Eiffel: The Tower, The Symbol, The Dream

A gargantuan giant of steel and iron, the Eiffel Tower stands as an ageless landmark watching over the city of love and becoming, year after year, a hot spot for tourists, photographers and couples from all over the world. The tower is truly an astonishing feat of engineering weighting about 7000 tons but exerting only a tiny fraction of that incredible weight upon the ground (apparently no more than the weight of a regular person sitting in a chair.) Originally built by the famous Gustave Alexandre Eiffel for the Universal Exhibition in 1889 it was saved from the wrecking ball because of the rapidly growing popularity of the radio. The tallest point in Europe made the perfect spot for an antenna.

Coming up to the tower you'll find a set of elevators sitting at the base of two of the pillars (and right next to them, a usually enormous line of people waiting to get on them.) Once you hop in, the first stop takes you to a landing where you'll be able to score a lovely view of Paris rooftops at a 60 meter altitude. Also there, you can find souvenir shops, post office and the famous Altitude 95. This is a very affordable restaurant with a lovely mood that is great for birthday gatherings or even a hen party. Make sure to make a reservation, as an added bonus, patrons with reservations get to skip to to the head of the line for getting on the elevators.

The second landing forwards you higher up at 115 meters with a view that stretches to the horizon. Here you can find an assortment of telescopes that you can use to explore the city and surroundings with detail. The Jules Verne Restaurant is housed here although be prepared to suffer a financial setback if you plan to have your meal there, the prices are as high as the ground you are standing on. Only recommended for those with the coinage to pamper themselves or for girls on a hen night wanting to go all out.

Finally you'll arrive to the floor everyone is waiting for. At an astounding 276 meters you stand amidst the clouds and on a clear day the view extends up to 65 kilometers far, truly jaw dropping. If you are looking to save some pennies you might want to walk up the first two floors of the structure. For a measly 3 Euros you get to skip the harrowing lines waiting for the elevator and you get a nice cardio workout (you know it's good for you) as well. This will get you to the first elevator stop where you can do your shopping and have a snack. You can resume your climb from there once the queues have diminished a bit.

A feat of engineering, a monument of modernism and hope, the landmark that has defined Paris and evokes the images of the city of love... all of these and more are symbolized by this metal structure piercing boldly into the skies. If you are visiting Paris you simply can't afford to miss it.