Eiffel Tower — Attraction in Paris

The Eiffel Tower: A Tale of Two Visits

The Eiffel Tower isn't just a landmark; it's the very symbol of Paris. A visit is non-negotiable for any traveler, but the question that often arises is when to go. Having experienced it under the bright Parisian sun and against the backdrop of a starlit sky, I can tell you they are two fundamentally different, yet equally magical, experiences.

The Daytime Visit: The Architectural Marvel Atmosphere: By day, the Eiffel Tower is a bustling hub of activity. The Champ de Mars below is filled with picnickers, tourists, and vendors. The atmosphere is one of excitement and awe. This is your opportunity to truly appreciate the engineering genius of Gustave Eiffel. The raw, industrial beauty of the 18,000 pieces of puddled iron and 2.5 million rivets is on full display. You can trace the intricate lattice-work against the blue sky and appreciate the sheer scale of the structure. The View: The primary advantage of a daytime visit is the clarity of the view. From the viewing platforms, the city of Paris sprawls before you like a detailed map.

• From the Summit: The view from the top is breathtaking in its scope. The city's districts blend into a cohesive whole, and you get a true sense of its geography. On a clear day, the visibility can extend for over 60 kilometers. It’s less about identifying individual buildings and more about absorbing the vastness of the Parisian landscape. Experience: Ascending during the day allows you to witness the city's pulse. The climb (whether by lift or stairs) is an experience in itself, with the ground shrinking away and the complex ironwork rushing past. Verdict (Day): A daytime visit is for the historian, the architect, the photographer, and the first-time visitor who wants to understand the layout of Paris. The Nighttime Visit: The Beacon of Romance Atmosphere: As dusk settles, the tower and the city undergo a profound transformation. The bustling energy of the day gives way to a more romantic, enchanting ambiance. When the tower's 20,000 bulbs are switched on, it ceases to be a feat of engineering and becomes a piece of art—a golden beacon in the heart of the "City of Light." The Sparkle: This is the showstopper. For the first five minutes of every hour from sundown until 1 AM, an additional set of lights flashes, causing the entire tower to shimmer and sparkle like it's been dusted with diamonds. Seeing this, whether from the Trocadéro across the river or from the tower itself, is a truly unforgettable moment of pure magic. The View: The nighttime view is not about details, but about light and mood. The sprawling map of the day transforms into a glittering tapestry of gold and white lights. The landmarks you identified by day are now illuminated points of interest. Boats, or Bateaux Mouches, create moving trails of light on the dark ribbon of the Seine. The view from the summit is particularly spectacular, presenting a sea of twinkling lights that seems to stretch to infinity. Experience: Riding the elevator at night feels like an ascent into the stars. Verdict (Night): A nighttime visit is for the romantic, the dreamer, and the artist. It’s an emotional experience that captures the legendary charm and beauty of Paris after dark. Conclusion: Which is better? It’s an impossible choice. They are not mutually exclusive; they are complementary halves of a whole. • If you can only do one: Choose based on your personality. For a clear, comprehensive view and appreciation of the structure, go during the day. For pure magic, romance, and an iconic "Paris moment," go at night. • The Ultimate Pro-Tip: The absolute best time to visit is about an hour before sunset. Book your ticket for this time slot. You can ascend in the daylight, watch the sun dip below the horizon painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, and then witness the city lights begin to flicker on one by one. You get to see the first "sparkle" from the top, experiencing the best of...

