Tour Guide

Engineering Marvel

🌉 Eiffel Tower

Paris's iron lady - 135 years of iconic history

Eiffel Tower in Paris
Photo: Benh LIEU SONG · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

Overview

Built in 1889 for the World's Fair, the Eiffel Tower was initially criticized but became the world's most-visited paid monument with 7 million annual visitors. At 330 meters (1,083 feet), this iron lattice tower offers three levels with restaurants, exhibits, and breathtaking panoramic views of Paris.

Observation Points

2nd floor views: Best vantage point - not too high, perfect perspective over Paris. Le Jules Verne: Michelin-star restaurant on 2nd floor (book months ahead). Summit champagne bar: Toast at the top of Paris at 276 meters. Trocadéro viewpoint: Classic photo spot across the Seine. Champ de Mars: Picnic on the lawns with tower views. The Arc de Triomphe rooftop offers complementary panoramas.

Engineering Facts

Gustave Eiffel's iron lattice tower used 7,300 tons of wrought iron and 2.5 million rivets. Wind resistance was achieved through the distinctive curved legs, mathematically calculated to distribute wind load. The tower grows up to 15 cm in summer heat as iron expands. It is repainted every 7 years, requiring 60 tons of paint in three graduated shades of bronze. Originally planned for demolition after 20 years, it was saved by its usefulness as a radio transmission tower. View the tower from Champs-Élysées or pair with a visit to the Louvre Museum.

When to Visit

Hours: 9:30 AM - 11:45 PM daily (summer), 9:30 AM - 6:30 PM (winter). Best time: Sunset (1-2 hours before closing) for day and night views. Least crowded: Early morning (9:30-11 AM) or after 8 PM. Light show: Sparkles for 5 minutes every hour after dark

Admission and Costs

Elevator to 2nd floor: €19.40. Elevator to summit: €29.40. Stairs to 2nd floor: €11.30 (cheaper, good exercise!). Guided tours: €50-80 per person (skip-the-line + expert narration). Private guide: €250-400 for up to 6 people

Tips for Visitors

Book online: Walk-up tickets often sold out - reserve at toureiffel.paris. Security: No large bags, expect airport-style screening. Weather: Summit closes in high winds - check before visiting. Dining: Cheaper snacks on 1st/2nd floors than in surrounding cafés

Frequently Asked Questions

What months are best for going up the Eiffel Tower?

May and September offer warm weather, extended evening hours for watching sunset from the summit, and somewhat lighter crowds than the July-August peak when queues can stretch beyond two hours. The tower's hourly sparkle display against dark winter skies in December and January is magical from below, though the summit sometimes closes during high winds. Late spring and early autumn also bring the clearest visibility for spotting landmarks up to 70 kilometers away on the horizon.

What time does Eiffel Tower open and close?

Hours: 9:30 AM - 11:45 PM daily (summer), 9:30 AM - 6:30 PM (winter). Best time: Sunset (1-2 hours before closing) for day and night views. Least crowded: Early morning (9:30-11 AM) or after 8 PM.

What does a visit to Eiffel Tower cost?

Elevator to 2nd floor: €19.40. Elevator to summit: €29.40. Stairs to 2nd floor: €11.30 (cheaper, good exercise!). Guided tours: €50-80 per person (skip-the-line + expert narration). Private guide: €250-400 for up to 6 people

What should visitors know before visiting the Eiffel Tower?

Book online: Walk-up tickets often sold out - reserve at toureiffel.paris. Security: No large bags, expect airport-style screening. Weather: Summit closes in high winds - check before visiting.