Eiffel Tower. 7Th Arrondissement.

Most cities have a tower of some kind, but this is the Eiffel Tower and it's pretty special. Depending on the time of day and the day of the week you might wait 10 minutes in a line to buy a ticket, and then take 10 minutes more to get to the first stop (level 2).

It's worth taking the lift (and paying slightly extra) to go the 3rd level, which offers views from inside (with cheesy 'you are x kms from x city'), some expensively priced food and an outside area (where there is a great little (but again, expensive) champagne bar.

So my advice? During the day (sunset perhaps), go to the 3rd level with a close friend (or new friend...), go outside, get a glass of champagne and enjoy the view. You can then say you've *done* the Eiffel.

Very importantly however, look out for pickpockets. I don't understand why the people who run the lifts don't realise that anyone who '1. doesnt wear gloves when it's cold' and '2. goes up the lift then straight back down again without even checking out the view' is a pickpocket?

Mostly working the lifts and almost always in pairs they wear touristy looking clothing and target groups. Not fearing the security guys at all they openly move about in the crowded lift cabin trying bags and pushing into people in an attempt to score.

It's such a pity that this kind of thing happens, hopefully the security improves and there are much harsher penalties for people working tourist sites like the Eiffel Tower. Cut off a finger perhaps?

My sister said that the pickpockets don't operate on the stairs... perhaps if you're feeling fit and a little paranoid you could climb to the top? ;)

I know what you're thinking, this is tourist central. But if you stick to the South West side of the tower (by Allee des Refuzniks) there is a charming little park with willow trees, ponds and comfortable grass. There you'll be shielded from much of the noise and crowds. Bring sandwich ingredients, wine, a guitar and some friends while the stunning view of the tower provides the rest.

instead of going to the eiffel tower... go hang out at the champs du mars right in front and bring a bottle of wine and friends with you. much more fun, specially at night.

I just found an article that says you can avoid the lines by reserving in advance here: toureiffel.fr Fee is same.

But, not until the end of the year.

Seriously, it makes Paris look like Las Vegas. All that's missing is a hot air balloon and some fucking slot machines.

The view from the top is nice, but there's something more charming about roaming around town and seeing it on the horizon.

I decided to take the stairs to save a few bucks. I almost died of exhaustion. End of story.

You cant possibly visit Paris without visiting the Eiffel tower. That would just be ridiculous. On a warm summer's night, do what I did as an exchange student and gather your friends, a few bottles of wine, baguettes, and cheese and sit in a grassy area in the park surrounding the tower (Champ de Mars). To get there, take metro line 8 and get off at Ecole Militaire, or take Metro Line 6 and get off at Bir-Hakeim.

Many feel the Eiffel Tower is nothing but a tourist attraction and wouldn't go there. However, it is truly a remarkable structure and a true landmark.