Is the Eiffel Tower Worth Visiting?
Paris’s pride and a one-time world’s tallest manmade structure- the majestic Eiffel Tower is the highlight of the trip for many newcomer visitors to the French capital. The most famous monument in Paris is attracting over 7 million people annually from different parts of the world. However, the number of people asking “Is The Eiffel Tower Worth It” remains high.
As fascinating as the experience of climbing the tower can be, some people believe that Eiffel Tower is not worth visiting and that it is overrated. Some people will even go as far as discouraging tourists from visiting it. They will say the queue is insane and that it is an expensive place to visit. But 7 million people visiting it every year, climbing its 324m height says much despite what critics say. Personally, I think it is worth it for any traveler in Paris to should visit the Eiffel Tower at least once.
The tower is not just about the breath-taking views. It is part of Paris’ history, and heritage and its construction and design are quite impressive, with many stories. And similar to many museums in the city, there is an exhibition in the external pathways of the 1st floor. It is an educative spot for visitors to learn more about the tower with monitors, information panels, display cases, tactile screens, and copies of items. Visitors will also be treated to an engaging experience where they can be immersed in the realms of the Eiffel Tower by 7 projectors showing images onto the Pavilion Ferrie’s 3 walls.
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To Make Your Experience at The Eiffel Tower Worth Your While, Here Are Some Things to Note:
Get Tickets Online
Visitors can buy tickets in advance on the tower’s official website for up to two months. By doing that, visitors commit to a particular time and date- therefore, if the weather is unfavorable that day, there is no way of changing plans. However, visitors will be able to get the shorter ‘Visitor with Tickets’ queue. Please note that staying late for more than 30 minutes may prevent you from entering.
Consider Multi-Site Tickets
Paris’ Tourism Office has provided the Paris Passlib’ to assist visitors- young people, adults, and children- to minimize their expenses and plan their trip. With the ticket, visitors can visit multiple monuments during opening hours. But it is good to always monitor events on their websites for more information.
Go With a Tour Guide
Private tour operators are usually a good way of making the best of holiday plans, and there are definitely a few of these companies that provide line-jumping tickets for the Eiffel Tower. Employing their services, you will not need to worry about direction. The guides will save time, so you use the extra hours you have to enjoy other iconic spots or do something else that is fun.
When to Visit
Like all attractions in the city, the earlier you reach the Eiffel Tower, the better for you. Things also tend to be more expensive in Paris’ most famous landmark during high season. If you are going there on a budget, you should plan to go during an off-peak season when fewer crowds show up. Mid-July to late-August is the busiest time of the year, and the quietest times are during winter on weekdays.
Take the Stairs
Even if you buy your tickets in advance, there will still be a queue to wait in. At the elevators, you will need to join a line. Surprisingly, the stair ticket is often unused, so when you approach it, there will be no reason to wait even a minute. And it has to be said that visitors need to be fit enough to climb the 704 steps right to the second floor. In any case, you might want to walk down for the opportunity to savor some bliss and spectacular views from the pillars.
Make a Restaurant Reservation
The restaurants in the tower have a different entrance than the tower itself. If you book a reservation, you will have timely access to the Eiffel Tower. However, a restaurant reservation does not include a visit to the monument. Still, it will not stop you from enjoying the views and a cracking lunch or dinner.
Check the Weather
Low fog and cloud cover can totally becloud the Eiffel Tower, and the beautiful views visitors wait so long to see. Keep an eye on the weather forecast if you have not gotten your tickets. This is to see which day would be best to climb up.
What to Know Before Visiting the Eiffel Tower
Hours of Operation (2020)
The tower hardly rests. It is open every day from 9 am to 12:45 am (13th June till 29th August) and from 9:30 am till 11:45 pm for the rest of the year.
Eiffel Tower Prices (2020)
The monument proposes various tickets with access to many parts of the Eiffel Tower by the elevator or by stairs, so ticket prices vary sharply. You can get the cheapest ticket for 10.40 euros. This ticket excludes the summit, but it includes access to the second floor just by the stairs. Also, this option is not available online. 25.90 euros is the most expensive ticket because it includes the elevator. It gives access to the summit, but other ticket options may include guided tour and audio-guide.
Visiting the Eiffel Tower During a Layover in Paris
It is possible to visit the Eiffel Tower from the airports in the French capital with a layover of 4 hours or more. Learn the best ways to visit the Eiffel from Orly Airport or from Charles de Gaulle Airport and enjoy the most ravishing view and take a selfie. In the course of a layover in the city, it is advisable to buy tickets in advance
Public Restrooms
There are public restrooms on all the floors at the Eiffel Tower. Bathrooms can be found on the west and east pillars at the ground level. Restrooms are free to use, and there are places dedicated for changing babies.
There is a Hidden Room
Atop the tower, there is a replica of Gustave Eiffel’s office. There, visitors can see wax models of Gustave Eiffel and Claire- his daughter welcoming Thomas Edison, the famous American inventor. Visitors cannot enter this room, but they can certainly stare into the office from outside.
The Views From the Tower are Breathtaking
Even though Paris seems flat, the city’s views from the Eiffel Tower are breathtaking. One can see Les Invalides and Champ de Mars, the skyscrapers of La Défense, Quai de Branly, the Seine River, a fascinating point of view of the fantastic architecture of Fondation Louis Vuitton and many more. Personally, I think that is it worth it to go to the top of Eiffel Tower for the view alone.
Re-Entry is Not an Option
One can stay at the monument an indefinite amount of time till it closes. You can take your time and savor the view because re-entry is not permitted.
The Eiffel is Not Offered by Any Tourist Multi-Pass
Regrettably, this kind of passes do not contain discounts for their holders. But tour operators like Get Your Guide or Viator offer great value combination tickets that include the tower and other major sights. If you intend to see the major sights, the combination tickets are sure to make you save time and money.
Eiffel Tower Dinner and Eating Options
Situated on the first and second floors, there are two Buffet Tour Eiffel snack bars. The 58 Tour Eiffel located on the first floor affords a special lunch menu from 41 euros and dinner from 85 euros. Even though visitors are advised to make reservations, they are not compulsory. There is also the Jules Verne that requires reservations and a dress code. It is on the second floor, sitting at 125 m and with stunning views of Champ de Mars, Quai Branly, and Trocadéro.
A Champagne Bar is situated at the top of the tower. If you are celebrating a special occasion on vacation, the summit of the Eiffel Tower is a perfect place to do that. Subsequently, add a glass of champagne and toast to the fete. Those who will like to fix their sweet cravings, there is Macarons Bar for some flashy and scrumptious macarons. Visitors have the option to eat the macarons on-site or take away.
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Nighttime Light Show
Visitors seeing the Eiffel Tower at night will have a five-minute luminous show every hour on the hour. The tower’s lucence is managed by 20,000 light bulbs, and this light spectacle starts at dusk.
Is the Eiffel Tower Worth It? – Summary
Absolutely Yes! You must be crazy if you are in Paris and not visiting the Eiffel Tower. Also, a visit to the top of the Eiffel Tower is an experience of a lifetime! It is one of the numerous chances that the city of Paris offers visitors for them to create lifetime memories. You should visit the Eiffel Tower for its iconic status, rich history, splendid photographs, and the special treats inside. A trip to the French capital is hardly complete without a taste of the Eiffel Tower. Do not forget that.
Do you think that it is worth it visiting the Eiffel Tower? Let us know in the comments below.
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