We will be visiting in early September, probably still busy. I think I read some place that climbing to the second level is just fine, they did not need the top. Do they limit the walk up tickets on the spot? if i understand the website, I cannot purchase those tickets on line.
If i chose to walk up to level 2 and them go to the top -- are those tickets limited?
Posted by
Alexandria, VA
771 posts
I'm not sure of the walk up options, but you can no longer purchase tickets to the top from the second level. You have to decide ahead of time, either second level or the top.
Posted by
OP
Darmouth, MA, USA
377 posts
Sorry, I was not clear, I know I must decide and purchase tickets at bottom. Just, will they always be available?
Posted by
Grand Rapids, MI
768 posts
I've walked up several times, and never a long line or any limits. I suppose that could change if things got way too crowded, but all I can say is no problems so far.
Posted by
Chicago
8561 posts
Occasionally they don't sell tickets to the elevator to the top in the walk up line when it is very busy but I have never heard of them not selling walk up tickets to the second floor. What I disagree with is that level 2 is enough. The whole point of the exercise for me is to go to the top. There are lots of high views in Paris that are easier and cheaper; but going to the top of the ET is special.
Posted by
1230 posts
Ive been to both: first visit I could not get tickets to the top in time so waited in a line upon arrival to be able to take the stairs to the second level. The wait was about an hour (in June). W thought the second level was great. Until, we were in Paris again and did get the tickets to the top in time. It is a novel experience. Yes, the second level is fine and I would not skip it just bc you aren't going to the top (!), but if you have the opportunity to go to the top, do.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
I’ve been up many times since 1972 .
The top underwhelms me everytime - in fact last time was maybe 4 years ago - I hated how crowded it was up there , the second level ( to me ) is much better .
Sometimes tickets to the top are stopped , not just because of crowd capacity , but also weather ( this happened to me when my I tired to take my then 11 yr old up , about 10 years ago , in summer ) , and there is no predicting that -
Posted by
Florida
498 posts
Comparing the top versus the second level is very much a matter of taste in my opinion. We've done both, enjoyed both.
Of course the view is different from higher up and one can always say they went all the way to the top (can't go further than that, right?). But I would not feel cheated if I had never gone past the second level. There's still a good view from there and lots more going on than at the top.
I don't see any way for your to know unless you experience both, but you shouldn't automatically conclude that you're settling for a lesser experience by staying on the second level.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Sometimes the view from top is more disappointing as fog / smog haze or rain can make it less than stellar .
Posted by
171 posts
We had dinner at Le Jules Verne, which is on the second level. The view was awesome and we felt no need to go to the top.