The Eiffel Tower

About the Eiffel Tower

Completed in 1889, the Eiffel Tower marked the main entrance to the 1889 World’s Fair, which was held in Paris. Before the opening of the World’s Fair, the tower was criticized by many, including the company that designed and built the tower. The tower was originally meant to be demolished after the conclusion on the fair. Eventually, it was decided the tower would be kept and was named after engineer Gustave Eiffel.

Today, the Eiffel Tower is the most visited monument in the world (based on paying customers,) with 6.91 million people visiting the observation deck at the top in 2015.

The Eiffel Tower is 1,063 feet tall or approximately 81 stories tall and is the second tallest building in Paris. It was also the tallest building in the world from 1889 to 1930.

I visited the Eiffel Tower during my trip to Paris in the spring of 2015. During my visit, the Eiffel Tower was illuminated with the colors of the flag of Belgium due to the terror attacks of 2015 on Brussels Airport. I was flying to Paris, from Stockholm, the day of the attack which caused a bit of anxiety in the airport.

 

Effiel Tower from the Arc de Triomphe
Effiel Tower from the Arc de Triomphe

Please note that I visited Paris before I purchased my Cannon Rebel T6i Camera.  All of these photos were taken with an iPhone 5 long before I ever thought I’d be writing a travel blog.  Please forgive the poor quality of some of my photos, especially the at-night ones.

Day Time Picture of the Eiffel Tower
Day Time Picture of the Eiffel Tower
Eiffel Tower at Night in the Colors of the Belgium Flag
Eiffel Tower at Night in the Colors of the Belgium Flag
Looking Straight Up at the Eiffel Tower
Looking Straight Up at the Eiffel Tower

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Getting to the Eiffel Tower

To get to the Eiffel Tower, take the Paris Metro to the Champ de Mars station.  When you exit the station, you will be able to see the Eiffel Tower.

 
First View of the Eiffel Tower from the Metro Station
First View of the Eiffel Tower from the Metro Station

The Observation Deck

During my visit, I purchased a ticket for €25, which allowed access to the middle and top levels. I highly recommend having tickets when you arrive. I waited about two hours to get to the top, and the majority of that time was spent in the ticket line.

There are two elevator rides to get to the outdoor observation deck. At the top, there is an open-air observation deck that gave outstanding views of all of downtown Paris. There are restaurants at various levels, as well as a gift shop. Gustave Eiffel even had his own office near the top, which today is a mini-museum.

The Ticket Queue Begins Under the Tower
The Ticket Queue Begins Under the Tower
Looking Up from the Ticket Line
Looking Up from the Ticket Line
Looking Towards the Palais de Chaillot (Lower Level)
Looking Towards the Palais de Chaillot (Lower Level)
Looking Towards the Palais de Chaillot (Upper Level)
Looking Towards the Palais de Chaillot (Upper Level)
Looking Towards Les Invalides
Looking Towards Les Invalides
Looking Up the River Seine Towards the Place de la Concorde, Louvre, and Notre Dame
Looking Up the River Seine Towards the Place de la Concorde, Louvre, and Notre Dame
Looking Towards the Arc de Triomphe
Looking Towards the Arc de Triomphe
Looking Towards the Pont de Bir-Hakeim
Looking Towards the Pont de Bir-Hakeim
Looking Up the River Seine Towards the Grand Palais, Place de la Concorde, and the Louvre
Looking Up the River Seine Towards the Grand Palais, Place de la Concorde, and the Louvre
Looking Towards Champ de Mars
Looking Towards Champ de Mars

Eiffel Tower Tours and Packages

A tour of the Eiffel Tower is definitely not necessary if you are only interested in going to the top level and looking around.  Still, there are many tours offered that include everything from skipping the line to climbing the stairs of the Eiffel Tower.  I’ve linked five tours that caught my eye below.

I am an affiliate partner of Viator.  If you book a tour using one of the links below I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.  I would greatly appreciate it if you would consider booking using one of my links.

Prices are accurate as of June 2023.

Paris Eiffel Tower Guided Climb Tour by Stairs
Paris Eiffel Tower Guided Climb Tour by Stairs - $42.25

Enjoy the Eiffel Tower during a 2-4-hour adventure and climb the stairs to the 2nd level with an entertaining and knowledgeable guide.  Brag to your friends and join your fellow group of "warriors" as you ascend 704 steps on foot with your expert guide who will share stories and fun facts about the Tower and surrounding landmarks!

As per the regulations of the Eiffel Tower, if you have upgraded your tour to access the summit, you are required to proceed directly to the summit upon reaching the second floor. Once you have visited the top, you are free to explore the first and second floors on your descent.

If the summit closes at the discretion of Eiffel staff at the time you receive your ticket, you will receive access to the second floor and a partial refund.

Please note this is NOT a skip the line tour and sometimes wait periods with your guide can be 90 minutes or more depending on the crowd restrictions, COVID security measures and construction at the Eiffel Tower.

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Eiffel Tower Skip-the-Line Ticket with Summit Entrance - $110.03

Avoid any hassle and get inside the Eiffel Tower without waiting in line. On the second floor change elevators and, after a short elevator ride, get to the stunning view of the top floor.This is the highest place in Paris and the view from there is breathtaking, don´t miss out the opportunity.

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Skip-the-Line Eiffel Tower Summit Entrance Ticket and Evening Illuminations Cruise in Paris - $124.28

By pre-booking your entrance ticket, skip the typically long line at the Eiffel Tower in Paris so you can head straight up to the top floor for a panoramic view of the city. Later in the evening, soak up the twinkling atmosphere of Paris on a 1-hour illuminations cruise along the Seine River.

eiffel-tower-climbing-experience-with-guide-in-paris-576396
Eiffel Tower Climbing Experience with Guide - $46.42

Enjoy a sensational Eiffel Tower climbing experience with guide in Paris. The 1.5 hour tour shows the Eiffel Tower from a different perspective. Ascend the 704 steps and after the adventurous climb, you'll land on the second floor of Paris’s most famous Lady Dame de Fer. If you want to reach the summit by elevator, it is possible to purchase a Summit ticket (at own expense). Choose from one of 2 departure times when you book or upgrade to our Summit options

paris-city-tour-with-seine-river-cruise-and-eiffel-tower-lunch-in-paris-179271
Paris City Tour with Seine River Cruise and Eiffel Tower Lunch - $164.19

See all the Paris highlights on a morning or afternoon tour, including lunch at the Eiffel Tower and a Seine River cruise. You'll cover Paris' must-see attractions and sightseeing activities in a half-day tour, giving you a great overview of the city and leaving you time in the day to explore on your own.

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