Eiffel Tower Access to 2nd Floor and Summit by Lift

Visiting Paris’ most iconic landmark is high on many travelers’ bucket lists. This tour offers pre-booked elevator tickets that take you straight to the second level and the summit, bypassing some of the long lines and waiting times. At around $102 per person for a roughly 3-hour experience, it promises a quick, hassle-free way to enjoy the stunning views and architectural marvel of the Eiffel Tower.

What we particularly like about this experience is the convenience of skip-the-line tickets—especially during peak season when queues can be hours long. Plus, the guided assistance up to the second floor helps to navigate the initial entry, making the beginning of your visit smoother. On top of that, the panoramic views from the summit are truly breathtaking and worth the price for many visitors.

However, a key consideration is that this isn’t a guided tour in the traditional sense. Once you’re led to the second floor, you’re on your own to explore the summit independently. Some reviews mention disorganization and inconsistent guide involvement, which might be disappointing if you were expecting a fully guided experience. Plus, because some reviews highlight value concerns, it’s important to compare this with ticket-only options if your main goal is just to ascend the tower.

This tour is best suited for travelers who prioritize convenience and quick access over detailed guided commentary. If you’re comfortable exploring at your own pace after being escorted to the second floor, and you want a guaranteed summit experience, this could be a good fit. But if you’re more interested in detailed stories or guided insights, you might find other options more satisfying.

Key Points

• Skip-the-line access helps avoid long queues, especially during busy seasons.
• Summit access by elevator offers unparalleled views of Paris, well worth the extra cost for many.
• Guided assistance up to the second floor ensures a smooth start, but beyond that, visitors are on their own.
• Mixed reviews on organization and value highlight the importance of managing expectations.
• Group size is limited to 15 travelers, maintaining a semi-private feel.
• Not suitable for reduced mobility due to restrictions on reaching the summit.

A Thorough Breakdown of the Experience

Location and Meeting Point

The tour begins at 45 Av. de la Bourdonnais, right near the Eiffel Tower. The meeting point is conveniently located near public transportation, making it easy to access. The instructions mention an off-site meeting point, which some travelers found a bit confusing, especially if arriving early or late.

What’s Included

For $102, you receive a ticket to the summit by elevator and host assistance in English up to the second floor. The host will meet you at the designated spot, escort you past security, and take you up to the second level. Once there, you’re free to explore the observation deck on your own, with access to the summit elevator.

The Itinerary

Initially, you’ll meet your host at the start point and be led to the security checkpoint, where delays are common due to high visitor numbers. From there, your host will guide you through the priority access line to the elevator that whisks you up to the second floor in about 1.5 hours total, including waiting time.

At the second level, you’ll disembark and be handed off to the elevator that takes you to the summit. Here, you’ll enjoy panoramic views over Paris, a highlight that many reviews rave about. Some visitors wish the guide had joined them upstairs to point out landmarks; as one review put it, “It would have been nice to have the guide join us upstairs and point out sites from the top.”

What Travelers Experience

Views from the summit are what most people remember vividly. On a clear day, you can see the sprawling cityscape of Paris, including landmarks like Notre Dame, Sacré-Cœur, and the Seine. The twinkling lights at night are especially magical, and many reviewers describe the experience as “worth every penny,” despite some frustrations with organization.

Guide and Host Assistance

It’s important to note that this isn’t a guided tour in the traditional sense. The host’s role is primarily to facilitate access and guide you up to the second floor. Once there, you’re largely on your own. Some reviews mention disorganization, with guides leaving or not being present during the entire visit, leading to confusing moments. Others praise guides like Ashan or Ana for their helpfulness, especially in navigating lines and explaining the tower’s history.

Group Size and Comfort

With a maximum of 15 travelers, the group size is manageable, allowing for some personal assistance. Still, some reviewers have noted late guides or delays, which can affect your timing, especially if you have other plans afterward.

