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31 March 1889 may not have been perceived as a momentus day in Paris at the time but given hindsight it is one of the major days in French history. While historically it can’t compare to the French Revolution or other great moments in French history it is arguably what has made Paris the great romantic capital of the world. 31 March 1889 is now famous for the day the Eiffel Tower was born. Built for the Universal Exhibition in celebration of the French Revolution it was derided at the time and little could anyone imagine apart from Gustave Eiffel that is would take it’s place as one of rhe world’s most iconic destinations.

Since those early day’s much has changed, in excess of 6 million people visit the Eiffel Tower every year and it is universally loved by Parisian’s and visitors alike. The Eiffel Tower is Paris, it inspires romance and is so dominant that you can’t help by be in awe of the structure. Construction of the Eiffel Tower began in 1887 and concluded approximately 2 years and 2 months later where it was unveiled on 31 March 1889. Composed of 2,500,000 million rivets and weighing a total of 10,100 tons, the Eiffel Tower stands 324 metres including the flagpole.


It’s hard not to fall in love with the Eiffel Tower when you first see it. When most people arrive in Paris this is the first place they visit and it’s easy to understand once you see it for the first time on the horizon. The Eiffel Tower is busy year round and even arriving at 9am is not guarantee you will be able to access the stairs or elevator without a crowd. The weather on my visit was excellent and after walking around the base of the Eiffel Tower and admiring it from every conceivable angle I decided to climb the stairs. After a wait of approximately 30 minutes to gain entry and proceed put the security check where bags need to be opened I was beginning my walk to the first floor.

For anyone contemplating the stairs these are not for the faint of heart and do require some degree of personal fitness or alternately take your time as you have about 350 steps until you reach the 1st floor observation deck. After finally arriving on the 1st floor I was greeted with an amazing view of Paris. For a brief moment I was wondering if life could get much better, afterall I had just climbed 350 steps and I had an awesome view across Paris, certainly one of the great architecturally designed city’s of the world. Still I did not linger long on the 1st floor and braved the second set of stairs.

This was hard work the second time round and my usually fit and ever propelling legs were starting to tell me that I should not have attempted this. Still after another 350 or so steps I was at the 2nd floor observation deck and where I thought the views were impressive previously I was now blown away. I immediately went about taking the same photo’s taken on the 1st floor but the additional height made them much more spectatular. The views to Sacre Coure in the Montmarte district and out past Montparnesse have to be seen to be believed. After a brief stop in the packed out and over-priced gift shop I bought a ticket to take the elevator to the top.

For those that walk to the second floor you can take the elevator back down if you like to safe the walk back down alternately you can do as I do and buy a ticket to the top! After a good 20 minute wait in a long line I was on my way to the top in a very cramped elevator. The elevator conductor’s sure know how to maximise the people that fit in these as I was crammed into a tiny spot in the back corner with my arm’s locked by my side.

After arriving at the top the view is remarkable and while it affords impressive views I found it was just too high to appreciate the archtitectural efforts of the Paris town planners. The top has an indoor observation facility that enables you to learn the history of the Eiffel Tower and also points out the different districts. It is certainly worth spending some time viewing this and learning more as it is in a memory that will stay with you for life. I made the most of the outdoor observation deck at the top to take some more photo’s before the elevator returned me to the bottom of the Eiffel Tower.

I spent the best part of half a day at the tower and when not climbing I was sitting nearby just observing the tower in all it’s amazement and the steady stream of visitors that came and went all day. I visited around 1pm with the plan to take advantage of quiet spot while people were having lunch but I actually re-visited the next day prior to 9am and it was nearly as busy so I would recommend a morning visit but it will generally be busy year round. If your in Paris at night, aim to re-visit the Eiffel Towel or view the Eiffel Tower from the Trocadero or Champs de Mars as the Eiffel Tower offers for a brief period an amazing light show that looks like stars on the tower. It is dazzling and you have to be made of wood to not feel a buzz when you see the Eiffel Tower.

Click here to check opening times.  Click here to check entrance fees

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