Step 1: Buy the Ticket (and Keep a Friendly Smile Handy)
Walk up to the main ticket booth and ask for a ticket to the top. Now, they might tell you the elevator isn’t working, or that you can only buy a ticket to the second level and would need to buy another one later if things magically start working again. Just smile, nod, and buy that ticket anyway.
Trust me.
Now, here’s the part most people miss: do not get in the massive line for the elevator. Instead, head straight to the stairs. Yes, there are about 700 steps. Yes, it’s a workout. But hey—you’re in Paris, you’re climbing the Eiffel Tower, and that alone makes for a pretty awesome story.
It takes around 15 minutes, give or take, and the views on the way up are already worth it.
When you reach the mezzanine (aka the second level), you’ll probably hear one of two things from the staff:
“The elevator to the top is broken.” or “You need to stand in another line and buy a new ticket.” (insert eye roll here)
Ignore both—unless you can actually see that the elevator is out of service (in which case, okay, fair enough). But 99% of the time, it’s working just fine.
Here’s what almost no one realizes: the ticket you bought at the bottom probably already includes access all the way to the top. Look at it—see those two diagonal perforations at the top? One’s for your stairs access, the other is for the elevator to the summit.
No need to buy anything else. No need to stand in another line.
Head over to the elevator line from the mezzanine to the summit—it’s usually super short (like, 5 minutes tops). And just like that, you’re on your way up to one of the most iconic views in the world.
Totally Worth It
The view from the top? Absolutely stunning. It never gets old. Plus, you now get bragging rights that you didn’t just see the Eiffel Tower—you conquered it. In record time.
If you try this little trick, I’d love to see your photos! Tag me on social (#bubblybeforebaoarding) or drop me a message—let me know if it worked for you too.
Bon voyage, and happy climbing! 🗼✨
