Eiffel Tower Access to 2nd Floor & Summit with Host by Lift

If you’re thinking about visiting Paris and want to see the Eiffel Tower without the hassle of long lines or complicated arrangements, this tour might be worth considering. It offers a chance to enjoy the Tower’s iconic views while skipping some of the usual waiting and crowd frustrations. But, like all experiences, it’s not perfect, and it’s important to weigh what you get for the price.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it combines convenience with a touch of guided help. You get a friendly host to take you up to the second floor—saving you time and energy—and then the freedom to explore the summit on your own. The views from the top are often described as breathtaking, and I think that alone makes it appealing. On the flip side, the tour doesn’t include a guided narration at the top, which could be a downside for those wanting a more comprehensive storytelling experience.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a quick, straightforward way to access the Eiffel Tower’s best lookout points, especially if avoiding long lines is a priority. If you’re comfortable navigating a busy site with some independence, this could be a solid choice. However, if you’re after a full guided experience or traveling with very young children or those with mobility issues, you might want to consider other options.

Key Points

• Skip long lines with pre-booked tickets, saving you time at one of Paris’s most famous landmarks.
• Guided assistance up to the 2nd floor means you won’t have to struggle with directions or wait in lengthy queues.
• Independent summit visit allows flexibility to explore on your own, but no guided commentary at the top.
• Good value for the price considering access to all three levels via elevator and the convenience of a host.
• Crowded conditions can make the elevator experience tight—be prepared for packed lifts.
• Limited accessibility for people with reduced mobility, especially at the summit level.
• Not a guided tour—you get help up to the second floor but explore the rest independently.
• Timing and planning are essential; expect some lines at security and elevator access points.

What to Expect from this Eiffel Tower Tour

Overview and How It Works

This experience is designed to make your visit to the Eiffel Tower smoother and more enjoyable. It’s not a guided tour in the traditional sense—you won’t get a narrator at each level—yet it offers a helpful host who takes you up to the second floor, then points you toward the elevator that leads to the summit. The total duration is around 2 hours, which is enough to soak up some incredible views without feeling rushed.

The meeting point is conveniently located at 45 Av. de la Bourdonnais, close to public transportation. From there, your host will escort you to the Eiffel Tower, assisting you with the entry process, which involves security checks that can sometimes cause delays. Once inside, you’ll ride the elevators to the 1st and 2nd levels, enjoying panoramic views of Paris, including the Trocadero Gardens, the Louvre, and other landmarks.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $77.08 per person, you are granted access to all three levels of the Eiffel Tower (up to the summit), with elevator rides included. Your host will help you navigate those initial levels up to the second floor, making it easier to bypass lines and avoid confusion. They also provide general information about the tower in English, which adds some context to your visit.

However, this isn’t a guided tour with a detailed narration or storytelling at each level. You’re on your own after reaching the second floor, so if you want a dedicated guide to tell you stories and history during your entire visit, this might not fulfill that need. Transportation to and from the Tower is also not included, so plan accordingly.

Crowd Levels and Wait Times

Reviews consistently mention that the queues at security and for the elevator can be long, sometimes packed like sardines. While your host helps with the initial entry, you should still expect to wait, especially during peak hours or busy seasons. Some reviewers noted that the waiting in elevators can be claustrophobic, so if you’re sensitive to tight spaces, keep this in mind.

The Views and Experience at the Top

Once you reach the summit, the views are considered spectacular. From high above Paris, you’ll see the entire city laid out around you, a memorable experience for anyone who appreciates cityscapes. Several reviews praised the sunset views and the opportunity to see Paris from the highest accessible point.

Accessibility and Suitability

People with reduced mobility are not allowed on the summit, which is an important consideration if anyone in your group has mobility challenges. Children over 4 years old need their own tickets, so this experience isn’t just for adults. It’s suited for travelers who are comfortable with crowds and vertical lifts but not necessarily for those who require full accessibility.

