Sunday, November 27, 2011

Eiffel Tower - Paris France

The Eiffel Tower is the most famous landmark in the city of Paris, when people visit Paris they always have to see the Eiffel Tower. While many people are happy just being able to see it and admire the beauty of it, many others want to climb to the top. There are a few things that you should know about the Tower if you decide that you want to journey to the top to get one of the most beautiful views in Paris. The first thing that you need to know is that there are three levels, the first level has a good view and a gift shop and a restaurant or two. The second level has more gifts and restaurants, and has a better view of the city. This is also where if you are going to the top you have to change lifts. The third floor has the best view and a Champagne bar, as well as Gustave Eiffel's office that has been restored to original condition.

Depending on what level you want to get to there are different tickets available. I would recommend that if you are going to buy a ticket you might as well get the one that goes to the third level. But just so you know what your option are the first is a ticket for stairs that will take you to the second floor, this is hard as you have to walk all the way to the second floor. You can get a ticket to the lift to the second floor or a ticket that will give you a lift to the third floor. But if you want to see the first floor you will have to walk, as when I went there was no lift to the first floor, I am assuming this is always the way that it is.

You can purchase some tickets online, I believe that you can only purchase the tickets that go to the third floor online, but if you do this, make sure that you know what time the tickets are for and get there at that time or a little early. The tower is open every day of the year and the hours can change but most of the year the hours are 9:30- 11:45 with the last lift admission being at 11:00 and the last stair admission being at 6:00. If you can its a great idea to make sure that you visit the tower twice, once in the daytime and once at night, I am certainly glad that i decided to do it this way.

While the tower is a must see there are few things that you need to know before you go to visit it. One, make sure that you check the website to make sure of what the hours are as they can change as certain times and for certain events. Two, if you are going be prepared for crowds and also be prepared to be hounded as you enter and leave by people selling all sorts of things. I was lucky when I went and didn't have any problem with being hounded to much or pickpockets, but a couple people in my party were not so lucky. So make sure that you do not stop for those selling these, and make sure that you keep your belongings safe and secure with no pockets or flaps left open on bags.

 Also, if there is a big event going on when you visit this can make the tower even busier. On my trip I happened to be there when there was soccer match going on and during the day the tower was crammed with fans and it made for a great experience but might not be what everyone enjoys. The tower is a place that many people visit and its also a place that events are held so check the schedule before you go. But enjoy your trip and make sure that you are careful.

The Official Site is a good place to find any information that you might want.