Can you imagine Paris without the Eiffel Tower? It nearly happened: Parisians wanted to pull it down in 1909, twenty years after its opening, as per the agreement made when it was constructed for the World Fair. Luckily for us, it had turned out to be a useful radio tower, and it was decided that it would stay. From its opening in 1889 until New York’s Chrysler Building was completed in 1930, the Eiffel Tower was the tallest building in the world. Of course it’s been dwarfed now, but still remains the most recognized monument in the world.

I know I can’t imagine Paris without the Eiffel Tower. Who would’ve thought that 7,300 tons of steel would be so attractive that I couldn’t live without it? But it is such an icon of Paris and a great place to visit, too. Unfortunately, massive crowds of tourists agree, and a trip to the Eiffel Tower is bound to involve a long time spent in a queue – try to come very early or very late to avoid this a little, but be prepared anyway.

My recommendation is to see the Eiffel Tower from many angles during your stay in Paris. Perhaps you might start with a picnic in a park just far enough away that you can see the tower as a whole in the distance. As you approach it, you can enjoy the gardens of the park that surrounds it, or get a snack from the food stalls on the way. Personally, I love the view from underneath the Eiffel Tower – all that intricate lattice look yet it’s such a strong metal structure. There are lots of interesting angles from under the tower to take artistic photographs or simple to look or stare for a while at the shapes and patterns.

To go up the tower, you must take either the stairs or the lift to the first and second levels, and the special lift to the third and highest platform. When you’re in the lift, try to stand next to the glass doors: the steel passing by makes for great photos, too. Of course, once you reach “the top”, you’re not really at the top – that spot is reserved for radio masts and the like – so you can take great sky-bound photos with severe angles and more steel.

Don’t rush a stay on the Eiffel Tower – take your time and observe not only the tower and the great views over Paris, but the other visitors around you. Nearly everybody in the world knows of the Eiffel Tower so visitors of many nationalities are there, each with their own idea of how to celebrate being at this Parisian landmark. Relax and enjoy it!