The Eiffel tower, Paris
The Eiffel tower is perhaps the best known landmark in Paris and arguably all of France. It was built in 1889 and was at the time the world’s largest tower.
It was built by engineer Gustave Eiffel for the Exposition Universelle similar to the Belgians building the Atomimum for Expo ‘58.
Eiffel originally designed the tower to be built in Barcelona, but the Spanish council decided it was too expensive and did not match the aesthetics of the city. So Eiffel entered his design into the Parison contest for an entrance arch to the Expositon Universelle, part of the design brief was that it had to be easily deconstructed as the structure was only temporary, 20 years. Luckily it became an invaluable communications tower during the Battle of the Marne, so it was decided not to take it down.
The official tour Eiffel site has a great pdf of all you need to know.
It’s cheap for entry to the tower, the actual cost depends on which floor you visit, obviously the top is the most expensive at €12,00.
The view was amazing at night time, and was definitely worth the 2 hours queuing to get to the top! You have to queue to get the ticket, and queue between floors for the elevators but it was totally worth it.
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Looks like it's worth a meal up there just to take in the view. 
Hi Alex!
I'm Veronica Gabbuti from The Trip, an Italian free magazine abut travel. I've seen your blog and I like ...
Hi Alex, Your website is really good and I am doing one for myself using the third party free ...
Comment by Yong on 25 July 2008:
The queue was terrible when I visited a couple of weeks ago. we went up to the 2nd floor by steps.
You are too lazy, Alex!!!
Comment by DesertMama on 7 August 2008:
Looks amazing. Sounds like the steps are the way to go.
Comment by dixie on 31 August 2008:
dear alex thanks for publishing this article it has helped me a lot with my assignment that is due in like two days
well THANX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by Petra on 9 September 2008:
I was in Paris two years ago and the queues were really terrible. We wanted to go up by steps but we were told it was only possible to the first floor – so it wouldn’t be possible to reach the top. But as I see it has changed
Comment by Lil' Boozie on 4 October 2008:
Hi Alex!
I came across your site on Wandalust.com – it’s great. I particularly like this post because I spent 5+ months in Paris back in 2001. The Eiffel Tower, of course, was one of the most magnificent landmarks that I had the privilege of visiting.
I recently started a travel-related blog with a few friends called “3 Troopin’ Travelers”. If you have a chance, please check it out and send along any feedback you may have.
Happy Travels!
Best,
Lil’ Boozie (a.k.a. Suz)
Comment by Cottages and Castles on 27 October 2008:
Alex, do you know the details of the tower’s history? I heard that at the beginning people didn’t like it at all, and only when it became the symble of the whole country, the tower got its recognition. Is it true?