The Eiffel Tower majestically rises above the skyline and impresses millions of visitors who visit yearly.
It is the highest structure in Paris and is visible almost from anywhere in the city.
The best way to experience this monument’s beauty is to stand atop it and gaze down at Paris.
The tower has three levels that you can visit—the first level, the second level and the summit, each offering unique views of this romantic city
This article will discuss which floor has a better view and experience – the top of the summit or the second floor.
Overview
Your Eiffel Tower journey will start from the ground floor and ascend to the topmost or summit.
The first floor welcomes you with great cultural and entertaining displays to deepen your experience.
You will be amazed to arrive at the second floor and visit the various shops and dining options for your whole family.
The tower’s top floor has the best view, with open-air and indoor spaces where you can stroll and enjoy the views throughout the day.
You can take the stairs, climbing 674 steps to reach the second floor from the ground floor.
To reach the top from the second floor, you must take the Duolift elevator, and stairs are not allowed for safety reasons.
You can purchase skip-the-line Eiffel Tower tickets and get access to the first and second floors.
Note: Access to the Summit is by elevators only and is not included in primary tickets. You need to buy the direct access tickets separately.
You can also purchase a tour to the second floor by stairs and Summit by elevator.
Eiffel Tower’s Second floor
The second level, at 115 meters (377 feet), offers one of the most picturesque views travelers love visiting.
It is neither too high nor too low and is perfect for seeing the capital from a different perspective.
The second floor has a larger area, 436 square meters (4,692 square feet), following the tower’s tapering structure.
There are two areas—the main level and the observation deck—from which you can see the various attractions of Paris.
The observatory deck has telescopes through which you can admire monuments such as the Louvre Museum, the Seine River, Notre Dame, the Grand Palace, and more.
It also has virtual experience panels that display the tower’s history and background, providing interesting information for visitors.
The Parisian skyline also looks beautiful from this level of the Eiffel Tower during the sunset and at night.
Restaurants & shops
The Eiffel Tower’s second floor has a complete package of famous gift shops and dining options.
Set 125 meters above the ground, The Jules Verne Restaurant is known for its best dining experience.
Moreover, the restaurant’s dishes reveal the best taste while emphasizing aromas and flavors.
For lunch, guests can savor a 3-course menu; for dinner, you can choose between a 5-course and a 7-course tasting menu.
Within the transparent wall, the ‘La Verriere’ gift shop offers the most extensive collection of replicas of the Eiffel Tower.
Seine Gift Shop is another souvenir store that sells laser engravings on glass and accessories.
Summit or the Top floor of the Eiffel Tower
The third floor of the Eiffel Tower is smaller in area because of the structures, but you can see across miles from up here.
A glass-walled lift will take you from the second floor to the Summit, as the stairs are not open to visitors.
At the height of 276 meters (906 feet), you can capture the beauty of this city of love as the tower sparkles around you at night.
It has a smaller space compared to the first and second floors, with an area of 76 square meters (820 square feet).
This topmost level also features Gustave Eiffel’s office, the tower’s architect, and you can see what the office looked like in the past.
It comprises life-sized wax figures of Gustave and his daughter, Claire, greeting American inventor Thomas Edison.
You can also see the Tower’s year 1889 model and “Find yourself” from the top and locate famous world cities on the map.
At last, raise a toast to a fantastic tour in the Champagne Bar and unwind with the whole city.
Restaurants & shops
You can savor a glass of champagne at The Champagne Bar at the top of the Eiffel Tower.
It offers you a choice between chilled rose or white champagne.
Non-alcoholic drinks are also available along with some snacks to enjoy your experience on the top.
Tickets to Access the Eiffel Tower Floors
With thousands of tourists flocking to the Iron Lady every day, getting tickets is not easy.
Especially if you are planning your trip during the summer or weekend, remember that millions of visitors are waiting to buy tickets on the same day.
Depending on how you would like the experience, you can choose standard tickets or a guided tour.
Entry tickets will only get you to enter and make your way up by yourself.
However, with direct access to tour tickets, a host will accompany you to the second floor, where you can explore independently at your own pace.
Eiffel Tower Second-floor Tickets
You can go to the first and second levels of the Eiffel Tower by elevators or staircases.
Elevators only stop at the second level when going up but stop at the first level when going down.
Second floor by stairs
This Eiffel Tower ticket allows you to climb the 704 steps to the tower’s first and second levels.
You can meet your guide there to learn more about the famous structure and architecture.
On the way to the Eiffel Tower’s second-floor stairs, there are rest areas where you can take a break and see a side of the city that you would miss if you used the elevator.
Ticket Price
Adult (19+ years): €36
Children (4 to 18 years): €34
Infant (below 3 years): Free
Related: Eiffel Tower Stairs Tickets: A Climbing Experience!
Second Floor by elevator
The Eiffel Tower second-floor ticket includes direct access to the second floor and a visit to the first-floor deck.
Accompanied by your host, take the elevator to the second floor to admire the panoramic sights of the city’s well-known monuments at your leisure.
See the Seine River with riverboats and watch the city and its distinct vibe from your best point.
Ticket Price
Visitor ticket (all ages): €52
Note: After purchasing your ticket, you cannot upgrade to a Summit ticket.
Eiffel Tower Summit Tickets
With the Eiffel Tower Summit ticket, you can begin your journey by taking the elevator to the top of the monument.
There is no staircase access to the topmost floor for safety reasons.
Once you reach the peak, admire Notre Dame Cathedral, the Rocadéro Gardens and the Hôtel des Invalides with its golden dome.
Summit Access by Elevator
You can save time with this direct access ticket to the Summit by the glass-walled elevator to reach the top.
You’ll enjoy panoramic views of the city’s iconic landmarks, such as Gustave Eiffel’s office, or a glass of champagne at the Champagne Bar.
You can also visit the entry ticket for the first and second floors and enjoy an overall experience at all levels.
Ticket Price
Adult ticket (4+ years): €51
Infants ticket (up to 4 years): Not Permitted
Guided tour outside the Eiffel Tower with Summit ticket
Book this small-group tour that includes a self-directed walk of the Eiffel Tower and a guided walking tour of the Trocadéro and the Champ de Mars.
After the walking tour, your guide will take you to the Eiffel Tower Summit or the second-floor ticket line.
You will have the chance to enjoy every angle and understand the beautiful science that keeps the structure standing.
Ticket Price
Adult (15+ years): €69
Children (below 14 years): €64
Related: Eiffel Tower Summit Tickets with Elevator & Host Assistance!
Contents
Which ticket should you choose- the Eiffel Tower Summit or the second floor?
Many people debate whether they should spend money on Summit tickets or just visit the second floor and return to the gardens.
It depends on what you expect from the trip, your preferences, and your budget.
Some are happy with the second-floor experience, including the views and the restaurant, while many want to make the most of this lifetime experience and climb the summit.
However, we recommend you also visit the summit, where you can experience standing at the top of Paris’ most historical monument, 276 meters (906 feet) and see the views.
If you are on a budget trip, you can climb to the second floor and view the surroundings, as the summit ticket costs €15 to €20 more, depending on your ticket type.
Therefore, you are free to make your own decisions based on the information and what you can see from each level and your Paris itinerary.
Featured Image: Toureiffel.paris
