It was initially believed that the Eiffel Tower would not stand for long after its construction, but now, well into its second century, it adorns Paris and has become a symbol of this city of romance.
Eiffel Tower: History and Legends
The original steel structure was designed as the centerpiece of the 1889 World’s Fair, held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, and was meant to be dismantled after 20 years. Many Parisian writers, artists, and intellectuals eagerly awaited its demolition, protesting against the “horrible” structure that, in their opinion, ruined the elegant appearance of the city.
Fortunately for future generations, the building proved indispensable for scientific experiments (such as the first radio broadcast), and the 10,000-ton colossus was never removed.
Today, “La Dame de Fer” (The Iron Lady) is one of the most famous architectural landmarks in France and the world. The Eiffel Tower opened to visitors on May 15, 1889, and this year it celebrates its 130th anniversary.
Over the past hundred-plus years, the original structure has accumulated many interesting facts. Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built the tower, placed a personal office at the top, where he hosted famous guests. Once, inventor Thomas Edison visited him, bringing a gift—his new creation, the phonograph. It is also known that the con artist Victor Lustig once “sold” the tower to a scrap metal dealer—twice. And the great French writer Guy de Maupassant, known for his dislike of the strange structure, regularly dined at the restaurant located on the tower’s lower level. Why? He said it was the only place in Paris where he couldn’t see this “eyesore.”
Perhaps few structures can boast as many replicas worldwide—there are countless scaled-down versions of the “Iron Lady,” from Prague to Shenzhen, not to mention Sin City. But there is only one original, and it’s unthinkable to visit Paris without ascending the Eiffel Tower.
Visiting the Tower
Eiffel Tower address: Paris, Champ de Mars, Avenue Anatole France, 5.
Opening hours: daily, from 9:00 AM to midnight in summer and from 9:30 AM to 11:45 PM the rest of the year. Peak hours are from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM—this is when the tower is most crowded. If you don’t want to wait in line for the elevator, you can climb the stairs to the second floor—”only” 704 steps—with stunning views and glimpses of the tower’s construction along the way. A separate ticket is required to go from the second to the third floor with its observation deck, while pregnant women can skip the lines. Ticket prices start at €16.30, children under 4 enter for free, and discounts are available for visitors aged 4 to 24, depending on age. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office or on the official website. Prices on this page are as of April 2019.
You can reach the famous tower by metro (lines 6 or 9 to the “Trocadéro” station). Near the metro exit is an observation deck overlooking the Seine, offering the best view of Paris’s iconic landmark and a perfect spot for photos. From here, you can see the colorful fireworks for Bastille Day celebrations and the tower’s hourly evening light show. It’s a 15-minute walk from here to the tower itself.
Visits may be delayed due to weather conditions or strikes by the tower’s staff. In such cases, if you purchased tickets online, you will receive an email notification with an alternative visiting time. Otherwise, tickets can be refunded.
You can explore the tower on your own, with a private guide, or as part of a tour. Some tours offer access to areas usually closed to the public, such as the machine room and the “bunker” beneath the Champ de Mars. Visitors can also see the tower’s new wind turbines, painted to blend in with the structure.
There are some exciting new features: a transparent glass floor on the first level, where you can ice skate in winter. And in March, the tower hosts a unique race called “La Verticale de la Tour Eiffel,” where athletes run up 1,665 steps to the top.
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most photographed landmarks in the world, and in Paris, it can be captured from countless angles. Professional photographers recommend interesting perspectives for shooting: from Avenue de Camoens, Rue Saint Dominique near Les Invalides, or up close—near Trocadéro and on the Champ de Mars.
Where to Eat Nearby
If your budget allows, we recommend dining at the luxurious Le Jules Verne restaurant on the Eiffel Tower’s second floor. Budget-conscious travelers will enjoy nearby cafés, which are usually less crowded.
Inside the Musée de l’Homme near the Trocadéro metro station, there’s a pleasant café, De l’Homme—with one of the best terraces in the city, offering views of the tower and French cuisine (Place du Trocadéro, 17, tel. +33 1 44 05 30 15). Another great view can be found at Les Ombres, the rooftop restaurant of the nearby Musée du Quai Branly (Quai Branly, 37, tel. +33 1 47 53 68 00), or the summer terrace of the Shangri-La Hotel (Avenue d’Iéna, 10, tel. +33 1 53 67 19 98). Philippe Excoffier, the chef of the American Embassy, runs a namesake bistro just a 10-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower (Rue de l’Exposition, 18, tel. +33 1 45 51 78 08), with a promising menu. In Parisian restaurants, it’s best to book a table in advance by phone or online.
On a nice day, you can have a picnic on the lawn or a bench in the park. The famous pedestrian shopping street Rue Cler, also just steps from the tower, has many specialty food shops where you can buy everything you need.
