Are you planning a trip to Paris France?  If you are, know that no trip  to Paris is complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower.  Why?  There  are a number of reasons why this popular attraction is considered a must  visit.

It Is an Iconic Establishment

Perhaps,  the greatest reason why you should visit the Eiffel Tower when in Paris  is because it represents the city.  Yes, Paris is home a number of  architectural wonders, including beautiful chateaus and museums, but the  Eiffel Tower is the most well-known of them all.  In fact, ask a small  child about Paris and they will likely respond with the Eiffel Tower.  

Its History

Construction  started on the Eiffel Tower on January 26, 1887.  Although numerous  problems were encountered along the way, the Eiffel Tower was later  complete.  According to the official website for the tower, it was  inaugurated on March 31, 1889.  Even in the early 1900ís elevators  allowed guest to travel between floors.  This was a large feat at the  time worth notice.

Today, the Eiffel Tower is known as one of the  world's most popular attractions.  Did you know that trouble and  controversy surrounded the tower before, during, and immediately  following its construction?  It did.  When you arrive at the top and see  Paris like you had never seen it before, you will wonder how anyone  could have been displeased with this amazing work of art and  architecture.

Photographs

If you are  traveling from outside of Paris, you will likely have your camera or  video camera in your hands at all times.  This is important when  visiting the Eiffel Tower, as you will be able to take amazing pictures  of the City of Paris.  In fact, these are pictures you are likely to  treasure for years to come.

The second floor of the Eiffel Tower is often referred to as the best  location for pictures; however, you can snap or record away throughout  your entire journey up.

What You Will Find Inside

The Eiffel Tower is most well-known for its beauty, but did you know that inside you will find much more?  

On  the ground floor, you will find the Gustave Eiffel, which is a carving  made by Bourdelle in 1929.  The area is also home to a snack bar and a  select number of souvenir shops.  Also, at the ground level, you will be  able to see the elevator machinery.  Although restored and repaired  throughout the years, it has been used since 1899.

On the second  floor of the Eiffel Tower, you find another snack bar, as well as a  sit-down restaurant.  A souvenir shop, as well as the Paris-Tour Eiffel  Post Office calls the second floor home.  The FerOscope, a tower top  observatory, panoramic indicators, the Cineiffel, Exhibitions of the  Tower, and a section of the Eiffel Towerís old spiral staircase are also  located here.

As you continue up the tower, you will see a  panoramic view of the city of Paris, the engineers office, a replica of  Gustave Eiffelís office with wax sculptures, and much more.

Availability of Guided Tours

When  open to the public, you can explore and journey to the top of the  Eiffel Tower yourself.  You do, however, have the option of a guided  tour.  In fact, it is recommended.  If you want to do more than see the  Eiffel Tower, but learn about its history and construction, a guided  tour is recommended.  With a guide, you travel to areas where the  general public is not allowed.  You can visit the old machine room, see a  bunker, and visit the control room.

As previously stated, the  Eiffel Tower is a part of Paris. The two just belong together.  Although  that is enough reason to visit the tower, remember that guided tours  are available, there is so much for you to do and see, and think of the  amazing photographs you can take