As per RS guide, I went to the http://www.eiffel-tower.com/ to book some online tickets so that I would not have to stand in a queue all day... and there were none left (at least for the couple of days I am in Paris). So my question is - should I still go and try to chance it by queuing up? This is the first time in Paris for the wife and I and we were both so hoping to to up the tower.
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9420 posts
I agree with Ralph... if you're able, I would take the stairs up to the 2nd level. I like it better than the top, it's far less crowded and you can see more detail of the city.
Posted by
Chicago
565 posts
Really, the 2nd floor is just wonderful. I have mild clausterphobia and the elevator to the top was just a nightmarish thought. That thought was confirmed by several people I know who went to the top and said they liked the second floor better. The stairs really are not that difficult. I regret not taking them up-I had just climbed the Arc de Triomphe a few days earlier and THAT is a difficult climb. I did take the steps down the tower and I really enjoyed them.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7324 posts
While I agree that there is no substitute for the real thing, the Tour Montparnasse does have very good views, including OF the Eiffel Tower. If your time or the heat make you unwilling to wait in line, read Rick's description. Consider weather and clear skies for both observation decks, since you aren't stuck with a timed ticket.
Posted by
Stuttgart, BW, Germany
24 posts
If you're only going to be in Paris for a few days, I'd say no. Go to the base. You can see it and get an impression of it's size and impressive engineering. Spend the rest of the time touring the city. Your time there is way too short to be standing in a long line. Your wife's first trip to Paris could be much better spent seeing other sights.
Posted by
Stuttgart, Germany
3049 posts
I (not surprisingly) agree with Chris. Paris' skyline isn't that remarkable (most cities in Europe don't have particularly remarkable skylines) so unless you can buy tickets in advance for the Eiffel Tower I wouldn't wait in line. The base of it gives you a great sense of the immense size. But for my money a much better view of Paris is one that INCLUDES the Eiffel tower, such as from Montmarte or even the Tour Montparnasse if you happen to be in the area (which isn't an area I'd otherwise spend time in on a short trip to Paris unless you want to visit Serge Gainsbourg's grave or want some fantastic oysters).
Posted by
OP
Singapore
6 posts
Thanks everybody for taking the time to reply. I really appreciate it.