Is it worth it to wait in line to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower?

Answer

This answer, of course, is subjective and solely a matter of opinion, but I feel it worth making a couple of points in consideration of the options. First, the views from the top of the Eiffel Tower are very similar to those on the second level. As a matter of fact, I have pictures from both levels and cannot always immediately tell whether a picture I am viewing was taken from the top or while I was waiting in the elevator line around the perimeter on the second level. Second, in my opinion, the views of Paris from the Sacre Coeur on Montmarte are just as breathtaking, if not more so, than those you will have from the top of the Eiffel Tower. Logistically, the area on Montmarte is larger than the observation deck of the Eiffel Tower, so there are less people to contend with as well. All of that said, however, I will say that the views from the top of the Eiffel Tower are breathtaking and you will be able to snap some pretty great photos, even in the midst of such a large concentration of people. Also, it's worth considering that journeying to the top of the Eiffel Tower is one of those once in a lifetime activity that many people dream of but never get to experience. Sometimes the value of the opportunity outweighs the reality. All in all, if time allows it and lines and crowds don't frighten you, I would encourage everyone to do venture to the top of the Eiffel Tower at least once. But if you're working within a very limited span of time, skip the long wait and the journey to the top in favor of spending that precious half day of touring time more wisely.

Addition from hedleygb: The second floor is by far the best, especially for people with a fear of heights because the upper portion of the second floor is set back from the edge.

BUT the Eiffel Tower is only about the fifth best view in Paris, because it's on the edge of town and most important monuments are miles away.

There are much better views from: 4th Beaubourg (Centre Pompidou - with the advantage that it's both central and free. 3rd The Arc de Triomphe - that straight line East to the Louvre and West to la Defense is amazing. 2nd The towers of Notre Dame - completely central, but with one snag - you can't see Notre Dame from there. 1st by a mile: the tenth floor of the SAMARITAINE department store at the end og the Pont neuf. DO NOT MISS THIS. Go into the store at the river entrance - that way you'll get the right building, there are four but only one on the riverside - and find the elevator that goes to the 9th floor. From there, take the stair up to the roof terrace. You can buy a coffee (not expensive, astonishingly) and see most of the view from there; or you can find the little spiral stair to the viewing platform and MARVEL. You are in the very middle of Paris, every major monument is in sight, most of them within a mile, and IT'S FREE.

No, it is not worth the trip to the top, middle or bottom of the tower, unless you want a view of sewer city. My advice is to stay away from paris and spend your money on a trip to a decent UK destination.

I'd like to recommend the view from the top of Tour Montparnasse. It's not far from the Eiffel Tower, is cheaper, and has fewer people. And, all your pictures of the city will have the Eiffel Tower in them (it is, after all, the most recognizable landmark). The best time to go is in the summer at dusk before the sun sets but after the Eiffel Tower begins scintillating for ten minutes on the hour through the night (I think it begins at 7pm).

To the person who called Paris "Sewer City": It's not, at all. My family just returned from Paris, and it's a wonderful place, full of history and lovely architecture. The people there are much nicer and more helpful than their reputation or in some other cities that were visited. It's a shame people don't look beyond their tiny worlds and see and appreciate things for what they actually are, or could be.

I went to Paris Aug 06 and went up the "Tour Eiffel". The second floor is about as good as the top, and a bit cheaper, and has great vistas. Watch out for the pickpocketing gypsies, get yourself a moneybelt and use it! Paris is certainly a great city, and you need to go all around it to get all the sights in. The metro system is fantastic and can get you most places within a block or two. We also found Parisians to be most cordial and helpful, especially if you don't act the arrogant American. You'll have USA pasted on your forehead - they can tell you from a mile away. Learn a little french, it will smooth things right out.

Excuse me, but you have not been a tourist in Paris unless you go to the top of the Eiffel tower. IT IS THE SINGLE BEST VIEW IN PARIS except for seeing Notre Dame from eye level.

Be careful, though, it sways. And you can feel it and you will notice it, even if I didn't tell you. Its only a little worse than working in a skyscraper in NY, but if you have any fears this may be too hard for you.

MAIS OUI. Yes, yes, yes. How could you go to Paris and not climb the whole of the Eiffel tower. Try telling everyone you only went to the second floor, how hollow does that sound? It's not about the view at all - it is about the achievement, especially if you climbed the stairs as far as you could (to the second floor). Take it from someone who stood at the top, and would take any opportunity to stand there again. While you're there, get someone to take your photo with the view behind - I did. I agree about learning some French, there is nothing more arrogant than someone going to a foreign country and expecting to use your own language all the time. There has to be some give and take. Get a phrasebook - I took one in four languages around Europe, and tried to at least speak the basics in each country. In France I tried to say absolutely everything in French, as I've been learning for many years, but even hello/ please/ thank you/ good bye will go down a treat.

If you are on the sidewalk and want to look at something, stop walking while you are looking. While walking, look down! Dog poo is everywhere! The only thing they have more of than dog poo is thieves. Guard your belongings!

First answer by Amanda. Last edit by Dalake. Contributor trust: 12 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 75 [recommend question]