Eiffel Tower Tickets Guide: Summit vs Second Floor (2026)

Planning to visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris in 2026?

Choosing the right Eiffel Tower ticket can significantly improve your experience. Some visitors want to reach the summit and enjoy the highest viewpoint in Paris, while others prefer the excellent views and shorter queues available from the second floor.

In this guide, you'll learn the differences between Summit Access and Second Floor Access, how the Eiffel Tower elevators work, current ticket prices, and which ticket is best for your visit.

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Summit vs Second Floor: Which Eiffel Tower Ticket Should You Choose?

One of the most common questions visitors ask is whether reaching the summit is worth the additional cost or if the second floor provides a similar experience.

Summit Access

Summit Access allows visitors to reach the highest public level of the Eiffel Tower. The experience includes elevator access to the second floor followed by a second elevator journey to the summit.

Visitors can enjoy:

• The highest observation point in Paris
• Gustave Eiffel's office
• The summit Champagne Bar

Summit Access is usually the preferred choice for first-time visitors, travelers looking for the complete Eiffel Tower experience, and anyone wanting to reach the monument's highest accessible level.

Learn more about Eiffel Tower Summit Tickets:

Visitors should note that reaching the summit requires changing elevators on the second floor. During busy periods, additional waiting times may occur for the summit elevator.

Second Floor Access

Second Floor Access remains one of the most popular Eiffel Tower experiences.

Located approximately 115 meters above Paris, the second floor offers spectacular views of:

• Arc de Triomphe
• Champs-Élysées
• Louvre Museum
• Notre-Dame Cathedral
• Seine River

Many photographers consider it one of the best viewpoints in Paris.

Second Floor Access is often the best option for travelers looking for lower ticket prices, shorter queues, and excellent panoramic views without visiting the summit.

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Eiffel Tower Elevator vs Stairs Tickets

When purchasing Eiffel Tower tickets, visitors typically choose between elevator access and stairs access.

Elevator tickets are the most popular option and provide the easiest and most convenient way to reach the upper levels of the tower.

Stairs tickets offer a more active experience and are usually available at a lower price. Visitors choosing this option must climb more than 600 steps to reach the second floor.

Read our complete Eiffel Tower Ticket Guide:

Eiffel Tower Tickets Price: Official Tickets vs Hosted Experiences

Best Time to Visit the Eiffel Tower

The best time to visit the Eiffel Tower depends on the type of experience you want.

Early morning visits often offer smaller crowds and shorter waiting times. Late afternoon and evening visits provide beautiful lighting conditions and are particularly popular with photographers.

Sunset remains one of the most sought-after times to visit because visitors can enjoy daytime views before watching Paris illuminate after dark.

Whenever possible, weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.

Can I Buy Eiffel Tower Tickets on the Same Day?

Same-day Eiffel Tower tickets may occasionally be available, but popular time slots frequently sell out in advance.

Summit tickets are usually the first to become unavailable, particularly during weekends, holidays, school vacations, and peak travel seasons.

Booking in advance provides the widest selection of dates, entry times, and ticket types.

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Looking for More Than Standard Entry?

Standard Eiffel Tower tickets are not always available for every date and time, especially during busy periods.

Many travelers choose hosted entry experiences, summit packages, Seine River cruise combinations, or dining experiences to simplify their visit and secure access on their preferred date.

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