Eiffel Tower

We went early, stood in line, less than half hour, people watched. By noon we had gone to the top, saw the sites, and were on our way to lunch. Don't fear the line, embrace it and enjoy.

If you go in the evening, yes the line will be really long, however, it's worth it seeing the city all lit up. Also be aware that they pack you into the elevators like sardines.

I think walking up is cheaper. I don't think there are too many lines for it. Just plan a half day and enjoy being there. Take a jacket it gets chilly towards the top!

Are the steps "open." I have the same concerns and would love to walk, but on pix it looks like the steps have minimal railings. I'm sure they are safe, but are they rather bare?

"Paris When It Drizzles." My wife and I went to the Eiffel Tower around 6:00pm on Tuesday, June 7, 2011, epecting long lines. But since it had been lightly drizzling that evening, all the fair weather tourists stayed away, and our wait in line was only about 10 minutes! When we got out of the elevator on the second level (which BTW gives you better views than from the top), the sun broke through, and we had an incredible couple of hours! Got off the tower, and got on one of the tour boats just below on the Seine, at dusk. When it re-docked, we were just in time to see the tower light up with the "sparlkly" effect. Everything was perfect timing. In short, I agree with everyone who says don't be afraid of any lines. And if it's raining, you just might get through faster!

Here is the link to the website to buy tickets: http://www.eiffel-tower.com/ We just got back a couple days ago. You pick a time. I chose 9pm, which was the last time you could book and we were at the top during sunset. It was perfect. I read many things about waiting until you got there, but I was SO glad that we were NOT in that line. What a nightmare. We walked up to the line for people with pre-booked tickets and there were probably only about 15 people ahead of us. It was awesome.

You don't say when you will be in Paris. We were there in mid-September 2009 and walked over to the Eiffel Tower around 10:00 pm on a week night. There was no line. We just walked right up and bought a ticket and got on the elevator. We could only go to the second level, but the views from there were fabulous.

We took the elevator up to the second and got great views and pix! Then walked down the 700 plus steps. Easier than up!
Gives you another view of the tower and some interesting photos! Landings for each set of stairs to stop,look through the tower and take pix.

Buy a ticket at the corner opposite from the main elevator line. The ticket will allow access to walk up the stairs to the second level and then you can hop right on the elevator to get to the top. The walk to the second floor is kind of tough, but hey, it'll help with the Creme Brulee you just ate.

Find out what time the tower opens, and go then. Lines are easiest at that point. And I agree, the best time is when it is drizzling....we went on a rainy day and had almost no line...it was our last day in Paris and it was do or die---we decided to try it, and even though it was greyish, it was still magnificent.

We were there in April and arrived by 9:30 AM as RicK recommends. We stood in line for a little while but it moved fast. We were at the top by a few minutes after 10:00. The elevator takes you to the middle level. You should immediately get on the elevator to the top. Everyone else stops there to look at the view. You will have plenty of time to see the view from that level on the way down.

I have done the stairs,, they are completely caged and very safe. They are wide enough for someone to pass you if you need a rest, and they have little landings every 10-12 steps or so ,, so you can stop. I did them a few years ago when the line for the elevators was over 1.5 hours long, the line for the stairs was 15-20 minutes,, and it is a cheaper admission. I quite enjoyed it.. and I was over 40 and no fitness queen.