A Second Climb: Experiencing the Eiffel Tower Again

By Sofa Ibrahim

We went to the Eiffel Tower — again!

Though I’ve visited Paris several times, I never actually set foot on the Eiffel Tower until last year, when I brought my youngest son. I thought that might be a once-in-a-few-years experience… but surprise, surprise — we were back just a year later.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you!

First Time vs. This Time

Last year’s visit was during Easter. It was chilly but less crowded since it was the off-season. We didn’t plan much in advance and still managed to get tickets on the spot — a rare stroke of luck! (Pro tip: normally, it’s best to book your tickets one to two months in advance.)

That time, we only went up to the first level. It was enough for a quick experience, especially with a young child.

This year, we climbed higher — though not all the way to the summit. My son is 10 now, and I wanted this to be memorable for him, so I followed his lead and we went as far as he was comfortable with.

Visiting During Peak Season

This visit was on May 29 — a public holiday and a school vacation week for many families in France. So, as you can imagine, the Eiffel Tower was packed. We booked a 3:30 PM tour, but didn’t actually begin climbing until after 5 PM. That’s how long the wait was.

Booking a Guided Tour

To ensure we had a guaranteed spot, I booked a guided tour through Viator. Our guide, Masha, was friendly, knowledgeable, and helped us manage expectations — including some of the unpredictables, like:

  • Long wait times

  • Crowds (even with timed tickets)

  • The possibility that summit access may be closed (due to too many visitors, bad weather, or technical issues)

As a parent of an autistic child, having this information in advance was incredibly helpful. I was able to prep my son, which minimized stress and helped avoid disappointment.

The Climb

We chose to climb the stairs instead of taking the elevator — a fun (and tiring!) experience. There are also guided tours that use the elevators for those who prefer a less physical option.

There are dining options on the 1st and 2nd levels. I personally liked the selection on the first level — the prices were reasonable, and the food was satisfying. I'm not sure about the summit, but it’s best to plan your meals early, especially during peak times.

Highlights

This time, the weather was perfect. Clear skies gave us stunning views of:

  • Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre

  • Champs-Élysées

  • Pont de Bir-Hakeim — a trending Instagram spot nearby

Being there again reminded me how iconic and awe-inspiring this iron lady truly is.

Tips for Families Visiting the Eiffel Tower

  • Book in advance: Use platforms like Viator to secure your spot, especially in busy seasons.

  • Eat before your tour: You’ll need the energy, and it’s one less thing to worry about during long waits.

  • Dress for the weather: In summer, bring a hat, sunscreen, and even a mist spray — people do faint while waiting.

  • Use the restroom at your hotel: Public bathrooms around the Eiffel Tower are available, but might be hard to find during your journey.

After Your Eiffel Tower Visit

If your feet aren’t completely done for the day, consider:

  • Bateaux Mouches river cruise — a relaxing way to see Paris from the Seine

  • Strolling the Champs-Élysées

  • Taking a hop-on-hop-off bus tour — great if you're tired from the climb

Final Thoughts

Would I go again? Absolutely. Every visit is different — the crowd, the weather, the energy. And when you’re traveling with children, it becomes even more special.

The Eiffel Tower is more than just a tourist stop — it’s a day-long experience. Plan well, prepare your little ones, and take in the views. You won’t regret it.

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