Eiffel Tower

This is just my opinion, take it for what it's worth. The view from the 2nd level is the best because you can see landmarks better so it's definitely worth going if only to that level. The view from the top is a little more wide ranging but not any 'better'. I think most people, myself included, go to the top just to have done it. For me going to the top was a one time thing, I would not bother to do it again.

As far as lines for the elevator on 2nd level it's very difficult to predict. I went in August, mid-week, just before sunset and the line was only about 5-10 mins. Others have seen the line wrapped around the whole 2nd level and waited more like 45 mins. to an hour. It's a crap shoot.

I don't know anything about the tours but I'm sure someone else will answer that question.

IMO, being a thousand feet above Paris is worth doing. It's worth the lines, if you've never done it.
Doesn't everyone do it once? It's kinda like Versailles, the lines and crowds are a bit off-putting, but you gotta do it once--so you won't be wondering what you missed.

Hi Karen, I've been to the summit several times, and plan to do so again this year. I love the Eiffel Tower and going to the top is cool. As others mentioned, the lines can be short or a bit longer, but it's worth the wait. Tickets go on sale 90 days in advance at 8:30 a.m. (Paris time). They sell out very quickly (i.e. 15-20 min). The official website is http://www.toureiffel.paris/en/preparing-your-visit/buying-your-tickets.html.

If you can't or don't want to get advance tickets (some people worry about the weather), you can either wait in line that day, or do a tour. I've done the Behind the Scenes (getyourguide.com) tour twice. It allows you to skip the line to the second floor, but you have to buy your own ticket (and wait in line) to get to the top. I've never done the steps.

Hope you have a great time in Paris!

Just visited the Eilffel Tower last week by walking to the 2nd floor, which is about 40% of the way up. I was surprised at how smoggy the Parisian air is. Even at 115 meters elevation, it was difficult to see much beyond Sacre Coeur or Montparnasse. I could not imagine that being another 161 meters higher (the "summit" of the lift is 276 meters, not 300 meters.) would have improved things at all. Walking up to the 2nd floor costs 5 euro, and the line for tickets is quite short. If you get winded, you can stop off at the first floor and wander around the many exhibits pertaining to the Eiffel's history and relationship to other tall man-made structures in the world.

I did the summit last September. I went on line the day they went on sale and several openings (not many) available. I was able to snag 2 tickets for a Thursday evening, again not sure of the exact time but it was definitely right after the tower sparkled the first time so I am guessing 9:15 or 9:30. The lift time to level 2 was not bad. The lift to 3 took longer maybe 20 minutes. I recommend it if you can manage. Be warned it gets very crowded at the top but I think it is worth it. In my opinion it is worse coming down as the lines were crazy. We took the lift down to 2 then waited in a long line for maybe 20 minutes that didn't seem to move so we and some people we friended in the line decided to stair it. It was fun as we decided to race each other. Be forewarned if you choose this option at night though. The floodlights from the base glaring on the metal stairs sometimes made it difficult to see so be careful. It was a great memory though... racing down from the tower. Have fun no matter what you decide. Paris is awesome!!

Advance tickets to the Eiffel Tower have been selling out within 1-2 minutes, not 10-15. It is very popular.