I Climbed the Eiffel Tower in Paris and These are the Views From Up There
I climbed the Eiffel Tower in Paris and these are the views from up there! Okay, I didn’t literally climb the iron-wrought stairs because my companion hated the idea. But, we negotiated and agreed that we were going down on foot.
Going Up. So, we lined up for the tickets under the summer heat. We took the lift and stopped midway and transferred to another lift. There’s another long queue to the elevator with very limited capacity. When you reach the top, the ordeal you experienced lining up is nothing but a distant memory of the past. Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower is beyond words. It was an indescribable feeling! I was even sentimental. 😉
I Climbed the Eiffel Tower in Paris and These are the Views From Up There
The Stairs. Eiffel Tower has 1,710 steps to climb. That would be nothing if you take your time and if your only destination for a day is the tower itself. 🙂 But, take note, that visitors are only allowed to climb up to the first platform (190 ft. above the ground).
The Views. It’s a 360-degree view of the City of Lights. While you’re up there, Seine River is the most prominent place you’d recognize. Challenge yourself in spotting the Louvre Museum, Paris Sucre Church, The Notre Dame Cathedral, and more.
Restaurants. If there’s a tower, there’s always a restaurant with a view up there. However, unlike other towering structures, Eiffel doesn’t have a revolving restaurant. But, there’s not one but more: 58 Tour Eiffel, Jules Verne Restaurant, Gustave Eiffel Room, Champagne Bar, and Buffet Tour Eiffel.
Dress up. When entering the restaurants on Eiffel Tower, make sure to ask what the dress code is. You’re in Paris – so sneakers might be sneered at when you’re in fancy restaurants. You can book your reservation through travel/tour agents.
A View To Kill. Jules Verne Restaurant appeared in a scene in a James Bond film in 1985. There was also a fight scene on the stairway.
For Barcelona. Do you know that the tower was intended to be built in Barcelona, Spain? It never happened because some had no vision for the future. The project was rejected!
There’s a Small Apartment Up There!
Do you know that there’s an apartment on top of the Eiffel Tower? Oh yes, there is! Gustave Eiffel, the tower’s designer, built a small room for himself up there. Take time to peek inside it and you’ll find the architect and Thomas Edison’s wax figures – as if they’re in a serious conversation.
Temporary Structure. Eiffel Tower was built as a temporary structure for the World’s Fair. It opened in 1889. It was planned to be demolished after 20 years. But, instead of demolishing it, the city found its other use – by extending its length with antennae. Today, there are around 120 antennae used for broadcasting and telecommunications.
Who’s the #1 Hater of the Tower?
Well, not all Parisians love their country’s national icon. There were haters, too. One hater was Guy de Maupassant, a master short storyteller of French literature. He hated the sight of it anywhere he went in the city. So, to avoid its view, he found a restaurant below the tower – and since then, that’s where he ate his lunch every day.
The Eiffel Tower at Night. It’s enough to see Eiffel Tower during the day. Go and see it at night, too. There’s an awesome light show you’d love to see with the one you love or secretly love. Honeymooners are everywhere near here, especially at the viewing platform at Trocadero.
Best Time to Climb the Eiffel Tower. I’d say it’s either early in the morning or at sunset time. When you go at noon, you won’t feel the romance that you thought of what Paris is like. It’s not because of the heat but also of the noisy crowd. 😀
Most Visited Attraction in the World
In 2011, Eiffel Tower was the most-visited paid tourist attraction in the world. I don’t doubt that, judging from the hordes of tourists that visit France every year!
Repainting. Every 7 years, 50 tonnes (imagine that!) of paints are used to repaint the tower. Those paints help protect the tower from being rusted.
Replicas. If you’ve been to Las Vegas, you’ll see a copycat of the tower. On my first night in Tokyo, I thought I was in Paris. Why – because Japan’s capital city also has its own replica of the Eiffel Tower.
Gustave Eiffel. He’s the architect/engineer of this famed monument. He also designed interior components of the Statue of Liberty in New York.
Buy Tickets Online. if you’re too fabulous and pretty to join the queue, buy your tickets online. You’ll have direct access to the lift and no sweat ever.
Where to Stay in Paris
This is a medium-priced hostel that’s a few steps from the Gare Du Nord metro stop. The hostel is reachable to a lot of cafes, restaurants, and grocery shops. The hostel itself has a fantastic bar with bulging security guards. 😉 The rooms are sizeable, clean, and well-ventilated. The bunk beds are comfy with electrical pugs and lamps.
How to Save Time and Money in Paris
Paris has an excellent transport system. There’s nothing to worry about getting from one tourist attraction to another. If you have more time in Paris, then, you can do it all on your own. And it would be cheaper and less time-consuming if you are on the Hop-On and Hop-Off Bus. However, if you only have a short time staying in the city and you want hassle-free preparation (especially avoiding long queues), then joining a Paris Tour is always a good idea!
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