Every visitor to the Eiffel Tower faces the same decision before they even reach the ticket counter: 674 steps, or a couple of minutes in an elevator? It sounds simple, but it touches real concerns, fear of heights, claustrophobia, fitness, and it changes the whole experience of the Iron Lady. Here’s my honest take on which one is right for you.
If you’re more concerned about which floor of the Eiffel Tower to explore (1st, 2nd, or summit) instead, click the link for my advice.
In Summary
Whether on foot or in an elevator, ascending the Eiffel Tower is a unique experience.
Going up the tower one step at a time takes between 30 and 40 minutes to climb the 674 steps to the second floor, 380 feet (116 meters) up. The elevator gets you there in a few minutes, at a higher price.
Each level offers a different experience: interactive exhibits on the first floor, shops and a panoramic view on the second, and a spectacular 360° vista at the top, 906 feet (276 meters) up.
Which one is right for you depends on your fitness, your budget, and how much time you have. I break down both options in detail below, with my final verdict at the end.
Going up the Eiffel Tower on Foot
Going up the tower on foot is a unique experience with pros and cons.
Pros
- You get up close with the structure and its riveting history.
- It is more affordable than taking the lift.
- There is less waiting time than for the elevator.
- The architectural intricacies of the structure are more visible.
- The stairs are more eco-friendly.
Cons
- The summit is unreachable from the stairs alone, contrary to the 1st and 2nd levels.
- You need to be reasonably fit.
- Going by the stairs takes longer (30-40 min to reach the 2nd level versus a few minutes by the lift.)
- It can be intimidating for those who have a fear of heights.
Taking the Lift
Ascending the Eiffel Tower in an elevator is a more comfortable and quicker alternative.
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Here are the pros and cons in a nutshell :
Pros
- Comfort and speed.
- Accessible to all people regardless of their fitness level.
- It’s a time-saver.
Cons
- More expensive: about €8.70 more for the 2nd floor, roughly $10 at current exchange rates.
- Risk of a longer wait during peak periods.
- You’ll still pass through the 1st floor on your way up, but you won’t get the same up-close look at the ironwork you’d get from the stairs.
- The elevators can be overcrowded.
Summary of Things to See and Do on the 1st Floor of the Eiffel Tower
- Interactive exhibits about the tower and its designer, Gustave Eiffel.
- The dining area’s restaurant, Madame Brasserie, and a buffet
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- Relaxation areas: a large terrace and the Pavillon Ferrié
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- A discovery tour
- A glass floor 187 feet (57 meters) above the ground.
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Learn more about the Eiffel Tower 1st level.
Price per adult for the lift: €23.50 (about $27 at current exchange rates).
- Youth rate (12-24): €11.80
- Child (4-11) / disabled person rate: €6.00
Rate for the stairs: €14.80 (about $17)
- Youth rate (12-24): €7.40
- Child (4-11) / disabled person rate: €3.80
Summary of Things to See and Do on the 2nd Floor of the Eiffel Tower
- The most extensive panoramic view of Paris, from 380 feet (116 meters) up
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- A dining area with the restaurant Jules Vernes, a buffet, and a Macaron bar
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- A shopping area with two gift shops: La Verrière and Seine
Learn more about the second level of the Eiffel Tower.
Price per adult for the lift: €23.50 (about $27).
- Youth rate (12-24): €11.80
- Child (4-11) / disabled person rate: €6.00
Rate for the stairs: €14.80 (about $17)
- Youth rate (12-24): €7.40
- Child (4-11) / disabled person rate: €3.80
Summary of Things to See and Do on the top of the Eiffel Tower
- A unique perspective of the city: an incredible panoramic view from 906 feet (276 meters) up.
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- A period reconstruction of Gustave Eiffel’s office featuring wax figures: Gustave Eiffel and his daughter receiving Thomas Edison
- A musical activity: Explore the world remotely through the panoramic maps on display
- A memorable experience, for about €8.70 more than the 2nd floor
- A model of the Tower’s summit from 1889 with its original architecture and color
- A Champagne bar
Learn more about the Eiffel Tower’s summit here.
Price per adult – by elevator: €36.70 (about $42)
- Youth rate (12-24): €18.40
- Child (4-11) / disabled person rate: €9.20
By stairs to the 2nd floor, then elevator: €28.00 (about $32)
- Youth rate (12-24): €14.00
- Child (4-11) / disabled person rate: €7.00
Final Verdict: Stairs or Lift?
If you’re asking me directly, take the stairs to the second floor if you’re able to. It’s the better value, it makes for a better story once you’re home, and it’s the only way to actually see the tower’s ironwork up close instead of riding past it in a glass box. Save the elevator for the final stretch from the second floor to the summit, since that part is elevator-only no matter which ticket you buy.
Still deciding which floor makes the most sense for your trip? I put together a full breakdown of what each level actually offers, Eiffel Tower: Top, 1st or 2nd Floor?
And if you’re still weighing whether going up is worth the ticket price at all, whichever way you choose to get there, I share my honest opinion on that in Eiffel Tower: Is It Worth Paying to Go Up?
Prices and figures above reflect official Eiffel Tower rates and EUR/USD exchange rates as of July 2026. Ticket prices can change, so always confirm the current rate on the official Eiffel Tower website before you book.
With a passion for travel and having visited over 50 countries, Dorian is eager to share his favorite spots and expert tips to help you explore Paris and France like a local.
