Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 for the Universal Exhibition in Paris and was named after its designer, Gustave Eiffel.
It was built in just over two years and stands 330 meters tall. Initially, it was not widely appreciated to the extent that its demolition was considered at the end of the exhibition. However, today it is one of the world’s most visited attractions, boasting approximately 7 million visitors per year.
Opening Days and Hours
The Eiffel Tower is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 p.m., but to avoid the lines, we recommend buying your ticket online. In July and August, hours are extended from 9:00 AM to 12:45 AM. Opening hours may vary during special events or holidays, so it's always best to check ahead of your visit.
The best time to visit the Eiffel Tower is early in the morning as soon as it opens, or in the evening after 9:00 PM, when it's much less crowded. Sunset is the most popular time: the view is spectacular, but lines for the summit elevator are also at their peak, so it’s best to book that time slot well in advance.
How to Get to the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is located in the centre of Paris and is easily accessible by public transport. The fastest and cheapest way is to get off at Bir-Hakeim metro station, which is only a 5-minute walk away. Alternatively, you can take bus 42, which stops within a 10-minute walk of the Tower.
Tips for visiting the Eiffel Tower
If you're feeling energetic, we recommend taking the stairs to avoid waiting for the elevator and enjoy the view along the way. This also allows you to admire the work of the engineers who designed the tower.
Before booking your visit to the Tower, check the weather forecast. Admiring the panorama on a sunny day is much better than on a cloudy day. If you are staying in Paris for a few days, consider visiting the Tower twice, once during the day and once at night to see the city lights.
To make the most of your visit to the Tower, only bring a few personal belongings as there are no lockers available, and there may be pickpockets among the large crowd of tourists.
The Eiffel Tower has three observation levels. The first level can be reached by elevator or stairs and takes about 5-10 minutes.
The second level can also be reached by elevator or stairs taking around 30–45 minutes.
The top level can only be accessed by elevator and takes about 1-2 hours depending on the queue.
After booking your ticket in advance to avoid queuing at the entrance, you will need to go through security checks before starting your visit.
You can choose to climb the stairs or take the elevator to reach the Tower's different levels. Only the top level can be reached by elevator, while the first two levels are easily accessible on foot.
The first and second levels offer restaurants, gift shops and viewing areas where you can admire the city. On the third level, you'll enjoy a panoramic view of Paris, which will take your breath away.
The construction of the Eiffel Tower was privately financed by Gustave Eiffel and his partners with no public funds being used. This required a significant financial investment, estimated at around 7.8 million French francs at the time.
Contracts were also signed with various companies that used the tower for commercial purposes, such as installing communication antennas.
The Tower's incredible number of annual visitors, its internal commercial activities and promotional initiatives have more than repaid the initial investment over time.
The Eiffel Tower stands at 330 meters, antenna included. It remained the tallest monument in the world for about 40 years.
It consists of 4 floors and the top floor, which is located at a height of 279 meters, corresponds to the highest publicly accessible observation platform in Europe.
The Eiffel Tower was designed by the French engineer Gustave Eiffel and constructed in two years, from 1887 to 1889, as the main attraction of the 1889 Paris Universal Exposition.
It quickly became an icon of the city of Paris and a symbol of modern technology.
There are numerous attractions near the Eiffel Tower that will make your holiday in Paris even more interesting.
At the foot of the tower is the Parc du Champ de Mars, a large green space where you can relax, take a stroll and enjoy a picnic.
Within a short distance is the Musée du Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac, dedicated to art and world cultures. On the opposite side of the River Seine from the Eiffel Tower, you'll find the Musée d'Orsay.
Near the Eiffel Tower, you'll also find the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte within the architectural complex of the Hôtel des Invalides.
