Paris is an incredible city known for its rich history, fashion and shopping, romantic atmosphere, and cultural heritage. However, perhaps the most recognizable symbol of Paris is the Eiffel Tower which stands over 1,000 feet tall.

It’s also a remarkable feat of architecture and engineering – when it was built for the 1889 World Fair, it was considered completely unique with its lattice design and impressive height for that time.

While anyone can climb up the Eiffel Tower or appreciate it from a distance, if you really want to experience it to the fullest, we recommend you check out one of these top Eiffel Tower tours!

Top Guided Tours of the Eiffel Tower

Best Value Tour
Paris: Access to the Eiffel Tower's 2nd Floor		Departure: 19 Avenue de la Bourdonnais 75007 Duration: 2 hours Includes: Access to the Eiffel Tower, Elevator access to the 2nd level, Local host	Check Tour Availability
Best Private Tour
Private Eiffel Tower Elevator Tour with Summit		Departure: All. des Refuzniks, 75007 Paris Duration: 2 hours Includes: Private expert local guide, Paris shuttles	Check Tour Availability
Best Combination Tour
Paris Eiffel Tower Summit Access & Cruise by Night		Departure: All. des Refuzniks, 75007 Paris Duration: 2 hours Includes: Private expert local guide, Paris shuttle	Check Tour Availability

The 5 Best Rated Eiffel Tower Tours For 2024

1. Paris: Access to the Eiffel Tower’s 2nd Floor
2. Private Eiffel Tower Elevator Tour with Summit
3. Paris Eiffel Tower Summit Access & Cruise by Night
4. Paris Eiffel Tower Guided Tour and Seine River Cruise
5. Paris Eiffel Tower Guided Tour with Summit Access

Now lets take a closer look at the Eiffel Tower tours so you can find the right one for you!

Eiffel Tower Tour Reviews

1. Paris: Access to the Eiffel Tower’s 2nd Floor

While the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower offers some of the best panoramic views of the expansive capital city, heading up there usually involves quite the wait. There are neverending lines, especially during peak hours and tourist seasons.

However, thanks to the Paris: Access to the Eiffel Tower’s 2nd Floor Tour, you have a guide who can help you skip all the waiting and get you up there to enjoy those breathtaking vistas and memorable photo ops right away. 

There are all kinds of different start times you can choose from, making this tour really simple to fit into even the busiest of schedules. All you have to do is meet your guide 15 minutes before the start time and head on over to the Tower to kickstart this cool excursion!

As you walk around with your host, they’ll fill you in with a brief introduction of the tower’s history, and provide you with interesting facts and anecdotes. 

Now, it’s time to head up to the 2nd-floor observation deck where you’ll get to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the City of Lights, overlooking legendary structures like Notre Dame, the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, Les Invalides, the Seine, and so much more.

The guide will point out these amazing buildings, different parts of the city, even help you spot the Sacré-Coeur all the way on the other side! These views are absolutely incredible, and it’s a must-do if it’s your first time in Paris. 

This isn’t just simply visiting the 2nd level, though. Your guide will provide you with a comprehensive tour of the entire 2nd floor, showing you the views of the city, as well as the top points of interest and history surrounding them. 

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2. Private Eiffel Tower Elevator Tour with Summit

While the second level is in no way disappointing, there is also an elevator you can take from there that goes all the way to the top. The summit offers incredible panoramic views of the city, including the Champs-Élysées, the Louvre, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and so many more.

With the Private Eiffel Tower Elevator Tour with Summit, you get to have a stress-free experience at a place known for its crowds and chaos! Just like with most of the other tours, you’ll start out by meeting your local guide and the rest of your group close to the tower.

Meeting right at the tower is a bit too crazy with the sheer quantity of visitors around, so you’ll meet closer to the water and look out for the guide holding their company sign.

Once everyone is acquainted, you’ll start right off with learning about the tower’s history, how it came to be, and the controversy it caused within the Parisian population. 

Start out at the esplanade, which offers prime viewing of the tower itself before heading up to the second floor in the elevator. The elevator features glass walls, so you get to take in great views throughout your ascent to the top!

We loved the addition of the small Champagne bar where you can enjoy a drink while taking it all in and living your best Parisian life! 

No need to worry about what the weather’s going to be like, as there are both indoor and outdoor observation decks to enjoy. Don’t miss out on the recreation of Gustave Eiffel’s office, complete with wax figures of his daughter and Thomas Edison. 

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3. Paris Eiffel Tower Summit Access & Cruise by Night

There’s no way you can visit Paris without enjoying its romantic ambiance and enchanting beauty once the sun goes down. The city comes to life with a different kind of energy as the lights illuminate the charming streets and iconic landmarks, throughout the capital.

If you ask us, the best way to enjoy it all is with the Paris Eiffel Tower Summit Access & Cruise by Night.  This 4-hour tour is perfect for celebrating a special occasion or simply going on the perfect date night with that special someone.

You’ll start off by meeting your guide in front of Le Champs de Mars Cafe, where you’ll head down to the river and board a panoramic river boat. The River Seine is one of the biggest focal points of Paris, becoming even more enchanting at night with the illuminated bridges reflecting soft, golden light onto the water below. 

Moreover, most of Paris’ most popular landmarks are also beautifully lit up in the evening: the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, Louvre Museum, Champs-Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, and many more. Thanks to the glass-topped boats, you’ll be able to view them all from an excellent vantage point as you kick back and cruise calmly down the river.

