Climbing the Eiffel Tower — A View Worth Every Step
by Lydia Keen, Bellatrek
There’s something about seeing the Eiffel Tower for the first time that feels unreal — like you’ve stepped into a movie. Especially if, like me, you’ve dreamed of visiting Paris your whole life!
But instead of taking the elevator (which was fully booked, of course), we decided to climb the tower to the second floor. And honestly? I’m so glad we did. It was a high climb, but the views are unforgettable, and afterward, we capped off the day with a Seine River cruise! Highly recommended.
In this post, I’ll share what it’s really like to climb the Eiffel Tower, how to get tickets (even if they’re sold out), what to wear in October, where to eat nearby, and the best Eiffel Tower photo spots in Paris. To read the Full Paris Travel Guide, visit my blog post here.
The Climb
Yes, it’s 674 steps to the second floor, but there are plenty of places to pause, catch your breath, and take in the view. Go at your own pace, and listen to your body!
As you go up, Paris slowly unfolds — the Seine River winding below, the rooftops stretching out in every direction, and the tiny people that look like ants moving through the Champ de Mars.
We used Rick Steves’ Paris Pocket Guide throughout our entire trip, and it was a total game-changer. His walking tours and historical tidbits helped me appreciate the tower beyond its Instagram fame.
Fun fact: Gustave Eiffel designed the tower for the 1889 World’s Fair, and it was originally meant to be temporary. Locals even called it an eyesore — hard to believe when you’re standing there in the breeze, watching the light dance across the Seine.
I’ve put together a little Paris Travel Kit just for you! Feel free to screenshot the page below, featuring views from the top of the Eiffel Tower, or download the full 5-page kit. It includes a free Paris itinerary, a Learn French cheat sheet, a packing list, and so much more. Made with love 🙂
Tickets & Tips
If you want to climb the Eiffel Tower stairs, you’ll need a “Stairs to the 2nd Floor” ticket, which you can book directly on the official Eiffel Tower website. But these often sell out fast — especially during fall weekends.
If that happens, don’t worry. You can still find legitimate tickets on trusted platforms like GetYourGuide or Viator, which sometimes include guided tours or skip-the-line options. Here is the top-rated guided tour for the Eiffel Tower as of 2025- Paris: Eiffel Tower Summit or Second Floor Access
There are restrooms and cafés on the first floor, so you can grab a drink, a coffee, or even a warm snack before continuing upward. It’s the perfect mid-climb break. Wander around and don’t miss out on the glass floor to see the tiny people below.
And if you want to end your day in style, I highly recommend booking a GetYourGuide Seine River Boat Ride. Their schedule is reliable, and seeing the tower sparkle from the water after sunset is absolutely magical.
What to Wear & Bring
We were there in October, and the weather kept changing — warm one minute, cool the next. Bring a small water bottle (or grab one on the first floor), and don’t skip layers.
Wear layers: a light jacket, a breathable shirt, and comfy shoes. I still wanted to look cute, so I wore my Skechers Walk shoes with stockings — they worked perfectly for this entire 7-day trip.
Bring a small backpack/ collapsible tote to stash your layers or scarf, and keep your hands free for photos (and for gripping the railing when your legs start to feel it).
💡 My Recommended October Outfit:
- Lightweight sweater or long-sleeve top
- Trench coat or light jacket
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: I wore these Mary Janes. Some may call them “grandma shoes,” but they saved my feet, and I still dressed them up. Comfort wins every time.
- BEST Clarks Walking Boots for the Fall Season: These boots definitely need a little breaking in—a few weeks ahead works best! Once they’re ready, they’re super comfortable and very cute.
- Collapsible Tote- In case you need more space (Amazon: This one is my favorite- Cute and Classy) Fashion Tips + Recommendations!
- Red Chasmere- Feel Scarf on Amazon: This scarf is absolutely delightful and gives me that pop of color I love! It came in handy so many ways on my trip—I used it as a skirt, and even as a hair towel when we ran out. Truly a travel essential!
