Four Distinct Worlds Stacked Above Paris The Eiffel Tower is not a single experience but four layered ones. The ground-level esplanade, the expansive first floor at 57 metres, the panoramic second floor at 115 metres, and the intimate summit at 276 metres each deliver something the others cannot. Understanding what awaits at every level helps you plan your time, choose the right ticket, and avoid missing the moments that matter most. Ground Level – Esplanade The open-air space beneath and around the four pillars. No ticket required. This is where your Eiffel Tower experience begins with ticket counters, gift shops, and the iconic view straight up through the iron lattice. First Floor – 57m The largest level with 2.5 hectares of surface area. Glass floor, Cineiffel film room, educational exhibits, Madame Brasserie restaurant, and a gift shop. Second Floor – 115m The classic panoramic level. Orientation tables, Le Jules Verne restaurant, open-air observation deck, and the perfect balance of height and detail. The top of Paris. Gustave Eiffel's recreated office, champagne bar, 360-degree panorama, and the bragging rights of standing at the very peak. The Esplanade. Where It All Begins. Free to access and open to everyone, the ground-level esplanade is far more than just a waiting area. The four massive pillars frame the Champ de Mars gardens, and the space underneath the tower offers one of the most dramatic architectural perspectives in the world. The Four Pillars Each pillar is named after a cardinal direction — North, South, East, and West. The ticket offices and elevator entrances are located within these massive iron foundations, each one an engineering marvel in its own right. Bust of Gustave Eiffel A bronze bust of the tower's creator stands at the base of the north pillar. It was sculpted by Antoine Bourdelle and serves as a quiet tribute often overlooked by visitors rushing toward the elevators. Gift Shops & Counters Several official gift shops operate at ground level along with the main ticket counters. If you have not booked online, this is where you queue for same-day tickets. Arrive early to avoid long waits. The esplanade offers sweeping views of the Champ de Mars stretching toward the École Militaire. In the opposite direction, the Trocadéro gardens and Palais de Chaillot frame the tower beautifully from across the Seine. First Floor – 57 Metres The Largest Level. The Most to Discover. Covering 2.5 hectares, the first floor is the most expansive level of the Eiffel Tower and the one most visitors underestimate. After a major renovation, it now features a transparent glass floor, immersive exhibits about the tower's history, the Cineiffel film room, Madame Brasserie restaurant, and interactive educational displays. You could easily spend 45 minutes here and still miss something. Glass Floor Experience The transparent glass floor section lets you look straight down 57 metres to the ground below. It is thrilling, slightly terrifying, and one of the most popular photo spots on the entire tower. The glass panels are remarkably strong, but the visual effect of standing above empty space is unforgettable. Cineiffel Film Room This small cinema screens a short film about the history of the Eiffel Tower, from its controversial construction for the 1889 World's Fair through its transformation into a beloved icon. The film runs on a loop and is available in multiple languages. It takes about 10 minutes and provides valuable context for the rest of your visit. Madame Brasserie Restaurant Helmed by chef Thierry Marx, Madame Brasserie offers contemporary French cuisine at an altitude of 57 metres. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner with seasonal menus featuring locally sourced ingredients. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for window tables with Champ de Mars views. Educational Exhibits Interactive displays cover the tower's construction, the engineers who built it, and the science behind its structure. Learn how the tower sways up to 12 centimetres in the wind and grows up to 15 centimetres taller in summer heat due to thermal expansion of the iron. What You Can See At 57 metres, you are close enough to identify individual buildings and streets. The Champ de Mars gardens stretch out below, the Seine curves alongside, and landmarks like Les Invalides and the Montparnasse Tower are clearly visible. This height gives an intimate, detailed view of the Paris roofscape. Gift Shop & Souvenirs The first floor gift shop carries official Eiffel Tower merchandise including miniature replicas, postcards, clothing, and artisanal French products. Prices are higher than ground-level shops but the selection includes exclusive items only available at this level. Second Floor – 115 Metres The Panoramic Level. Where Paris Unfolds. At 115 metres, the second floor strikes the ideal balance between height and visual detail. You are high enough to see the full sweep of Paris yet close enough that individual landmarks