Eiffel Tower Stairs vs Elevator: Which Ticket Should You Book?

If you’re planning a trip to Paris, there’s one Eiffel Tower mistake people make all the time… accidentally booking stairs-only tickets instead of elevator access. Sometimes people are looking to get the best deal on tickets and they don’t even realize there are multiple options! This is a mistake you don’t want to make if you are traveling with young kids, strollers or visiting during the busy summer months.

Here’s what you need to know before booking your Eiffel Tower tickets.

The Difference Between Eiffel Tower Stairs vs Elevator Tickets

When booking tickets online, you’ll usually see a few different options:

Stairs access
Elevator access to the 2nd floor
Elevator access to the summit

The cheaper option is often stairs-only tickets, and many visitors accidentally choose them without realizing what that actually means.

To reach the 2nd floor by stairs, you’ll climb approximately 674 steps! While some people enjoy the challenge and views along the way, it can be so difficult with young kids and strollers.

For families and first time visitors, I highly recommend booking elevator access. The 2nd floor is going to be your best viewpoint so no need to go all the way to the top unless it’s been on your bucketlist. If you want the challenge of taking the stairs you can always take them on the way down.

Tips for Visiting the Eiffel Tower

1. Book Tickets Early

Eiffel Tower tickets can sell out weeks in advance during busy seasons. Book your tickets as early as you can if you plan on traveling during peak summer months or during holidays. You can check availability here. Early mornings or sunset time is always our favorite!

2. Visit Early Morning or Evening

Midday tends to be the busiest and hottest time to visit. And the lighting is not always good for photos and videos. We try to go as early as possible in the morning to avoid peak crowds.

3. Don’t Overbook Your Day

One mistake many people make is trying to cram too many major attractions into one day. Paris is best enjoyed at a slow pace. The Eiffel Tower area alone can easily become a half day experience once you include:

security lines
photos and videos
coffee at a nearby cafe
playground stops for kids
a Seine River cruise
picnic lunch at Champ de Mars

Paris is much more enjoyable when you slow down and take it all in.

4. Bring Snacks and Water

Especially if visiting with kids. The lines and waiting times can be longer than expected, and having snacks on hand makes a huge difference.

Best Things to Do Near the Eiffel Tower

One of my favorite things about visiting the Eiffel Tower is that there’s so much nearby! The 7th Arrondissement has so many places to enjoy while you are in the area.

Some family friendly ideas include:

Enjoy a hot chocolate at Carette
Have a family picnic at Champ de Mars
Take a Seine River sightseeing cruise
Walk to Rue Cler for food and shopping
Visit nearby playgrounds (my kids love the Champ de Mars)
Stop at La Grande Épicerie for snacks and souvenirs
Take Eiffel Tower pics at Trocadero

You could easily spend an entire day exploring this part of Paris.

What I Wish I Knew Before Visiting the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is absolutely worth visiting, but booking the right ticket can completely change your experience.

If you’re traveling with kids or visiting Paris for the first time, elevator access is a must. Be sure you are double checking your tickets before booking.

And if you’re planning a trip to Paris, be sure to grab my FREE 3-Day Paris Guide. It includes a family friendly itinerary, food recommendations, playgrounds, and some of my favorite tips for making the most of your time in the city.

👉 Download my FREE 3-Day Paris Guide here

And as always, please reach out if you have any questions about an upcoming trip to Paris!