Paris Eiffel Tower Second Level with 1/2/3 Days HOHO Combos

Exploring the Paris Eiffel Tower Second Level with HOHO Combos: A Practical Review

If you’re planning a trip to Paris and want a well-rounded experience that combines iconic sights with convenient transportation, the Paris Eiffel Tower Second Level with 1/2/3 Days HOHO Combos might catch your eye. This package promises assisted access to the famous Eiffel Tower’s second level—arguably the best vantage point in the city—and the flexibility to explore Paris at your own pace via hop-on hop-off buses.

What I find particularly appealing is the combination of seamless entry to the Eiffel Tower — thanks to a dedicated host— and the chance to hop on eco-friendly, open-top buses that whisk you past landmarks like the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and the Champs-Élysées. The buses run every 15 to 20 minutes and come with multilingual audio guides, making this a convenient way to get your bearings in the city.

However, there are some caveats. The overall rating of 1 out of 5 based on a single review suggests that not all experiences are smooth. The most common complaint is about the audio guide not working, which can be frustrating when you’re relying on commentary to enrich your sightseeing. Also, the review mentions that some aspects, like the audio narration, are quite limited, which could diminish the overall value, especially if you’re expecting a deeply informative bus ride.

Despite these mixed reviews, I appreciate the core offering: priority access to the Eiffel Tower, which can save you a long wait, and the flexibility of multi-day bus tickets, giving you control over your sightseeing schedule. It’s worth considering whether these features match your style of travel. If you’re a traveler who values comfort and convenience but can tolerate some hiccups, this combo might be worth exploring.

Key points / Takeaways

• Convenient access to the Eiffel Tower with assistance for a smooth entry.
• Flexible 1/2/3-day HOHO tickets allow you to customize your exploration of Paris.
• Multiple stops near top attractions, saving you time and effort walking between landmarks.
• Eco-friendly buses with multilingual audio guides add cultural context during transit.
• Limited or faulty audio guides have been a common complaint, affecting the experience.
• Price point of around $128.49 per person offers good value if you enjoy combining sights with transport.

Entering the Eiffel Tower: A Time-Saver

Getting into the Eiffel Tower can sometimes turn into a long wait—especially during the busy tourist months. This combo claims to include assisted entry, with a dedicated host guiding you until you reach the elevator. From what I gather, this can make a noticeable difference if you’re eager to skip lines and avoid the typical crowds. Once inside, you’ll ascend to the second level, which offers stunning panoramic views of Paris. It’s genuinely worth the ticket price just for the photo opportunities and the chance to take in the cityscape from such an iconic vantage point.

The review from a traveler who purchased this package mentions the smooth assistance till the elevator, reducing stress and saving precious sightseeing time. While the views are universally praised, keep in mind that this experience doesn’t include access to the very top of the Eiffel Tower, which requires additional ticketing.

The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: Exploring Paris at Your Pace

The second half of this combo is the hop-on hop-off bus tour, with options for 1, 2, or 3 days. This flexibility is great for those who want to pace themselves or focus on particular neighborhoods. The buses stop at 10 strategic locations, including major sights like the Louvre, Notre-Dame, Place de la Concorde, and the Champs-Élysées.

You’ll enjoy comfortable, eco-friendly open-top buses—a plus in warm weather—and multilingual audio guides that provide commentary about each stop. The routes are downloadable via the Tootbus app, making it easier to plan your day on the go. Buses run every 15 to 20 minutes, so you can hop off to explore a site and catch the next one without long waits.

One challenge, however, is the criticism about the audio guides being limited or not working at all. A reviewer from Tripadvisor mentioned, “El audioguía no sirve,” which translates to “the audio guide doesn’t work.” If you rely heavily on commentary to enrich your sightseeing or to get background info while on the bus, this could be disappointing.

