History & Architecture
Gustave Eiffel's Masterpiece
The Eiffel Tower was constructed for the 1889 World's Fair to celebrate the centennial of the French Revolution. Designed by engineer Gustave Eiffel, it was initially criticized by artists and intellectuals but soon became a global icon of France.
Engineering Marvel
Standing at 330 meters (1,083 feet) tall, the Eiffel Tower was the world's tallest man-made structure for 41 years. Its innovative design features 18,038 iron parts held together by 2.5 million rivets. The tower sways only 6-7 cm in strong winds due to its lattice structure.
Cultural Symbol
From a temporary exhibition piece to a permanent landmark, the Eiffel Tower has become synonymous with Paris and French culture. It attracts nearly 7 million visitors annually, making it the most visited paid monument in the world.
Architectural Highlights
Height: 330 meters (1,083 ft) including antennas
Weight: 10,100 tons of iron
Construction: 1887-1889 (2 years, 2 months, 5 days)
Paint: Repainted every 7 years with 60 tons of paint
First Encounter with the Iron Lady
I first saw the Eiffel Tower on a crisp autumn morning. Emerging from the Champ de Mars metro station, I was struck by its imposing yet graceful presence against the Parisian sky. As I approached, the intricate lattice work revealed itself - a marvel of 19th century engineering. Taking the elevator to the second level, I watched Paris awaken below me. The golden morning light transformed the Seine into a ribbon of gold, while distant landmarks like Sacré-Cœur glowed on the horizon. That first glimpse from the viewing platform remains one of my most cherished travel memories.
Travel Guide
Essential Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours | 9:00 AM - 11:45 PM daily (last entry 11:00 PM) Stairs close at 6:00 PM in winter |
| Ticket Prices | Elevator to top: €26.80 (adult) Stairs to 2nd floor: €10.40 Youth discounts available |
| Best Time to Visit | Early morning (8:30-10 AM) or late evening Weekdays are less crowded |
| Suggested Duration | 2-3 hours for full experience |
| Transportation | Metro: Line 6 to Bir-Hakeim Line 9 to Trocadéro Line 8 to École Militaire |
Visiting Tips
Book Ahead: Purchase tickets online 1-2 months in advance to skip long queues
Timing: Visit at sunset for daytime and nighttime views in one visit
Stairs Option: Consider taking stairs to 2nd floor then elevator to top for savings
Security: Allow extra time for security checks (30-60 minutes)
Must-See Highlights
360° Panoramic Views
Champ de Mars Gardens
Nighttime Sparkling Lights
Sunset at the Summit
My most magical Eiffel Tower experience was watching sunset from the summit. I timed my visit to arrive at the top level about 30 minutes before sunset. As the golden hour began, Paris transformed beneath me - rooftops glowing amber, the Seine reflecting the changing sky. I watched as streetlights gradually illuminated the city's grand boulevards. At the precise moment of sunset, the tower began its famous sparkling light show. Seeing Paris transition from day to night from this vantage point was truly unforgettable. Pro tip: Bring a light jacket as it gets windy at the top, even in summer.
Travel Experiences
Paris Skyline from Summit
Picnic at Champ de Mars
Night Illumination
Unique Experiences
- Champ de Mars Picnic: Enjoy French delicacies on the lawns with tower views
- Dining at 58 Tour Eiffel: Lunch or dinner on the first level
- Sparkling Light Show: Watch the tower sparkle for 5 minutes every hour after dark
- Historical Tour: Learn about Gustave Eiffel's office and construction history
- Stair Climb Challenge: Ascend 674 steps to the second floor for panoramic views
Dining in the Clouds
For a special occasion, I booked dinner at Le Jules Verne restaurant on the Eiffel Tower's second level. Arriving via a private elevator, I was greeted with champagne as Paris glittered below through floor-to-ceiling windows. The seven-course tasting menu featured modern French cuisine with ingredients sourced from across France. Each course was paired with exceptional French wines selected by the sommelier. Between courses, I stepped onto the observation deck to see Paris by night - the illuminated Arc de Triomphe, the glowing pyramid of the Louvre, and boats gliding along the Seine. The combination of gourmet dining and unparalleled views created an unforgettable Parisian experience.