remain sharp and recognisable. Many experienced visitors consider this the best observation level on the tower. Panoramic Viewpoints The open-air observation deck wraps around the entire level, offering 360-degree views. Each direction reveals a different face of Paris: the Seine and Trocadéro to the northwest, Montmartre and Sacré-Coeur to the north, the Marais to the east, and Montparnasse to the south. Le Jules Verne Restaurant This Michelin-starred restaurant by chef Frédéric Anton is one of the most prestigious dining experiences in Paris. It has its own private elevator entrance at the south pillar, meaning diners bypass the regular queues entirely. Expect refined French gastronomy with views to match. Orientation Tables Metal orientation tables at each viewpoint identify landmarks in every direction with their names and distances. These are invaluable for understanding what you are looking at, from the nearby École Militaire to the distant towers of La Défense business district 5 kilometres to the west. Souvenir Shop & Views Explained A souvenir shop at this level offers postcards, books, and collectibles. Nearby information panels explain what you can see in each direction, including historical context about how the Parisian skyline has evolved since the tower was built in 1889. Summit – 276 Metres The Top of Paris. The Ultimate Panorama. The summit is where the Eiffel Tower experience reaches its peak, literally and figuratively. At 276 metres above ground, this is the highest publicly accessible point in Paris. The space is compact and intimate compared to the floors below, creating a sense of exclusivity. On clear days, visibility extends up to 72 kilometres in every direction. Gustave Eiffel's Office A faithful recreation of the private office that Gustave Eiffel maintained at the top of his tower. The room features wax figures of Eiffel and Thomas Edison, who visited in 1889, along with period-appropriate furniture and scientific instruments. Eiffel used this space for meteorological observations and to entertain distinguished guests. Toast your ascent at the highest champagne bar in Paris. You can choose between a glass of rosé or white champagne while taking in the 360-degree panorama. It is a small but memorable indulgence. Expect to pay a premium — a glass typically costs around €13 to €22 — but the setting is unmatched anywhere in the city.

360-Degree Panorama The summit offers a full wraparound viewing area with both indoor and outdoor sections. Landmarks visible include the Arc de Triomphe, Sacré-Coeur, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Les Invalides, the Louvre, and the modern skyline of La Défense. On exceptional days, you can see as far as Chartres Cathedral, roughly 72 kilometres southwest. Weather & Capacity The summit is exposed to wind and weather. Temperatures can be several degrees cooler than at ground level, and wind chill is significant. Bring a light jacket even in summer. The summit has strict capacity limits, meaning you may need to queue at the second floor for the final elevator. In heavy fog or high winds, the summit may close temporarily for safety. Stairs vs Elevators. How to Move Between Levels. Understanding your transport options between floors helps you plan your route, budget your energy, and avoid surprises. Each section of the tower has different access methods. Ground to First Floor Elevator or stairs (328 steps). The staircase starts at the south pillar and offers unique close-up views of the iron framework. The climb takes 10 to 15 minutes at a moderate pace. The elevator ride takes about 2 minutes but queues can add 20 to 60 minutes. First to Second Floor Elevator or stairs (346 additional steps, 674 total from ground). The stairway between these levels is steeper and more exposed, providing dramatic views. The elevator is shared with ground-to-second passengers, so queues can be longer at this stage. Second Floor to Summit Elevator only. There is no public stairway between the second floor and the summit. A separate, smaller elevator makes this final ascent. This is where bottlenecks often occur, especially on busy days. Expect a queue of 10 to 30 minutes at peak times. Take the stairs up to the second floor for the experience and shorter queues, then ride the elevator to the summit. On the way down, take the elevator to the first floor and walk down the stairs for a different perspective. This approach minimises wait times and maximises the experience. Planning Your Visit Time Needed & Accessibility by Level. How long you spend at each level depends on your interests, but here are realistic time estimates and accessibility details to help you plan. Ground Esplanade: 15–20 Minutes Enough time to take photos beneath the tower, browse the gift shops, and walk around the four pillars. Fully accessible with paved walkways throughout. No ticket or security screening required to access this area. First Floor: 30–45 Minutes Allow time for the glass floor, Cineiffel