The Eiffel tower, Paris
The Eiffel tower is perhaps the best known landmark in Paris and arguably all of France. It was built in 1889 and was at the time the world’s largest tower.
It was built by engineer Gustave Eiffel for the Exposition Universelle similar to the Belgians building the Atomimum for Expo ’58.
Eiffel originally designed the tower to be built in Barcelona, but the Spanish council decided it was too expensive and did not match the aesthetics of the city. So Eiffel entered his design into the Parison contest for an entrance arch to the Expositon Universelle, part of the design brief was that it had to be easily deconstructed as the structure was only temporary, 20 years. Luckily it became an invaluable communications tower during the Battle of the Marne, so it was decided not to take it down.
The official tour Eiffel site has a great pdf of all you need to know.
It’s cheap for entry to the tower, the actual cost depends on which floor you visit, obviously the top is the most expensive at €12,00.
The view was amazing at night time, and was definitely worth the 2 hours queuing to get to the top! You have to queue to get the ticket, and queue between floors for the elevators but it was totally worth it.
Comment by Yong on 25 July 2008:
The queue was terrible when I visited a couple of weeks ago. we went up to the 2nd floor by steps.
You are too lazy, Alex!!!
Comment by Yong on 25 July 2008:
The queue was terrible when I visited a couple of weeks ago. we went up to the 2nd floor by steps.
You are too lazy, Alex!!!
Comment by DesertMama on 7 August 2008:
Looks amazing. Sounds like the steps are the way to go.
Comment by DesertMama on 7 August 2008:
Looks amazing. Sounds like the steps are the way to go.
Comment by dixie on 31 August 2008:
dear alex thanks for publishing this article it has helped me a lot with my assignment that is due in like two days
well THANX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by dixie on 31 August 2008:
dear alex thanks for publishing this article it has helped me a lot with my assignment that is due in like two days
well THANX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by Petra on 9 September 2008:
I was in Paris two years ago and the queues were really terrible. We wanted to go up by steps but we were told it was only possible to the first floor – so it wouldn’t be possible to reach the top. But as I see it has changed 🙂
Comment by Petra on 9 September 2008:
I was in Paris two years ago and the queues were really terrible. We wanted to go up by steps but we were told it was only possible to the first floor – so it wouldn’t be possible to reach the top. But as I see it has changed 🙂
Comment by Lil' Boozie on 4 October 2008:
Hi Alex!
I came across your site on Wandalust.com – it’s great. I particularly like this post because I spent 5+ months in Paris back in 2001. The Eiffel Tower, of course, was one of the most magnificent landmarks that I had the privilege of visiting.
I recently started a travel-related blog with a few friends called “3 Troopin’ Travelers”. If you have a chance, please check it out and send along any feedback you may have.
Happy Travels!
Best,
Lil’ Boozie (a.k.a. Suz)
Comment by Lil' Boozie on 4 October 2008:
Hi Alex!
I came across your site on Wandalust.com – it’s great. I particularly like this post because I spent 5+ months in Paris back in 2001. The Eiffel Tower, of course, was one of the most magnificent landmarks that I had the privilege of visiting.
I recently started a travel-related blog with a few friends called “3 Troopin’ Travelers”. If you have a chance, please check it out and send along any feedback you may have.
Happy Travels!
Best,
Lil’ Boozie (a.k.a. Suz)
Comment by Cottages and Castles on 27 October 2008:
Alex, do you know the details of the tower’s history? I heard that at the beginning people didn’t like it at all, and only when it became the symble of the whole country, the tower got its recognition. Is it true?
Comment by Cottages and Castles on 27 October 2008:
Alex, do you know the details of the tower’s history? I heard that at the beginning people didn’t like it at all, and only when it became the symble of the whole country, the tower got its recognition. Is it true?
Comment by Dan Stevens on 14 October 2009:
Hi Alex,
I just found your site at the top of a google search, and am very impressed i have to say. I’ve done a small amount of travelling, and have just arrived home from a tour of Europe, Paris being one of my destinations. I am attempting to create a website of my travel journal, and this site is massive inspiration, thank you.
For me, Paris was incredible, from the numerous sites to the crazy roads, but i didn’t take the hike up the Eiffel Tower regrettably. I was only in Paris for a day or two but spent a lot of time walking the rest of the city, and couldn’t gather the energy to climb the tower.
Im looking forward to reading the rest of your posts.
Keep up the ideal lifestyle
Comment by Dan Stevens on 14 October 2009:
Hi Alex,
I just found your site at the top of a google search, and am very impressed i have to say. I’ve done a small amount of travelling, and have just arrived home from a tour of Europe, Paris being one of my destinations. I am attempting to create a website of my travel journal, and this site is massive inspiration, thank you.
For me, Paris was incredible, from the numerous sites to the crazy roads, but i didn’t take the hike up the Eiffel Tower regrettably. I was only in Paris for a day or two but spent a lot of time walking the rest of the city, and couldn’t gather the energy to climb the tower.
Im looking forward to reading the rest of your posts.
Keep up the ideal lifestyle
Comment by Lu on 26 February 2012:
thank you Alex since i’m going to Paris this summer i will make sure that i go to the Eiffel Tower!
Thank you for the information i always enjoy reading you’re post 🙂
Comment by Sofie on 21 November 2012:
The Eiffel Tower is definitely a must-see, but to call it cheap to go up is another thing…