Introduction
One of the world's most iconic landmark, the Eiffel Tower is a 330-metre wrought-iron lattice tower built for 1889 World's Fair. For 41 years after its completion, it held the title of tallest man-made structure in the world. It lost that distinction in 1930 with the completion of the Chrysler Building in New York. It is still the fourth highest man-made structure in the EU.
In August 2012, the Chamber of Commerce of Monza and Brianza, in Italy, estimated the value of the Eiffel Tower at 434 billions € (the equivalent of 20% of the GDP of France). This is based on the value of its 7,300 tonnes of iron and, especially, on the revenues generated from the 7 million annual visitors. The Eiffel Tower is by far the most visited monument in Europe.
The tower has three levels for visitors; the first two levels contain restaurants, while the third and highest level offers an observation platform. It remains the most-visited paid monument in the world.
Interesting Facts about the Eiffel Tower
- Completed in 1889 for the Exposition Universelle, the Eiffel Tower was initially criticised by artists but soon became Paris’s beloved Iron Lady.
- It was the world’s tallest structure for about four decades until New York’s Chrysler Building surpassed it in 1930.
- The tower’s height changes by several centimetres with temperature, as its iron expands in heat and contracts in cold.
- Gustave Eiffel kept a small private apartment at the top, where he hosted select guests, including notable scientists.
- Originally intended to stand for only 20 years, it was saved thanks to its value for radio and telegraph communications.
- Around 18,000 iron pieces and roughly 2.5 million rivets hold the lattice structure together.
- The Eiffel Tower sparkles nightly for five minutes on the hour with 20,000 lights, a modern ritual begun for the millennium celebrations.
- It has been repainted many times and today wears “Eiffel Tower Brown,” having previously appeared in hues from reddish-brown to yellow-ochre.
- During World War I, its radio transmitters helped intercept enemy messages, contributing to French military intelligence.
- High winds can make the tower sway several centimetres, a movement anticipated by its elegant, resilient design.
History
The Eiffel Tower, Paris's most iconic landmark, was conceived and constructed as the centrepiece for the 1889 Universal Exposition, commemorating the centennial of the French Revolution. Designed by engineers Maurice Koechlin and Émile Nouguier from Gustave Eiffel's company, with architect Stephen Sauvestre, the tower emerged victorious from a competition featuring over 100 submitted proposals for a 300-metre iron structure. Despite initial fierce opposition from prominent cultural figures including Émile Zola, Alexandre Dumas, and Guy de Maupassant, who considered the iron lattice design an aesthetic threat to Paris's refined beauty, construction commenced on 28th January 1887. The ambitious project, originally planned for twelve months, ultimately required two years to complete, with over 300 workers participating in the construction based on more than 5,000 technical drawings.
Upon its completion on 31st March 1889, the Eiffel Tower immediately captured public imagination, standing as the world's tallest structure at 312 metres—twice the height of the previous record holder, the Washington Monument. Gustave Eiffel celebrated the tower's completion by leading government officials and press representatives to the summit via the 1,710-step climb, as the lifts were not yet operational. The tower opened to the public on 6th May 1889, with tickets costing 2 francs for the first level, 3 for the second, and 5 for the top, attracting nearly 30,000 visitors before the lifts entered service. By the exposition's end, the tower had welcomed an extraordinary 1,896,987 visitors, generating substantial revenue that helped revitalise Paris's economy. Originally intended as a temporary installation with a 20-year licence, the tower's immense popularity and practical utility as a radio transmission antenna during the First World War secured its permanent status.
Today, the Eiffel Tower stands as France's most visited paid monument, attracting approximately 7 million visitors annually and hosting over 200 million visitors since its inauguration. The structure has played a pivotal role in numerous historical events and technological innovations, from early television broadcasts to counter-intelligence operations during wartime. Its enduring appeal has inspired countless replications worldwide, and the tower continues to enchant visitors with its nightly illuminations, a tradition that began in the late 19th century. What began as a controversial iron structure denounced by critics as the "Skeleton of Beffroi" has evolved into the ultimate symbol of France and Paris, representing the nation's industrial prowess and architectural innovation.
Description
The Eiffel Tower is an unmistakable symbol of Paris, instantly recognisable for its graceful iron lattice design and towering presence above the city’s skyline. Located in the heart of Paris on the Champ de Mars, this architectural masterpiece rises to a height of 324 metres, making it visible from virtually every corner of the capital. As you approach, its vast scale becomes apparent, with sweeping arches supporting a delicate web of ironwork that reflects the city’s spirit of ingenuity and elegance.
Upon arrival at the Tower, visitors encounter a lively forecourt often filled with travellers, families, and photographers eager to capture its dramatic form. The base reveals the monumental curves and detailed rivets of the structure, an invitation to explore further. Ascending the Tower is an experience in itself; visitors can choose between glass lifts that glide upwards with panoramic views or take the stairs for a more immersive journey, allowing greater appreciation of its engineering intricacies.
The first level stretches across a broad platform with wide walkways, comfortable seating areas, and a breathtaking glass floor that lets you gaze directly down onto the lawns and gardens below. Spacious, open galleries offer an ideal spot to pause and soak in the city’s gentle buzz. Here, café terraces and casual eateries serve Parisian delicacies, from fresh pastries and coffee to seasonal salads and light meals. The boutique shops provide a range of souvenirs, stylish homeware, and unique Tower-themed gifts.
At the second level, the city unfolds beneath you, with unobstructed 360-degree views revealing Paris’s most celebrated landmarks—the Arc de Triomphe, the golden dome of Les Invalides, the meandering River Seine, and the historic sprawl of Montmartre. The prestigious Le Jules Verne restaurant is found here, perched above the city with floor-to-ceiling windows. A table here is a coveted experience, blending gourmet French cuisine with unforgettable scenery.
For those seeking the ultimate vantage point, the summit awaits. Silver-grey lifts transport you upwards through the Tower’s narrowing lattice, culminating in an intimate viewing deck set amidst swirling Parisian breezes. At this height, the panorama extends far beyond central Paris: suburban neighbourhoods, distant woods, and the distant contours of the city are visible. The summit houses a small champagne bar for celebratory drinks, and an exhibit on Gustave Eiffel’s private office, preserved with period furnishings and wax figures to evoke the spirit of the Tower’s creator.
Throughout the day, the Eiffel Tower’s character evolves. Mornings offer a sense of peace, ideal for quiet contemplation, while afternoons bring a vibrant hum as crowds grow and the city’s light shifts across the structure, casting dramatic patterns. As dusk falls, a transformation occurs—thousands of sparkling bulbs illuminate the tower every hour, creating magical light displays that mesmerise both visitors atop the Tower and those admiring from afar.
Beyond being an architectural achievement, the Eiffel Tower represents the essence of Paris: a harmonious blend of artistry, innovation, and enduring charm. Whether you ascend for the views, dine above the rooftops, or simply stroll its gardens, the Tower promises a memorable experience, inspiring awe and delight in equal measure. It is a place for celebration, reflection, and admiration—a living monument to the creativity and romance for which Paris is renowned.