Arc de Triomphe, Paris

It's hard to admire it from the ground. If you are right next to it, you can explore small parts only as it's too big to take it all in. When you get further away, there is all this traffic in between. Some people try to take pictures from the middle of the boulevard... Not recommended! But from the top the views are glorious. And you can finally observe the full design of the city. I highly recommend reading about it ahead of time or right there as we did. Also, it's quite entertaining to watch traffic below. The complexity and dynamics of it is mesmerizing.

Beautiful. Is a long 280 stairs climb but worth it. Takes about 15 minutes to climb. There's also a 10 minutes long AV which takes you through the history of the Arc in detail. Tickets are under €20 and we'll worth it. Go in late evening, so that you're on top of the Arc at 10pm, that's when the Eiffel light show happens and looks absolutely stunning. Great views of Paris from the top too.

It's hard to admire it from the ground. If you are right next to it, you can explore small parts only as it's too big to take it all in. When you get further away, there is all this traffic in between. Some people try to take pictures from the middle of the boulevard... Not recommended! But from the top the views are glorious. And you can finally observe the full design of the city. I highly recommend reading about it ahead of time or right there as we did. Also, it's quite entertaining to watch traffic below. The complexity and dynamics of it is mesmerizing.

Great views of Paris and the Eiffel tower. In order to get to the arc, you need to walk through an underground tunnel, as it's surrounded on all sides by a giant roundabout. Easy to walk from the arc to the tower as well (it's perhaps a 15 minute walk). There are lots of stairs arrayed in a close spiral, so be prepared to climb them. Inside is a very small museum, gift shop, and restrooms. Tickets can be bought at the base of the tower before going through security.

It's worth it to research the history of the Arc before you visit. Only then can one appreciate the full experience in this major attraction. I don't know if there is supposed to be a dedicated crossing area to get to the grounds of the Arc itself (it is located in the middle of a high-traffic circle). I had to run while hoping I didn't get tackled by a speeding car in a foreign country. Don't forget the eternal flame on the base of the Arc.