The Eiffel Tower
Surely the first item on any Paris tourist itinerary, The Eiffel Tower was built between 1887 and 1889, originally as a temporary structure to mark the entrance to the 1889 Exposition Universelle World Fair. Due to be dismantled 20 years later, the tower proved useful as a communications mast and was reprieved, despite opposition from many Parisians who considered it an eyesore. Since then the tower has become the most iconic structure in Paris, if not the world, and celebrated its 200 millionth visitor in November 2002. It has also inspired more than 30 replica towers throughout the world.
The Tower is open to visitors 365 days a year, from 9am to 12.45am in the summer months and 9.30am to 11.45pm in the winter. If time permits, it is definitely worth visiting twice, once during the day and once at night to experience two different versions of the spectacular view of Paris.
The tower has 3 levels open to the public. All can be accessed by lift, but if you’re feeling energetic, there are stairs to levels 1 and 2, with around 300 steps to each floor. There is a Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Jules Verne, on Level 2 and a less formal brasserie, Le 58 Tour Eiffel, on Level 1. Level 3, at the top of the tower, boasts a champagne bar which is open until 10pm daily.
Further Information
Stations near Eiffel Tower
Streets near Eiffel Tower
- 1Avenue Gustave Eiffel
- 2Allée Maurice Baumont
- 3Allèe Jean Paulhan
- 4Port de la Bourdonnais
- 5Quai Branly
- 6Rue du Général Lambert
- 7Allée Léon Bourgeois
- 8Avenue Elisée Reclus
- 9Rue du Maréchal Harispe
- 10Avenue Silvestre de Sacy
Hotels near Eiffel Tower
- 1Mercure Paris Suffren Tour Eiffel, 20 Rue Jean Rey Cedex 15