Then, it’s time to head on over to the legendary tower, itself! 

Head up the tower and take in amazing panoramic views of these same landmarks, with the streets filled with locals and tourists enjoying leisurely strolls among the lively atmosphere, below.

This portion is a self-guided tour so you and your partner can enjoy things at your own pace and explore everything you are interested in, leaving out the rest. Afterward, feel free to experience the vibrant nightlife scene or grab a cup of coffee at an outdoor terrace!

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4. Paris Eiffel Tower Guided Tour and Seine River Cruise

A cruise down the beautiful Seine River is one of the most scenic ways to explore the City of Lights, admiring the fantastic landmarks along the way. It’s one of the best ways to appreciate its stunning views, while providing a romantic atmosphere that everyone falls in love with.

Why not enjoy the views from above and below with the Paris Eiffel Tower Guided Tour and Seine River Cruise? We’ll be honest – the only annoying thing about taking a normal river cruise is dealing with the line to the cashier.

Luckily, with this tour, you can bypass all of that and head straight down to your boat floating in the Seine for a sightseeing-filled afternoon. As you cruise along, your guide will tell you all about the different landmarks as well as the history of the Eiffel Tower in more detail. 

After your relaxing boat ride, hop back onto land and get ready for your 2-hour guided tour of the tower! This is a great opportunity to see it from close-up and head up all the way to the top for incomparable city views!

You get to select from a 2nd-level ticket or a summit ticket, which features a Champagne bar where you can sip on a celebratory glass while looking out over the bustling metropolis. 

We found the tour guides to be very thorough and entertaining, and as they are locals you can expect that they know all kinds of hidden gems and fun anecdotes to share. Float by various houseboats and restaurants along the way – perfect for stopping at afterward!

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5. Paris Eiffel Tower Guided Tour with Summit Access

The Eiffel Tower is by far one of the most popular attractions in the world, warranting some of the most massive lines, as well. However, there’s no way you can miss out on touring this imposing structure which helps create the iconic Parisian skyline.

The Paris Eiffel Tower Guided Tour with Summit Access is the perfect option to take if you have a packed schedule and not a whole lot of free time!

With groups limited to just 10 people, you get a personalized experienced with your professional local guide who knows this place like the back of their hand. No worries about asking questions or getting lost in the crowd as the group is so small and private.

However, if you’d like to go off a bit and browse on your own, you are provided with headsets so you will always hear what your guide is saying even if you aren’t right next to them.

This isn’t just any trip to the Eiffel Tower (though no trip to this iron beauty is boring). You’ll learn all about this iconic landmark’s history, and how it originally wasn’t planned on being a permanent landmark!

Then, head up to the second level and enjoy the views of Montmarte in the distance, the enormous Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe as traffic circles raround it, Notre Dame’s rising spires, and so much more. 

From there, you can elect to head all the way up to the summit and enjoy even more phenomenal views of the city, take a look inside the Eiffel’s apartment, or sip on a glass of champagne from the bar.

Oh, and if you’d like any tips or suggestions about activities and things to see in Paris, the guides are full of valuable information!

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FAQs About Eiffel Tower Tours

What is the Eiffel Tower?

The Eiffel Tower is probably the most well-known symbol of Paris and a masterpiece of engineering. This iron lattice tower was designed by the brilliant Gustave Eiffel and was completed in 1889. It was built as a temporary structure for the World’s Fair but it quickly became loved and earned a permanent status as an emblem of the city.

How tall is the Eiffel Tower?

Prepare to be amazed! The Eiffel Tower is 1,083 feet tall. It was the tallest man-made structure in the world until the Chrysler Building was completed in 1930.

Can I go up the Eiffel Tower?

Absolutely! Going up in the tower is an absolute must for any visitor to Paris. You can take the stairs or using the elevators. The stairs give you a more immersive experience and allow you to appreciate the intricate ironwork up close as you make your way up. If you just want to get to the observation levels or have mobility concerns, the elevators are the easy way up.

Are there any observation areas?

There are three levels to the Eiffel Tower. Each one has its own observation deck where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Paris. The first and second levels have magnificent views of the city’s landmarks like the Louvre and the Champs-Élysées. For the ultimate experience, go up to the third level, which gives a truly amazing view. Be warned though, the wait can be long! I would advise you to spend the extra money and get a skip-the-line ticket.

Can I have lunch or dinner there?

Yes! You can have an exquisite dining experience at the Eiffel Tower! On the first and second levels, there are several great restaurants where you can enjoy a fine French meal while taking in the ambiance. For an ultimate dining experience, reserve a table at the Michelin rated restaurant on the second level. Here you can enjoy a gourmet meal while gazing out at the twinkling lights of Paris.

Are there long lines to visit the Eiffel Tower?

You are likely to find long lines at the Eiffel Tower, even more so during peak tourist season. If you are going during peak season, I recommend buying a skip-the-line pass that allows you to bypass the lines. The tours in our guide all have skip-the-line passes.

Can I visit the Eiffel Tower at night?

Absolutely! In fact, I highly encourage it. Seeing the Eiffel Tower lit up against the night sky is something else! The tower sparkles with thousands of lights for five minutes every hour after sunset, creating a spectacle that is unforgettable.