The Value for Money

At roughly $77 for this experience, the price is reasonable considering elevator access and the convenience of skipping lines. The reviews reflect a mix of satisfaction and some disappointment—some found it well worth the cost for the ease and views, while others felt it lacked guided commentary or was crowded.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Meeting Point and Host Assistance

Your adventure begins at a central location near the Eiffel Tower, with your host meeting you there. The host’s role is mainly to assist in getting you smoothly through security and up to the second floor. Their help is especially valuable during busy times, as they help bypass some of the queues, which many reviews appreciate.

Ascending to the Second Floor and the Summit

Once inside, you’ll take the elevator to the 1st and 2nd floors, which are packed with travelers. The views from here are fantastic—you’ll see Paris’s rooftops, historic monuments, and sprawling cityscape. The host stops at the second floor and then directs you toward the elevator for the summit.

Independent Exploration at the Top

After reaching the summit, you’re free to walk around. The top offers panoramic views that are often described as unforgettable. However, there is no guided commentary at this level, so if you’re interested in detailed history or stories, you might find yourself wanting more.

Returning and Wrap-up

You’ll descend independently after your visit, making your own way back down the elevator. The experience ends at the Eiffel Tower, with no further guided assistance or transportation included.

What Do the Reviews Say?

Many travelers have positive things to share—highlighting the friendly guides, smooth entry, and stunning views. One reviewer raved, “Our guides were great, friendly, funny, & took care of us, skipped the lines!” Others appreciated the organization and the helpful information given about the tower.

Yet, some reviews point out frustrations. Several mention long lines at security, tight elevator spaces, and the absence of a guided narration at the top. A few travelers found the experience confusing, especially when trying to coordinate the summit visit or when trying to understand the process in a language other than English.

Notable Quotes

• “Entering the towers was very easy. We had a great time, the view was amazing.”
• “While getting in was quick and easy, be aware you have to wait in line for quite a while to get to the top in the lift where you are packed in like sardines.”
• “This was the only way we could get tickets to the Summit so was worth the extra cost.”
• “The views are amazing, but very crowded.”

These insights help paint a picture of what you’re signing up for.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This Eiffel Tower experience is ideal for travelers who want to avoid the hassle of long lines and prefer a straightforward way to access the tower’s main observation points. The assistance in getting to the second floor makes it especially valuable during busy tourist season. If you’re comfortable navigating some crowds and want quick elevator access to the summit, it’s a practical choice.

However, if you’re looking for a detailed guided commentary or a more leisurely, less crowded experience, you might want to consider other options. This tour offers convenience and a stunning view, but it’s not about detailed storytelling or guided tours at every level. It’s best suited for those who prioritize the view and the ease of access over in-depth narration.

If you’re traveling with mobility challenges or young children, double-check the access restrictions for the summit, as they are limited for some visitors.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children over 4 need their own tickets but should be okay as long as they’re comfortable with crowds and elevator rides. It’s not specifically designed as a family tour.

Does this include a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower?
Not exactly. You get a host to help you reach the second floor and direct you to the summit elevator, but there’s no guided narration at the top or detailed commentary during the visit.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 2 hours, giving you enough time to enjoy the views and navigate the elevators without feeling rushed.

Are tickets refundable?
No, this experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed. Be sure of your plans before booking.

Is there assistance for people with mobility issues?
People with reduced mobility are not allowed on the summit. Accessible options may be limited.

Can I visit the Eiffel Tower without this tour?
Yes, but you’d need to buy tickets separately and face potentially long lines, especially in peak times.

What should I expect at security?
Expect some delays at the security checkpoint; it’s a standard part of visiting the Eiffel Tower. Arrive early to avoid tight timing.

Is transportation included?
No, transportation to and from the Eiffel Tower is not included, so plan your route accordingly.

In the end, this tour offers a practical way to see the Eiffel Tower’s most famous levels with less waiting but with some limitations. If you’re after convenience, stunning views, and a friendly guide helping you through the initial climb, it’s a reasonable pick. Just keep in mind the crowds and the fact that the top-level experience is self-guided. For those who value detailed narration and full guided tours, looking into other options might be worthwhile.