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Discover the Iconic Eiffel Tower | The Symbol of the City of Paris

As Paris' beacon, the Eiffel Tower, erected in 1889 and towering at 324 meters with 20,000 bulbs, lights up the night sky. Once criticized, it now draws millions for breathtaking city views. Indulge in fine dining on the second level, a glass floo...

Also Known As

The Iron Lady

Founded On

1889

Founded By

Gustave Eiffel

Quick information

RECOMMENDED DURATION

2 hours

VISITORS PER YEAR

5889000

NUMBER OF ENTRANCES

2

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

2+ hours (Peak), 1-2 hours (Off Peak)

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE

0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

UNESCO YEAR

1991

Plan your visit

Did you know?

The creator of Eiffel Tower, Gustave Eiffel, once inhabited a personal apartment on the third floor. Now accessible to the public, the space offers a glimpse into the aesthetic of the Eiffel era, featuring preserved decor from that period.

The Eiffel Tower undergoes repainting every 7 years to preserve its legendary appearance. This meticulous process requires approximately 60 tons of paint to cover the entirety of the structure, ensuring its continued visual splendor.

The Eiffel Tower's height can vary by up to 6 inches, depending on the changing temperature. In summer, the iron expands, and in winter, it contracts.

More insights

Eiffel Tower | The iron giantess of Paris

One of the most visited monuments in the world, the Eiffel Tower has not only become a symbol of love and romance, but it has also become synonymous with the city of Paris. Chances are that you’ve seen or read about it a million times but there’s always something new to uncover.

Highlights of the Eiffel Tower

Gardens and fountains

Located on the ground floor of the Eiffel Tower, you can take a peaceful stroll through the lush green gardens and beautiful fountains before ascending to the top. The garden is home to 60 varieties of trees, including a 200-year-old sycamore tree!

Bust of Gustave Eiffel

Near the North leg of the tower, you can admire the bronze bust of Gustave Eiffel, the mastermind behind the design and construction of the Eiffel Tower. On the ground floor, you can also get a glimpse of the hydraulic lift that has been powering the tower’s elevator for more than 100 years!

Highest observation deck

The third floor of the Eiffel Tower is home to the highest observation deck, at 907 feet. Offering unparalleled views of Paris, the summit of the Eiffel Tower is the stunning grand finale of your visit! With a flute of champagne in your hand, don’t forget to toast yourself and Paris from the summit. 

Reconstruction of Gustave Eiffel’s office

On the third floor of the Eiffel Tower, you can also see a beautiful and life-like reconstruction of Gustave Eiffel’s office. The reconstruction is brought to life with wax figures of Gustave Eiffel, his daughter Claire and Thomas Edison.

Glass floor

Located on the first floor, 187 feet above the ground, the glass floor offers views of Paris from a completely new perspective! 

Old spiral staircase:

On the first floor, you can also see a 4.3-meter tall section of the old spiral staircase that linked the first floor of the Eiffel Tower to the summit during its heyday.  

Observation deck

Located 377 feet above the ground, the observation deck on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower is the final stop before reaching the summit. From here, you can enjoy views of iconic Parisian landmarks such as the Louvre, Notre Dame, and the River Seine. 

A ‘short’ history of the ‘high’ Eiffel Tower

  • 1884: A vision takes shape: The idea of an iron lattice tower is conceived by engineers Maurice Koechlin and Émile Nouguier.
  • 1885: A bold proposal: Gustave Eiffel, a renowned engineer, presents the tower design to the Société des Ingénieurs Civils.
  • 1886: A monumental decision: The design is approved for the 1889 Exposition Universelle, commemorating the French Revolution's centennial. Despite initial artistic protests, construction begins in late January 1887.
  • 1888: A tower takes form: The first level of the tower is completed.
  • 1889: A Parisian marvel: On March 15th, the Eiffel Tower is inaugurated, standing tall as the world's highest man-made structure. The tower quickly becomes a symbol of innovation and a popular tourist attraction.
  • 1909: A scientific endeavor: To avoid demolition, the tower's purpose is extended to scientific research, including meteorology and wireless telegraphy.
  • 20th century and beyond: The tower continues to evolve, undergoing various renovations and adaptations. It becomes a beacon of hope and resilience, especially during World War II. 

Eiffel Tower architecture

The Eiffel Tower is an architectural and engineering marvel completed in 1889 by Gustave Eiffel and his team. Its design is characterized by a lattice structure made of wrought iron that provides both strength and lightness to the tower. The intricate, open framework allows the tower to withstand strong winds and temperature variations, which cause it to expand and contract by up to 15 centimeters.

