Eiffel Tower Guided Tour by Stairs with Optional Summit by Lift

If you’re thinking about experiencing the Eiffel Tower differently from the usual elevator ride, this guided tour might catch your eye. It offers a chance to climb the stairs alongside a knowledgeable guide, with an option to reach the summit by lift afterward. For travelers craving a more intimate, authentic look at one of Paris’s most iconic landmarks—without breaking the bank—this tour offers a unique perspective.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it combines a physical adventure with storytelling—your guide shares stories and insights that often get lost in the usual crowds. Plus, the panoramic views from the second level are truly stunning. On the flip side, the long lines for security and tickets can be a bit of a downer, especially during busy hours, and the summit isn’t always guaranteed to be open. This tour really suits those who want a more active, detailed visit, especially if you’re up for some stairs and enjoy guided storytelling.

Key Points

• Unique Approach: Climb the Eiffel Tower on foot, experiencing Gustave Eiffel’s original idea of walking for a better view.
• Expert Guides: Insightful, friendly guides help you learn about the tower’s design, history, and secrets.
• Spectacular Views: From the second level, you’ll get sweeping Paris vistas perfect for photos.
• Optional Summit: The elevator to the top is an extra but offers panoramic perspectives you won’t want to miss.
• Long Lines: Security checks and ticket lines can be lengthy, so patience helps.
• Great Value: At around $41.66, this guided experience offers a lot more than just tickets—it’s about the stories and the experience.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Starting Point and Climb

The tour begins at 3 Rue Buenos-Ayres, right in the heart of Paris. From there, you’ll follow your guide into the Eiffel Tower to start the ascent. Gustave Eiffel believed walking was the best experience, and this tour stays true to that. You will climb up the stairs to the second floor, passing through historic spaces and learning about the tower’s engineering and design along the way.

Inside the Tower

Once inside, you’ll notice features that many visitors might overlook, like a salvaged spiral staircase and a glass floor offering a different perspective underneath your feet. The guide keeps the story lively, sharing bits about the tower’s controversial history and engineering feats. Several reviews highlight how engaging and informative guides can turn what might seem like a tiring climb into a memorable adventure. One traveler mentioned, “Nihad was highly professional and informative. The tour was really engaging and the guide helped us with security checks and tickets.”

The Second Level

Upon reaching the second floor, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views over Paris—think of the Eiffel’s panoramic windows framing the Louvre, Notre Dame, Montmartre, and the Seine. This level is ideal for snapping photos and soaking in the scenery at your own pace. Many reviews praise their guides’ storytelling, making the views even richer with context. For example, “Our friendly guide made it a pleasure to climb the steps… shared some really interesting information and made the whole visit enjoyable.”

The Optional Summit

If you’ve upgraded for summit access, you’ll transfer to a glass-walled elevator for a quick ride to the top. At the summit, you’ll get Paris from a different angle—more expansive, more breathtaking. However, be aware that the summit can close unexpectedly for safety reasons, and if that happens, you’ll receive a partial refund. Several reviews mention this, with some travelers expressing disappointment when the top was closed after they were told it would be open.

End of the Tour

After exploring the top (if included), you’ll descend back to the second level and then be free to stay longer or explore further at your leisure. The tour ends right at the Eiffel Tower, which is convenient for further sightseeing or a leisurely walk along the Seine.

What We Love About This Tour

Authentic Experience: Climbing the stairs is a rare, physical way to appreciate the Eiffel Tower. It’s a step back in time to Gustave Eiffel’s own vision, making you feel more connected to the monument. Several reviews mention how manageable and rewarding the climb is, with some describing it as “not bad at all” and “manageable for all levels.”

Guided Insights: The real strength here is the guides’ knowledge. They tell stories that reveal the tower’s hidden stories and engineering secrets. “Ana was wonderful! We learned a lot and made a dream come true,” one traveler said. The guides also assist with navigating security and ticket lines, which can be long and frustrating.

