Many say that the Eiffel Tower offers the best views in Paris — and who could really argue? But there is so much…
Highlights
- Ascend the Eiffel Tower with an expert guide to lead the way.
- Learn about the tower's colorful history, engineering, and how it’s a part of Parisian culture today.
- Upgrade to reach the summit, featuring views, a champagne bar, and Gustave Eiffel’s private office.
- Relax on a boat cruise on the beautiful Seine river with an optional upgrade.
- Enjoy an incredible panorama of Paris and its landmarks from a bird’s-eye view.
What you'll do
On this guided tour of the Eiffel Tower, you’ll learn about the tower’s history, architecture, and even its brief notoriety.
Begin at the esplanade where you can view the tower from below while queuing for the elevator. Then you’ll zip up to the second floor in a glass-enclosed elevator.
On the ...
On this guided tour of the Eiffel Tower, you’ll learn about the tower’s history, architecture, and even its brief notoriety.
Begin at the esplanade where you can view the tower from below while queuing for the elevator. Then you’ll zip up to the second floor in a glass-enclosed elevator.
On the second level, enjoy one of the best views of Paris. Your guide can help you find Notre Dame, the Louvre, the Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre, the Grand Palais, Les Invalides, and more. There are plenty of places to eat here, including a macaron bar, and your guide is happy to share recommendations. Stay for as long as you like, enjoying the views, exhibits, food, and shopping for souvenirs.
If you’ve already selected and paid for the summit upgrade, you’ll take the elevator to the very top of the tower. Your guide will give you tips on what to see and do here. Highlights include a champagne bar, views from the indoor and outdoor observation decks, and a recreation of Gustave Eiffel’s private office with wax figures of his daughter and Thomas Edison. There are exhibits, too, like a model of the 1889 summit that’s red instead of gray.
Per Eiffel Tower rules, if you upgrade your tour to see the summit, you’ll need to visit the summit right after the guided tour ends. Afterward, feel free to explore the other two floors on your way down. The first level of the Eiffel Tower has more exhibits, a glass floor, and occasional pop-ups.
If you’ve opted for the Seine river cruise upgrade, you will also be emailed a ticket for a one-hour boat cruise after you check in for your tour. (If you haven’t received it an hour after the tour has started, be sure to check your spam folder.) You can head straight to the boat landing to take your cruise after your tour or go on another day. Your cruise ticket is good for up to a year after your Eiffel Tower tour!
Eiffel Tower elevator ride itinerary
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Elevator ride
A smooth ride with your guide as you watch the tower from within through full-length windows
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Second floor of the Eiffel Tower
Spectacular views of the city plus dining options
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Optional visit to the first floor
Stop by this level with a transparent floor on your way back down if you’d like
Plan your trip
Summit upgrade
The summit is subject to last-minute closures by Eiffel Tower staff. If it closes, we’ll refund that upgrade portion of your ticket and ensure you still have an incredible visit.
Seine cruise upgrade
Take a one-hour cruise along the Seine, including an on-board guide. Your ticket is good for up to one year from your tour date. The last boat leaves at 6:30 p.m.
Tour ending point
The guided portion of your tour ends on the second level. You can take the stairs or elevator back down whenever you’re ready.
Refund policy
We offer a 100% refund up to 24 hours prior to the tour start time.
Eiffel Tower tour reviews
We booked this tour and had the best time thanks to our guide Eric. Eric was the perfect guide if you don’t want to just hit the crowded tourists traps. Merci beaucoup Eric!
— TedJennifer
Karina
Meeting point
Meet the ground team from ExperienceFoundry outside the Eiffel Tower and don’t pass through any security checks. You will find them outside the South Security Entrance (Entrance #1) of the Eiffel Tower on Allée des Refuzniks, near the trees and the benches. The Allée des Refuzniks is a dirt footpath just outside the Eiffel Tower.
The ground team representatives from ExperienceFoundry will be wearing orange hats and holding orange signs that say ExperienceFirst or ExperienceFoundry.
For easier navigation, you can paste these coordinates into Google Maps: 48.857358,2.293079
Eiffel Tower elevator tour FAQs
Will we have to wait in line?
This tour doesn’t include skipping the line. Your guide will purchase tickets for you after you arrive. Please be aware that the wait time to purchase tickets can be up to two hours, meaning the total time for this experience can vary from 2-4 hours. However, rest assured that your guide will keep you entertained and provide insightful information about the Eiffel Tower while you wait in line together, another benefit of going with a guided tour.
Is this tour accessible?
This tour is accessible for foldable strollers. However, this tour is not accessible for wheelchairs. If you use a wheelchair, you are encouraged to book a private tour or visit on your own using the Eiffel Tower’s priority entrance. At their discretion, tower staff may also restrict summit access for people carrying canes or with limited mobility.
What happens if the summit is closed?
If you’ve booked the summit upgrade but the summit is closed when you receive your tickets from your guide, the summit portion of your tour will be refunded, and you’ll still enjoy a visit to the second floor. Please note that it’s not possible to cancel your reservation due to summit closure. The summit may be closed by Eiffel Tower staff for maintenance, weather, safety, and more, and this is unfortunately beyond our control.
When do I visit the summit?
If you upgrade your tour to see the summit, Eiffel Tower staff requires you to go straight to the summit as soon as you reach the second floor. You’ll still be able to explore both the first and second floors on your own after the summit if you choose.
Are there lockers available before we go up?
No. We recommend leaving luggage at your hotel since Eiffel Tower staff reserves the right to refuse entry to those with extra bags.
Is there food and drink available for purchase during the tour?
Yes, you can purchase food and drink on the first and second levels. Your guide will have recommendations on where to eat.
How does the Seine cruise upgrade work?
Your guide will give you instructions on where to find the boat. Your ticket is good for a one-hour cruise along the Seine anytime within one year of the date of your tour. Make sure to arrive on time for your Eiffel Tower tour to receive your boat tickets — if you miss your tour, you won’t be able to receive your cruise tickets. Reservations are not required for the river cruise. Just show up 20 minutes early with your tickets. The boat ride is roundtrip, starting and ending by the Eiffel Tower. Here is a map of the meeting point.
What if it rains?
Our tours run rain or shine. Please check the local forecast and plan accordingly. In rare instances when we have to cancel for extreme weather, we’ll offer you the chance to reschedule or a refund.
What is the rescheduling policy?
We understand plans change. We offer a 100% refund or the option to reschedule up to 24 hours prior to your tour start time. Within 24 hours of your tour, we would have incurred hard costs and therefore cannot allow rescheduling or cancellation without costs.
Are gratuities included?
Tips are always appreciated but never expected. They’re a great way to tell your guide they did an awesome job and show your appreciation.
Do you have gift certificates?
Yes! If you want to give the gift of Paris (or any of our destinations) to someone else, you can purchase a tour gift card. Our gift cards are good for any of our tours, and they never expire.
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