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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.

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How To Buy Eiffel Tower Tickets & Tours? .

Eiffel Tower Guided Tour by Elevator: Summit or Second Floor
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
1 hr. - 2 hr.
Guided tour
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Eiffel Tower Guided Tour by Elevator with Seine River Cruise
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Mobile ticket
2 hr.
Guided tour
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from
€51.50
Dinner at Eiffel Tower's Madame Brasserie
Free cancellation
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Mobile ticket
1 hr. 30 min.
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from
€129.30

What Makes the Eiffel Tower A Must-Visit in Paris?

While it can seem to be too "touristy", visiting Eiffel Tower while you are in Paris seems like a no-brainer. Apart from being a cultural and historical icon, the tower has even gained the status of being the international symbol of love. Explore the brilliant masterpiece by Gustave Eiffel to get an insight into French culture and learn about the significance the structure has had on French history. Whether you are an architecture buff, a history geek, or someone who enjoys taking selfies in iconic locations, the Eiffel Tower is going to be an attraction you enjoy exploring.

Enjoy a picturesque view of the City of Lights from the first floor and walk across the glass floor 57 meters above the ground! Of course, the trip is incomplete until you make your way to the top. From the second floor, enjoy a near-perfect aerial view of iconic Parisian landmarks such as the Notre Dame, and Champs Elysees. And finally, when you make it to the Summit, you get to bask in the beauty of Paris in all its glory from a unique vantage point.

Who Built the Eiffel Tower?

The Eiffel Tower was built by French engineer Gustave Eiffel, whose company specialized in building metal frameworks and structures.

Emile Nouguier and Maurice Koechlin, the two chief engineers in Eiffel's company, and Stephen Sauvestre, an architect, also played a pivotal role in the tower's construction.

What to See at the Eiffel Tower?

The Eiffel Tower is composed of three levels - the 1st floor, the 2nd floor, and the summit (top-level). You can either take the stairs or the elevator to reach the top.

About Eiffel Tower
About Eiffel Tower
About Eiffel Tower
About Eiffel Tower
About Eiffel Tower

Brief History of the Eiffel Tower

The plan to build the Eiffel Tower was conceived as part of preparations for the World's Fair of 1889. The competition called for the construction of a square iron tower that would be 300 meters tall with 125-meter sides. The plan proposed by Gustave Eiffel, Maurice Kœchlin, and Emile Nouguier was chosen from the 107 submissions.

By June 1884, the blueprints for the project were finalized. It took five months to build the foundation of the tower and another 21 months to finish assembling all the metal pieces of the tower. The construction work began in January 1887 and was finished on March 31, 1889.

The tower found itself to be at the center of fierce debate even before the construction was complete. However, this changed once the tower was finished. Today, the Eiffel Tower has come to be seen as a symbol of Paris.

Architecture & Design of the Eiffel Tower

About Eiffel Tower

Scientific Uses of the Eiffel Tower

About Eiffel Tower

Gustave Eiffel gave the Tower some scientific uses to prolong its lifespan. These uses include being a site for meteorological and astronomical observations, physics experiments, an optical telegraph communications point, a beacon for electric lighting, a strategic vantage point, and wind studies.

Since 1889, the tower has been used as a laboratory of measurements and scientific experiments. A meteorology laboratory was installed on the third floor on the day after the Tower’s inauguration. Between 1903 and 1905, gravity instruments were installed as he had a passion for aerodynamics. Gustave Eiffel even encouraged numerous scientific experiments on the Tower such as Foucault’s Pendulum.

The tower was also installed with an antenna for wireless broadcasting in 1903 and has been used for making radio transmissions since. A television antenna was first installed on the tower in 1957.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Eiffel Tower in France

Q. What is the Eiffel Tower?

A. The Eiffel Tower is a 300-meter wrought-iron lattice tower on the Champ de Mars in Paris, France. Named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built the structure, the tower has come to be a global cultural icon of France.

Q. Why is the Eiffel Tower famous?

A. One of the most recognizable structures in the world, the Eiffel Tower is an architectural wonder that attracts more visitors than any other paid tourist attraction in the world. Apart from this, the tower also serves an important role in television and radio broadcasts, making it even more integral to the city.

Q. How much does Eiffel Tower tickets cost?

A. The Eiffel Tower ticket prices start at €45.

Q. Who designed the Eiffel Tower?

A. The tower was designed by Gustave Eiffel, an entrepreneur, along with engineers Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier, and architect Stephen Sauvestre.

Q. When was the Eiffel Tower built?

A. The Eiffel Tower was constructed between 26 January 1887 and 31st March 1889 for the 1889 World's Fair. The Eiffel Tower was originally built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution.

Q. Where is the Eiffel Tower located?

A. The Eiffel Tower is located at Champs de Mars at 5 Avenue Anatole France within the 7th arrondissement of Paris.

Q. How can I get to the Eiffel Tower?

A. The Eiffel Tower is accessible by public transport. You can reach the Eiffel Tower via metro, RER, bus, Vélib bike, boat, or even by car.

Q. What are the Eiffel Tower timings?

A. The Eiffel Tower timings are 9:30 AM to 11:45 PM on all days.

Q. What can I do at the Eiffel Tower?

A. The Eiffel Tower is composed of three levels. On the first floor, you can explore the museum exhibits, walk over the glass floor, grab a bite to eat, and shop for souvenirs. However, it might be better to save your appetite for the second floor, which houses the Jules Verne restaurant. Make sure you take in the spectacular views of the city from the observation area. Finally, at the top, you can take in panoramic views of Paris’ famous landmarks, have a glass of bubbly at the champagne bar, visit Gustav Eiffel’s office, and take photos at the top of the Eiffel Tower.

Q. Are there restaurants inside the Eiffel Tower?

A. Yes, the Eiffel Tower is home to several restaurants, including the famous Jules Verne restaurant, Madame Brasserie and the Champagne Bar at the summit. It is also home to several buffets and a Macaron Bar.