Eiffel Tower - Skip the line tours or not?

Three of us, two adults and a young teen, were there on a 2012 RS in late June when an elevator was broke and bought tickets on site. The line waiting for the single working elevator was hours long, we heard 3 hours. It was about 3:00pm and we chose to take the stairs as we planned on only going to the second level. The wait was probably 20 minutes for the tickets and taking the stairs was well worth it. If you are capable of taking the stairs it will make the wait much less. We never would have done it if we needed to take the elevator but I am not sure what the wait in line may be when both elevators are working. We stopped as often as needed without being in anyone's way. I read where it is also time consuming to get the elevator for the return trip down. If we went again we would walk up again.

If you decide to walk up which is fun if everyone is able, you can buy the elevator ticket to the top when you buy the walk up ticket. I think it is 7 Euro to walk up and then another 6 Euro for the elevator to the top. Everyone waits in line for the elevator to the top and everyone can take elevators down once on the tower. Give yourself plenty of time and definitely go all the way up.

Hi Harper, I have purchased tickets online (best option), waited in line (2 hours), and done a Behind the Scenes/Skip the Line tour (twice). We used Get Your Guide tours and it worked out great. They have several options for tours. We did the 1 hour tour that included a skip the line ticket to the second level. On the second level there's another short line to buy a ticket to the summit (top) level. Very informative and efficient. Love the Eiffel Tower. Love Paris!

Thank you for the responses. I am late in planning, it is a last minute opportunity. I looked up the tours and what is available for our dates for a family of 4 runs anywhere between $275-$500. We decided to go very late, 10pm and cheek out the lines but I have a feeling we are walking the stairs. Thank you again!