There are two ways to reach the first floor of the Eiffel Tower – the elevator and the stairs.
The stairs allow you to bypass the elevator queues at the Tower. Additionally, you have complete freedom to decide the pace of your ascend. There are 328 steps to the first floor. You can take occasional breaks if you feel tired and admire the striking views of the Esplanade and the Parisian skyline. Plus, the Eiffel Tower stair tickets are cheaper than those of the elevator.
Climbing the Eiffel Tower StairsThere are elevators at each of the four pillars while the stairway is located on the south leg of the tower. Take the elevator for a smooth climb to the Tower, or if you’re traveling with kids or someone with reduced mobility. However, waiting lines for the elevator can be over 3 hours long during peak season.
Riding the Eiffel Tower LiftThe first level boasts a glass floor that offers unparalleled views of the Esplanade below. The transparent floor was installed as part of a large-scale renovation of the Tower in 2014 to mark the 125th anniversary of the iconic Iron Lady. Walk on the glass floor and feel the thrill of the City of Love beneath your feet.
Take a look at the spiral staircase that was originally built to link the second floor of the Tower to the top. Chief engineer Gustave Eiffel used it to reach his office built on the summit of the steel structure. Several sections of the staircase were auctioned after it became defunct and was taken down in 1983. However, one of the pieces is put on display on the first floor for the public.
Treat yourself to a lavish meal at the Madame Brasserie – a fine dining restaurant that offers contemporary, world-class cuisine made with local ingredients and products under the guidance of Michelin-star chef Thierry Marx. Book a table in advance, preferably for dinner, if you want to see the Tower lit up in all its glory.
Dining at the Eiffel TowerWatch Cineiffel - an immersive cinema projected on three walls using seven projectors at the Ferrie Pavilion. This section also houses the largest boutique inside the Tower from where you can purchase souvenirs, books, games, perfumes, and other products made in France. The pavilion also has a buffet to satiate your hunger pangs.
Unwind at the south-facing terrace after your tour with a drink and the breathtaking Parisian skyline for company. With an alfresco bar, play activities for kids, unparalleled views, food stalls, fountains, and public benches, the terrace makes for the perfect and most charming spot to relax after a tiring tour.
The first floor of the Eiffel Tower has several facilities that you can avail of and enjoy on your visit. You can treat yourself to a delicious lunch or dinner at Madame Brasserie – the fine-dining restaurant on the first floor of the Tower.
There’s a terrace with food stalls where you can relax after your tour with some snacks and a drink.
You can also buy souvenirs, gifts, and other products from the largest boutique inside the Tower.
There’s a play area for kids as well as toilets and baby-changing facilities.
A. You will have to climb 328 steps to reach the first floor of the Eiffel Tower.
A. The first floor of the tower is 187 feet from the ground.
A. Yes. You can buy hosted entry tickets to get to the first floor of the Eiffel Tower.
A. There are two ways to get to the first floor. You can either take the stairs or the elevator to reach the first level of the Eiffel Tower.
A. No. You cannot go to the summit from the first floor. The top of the tower is only accessible through elevators on the second floor.
A. Enjoy a contemporary meal at Madame Brasserie – one of the two famous fine-dining restaurants located inside the Tower. There are also several snack shops as well as The Buffet available on the first floor for those who need something to eat on the go.
A. There are several things you can do on the first floor of the Tower. Dine at Madame Brasserie, enjoy beautiful views of the Esplanade through the glass floor, marvel at the historic spiral staircase, munch on snacks at The Buffet, relax on the terrace, experience Cineiffel - a cinema projection at Ferrie Pavilion, let your kids take part in the ‘Follow Gus’ activity, and shop souvenirs and gifts at the largest boutique inside the Eiffel Tower.
A. We suggest taking the stairs to the first floor for several reasons. First, the queue to get on the elevator is quite long. You may have to wait for 2-3 hours for your turn. Second, the stairs offer a unique experience as well as striking views of the Parisian skyline. Additionally, you will have complete freedom and control over your ascend as you can take occasional breaks from climbing to enjoy the view.