Paris - Eiffel Tower

I think that would depend on your personal preference. If you are planning to go up the tower and you want an early morning view on a clear day, that's a whole different experience from the same view during a romantic sunset... or that view over the twinkling city lights at night! I don't think one is better than another - just different. Personally, I like the city view from the Sacre Couer. And at the Eiffel Tower, I like having a picnic on the lawn for lunch. And I adore standing on the landing at Trocadero and watching the light show while the fountains splash below. The light show on the tower is gorgeous!

Jamie, What time of year will you be there? I was at the Eiffel Tower last night and even at 20:45 there were still huge queues at all the tower elevators (one of the four is currently out of service). I don't know if those people had pre-booked reservations, but I doubt it. Going early in the morning may avoid some of the crowds, but the evening is a great time for photography when the lighting is more optimum. For good views OF the Eiffel Tower at night, the top of the Arch de Triomphe provides a good vantage point of the lights. Hope you're not planning on dining at the Jules Verne restaurant. I had a brief look at the Menu posted at the entrance, and many of the items start at about €56! Happy travels!

The best time to go is whatever time you can get pre-booked tickets on the Eiffel tower website!!!Otherwise the lines are tremendous. They release the dates several months in advance for a block of dates. Check now if you havent already and be ready to pounce when the tickets are released - remember it is 12 Midnight paris time ( the first minute if the day. I went on at 7PM NY time on May 1st for tickets being rleased 12Midnight May2 Paris time(example dates) If you have a choice- we went at 20:00 and then came down intime to see the lights at 22:00 (8PM and 10PM)and that worked well for us. Do go to the top
Diane

I've been up during the day and at night. Personally I prefer going up at night if you don't mind waiting. It's great to see the city all lit up. Although I also agree with Kira. Sacre Couer is a great night view also - especially because the view from there includes the Eiffel Tower. Assuming you're their for more than one night I would suggest both views.

Just a thought....We go often to France and spend a lot of time in Paris. usually spend several nights at the Eiffel Tower, but we never have been up To the top. it is really lovely to sit on one of the benches in the big Champ de Mars park. that said ...the best view I feel is from the Montparnasse tower. Why? You can see the Eiffel tower, there are usually no lines,it is cheap to go up...there are several restaurants and cafes and it is easy to get great photos without the crowd.

Thanks for all of your responses. I appreciate them!

Don't fret too much if you're there on a cloudy day, as I was. You may not see long distances, but the fun is in seeing Paris from above, and seeing the tower itself.