Eiffel Tower Guide: Information, Tips, and History

Few landmarks prepare you for the first time you see the Eiffel Tower rising above Paris. This world-famous structure has become the defining symbol of the city. Below is a complete guide with visitor insights, history, and practical tips for experiencing the “Iron Lady.”

What could represent Paris more clearly than the Eiffel Tower? Standing 324 meters (1,063 feet) tall, the “Grande Dame de Fer” dominates the skyline. Located in the 7th arrondissement—one of the most elegant districts in Paris—it was originally constructed for the 1889 World’s Fair. More than a century later, it remains the tallest structure in the city and one of the most visited monuments in the world, welcoming hundreds of millions of visitors over time. The scale of its construction is impressive: it contains 1,665 steps from the base to the top, around 2.5 million rivets, and requires hundreds of workers for maintenance each day. Every repainting cycle uses dozens of tons of paint applied in carefully selected shades to enhance its visual depth.

Visiting the Eiffel Tower

A visit to the tower reveals much more than its exterior silhouette. The experience begins on the first level, located 57 meters above ground, where a glass floor allows visitors to look directly down at the city beneath their feet. Despite the height, the surface is designed for safety and stability.

The second level sits at 115 meters and is widely regarded as the best place for photography. From here, Paris spreads out in every direction. This level also includes souvenir shops and the well-known Jules Verne restaurant. Elevators located in different pillars of the tower provide access to both the first and second levels, while those seeking a more physical challenge can climb the 704 steps to the second floor.

From the second level, additional glass elevators continue upward to the summit. At 276 meters above ground, the top platform offers sweeping views across Paris, especially striking on clear days or at night. From this height, the city appears miniature, and the experience is often described as unforgettable whether shared with family, friends, or a partner.

Dining at the Eiffel Tower

Le Jules Verne is the Michelin-starred restaurant located on the second floor, led by chef Alain Ducasse. It offers refined multi-course dining, with dinner menus priced around €115 per person (excluding drinks). Lunch menus are often considered a better-value option, though reservations typically need to be made well in advance. Dress code is formal.

On the first floor, Le 58 Tour Eiffel provides a more relaxed dining experience during the day with a picnic-style menu and a more elegant service in the evening. Its modern interior design and wide city views make it a popular choice for visitors who want a scenic meal without going to the top-tier restaurant.

Seasonal Activity: Ice Skating

During winter, the first floor of the Eiffel Tower occasionally hosts an ice-skating rink. Entry usually costs around €5 and includes skate rental. The rink typically operates from mid-December through January, offering a rare opportunity to skate high above Paris in a truly unique setting.

History of the Eiffel Tower

Although it is now inseparable from Paris, the Eiffel Tower was originally designed as a temporary structure for the 1889 Exposition Universelle. The engineer behind its construction, Gustave Eiffel, also contributed to the design of the Statue of Liberty in New York.

At the time of its completion, the tower was controversial, with many critics opposing its industrial design. Over time, however, public opinion changed dramatically, and it became one of the most admired structures in the world. Its nighttime illumination and sparkling light show—reintroduced in 2003—make it especially iconic, with the tower shimmering for five minutes every hour after sunset.

Travel Tips and Visitor Advice

The Eiffel Tower is impressive at any time of day, but sunset offers one of the most memorable experiences, as the city lights begin to glow beneath the fading sky. With millions of annual visitors, queues for entry and elevators can be long, so planning ahead is highly recommended.

To make the most of your visit, it is best to check official schedules in advance and consider timed entry options, especially during peak seasons.

Practical Information

Location: Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France
Nearest Metro Stations: Bir-Hakeim, Trocadéro, Pont de l’Alma
Opening Hours: Generally 9:00 a.m. to midnight in summer and slightly shorter hours in winter, with occasional extensions during holidays. Always confirm current times before visiting.

Final Note

Whether seen from a riverside walk, a café terrace, or from the top itself, the Eiffel Tower remains one of the most powerful visual experiences in Paris. For many visitors, watching it sparkle at night or seeing it framed in a window view becomes a lasting memory of the city.