The star of the Paris skyline, the Eiffel Tower is arguably France’s most iconic attraction. This 330-metre-high iron tower – antenna included – attracts millions of visitors each year. Elegant by day and brightly glamorous by night, the Eiffel Tower is a can’t-miss during your stay in Paris.
Built in 1889 for the World Fair, the tower was constructed to Gustave Eiffel’s design in just 2 years. The initial design, created to celebrate the centenary of the French Revolution, would’ve seen the structure demolished 20 years after its completion, but we know that history took a different turn. To preserve its grandeur, the Eiffel Tower is repainted every 7 years – top to bottom. In fact, the famed tower has sported different colours throughout its history, from red to yellow to gold that is planned for 2024. Although it retains its charm throughout the day, it’s in the evening that the structure shows its best shades, when it’s illuminated by more than 20,000 lights.
Across the Atlantic, Eiffel’s company also designed another iconic national monument – the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of New York and the United States of America.
Things to know before you go
Inside the structure are the following amenities – free Wi-Fi, free restrooms on every floor, food stations, baby changing facilities, and gift stores.
There are three restaurants and a champagne bar on the top floor.
The Eiffel Tower is accessible to people with reduced mobility from the west pylon and up to the second floor by lift.
Eiffel Tower opening hours:
Tower opens from 09:15 to 23:45 every day
Site entrance is from 09:15 to 22:45 every day
Stairway access is from 09:30 to 22:45 every day
Lift access from 09:30 to 23:00 every day
However, it’s recommended you consult the tower’s official website to check for any special openings or closures.
Where’s the Eiffel Tower and how do you get there?
The Eiffel Tower is located on the Champ de Mars in the 7th arrondissement.
By Metro – take line 9, Trocadero stop, about 20 minutes’ walk, line 6, Bir-Hakeim stop, about 10 minutes’ walk and line 8, Ecole Militaire stop, about 15 minutes’ walk.
By RER train – take line C, Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel stop, about 7 minutes’ walk.
By bus – take lines 82, 30, 42, Tour Eiffel stop, about 5 minutes’ walk, and lines 69, 86, Champ de Mars stop, about 6 minutes’ walk.
By car – the nearest parking lot is Quai Branly-Tour Eiffel parking lot, about 8 minutes’ walk and to be reserved in advance.
On foot – if you have a little time on your hands, we recommend walking from the 1st arrondissement to the Eiffel Tower, a stroll of about 40 minutes that passes by numerous sights.
