This iconic landmark is the image that comes to mind whenever the city of Paris is mentioned.
Standing at 323 metres tall, beside the River Seine in the Champ de Mars park, the Eiffel Tower is the most iconic symbol of The City of Light. Drawing more than 7 million visitors per year, the tower boasts two restaurants, including the second floor's famous Le Jules Verne, as well as viewing platforms where you can look out over the city.
Designed by Gustave Eiffel, the tower was completed in 1889 ahead of the World's Fair. Designed as a temporary structure, it was almost demolished soon after – until experiments showed that radio transmissions could be made from its apex.
You'll have to buy entry tickets to make your way up the tower. The cost of these varies depending on the level you want to reach and how you want to get there. If you’re feeling fit, you can walk 300 steps to the first floor, another 400 to the second floor, or take a lift. On the first floor there are informative displays, a cinema that shows films about the tower's history, and various artworks inspired by this famous landmark. On the second floor, there are further displays, souvenir shops, and a vision well, from which you can see all the way down to the ground immediately beneath you.
The observation area on the top floor can only be reached by lift. From here, you can enjoy some of the best panoramic views of the city and the wider region from 275 metres in the air. There’s also a Champagne Bar where visitors can enjoy a glass of something sparkling if they fancy.
The tower is open every day, except when weather conditions are treacherous; opening hours are extended in the summer. During peak seasons, you may find some floors closed for brief periods owing to congestion. Queues can be long so you’ll need to allow at least three hours for your visit. Even if you choose not to make the climb, you shouldn’t miss the light show that begins at nightfall, in which you can admire 20,000 flashing bulbs illuminating the tower.
You can easily reach the Eiffel Tower on public transport including by bus, metro and train. The surrounding area is crowded, so parking spaces are likely to be hard to find.