film, educational exhibits, and restaurant if dining. The first floor is fully wheelchair accessible by elevator. All exhibit areas are on a single level with no additional steps. Audio guides are available for visitors with visual impairments. Second Floor: 20–30 Minutes Walkable observation deck loop with viewpoints in every direction. Budget extra time if visiting Le Jules Verne. Wheelchair accessible by elevator. The observation deck is flat and well-maintained. Orientation tables are at a height accessible to standing and seated visitors alike. Summit: 15–30 Minutes The compact space means you can see everything in 15 minutes, but most people linger for the views and champagne. Limited wheelchair accessibility due to smaller elevator cabins — contact the tower directly for specific needs. Staff assistance is available at every level. Total Visit: 2–3 Hours Including security screening, elevator waits between levels, and time spent at each floor, budget 2 to 3 hours for the complete experience. If taking stairs up, add 30 to 45 minutes for the climb. Early morning visits (first slot) tend to be the most efficient. Service Animals & Assistance Service animals are permitted at all levels of the Eiffel Tower. Staff members are stationed at every floor to assist visitors with special needs. Benches and seating areas are available on the first and second floors for resting between levels. What to Do. What Not to Miss. Level-by-level tips from frequent visitors. Where the crowds gather, where the hidden gems are, and what most people walk right past. Arrive before 9:30 for the emptiest photos beneath the tower. Walk to the centre point directly under the tower and look straight up for the iconic lattice shot. The south pillar area tends to be less crowded than the north. Check the LED countdown board for wait times before choosing your queue. First Floor Tips Visit the glass floor early before crowds build. The Cineiffel film room is often empty in the first hour. Walk the full perimeter for views in every direction. Madame Brasserie is best booked for lunch when natural light floods the dining room. Do not skip the history exhibits — they give meaning to the structure above you. Second Floor Tips The north-facing viewpoint towards Trocadéro draws the biggest crowds. Head to the south or east side first for breathing room. Use the orientation tables to identify distant landmarks. The viewing area closest to the elevator exit is always the most packed — walk 50 metres in either direction for space. Queue for the summit elevator early at the second floor — the line grows quickly after 11:00. The outdoor upper deck is where the best photos happen but gets windswept. Visit Eiffel's office before it gets crowded. A glass of champagne at the bar is worth the splurge. Bring a jacket regardless of the season — it is always cooler and windier at 276 metres. Common Questions Frequently Asked Questions. How many levels does the Eiffel Tower have? The Eiffel Tower has three publicly accessible levels plus the ground-level esplanade. The first floor sits at 57 metres, the second floor at 115 metres, and the summit at 276 metres. Each level offers distinct experiences, from glass floors and restaurants on the first floor to Gustave Eiffel's recreated office and a champagne bar at the summit. What can you see from the Eiffel Tower summit? From 276 metres you get a full 360-degree panorama. On a clear day, visibility can reach up to 72 kilometres. Key landmarks include the Arc de Triomphe, Sacré-Coeur, Notre-Dame, Les Invalides, Montparnasse Tower, the La Défense business district, and the Seine winding through the city below. Can you take the stairs to every level? You can take the stairs from the ground to the first floor (328 steps) and from the first floor to the second floor (346 steps), totalling 674 steps. However, the summit is only accessible by elevator from the second floor. There is no staircase open to the public between the second floor and the summit. Which floor is best for dining? The first floor features Madame Brasserie with contemporary French cuisine in a relaxed setting. The second floor has Le Jules Verne, a Michelin-starred restaurant with a private elevator. The summit offers a champagne bar. Each provides a different atmosphere and price range, from casual to fine dining. Is the Eiffel Tower accessible for people with disabilities? The ground-level esplanade and first and second floors are fully wheelchair accessible by elevator. The summit has limited accessibility due to the smaller elevator cabins. Staff assistance is available at all levels, and service animals are permitted throughout the tower. How long should I spend at the Eiffel Tower? Plan for 2 to 3 hours for the full experience including all levels. The ground esplanade takes about 15 to 20 minutes, the first floor 30 to 45 minutes, the second floor 20 to 30 minutes, and the summit 15 to 30 minutes. Add time for queues, security screening, and elevator waits between levels.