Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

While it was a magnificent view and something I recommend that everyone do at one point in their life, I would certainly have chosen the off-season (winter) to make this trek, had I been smarter about it.

Like I said, while getting to the top involved waiting in 3 ridiculously long lines, the climb to the top and the view from all sides was wonderful. I always enjoy getting a city-wide view from the highest point in any given city. For example, one of the all around best views in Prague comes from the Petrin Tower (basically a mini Eiffel Tower). And I recently enjoyed the view from the top of the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland.

So, my advice for future Paris travelers and potential Eiffel Tower climbers…make the climb, but do it in the off-season if at all possible. If not, get there early, before most tourists want to wake up or do it late, when most of the families have gone to bed. Bonne chance!