I’ve always loved traveling, but it’s only been in recent years that I’ve been fortunate enough to travel more extensively, enabling me to check some of the world’s most famous attractions off my bucket list. The Eiffel Tower was definitely high on that list!

If you’ve never been to Paris a visit to, and up to, the top of the Eiffel Tower definitely falls into the “must see/do” category. In a city the size of Paris there is no shortage of things to see, but there is usually a shortage on the time needed to see it all. So, if like me, this might be your one and only visit, it’s important to make the most of it!

Here’s the scoop on tickets & visiting!

Like many famous attractions the entrance lines can be very long. As soon as you know you’ll be visiting it’s a good idea to purchase your tickets online, unless you like waiting for hours in incredibly long lines. On the day of your visit you’ll skip all but the ticket taker line, about 5 to 10 minutes, and get right to the pièce de résistance!

Though there are other options, we chose to go all the way to the top of the Tower, I can’t really think of a reason why one wouldn’t do that. If you love walking up stairs its possible to walk up the first two levels, but getting to the top requires an elevator ride.

What A View!

Once you get to the top you’ll be treated to some pretty spectacular views! After all the  Eiffel Tower is the tallest structure in the City of Paris. Even though our visit took place on a stormy day we were still able to see incredibly far.

Our visit took place earlier in the day, but if you’ve got an afternoon or evening visit planned you might like to take advantage of the Champagne Bar located on the top floor! If I am ever lucky enough to go back I’m definitely planning an evening visit! Speaking of which…

Now Those Are Some Twinkly Lights!

Paris isn’t called the City of Lights for no reason and of course the Eiffel tower is the ultimate light show! The Tower is covered in over 20,000 sparkling bulbs and lamps and they light up the night in spectacular fashion! We wanted to make the most of our viewing, so we started our evening with a sunset boat tour along the river seine. Not only was the Eiffel Tower lit up by the end of the ride, but many of the city’s other main attractions were as well!

Once the sun goes down the effect of all 20,000 + bulbs shining and sparkling is really a sight to see. We found a nearby cafe with a great view and enjoyed the show!  The lights go off for 5 minutes every hour until 11pm.

According to the official website the Eiffel Tower is the most visited paid monument in the world! WOW!