Eiffel Tower, Paris

I had read a few tips about the Eiffel Tower at night and, hands down, it was the best possible way to experience that spectacular monument.

Not only are the lines much more sparse (when we went, there was no line at all), you can meander around the various levels without having to worry about competing for a view, pushing and bumping through crowds, or fearfully clutching your bag with worries of pickpockets and thieves.

If you chance upon a clear night, the view is, again, spectacular. The city unfolds below you and is still quite busy with the comings and goings of people. It glows.

One of my favourite photos from our trip is using the camera timer, placing the camera on the ground, pointing up, and, us, leaning over the lens... there we are, smiling, as the Eiffel Tower fills the sky above us.

Dress Code: A jacket, if it is cool.

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Our VT meeting was wonderful that the restaurant owner didn't close until we all went back to our hotels or to those based in Paris, to the comfort of their homes.

We had fine dining, wine, desert, coffee and the best part was we had a great company.

I truly enjoyed the company of Pedmar, footstool, ForestqueenNYC, CestVT and Penelope4.

We talked about VT, VT members and how fun it is to be a member of VT!

Dress Code: Personally, I wore the same pants for five days- since I had been travelling non-stop and didn't care much how I looked at that time. I just wanted to meet all the VT members who signed up for the VT Paris meeting last February 20, 2009.

I climbed up the Eiffel Tower, and when I looked down on Paris, I was astounded! It's a breathtaking view, and I recommend you go up as far as possible to take pictures of Paris.

Dress Code: Wear comfortable shoes to climb the Tower!

The Eiffel Tower shows a gorgeous view of Paris, especially at night with all the lights. During the summer, the tower is open daily until midnight.
Reserve at least two hours of your time for your visit to the Eifeel Tower. The line up is usually very long, and then it's up to you how much time you want to spend up there ( they don't force you to come down at any time.) There is a restaurant and a small gift shop on the second floor, but it's usually very expensive and crowded.

And be prepared for your ears to pop as you go further up to the top floor ; )

Dress Code: Bring a light jacket or something with you even if you're going up there in the summer. It can get really windy and don't be alarmed if the whole tower seems to shake and sway in the wind - im sure its very sturdy!

Something that everyone has to do when visiting Paris is to go on a night cruise… when Paris is gloriously illuminated.

We went on an evening that was fine and mild, although on the waters it was understandably colder. It lasted for two hours, and we went under bridges and quite a way down the Seine.

This sight of the Eiffel Tower standing so majestically just off the banks of the river is an image that will stay with me forever.

Picture is a little blurry as I had neglected to turn my camera onto night mode (something I often do!)

It might sound boring for those of you who like to go clubbing or dancing or bar-touring at night, but believe me: just sitting in front of the Eiffel Tower (in the Trocadero gardens) and watching people pass by, the boats sail along the Sena river, and the wonderful lights of Paris all around you is a WONDERFUL night activity!! I did it twice during my stay and I loved it -- and I had some company once, so it's also a good activity to do if you just want to stroll and talk with someone. This is what I call to *LIVE* Paris to the fullest and enjoy every single minute of it! The lights of the Tower don't go down until 1 AM or so.

May I also suggest that you eat a crepe or a "beignet" (a kind of donut coated with sugar) or a warm waffle with whipped cream, nutella of jam in one of the many stands you'll find around this area... They're DELICIOUS! It's a nice treat to complement your "night tour".

Remembering those days in 1999 when i did my first trip abroad by myself .. i remember how was exciting Tour Eiffel for me... i laid down my backpack on the hostel and as i was in a hurry i took the tube and ran across the boulevards towards the Eiffel Tower..it was more than great and now nect march im coming back again to behold such beauty on earth !!

Beautiful light show for 15 minutes... The Eiffel is so beautiful at nite - even in a chilly November winter... Worth the trip.

Although the Metro is quite a walk to the Eiffel, there are plenty of people heading towards the Metro anyway. No need to be scared - just be alert.