Price and Value

At over $100, this experience is somewhat on the pricier side. Many reviews compare the cost to buying tickets directly from the Eiffel Tower website—some noting that the price is significantly higher, with one reviewer saying they paid over $200 more through this service. The convenience and skip-the-line access are what justify the premium for some, but others feel it’s not worth the extra expense, especially if they’re comfortable waiting in regular lines or purchasing tickets on-site.

Potential Drawbacks

• Organization issues like late guides and confusing meeting points can impact your experience.
• Limited guide involvement once on the second floor might leave those seeking a narrated experience disappointed.
• Price disparity compared to direct ticket purchase can be startling, especially if you’re on a budget.
• Accessibility limitations mean this tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility restrictions who want to reach the summit.

Authentic Traveler Insights from Reviews

Multiple reviewers highlight the stunning views from the summit as a major highlight, describing it as “extraordinary” and “magical.” One user shared that the guide helped us skip the long lines, making the trip much more enjoyable, and another said, “The view from the summit was worth the cost and waiting in lines.”

In contrast, some travelers were frustrated by lack of organization. One lamented, “The guide was late, and there was no office—just an apartment door,” illustrating the sometimes haphazard nature of the meeting process. Another reviewer called the experience a “scam,” pointing out that tickets can be bought cheaper directly from the Eiffel Tower, which makes the added cost of this tour harder to justify unless time-saving is a priority.

Tips for Future Visitors

• Book well in advance — most travelers book about 21 days ahead — and choose a time that aligns with your plans.
• Be prepared for security delays, especially during high seasons.
• Remember that the guide’s role ends at the second floor; plan to explore the summit independently.
• Consider whether the extra cost is justified for your desire to avoid queues and get quick access.

The Bottom Line: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience best suits travelers who want fast, guaranteed access to the Eiffel Tower’s summit and value the convenience of an escorted entry. If you’re okay with exploring independently once you’re in the tower and prefer to skip the lines, this is a solid choice. However, those seeking a fully guided, narrated experience or on a tight budget might find better value in buying tickets directly or choosing a different tour.

If your main goal is the breathtaking views from the top and avoiding the hassle of queues, this tour delivers. Just be prepared for some variability in organization and consider whether the price aligns with your expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour guided throughout?
No, once you’re taken to the second floor, you explore at your own pace. The host assists you up to the second level but does not accompany you upstairs.

Does the tour include transportation?
No, the tour does not include transportation. You meet at the specified location near the Eiffel Tower.

Can I access the summit if I have reduced mobility?
People with reduced mobility are not allowed to reach the summit floor, so this tour may not be suitable if that’s a concern.

How long does the entire experience last?
Approximately 3 hours, including waiting, security, and elevator rides.

What are the times available for booking?
Dozens of ticket times are offered to fit your schedule, but most travelers book around 21 days in advance.

Is this experience worth the price?
It depends on your priorities. If skipping long lines and quick summit access matter most, many find it worth the cost. Others feel it’s expensive for what they received.

What should I expect at the meeting point?
The meeting point is at 45 Av. de la Bourdonnais. Some reviews mention it being somewhat confusing or not having a dedicated office, so arrive early and look for the guide outside.

Are there any restrictions I should be aware of?
Yes, delays at security are common, and the tour is not suitable for those with mobility restrictions seeking to reach the summit.

What happens if the summit closes due to weather or crowding?
If the summit is closed for safety or crowding reasons, a partial refund might be available, but this depends on the situation and policy.

Can I buy tickets directly at the tower instead?
Yes, but during peak times, tickets purchased on-site might involve long waits. The tour’s main advantage is avoiding those lines.

In the end, this tour provides a practical way to access the Eiffel Tower’s top levels with minimal fuss, especially if you value smooth entry over guided commentary. We recommend it for independent explorers who want to maximize their time on the tower and are comfortable handling their own sightseeing once inside. For those looking for a comprehensive guided experience or better value, other options might be more suitable.