Eiffel tower summit - Is it worth it ?

I think it is worth it and I wouldn't bother with second floor tickets. Go to the top or give it a pass for another day. The best view will be from Trocadero and the area right around the Tower right now is a nightmare; you don't want to go look at the Tower from its own base right now.

There are two different levels for which you can buy a ticket: the summit or the second level (about one third of the way up). I haven't experienced the view from the summit because the ascenseur to that level was broken both times. But I thought the view at sunset and at night from the second level was great. The view from the second level during the day was similar to that from Montemarte (Sacre Couer) which can be had for free.

Whether you make a reservation or not, going up the Eifel Tower is a big investment of time which you may need to consider how your youngest will fare. Without reservations, people were waiting 3-4 hours to go up to the second level. With our reservation, we got in line 30 minutes before our reservation time (as we were told to do) and were at the second level about 45 minutes later. Coming down, we had to wait in the same line as those without reservations, so it took a full hour and a half to exit the tower.

You can make reservations on the official site at https://www.toureiffel.paris/en/rates-opening-times

Keep in mind sunset is 9:49 pm in mid-July. We ascended about that time so we saw the sunset and twilight. At 11:00 pm, it was finally dark enough for the twinkly light show on the tower. We had seen the light show from the ground before, but it was amazing to look up, around, and below us and see the entire structure twinkle.

Absolutely worth it.

Having done it several times, I will give you a short and quick answer: YES!

It's interesting how different people have different perspectives.

In my opinion, if one wants to say he or she has been to the top of the Eiffel Tower, then by all means go and do it.

However, if one's objective is to see beautiful views of Paris that include that distinctive landmark, then the aforementioned Trocadero area across the river, the top of l'Arc de Triomphe, or (from what I've read and from the photos I've seen) the viewing platform at the Montparnasse Tower are better.

Let the Internet help you decide: search for view from X and click images on the results. Substitute Trocadero for X, top of Arc de Triomphe for X, and top of Montparnasse Tower for X, and then substitute top of Eiffel Tower for X and see which view appeals to you the most.

Even the view from the terrasse of the Galeries Lafayette department store (you can search for those too) is more interesting to me than those from the Eiffel Tower.

If you keep a close watch on your kids, after sundown at Trocadero can be pretty entertaining as well as having great views of the Eiffel Tower's lights.

I agree with Bob that the view from the 3rd level isn't particularly special, plus it's really tiny and cramped. Not sorry I did it once but don't think it's worth the wait.

Now, the climb up the Notre Dame tower is something I recommend! I have done it on each of my 3 visits to Paris. I love the iconic view of the Eiffel Tower with ND gargoyles in the foreground.

On a clear day the views are amazing !!! I went to all levels and loved all of it.

Absolutely definitely worth it! Your 2 year old might not appreciate it but the older ones definitely will be wowed!

Is it worth it, NO!
Should you do it, YES!

I assume your 11 and 13 year old do not get a chance to go to Paris often and really the Eiffel Tower is the one thing every American child knows about Paris.
You really want to take them there but then say the line is too long or costs to much to reach the top?
I was not that wowed with the view, good but also side with the others that say better views to be had elsewhere in Paris.

If you had no children with you or just the 2 year old I can understand the debate, in your situation there should be no debate.
Buy time tickets online in advance if you can, not sure the time of day matters much.

I have a big fear of heights so decided to get a 2nd level ticket, figured if I felt ok about that I could continue on up the summit. It was fine so I bought the supplemental and did indeed enjoy the whole thing--though I kept my eyes closed on the way up and down.

Haven’t done it and have no intention of doing so. One can get a similar view from Montmartre for free and a not quite as good view from Norte Dame. Go to the top of enough places, in enough cities, and they all start to look alike. However, I’m certain the children would love it and would give them a nice story to tell their friends.

As long as they are prepared for how long it will take, including security and waiting times, if it's something they want to do, you may have a hard time talking them out of it! I was there a few weeks ago, and agree that the area around the base is a mess, with security barriers and construction; if you're not actually going up the tower, don't go anywhere near the base!

For me, I went up on my first visit in 1988, but haven't been back up. However, on my most recent two trips, I went up the Arc de Triomphe twice on each trip (once by day and once by night). Yes, it's included in the Museum Pass, but I still had to wait in line, go through the security check (don't have any metal in your coat pockets - ask me how I know) and climb several hundred stairs. It was still great.

I also love the view from the Trocadero, and the oohs and aahs from the crowd during the light show at the top of each hour are fun (although in July there may be only one or two shows a night, since it gets dark so late).

So I have been to Paris 4 times. The first I was a poor high school student at the end of a month long trip. Thought why do I need to go to the top? Is it that great of a view? Saved my Francs for another day. Regretted it for years. On each of my other trips ( two with my kids) we have gone to the top even when one it was so foggy we couldn’t see much but the laughter, lack of crowds, and experience made up for it. My next trip to Paris I imagine I will go up again. It’s Paris. It’s the Eiffel Tower!

I have been up the et many times , starting in 1972 right till my last ( hopefully ) time 2 yrs ago .

My answer is “ No “ , the second level is lovely ! The top is crowded and on a hazy day the view is no better than second level in many ways .

It's not about the view from the top. It's about being at the top. It's worth it.
For views from a high place go to the Arc de Triomphe at sunset.

I definitely think it’s worth it!

Make sure you book your tickets 3 months in advance.

We also enjoyed seeing the tower sparkle at night (on the hour) from the Trocadéro.

Enjoy your time in PAris!