We were checking the Eiffel Tower ticket site and they only had one day left for 11:00PM. We thought that was way too late. So, we were considering just climbing the stairs to the second level. We want to know how difficult it would be to climb to the second level. Thanks!!
Posted by
Marion
50 posts
It really depends on how fit you are. It is 720 steps to the second level. I was just in Paris in May. The line for the Eiffel was so bad (3-4 hours to the top one you made it to the second level). That my husband and I decided to skip going up. Instead we went to the Arc de Triomphe. That was my favorite evening. It is only about 280 steps to the top with little alcoves you can rest in every 50-100 steps. There is also a fantastic gift shop just before you reach to top. The views are incredible! And the Eiffel tower is in all your pictures. It is one of the best kept secerts in Pars I think plus it was not very crowded and it is covered by the Museum pass. I know the Eiffel Tower is the consumate parisian experience, but there are other options to view the city.
Posted by
OP
Auburn, Washington, USA
515 posts
Thanks Crystal, I think we will skip it.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
The Montparnasse Tower also makes a good substitute for the Eiffel Tower: http://www.tourmontparnasse56.com/ I've been to Paris four times and never gone up the Eiffel. I don't wait on line for more than 30 minutes for anything, and I'm not climbing all those stairs:)
I do enjoy the evening light show though.
Posted by
Germany, Germany
813 posts
There are places at the turns on the stairs to step out and let people pass, there were people resting and let others pass. Our 8yo last year was actually the fastest climber, we thought he would be the slowest in our family. Down was worse than up I thought, it was kind of dizzying at some points, as we were moving pretty fast with the kids. It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be, just take your time and you'll make it.
Posted by
Eagle Lake
104 posts
I am a woman in my mid sixties and climbed to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower last July with no problem. If you do it, just go slow and steady. I never even had to stop. It was Bastille day and I saw the planes at what seemed to be eye level. Awesome.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
The stairs are doable by any healthy person. I did them and I am not a fitness buff. I am also middleaged and excersise adverse, except for walking.
Posted by
Kelowna, BC, Canada
451 posts
The stairs are very doable. I tried to to go up as fast as I could, got a bit dizzy and my chest burned. My wife went normal and had no problem. Although, about halfway up I was ready to push a kid over the railing. He was coming down counting the steps . .. 200, 201, 202. I really didn't need to know how much further it was :)