Eiffel Tower Summit Tours – Paris From the Very Top

See Paris from a height that puts every postcard to shame. Eiffel Tower summit tours take you all the way to the top viewing platform — Level Three. These Eiffel Tower guided tours combine elevator access, expert commentary, and views that leave even jaded travelers a little speechless.

You'll skip the long ticket lines, glide past the chaos, and arrive where the sky opens up over Paris. The summit requires a specific ticket, and guided tours are the easiest way to get one. Eiffel Tower summit tours are equal parts efficiency and wow factor.

Why Book Eiffel Tower Summit Tours?

La Tour Eiffel towers over Paris, seen from the Notre Dame bell towers

The summit isn't just another platform — it's the highest public viewing point in Paris. That alone is reason enough to go. But with a guide, the climb becomes a story: of Eiffel's genius, the Paris skyline, and the wild history of a tower that was supposed to be temporary.

You also get skip-the-ticket-line access. Not just a convenience — sometimes a sanity-saver. In peak seasons, the general admission queue can be a soul-sapping spiral of regret. Tours usually include timed entry, which makes a surprising difference to your day.

A guided summit tour also guarantees you'll actually reach the top. Many tickets stop at the second floor; don't assume otherwise. And the summit elevator has limited capacity — tours make sure you're in. If you only have a few days in Paris, this isn't something you want to leave to chance.

Some summit tours keep it snappy. Others add extras: river cruises or a stroll across the Trocadéro. There are even twilight and night tours if you're after that glittering Eiffel-in-the-dark moment. Whichever you choose, you'll come away with the view — and the story behind it.

Which Eiffel Tower Summit Tours Should You Choose?

The Eiffel Tower at night, seen from the Debilly Bridge

1. Classic Summit Guided Tours

The no-nonsense option with all the essentials: a real guide, a real elevator, and real stories on the way to the top. These tours give you smooth entry, live commentary, and time at both the second floor and summit. No frills, just thrills (and fewer lines).

🗼 Best for: First-time visitors who want history, context, and a guaranteed summit ticket.
📍 Highlights: Skip-the-line access, expert guide, full summit visit, optional pre-tour walking tour.

2. Sunset & Nighttime Summit Tours

The Eiffel Tower at night is a different kind of magic. Fewer crowds, more sparkle, and Paris lit like a jewelry box. These best evening Eiffel Tower Summit tours time your visit just right, so you catch the last of the sunset or the full glow of the City of Light. Be sure to choose an 8:00 PM or later tour.

🌙 Best for: Romantics, photographers, and anyone allergic to daytime crowds.
📍 Highlights: Evening entry, priority access, dramatic views, city lights, smaller groups.

3. Summit Tours + Seine River Cruise

This is the Paris two-for-one: a summit tour plus a boat ride past Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, and a dozen Paris bridges you won't remember the names of — but you will remember the view. The Eiffel Tower first, then a breezy hour on the Seine.

⛴ Best for: Travelers who want the full postcard package without overthinking it.
📍 Highlights: Guided Eiffel Tower visit with summit access, 1-hour Seine cruise, flexible timing.

What You'll Do (and See) Up There

Looking down from Level 3, photo Unsplash by Victor Martin

Eiffel Tower Summit Tour begin at a meeting point near the tower — usually a plaza or corner cafe. You'll spot your guide by their clipboard, badge, or calm aura amid the chaos. Groups tend to be small, and guides usually give you a quick rundown of the plan before heading into the fray.

Next comes the security line, followed by the elevator to the second floor. Here, most tours pause for history, context, and that "we're really doing this" moment. You'll hear about the tower's initial public backlash, its brush with demolition, and how it ended up the most recognizable thing in Paris.

Then it's another elevator up to the summit — a smaller, glassier space that feels like a quiet perch above the world. You'll see Gustave Eiffel's tiny office, spy Sacré Coeur in the distance, and try to name every landmark in view. You'll also get time to linger. Some guides end their part of the tour at Level 2, while you ride to the top yourself.

There are also displays, maps, and telescopes to help you orient yourself. It's the kind of place where people fall silent, phones come out, and even the teens stop complaining. You'll remember this view for a long time.

The Savvy Way to See the Summit

View of the Eiffel Tower from Trocadero, photo by Mark Craft

First tip: book early. Summit spots are limited and fill quickly—especially in spring and summer. Last-minute bookings often mean you miss the top.

Always confirm that summit access is included. Some Eiffel Tower tours only go to the second level. If the summit matters to you (it should), double-check.

Pay attention to group size. Smaller is better. Headsets are a plus, especially during noisy times of day. And don't forget language — choose a tour that speaks yours.

All of the Eiffel Tower Summit tours we recommend have flexible cancellation policies and are highly rated.

Things People Always Ask – No Judgment

The Eiffel Tower casts its shadow across Paris, photo by Mark Craft

Do all guided tours include summit access?
Nope. Some stop at the second floor. Always check before booking.

Is skip-the-line really included?
Usually, yes. You'll skip the ticket queue, but still go through security. No one skips that.

How long ddo Eiffel Tower Summit tours last?
Most are 2 to 2.5 hours. Add more time if a cruise or dinner is included.

Can I stay at the summit after the tour?
Yes. Most tours end there and let you explore at your own pace.

Is the summit okay for kids?
Yes, but consider the elevator and height factor. Some kids love it. Others… not so much.

More Ways to Elevate Your Visit

A light flare, looking up at the base of the Eiffel Tower

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