Best of Paris: A Guide to visiting the top of the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower, also called the Iron Lady, is the most famous tourist attraction in Paris and its silhouette quickly became the symbol of the city. But while we all want to avoid mass tourism, some places just have to be visited anyway. The top of the Eiffel Tower is one of those places, so come with us to discover Paris from its top.

A bit of history

The Eiffel Tower is named after Gustave Eiffel whose company created and built this more than 300m high tower in 1889 for the Universal Exposition to celebrate the centennial of the French Revolution. This wrought-iron tower with its famous silhouette was not built to last after the end of the Exposition. However, it had such a success that the tower became a real symbol for the French industrial power and Gustave Eiffel himself tried to save the tower by proving its scientific utility. In the end, it was the radio antenna that saved the iron lady from a sad ending as it was used for military and radiotelegraphy communications. Today, it is the most visited paid monument in the world.

Where to start

One of the better views of the tower is from Trocadero (at the metro station with the same name), an exposition palace which was also built for the Universal Exposition in 1900 and which has a great observation platform directly accessible from the street. From there, you can easily walk towards the famous tourist attraction.

Reaching the summit

The tower has three levels with platforms open for visitors. You can either walk the first two floors or take the elevator to get there. But be aware that walking the more than 300 steps in the open staircase of the Eiffel Tower is nothing for people with fear of heights.

With the elevator, you directly arrive on the second floor where you can discover a first beautiful view over the roofs of Paris. If you have visited the city before, you can spend hours trying to recognize the different places that you have seen. However, don’t forget that the visit does not end here and that the best is yet to come.

This is when you can take another elevator to reach the summit, as they call the third floor of the tower. The glass elevator in itself is already quite an experience as it quickly goes straight up to the top while you feel the height under your feet.

You then reach a breathtaking 360° outside observation platform at 276m, the highest observation platform in the EU. Given the fact that the Eiffel Tower is the highest building in Paris, you have an amazing view on the whole city.

After extensively enjoying the view from all sides of the tower, taking numerous pictures and videos, it is time to go back down and leave the space to the other visitors. If you have taken the elevator to go up and want to try the open air staircase, you can either change to the second elevator and stop at the first floor to take the stairs, or you can start your descent directly from the second floor.

Surroundings

Once you have visited the tower, you definitely should not miss a walk at Champ des Mars (literally Field of Mars), a large greenspace which leads to the Ecole militaire (Military School), in order to enjoy the beauty of this city and get another amazing view on the Eiffel Tower.

When the weather allows, having a French pic nic with Wine and Cheese while enjoying the view on the illuminated Eiffel Tower and its light shows is definitely one of the best things to end a beautiful day in Paris.

Tickets

In order to organise this unique experience, you better book your tickets in advance and avoid spending hours waiting in line. You can schedule your visit here.

The prices differ whether you take the stairs or the elevator. In 2020, taking the elevator all the way up to the summit costs 25,90€ per adult.