The Eiffel Tower is perhaps one of the most recognizable structures in the world. Can you believe that when it was constructed it was meant to be temporary? This wrought-iron lattice tower on the Camp de Mars in Paris was built for the 1889 World’s Fair. The original plan was to tear it down after the grand event- but clearly that never happened. Today, it is the most-visited paid monument in entire world! In 2015, more than 6.91 million people ascended to the top. More than 250 million people have visited the tower since it was completed in 1889.
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The Eiffel Tower
The tower is nearly 81 stories high and is the tallest structure in Paris. During its construction (between 1887 and 1889) it surpassed the Washington Monument to become the tallest man-made structure in the world. It held that title for 41 years, until the Chrysler Building was constructed in New York City.
The tower has three levels that are accessible to visitors. There are restaurants on the first and second levels and an observation deck on the upper level. The upper platform is 906 feet above ground making it the highest observation deck (open to the public) in the European Union.
Visitors can climb from the ground level to the first level (300 steps), and then climb the stairs to the second level (an additional 300 steps). Although there is a staircase to the top level, it’s usually only accessible by elevator.
One of my favorite memories from Paris is racing from the top observation deck to the ground floor via the staircase (we went downwards because I’m no fool!).
Every evening, as the sun sets on the city, the Eiffel Tower illuminates and gives off a romantic golden glow. There is also a beacon located at the top of the tower that lights up, drawing visitors towards this iconic structure.
At the top of the hour, the Eiffel Tower puts on an impressive twinkling light display. There two versions of this nightly show. Every hour leading up to 1 AM, you’ll see the twinkling lights and the beacon lit up for five minutes. At 1 AM, the beacon gets turned off the and sparkling lights dance for 10 minutes. The final light show has always been my favorite!
Should I Visit During the Day or Night?
Visiting the Eiffel Tower during the daytime or during the nighttime will give you two totally different experiences. Personally, I think visiting during the daytime gives you the best photos of the city. You’re able to capture the skyline and make out what you’re seeing. That being said, the views from the observation tower in the evening are breathtaking. Honestly, when we visit Paris we make an effort to visit the Eiffel Tower both during the day and at night. You can never visit the Eiffel Tower too many times!
Ticket Information
Tickets can be purchased online or at the tower itself. We strongly suggest buying your tickets online to avoid the long lines. On average around 20,000 people visit this site each day!
Where is the Eiffel Tower Located?
The nearest metro station is Bir-Hakeim and the nearest RER station is Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel.
The tower itself is located at the intersection of the quai Branly and the Pont d’Iéna. The 15th arrondissement, known as Vaugirard, is situated on the left bank of the River Seine.
What is There to Do Nearby?
The Eiffel Tower is located in the 15th arrondissement. Other points of interest in this neighborhood include:
- Tour Montparnasse
- Carousel of the Eiffel Tower
- Statue of Liberty by Bartholdi in the Île aux Cygnes
- André Citroën Park with the Ballon de Paris
- Bir-Hakeim bridge spanning the Seine
Outside of the 15h arrondissement you’ll find:
- Arc de Triomphe
- Champs-Élysées
- Place de la Concorde
- Hôtel des Invalides
- Rodin Museum
- Notre Dame
- Luxembourg Gardens
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[…] Eiffel Tower is one of the most-recognized structures in the world. The tower is nearly 81 stories high and is […]