My Eiffel Tower Dream

Since childhood, I’d dreamed of seeing the Eiffel Tower. In September 2022, that dream came true—on my honeymoon. My husband and I kicked off our stay in France at a hotel in the 7th arrondissement, just a quick stroll from the tower itself.

The moment we left Charles De Gaulle Airport and climbed into a taxi I was on cloud nine. When the Eiffel Tower appeared through the window, I cried. I had finally made it to the City of Love with my new husband, fresh off our wedding the day before.

That first evening, we walked down to see the tower’s twinkling lights up close. The next day, we planned to go all the way to the top. As someone afraid of heights, I was nervous—but determined. We’d purchased tickets ahead (a must!) and arrived early, snapping photos and sipping café au lait under the iron giant.

We took the glass elevator to the second floor—377 feet up—and my stomach already fluttered. But the real challenge came as we waited for the next elevator, heading 529 feet higher. I tried to focus on the tower’s elegant structure instead of the dizzying height. A fellow tourist joked, “Not a ride for the faint of heart!” as we got onto the second elevator and I quickly buried my face in my husband’s chest. Still, I couldn’t resist peeking out a few times as Paris dropped away below us.

At the summit, there were two decks—an enclosed level with glass and an open-air one surrounded by safety cages. I eased my way toward the edge, occasionally looking down but mostly marveling at the panoramic view of the sprawling, symmetrical city. It was breathtaking.

We skipped the champagne but lingered as long as we liked—there was no rush. On the way down, I braved the outward-facing view and even walked the 674 steps from the second floor to the ground. It was a little nerve-wracking, but unforgettable.

Despite the butterflies, standing atop the Eiffel Tower fulfilled a lifelong dream. And doing it on our honeymoon made it so magical. Sometimes, the best experiences are the ones that make you nervous—the ones that test your fears and leave you in awe.