This is not a very peculiar item for one’s bucket list. In fact, it’s one that you might find on the average bucket list. Nonetheless, it’s worth it.
There are definitely mixed feelings about the famous Tour Eiffel. It’s one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. In fact, many cities around the world have their own version of the tower. The Petrin Lookout Tower in Prague is directly inspired by the Eiffel Tower, Las Vegas has a 2:1 recreation of the tower in its skyline, and Tokyo Tower is a colorful sibling. Many claim the tower is an eye-sore of the Paris skyline but so many more flock to the Champs de Mars in the 7th arrondisement.
The beauty of the tower is undeniable. If you visit during the day, you can see all the intricate details in the iron structure. If you take the elevator, you can see the giant wheels turning as you are lowered or raised. At night, the tower lights up in a brilliant display of sparkling lights, creating an unmissable spectacle.
I remember when the idea of Bucket Lists came into popularity, and everyone, young and old, was eager to make their own. Going to the top of the Eiffel Tower was one of the first items I wrote down. I was infatuated by the idea of Paris, the city of love. It was this fantasy that was depicted in films such as The Devil Wears Prada and Ratatouille and The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
The first time I went to Paris was in 2013. This was my first trip outside of North America and my first time to Europe. I spent a week in a chateau with family just outside of Bordeaux, then enjoyed three days exploring Paris. But our trip was not complete until we went to the Eiffel Tower.
The best view of the city of Paris is hands down from the top of the Eiffel Tower. Our group got tickets for the second level to get the best view and my fear of heights immediately diminished at the sight. Paris is a huge city. It seems endless until it reaches the hills in the distance. You can see the Opera Garnier, Sacre Coeur atop Montmartre, the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame de Paris, Champs de Mars, the Jardins de Trocadero, and of course, the river Seine cutting through the city. All of Paris is in the palm of your hand from the top of the Eiffel Tower.
The Eiffel Tower is also often decorated or lit up for special occasions. When I visited in 2013, the Tower lit up in the colors of the South African flag to commemorate Nelson Mandela International Day. In June and July 2016, a giant orange football hung from the Tower to celebrate the European Football Championship in Paris that year. The Tower has seen many different shades as it celebrates holidays and shows support to those around the world. It’s a beautiful sight to see it displaying the rainbow colors of the LGBTQIA+ flag or the colors of a foreign country, showing the support from the people of France.
As I continue traveling, I found myself always searching out the best place to look over the city. I’ve climbed many bell and clock towers to get a bird’s eye view of the beautiful cities I’ve explored.
Getting to the Eiffel Tower is very easy. The Tower is a 7-minute walk along Quai Jacques from the RER C station. Or you can take the 6 Nation or the 9 Pont de Sevrés line on the metro to Trocadéro, then it’s a short 13-minute walk over the Pont d’Iéna. You can also visit the Champs de Mars by taking the 8 Balard line to École Militaire and enjoy the beautiful park. There are also multiple bus stops in the vicinity but I’m more accustomed to travel via the Metro in Paris. It is a good distance from the many other sites of Paris so public transportation will be more agreeable for your feet, especially if you’ve been running around Paris all day.
Tickets to the very top of the Eiffel Tower for an adult costs 26,80€ while access to the second floor, via the lift only costs 17,10€. You can save some money by choosing a second-floor ticket via the stairs, but be warned, you’ll be trekking up 674 steps. The website says this can take 30-45 minutes, so it is a commitment. If you’ve already spent the day hiking through Paris – maybe you climbed to the Sacre Coeur or visited the Arc de Triomphe – the lift is probably a better idea.
You can purchase tickets ahead of time at the Eiffel Tower Website.
A Few Tips and Tricks
- Get your tickets ahead of time to avoid the long lines at the tower. You will have to pick a time slot and plan your day accordingly, but the line can take up a big chunk of time.
- The top of the tower is closed every year from January 3 to February 4 for maintenance so you will not be able to access this area if your visit falls within this timeframe.
- You can grab food at the tower as well. Stop by the Champagne bar at the top, grab a quick snack from the Buffets on the first and second floors, or book a dinner experience at the Jules Verne. You can book your experience here but be aware of their dress code and avoid shorts and trainers.
- There are also gift shops in the Eiffel Tower, but I recommend sparing your wallet and getting a unique piece of art from Montmartre near the Sacre Coeur.
- Set up a picnic on the Champs de Mars. Stop by one of the many Monoprix, grab an easy lunch, maybe even a bottle of Champagne, and enjoy the view. France allows open bottles in public so feel free to purchase a cheap set of flutes and appreciate the city in a more relaxed, slowed down pace.
- Get a view of the Eiffel Tower in all its glory. Every night, the tower lights up in a dazzling display that is unmissable.
Be Bold 
Great post and wonderful photos. Seeing Paris from atop Eiffel Tower was once on my travel wish list too. I was delighted to fulfill that dream ten years ago and still remember how much in awe I was that day ☺️ Thanks for sharing and have a good day ☺️
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