Eiffel Tower - is it worth going to the top?

We were at the Eiffel Tower last month and went to the top. The scurity line wasn't bad - we waited for perhaps 10 minutes in the ticket line and maybe another 10 in the security line. But be prepared for crowds and for long lines everywhere. There are lines for the elevator to the first and second levels. There's an even longer line for the elevators from the second level to the summit. We waited in that line for 15 minutes, maybe longer. Then you have to wait at the top for the elevator to take you all the way back down.

That said, it's a cool experience, especially if you love heights and looking down on a city. But I wouldn't do it more than once.

If you can manage it the walk from ground to nest level is worth doing - then take the lift to the top

Agree - would only do it once though

I love doing the ET but I like the 2nd level best. Faster to get to, more space, far less crowded, and I can see everything better since it's not as far up.

I don't think you are missing out. I suppose if you walk by early or late and the line is short, go for it Otherwise, marvel at its beauty, take your pictures, and stroll past from ground level. There's far too much to do in Paris that, by my estimation, is more worthwhile.

Whether it is worth or not is always going to in the eye of the beholder. It is an iconic structure that is the symbol of Paris. But it helps to be interested in architecture and engineering. The view is terrific but you have to decide for yourself what is significant.

We have only been to the second level, and I am glad we did that. But to me, the best part is the twinkle at the top of the hour that you can see both close up and from a distance.

I love the Eiffel Tower and I think it's worth it to go to the top. I was there May 2015 with an advanced ticket. We got there about 10 min early and were admitted at the entry time. No waiting. There were long lines to purchase tickets, but we skipped them.

We went to the top two years ago because our granddaughters wanted to. Nice view, interesting to see that part of what M. Eiffel built. As Frank said, it's interesting from an architectural and engineering point of view. But the Tower is iconic and enjoyable from many points of view. The second level is fine in itself, the hourly twinkle is well worth seeing (thrilling even, if you have any child in you) and we've also enjoyed just walking, sitting and picnicking on the Champs de Mars.
Are you missing out? Maybe not, since you haven't been all that keen on going up in the Tower on previous trips. You can certainly enjoy Paris without going to the top of the Eiffel Tower.
Then again, maybe your tastes have changed. That happens. I wasn't at all keen on gardens until I met my wife and now they always take a high priority in our trip planning.
Or maybe your budget has increased. I took, and enjoyed, many trips when I was traveling on a shoestring. But I'm also happy now, including many things that I previously couldn't afford.
I don't think it's a biggy either way. Do the trip you want to do.

I would not bother going up the Tower without going to the top -- it is just part of the experience and the views are wonderful. We did it in the pouring rain last fall -- not advising it but that is a hazard of buying tickets ahead -- even then it was wonderful. We make the trip every 30 years or so but would not do it without going to the top.

Actually, we have been to Paris many many times and never been up the tower. There are so many wonderful views of it ...from the park, from the Trocadero...all levels and by the fountains, and down by the river along the walkways day and night that we have never been interested . My husband is a photographer and we usually just roam around finding lovely views day and night. We often take a small picnic and sit one evening enjoying the lights sparkling on the tower from a bench in the park or over by the fountain. Many people like the view of the tower from the Montparnasse tower. Many years ago when I was still teaching teacher friends wanted those little key chains of the tower that the unlicensed hawkers sell so I went up to one told him I would pay one euro and take all of his key chains...he gladly sold them all to me. Lol

Our first visit to Paris we just enjoyed seeing the tower, did not go up. Second trip daughter really wanted to go, hubby and I woudn't have if it were not for her. So, we went up to the second level, tickets purchased in advance. It was spectacular! We loved it, and ended up staying for about 2 hours. I really had no interest, but I'm so happy we went and I'd go again!

The ET key chains are the best souvenir! I always buy a handful of them from the bouquinestes by Notre Dame. Every person I've given them to has been absolutely thrilled. I love Paris!

If you've never done it, then I agree it's a must do. The first time I went to Paris I went to the top on our first day in the city & it literally brought me to tears. The second time was not quite as wonderful but it was still good and the third time I went to Paris, we didn't go up at all, just watched the light show from Trocadero.

After much dithering due to fear of heights--the forum folks were very helpful with that--I decided to buy my ticket to the 2nd level, and once there--this Tuesday--I will decide if I want or feel up to going to the summit. I've read about the building of the Tower and feel it's a must-do.

I would say it's not worth it to go all the way to the top. The second level is just fine. You're right - there are many other things to do.