Built for the 1889 World's Fair and meant to last twenty years. Climb it by the stairs, ride to the top, or simply find the right spot to look at it.
Gustave Eiffel's company raised the tower in just over two years. Parisians called it an eyesore; it is now the city's signature.
There are three levels. The first floor has a glass floor; the second, at 115 m, has the best view, close enough to read the city. The summit is higher but more distant, reached only by lift.
The cheapest and most memorable way up is the stairs: 674 steps to the second floor for €14.80. The summit lift ticket is €36.70; stairs plus summit lift is €28. Summit tickets sell out, so book them.
Some of the best moments are from the ground. At dusk the tower lights up, and for five minutes on the hour it sparkles. Strikes close it a few days a year, so check before you go.
One way to see it from every side in a single day.
The terrace of the Palais de Chaillot, empty at sunrise, faces the tower across the river.
674 steps through the ironwork, with the city opening up at every landing.
Ride the last stage to the top and Eiffel's restored office.
The double-deck bridge frames the tower between its iron columns.
Lie on the grass and wait for the lights on the hour.
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Buy only on the official site. Stairs tickets are easier to find on the day; summit tickets sell out weeks ahead in summer.
Métro Bir-Hakeim (line 6) or Trocadéro (lines 6 and 9), or RER C to Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel.
Street sellers and petitioners work the area around the base; ignore them politely.
Paris practical notes →Photographs from Wikimedia Commons and Pexels under their licences.
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