To secure your visit to the Eiffel Tower, your primary decision is between the Second Floor and the Summit, and whether to ascend via stairs or elevator. Elevator access to the Summit is the most sought-after option but frequently sells out weeks in advance; the Second Floor remains a robust alternative offering exceptional panoramic views and easier availability. Stair access is a distinct, physically demanding experience limited to the second level. If the tower is fully booked for your dates, we recommend checking the Headout inventory for guided tours or considering the Arc de Triomphe for an alternative skyline view. Tickets typically include access to the specified levels and the first-floor transparent walkway, though security checks are mandatory for all visitors and cannot be bypassed. The Iron Lady remains Paris’s ultimate icon, especially during the hourly light show. For an elevated experience, evening slots provide a dramatic transition from sunset to city lights, while Madame Brasserie and the Summit Champagne Bar offer separate dining opportunities that require specific reservations. Visiting is not just about the height, but about witnessing the intricate 18,000-part lattice structure and the unparalleled 360-degree view of the Seine and historical monuments.

The Glass Floor (1st Floor)

Located 57 meters above the ground, the first floor features a spectacular transparent glass floor. It’s a thrilling experience to look directly down at the crowds below. You'll also find interactive touchscreens and displays detailing the tower's history, along with the Madame Brasserie restaurant.

The Observation Deck (2nd Floor)

The second floor provides what many consider the best photographic views of Paris. At 115 meters, you are high enough to see over the rooftops but low enough to recognize landmarks like the Louvre, Montmartre, and the Arc de Triomphe. This floor also houses the high-end Jules Verne restaurant.

Gustave Eiffel’s Secret Office (The Summit)

For the ultimate experience, take the glass elevator to the Summit. At 276 meters, the city looks like a miniature model. You can peak into Gustave Eiffel’s restored private office, which features wax figures of Eiffel and Thomas Edison, and toast your visit at the Champagne Bar.

Historic Ironwork and Rivets

The tower is held together by 2.5 million rivets and 18,000 iron pieces. As you walk through the levels or climb the stairs, take a moment to look at the 'puddle iron' work. The intricate geometric patterns are a masterpiece of the Industrial Revolution.

The Hydraulic Lift Machinery

The machinery that moves the elevators is a marvel in itself. In the basement of the East and West pillars, you can see the massive hydraulic pistons and pulleys—some of which have been operational since 1889—that power the lifts. Skip-the-line tours often include a peek at these.

Originally constructed as the temporary focal point for the 1889 Exposition Universelle, the Eiffel Tower was intended to stand for only twenty years. Designed by Gustave Eiffel’s engineering firm, it was met with fierce opposition from the Parisian artistic elite, who famously referred to it as a 'gigantic black factory chimney.' Standing at 330 meters, it held the title of the world's tallest man-made structure until the completion of the Chrysler Building in 1930. The tower's survival was eventually guaranteed by its utility as a giant radiotelegraph antenna, proving indispensable for French military communications during the World Wars. Structurally, the tower consists of puddle iron, a material that requires seven tons of paint every seven years to prevent corrosion. Beyond its engineering prowess, the tower has evolved into a global symbol of romance and French cultural identity. It has hosted scientific laboratories, radio stations, and even a secret apartment for Gustave Eiffel at the summit. Today, it serves as a testament to the Industrial Revolution’s potential, attracting millions who come to see the ironwork that changed the Parisian skyline forever. From the 1,665 steps to the hydraulic elevators that have been modernized yet remain faithful to the original 19th-century spirit, the monument remains a pinnacle of architectural heritage.