Eiffel Tower Tour Elevator 2nd Floor with Optional Top Floor

If you’re planning a trip to Paris, visiting the Eiffel Tower is a must. This particular tour offers a guided elevator journey up the iconic structure, with access to the second floor and an optional upgrade to reach the summit. Priced at around $81.76 per person, it promises a blend of sightseeing, storytelling, and photo opportunities—all within approximately two hours.

What makes this experience stand out is the convenient meeting point near the tower, helping everyone skip the hassle of lines and security. The guides, praised for their knowledgeable insights and friendly demeanor, aim to make your visit both educational and enjoyable. One notable feature is the wide range of departure times, giving you flexibility to fit this into your busy Paris schedule.

However, there are some things to keep in mind. One significant drawback, as highlighted by some reviews, is the cost compared to buying tickets directly at the tower—especially if you’re comfortable navigating the lines yourself. On top of that, some travelers experienced disorganization or felt the tour lacked the personalized touch they hoped for. Still, for those wanting an explanation-heavy, guided experience with scenic views, this tour can be a solid choice—particularly for first-time visitors wanting insight and convenience.

This tour is best suited for first-time visitors, photo enthusiasts, and anyone interested in a guided, hassle-free way to see Paris from high above. If you love having context and stories woven into your sightseeing, this could be your ideal experience.

Key Points

• Convenient Meeting Point: Near the Eiffel Tower, avoiding long lines and security chaos.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable, friendly, and ready to share insights and help with photos.
• Flexible Schedule: Multiple departure times to fit your day.
• Optional Summit Access: Upgrade for the highest panoramic views of Paris.
• Value for Money: Compared to buying tickets on your own, it offers convenience, but at a higher price.
• Authentic Stories and Photo Tips: Guides give tips on the best angles and historical facts.

An In-Depth Look at the Eiffel Tower Elevator Tour

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour begins at 29 Avenue de la Bourdonnais, a short walk from the Eiffel Tower itself. Here, the guide meets your group—an advantage that many reviewers found helpful, as it streamlines the entrance process and avoids the stress of waiting in lines. Once gathered, your guide helps you pass through security—something that, as one reviewer noted, is handled smoothly thanks to the pre-arranged group pass.

The first stop is the second floor, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views of Paris. Your guide, often praised for their wealth of interesting facts, points out the best photo spots and shares stories about the tower’s history and architecture. For instance, Derek, an enthusiastic reviewer, called Danilo an “excellent guide” whose insights made the experience more memorable.

If you upgraded to the top floor, you’ll ascend further to what many consider the highest viewpoint in the city. This part of the tour is especially popular among those wanting that extra wow factor, with panoramic views stretching across Paris’s rooftops, monuments, and landmarks. The summit ticket—often purchased separately—can be included in the upgrade, offering a seamless experience.

What You’ll Experience on the Tour

The 2-hour duration feels just right—long enough to appreciate the views and stories but not so long that it drags. The guided commentary elevates the experience; guides share stories that you wouldn’t find in a guidebook, making the trip feel personalized and engaging.

Travelers who appreciated this aspect often mentioned the helpfulness of the guides in managing security and assisting with photos. Olga, for instance, said, “Daniel was very fun to listen to and made sure no one was lost,” highlighting how the guides foster a friendly environment.

The View and Photo Opportunities

From the second floor, you’ll get a fantastic perspective of Paris’s rooftops, gardens, and iconic landmarks like the Sacré-Cœur and the Arc de Triomphe. Many reviews commented on the stunning sunset views, especially if you choose a late afternoon departure.

Up at the summit, the views become even more expansive, revealing the city’s layout from a vantage point that’s hard to beat. Be prepared for some crowds at the top, especially during peak hours, but your guide’s tips can help you find the best angles and less-trafficked spots for photos.

Practical Aspects and Pricing

The price point of $81.76 is a key consideration. While this covers your elevator ride, guide services, and security skip, some reviewers, like Juan, pointed out that buying tickets directly from the Eiffel Tower could be cheaper—especially if you’re comfortable navigating the queues alone.

However, for those pressed for time or wanting a guaranteed ticket with a guided explanation, this tour offers value through convenience. Also, WiFi on board means you can share your amazing photos immediately, and the near public transportation meeting point simplifies logistics.

The Downside: Disorganization and Value Concerns

A few travelers experienced frustration with the organization. One review detailed how the meeting spot was a curio shop 500 meters away from the tower, and the process of getting on the tour involved showing booking info via a Google doc. While this system aims to streamline check-in, it can feel a bit impersonal or chaotic.

The cost versus self-guided tickets is another point to consider. If price is your main concern, and you’re willing to stand in lines, purchasing tickets directly at the tower could save you a significant sum. As one reviewer noted, “We could have bought tickets for a much lower price and had a very similar experience.”

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience appeals most to first-time visitors wanting guided insights and avoiding lines. It’s also a good pick for families with kids, as guides are friendly and able to handle group dynamics well. If photos and stories make your visit memorable, you’ll find this tour offers a lot of value.

Final Thoughts

This Eiffel Tower elevator tour provides a thoughtfully guided and convenient way to experience Paris’s most recognizable landmark. The knowledgeable guides, especially those like Danilo and Daniel, go out of their way to make your visit informative and fun—adding layers of context that bring the sightseeing to life.

The views from the second floor are stunning enough for most visitors, and the optional summit elevates the experience to a whole new level, perfect for photo lovers or those craving the highest vantage point in Paris.

While price and organization might give some pause—especially if you’re comfortable navigating the tower on your own—the tour’s value lies in its ease and guided storytelling. For travelers pressed for time, or those wanting a hassle-free entry, it can be a worthwhile investment.

In short, if you want a guided, well-organized visit with expert insights and beautiful vistas, this tour will serve you well. But if you’re budget-conscious, exploring ticket options directly at the tower might be a better choice.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a manageable yet comprehensive way to see the Eiffel Tower and enjoy some spectacular views.

Does the tour include skip-the-line access?
Yes, your guide helps you pass security and avoids long lines, although the actual ticket purchase at the tower might not be skipped if you upgrade to the summit.

Can I upgrade to visit the top floor?
Yes, there’s an option to upgrade your ticket to include the summit, which is often considered the highest and most breathtaking viewpoint.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at 29 Avenue de la Bourdonnais, a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, with a meeting point near a local shop that helps streamline check-in.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers, including families with kids aged 9 and 12, found it suitable. Guides tend to be friendly and engaging, making the experience fun for younger visitors.

What’s the value of this tour compared to booking tickets alone?
While more expensive, the tour offers convenience, guided insights, and assistance with photos and security, which many find to be worth the premium—especially if rushing or unfamiliar with Paris.

What should I consider before booking?
Think about whether you prefer guided storytelling and hassle-free entry or if you’re comfortable handling tickets and lines yourself to save money.

In the end, this Eiffel Tower elevator tour offers a practical, engaging way to elevate your Paris experience—perfect for those who value insights, convenience, and memorable views.