Itinerary Breakdown: Stops and What to Expect

The bus tour covers a well-chosen route, with stops at key locations:

• Stop 1: 8 Rue Scribe – Near the Opéra Garnier, a convenient start for shopping and theater lovers.
• Stop 2: Rue de Rivoli – Close to the Louvre’s main entrance (near the glass pyramid). A perfect spot to start exploring the museum or enjoy a walk along the Seine.
• Stop 3: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Right outside Notre-Dame Cathedral, ideal for those wanting to admire this Gothic masterpiece.
• Stop 4: 8 Bd du Palais – Near Notre-Dame, for a quick photo or to catch the bus.
• Stop 5: 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur – Along the Seine, offering scenic views and proximity to many historic bridges.
• Stop 6: Place de la Concorde – The city’s largest square, with impressive fountains and obelisk.
• Stop 7: Champs-Élysées – Near the start of the famous avenue, close to the Arc de Triomphe.
• Stop 8: Place Charles de Gaulle – At the top of the Champs-Élysées, perfect for exploring the Arc de Triomphe.
• Stop 9: Champ de Mars – On the park side of the Eiffel Tower, where you can enjoy a picnic or walk around.
• Stop 10: 129 Rue de Grenelle – Near Napoleon’s tomb and the Musée de l’Armée, great for history enthusiasts.

The route is designed to give you easy access to major sights without the hassle of public transport. However, based on user reviews, the audio narration might be less engaging than expected, so be prepared to explore some sights independently or use your own guidebook.

Who This Tour Suits Best

This combo is best for first-time visitors who want a practical way to see the main sights while avoiding long lines at the Eiffel Tower. The assistance for entry is a notable perk if you dislike queues, and the multi-day tickets offer flexibility for a relaxed exploration.

If you’re someone who appreciates a value-packed experience and doesn’t mind some limitations—like the audio guide issues—this could be ideal. Be aware that it’s not suitable for those seeking in-depth guided commentary or a more luxurious experience, as the focus is on convenience and overview.

Price and Worthiness: Analyzing the Investment

At $128.49 per person, this package offers good value for travelers eager to combine the Eiffel Tower with a flexible city tour. The cost includes priority access, which can save hours in line, and the multi-day hop-on hop-off tickets allow you to spread out your sightseeing over multiple days, maximizing your time and experience.

While the reviews are mixed—particularly concerning the audio guides—the core features remain attractive. For a traveler who wants a hassle-free visit to the Eiffel Tower and a convenient way to see Paris, this combo can be a practical choice. However, if you’re a seasoned traveler or someone who expects highly detailed commentary, you might find the bus tour’s narration underwhelming.

Practicalities: What You Need to Know

The tour starts daily at 9:30 AM, with departures every 15-20 minutes. The duration of the full bus route is about 2 hours, but with hop-on hop-off flexibility, you can spend as much or as little time as you like at each stop.

Meet-up points are well-placed, with the main starting point at 8 Rue Scribe. The experience includes a dedicated host to assist you through the entry process, which is a real time-saver. Note that food and drinks are not included, and hotel pick-up or drop-off is not part of the package, so plan your transport accordingly.

The Sum Up: Is This Combo for You?

This experience offers a solid introduction to Paris for first-time visitors or those on a budget who want to see key sights without the stress of navigating public transport alone. The priority access to the Eiffel Tower is a huge plus, especially in high season, and the flexibility of multi-day hop-on hop-off tickets makes it easy to tailor your itinerary.

However, be aware that some aspects, like the audio guide quality, are not perfect, which might reduce the educational value of the bus tour. It’s best suited for travelers who prioritize convenience and panoramic views over detailed narration.

Overall, if you’re looking for an efficient, cost-effective way to combine a must-see Parisian icon with comprehensive city sightseeing, this combo can work well—just keep your expectations realistic regarding the commentary and the overall experience.

FAQ

Does this tour include access to the top of the Eiffel Tower?
No, it includes access to the second level only. For the summit, you would need a separate ticket.

Are the hop-on hop-off buses running all day?
Yes, they operate daily from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with buses arriving every 15 to 20 minutes.

Is the audio guide available in multiple languages?
Yes, the buses feature multilingual audio guides, although some reviews indicate that the narration can be limited or may not work properly.

Can I buy this combo at the last minute?
Most travelers book about 58 days in advance, but availability depends on the season and demand. It’s best to reserve early to secure your preferred dates.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included in this package.

What happens if the audio guide doesn’t work?
You might miss out on commentary, but you can still enjoy the sights and the views from the bus and Eiffel Tower. Bringing your own guidebook or app might enhance your experience.

This combo offers a practical, stress-free way to enjoy Paris’s highlights with a strong focus on convenience and panoramic views. While it’s not perfect, especially regarding commentary quality, it remains a decent option for travelers who prioritize easy access and flexible sightseeing at a reasonable price point.