The Eiffel Tower, standing tall at 324 meters, is more than just a landmark in Paris; it’s the symbol of France. This magnificent structure, designed by the visionary Gustave Eiffel, attracts millions of visitors every year. Its observation decks on three levels offer breathtaking panoramic views of the City of Lights.
Exploring the Eiffel Tower’s Levels
Each level of the Eiffel Tower offers a unique experience. The first floor, at a height of 57 meters, features a glass floor that gives you a thrilling perspective of the city below. You can enjoy a meal at the “58 Tour Eiffel” restaurant, grab a quick bite at the “The Buffets” snack bar, or browse the souvenirs at the “Pavillon Ferrié” boutique. Children will love the interactive tour and educational exhibitions.
The second floor boasts the Michelin-starred “Jules Vernes” restaurant for a truly special dining experience, along with another “The Buffets” snack bar for a more casual meal. You can explore the “Le Verriere” and “Seine Gift Shop” for unique Parisian treasures. This level also provides an observation deck at 115 meters, offering stunning views of the city.
Finally, the third floor reaches a height of 276 meters, offering the most impressive panoramas. You can explore exhibitions like Gustave Eiffel’s office, providing a glimpse into the tower’s history. Raise a toast at the champagne bar, celebrating your journey to the top.
Tickets, Prices and Access
There are four different ticket types for visiting the Eiffel Tower, offering various options to suit your budget and preferences. You can purchase tickets online in advance or at the ticket offices on-site. Children under 4 years old enter for free. Ticket prices vary depending on the visitor’s age and the chosen method of ascension.
You can choose from several options:
- Elevator: This is the most convenient option, taking you directly to the 2nd or 3rd floor.
- Stairs: For a more adventurous experience, you can climb the 765 steps to the 2nd floor.
- Combo Ticket: This allows you to climb the stairs to the 2nd floor and then take the elevator to the top (3rd floor).
Tips for maximizing your Eiffel Tower experience:
- Consider a guided tour to learn fascinating details about the tower’s history and construction.
- An audioguide allows you to explore at your own pace and learn about the different exhibits and views.
- Skip-the-line tickets are highly recommended to avoid long waits, especially during peak season. These e-tickets are purchased online and require a pre-selected date and time.
- Combine your Eiffel Tower visit with a Seine River cruise for a truly unforgettable experience. This combo ticket is readily available online from various providers.
Getting to the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, conveniently accessible by public transport.
- Metro: The most convenient option is taking metro line 6 to the “Bir-Hakeim” station and walking 5 minutes to the tower. Alternatively, take metro line 9 to “Trocadero” or line 8 to “Ecole Militaire”.
- RER: The RER C line also stops near the Eiffel Tower. Get off at the “Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel” station.
- Bus: Several bus lines serve the Eiffel Tower, including lines 42, 82, 30, 69, 86, and 72.
Events at the Eiffel Tower
Beyond its architectural grandeur, the Eiffel Tower plays host to various events throughout the year, adding to its allure.
- Bastille Day (July 14th): This national holiday features a spectacular fireworks display that transforms the Eiffel Tower into a dazzling spectacle for 30 minutes. You can also enjoy a concert by the French National Orchestra at the tower’s base.
- Christmas Markets: The “Le Village de Noël du Champ-de-Mars” offers a festive atmosphere with an ice rink, crafts, delicious treats, and entertainment. Smaller markets like Quai Branly and Bir-Hakeim also offer a view of the tower.
- New Year’s Eve: Although there are no fireworks at the Eiffel Tower for New Year’s Eve, it remains a popular spot for celebrating with a toast and enjoying the tower’s glittering lights.
- Ice Skating: During winter, the first floor of the Eiffel Tower transforms into a 190-square-meter ice rink, offering a unique opportunity to glide across the ice while enjoying the Parisian views.
Capturing the Eiffel Tower’s Beauty
The Eiffel Tower is a photographer’s dream, offering countless opportunities to capture its beauty.
- Trocadéro: This terrace offers a perfect view of the Eiffel Tower, but arrive early as it’s a popular spot.
- Champ de Mars: The park in front of the tower is ideal for picnics, relaxing, and taking classic photos.
- Bridges: The bridge views of the Eiffel Tower are particularly stunning.
- Other Viewpoints: The towers of Notre-Dame Cathedral, Montparnasse Tower, and the Printemps department store’s rooftop terrace also offer excellent vantage points.
- Seine River Cruise: Taking a cruise on the Seine offers unique perspectives of the Eiffel Tower, creating stunning photo opportunities.
From Humble Beginnings to World Heritage
The Eiffel Tower’s journey began in 1887, when Gustave Eiffel and his company started construction for the 1889 World’s Fair and the centenary of the French Revolution. After two years of construction, the tower was officially opened on March 31, 1889. Gustave Eiffel climbed the steps himself to hoist the French flag at the summit.
Initially intended to be a temporary structure, the Eiffel Tower quickly became one of the most visited and beloved attractions in Paris, defying initial protests and earning a permanent place in the city’s landscape. Its diverse uses throughout history have solidified its importance.
- First half of the 19th century: The tower served scientific and military purposes, including as a telecommunications center and weather and television transmitter.
- Second half of the 19th century: Following World War II, the Eiffel Tower reopened, and visitor numbers steadily increased, further establishing its popularity.
- Since 1991: The Eiffel Tower, along with the banks of the Seine and surrounding buildings, has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its global significance.
