As you continue down Rue Saint Dominique, make sure to snap a shot of the Eiffel Tower behind the storefronts as you curve around the block. Once you get to Champ de Mars (the big lawn in front of the Eiffel Tower), you will need to follow the signs for entry as you can no longer walk right up to the Eiffel tower like you could a few years ago.

Personally, we do not recommend going up the Eiffel Tower. I know, I know, that sounds crazy, I promise we have a reason! You see, after spending hours in the manic shuffle to the top, your pictures will be missing something epic. The Eiffel Tower itself!

But we know that visiting the top is usually on everyone's lists while in Paris, and of course that is totally okay! Just be prepared and if you do decide to skip the top, head over across the bridge to Trocadero (roughly a 15 minute walk) where you will have one of the best shots of this iconic monument. (Pst. A great alternative to the Eiffel Tower is visiting the Arc de Triomphe which provides a fantastic view of all the avenues and the Eiffel Tower itself! You will have the option to visit later on this Day).

If heading up is a must, hopefully you have pre purchased your tickets online or purchased these Viator skip the line tickets; however, if you decided to just wing it, you can purchase tickets at the ticket office. Please note that if you are visiting during peak season you will wait in several (long) queues. Check out this helpful guide on visiting the Eiffel Tower.

PS. While this guide has you at the Eiffel Tower in the morning, if you do plan on going up, we prefer going around sunset to see the City of Lights come alive!