The Solo Scale:
If you’re headed to Paris for the first time (or maybe a subsequent visit and you love the Eiffel Tower), you’re most likely going to visit the Eiffel Tower. For a few years, it will even have the Olympic Rings on it! When you get there, you’ll have a couple options for your ascent. This article is here to offer you the pros & cons of the three ways you can do the Eiffel Tower — I’ve tried them all, so let’s go over the pros & cons of each, in my opinion:
- Option 1: You could climb the stairs to the second floor!
- Option 2: You could take the elevator to the second floor!
- Option 3: You could take the elevator all the way to the top!
Want to know which is the right choice for you? Let’s start our ascent!
Climbing the Stairs
TRIP TIP: If you decide that you want to take the stairs (and really, truly, it is an amazing experience to say you did it), either bring or buy yourself a bottle of water before you begin or be subject to the high prices on the second floor. You’ll really want to stay hydrated, because the climb is no joke.
Pros
- There isn’t a long line and you’ll be able to start your journey up the stairs
- The cost to take the stairs is a lot cheaper than the elevator
- You’ll get to say that you did it — never underestimate the pride of accomplishing such a feat!
Cons
- True, there’s no line, but it’s going to take a lot longer to get from the ground to the second floor
- If you’re not used to stairs, this can be quite a hike – 674 steps worth, in fact
- If you’re afraid of heights, this may not be for you. The climbing area has wire mesh around it, but you can still see all the way down
- What goes up must come down – if you went up by stairs, you can’t take the elevator back down unless you opt to purchase this when you’re up there, so be prepared
Second Floor Viewing
Pros:
- There’s more space to move around and get your pictures
- Its the perfect mid-price option – more expensive then the stairs, but still much cheaper than the top
- The view is still great, even from the second floor
Cons:
- The elevator wait can get substantially long if you haven’t got a way to skip it, and just like the stairs, what goes up must come down — and you must wait again if there’s a line for the elevator
- It’s a little more expensive than taking the stairs (though not by a lot)
Summit Viewing
Pros:
- This is one of the best views of Paris that does give you more sweeping views (but you’ll have to decide for yourself if that’s a pro and you can compare photos below)
- Pricey though it may be, you’ll be able to access the champagne bar at the top
Cons:
- If you’re afraid of heights, this might be a little out of your comfort zone (vertically so)
- The difference between 2nd and top floor may not be enough of a difference for you
- It’s a little more narrow in terms of space to move around and get pictures compared to the second floor
Now that you’ve had some time to think about which is right for you, let’s compare the price (as of late 2024):
| Stairs | Second Floor Elevator | Summit Elevator | Stairs + Summit Elevator |
| 14,20€ | 22,60€ | 35,30€ | 26,90€ (You’ll take the stairs to the second floor, then ascend!) |
As mentioned in the pros — if you’re in good shape, the stairs can start looking promising given the cheaper price and the lack of wait, but that’s up to you. However you decide to go, you’ll be experiencing one of Paris’ iconic sights – and you can get your tickets here (don’t wait too long, though! They do sell out!)
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