Eiffel Tower

 

Being one of the most significant landmarks in Paris, the Eiffel Tower is a magnet for tourists all around the world. It happens to be the most visited monument in the world, with an annual tourist rate of around 7 million.

Despite its fame in the world, there is still a lot of mysteries that it has yet to reveal. Perhaps, that's a part of the charisma which makes it a top tourist attraction.

With a height of 324m to the tip, this colossal masterpiece towers higher than any other structure in Paris.

Designed by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 Exposition Universelle, celebration of the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, it has fundamentally 4 pillars forming a sideways square enclosing an area of about 410 square feet.

One of its enigmas is a secret apartment built by the designer at the top. It's open for the public so make sure that you don't miss it.

Underneath the South pillar there used to be a military bunker which is now a small museum.

Open to tourists from 9AM to 12:45AM, the Eiffel Tower, also known as Iron Lady, has 3 floors from 

the bottom to the top. Each level offers a spectacular, panoramic view of the lovely city of Paris.

The 1st floor is located 187 feet high, and has an ice rink.

From the esplanade to the 2nd floor you can take an elevator ride for 11 euros. If you want to be a bit frugal in your spending, you can take a simple walk to the 2nd floor for 7 euros.

There are 5 elevators from the base to the 2nd floor, so there's no need to be hasty. Take your time

and take it all in.

2nd floor is 377 feet above ground, therefore it offers a much clearer view of the surrounding.

The bravest can take an elevator ride to the topmost floor of the tower at a height of 906 feet above ground, for 17 euros.

Or, once you finish observing the 2nd floor you can take an elevator from the 2><2 duolifts there to the top.

Remember that there's a special reward waiting for you on the 3rd floor: a champagne bar. The view from the topmost floor mixed with the taste of a sip of champagne is a reward indeed.

While you walk the interior of the Eiffel, keep your eyes peeled for engravings of names of French scientists and engineers in the iron.

The Iron Lady shows its true colors after sunset when its lit up, typically, in orange-yellow lights.

Lights are usually on until 1AM;In summer, lights are on until 2AM to provide more time for tourists to enjoy the nightly view as the length of the day increases.

The beacon of the Eiffel Tower consists of 2 crisscrossing light beams with a reach extending to about 80km across Paris.

Feel free to take photos and selfies of this amazing place during the daytime, but refrain from taking photos when its lit up, especially for commercial purposes, since that's illegal.

No one has been brought to court over such an issue so far, but it's better to be on the safe side.

The Iron Lady lights up in unique styles to commemorate days of historical significance.                       

 

If you visit Paris during any of these times, you can see it illuminated vividly like you can see in the images above.

Even though getting to the top of the Eiffel Tower stipulates protracted periods of time spent in long queues, the reward you get once you enter is well worth it. So never miss a chance to visit this amazing tribute to earth if you get an opportunity to go to Paris.