’ll need to plan for that separately. Just keep in mind, some reviews express disappointment that they couldn’t access the summit, which might be worth considering before booking if that’s a must-have.

Wrapping Up

After spending time on the 2nd floor, your guide will escort you back down or leave you to explore further on your own at your leisure. Many travelers said they appreciated the quick exit and the opportunity to continue their day or visit other attractions.

What the Reviews Say

The tour has a solid overall rating of 4.5 out of 5, based on 158 reviews. Many travellers appreciate the knowledgeable guides and stunning views. One reviewer, Neil_L, mentions, “Our guide was very well-versed in French and Parisian history and gave us an amazing account of the city from the heights of the second floor.”

However, some reviews highlight issues like poor organization, unresponsive staff, or confusion about the meeting point. For example, Nandi_S experienced frustration when trying to locate the guide and being unable to contact them, which led to missing the tour entirely. Similarly, Laura_S warns against booking through Viator, citing a missed tour and lost money.

Despite these, those who do get to experience it often describe it as “fantastic,” “worth every euro,” and mention that the skip-the-line access made their visit much smoother. The tour’s price point seems fair for the convenience and guided insights offered.

The Practical Side: Cost, Duration, and Booking

At around $75.59 per person, this tour is a reasonable investment for quick access and guided commentary. It lasts about 2 hours, making it manageable even for a tight schedule. Booking about 37 days in advance appears typical, so plan ahead if you want to secure your spot.

The tour includes tickets for the second floor and first level access, which is helpful for those who want to avoid long queues and still enjoy the views. Keep in mind, the summit is optional and not included, so if reaching the top is your goal, you’ll want to look for other options.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, as it doesn’t specify restrictions, but you should be prepared for some walking and elevator rides. It’s near public transportation, which makes it easy to reach the meeting point.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who values shorter wait times and enjoys a guided experience filled with interesting facts, this tour is a solid choice. The knowledgeable guides and stunning views from the 2nd floor offer a memorable experience that’s worth the price for many.

But if you’re after a completely hassle-free experience or the highest possible vantage point from the summit, you might want to look into other options. Also, be aware of the mixed reviews regarding organization and customer service, so staying flexible and understanding that things can occasionally go awry will help.

In the end, this tour provides a convenient, engaging way to see the Eiffel Tower and learn about its stories—perfect for travelers who want a guided touch without breaking the bank.

FAQs

Does this tour include access to the summit of the Eiffel Tower?
No, this tour only grants access to the 2nd floor. If you want to go to the very top, you’ll need to purchase an additional ticket or find a different tour.

Is the tour suitable for most travelers?
Yes, most travelers can participate, as it involves walking and riding an elevator. Just be prepared for some stairs if you decide to walk part of the way.

How long does the tour last?
It’s approximately 2 hours, including the guided walk, ascent, and time on the 2nd floor.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket for the 2nd floor, access to the 1st level, and a guided tour in English.

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the experience. After that, refunds are not available.

Where do I meet the guide?
At 7 Rue de la Manutention, a few steps from the Eiffel Tower. The meeting point is clearly indicated and near public transportation.

Are there any hidden costs?
No, the ticket price is all-inclusive for this specific experience, but optional summit access is extra if you choose to buy it.

What do reviews say about the guides?
Most reviews praise the guides for their knowledge and friendliness. Some mention guides being energetic and engaging, which enhances the experience.

Is this experience good value for money?
For many, yes. It’s a good way to skip long lines and learn about the Eiffel Tower from an expert without paying the cost of a private tour or summit ticket.

Visiting the Eiffel Tower with reserved access can make a significant difference in your experience, especially during busy periods. This tour suits travelers looking for efficiency, insight, and great views, but do keep in mind that experiences vary and reviews reflect a mix of hits and misses. When booked carefully, it offers a memorable glimpse of Paris from one of its most famous landmarks.