How to Take the Eiffel Tower Stairs to the Top?

Eiffel Tower Stairs

The Eiffel Tower has 4 staircases, one for each pillar, going from the ground floor to the second floor. There’s a fifth staircase that goes up from the second floor to the summit. However, only the staircase located in the South Pillar is accessible to the public. 

Visitors who want to go up to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower can purchase the Eiffel Tower stairs tickets online, or at the ticket counter at the South Pillar which is marked by a blue flag.

Note that there is also a stairs + lift ticket which allows visitors to take the stairs to the 2nd floor and the lift to the top of the Eiffel Tower. 

History of the Eiffel Tower Stairs

The Eiffel Tower stairs have existed since the beginning of the construction of the Eiffel Tower. When the Eiffel Tower was opened to the public on 15th May 1889 for the Paris World Exhibition, the only way to go up the tower was by stairs. The lifts only came into service on the 26th of May, 1889. 

Originally, the staircase from the ground floor to the first floor had a total of 360 steps. A narrow spiral staircase consisting of 380 steps went from the first floor to the second floor. There was also a spiral staircase going from the second floor to the top having 1062 steps, but it was not open to the public since it was not safe. 

Since then, the stairs have been modified and made more comfortable for visitors. There are 327 steps leading to the first floor and 347 steps to the second floor. Wide landings were installed to allow people to take a break. The staircase from the 2nd floor to the top was dismantled, and replaced with a more traditional one. The original historic staircase can be found displayed on the first floor, still intact in its original color. 

Visitor Tips

• Carry some water and energy bars while taking the stairs. These can help recharge your energy levels if you are feeling tired at any point during the climb. 
• Use the landing platforms to catch your breath and take a break. But be sure not to rest too long. Try to keep keep the rest periods under 5 minutes so you don’t completely cool down and make the climb even harder. 
• While taking a break on the landing platforms, be sure to take some photographs of Paris. The climb offers great views of the city, and a chance to admire the planned urban landscape.