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-   -   Trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower - would it be more memorable visiting during the day or night? (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/trip-to-the-top-of-the-eiffel-tower-would-it-be-more-memorable-visiting-during-the-day-or-night-188010/)

Jane Jan 22nd, 2003 03:16 AM

Trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower - would it be more memorable visiting during the day or night?
 
Hi Im visiting Paris for the first time with my boyfriend and wondered what would be the best time to visit the Eiffel Tower. Would it be better to visit during the day or would the view be more breathtaking during the night?

Rex Jan 22nd, 2003 03:35 AM

I've been to the top on a perfect weather day, and I've been part way up (Jules Verne) at night - - and both are excellent.<BR><BR>It's kinda like another romantic activity (trying to be diplomatic here) - - day and night are both great.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

Statia Jan 22nd, 2003 03:58 AM

I agree with Rex. I've been to see it both day and night (only to the top during the day, though). Each visit held a different kind of magic.

up Jan 22nd, 2003 05:25 AM

for Jane<BR>

Jinx Hoover Jan 22nd, 2003 08:48 AM

Why not go a little before sundown? You can have it both ways (it's great to see the lights come on all over the city). Plan on staying a couple of hours.<BR><BR>Regards, <BR><BR>Jinx Hoover

adele Jan 22nd, 2003 10:36 AM

I've gone at early evening and watched the city light up and it was wonderful and later at night on a clear and cool evening and it, too, was wonderful. I don't think you can go wrong either way.

JohnG Jan 22nd, 2003 11:16 AM

Definitely at sundown.

Rachel Jan 22nd, 2003 11:58 AM

Before I went to Paris the first time, I thought going to the top of the Eiffel Tower was a bit cheesy, something that you had to do once just to say you had but that was probably over-rated and touristy. Boy, was I wrong! It is beautiful day or night, but best is right at sundown. That is a must every time we visit Paris.

crusty Jan 22nd, 2003 12:23 PM

As a kid I can vividly remember hearing my mother saying &quot;don't bother going to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower&quot;. Did I listen? No<BR><BR>More is better and if they charge more... it must be better. 30 years later given the choice I went for the extra expense, extra time and effort to go to the top. What did I find? <BR><BR>From the top or the tower (especially at night), Paris looks like any other major city. My advice:<BR><BR>Don't bother going to go to the top of the Eiffel tower... stay at the lower level where thou can get a better birds view of Paris&quot;.<BR><BR>Also, you can think of plenty more interesting things to do during the day.<BR><BR>Really, no matter what you wdo it will be great. Have Fun

Patrick Jan 22nd, 2003 04:48 PM

I've been there in the day, and been there at night. But I agree with others, the best is to arrive just before sunset and see both. It is simply amazing.

Quinty Jan 22nd, 2003 04:55 PM

Is it really crowded to get there around sunset?<BR>Also, when I'm there, sunset is supposed to be around 5:45.<BR>What time should I get to the tower to take advantage of this great view (of the lights turning on in the city, etc.)?

Betsy Jan 22nd, 2003 04:57 PM

You know I've been to Paris numerous times and I've never been to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Why? I don't think I'd like a view of Paris WITHOUT the Eiffel Tower in it!. Just a preference. Anyway, not to dampen your spirits, if you go at night be highly aware of pickpockets which seem to be more prevelant at night in the tower area, though they're certainly there in the day too. all.

rising Jan 22nd, 2003 07:26 PM

ever so romantically...<BR>

gand Jan 22nd, 2003 08:00 PM

I've been twice. The first time was at night. Very nice to look over the city, but when the tower &quot;sparkles&quot; on the hour, and you are on it, it looks cool.<BR><BR>I preferred the daylight view because you get to look at the city and the view is amazing. <BR><BR>I think it is worth going twice or (like posted above) 1/2 hour to 45 minutes before sunset. Sunset will depend on what time of the year you go. Shouldn't be too touristy in Feb. Weather will make a bigger difference though if you are worried there may be a line for the elevators.


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