- Vegan Leather Small Crossbody Bags: This one is super cute and practical. Paris is amazing, but pickpockets are real. Keep your belongings close.
- Slouchy Beanie: Instead of a beret, I go for a soft beanie. My head’s on the bigger side, so I avoid the headaches, especially when climbing the Eiffel Tower. Comfort and style can coexist.
Best Packing List for Paris
I’ve put together a simple Paris packing list for a one-week trip with all of the essentials. Everyone’s essentials are a bit different, and what you pack definitely changes with the season, but these are the things I always reach for. Hopefully, it helps you out when you’re planning your next trip! 🙂
Grab Your Full-Resolution Paris Travel Kit – Free Download!
Where to Eat & Drink Nearby
After the climb, you’ll definitely be ready for something delicious. I’m a vegetarian, so I’ve gathered a mix of my favorite 4–5 star cafés near the Eiffel Tower — with great options for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.
🥗 Top-Rated Paris Cafés (Veg & Non-Veg Options)
🥗 Kozy Paris (Veg-Friendly)
A cozy brunch spot known for smoothie bowls, avocado toast, crêpes, and great coffee. Multiple locations around the city.
☕ Carette (Veg-Friendly)
Classic Parisian café with decadent hot chocolate, pastries, and light meals. Try the Trocadéro location for Eiffel Tower views.
🥐 Le Petit Cler (Veg-Friendly)
Charming market-street café perfect for people-watching. Serves French comfort food and several vegetarian salads and quiches.
🍫 Jean-Paul Hévin Chocolatier (Veg-Friendly)
Paris’s most famous chocolatier — don’t miss the rich drinking chocolate and macarons.
🍷 Les Deux Magots (Non-Veg, Veg Options Available)
Historic café in Saint-Germain-des-Prés once frequented by Hemingway and Picasso. Classic Parisian menu with salads, omelets, and charcuterie.
🥗 Wild & The Moon (Fully Veg)
Trendy plant-based café with cold-pressed juices, vegan pastries, and nourishing bowls. Perfect for health-minded travelers.
🍳 Hardware Société (Veg & Non-Veg)
Australian-inspired brunch near Sacré-Cœur — great for eggs, brioche French toast, and veggie plates.
🥐 Café de Flore (Non-Veg, Veg Options Available)
One of Paris’s oldest cafés — iconic for coffee, croissants, and people-watching on Boulevard Saint-Germain.
🍰 Angelina Paris (Veg-Friendly)
Elegant tea room near the Louvre, known for Mont-Blanc dessert and thick hot chocolate.
🥗 Cloud Cakes (Fully Vegan)
Chic vegan bakery and café near Les Halles — famous for cupcakes, vegan croissants, and lattes.
A Word of Caution
Around the base of the tower, you’ll see plenty of street vendors selling souvenirs and a few people running the “ball under the cup” scam. Just smile, say non merci, and keep walking.
Pickpockets are active in this area — wear a crossbody bag and keep an eye on it or keep it zipped in front.
Best Eiffel Tower Photo Spots
If you love photography, don’t miss these nearby Eiffel Tower viewpoints — perfect for sunrise, sunset, or golden hour:
- 🌅 Trocadéro Gardens – The most iconic view, especially early in the morning.
- 🌉 Pont de Bir-Hakeim – Gorgeous bridge symmetry (featured in Inception).
- 🌳 Champ de Mars Lawn – Ideal for relaxed picnic photos.
- 🏙️ Rue de l’Université – That classic Parisian street shot with the tower framed between buildings.
- 🚤 Seine River Cruise – For dreamy night reflections of the tower shimmering in the water.
Why It’s Worth It
By the time we reached the second level, the city looked like a painting. It wasn’t a super easy climb, but it wasn’t brutal either.
We took our time, laughed, rested, and made memories I’ll never forget.
If you’re headed to Paris, don’t just see the Eiffel Tower — climb it. Make it your little adventure. You’ll walk away with more than photos.
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