Eiffel Tower Tour Elevator 2nd Floor with Optional Top Floor

If you’re eyeing a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower, this guided elevator tour offers a way to enjoy the views with some added insights and convenience. While it’s not a full climb, it’s a solid option for travelers who want to skip the lines and gain some historical context along the way.

What we really appreciate is how the tour offers a knowledgeable guide to help navigate security and share interesting stories—a big plus if you’re pressed for time or simply want to avoid the hassle of long lines. We also like the flexibility of the multiple departure times which make it easier to fit into your Paris itinerary.

On the flip side, keep in mind that the cost is somewhat higher than just buying tickets directly, especially if you’re comfortable exploring on your own. This tour is best suited for those who value guided insights and a streamlined experience rather than a budget-only approach.

This tour is a good pick for visitors who want an easier, more informative way to experience the Eiffel Tower without the fuss of waiting in line, especially if you’re interested in catching the stunning city vistas from the second floor or even the top.

Key Points

• Guided Experience: You get a friendly, knowledgeable guide who enhances your visit with stories and helpful tips.
• Skip the Lines: Meeting at a nearby spot allows you to bypass some of the confusion around security and lines.
• Flexible Scheduling: Multiple departure times help you plan your day more easily.
• Optional Summit Access: You can upgrade to visit the very top of the Eiffel Tower for the best panoramic views.
• Price Consideration: The tour costs around $81.76 per person, which is more than just buying tickets but can be worth it for the convenience.
• Mixed Reviews: While many enjoyed the experience, some found the organization lacking or felt it wasn’t worth the price compared to purchasing tickets directly.

What to Expect from the Tour

Meeting Point and Check-In

The tour begins at 29 Av. de la Bourdonnais, a spot close to the Eiffel Tower, which makes it easier to meet without the chaos of queuing at the tower itself. You’ll meet your guide here, who will help you pass security smoothly and ensure you’re ready for the elevator ride.

One review mentions that the meeting point is about 500 meters away from the Eiffel Tower, near a curio shop, which might seem a bit unusual but is designed to streamline the entrance process. This small bit of initial confusion seems worth it for many travelers wanting to avoid the lines.

The Elevator Ride to the 2nd Floor

The core of the tour is the elevator ride up to the second floor, with admission tickets included. The ride itself is comfortable, and you’ll be able to glance out the windows and start soaking in the views. Your guide is there to point out best photo angles and share quick insights about the tower’s history and architecture.

Guided Insights and Photo Tips

We loved the way guides like Danilo or Danyel shared stories between elevator rides, adding personality and context you won’t find in a guidebook. Several reviews mention how guides make the wait times more bearable by sharing interesting facts. For example, one reviewer appreciated how their guide “gave lots of information about the history of the Eiffel Tower while waiting in lines.”

Time at the Second Floor

Once at the second level, you can wander around, take pictures, and enjoy the views of Paris. It’s a popular spot for photos, with famous angles and perspectives. The guide remains available to help if you want suggestions or quick facts about the city below.

Optional Top Floor Upgrade

For those who want the absolute best views, there’s an option to upgrade to visit the top of the Eiffel Tower. This is still within the scope of the tour, and while it’s an additional cost, it’s the highest point in the city—a real treat for panorama lovers.

The Experience at the Top

If you opt for the summit, you’ll get to enjoy the highest viewpoint in Paris, with panoramic vistas stretching across the city. Many reviewers find this to be the highlight, especially if the weather is clear. However, keep in mind that guides cannot accompany you to the top during busy times, so your experience there is more autonomous.

How the Tour Feels in Practice

Organization and Group Size

The maximum group size is around 70 travelers, which can sometimes feel a bit crowded. Most travelers find that the group moves efficiently, especially with the guide’s help, but lines and crowds are part of the experience here. Several reviews commend the guides’ professionalism—for example, one reviewer states, “Danyel was a great guide, gave our group lots of information about the history of the Eiffel Tower.”

Value for Money

At roughly $81.76 per person, this tour is priced higher than buying tickets independently, which you could do online for less. However, the trade-off is convenience and having a guide to streamline the process and enrich the experience. Some reviews, like one from Amy, suggest that the guide’s interest level varied and that the overall experience might not be worth the extra cost if you’re comfortable exploring on your own. Conversely, others felt the guided service added significant value, especially during busy times.

What We Loved and Noticed

• The guides are generally well-informed and friendly, making the wait and ascent more engaging.
• The views from the second floor are stunning, giving a great perspective of Paris.
• The option to upgrade to the summit is convenient and relatively straightforward.
• Many reviewers highlight the ease of passing security thanks to the meeting arrangement.

On the downside, some travelers felt that organizing was a bit disorganized at times, with reviews mentioning confusing meeting points or delays in guide arrival. Plus, the price point might be hard to justify for budget travelers who don’t mind navigating the lines on their own or buying tickets directly.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who value guided insights and want to skip the lines, especially if they’re short on time or prefer a more structured visit. If you’re a first-time visitor wanting to avoid the hassle of ticketing and security, this can be a real time-saver.

However, if you’re comfortable with self-guided visits or looking to save money, you might find that purchasing tickets directly from the Eiffel Tower’s website is just as effective. The tour is also suited for those who are interested in hearing stories about the tower’s history, architecture, and the best photo spots—something the guides excel at.

Final Thoughts

The Eiffel Tower Elevator Tour with the optional summit offers a practical way to experience one of Paris’s most iconic landmarks without the stress of long lines or security. The key strengths lie in the guided commentary and the convenience of meeting arrangements designed to help you get to the top more smoothly. Many travelers have enjoyed the experience, citing knowledgeable guides and breathtaking views as highlights.

That said, it’s not the cheapest option out there, and some reviews point out that if you’re looking for a deep dive into history or a more personalized tour, this might fall short. The organization can vary, and the value depends heavily on your expectations—if you want a guided, hassle-free visit with a chance to see the city from above, this fits the bill.

In the end, it’s a tour that balances efficiency with a touch of storytelling, making it a good pick for those who want a more guided experience but are aware of what they’re paying for.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families or kids?
While the tour isn’t explicitly designed for children, families can enjoy the experience, especially if kids are interested in the Eiffel Tower. The elevator ride and panoramic views appeal to many age groups, though older children and teens might appreciate the guided insights more.

Can I stay at the Eiffel Tower after the tour ends?
Yes, once the tour concludes, you can remain at the Eiffel Tower as long as you want, exploring further at your own pace.

What time should I book the tour?
There are a wide choice of departure times, so you can pick one that fits your schedule. The tour lasts about 2 hours, so plan accordingly for your day.

Does the tour include skip-the-line access?
No, this tour does not include skip-the-line access; however, the meeting point and guide assistance help you avoid some of the initial security confusion. For guaranteed fast access, a different tour specifically offering skip-the-line tickets might be better.

Is the summit visit guaranteed?
No, the summit visit is an optional upgrade. You can choose to visit the second floor only or add the summit for an additional fee.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather, and if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

In the end, whether this tour is right for you depends on how much you value convenience, guidance, and the chance to skip some lines. It’s a solid choice for travelers wanting a structured, informative visit to the Eiffel Tower without the hassle of navigating everything solo.