Eiffel Tower: Your Guide to 2nd Floor & Summit Access (2025)

So, you’re thinking of checking out the Eiffel Tower? Well, that’s understandable. I mean, who goes to Paris and *doesn’t* at least consider seeing the iron beauty? Very possibly, you are even weighing your options regarding access— the second floor versus the summit. I thought I would provide some helpful advice if that’s what is happening, giving you an insider’s view of what to expect. It will mostly be regarding the tour options that include a host because those certainly are abundant. I had some memorable visits that really might give you some useful points to consider for a potentially once-in-a-lifetime thing.

Basically, I want to help you decide if paying a bit more for a guided tour that takes you up to the 2nd floor and optionally to the tippy-top summit, is a good thing. I’ll share insights to maybe help you get the most enjoyment from that experience in 2025. It’s all about how to best see this amazing spot, really getting those incredible vistas. It’s like your, ‘I climbed the Eiffel Tower’ story won’t be a letdown, you know? So keep reading, as I go over the important aspects. It just might really come in handy for getting the most out of it.

Why Choose a Guided Tour?

You might be pondering if a guided tour is truly worth it. I mean, so many just go to the base and gaze up! Then they go enjoy Parisian dining, but actually getting to the upper bits with a crowd may seem a bother. Yet, believe me, a guide honestly changes things. As a matter of fact, getting historical background really just might enhance the whole Eiffel Tower experience. You could learn about the monument’s history, all those neat building facts, also how it became the Parisian icon it is right now. The stories a guide can tell, the secrets they can let slip… that actually adds depth you simply won’t find on plaques or via your basic travel guide. Then they help you learn more than you thought you could.

One real plus is the fast-track access, as I was saying. Rather, it could easily save you serious time. As I was saying, skipping some serious waiting in lines and getting straight to the elevators? That honestly gives you more time to soak it all up once you’re at the top. They very well could make that summit visit way easier, in all honesty. And think, too, of all the viewpoints the host guides you to. I mean, these guys know all the great photo spots, just a little. This really may let you get some very enviable photos and angles others often skip. You’ll enjoy that when you share your trip photos and stories.

Read our full review: Eiffel Tower guided tour Full Review and Details

Reaching the 2nd Floor: A Sweet Spot

Alright, let’s talk about the 2nd floor—that really is where many people think they’ve really ‘done’ the Eiffel Tower, right? Often, in some respects, it strikes many as the best option to take in most of the Paris view. Is that how it hits everyone? Definitely not. You get panoramic views of the entire city. I guess a really big, ‘Wow’ is more or less normal! So, you’ll spot iconic landmarks, too, like Notre Dame (still recovering!), the Louvre, and the Seine just shimmering there.

As a matter of fact, at this level, just a little bit of history can be enjoyed since there are exhibits with the tower’s construction, apparently. Often it offers some scale regarding just what went into its building, at least to some extent. Too, I’d very strongly suggest having a snack or drinks up here at the restaurant since you may want that, that’s not even getting into the shops that let you pick up an actual Parisian thing. Maybe the cost feels slightly excessive… yet for sure, those moments feel memorable.

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Eiffel Tower 2nd floor tickets)

The Summit: Touching the Sky

The Summit… ah, well, that’s where the crazy incredible experience happens, I suppose. It can feel very exclusive too; as a matter of fact, a lot fewer folks make it right up there. If you’ve gotten this far, this could seem amazing. Yet the reward for going all the way honestly pays off! You actually can see the sprawl of Paris totally unfolding beneath you. Maybe there’s something particularly inspiring in seeing it, even when it has a crowd.

Apparently, the height is mind-blowing… as a matter of fact, sometimes even anxiety inducing; a guide very possibly could offer some insights and support for a visitor who feels just a bit unnerved by this. Usually, there is even Gustave Eiffel’s original office. Maybe checking it out might really spark your imagination about what the spot means. There is often champagne being poured at the bar too, though be warned –the high altitude and bubbly will probably kick in far quicker than you assume!

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Eiffel Tower summit tickets)

What to Expect from Your Host

Too it’s almost like having a host that accompanies your Eiffel Tower visit actually goes beyond just dodging long lines, in a way. Often they really seem to know the details of the site, for instance things you might simply never notice by yourself, such as just what makes one girder unlike another. This very possibly could add context, maybe transforming the thing into something memorable and personal.

Often they handle all the tricky bits… as a matter of fact, coordinating tickets or dealing with crowds or answering all those niggling questions as well. Guides that show real excitement are pretty cool. Usually it’s the enthusiasm the best guides actually project when chatting about all sorts of things; yet their stories should actually resonate and stick with you much more. So they could certainly offer extra info that elevates your perspective of the spot!

See our partner for tickets: Eiffel Tower best tour partner tickets