VIBE

When it was constructed for the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris, Gustav Eiffel’s 324-meter iron lattice tower was recognized as an engineering marvel (it was the tallest manmade structure in the world and remained so until the title was usurped by the Chrysler Building in 1930), but was considered an “odious” eyesore by many of the city’s most cultured residents. (Writer Guy de Maupassant allegedly lunched in the tower daily because it was the only place in town where he couldn’t see it.) Times have changed and these days it’s a much beloved symbol of the city, drawing tourist crowds to prove it. Visitors can enjoy views of the tower from the Champ de Mars park at its base; take in cityscapes from the first, second; or top level viewing platforms, or dine in restaurants 58 Tour Eiffel (smart causal bistro on the first level) or Le Jules Verne (stylish haute cuisine on the second level).

GO HERE WITH

Paris first-timers; friends; family; kids

WHY WE LIKE IT

You can’t say you’ve visited Paris until you’ve been jostled by the crowds at the Eiffel Tower. We like going at night when the crowds are smaller and we have views of the City of Light in all its lit-up splendor.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Long waits for the elevator (especially in the summer) and the swarms of pickpockets and trinket vendors around the base of the tower.

GOOD TO KNOW

Definitely book tickets online–it doesn’t eliminate all the waiting, but it helps because you get to skip the ticket line. If you’re thinking of going up, know that you can only get to the very top by elevator, but you can get as far as the second level by stairs (though, at 704 steps, it’s a strenuous climb). The elevators are located at the north, east, and west pillars but, for security reasons, only one or two are running each day. During the summer months, opening hours are sometimes extended to 9:00am-12:00am. (Check the website for details.) An audio guide for iPads is now available.

CLOSEST COMPS

London Eye (London); Arc de Triomphe (Paris); Empire State Building (New York); Great Wall (Beijing)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to Paris