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The day I got to know that I would be attending KubeCon in Paris, the first thing I added to my list of must-visit places in Paris, of course, the Eiffel Tower. Until then, I had only seen it in pictures and videos, so the excitement of witnessing it in person was surreal.
Visiting iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty or the Eiffel Tower had never been on my life’s to-do list—international travel wasn’t either. But here I was, thanking my stars and my efforts that brought me to some of the most visited places in the world.
In this blog post, I’ll share my experience of visiting the Eiffel Tower, how to reach there, things to keep in mind, and everything you should know before making your visit.
What’s so special about The Eiffel Tower?
The Eiffel Tower is THE iconic symbol of Paris and has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. It was designed by Gustave Eiffel and was built between 1887 and 1889 as the centrepiece of the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair), held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution.
Initially met with criticism, the tower was intended to be a temporary structure, but it quickly became a beloved landmark and was saved from demolition.
Here are some fascinating facts about the Eiffel Tower:
- Height and Structure: Standing at 330 meters (1,083 feet), the Eiffel Tower was the tallest man-made structure in the world until the completion of the Chrysler Building in New York in 1930. It’s composed of over 18,000 iron parts, held together by 2.5 million rivets. Talking about tallest buildings, I’ve been to Sky Deck Chicago, OneWorld Observatory in New York and The Burj Khalifa in Dubai (yet to write the blog post)
- Sparkling Light Show: The tower’s famous sparkling light show, which happens every hour on the hour from nightfall until 1 AM, was first introduced to celebrate the arrival of the new millennium in 2000. I welcomed it in Vadodara at an event organised by my dad’s office. The show features 20,000 light bulbs, and it’s one of the most enchanting sights in Paris. I witnessed it twice during my stay in Paris. It starts after sunset (7-8) PM and happens for 5mins every hour until 1 AM.
- Observation Decks: The Eiffel Tower has three observation decks at different heights, offering stunning views of Paris. The highest deck is 276 meters (906 feet), providing a panoramic view of the city. You need tickets to go here and it gets extremely crowded. I tried getting the tickets, couldn’t get it so didn’t go up. I mean, you cannot see the Eiffel Tower when you are standing on it 😉
- Dining in the Sky: The tower is home to two restaurants, including the renowned Le Jules Verne, a Michelin-starred restaurant on the second floor. Dining here is a unique experience, with gourmet cuisine served alongside breathtaking views. Again, this was on the list and a few people recommended me, but it was way too expensive. Maybe sometime in the future, I’ll visit the city again and eat here.
These are just a few of the reasons why visiting the Eiffel Tower was at the top of my list. Its history, architectural brilliance, and the magical atmosphere it creates make it a must-see for anyone visiting Paris.
How To Reach the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is visible from virtually everywhere in Paris, but nothing compares to the surreal experience of standing right beneath it. Whether you’re navigating the city like a local or prefer a more direct route, there are several ways to reach this iconic monument.
- By Metro: The closest metro station is Bir-Hakeim (Line 6). From here, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the Eiffel Tower. You can also take Line 9 to Trocadéro station, which offers a stunning view of the tower as you approach.
- By Bus: Several bus routes stop near the Eiffel Tower. Routes 42, 69, 82, and 87 will all drop you within a short walking distance of the monument.
- By Cab: Cabs are quite popular in Paris, like any other city. All you need to do is simply input “Eiffel Tower” as your destination, and you’ll be dropped off right at the base of this magnificent structure.
Since I had my Navigo Unlimited Weekly Paris Metro pass with me, I opted for the metro and got down at Trocadéro walked a little to the Place du Trocadero and got the first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower.
No Matter What People Say – You Must Visit The Eiffel Tower
This time KubeCon was hectic so most days, I could come to my hotel tired and would just crash. However, this one day I got free early and gathered my energy and decided to step out. Took a stroll from Plaisance to Montparnasse Bienvenue, changed one here and took one to Trocadéro.
Trocadero is an underground metro station, and depending on where you’re coming from, you’ll have to walk quite a bit to get out of the station. I got out of the station, barely walked for a minute and got the first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower. PS: It didn’t look quite grande/tall from here at first look.
