Built for the 1889 World Fair, it is a well-known fact that Parisians hated the big mass of metal when it was first erected
Eiffel Tower - Paris - France No matter how cliche this might sound, a visit to Paris truly wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower - whether you choose to go up the tower or to admire it from afar is up to you of course!
Built for the 1889 World Fair, it is a well-known fact that Parisians hated the big mass of metal when it was first erected - French writer Guy de Maupassant disliked it so much that he supposedly ate at the tower's restaurant nearly every day because it was the only place in Paris where he couldn't see the tower!
But for some reason, the Eiffel Tower has aged very well. Its surroundings have somehow adapted to its presence to create a cohesive landscape and its elegant, 324 m shape no longer appears to be an eyesore.
It's also worth seeing it during the day and then going back at night to see it all lit up and to watch when the flashing lights go on - it sparkles each hour on the hour for about 10 minutes.
When we got to the tower there was a huge line-up for the elevator so we decided to go up the stairs - it was cheaper (only 4 Euros) and we didn't have to wait at all. You have to climb 345 steps to get to the first level, and another 359 steps to get to the second level.
Do be aware that the stairs only go up to the second level, so if you want to go all the way to the top you're going to have to pay again to use the elevator. As we went up on a hazy day, we were quite happy to stay on the first level and enjoy the view!
It's also worth seeing it during the day and then going back at night to see it all lit up and to watch when the flashing lights go on - it sparkles each hour on the hour for about 10 minutes.