Who has walked up to the 2nd level of the Eiffel Tower?

The lift line are the super long lines. The do it your self walk up the stairs are both short lines and more scenic views. You get to see the structure and steps foot by foot. I believe that walking is also cheaper as well as faster. I suspect that we got to the second level faster than the tourist who had to wait in line.

No, not enclosed in my recollection but our walk was uneventful.

I would also note that walking gives you more personal space than standing in line or getting squeezed in the cab.

Let me date myself, did it nearly 50 years ago when there were no crowds to speak of. July present day is the height Of summer vacation so it will be crowded

That said this link is informative and helpful.

https://shutupandgo.travel/guide-taking-stairs-eiffel-tower-2/

I was wondering the same. But would also like to know if we can buy tickets to the summit if we climb to the 2nd level.

I was wondering the same. But would also like to know if we can buy tickets to the summit if we climb to the 2nd level.

I'm not absolutely sure so don't quote me but I believe you buy your tickets to the top when you get your tickets to walk to the 2nd level. Once you get to the 2nd level if you don't have tickets to the top already you can't get them there.

If I'm wrong hopefully someone will set me straight.

I’ve done it, it’s not difficult at all. They are not enclosed, totally open. No, you can no longer buy tickets to the top from the 2nd level. Time it takes all depends on how fast or slow you go, 20 min if you’re fast? I agree that walking is much more enjoyable than the insane lines, and being smashed in the elevator, two elevators if going to top. Very crowded at top because it’s a small space. I much prefer the 2nd level - not crowded, the view is the same, better imo because it’s not as far away.

One of my more memorable photographic souvenirs are images of painters suspended from the lattice structure taken while walking up the stairs.

We buy our tickets to the summit but always walk to the second level; after that there is no choice but to take the elevator to the third level.

It is much more pleasant that way; I did it last year with my five years old and she was running upstairs. So if you are in reasonable shape, it should be easy to walk up to the second floor. However, I would urge you to get your tickets anyway: 1) that way you can go to the summit 2) you don't have to wait in line or run into the authorities not letting you walk up because of overcrowding.

You can buy tickets to the top when you buy your walk up tickets -- the combo ticket. It CAN be unavailable; I have read at least one report of someone who tried to buy it and they were not selling top tickets due to crowding. Don't know if this is a frequent risk but if it is, high season might be risky that way. The cost is slightly less to buy the walking ticket with elevator to the top than the elevator all the way summit ticket.

I did this many years ago -- if you are fit, it is fun and you have cool views all the way up.

Yes and Never Again. It was a struggle when I was in High School and I swore never again but I have mobility Issues. Took the Elevator. I dont go to europe in the summer, i generally do fall, but i would have no choice when my kids were young. You can easily get the reservations way ahead of time online and that is the easiest thing to do. ALso, you cant buy tickets on the second level to go the rest of the way. My husband and son love going the stairs, but you need tickets for that too. Get online and get a reservation is the best bet.