Stunning Views and Photo Opportunities: The panoramic vistas from the second level are, without question, a highlight. You get a chance to take photos without the usual crowds blocking the view, and some reviews mention the early morning tours as a plus—less heat, fewer crowds.

Flexible and Unhurried: After the guided climb, you can stay as long as you wish at the Eiffel Tower, giving you control over your sightseeing pace. If you’ve opted for the summit, the elevator ride offers a quick, comfortable way to reach the top without the climb—perfect if you’re less inclined to stair climbing but still want that top-level experience.

Practical Considerations and Drawbacks

Long Lines: Security checks and ticket lines can stretch for an hour or more during peak times. While the guide helps with tickets, they can’t skip the security or wait times. Reviewers have mixed opinions: some found it manageable, others wish for a true “skip-the-line” experience.

Summit Availability: The top of the Eiffel Tower isn’t always open, sometimes due to technical or safety issues. If you’ve paid extra for summit access, be prepared for possible disappointment if it’s closed that day.

Not a Classic Elevator Tour: If you’re expecting a fast, elevator-only experience, this isn’t it. The stair climb is a core part, so it’s best suited for those physically capable and eager to walk.

Price vs. Value: At about $41.66, it’s a fair price considering the guided storytelling, the stairs, and the views. But if you’re mainly interested in skipping lines or quick access, this might not be the best option.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you value storytelling and want to see the Eiffel Tower from a more intimate, active angle, this tour is ideal. It suits travelers who are comfortable with stairs and want to learn more about the monument’s history from a knowledgeable guide. It’s also a good pick for those who enjoy a relaxed pace—after the climb, you have the freedom to stay longer and enjoy Paris from above.

It’s particularly well-suited for those who appreciate a more authentic experience, rather than just rushing through the monument. Families with children who are physically capable of climbing might enjoy this, but keep in mind the stairs—and the pace—are manageable but not necessarily tailored for very young kids.

FAQs

Does this tour include skip-the-line access?
No, it doesn’t. The tour provides guided access up to the second floor via stairs, but security checks and ticket lines are still managed by the Eiffel Tower and can involve long waits.

Can I go to the top of the Eiffel Tower with this tour?
Yes, but only if you select the summit upgrade. Even then, summit access isn’t guaranteed and can close unexpectedly, so be prepared for that possibility.

How long is the tour?
The guided climb lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes. Afterward, you’re free to stay at the Eiffel Tower as long as you like.

Is the climb difficult?
The climb involves about 600+ steps, but many reviews say it’s manageable and enjoyable for most people. Guides help keep it interesting and comfortable.

What about the views from the second level?
They are spectacular—panoramic, wide-ranging, and perfect for photos. Many travelers say it’s the highlight of the tour.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews consistently praise guides like Ana, Melanie, and Nihad for their engaging stories and helpful attitude.

Is this experience family-friendly?
While not specifically marketed for kids, the manageable stair climb makes it feasible for families with children who can handle a bit of walking and stairs.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are a must. The tour involves walking and stairs, so wear something suitable, especially if it’s hot or rainy.

Any tips for avoiding long lines?
Arriving early or during off-peak hours can help. However, long lines for security are sometimes unavoidable, so patience is key.

Final Thoughts

This guided stair climb of the Eiffel Tower offers a more personal, story-rich experience than simply taking the elevator. It’s a chance to connect more deeply with a Paris icon through the eyes of a passionate guide and to enjoy stunning views at your own pace afterward. While lines and the unpredictability of summit access are considerations, the overall value lies in the storytelling, the physical experience, and the memorable views.

It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a bit of exercise, love learning, and want a more authentic connection to Paris’s most famous monument. If that sounds like your kind of adventure, this tour might just be the perfect way to see the Eiffel Tower differently.

Remember: No tour can entirely bypass the queues at a site as busy as the Eiffel Tower, but with a guide, you’ll gain insights, company, and a richer experience that many solo visitors miss. Just keep in mind the potential for lines and the weather, and you’ll be set for a memorable visit.