How Many Steps To The Top Of The Eiffel Tower

So, you’re standing at the bottom of the Eiffel Tower, craning your neck. You look up, and up, and up some more, and a single thought pops into your head: How many steps to the top of that thing? It’s a fair question, right? We’re about to break it down, but fair warning: the answer might surprise you.

The Raw Number (And Why It’s Not What You Think)

Officially, from the ground to the very tip-top summit, there are 1,665 steps. That’s a lot of leg work. But here’s the kicker: you cannot walk all of them.

The public staircase only goes up to the second floor. That’s exactly 674 steps worth of climbing. The rest of the way—from the second floor to the summit—is restricted to staff or private elevators. So, the real question becomes: is it worth conquering those 674 stairs?

A Fun Comparison to Wrap Your Head Around

Let’s get real for a second. 674 steps is roughly the same as climbing a 50-story building. Imagine walking up the Empire State Building’s stairs, but with a French accent and way better views of a river.

Or, think about this: a standard American football field is 100 yards long. Walking 674 steps is like walking the length of two football fields—straight up into the sky. That’s not a casual stroll; that’s a mini-marathon for your calves!

Why Bother? The Cool Stuff You’d Miss in the Elevator

Why would anyone choose the stairs over a nice, smooth elevator ride? Because the stairs are where the magic happens. You get to see the tower’s iron skeleton up close, feeling the wind whistle through the girders.

Every landing gives you a new angle, a fresh perspective. You can stop, catch your breath, and literally watch the ground shrink away beneath your feet. It’s like a slow-motion dream, and you’re the star.

Here's how many steps visitors can take up the Eiffel Tower | 9news.com

Plus, you avoid the elevator line—which can sometimes be longer than the staircase itself! While tourists are crammed into a glass box, you’re out there, earning your view. Pretty badass, right?

The ”Mini-Workout” Factor (Don’t Panic)

Let’s be honest: 674 steps is a workout, but not a crazy one. Most reasonably fit people can do it in about 20 to 30 minutes. You’ll feel it in your thighs, sure, but it’s not a mountain climb.

Think of it like this: it’s less intense than a spin class, but more fun because you’re surrounded by Paris. The stairwell is wide, well-lit, and has little windows every so often. It’s not a dark, scary tunnel—it’s a spiral of history.

And here’s a fun secret: the steps are slightly uneven. They were built in the 19th century, so a few are a little taller or shorter than modern steps. It keeps you on your toes—literally!

But Wait—What About the Summit?

Remember those unreachable 1,665 steps? If you want to go all the way to the very top, you have to take an elevator from the second floor. It’s a small glass elevator, and it’s a thrilling ride up the last stretch.

Eiffel Tower Climb Tickets with Guided Tour | Optional Summit Access

So, the ultimate journey is: 674 steps + one short elevator ride = total victory. You get the sweat equity of the climb and the champagne vibe of the summit. Best of both worlds.

And on the summit, at 276 meters (906 feet) up, you’ll find a tiny champagne bar. Seriously. You can buy a glass of bubbly and toast your aching legs. That’s a reward system I can get behind.

So, Should You Do It?

If you’re short on time or have bad knees, skip the stairs. The elevator is fine, and nobody is judging you. But if you want a story to tell, a little bit of pain, and a huge sense of accomplishment, take the stairs.

You’ll feel the tower breathe around you. You’ll hear the creak of its ancient metal. You’ll smell the city air mixing with your own exhaustion. It’s not just a climb—it’s a conversation with a monument.

So, how many steps to the top? It’s 674 to the heart of the adventure. After that, let the elevator carry you to the clouds. Just remember to flex in the mirror when you’re done. You earned it.