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What’s inside the Eiffel Tower? A guide to the summit, dining, and hidden rooms

ParisEiffel Tower TicketsInside

The Eiffel Tower is an experience from the ground up. From thrilling glass floors to Michelin-starred dining and 360° panoramic views, each level offers something unique. Use this guide to navigate every floor like a pro and make the most of your visit.

The Eiffel Tower has 3 floors...

👉 Ground floor or the Esplanade

👉 First floor at 57m elevation

👉 Second floor at 115m elevation

👉 The summit at 276m elevation

Let's know about each of them in detail.

Ground level: The esplanade

Best for: Admiring the tower’s architecture, relaxing in the gardens, and finding your entrance.

What's here:

  • Intricate iron latticework showcasing 18,038 iron parts and 2.5 million rivets, best viewed from directly underneath the tower.
  • Lush gardens and quiet seating areas, offering a peaceful contrast to the bustling tower experience.
  • Gustave Eiffel’s bronze bust, a tribute to the mastermind behind the Eiffel Tower.
  • Engraved names of 72 engineers and scientists, etched into the ironwork as a nod to France’s greatest minds.
  • Three entrances: East, West, and South, each designated for different ticket types and visitor access.
  • How to get here:
    Metro: Bir-Hakeim (Line 6) or Trocadéro (Line 9) – 10-min walk
    RER: Champ de Mars - Tour Eiffel (Line C) – 7-min walk
    Bus: 42, 69, 72, 82, 86 – Stops within 5-10 mins
  • Best time to visit: Arrive before 10am or after 8pm to avoid long security lines.

First floor

Best for: Glass floor views, historical exhibits, and casual dining.

What's here:

  • Glass floor experience – A 1.85-inch thick transparent floor that allows visitors to look directly down at the Esplanade below.
  • Historical exhibits – Displays about the tower’s construction, original purpose for the 1889 World’s Fair, and its transformation into a global icon.
  • Preserved spiral staircase section – A remnant of the original staircase that once connected the second floor to the summit, removed in 1983.
  • Madame Brasserie – A French restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows, serving classic Parisian dishes.
  • Seasonal exhibitions – Rotating displays covering art, science, and cultural themes.
  • Open-air observation areas – Platforms for visitors to view the tower’s intricate iron framework and nearby cityscapes.
  • How to get here:
    Take the elevator or climb 328 steps from the Esplanade.
  • Best time to visit: Late afternoon for fewer crowds, evening for the magical illuminated cityscape.
  • Best photo spot: Standing on the glass floor at golden hour.

Second floor

Best for: City views, fine dining, and souvenir shopping.

What's here:

  • Panoramic observation deck – The second-floor height provides clear, detailed views of famous Parisian landmarks, including Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, Montmartre, and the Seine River.
  • Le Jules Verne – A Michelin-starred restaurant offering fine dining, accessible via a private elevator.
  • Souvenir shops – Boutiques selling exclusive Eiffel Tower memorabilia, postcards, and Parisian gifts.
  • Informational panels – Educational displays explaining how the tower was designed to withstand wind forces and thermal expansion.
  • Eiffel Tower shadow effect – A distinct photo opportunity during sunset, when the tower’s silhouette stretches across the city.
  • How to get here:
    Take the elevator from the first floor or climb 674 steps from the ground.
  • Best time to visit: Sunset is the most magical time to be here. The golden light makes Paris glow, and you can capture the Eiffel Tower’s shadow stretching over the city.
  • Best photo spot: The observation deck at golden hour—a must for photographers!

Summit

Best for: 360° views, historical insights, and a champagne toast.

What's here:

  • Open-air observation deck – The highest accessible point of the tower, providing unmatched 360° views of Paris, stretching up to 70 km on clear days.
  • Gustave Eiffel’s private office – A restored workspace featuring wax figures of Gustave Eiffel, his daughter Claire, and Thomas Edison, commemorating Edison’s visit in 1889.
  • Champagne bar – A small bar at the summit serving rosé and white champagne, offering a celebratory experience.
  • 1:50 scale model of the 1889 summit design – A display showing how the original tower looked, before later modifications.
  • Indoor viewing areas – Enclosed spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows, providing a sheltered viewing option in windy or cold weather.
  • How to get here:
    Take the elevator from the second floor (No stair access).
  • Best time to visit: Early mornings offer the clearest visibility, while after 9pm lets you see Paris sparkle at night.
  • Best photo spot: The Champagne Bar at night, overlooking Paris twinkling below.

Getting to the top: Stairs vs. elevator

Feature
Elevators
Stairs
Time needed
Faster; ideal for those short on time.
Slower but offers a rewarding experience.
Fitness level
Suitable for everyone.
Requires moderate physical fitness.
Views on the way
Limited views from the enclosed elevator.
Close-up views of the tower’s architecture.
Tickets needed
Elevator tickets cost slightly more. Some good ticket options include: Eiffel Tower Guided Tour by Elevator: Summit or Second Floor Dinner at Eiffel Tower's Madame Brasserie
Stair tickets are more budget-friendly.

Looking out: Where & how to get the best views

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First floor: A unique perspective (57m high)

- Walk on the thrilling glass floor and see the bustling crowds below.

- Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the gardens surrounding the tower.

- Get a close-up look at the intricate ironwork of this architectural masterpiece.


✔️ Great for a unique angle on Paris and an up-close view of the tower itself.

Second floor: The perfect city view (115m high)

- Spot Parisian icons like the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Sacré-Cœur.

- Take in a detailed cityscape, from grand boulevards to charming rooftops.

- Capture the tower’s shadow over Paris, a stunning photo opportunity.


✔️ Ideal for photographers and sightseeing with crisp, unobstructed views.

Summit: The ultimate panorama (276m high)

- See all of Paris and beyond, up to 70 km on a clear day.

- Take in the French countryside and the city’s distant outskirts.

- Experience the romance of Paris from above, especially at sunset.


✔️ A breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime view from the very top!

Frequently asked questions about the Eiffel Tower interior

Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known areas inside the Eiffel Tower?

Yes, Gustave Eiffel’s restored office at the summit and the commemorative engravings on the Esplanade are often overlooked but worth exploring.

Is the Eiffel Tower’s interior wheelchair accessible?

Yes, elevators provide access to the first and second floors, and a special lift connects the second floor to the summit.

Are there designated routes to explore the Eiffel Tower’s interior?

Visitors can follow clear signs and maps available at each level. Guided tours also provide structured routes.

Can visitors access the mechanical room or other operational areas?

No, operational areas like the mechanical room are not open to the public for safety reasons.

Are there rest areas or seating available inside the Eiffel Tower?

Yes, seating areas are available on the first and second floors for visitors to rest and take in the views.

Is Wi-Fi available inside the Eiffel Tower?

Free Wi-Fi is available on all levels, ensuring visitors can stay connected during their visit.

Are there any interactive exhibits or displays inside the Eiffel Tower?

Yes, interactive exhibits on the first floor detail the tower’s history, engineering, and cultural significance.

What are the rules regarding photography inside the Eiffel Tower?

Photography is encouraged, but visitors should avoid using tripods or drones without prior permission.

Can visitors explore the Eiffel Tower’s interior without booking a guided tour?

Yes, self-guided visits are allowed, but guided tours enhance the experience with expert commentary.

What facilities are available inside, such as restrooms or baby-changing stations?

Restrooms and baby-changing stations are available on the first and second floors for visitors’ convenience.

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