What To See on the Eiffel Tower First Floor? | Tickets, Stairs vs Elevator Access & more
Select Eiffel Tower Tickets with First Floor Access
Why Visit the Eiffel Tower First Floor?
- The first level has a glass floor through which you get a clear view of the Esplanade below.
- Dine at Madame Brasserie – one of the two popular fine dining restaurants at the tower.
- Take a break and relax on the terrace or munch on the snacks and other dishes available at The Buffet on this floor.
- Enjoy an immersive cinema projection called Cineiffel at the Ferrie Pavilion.
- Take a look at the historic spiral staircase that Gustave Eiffel used to reach his office on the top of the tower.
- Shop souvenirs, gifts, and books at the Eiffel Tower’s largest boutique.
How To Get To The First Floor Of The Eiffel Tower?
There are two ways to reach the first floor of the Eiffel Tower – the elevator and the stairs.
Stairs
The stairs allow you to skip the long lines for the elevators 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 Stairs
Elevator
There 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 LiftEiffel Tower First Floor Highlights
Glass Floor
The 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.
Spiral Staircase
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.
Madame Brasserie
Treat yourself to a lavish meal at the newly-opened 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 Eiffel Tower
Ferrie Pavilion
Watch 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.
The Terrace
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.
Facilities on the First Floor of the Eiffel Tower
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 newest fine dining restaurant at 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eiffel Tower First Floor
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 skip the line tickets to get to the first floor of the Eiffel Tower. You can book your tickets here.
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 in the sense that you can take occasional breaks from climbing and enjoy the view.
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