Eiffel Tower via stairs (2nd floor)

Breathtaking must visit place in Paris. My group grabbed food from a local Bakery and grocery store and had a great picnic on the lawn and waiting for the nightly lighting and sparkle show that started after sunset.

I was taken aback by the scale of the Eiffel Tower, and this is coming from life-long Chicago area resident who is no stranger to large buildings. We chose to not face the lines to go up in the tower, but the light show while enjoying great food on the lawn was a low-key experience not to be missed!

Beautiful, amazing and incredible. It is a wonderful landmark of the city. I reserved the tickets like 4 weeks in advance but I just found for the second floor by stairs, so plan in advance if you want to get the elevator or go to the third floor. Also, the stairs are hard if you don’t have a good condition, over 680 steps. During the bio you have the lights show for 5 minutes every hour until 1 am, we went on June 29th and the first was at 11 pm, it depends on the sunset time.

Breathtaking experience — a must-see in Paris!

The Eiffel Tower is just as stunning in real life as you’d imagine. Whether you’re admiring it from the ground, walking underneath its massive iron legs, or going all the way to the top, it’s a magical and unforgettable experience. The views over Paris from the second floor and the summit are absolutely incredible, especially at sunset or at night when the entire city glows.

The area around the tower is vibrant, filled with street performers, vendors, and plenty of spots to sit, take photos, or have a picnic. The Seine River nearby adds even more charm to the location. There are restaurants and souvenir shops inside the tower, and you can either take the elevator or climb the stairs to the second floor for a more active experience.

One of the highlights is the sparkling light show every hour after sunset — it lasts for five minutes and feels truly magical.

*Paris Symbol, The World’s Beloved Eiffel*
The Eiffel Tower is more than just a monument—it’s the heart of Paris and one of the most recognizable structures in the world. Seeing it in person for the first time truly takes your breath away, whether it’s by day with the blue sky as a backdrop or at night when it sparkles with thousands of lights. I had always seen photos and heard stories about it, but witnessing the Eiffel Tower with my own eyes was a completely new experience. The view from afar is impressive, but seeing it up close is entirely different. I could clearly see people climbing the stairs and others going up by elevator, and the intricate ironwork of the structure fascinated me. The tower’s design is truly romantic and a masterpiece of architecture.
A bit of history makes it even more fascinating: The Eiffel Tower was designed by the French engineer Gustave Eiffel and built for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair), held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. At the time, it was the tallest structure in the world and a symbol of French engineering and innovation. Interestingly, many Parisians initially disliked the tower, calling it an eyesore—but today, it’s one of the most beloved landmarks on the planet.
What made this visit even more special was celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary here. I felt deeply grateful that my wife and I could share this meaningful moment together at such an iconic place. I sincerely hope this beautiful memory stays with us forever.

Seeing the Eiffel Tower up close was amazing, even without going to the top! The size and elegance of the tower are truly impressive in person, and just walking around it made me feel the special atmosphere of Paris. The area is lively, with people taking photos, relaxing on the lawns, and enjoying the view. Watching the tower sparkle at night was a real highlight. It felt magical. Honestly, you don’t need to go up to appreciate how iconic and beautiful the Eiffel Tower is. Just being there and soaking in the vibe was a wonderful experience!