the phenomenal landmark of Paris, the Eiffel Tower
.Paris plausibly earned its moniker as the ‘City of Lights’ thanks to the enticing view of the city at night from the tower. Millions of tourists throng the Eiffel Tower during the day to click the perfect selfies and pictures against the stunning backdrop of this iconic monument. But there is a certain magic in experiencing the tower lit at night in all its glory. Read on to know how you can make the best of this experience.
Eiffel Tower illuminated against the night sky
Eiffel Tower stands like a beacon under the Parisian night sky. The mesmerizing view of the tower lit with 20,000 bulbs is a sight to behold. It is picture-postcard perfect. The light show takes place every hour and lasts for about 5 minutes in total and lasts until 1 am. It is hard to believe that this brilliant feat of engineering was supposed to be only a temporary structure but was made permanent later. Eiffel Tower at night attracts tourists from all over the world and leaves them in awe.
View from the Tower
There are many guided tours available that allow you to explore the Iron Lady up, close, and personal. The guide shares interesting facts and anecdotes about the tower, and its construction. If you don’t want to opt for a guided tour, you can always go there yourself. Ascend to the second-floor observation deck for enchanting panoramic views of the entire city through large picture windows. Spot your favorite landmarks such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral, Sacré Coeur Basilica, Arc de Triomphe, River Seine, Museé d’Orsay, Champs-Elysées, and many more.
You can also opt for the Summit tour option which is at a height of 276 meters. Take glass-walled elevators to reach the top where you can witness Paris spread out like a red carpet before you. You are rewarded with a jaw-dropping view of the twinkling city below that is sure to leave you tongue-tied.
Book tickets in advance
This is important as it helps to make the most of your limited time in Paris. So, to make your visit to this iconic monument smooth and hassle-free, it is highly advisable to book your tickets online in advance for priority entrance. There is also a skip the line option where you can avoid the queue and directly go to the second-floor observatory.
You can book your tickets for up to 2 months in advance. The summer months of July and August are the busiest. So, if you are visiting Paris during these months, it is better to book the tickets well in advance. If you want to book tickets to the top (by stairs to the second floor and then lift), do remember it can be purchased only at the tower.
The Eiffel Tower tour typically lasts for 1.5-2 hours. There are multiple packages available where you can combine the Eiffel Tower visit along with a few other major attractions. Some of the attractions that can be combined are the Seine Cruise, Dinner at the Eiffel, Moulin Rouge Show, and La Marina Dinner Cruise.
Dinner and shopping at the Tower
There are a few dining options at the tower itself. Jules Verne takes you on an enjoyable gastronomic journey. Located at 125 meters above the ground, it consists of three successive rooms that offer marvelous views of Quai Branly, Champs-de-Mars, and Tocadéro.
La Bulle Parisienne is a temporary bistro located on the first floor, that is open till the Spring of 2020. It is a French-style bistro that is open from breakfast to dinner and serves mouth-watering dishes, platters, and desserts.
There are buffet dining options on the first and second floors of the Esplanade, which serves quality snacks and food. You can either dine-in or get a take-away.
Experience a splendid view of the entire city from The Champagne Bar at the top of the Eiffel Tower. They also serve non-alcoholic drinks to cater to non-drinkers.
Finally, indulge in some delectable desserts. Head to the Macaroon Bar to satisfy your sweet cravings. Located on the second floor of the tower, it serves macaroons in diverse flavors such as coffee, lemon, strawberry, and chocolate to name a few. You can either sit and enjoy the desserts or get a take-away.
There are shops on every level of the tower. Every shop has its unique specialty such as gourmet, home, fabrics, and so on. Indulge in some retail therapy and buy souvenirs for your family and friends.
Tips before visiting the Eiffel Tower
The following tips will come in handy when you visit the Eiffel Tower.
- It is highly recommended to be on the tower at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time
- The Eiffel Towers might be windy at night, so it is advisable to carry a jacket or a sweater
- Carry an umbrella during the winter months as it rains most of the times
- Tickets to the Eiffel Tower cannot be modified, exchanged or refunded
- Children under the age of 4 are given a free access ticket to enter the tower
- Unfortunately, the summit is not accessible by a wheelchair for safety reasons, but it is allowed in first and second floors
- Take care of your belongings as there are some cases of theft reported
- There is no facility to keep your luggage and belongings
- Even priority access visitors may have to wait for some time during peak hours
- The lines are 6 and 9 if you are traveling by Metro
- Champs de Mars station is the nearest to Eiffel Tower
- The bus numbers are 69, 42, 82, and 87
Eiffel Tower Timings
June to Early September: 9 am to 12:45 am (the last ascent by elevator is before 11:30, and before 11 pm for the top, and by stairs, the last ascent is before midnight)
Rest of the year: 9:30 am-11:45 pm (the last ascent before 11 pm by elevator, and before 10:30 pm for the top, by stairs the last ascent is before 6 pm)
Conclusion:
This stunning monument is synonymous with Paris and no trip to the most romantic place on the planet is complete without a trip to this spectacular wonder. With a little bit of planning, you can enjoy an amazing time at this stunning place.
