Eiffel Tower Access to 2nd Floor and Summit by Lift

Planning a trip to Paris often means a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower. If you’re debating whether to book a guided ticket that takes you all the way to the top, this review aims to give you a clear picture. While many travelers rave about the views and knowledgeable guides, others have found the experience less organized than expected.

What we like about this tour? First, it allows you to skip the long lines—a huge plus in peak seasons. Second, the views from the summit are truly stunning and worth the extra cost if you’re eager to see the city from above. However, a potential drawback is that the experience isn’t fully guided at the top, leaving you to explore independently after reaching the summit.

This tour might be a good fit if you’re comfortable with a mostly self-guided experience, value avoiding lengthy queues, and want to enjoy panoramic views with the convenience of pre-booked access. It’s especially suited for those who want to maximize their time without waiting in line and who are okay with a no-guidance experience once at the top.

Key Points

• Pre-booked tickets help you avoid long lines, especially during busy seasons.
• The tour includes access to both the second floor and the summit by elevator, with a host guiding you initially.
• It’s not a guided tour at the top, so you’ll explore independently after the initial escort.
• Reviews highlight a mix of good guides and some organizational issues, so your experience might vary.
• The experience offers incredible views and photo opportunities that make the cost worthwhile for many.
• Pricing can seem high considering some reviews suggest cheaper tickets can be bought directly, but the convenience and skip-the-line aspect are key benefits.

What to Expect from the Tour

This experience is designed to give you quick and straightforward access to the Eiffel Tower’s upper levels. It’s not a guided tour in the traditional sense—your host will meet you at a designated point, escort you through security, and lead you up to the second floor. Once there, you’ll be handed your tickets for the summit elevator, and from that point on, you’re on your own.

The itinerary is quite simple: meet at the meeting point, be escorted through the security checks, ascend to the second floor, and then continue independently to the summit via the elevator. The total duration is approximately three hours, including wait times and the actual ascent.

The Meeting Point and Check-in Process

The tour starts at 45 Av. de la Bourdonnais, which is conveniently near public transportation. The initial experience can be a little chaotic, with some reviews mentioning late arrivals or confusing meeting arrangements. For example, some travelers noted that their guide was late or that there was no formal office—just an apartment door where they waited outside. This can add a bit of stress early on, especially if you’re on a tight schedule.

The Escorted Ascent to the Second Floor

Once the guide arrives, they will take you through the security lines—be prepared for possible delays, especially during peak times. The escort is helpful in getting you to the front of the line, saving you potentially hours of waiting, which many reviews appreciated. The guide will share general information and facts about the tower in English, making the experience informative even if it’s not guided at every level.

Reaching the Summit

After reaching the second floor, you’ll be handed your summit tickets. From there, you’ll continue independently—taking the elevator to the top. This is where experiences differ: some travelers loved the freedom to explore at their own pace, while others expressed disappointment that the escort didn’t join them at the top or provide guided commentary there.

The Views and Photo Opportunities

Many reviews sing praises about the stunning panoramic views from the summit. It’s truly a highlight—standing 300 meters above Paris, with sights stretching as far as the eye can see. The twinkling lights at night are particularly enchanting, and many say it’s worth the climb for these incredible vistas.

Price and Value for Money

At $102.03 per person, this tour isn’t exactly cheap. When you compare it to buying a ticket directly at the tower (which can cost around $35), it might seem a lot. However, the main value proposition lies in skip-the-line access and the convenience of pre-booking, which can save hours of waiting, especially during crowded periods.

That said, some reviews suggest that the actual experience may not fully justify the price. For example, one traveler said, “This is a scam. You can get tickets at the tower for 35/person all day.” Others pointed out that the tour is more about ticket delivery, with limited guided service once at the top.

Is It Worth It?

It depends on your priorities. If you’re short on time, hate waiting in long queues, and want quick access to the summit, this tour provides a lot of value. If you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind queuing, buying tickets directly might be more economical. The overall experience hinges on your expectations for guidance and organization.

The Pros and Cons

Pros

• Skip the lines: Especially during peak season, this can be a game-changer.
• Convenient pre-booking: Select your preferred time slot in advance.
• Access to the summit: Achieve a true bucket-list moment with spectacular city views.
• Helpful initial escort: Guides help get you through security and to the elevator.

Cons

• Not fully guided at the top: After reaching the summit, you’re on your own, which some find underwhelming.
• Variable organization: Some travelers experienced delays or confusion at the meeting point.
• Pricey relative to direct tickets: Many reviews point out the high cost and question its value.
• Limited assistance during ascent: The escort only takes you to the second floor, not beyond.

Who Should Consider This Tour

If your priority is saving time and avoiding crowds, this ticket makes sense. It’s a good choice if you’re okay with a mostly self-guided experience after the initial escort. It suits visitors who want to ensure they reach the summit without long waits and are comfortable exploring independently once there.

However, if you’re seeking a fully guided experience or are budget-conscious, you might find better value elsewhere—either by booking tickets directly or choosing a different tour provider. Also, those with mobility issues should note that reaching the summit might not be accessible, as some reviews mention restrictions for reduced mobility.

Final Thoughts

This Eiffel Tower experience offers a solid way to beat the crowds and enjoy the spectacular views from the top. Many travelers have appreciated the convenience and the breathtaking scenery, especially when visiting at night. But the mixed reviews about organization and guidance underscore the importance of managing expectations, particularly regarding the level of assistance once at the summit.

If you’re after a hassle-free way to get to the top and don’t mind a largely independent experience, this tour does deliver. But if you’re looking for a guided tour with comprehensive commentary at every level, or trying to keep costs down, you might want to explore other options.

FAQ

Is this tour guided all the way to the summit?
No, your host will escort you up to the second floor and help you get your tickets for the summit elevator. After that, you’re on your own to explore the top levels independently.

Can I choose my preferred time slot?
Yes, the tour offers dozens of possible ticket times to fit your schedule, making planning more flexible.

Will I avoid long lines?
Yes, this tour is designed to give you skip-the-line access, especially helpful during busy times when queues can be hours long.

Are there any accessibility restrictions?
People with reduced mobility are not allowed to access the summit floor, so this might not be suitable if that’s a concern.

How long does the whole experience take?
Approximately 3 hours, including security checks, escort to the second floor, and independent time at the top.

Is this experience good value?
It depends. If you value avoiding queues and want quick access to the summit, many find it worth the cost. But some criticize it as overpriced compared to purchasing tickets directly from the tower.

Whether you opt for this tour or not, remember that visiting the Eiffel Tower—especially from the top—is a memorable experience that’s worth planning ahead for. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget your camera!