I have traveled to Paris, twice. And twice I explored iconic Eiffel Tower, in two different ways. Once used elevators and other time used steps. My favorite, well you can guess, remains the one using steps to discover Eiffel Tower, in true sense.
Climbing up in the center of Eiffel Tower made me euphoric. That way I felt the sensation of being inside and outside of Tower. I was exploring Eiffel Tower at my pace, touching and feeling the metallic structure of Tower. Peeping out through the Tower, superb. That was like gauging Paris my way. Magical Paris encircled around and me a tiny soul shimmering in center. My climbing journey was as spectacular as destination.
One of the most visited monuments in the world, Eiffel Tower got its name after engineer Alexander Gustave Eiffel. Tower was built for the World Fair in year 1889 to commemorate the centenary of French Revolution which took place in year 1789. Standing tall at 1063 ft , Eiffel Tower claimed the title of being the tallest man made structure of the world, until 1930. Wrought iron tower structure is square at the base measuring 410 ft. Tower has 1652 steps to the top.
First level is around 300 steps. Its circular and transparent deck offers incredible panorama of Paris. Walking on the transparent floor gave me the illusion of stepping into void. There are digital screens and displays which are very informative. I got to know many aspects of Eiffel Tower that were little known to me earlier. While watching one exhilarating show there, I felt being immersed into the universe of Eiffel Tower.
Climbing is allowed till second level of Tower that counts to 704 steps. So my climbing spree ended at second level. I wished to climb upto last level, well that was not possible. I took a pause. Then engrossed onto screens narrating the tale of Eiffel Tower. Also enjoyed plunging view of ground below, when I glanced through a glass window.
On first and second levels, there are souvenir shops to do some shopping. And few restaurants if someone wants a sumptuous meal or a quick bite on snack, while enjoying breathtaking views of Paris. But me not of much eating or shopping type, I digged into surroundings. Took water and coffee as I knew that would suffice for me.
Using steps had added advantages too. No long queues and ticket costed less.
My thoughts still wandering up there on top, I climbed down 704 steps. Once on ground I looked up with gleaming eyes admiring Eiffel. Eiffel the man behind and Eiffel the towering Tower.
I have never been to Paris but I do plan to go there soon. I don’t know if I would have the courage to go up the Eiffel Tower though, as I am afraid of heights, and I do know that being all made out of metal, there are many see-through bits that would probably make me knees go soft and stop the climb.
Climbing Eiffel is so different Joanna.
What a beautiful experience for you!
OMG. I’m so jealous! I’ve always wanted to visit the Eiffel Tower and I’m praying that it can come true one day. You looked like you had an amazing time.
Amazing truly.
Visting Paris is on my bucket list for sure. I can not wait to get there but it is not at the top of my list at the moment.
I hope to visit Paris one day and visiting the Eiffel Tower is the first place I want to go. Although I don’t think I will be climbing the stairs due to knee problems but I can only imagine that the view and experience is very different.
Absolutely Benita.
What an awesome experience! I’m sure it was great by elevator but I also imagine you are missing so much of it too, like you said, climbing the stairs you really get to be apart of it and enjoy it with other senses. Its more like you are going on a journey with it! I’d love to see it myself one day 🙂
This was truly like a journey with Eiffel.
can you believe I’ve been there 3 times in my life and I never got the guts to climb it to the top? Now I regret it but at the time I let my fear of heights get the better of me… Your pictures really are great!
Thanks Maria.
I hope that one day I can climb the Eiffel Tower and see Paris. It looks like an amazing trip!
Amazing Emily
Wow, that must be exciting. I have never climb there, but would love to get on the top.
Exciting really.
That sounds so exciting. I have been to the top of Eiffel tower but through the elevator. Climbing Eiffel Tower through stairs is on my list for my next visit, Great job!
Thank you Preet.
Wow! What a thrill to climb up to the second level of the Eiffel Tower! 🙂 That is quite an accomplishment considering you said it was a hair over 700 stairs.
I have never been to Paris, but after reading this post, I would love to see it! Amazing photos!
Thank you.
Paris is one of the beautiful places in the world. The Eifel tower one of the famous amazing destination in Paris. It’s really wonderful experience to climb up the Eifel Tower! Amazing photos!
Thank you
Great description! Looks like a fantastic trip! I got a chance to climb up too and loved it!
Delighted to know that you climbed too.
Paris looks like such an amazing place. I have definitely got to get there someday!
Absolutely. Paris is a must visit.
Pros is such a beautiful city but I’ve never had time to climb to Eiffel Tower so this was a fun read.
Climbing Eiffel Tower is such an amazing experience.. Never know if I can have been a part of it or not in future.. But your experiences are giving me goosebumps to think of what I would have been thinking of if I was there..
Thank you Jagriti.
I’ve always wanted to visit Paris and the Eiffel Tower! Maybe I would also take the stairs to reach the top!
Climbing stairs would be fun Marie.
So lucky! I’ve been to Europe but was never able to fit in Paris. Look forward to it one day.
Omg you climbed the Eiffel tower?! That’s amazing. So proud! Keep documenting your travels.
Thank you.
This is really useful, thanks.