How Many Steps Is The Eiffel Tower

So, you’re thinking about tackling the Eiffel Tower. Maybe you’ve seen those iconic photos, or perhaps a friend dared you to “climb it for the ‘gram.” Let’s answer the big question: how many steps is the Eiffel Tower? The short answer is a whopping 1,665 steps from the ground to the very top—but don’t panic yet!

Here’s the thing: you cannot climb all the way up the stairs. Only the first two levels—the first floor and the second floor—are accessible by foot. That’s 674 steps to the first level, and another 346 steps from there to the second level, making it a total of 1,020 steps if you just want to stop and grab a croissant at the second floor. For the summit, you’ll need to take an elevator like a civilized Parisian.

Wait, why not climb all the way? Well, the engineering folks decided that the upper section of the tower was a bit too steep for a fun stair-master workout. Plus, who wants to get heart palpitations while trying to take a selfie? So, 1,665 steps is the theoretical total, but in reality, you’re looking at a respectable 1,020 steps if you hoof it to the second floor.

But Why Bother Counting Steps?

Let’s be real: counting steps is for fitness trackers and people who need a reason to eat another éclair. The real magic of climbing the Eiffel Tower isn’t the number. It’s the experience—the way the iron lattice creaks under your feet, the gasping for air as you pass other tourists, and the sudden, glorious view of Paris opening up like a pop-up book.

Also, climbing the stairs is cheaper than taking the elevator—saving you a few euros for a sidewalk crêpe. And here’s a little secret: the stair entry line is usually way shorter. So, if you hate queues (and who doesn’t?), the stairs are your golden ticket to freedom.

Think of it as a two-for-one deal: you get a workout and a sightseeing tour. By the time you reach the second floor, your legs will feel like wobbly spaghetti, but your heart will be singing “La Vie en Rose.”

What You’ll See Along the Way

The first level is a big glass floor that makes you feel like you’re walking on air. It’s equal parts thrilling and terrifying—I nearly lost my phone and my dignity trying to take a photo of my feet.

The second level is where the real magic happens. At 115 meters up, you can see the Seine River snaking through the city, and if you squint, maybe spot a baguette being eaten somewhere. The stairs themselves are a spiral of metal and history; you’ll pass little plaques explaining how the tower was built, which is way more interesting than watching paint dry.

And every few steps, you’ll see other climbers. Some are puffing like steam trains, others are bounding up like mountain goats. It’s a beautiful, sweaty community of humans all chasing the same high—literally.

How Long Will It Take?

If you’re in decent shape (or just stubborn), climbing to the second floor takes about 20 to 30 minutes. That’s roughly the length of a sitcom episode, but with more breathtaking views and fewer laugh tracks.

If you’re me—a person who loves snacks and stopping to admire every rivet—expect it to take closer to 45 minutes. And yes, you should absolutely pause for a breather. The stairs are steep, and they don’t have vending machines halfway up. Bring water.

Pro tip: don’t try to race the people next to you. I once saw a guy sprint up the first 200 steps, only to collapse dramatically at the first landing. He was fine, but his ego took a hit.

Is It Worth It? (Spoiler: YES)

Look, you could take the elevator. It’s fast, it’s climate-controlled, and you’ll arrive at the top looking fresh. But you’ll miss the story. The story is the sweat on your brow, the click of your shoes on the metal, and the way the city gets bigger with every step.

Climbing the Eiffel Tower is a little like life, honestly. It’s a bunch of hard, repetitive steps, and sometimes you feel like giving up and buying a ticket for the elevator. But then you look down, and you realize how far you’ve come. The view isn’t just of Paris—it’s of your own determination.

Plus, you’ll have bragging rights. “Oh, the elevator? Pfft, I walked,” you’ll say, while sipping a café au lait. Your friends will be impressed, or at least mildly amused.

The Final Countdown

So, to answer the original question: the Eiffel Tower has 1,665 steps in total, but you can only climb 1,020 of them to the second floor. That’s still a lot of steps, but it’s also a lot of memories waiting to be made.

And here’s the uplifting part: whether you climb one step or all thousand, you’re doing something brave. You’re choosing the journey over the shortcut. You’re saying, “Yes, I want to earn this view.” And let me tell you, the view from the second floor—with the wind in your hair and a semi-permanent smile on your face—is just as beautiful as the summit. The top is the top, sure, but the middle is where the heart is.

So go on. Lace up your sneakers, pack a tiny bottle of water (and maybe a snack), and start climbing. Count the steps if you must, but don’t forget to count the moments, too. Each step brings you closer to the sky, and closer to a story you’ll tell for years. And when you reach the second floor, look out at the city of love, take a deep breath, and say, “I did that.”

Because you did. You really, really did. Now go eat that crêpe—you earned it.