There is a huge crowd (as expected) here and everyone wants a picture with the Eiffel Tower. Fortunately, the place is quite large and offers an expansive view of the Eiffel Tower. Since I was here in March, there was some construction going on for the Beach Volleyball court in front of the Eiffel Tower, so there were cranes and building materials that kind of spoiled the view.
From the Trocadero place, you can walk down the garden in the front to reach the base of the Eiffel Tower. Along the way is a well-maintained garden where you’ll find a lot of people just chilling and having fun, place music and eating waffles and pancakes. The closer you get to the tower, you realise how big it is.
At the end, you’ll reach a busy street with lots of tourists just clicking the Eiffel Tower. You can cross the road and hit the Pont d’Iéna, the famous bridge right in front of the Eiffel Tower. Seen those photos where people are standing in the middle of the road with the Eiffel Tower in the background? Well, this is the bridge and no I didn’t stand in the middle of the bridge, disrupting traffic.
Since I was here in the evening, I didn’t have to wait much to witness the Sparkling Lights show. The tower slowly lit up as the sun gave way to the moon in the Parisian sky. And within no time, we witness the stunning sparkling light show! Everyone around had their camera pointed to the tower, some taking photos, others making reels. It felt like the Eiffel Tower was clicking photos with flashlights! I enjoyed it.
After I posted stories, there were a few people who replied that it’s overrated and things like that. Well, all I’d say is if you ever get a chance to visit Paris, you MUST visit the Eiffel Tower, no matter what people say. Lastly, as I mentioned, I didn’t get the tickets so did go to the top, I wasn’t quite interested in going to the top just by seeing the crowd.
Best Spots for Stunning Views of the Eiffel Tower
As I mentioned earlier, the Eiffel Tower is visible virtually from anywhere in the city, some must-visit photo spots in the city give you a beautiful view of the monument. Paris offers countless viewpoints where the Eiffel Tower reveals its full glory.
- Rue de l’Université: This charming street in the 7th arrondissement offers a picture-perfect view of the Eiffel Tower framed by classic Parisian architecture. It’s a favourite spot for photographers, especially at sunrise or sunset. To reach it, take the metro to Alma-Marceau (Line 9) and walk a short distance to find this hidden gem. I was here eating at Chez Raja after which I took a walk to get a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower.
- Pont de Bir-Hakeim: Known for its symmetrical ironwork and panoramic views, Pont de Bir-Hakeim is an iconic bridge for those looking to capture the Eiffel Tower alongside the Seine River. The bridge is also a popular spot for filmmakers and photographers. You can get there by metro, stopping at Bir-Hakeim (Line 6).
- River Seine Tour: For a unique perspective, take a river cruise on the Seine. These tours offer stunning views of the Eiffel Tower as you glide along the water. Departing from various points along the river, including Port de la Bourdonnais, these cruises are easily accessible by metro from Trocadéro (Line 9) or Bir-Hakeim (Line 6).
- Trocadéro Gardens: Located directly across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower, the Trocadéro Gardens offer a panoramic view that is especially captivating at sunrise or during the tower’s evening light show. It’s a short walk from Trocadéro metro station (Line 9), making it an easy and rewarding stop.
These spots provide some of the most stunning views of the Eiffel Tower, each offering its unique charm and perspective. Whether you’re exploring the city on foot or by boat, these locations will give you unforgettable glimpses of Paris’s most iconic landmark.
Wrapping Up My Eiffel Tower Experience
Visiting the Eiffel Tower was a dream come true, and it lived up to every expectation. From the moment I saw it up close, to the stunning views from the top and the magical light show that capped off the evening, it was an experience I’ll never forget. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning to see it again, the Eiffel Tower has something special for everyone.
I hope my journey and tips help you make the most of your visit to this iconic monument. Paris truly is a city that never ceases to amaze, and the Eiffel Tower is at the heart of its charm. That’s about it for this blog post, let me know your thoughts in the comments below. You can also reach out to me on Twitter at @Atulmaharaj, DM on Instagram or Get In Touch.
Great shots. How lovely to see the Eiffel Tower in the evening when it’s all illuminated.
Yes, I stood in the park right opposite and just kept looking at it 😁