Eiffel Tower Guided Tour by Stairs with Optional Summit by Lift
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
This one-of-a-kind adventure takes you on an immersive journey and discover Paris from a breathtaking perspective! Step into the footsteps of Gustave Eiffel himself and experience the Eiffel Tower as he once did—by climbing its stairs! Unlike most visitors who take the elevator, you’ll walk up the stairs, enjoying a truly immersive experience filled with stunning views and fascinating stories. At every step, your expert guide will unveil the incredible history, engineering marvels, and hidden secrets of this world-famous monument.
Once you reach the second level, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the most beautiful view of Paris by taking the elevator all the way to the very top. At 276 meters more than 900 feet high, soak in the ultimate panoramic views of Paris, a once-in-a-lifetime moment you won’t want to miss!
Important note : The summit may close unexpectedly at the operator’s discretion. If this happens and you’ve booked summit access, you’ll receive a partial refund.
Additional Info
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
The summit may close unexpectedly at the tower's discretion. If this happens and you’ve booked summit access, you’ll receive a partial refund.
During peak periods, security checks can sometimes take as long as an hour.
According to tower regulations, if you book the summit, you must visit the top first before exploring the lower floors.
If you chose the cruise option: It’s a 1-hour Seine River cruise with Bateaux Parisiens, departing from the Eiffel Tower. Admire Paris’s top landmarks like Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Musée d'Orsay, with audio commentary available in 14 languages. Cruises run daily, every 30 minutes from 10:30 AM to 10:30 PM. Your tour guide will give you the tickets on the day of the tour, and they’re valid for 1 year.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Guided Tour: Led by a knowledgeable professional.
Unlimited Time: After the tour, stay as long as you wish.
Panoramic Views: Marvel at sweeping Paris vistas.
Access to the Eiffel Tower Summit by lift (if option selected)
Access up to the second floor by stairs
Live Guide: Real-time insights from an expert.
Skip the line
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks
What To Expect
Eiffel Tower
Ascend the Eiffel Tower as Gustave Eiffel intended—on foot. He believed walking offered the best experience, so we created the original Eiffel Tower Guided Climb. Follow your local guide inside to learn about its engineering, design, and once-controversial story. Pause on the first floor to see a salvaged spiral staircase and step onto the glass floor for a unique vantage point. Then continue to the second level for sweeping views of the Louvre, Notre Dame, Montmartre, the Seine, and beyond. Treat yourself to macarons or shop for souvenirs before your guided tour concludes. If you’ve selected the summit upgrade, board a glass-walled elevator to the pinnacle. Peek into Gustave Eiffel’s restored office—complete with wax figures of Claire and Thomas Edison—and explore historical exhibits. If you’d like a toast at the champagne bar, please note any drinks are at your own expense. Per tower rules, head straight to the summit from the second floor, then revisit the lower levels afterward.
Options
Guided climb to 2nd floor
Summit Access + Cruise Ticket
Summit Access + Cruise Ticket: Guided climb to the 2nd floor + summit access via lift + Cruise ticket.
Guided Climb + Summit Access
Access to Summit
Reviews
2,178 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Skip the guide and do your own thing
Darryl W,
Sep 28, 2025
- Viator
3.00The Effiel Tower is iconic and a must when in Paris. The guided tour was a little expensive and long. The guide only takes you to the first level and then leaves you to your own devices to explore the second level and top of the tower (if included in your ticket purchase). We met our guide and group at 4 PM but still had to queue for tickets which I wasn’t expecting. This tour was the stairs option, walking up to the first and second levels before taking the lift to the top. If you time it right (depending on the time of year you visit) you will be able to capture the tower in daylight and then evening when it’s lit up. The tower flashes for 5 minutes on the hour every hour from 8 PM until 1 AM. We walked down and off the tower at 7:55 PM just as it light up and flashed. Made for some great up close pictures. I would also recommend a drink in the brasserie restaurant (which you don’t need to book) located on the first level. I would suggest skipping the guided tour as it eats into your time.
Nihad is the best quide ever!
Laura H,
Sep 26, 2025
- Viator
5.00Nihad was amazing with facts made fun! Thanks Viator for making our experience memorable with a great guide like Nihad.
If you enjoy climbing 657 steps to the 2nd terrace then this is your trip.
Judy D,
Sep 25, 2025
- Viator
3.00It should be very clear that there are 657 steps to reach the 2nd terrace. My husband has a bad knee and could not climb this much. We made it to ther 1st floor and due to the really cold windy weather and another 350+ steps to reach the 2nd terrace we had to leave. We were very disappointed that we could not reach the summit and were not told how many steps there were until we started the tour. Guide was OK. During the climb and on the 1st terrace we did not receive any facts or points of interest about the Tower itself. Many others in the group were surprised as well about the length of the climb.
Amazing tour and guide!
Vikki R,
Sep 22, 2025
- Viator
5.00Eiffel Tower and tour was amazing! Nihad was a great tour guide and the Eiffel Tower itself was incredible! Would definitely recommend 😄
Great
Stephanie B,
Sep 22, 2025
- Viator
5.00The tour guide was nice and informative. There were a few lines to wait in before being able to climb up the stairs.
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Operated by Epic Tours