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
The Case for a Guide
A knowledgeable guide turns a queue-and-selfie experience into a genuine encounter with one of history's most audacious engineering gambles — revealing the stories that plaques and audio guides never reach.
- Eiffel's secret apartment: Gustave Eiffel built a private apartment at the very top of the tower, turning down lucrative offers to rent it — guides explain why, and what he used it for with famous guests like Thomas Edison.
- Radio mast salvation: The tower was scheduled for demolition after 20 years; guides explain exactly how its use as a long-range radio antenna in 1898, and then for intercepting German military communications in WWI, saved it from being torn down.
- Construction secrets: Guides decode the precision behind the 2.5 million rivets and why no two of the tower's 18,000 iron pieces are identical — a story invisible to anyone simply riding the elevator.
- Best local photo positions: Beyond the Trocadéro cliché, guides know the lesser-used Bir-Hakeim bridge angle and the Champ de Mars diagonal that locals use for crowd-free shots with dramatic perspective.
- VIP queue strategy: Experienced guides navigate timed-entry windows, the stairs-vs-elevator tradeoff, and the precise booking tactics that bypass two-hour waits — often saving the full cost of the tour on the first visit alone.
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