You should take a taxi to the park, and there there is a way to reach the panoramic view point without stairs. Just follow the middle alley through the cemetery till its end and to the left. Don't ask for the taxi to the towers, like we did, as the entrance to the towers is lower.

Yes its the same place. It may be two parks joined together, but essentially the same place. Funicular takes you to the top for great views of the city and the flame towers. Best to go just before dusk to see the towers up close when the light show is on.