Only three levels of the Eiffel Tower are accessible to the public. The first and second levels feature restaurants and observation decks. In contrast, the third level, the highest observation point, offers panoramic views of Paris and other iconic landmarks such as the Louvre and Notre Dame.

The design of the Eiffel Tower also includes decorative arches at the base. Construction started in 1887 and was completed by 1889. The Tower was constructed using prefabricated iron parts, which showcased the innovative construction techniques of the time. It is this unique blend of functionality and beauty that has made the Eiffel Tower an enduring symbol of architectural ingenuity today.

Pop culture and the Eiffel 

From the silver screen to the canvas, the Eiffel Tower has always been the ultimate Parisian star. It's the backdrop for romantic rendezvous, dramatic chases, and breathtaking cityscapes. Here are some of its influences in pop culture!

Paintings of the Eiffel Tower

  • ‘Eiffel Tower’ by Georges Seurat (1888)
  • ‘The Red Tower’ by Robert Delaunay (1911-1912)
  • ‘Eiffel Tower’ by Henri Rousseau (1910)
  • ‘Eiffel Tower’ by Maurice Utrillo (1924)  
  • ‘The Eiffel Tower’ by Raoul Dufy (1926)
  • ‘The Eiffel Tower Series’ by Bernard Buffet (1952-1968)

Movies featuring the Eiffel Tower

  • An American in Paris (1951)
  • James Bond: A View to a Kill (1985)
  • Midnight in Paris (2011)
  • Mission Impossible-Fallout (2018)
  • Ratatouille (2007)
  • Inception (2010
  • Mission: Impossible-Fallout (2018)

Eiffel Tower and its application in the sciences

Beyond its status as an iconic Parisian landmark, the Eiffel Tower has also played a significant role in the advancement of the sciences. In fact, Gustave Eiffel originally included a laboratory at the top of the tower for scientific experiments, including early studies in radio transmission.

The height of the Eiffel Tower makes the attraction an optimal vantage point for climate research, weather forecasting, testing radio communication technologies, and making astronomical observations.

The structure and location of the Eiffel Tower have also helped facilitate experiments in physics, including studies of gravity and pendulum dynamics. Researchers have actually utilized the tower to conduct experiments that require precise measurements and a stable environment! 

Overall, the Eiffel Tower's role in scientific research spans disciplines from meteorology to telecommunications, making it not only a symbol of architectural ingenuity but also a valuable asset for advancing scientific knowledge and innovation.

Eiffel Tower and its contributions to the Paris Olympics 2024

  • The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic medals featured a piece of metal from the original iron used in the construction of the Eiffel Tower. 
  • The Eiffel Tower was adorned with the iconic Olympic rings, creating a visual symbol of the Games and adding to the celebratory atmosphere. 
  • The area around the Eiffel Tower, specifically the Champ de Mars, was transformed into a temporary stadium for hosting beach volleyball and blind football events. 
  • The Eiffel Tower underwent extensive renovations, including a new paint job in a golden hue ahead of the Olympics.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Eiffel Tower

What are the levels of the Eiffel Tower?

The Eiffel Tower has three public levels: the first for exhibitions, the second for dining, and the third for observation.

What are the Eiffel Tower’s opening hours?

The Eiffel Tower is open daily, generally from 9:30am to 11:45pm, though hours may vary seasonally.

How tall is the Eiffel Tower?

Including its antenna, the Eiffel Tower stands at a towering height of 330 meters (1,083 feet).

How often is the Eiffel Tower repainted?

To maintain its appearance, the tower is repainted every 7 years, using about 60 tons of paint.

Can visitors go to Gustave Eiffel’s private apartment?

Yes, visitors can see the recreated apartment on the tower’s third floor by purchasing a ticket to the top.

Are there any annual events at the Eiffel Tower?

Yes, the Eiffel Tower often hosts special events, particularly during Parisian holidays like Bastille Day. These events can include stunning fireworks displays, light shows, and other festive celebrations.

Can you bring a picnic to the Eiffel Tower?

While you can't picnic on the tower itself, nearby parks and gardens offer meals with views of the iconic landmark.

Is there a dress code for the Eiffel Tower?

There's no strict dress code, but it's advisable to wear comfortable clothing, especially if you plan to climb the stairs.