So, you’re finally going to cross the Eiffel Tower off of your bucket list? Congrats! It’s one of the most famous landmarks in the world, attracting millions of visitors per year.
Once you know you’ll be visiting the Eiffel Tower, there’s still one question that remains. With time and ticket prices being considered, how should you decide which floor to visit at the Eiffel Tower?
Short answer: The Eiffel Tower 2nd floor is the best floor to visit.
However, each floor offers something unique, from stunning architecture to one-of-a-kind views. Let’s look at a rundown of each floor to help you decide which floor to visit at the Eiffel Tower.
How Many Floors Does the Eiffel Tower Have?
Despite its height, the Eiffel Tower has just 3 floors: the 1st floor, the 2nd floor, and the summit or top floor.
When you buy a ticket for the Eiffel Tower, you choose between a ticket that covers all 3 floors and a ticket that covers just the 1st and 2nd floor.
1st Floor
The Eiffel Tower 1st floor is the tower’s hub for history and architecture. At 57 meters above ground, you can get a pretty good view of Paris, but it’s more of a place to appreciate the tower itself.
The highlight of the 1st floor is its glass floor. Not only is looking at the esplanade below exhilarating, but you also get to appreciate and get a close-up look at the tower’s architecture.
Throughout the 1st floor, you’ll find exhibitions on the history of the Eiffel Tower. This includes a cinematic, multi-wall projection film and a spiral staircase that was part of the original design of the tower back in 1889.
In between soaking in the views and the history, you can relax on the terrace, where there’s a play area for kids and an alfresco bar. You can also have a meal at Madame Brasserie, a restaurant serving hearty meals and beer.
2nd Floor
The Eiffel Tower 2nd floor is more than twice the height of the first floor, standing 115 meters above ground!
This floor offers a sweeping view of Paris. You can see the Louvre, Notre-Dame, the Grand Palais, the Seine, and more. The second floor is more affordable and has shorter lines than the summit, and some consider it to have an even better view than the summit.
While savoring the view, you can also savor the food at Jules Verne, a Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant. If you have a sweet tooth or just want a quick bite, head to the 2nd floor’s macaron bar instead.
Summit
As the highest observation deck in France (and the European Union as a whole), the Eiffel Tower summit is 276 meters high. The deck is small but it has two sections: an indoor viewing area and an outdoor observation deck.
From the summit, Paris shrinks to the size of a model city, and you can see so far that the landscape vanishes into the horizon.
More of the tower’s history can be seen at the summit, including a historical reconstruction fo Gustave Eiffel’s office. There is also a champagne bar up here.
Given its iconic status and low capacity compared to the other floors, the summit is more expensive and has very long waiting times.
Which Floor to Visit at the Eiffel Tower
As mentioned, the 1st floor is included in all tickets to the Eiffel Tower. With its glass floor and historical exhibitions, architecture and history lovers will especially appreciate this floor, but everyone who visits the tower can and should take the time to enjoy it!
The 2nd floor is included in all tickets as well, so should you stick with it or add the summit, too? Which floor should you visit at the Eiffel Tower?
Overall, the 2nd floor is the better option. It is more affordable and you don’t have to wait as long, while still having a breathtaking view.
The 2nd floor is also more accessible; unfortunately, persons with disabilities and reduced mobility are not allowed at the summit for safety reasons.
The Eiffel Tower summit offers a once-in-a-lifetime view. If you have the time and money, it’s definitely recommended to get a ticket that covers all 3 floors so that you can enjoy the summit’s spectacular view. However, the wait times and ticket prices make it a somewhat less attractive choice.
Regardless of your final decision on which floor to visit at the Eiffel Tower, the fact that you’ll be there is a milestone in and of itself. Try not to overthink it too much, and enjoy your visit!