No visit to Paris is complete without a visit to the Eiffle Tower. In August many Parisians are on holiday, leaving the center of Paris to the crowds of tourists who visit "City of Light." Because it one of the world's most recognized buildings, the Eiffle Tower is a very popular venue attracting visitors from all around the world. With a ticket reservation for a specific time slot you are still waiting in line to be taken by a lift/elevator to the second floor observation decks. We queued for about 45 minutes as people passed through a security checkpoint before being granted access to the leg of the tower. There are two levels to each observation deck and for ticket holders the 50 person lift is the easiest way to ascend the tower. Because tickets do sell out, we were unable to go to the top floor of the Eiffle Tower. However we did see a long queue of visitors buying tickets to climb the stairs to the first and second observation floors. We purchased our lift tickets about five weeks before traveling to Paris, and we're surprised to learn that all tickets to the top of the tower had been sold out during our visit. Because only a limited number of people are able to visit the top floor of the tower, and because the top floor is only accessible by lift/elevator it was not surprising to learn that you must plan months in advance if you want to travel to the upper deck of the Eiffle Tower. The view from the second level was stunning as we looked out over Paris from every direction. Standing at 115 meters or 377 feet, the second level observation decks are taller than the top of the London Eye (135 meters or 443 feet); providing great photo opportunities from each side of the tower. Our journey started on the second level of the tower and allowed us to descend via elevator to the first level. The first level of the tower has a gift shop, a cafe, and is home to one of Paris' finest restaurants. We had considered eating at the restaurant but decided against making a reservation as plates start at 120,00€ per person. For each platform on the first or second level of the tower the views are breathtaking. We were fortunate to have visited on a clear summer day that provided views out to the horizon 10-15 miles away. The first level has a partial glass floor that allows you to gaze down at the ground from height of 57 meters (187 feet). If you are brave enough to step out onto the glass floor you'll experience both fear and excitement as you look straight down at the tiny people on the ground. We purchased some souvenirs at the first level gift shop and took advantage of the toilets located on the first floor. We spent approximately two hours at the different levels of the Eiffle Tower before heading down and exiting the venue. We visited in August during the height of the tourist season, but I doubt there would be any fewer visitors to the world famous landmark at other times of the year. Well worth the price of admission, but so book a reservation or you may find yourself walking up 674 steps to the second floor...

We had an absolute amazing experience of this beautiful Monument! Top of the Tower in evening hours made it more worthy! Absolutely amazing.

Visiting the Eiffel Tower can be a memorable experience if you plan ahead. Here’s a guide to help you make the most of your visit:

Best Time to Visit • Early Morning or Late Evening: Arriving early (before 10 AM) or visiting late in the evening helps avoid large crowds. Evening visits are particularly beautiful because the tower lights up after sunset and sparkles every hour on the hour. • Off-Season: Consider visiting during the off-season (November to March) for fewer crowds, though weather can be cooler.

Ticket Booking • Book in Advance: To skip the long lines, book your tickets online. You can choose between elevator or stairs access and decide whether to go to the 2nd floor or all the way to the summit. • Combo Tickets: Some tickets offer guided tours or skip-the-line access to other Paris attractions, providing better value.

Which Levels to Visit? • 1st Floor: Features a glass floor, exhibitions, and restaurants like “58 Tour Eiffel.” • 2nd Floor: Offers one of the best panoramic views of Paris and is home to the famous “Le Jules Verne” restaurant. • Summit: The top level provides breathtaking views but can be crowded. It’s worth it if you want the full experience.

Plan Your Visit • Allow Enough Time: Plan for at least 2-3 hours if you’re going to the summit. • Weather Considerations: Check the weather forecast since it affects visibility and your comfort. • Accessibility: Elevators are available, but if you prefer walking, stairs take you up to the 2nd floor.

What to Bring • Comfortable Shoes: You’ll do a lot of walking, even if you take the elevator. • Camera: Bring a good camera for stunning shots of the city and the tower itself. • Water and Snacks: Prices can be high at the tower’s concessions.

Nearby Attractions • Combine your visit with a walk along the Seine, a stop at Trocadéro Gardens for amazing views, or a boat cruise.

Dining Options • Le Jules Verne: For a gourmet meal with a view. • 58 Tour Eiffel: A more casual option with both daytime and evening meals.

Safety Tips • Be cautious of pickpockets around the tower, especially in crowded areas. • Beware of unauthorized vendors selling tickets.

Unique Experiences • Champagne Bar: At the summit, there’s a small champagne bar for a celebratory drink with a view. • Light Show: Don’t miss the hourly light show at night, especially from a distance, like from the Trocadéro Gardens.

By planning ahead and considering these tips, your Eiffel Tower visit can be smooth...