No attraction captures the spirit of Paris more than the famous Eiffel Tower. 365Tickets are currently offering discounted Eiffel Tower tickets that let you skip the line and get the most out of your visit.
The History of the Eiffel Tower
Originally opened as part of the 1889 World's Fair, the Eiffel Tower was intended to be a temporary attraction celebrating the centennial of the French Revolution. Over the years, opinions on the tower have dramatically changed. Parisians derided the tower as a blight on the city when it first opened, but it has now become the most well-known symbol of the city.
Designed by architect Gustave Eiffel, the tower consists of 3 floors plus a hidden apartment. Over the years, the tower has been coated with many different colours of paint, before finally adopting the special “Eiffel Tower Brown” paint in 1968, which is what we see today. When the tower opened, it was the tallest building in the world, until the construction of the Empire State Building in the 1930s.
Following the success of the Eiffel Tower, Gustave Eiffel went on to work on New York's Statue of Liberty's metal interior structure. You can also find another of Eiffel's designs at the Parc des Buttes Chaumont, where his suspension bridge has been a presence since 1867.
When to Visit the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is the most visited paid tourist attraction in the world. Planning ahead can save hours of your time and save you money on admission. Depending on your level of fitness, you have a few different options when visiting the tower. You can either choose the more popular option of taking the lift or if you're feeling adventurous, you can climb the stairs to the 2nd floor of the tower.
When Taking the Lift
The Eiffel Tower is open every day of the year. During peak season, from June – September, the standard opening hours are 09:00 – 00:45, with the last lift to the very top of the tower departing at 23:00.
During winter and spring, the tower is open 09:30 – 23:45, with the last lift to the top of the tower departing at 22:30.
When Climbing the Stairs
If you plan on climbing the tower by steps, the hours are shorter during the winter period, with access closing at 18:00. During peak season, the opening hours are similar to those for the lift service.
What to See Inside the Eiffel Tower?
There's never a bad time to visit the tower, however, you will get a better view of Paris when the weather isn't cloudy. No matter what, the 1st floor of the tower offers a range of changing activities throughout the year.
Recently, a zip line was installed that ran the entire length of the Champ de Mars. During summer, you will be able to walk on the glass floor offering a direct view of the ground underneath. In winter, the 1st floor is turned into an ice-skating rink.
Eiffel Tower Ticket Options
Not only are there several viewing platforms within the Eiffel Tower, there are also a number of different ticket types. Booking your Eiffel Tower tickets online in advance is highly recommended, as the queues to get through security and for the lifts can be very long.
One of the best ticket options is purchasing a ticket that includes a queue jump. This means you can skip the line and head straight to the top of the tower at a specified time.
How to Get to the Eiffel Tower
The closest Metro station is Bir Hakeim on Metro line 6. To get the best view of the tower as you approach, get off at the Trocadéro Metro station on the opposite side of the Thames (Metro line 6 and 9).
How to Book
Visit 365Tickets to make a booking.
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This post originally appeared on Cheaper Luxury