Revisiting The Eiffel Tower
Everyone’s familiar with the image of the Eiffel Tower. Built in 1889, it’s the most visited attraction in the world. I can attest to that.
Since my son is studying French, naturally, visiting the Tower was at the top of his list. As it was for thousands of other people when we went on a weekday in December. Who knew?
We were given VIP tickets to the Eiffel Tower, which sounds good, but was only slightly better than waiting in line with the rest of the visitors. Still, the views of both the city from up high and of the structure itself were breathtaking.
The Eiffel Tower was only supposed to stay up for 20 years after its creation, but the fact that it was so tall made it great for sending radio transmissions. I guess after that, they decided to keep it around a bit longer.
Walking around the levels, you’ll see activities for kids, which keeps them entertained when they get bored of looking out at the churches and buildings all around Paris (I didn’t get bored of that!). There’s also a skating rink this time of year, as well as restaurants and shops to lose your money in on every level.
Lighting Up the Night
Every New Year’s, the Eiffel Tower is home to a fantastic fireworks show. We’ve been lucky enough to see it once before. Unfortunately it got cancelled this year due to terrorist threat!
If you’re elsewhere in the city at night, be sure to look up at the tower every hour, as there’s a fantastic light show that sparkles up the tower!
Logistics
Pricing varies, depending on how high you want to go up, and whether you are dumb enough athletic enough to take the stairs. Adults who want to go all the way up via elevator pay 13.1 euros, kids 12-24 pay 11.5 and kids under that pay 9.
Outside the Eiffel Tower are dozens of guys selling trinkets and toys. The cheap Eiffel Tower keychains, priced 6 for a Euro, are great for taking home as souvenirs, and you won’t find them cheaper in the city.
Be prepared to stand in line, no matter what time of year you go. Buy tickets online to save a bit of time. And know that when you’re ready to go to the top, there’s another line to wait in. Dress warmly if you’re there in the winter.
Susan Payton is President of Egg Marketing & Public Relations and writes the blog The Marketing Eggspert
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I’ve been one of those Americans dreaming of Paris forever – going on 30 years in fact. March I finally get to visit. Cliche as it is, I cannot wait to visit the Eiffel Tower. Some cliches are a must. I hope it lives up to the hype for me, I’ll stand in any line to see for myself! Great tips Susan, thanks!!
For me, visiting the Eiffel Tower initially had similarities to the excitement of going to the Empire State building for the first time (the lines, the crowds, the little trinkets for sale), but it was Paris, and it was the Eiffel Tower, and I was the tourist, and it was, in the end, worth it. Can’t wait to go back with the little ones. Thanks Susan!