Eiffel Tower

Paris, France

The Eiffel Tower (La tour Eiffel) is an iron lattice tower located on the Champ de Mars in Paris. It was named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built the tower. Erected in 1889 as the entrance arch to the 1889 World's Fair, it was initially criticised by some of France's leading artists and intellectuals for its design, but has become both a global cultural icon of France and one of the most recognizable structures in the world. The tower is the tallest structure in Paris and the most-visited paid monument in the world.

The tower is 324 metres tall, about the same height as an 81-storey building. During its construction, the Eiffel Tower surpassed the Washington Monument to assume the title of the tallest man-made structure in the world, a title it held for 41 years, until the Chrysler Building in New York City was built in 1930. Because of the addition of the aerial atop the Eiffel Tower in 1957, it is now taller than the Chrysler Building by 5.2 metres (17 ft). Not including broadcast aerials, it is the second-tallest structure in France, after the Millau Viaduct.

The tower has three levels for visitors, with restaurants on the first and second. The third level observatory's upper platform is 276 m above the ground, the highest accessible to the public in the European Union. Tickets can be purchased to ascend by stairs or lift (elevator) to the first and second levels. The climb from ground level to the first level is over 300 steps, as is the walk from the first to the second level. Although there are stairs to the third and highest level, these are usually closed to the public and it is generally only accessible by lift.

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Details

Founded: 1889
Category: Miscellaneous historic sites in France

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Alex Tomic (43 days ago)
What more to say than give a five star review to this absolutely amazing historical and national monument. It's a bit difficult to navigate when it's your first time. The ticket entrance is located a bit weirdly but it's easy once you get inside. The staff was neutral, not bad or good.
Patrick LaDez (2 months ago)
Amazing views of the city of lights. Top is not always open and a few times a year it is very busy (3 hr. wait for us), but we were told it is usually not. We were lucky enough for the top to be open and our long wait meant that we got to see dusk and the city light up. Engineering marvel created in just over 2 years by only 300 people. Advanced tickets will not skip the line.
Parikshit Chaturvedi (2 months ago)
Visiting the Eiffel Tower at night in December near Christmas was an unforgettable experience. The tower looked absolutely magical, illuminated against the crisp winter sky. The holiday season added a festive charm, with the surrounding area glowing in cheerful lights and a cozy, celebratory atmosphere. The highlight, of course, was the iconic light show. As the tower sparkled brilliantly, it felt like a dream come to life—a breathtaking sight that we’ll cherish forever. Standing there with my wife, watching the dazzling display, was incredibly romantic and the perfect way to soak in the holiday spirit in Paris. A visit to the Eiffel Tower at night during Christmas is truly a must for anyone in the City of Light!
Chandan Skanda (3 months ago)
An absolute must-visit! The Eiffel Tower is breathtaking from every angle, but nothing compares to the experience of being on it. The views from the top are simply spectacular, offering a panoramic look at the beauty of Paris. The journey up is smooth, and the staff is very friendly. Whether during the day or at night when the city lights up, the atmosphere is magical. Don’t miss the glass floor on the first level—it’s thrilling!We bought the tickets on the spot and it was less crowded as it was a weekday. A truly unforgettable experience!
Shashi Tharanga Fernando (4 months ago)
Experiencing the Eiffel Tower on a rainy day added a unique charm to my visit. As I approached the tower, the soft drizzle created a romantic atmosphere, and the raindrops glistened on the iron lattice, enhancing its intricate details. The gray clouds cast a moody light over the entire scene, making the iconic structure stand out even more dramatically against the Parisian skyline. While waiting to ascend, I took shelter under the nearby trees, watching as other visitors huddled beneath their umbrellas. Despite the weather, there was a palpable excitement in the air. Once inside, I made my way up to the observation deck, where the rain created a misty veil over the city. The view was both beautiful and surreal; the city of Paris appeared softer and more mysterious, as if wrapped in a gentle embrace of fog. As I walked around the deck, I found joy in the collective experience of everyone there. The sound of rain against the metal and the occasional flashes of laughter brought a sense of camaraderie among the visitors. I even managed to capture some stunning photos, the rain lending an artistic touch to the skyline. When the rain subsided, the Eiffel Tower glimmered against the refreshed backdrop of the city. Watching the lights come on as dusk fell was magical, the illuminated tower casting reflections on the wet pavement below. This experience reinforced that even in less-than-ideal weather, the Eiffel Tower retains its ability to inspire awe and wonder, making for a memorable visit that felt uniquely Parisian.
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