Eiffel Tower
★ 4.7🇫🇷 ParisSuggested visit 2-3 hoursBest season Avoid the summer peak, and prefer April to June or September to November
Landmark architectureEngineering marvelObservation deckRomance
France's engineering miracle and one of the most photographed structures on earth — the spiritual landmark of Paris.
Overview
The Eiffel Tower is the defining landmark of Paris and of France, built in 1889 and 324 metres tall. Its nightly light show is unforgettable.
History
The Eiffel Tower was designed by the engineer Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World's Fair marking the centenary of the French Revolution. At 300 metres it was then the tallest man-made structure in the world, assembled from more than 18,000 pieces of wrought iron and 2.5 million rivets. Widely criticised by Parisian intellectuals at first, it became a national symbol and is repainted every seven years.
Highlights
- •The sparkling display of thousands of lights at dusk
- •A 360-degree panorama of Paris from the top
- •The fine ironwork of its original construction
- •The hourly light show after dark
- •Picnics on the Champ de Mars below
Practical tips
- •Book online in advance to avoid queues
- •The light show runs until 23:00, once every hour
Practical information
- Best time
- April to June, September to October
- Tickets
- Lift to the summit EUR 26.10 for adults; stairs to the second floor EUR 11.50
- Opening hours
- 9:00–00:45, last entry 23:00
- Local food
- Crêpes, baguettes, macarons and onion soup
- Getting around
- The metro and RER cover the city; choose single tickets or a Navigo weekly pass as needed
- Visa
- France is in the Schengen area and requires a short-stay Schengen visa. Book an appointment one to two months ahead and prepare itinerary, hotel and insurance documents.
Traveller reviews
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