A person's age has little bearing on his or her experience when visiting the Eiffel Tower. The monument has been an inspiration for people of all ages for several generations. Teens, adults, and seniors from around the world have enjoyed the wondrous, panoramic view of Paris as well as details of the tower's history.
That said, young people often show a unique enthusiasm about the structure. They admire its impressive frame as well as the remarkable perspective of the city as seen from the three observation decks. Below, we'll provide a brief guide for young adults on how to make the most of a visit to the Eiffel Tower.
Facts And Figures About The Eiffel Tower
Construction on the tower began in January 1887, and was completed in March 1889. The bottom portion was to serve as the entrance to the 1889 World's Fair. The monument is 1,050 feet high, and has three separate levels. There are over 1,700 steps, from the ground to the top of the tower, though public access to the top floor is only available by elevator.
The landmark is repainted every seven years to help maintain its appearance and protect it from the elements. The job requires more than two dozen workers, fifty tons of paint, and over eighteen months.
Over 200 million people have visited the tower since 1889. Millions more make the trek each year. Most people are unaware that the monument was scheduled to be torn down in 1909. The demolition plan was abandoned when it was discovered the tower could serve as a valuable communications tool.
What To Expect: Level By Level
The first floor is 187 feet from the ground. It is accessible by elevator or stairs. Due to the tower's shape, this level is large. It holds a restaurant (Le 58 Tour Eiffel), a small movie theater, post office, and an observatory. It also offers an observation deck from which you can enjoy a clear view of the buildings, treetops, and streets below.
The second floor stands approximately 360 feet from the ground. It too can be reached by elevator or stairs. It is much smaller than the first level, and thus there are fewer attractions. One of them is the highly-rated Le Jules Verne restaurant. This floor provides an excellent viewpoint for photographs of the Parisian cityscape.
The third level is more than 900 feet high. It is only accessible to the public by elevator. The draw of this floor is its observation deck, from which visitors can see nearly 42 miles in every direction (with good weather).
Stairs Versus Elevators: Which To Choose
Most tourists take the elevators, which means waiting in long lines during the high-traffic seasons (spring and summer). It is not unusual for the lines to require three to four hours during weekend afternoons. Taking the stairs saves an enormous amount of time since fewer people are willing to make the climb. Many young people will enjoy the challenge.
It's also worth noting that tickets to ride the elevators carry substantial fees. Taking the stairs is much less expensive.
Preparing For Your Visit: A Few Final Tips
Visitors should take light jackets, even if the weather feels comfortably warm. The third floor of the Eiffel Tower receives strong gusts of wind due to its height.
Also, to avoid crowds, especially during the summer, plan to visit the tower during the early morning or late evening. If possible, do so on a weekday rather than the weekend. The lines are shorter, and the observation decks are less crowded.
It's a good idea to bring a camera to take photos of the city from the observation decks. Binoculars can also be useful, especially when observing the city from the third floor.
A lot of young people find their trip to the Eiffel Tower to be unforgettable. Not only is it a chance to enjoy an unparalleled view of Paris, but also an opportunity to experience an important piece of history.
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