The Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel)
The Eiffel Tower (1889, Gustave Eiffel) is the most visited paid monument in the world — 7 million visitors per year. 330 meters tall, 10,100 tons of iron, 2.5 million rivets, and a silhouette that has become a symbol not only of Paris but of all of France. Built for the World's Fair on the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, it was the tallest structure in the world — and was originally supposed to be dismantled after 20 years.
The Three Levels
- 1st Floor (57m): Glass floor (thrill!), restaurant "Madame Brasserie", history exhibition. Redesigned in 2014. Accessible by elevator or stairs (328 steps).
- 2nd Floor (115m): The best photo spot — close enough for details, high enough for a panorama. Restaurant "Le Jules Verne" (1 Michelin star, menu from 105€). Accessible by elevator or stairs (another 340 steps).
- Top (276m): The highest accessible floor — only by elevator from the 2nd floor. Eiffel's restored office (with wax figures of Eiffel and Edison), Champagne bar, and a panorama that reaches up to 80 km in clear weather.
Practical Information
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Entry | Stairs: 11.30€ (2nd Floor). Elevator: 18.10€ (2nd Floor), 28.30€ (Top) |
| Opening Hours | Daily 9:00 AM–11:45 PM (Summer), 9:30 AM–10:45 PM (Winter). Stair access until 6:00 PM (Winter) |
| Waiting Time | 1–3 hours without advance booking. Online booking highly recommended! |
| Duration | 1.5–2.5 hours |
| Metro | Bir-Hakeim (Line 6) or Trocadéro (Line 6, 9) |
The Best Views of the Eiffel Tower
- Trocadéro: The classic photo spot — the tower reflects in the fountain. Especially at sunset.
- Champ de Mars: Picnic on the lawn with the tower in the background. Magical in the evening when it sparkles.
- Pont d'Iéna: The bridge right at the foot — for dramatic perspectives from below.
- Pont Alexandre III: The most beautiful bridge in Paris with the tower in the background.
💡 Tipp
The stairs are better than the elevator: shorter wait, cheaper, sporty, and the climb itself is an experience (the iron structure up close!). Take the stairs to the 2nd floor and then the elevator to the top. ALWAYS book your ticket online — ideally 2 months in advance.