Tips & Notes
Safety & Etiquette
- Beware of pickpockets around the tower - keep valuables secure
- Do not buy tickets from street vendors - purchase only from official sources
- Respect security procedures and cooperate with staff
- Large bags and luggage are not permitted inside
Practical Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes - there's significant walking and standing
- Bring layers - temperatures at the top can be 5-10°C cooler
- Carry water and snacks - food options are limited and expensive
- Download the official Eiffel Tower app for interactive guides
Photography Tips
Golden Hour: Capture the tower at sunrise or sunset for magical lighting
Trocadéro Viewpoint: Best spot for classic tower photos with fountains
Reflections: Photograph the tower reflected in the Seine at Pont de Bir-Hakeim
Night Photography: Use a tripod for sparkling light show photos
FAQs
Plan for at least 2-3 hours for a complete visit:
- 30-60 minutes for security and ticket lines
- 15-20 minutes elevator ride to top (with stops)
- 45-60 minutes to explore all three levels
- Additional time for dining or special exhibits
Consider these factors:
- Stairs: Only go to 2nd floor (674 steps), cheaper, less crowded, good exercise
- Elevator: Access to all levels, faster, accessible for mobility issues
- Hybrid Option: Stairs to 2nd floor, then elevator to top - best value
Lighting schedule:
- Golden illumination: Sunset to 1 AM (2 AM in summer)
- Sparkling lights: First 5 minutes of every hour after dark
- Special occasions: Sometimes different colored lighting
Top photography locations:
- Trocadéro Gardens (classic frontal view)
- Champ de Mars (long perspective with lawns)
- Pont de Bir-Hakeim (bridge with metal arches framing tower)
- Rue de l'Université (street view with Parisian buildings)
- Montparnasse Tower observation deck (elevated city view)
Local Cuisine
French Onion Soup
Steak Frites
French Macarons
Must-Try Dishes
- Croque Monsieur: Classic French ham and cheese grilled sandwich
- Ratatouille: Provençal vegetable stew
- Escargots de Bourgogne: Snails in garlic-herb butter
- Crème Brûlée: Vanilla custard with caramelized sugar crust
- Baguette Sandwich: Simple yet perfect Parisian street food
Recommended Restaurants
| Restaurant Name | Distance | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Le Jules Verne | On Eiffel Tower (2nd floor) | Michelin-starred fine dining with views |
| Les Ombres | 5-minute walk | Modern French cuisine with panoramic views |
| Le Café du Marché | 10-minute walk | Authentic French bistro experience |
| La Fontaine de Mars | 12-minute walk | Traditional French dishes since 1908 |
| Le Petit Cler | 15-minute walk | Cozy café with excellent pastries |
Boulangerie Breakfast Experience
My favorite Paris ritual was visiting a local boulangerie near the Eiffel Tower each morning. I'd order a fresh croissant and café au lait, then find a bench in Champ de Mars as the morning sun illuminated the tower. The simple pleasure of tearing apart the flaky, buttery layers while watching the tower emerge from morning mist was pure Parisian magic. On weekends, I'd treat myself to a pain au chocolat - the perfect combination of crisp pastry and rich chocolate. These quiet morning moments became the foundation of unforgettable Paris days.
Accommodation Recommendations
| Hotel Name | Type | Distance | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel | Luxury | Direct view of tower | Balcony rooms with Eiffel views, rooftop bar |
| Hôtel Le Walt | Boutique | 5-minute walk | Art-themed rooms, personalized service |
| Hôtel Eiffel Trocadéro | Mid-range | 10-minute walk | Trocadéro views, classic Parisian style |
| Hôtel de la Paix | Comfort | 8-minute walk | Quiet street, charming courtyard |
| Ibis Paris Tour Eiffel | Budget | 12-minute walk | Reliable chain, good value |
Accommodation Tips
Book Early: Reserve 4-6 months ahead for peak season (May-September)
View Rooms: Specify "Eiffel Tower view" when booking
Location: 7th arrondissement (near tower) or 16th (Trocadéro area)
Balconies: Worth the upgrade for private viewing of light shows
Room with a View
Staying at Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel provided the ultimate Eiffel Tower experience. My room featured floor-to-ceiling windows framing a perfect view of the tower. Each morning, I'd open the curtains to see the Iron Lady greeting the day. But the real magic happened at night - from my private balcony, I watched the hourly sparkling light show without crowds or queues. On my last night, I ordered room service champagne and toasted to Paris as the tower glittered against the night sky. The convenience of stepping outside my door to see this iconic monument made my Paris visit truly special.
Travel Itineraries
Eiffel Tower Half-Day Experience
Morning: Visit Eiffel Tower summit → Explore Champ de Mars
Lunch: Seine River cruise with lunch
Afternoon: Musée du Quai Branly or Rodin Museum
Paris Highlights One-Day Tour
Morning: Eiffel Tower → Trocadéro Gardens
Midday: Seine River cruise → Notre-Dame Cathedral
Afternoon: Louvre Museum → Champs-Élysées
Evening: Arc de Triomphe night view
Paris Romance Three-Day Tour
Day 1: Eiffel Tower → Seine cruise → Dinner in Montmartre
Day 2: Louvre → Tuileries Garden → Notre-Dame → Latin Quarter
Day 3: Musée d'Orsay → Saint-Germain-des-Prés → Luxembourg Gardens
Eiffel Tower Half-Day
Paris Highlights Day Tour
Romantic Paris Getaway
Seine River Perspective
One of my favorite ways to experience the Eiffel Tower is from the Seine River. I boarded a Bateaux-Mouches cruise near Pont de l'Alma just before sunset. As we glided past Musée d'Orsay and Notre-Dame, golden light bathed the city. When we approached the Eiffel Tower, everyone rushed to the bow - the tower appeared like a magnificent iron lacework against the twilight sky. Just as we passed underneath, the sparkling lights began, creating a magical shower of light reflected on the water. Seeing Paris and its iconic tower from this unique perspective provided a beautiful alternative to the crowded viewing platforms.