Eiffel Tower Summit or 2nd Floor Access & Sight Seeing Tour

Imagine standing atop the Eiffel Tower, gazing over Paris’s famed rooftops, while at the same time wandering through its delightful streets — all in just two hours. This tour offers access to either the 2nd floor or the summit, combined with a flexible self-guided audio tour that reveals hidden gems and iconic landmarks. For $41 per person, it provides a practical way to see some of Paris’s most breathtaking views and discover the city at your own pace.

What we love about this experience is how smoothly it handles the logistics — no long lines, no hassle, just a straightforward, enjoyable way to elevate your Paris trip. The audio guide app is a major plus, giving you stories and interactive maps that make exploring the city feel personal and engaging. Plus, the flexibility to combine your Eiffel Tower visit with a Seine river cruise (before or after) means you can tailor your day to your preferences.

One thing to keep in mind is that summit access depends on weather conditions and operational hours. Occasionally, the top can be closed due to weather, so it’s good to have a backup plan or to be flexible. This tour might be less ideal for travelers with mobility challenges, as there’s no wheelchair access to the upper levels of the Eiffel Tower.

This tour suits visitors who want a quick but meaningful Paris experience, enjoy scenic views, and appreciate the flexibility to explore at their own pace. It’s especially ideal for those who value skip-the-line access and engaging storytelling.

Key Points

• Convenient skip-the-line access reduces wait times and maximizes your sightseeing.
• Flexible self-guided audio tour enhances your experience with stories and interactive maps.
• Choice of access to either the 2nd floor or the summit caters to different thrill levels.
• Ideal for independent explorers who prefer to set their own pace.
• Weather-dependent summit access means plans may need to be flexible.
• Great value for the overall experience, especially considering the views and storytelling included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Tour in Detail

The Overview and Logistics

This tour, offered by Crown Tours, is a streamlined way to visit the Eiffel Tower. For $41, you get guaranteed access to the tower, either to the 2nd floor or summit, with the added bonus of a self-guided audio tour on an easy-to-use app. The duration is about two hours, which makes it a perfect quick highlight of your Paris trip, whether you’re on a tight schedule or want a relaxed, unhurried experience.

The meeting point varies depending on the option you choose, but the tour is designed to be straightforward — no guide will escort you through security, but the guide’s role is to ensure your tickets are ready and your experience runs smoothly. The skip-the-line access is a huge benefit, especially given how crowded the Eiffel Tower can get during peak seasons.

The Experience at the Eiffel Tower

Once inside, you’ll take the elevator to your chosen level. The 2nd floor offers panoramic views and a chance to see the intricate latticework of the tower close-up, while the summit takes you even higher, offering Paris’s most breathtaking vistas. Many reviews highlight how efficient and helpful the staff is during this process, with some guides like Batia even going above and beyond to assist travelers with issues like ticketing or security.

The Views and Photo Opportunities

From the second floor, you’ll enjoy a stunning vista of Paris’s rooftops, landmarks, and the Seine winding through the city. The summit takes this to another level — the views are spectacularly expansive, and you’ll get a sense of how the city is laid out from above. Many travelers mention that the weather can influence visibility, so clear days are best for photography and sightseeing.

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The Self-Guided Audio Tour App

After descending, you can extend your visit with the interactive audio guide via the app. It features stories about Paris’s history, famous sites, and hidden gems, making your exploration richer and more engaging. The reviews praise how easy it is to navigate and how guides like Daniel mention that it makes exploration “fun and engaging,” while others appreciate that it avoids overwhelming information, keeping things clear and interesting.

Combining with Other Activities

If you wish, you can also add a Seine River cruise, which runs daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. This flexibility allows you to enjoy the city from a different perspective — floating past iconic bridges, historic buildings, and bustling quays. Travelers like Lisa note how quickly and efficiently they were able to skip lines and get into the tower, leaving more time for Parisian magic.

The Review Highlights

• Knowledgeable guides like Samuele and Batia are frequently praised for their charisma and helpfulness, making the experience more personal.
• Many reviewers comment on the breathtaking views and the value for money — especially since tickets are pre-booked, saving you from long waits.
• Some mention that crowds can be intense, but the skip-the-line feature helps avoid the worst of the congestion.
• The audio guide is a highlight, with many noting it makes the tour more immersive and enjoyable without the need for a large group tour.

Possible Downsides

While most reviews are glowing, some travelers note that summit access is weather-dependent, which can be frustrating if weather closes the top unexpectedly. Also, since the activity doesn’t include a guide, those wanting a narrated experience with a person might find it less satisfying. On top of that, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users, as there’s no wheelchair access to the upper levels.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for independent travelers who want to skip lines and explore at their own pace, especially those who enjoy audio-guided storytelling. It’s also suited for visitors who prioritize stunning views and don’t mind a bit of walking or waiting. If you’re comfortable with a self-guided format and want to maximize your time in Paris, this tour offers a lot of value.

The Sum Up

This Eiffel Tower experience offers a fantastic balance of convenience, authenticity, and flexibility. It’s well-suited for those who want a high-quality, skip-the-line ticket combined with the option to explore Paris’s streets using a self-guided audio tour. The knowledgeable guides, combined with the breathtaking views, make it a memorable highlight, especially for first-time visitors eager to see the city from above.

The price might seem slightly higher than purchasing tickets on your own, but the time saved and ease of access often justify the cost. Plus, the storytelling enriches your visit, making it more than just a photo opportunity. If you’re after a smooth, authentic Parisian experience with a focus on views and local stories, this tour is a worthwhile choice.

For travelers who value convenience, enjoy audio-guided exploration, and want to see Paris from the most iconic vantage point, this tour hits the sweet spot. Just remember to check the weather forecast and be prepared for a little walking — but that’s part of the adventure.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is generally accessible for most travelers, the activity is best suited for those comfortable with walking and using an app for navigation. Children who enjoy stories and views will find it engaging, but check the specific age recommendations if traveling with very young kids.

Can I choose between summit and 2nd floor access?
Yes, the tour offers options for either the 2nd floor or the summit, depending on what you select during booking. Be aware that summit access is weather-dependent and may sometimes be unavailable.

What’s included in the price?
You’ll receive skip-the-line elevator access to the level you choose and, optionally, the self-guided audio tour app. No guided tour guide is included, but the app provides storytelling and maps.

Are there any restrictions?
The tour isn’t recommended for wheelchair users, as there’s no wheelchair access to the upper levels of the Eiffel Tower. Also, summit access can be affected by weather conditions.

Can I extend my experience with other activities?
Absolutely. The tour allows you to combine your Eiffel Tower visit with a Seine river cruise, which runs daily. This flexibility helps you customize your Paris adventure.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind if your plans change.

This experience seamlessly blends convenience, stunning views, and local stories, making it ideal for those who want a memorable, flexible way to see Paris from one of its most iconic landmarks. Whether you’re a first-timer or returning visitor, the combination of skip-the-line access and self-guided storytelling makes this tour a practical, enjoyable choice.

You can check availability for your dates here: