eiffel tower tour length

Welcome to the Eiffel Tower visitor’s guide

The 2nd floor

The 1st floor.

The esplanade

West garden

East garden

Official eiffel tower tour guide for your mobile.

The Eiffel Tower mobile guide provides you with all the information you need to make the most of your visit to the Eiffel Tower. In it, you will discover all the services available: restaurants, refreshments, shops, restrooms, etc. A multidimensional map will allow you to orient yourselft to the floors and gardens, without missing any of the cultural and historical information about the Tower.

History and Culture

How tall is the Eiffel Tower? When was it build? Did they really intend to demolish it? Since when has the tower been illuminated? Where is Gustave Eiffel's office located? Must see sites on each floor: the square, gardens, 1st floor, 2nd floor, the summit. The Eiffel Tower, a world icon, has also been a source of inspiration for many artists. During your visit, we will introduce you to some of these works of art.

Important statistics

So, you think you know the Tower? But do you know how long it took to build it? Discover all the important statistics about the Tower during your visit.

A magnificent view

Incredibly majestic, the Eiffel Tower dominates Paris. It offers a magnificent view of the entire city. Revealing, on you climb up, an infinite number of perspectives. The panorama on the 2nd floor is exceptional, revealing details of the closest monuments and the intermingling of streets and avenues designed by Baron Haussmann. From the summit, the view is breathtaking: with your hair tousled by the wind that blows most of the time, you will be surprised by the silence that reigns there, the city noises that reach the summit are quite muffled. Our tour guide will introduce you to one of the most fabulous monuments ever built by man.

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The Best Eiffel Tower Tours To Take in 2024 and Why

Brie Greenhalgh Last Updated: January 17, 2024

Anyone can see the Eiffel Tower from the ground. The real tragedy is how so many people miss out on the chance to go up the Eiffel Tower and see the view from the tower itself. While it can be complicated to get tickets, there’s an easy solution. We’ve put together a helpful list of the best Eiffel Tower tours to ensure you don’t miss out on fully experiencing the most iconic monument in Paris.

Pro Tip: Planning your trip to the Eiffel Tower in Paris? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. Check out our guide to Paris and the Eiffel Tower for more planning resources, our top Paris tours for a memorable trip, and find out if a tour of the Eiffel Tower is worth it .

Should You Take a Tour of the Eiffel Tower?

There’s only one possible answer here: yes . Ok, we’re a tour company, so of course we would say that. But let’s face it. The Eiffel Tower is a megamonument of Paris, which means there are huge crowds. Not to mention there’s limited ticket availability to see this iconic attraction.

That’s why we definitely think anyone going to Paris should join a tour of the Eiffel Tower —not to mention how much more you’ll learn from the local guide who has awesome stories and facts to share! Eiffel Tower tours can totally elevate your experience since you can skip the lines, combine attractions (think: river cruise), and be entertained by an engaging guide. Check out some of our reviews!

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if an Eiffel Tower tour is worth it .

The 7 Best Tours of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

You might be thinking that there’s only one kind of Eiffel Tower tour, right? Nope. First, there are three levels you can visit at the Eiffel Tower. Second, you could just explore the Eiffel Tower on its own, or you could combine it with a scenic cruise down the Seine River. Third, you could choose to climb the stairs to the second level. And fourth, you could choose to visit during the day or the evening.

So with all of those options, you simply have to decide what works best for your schedule and activity level. You can rest assured that your guide will help you navigate the crowds, skip the lines, and learn about this incredible monument. Now it’s time to learn about the most popular Eiffel Tower tours below!

Privileged Access Eiffel Tower Night Tour with Seine River Cruise

Twilight magic: eiffel tower summit tour with seine cruise, skip the line eiffel tower tour with seine river cruise, eiffel tower climbing tour with summit access, private eiffel tower tour with champagne and seine river cruise, louvre museum and eiffel tower combo tour.

• Palace of Versailles and Eiffel Tower Full Day Combo Tour

Seeing the Eiffel Tower at night is just about the most iconic thing you can do in Paris. In fact, it probably is the most iconic thing to do here. That’s why this is one of the best tours of the Eiffel Tower you can take. Just plan ahead—it often sells out!

You’ll start your evening on an easy river cruise on the gentle waters of the Seine River. From here, you’ll see views of the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Notre Dame, and more from a new perspective. A complimentary glass of champagne or soft drink is included with each ticket.

Depending on the time of your tour, the sun will set during your cruise or as you head to the Eiffel Tower. (We can’t control the sun, but it always makes a great sunset view here!) That’s when the magic happens while the tower lights up with golden hues.

You’ll skip the super long lines that are literally hours long and head right to the elevator with your guide. From the second floor, take in the better-than-you-think views of the City of Lights. Learn about the cool (and controversial) history of the Eiffel Tower, then stay as long as you like!

Highlights:

• Evening river cruise
• See the Eiffel Tower lights at night with your guide
• Skip-the-line elevator tickets to the second floor
• Access to the first floor on your own

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  Eiffel Tower Guide for more resources.

If you’ve ever wondered if it’s worth going to the top of the Eiffel Tower—it totally is. That’s why we created the most incredible experience that includes all of our favorite things: an evening Seine River cruise, skip-the-line tickets to the second floor, and access to the summit of the Eiffel Tower!

It can be difficult to get tickets to the summit, and just going to the summit isn’t as cool as combining a river cruise with it. You’ll cruise the Seine at dusk and follow your guide to the Eiffel Tower. Sparkling and glittering in the night, this will be a night to remember for sure.

Combining these three experiences almost guarantees you’ll enjoy the best Eiffel Tower summit tour. And depending on the night, you might even enjoy seeing a beautiful moonrise while you’re enjoying your free time at the summit.

• Guided visit at the Eiffel Tower
• Elevator ticket to the summit
• Free time to enjoy the tower until it closes

Not ready to book a tour? Read more about why an Eiffel Tower tour is worth it !

Seeing the Eiffel Tower during the day is a great way to experience the best of Paris while leaving your evening free for the opera or a food tour. With this tour, you’ll get a daytime river cruise to see the Louvre, Notre Dame, and more. Since the evening Eiffel Tower tours often sell it, this is also a great option to check for availability during those busy summer months.

Best of all, you get skip-the-line access to the elevator to the second floor. If you’ve ever been to Paris, you’ve seen those hours-long lines to get into the Eiffel Tower. While you might still have a bit of a wait depending on the time of day, your skip-the-line tickets will absolutely be faster. There’s no point in wasting your precious vacation time waiting in lines!

You also get a local guide during your tour who will make sure you get to know what’s so cool and interesting about the Eiffel Tower. For example, did you know it was a detested monument at first? Yep! Find out more on your tour!

• Daytime river cruise
• Free time to explore the first and second floors

If you love staying active, then you’ll love this active tour that won’t totally wear you out. Why? Well, you’ll have tickets that give you access to climb to the first and second floors of the Eiffel Tower. That’s 674 steps to be precise, but you’ll have a break when you stop at the first floor to look below through the glass floor. Keep an eye out for the original set of stairs here!

After your guided tour of the first floor, you’ll head up the stairs to the second floor for even more impressive views. Enjoy a little more time with your guide here. Then you’re on your own to head up the elevator to the summit for the best view in Paris. For an active budget-friendly ticket to the Eiffel Tower, then this tour is your best bet.

• Start times throughout the day
• Guided climb to the first and second floors
• Elevator access to the summit
• Free time to stay as long as you like

Looking for all the romance but without having to share your guide? Then make sure to book our private tour of the Eiffel Tower after cruising the Seine River. You get all the perks of our regular tour, but with the exclusivity of more time alone with your local tour guide.

Even though we only run small group tours, there’s something even more special about a private tour where you can interact more with your guide. They’ll be able to sit with you on the river cruise and talk about each of the incredible buildings you glide past. And at the tower, you’ll have a chance to learn more about the interesting stories behind its history and construction.

Private Eiffel Tower tours are a great way to get even more out of your evening in Paris as you take in the view from the second floor.

• Private guide the entire tour

Want to check three items off your Paris bucket list in one day? You can on our Louvre Museum and Eiffel Tower day tour . You’ll skip the line at two of Paris’ most visited attractions and be accompanied by expert guides along the way. They’ll leave you with a new appreciation for these iconic sights.  

You’ll also take to the river Seine for a different perspective of Paris and a moment of relaxation as you cruise past some of the city’s top sights. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience! 

• 6.5-hour tour
• Skip-the-line tickets and guided tour of the Louvre
• 1-hour guided riverboat cruise on the Seine
• Skip-the-line elevator tickets to the Eiffel Tower second floor
• Guided transportation included 

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if a Louvre Museums tour is worth it .

Palace of Versailles and Eiffel Tower Full-Day Combo Tour

With all the logistics taken care of, all you have to do is enjoy a day of French opulence on our day tour with the Palace of Versailles and the Eiffel Tower . Take in the countryside views on your train trip to Versailles, where you’ll get ahead of the crowds with skip-the-line tickets. 

Back in the city, see more of Paris’ majesty on a Seine boat cruise and, the cherry on the cake, visit the iconic Eiffel Tower. With us, you get priority access to the elevator, taking you up to the second floor. Is there a better way to see Paris? 

• 8-hour tour
• Skip-the-line guided tour of the Palace of Versailles
• Round-trip transportation by train from Paris to Versailles

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if a Versailles tour is worth it .

Where To Stay in Paris

With a city as magnificent as Paris, it can be hard to find the perfect hotel at the perfect price. Explore the best hotels and places to stay in these incredible neighborhoods in Paris.

About Brie Greenhalgh

Writer, editor, teacher, hiker, traveler, dreamer. With a book or pen in hand and a majestic sunset on the horizon, life is never short of fulfilling moments for Brie. She has a background in history and writing, and enjoys writing and editing for BobVila.com, The Tour Guy, and her own business.

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15+ Best Eiffel Tower Tours + Insider Tips (2024)

Travelling Thirties contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic places to visit in Paris.

Located on the banks of the Seine River, it’s a stunning structure that stands tall over the historic city. Visiting this iconic landmark is an experience like no other, as you gaze upward in awe at its magnificence.

In a hurry and don’t have time to read the whole list? No worries – The Best Eiffel Tower Tour is Eiffel Tower Summit Skip the Line with Host ; with over 2,780 reviews, you will get the best tour of the Eiffel Tower.

Whether you’re visiting during the day or night, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience. Experience amazing food and sights from one of three levels, each offering a unique perspective.

We loved our experience climbing the 674 steps to the tower’s second floor before taking the lift to the summit of the Eiffel Tower.

Whether you are looking for a guided tour or a skip-the-line ticket, would like to climb the Eiffel Tower, or would prefer to take the lift the whole way, I have found the best Eiffel Tower Tours for you.

Table of Contents

My Top 3 Picks: Best Eiffel Tower Tours

Eiffel Tower Summit Skip the Line with Host

✔Elevator Access ✔Unlimited Time up the Tower

Eiffel Tower Access with Seine River Dinner Cruise and Moulin Rouge Show

✔ Eiffel Tour Access

✔ Moulin Rouge Show

Lunch at Madame Brasserie & Eiffel Tower Access with Cruise

✔ Seine River Cruise

Best 17 Eiffel Tower Tours

1. Eiffel Tower Summit Skip the Line with Host

⭐️  RATING:  4/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   1.5 HOURS ✅  BOOK IT

Visit the summit of the Eiffel Tower without having to wait in a queue for hours so you can spend more time enjoying your holiday and more time seeing the sights .

This Eiffel Tower Summit tour with host you will head straight for the lift to the second floor where you will learn about the history of the Eiffel Tower and Paris and Parisian culture and traditions.

“Gonzalo our guide was awesome! Very nice, friendly and yet professional. Answer all our questions regarding the eiffel tower and even from other monuments!” – Angela (Read more reviews )

When your group is ready you will proceed to the top floor of the Eiffel Tower and take in panoramic views of Paris and get a glimpse of Gustave Eiffel’s private apartments.

Your guide will show you the best viewing spots and the best places to take your photos . Use this opportunity to ask questions about the Tower and Paris – they may even give their insider tips for the remainder of your Parisian itinerary.

Elevate your experience by enjoying a glass of famous French Champagne as you take in the views of Paris below.

Some times on this tour you will still need to wait in the line in security but it will be shorter than having to wait in the regular line and the security line.

🤩 Check Prices and Availability!

2. Eiffel Tower Access with Seine River Dinner Cruise and Moulin Rouge Show

⭐️  RATING:  4/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  7 HOURS | ✅  BOOK IT !

If you would prefer a tour that includes more than just going up the Eiffel Tower then this tour is perfect.

On this tour , you will tick off three major bucket list items for Paris, the Eiffel Tower, the Moulin Rouge, and a Seine River Cruise .

Start your night with a cruise down the Seine River where you will enjoy a meal as you watch the sights of Paris outside the window.

“What an amazing experience. We started with a delicious and romantic dinner on the Seine River cruise. The service was exquisite. We then did an evening tour of the Eifeel Tower. Its very beautiful at night with the lights. Then we finished it off with the most spectacular show we have ever seen…Moulin Rouge. This was an experience in Paris we will never forget. I highly recommend this tour package . Lastly, the tour guides were excellent and showed us all where to meet after each event. Great job!” – Raul (Read more reviews )

After dinner head to the Eiffel Tower where you receive priority access to the second floor of the Eiffel Tour where you can see the beautiful lights of Paris below.

Get ready to tick off your third bucket list item as you head to the Moulin Rouge to see the most famous cabaret show in the world.

Sip on a glass of Champagne as you are dazzled by the costumes, lights and performances inside the Moulin Rouge.

Be prepared for a late night, the show will not finish until approximately 1am.

3. Lunch at Madame Brasserie & Eiffel Tower Access with Cruise

⭐️  RATING:  4/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   5 hours | ✅  BOOK IT !

Not a night owl? Why not enjoy a beautiful three-course lunch at the Eiffel Tower’s Restaurant 58 and access to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower?

Choose a lunchtime for either 12pm or 1:30pm and enjoy a French lunch with beautiful views of Paris.

As an added bonus you will also receive tickets for the Seine River cruise which you can board at any time.

“Fantastic day out finished with a lovely meal. The guide was really friendly providing advice on how to make the most of our visit. The views from the restaurant were amazing.” – Glancy (Read more reviews )

The guides are very helpful, organised and accommodating of your needs. They will ensure you know what to do to get through security, and where to find your lunch reservation.

You will also be provided with some history of the Eiffel Tower and some places to visit to get the best photos. If you have any questions about the Eiffel Tower or Paris this is a great time to ask them.

This tour does not include top-level access, but you can add this when booking.

4. Paris Eiffel Tower Guided Climb Tour by Stairs

⭐️  RATING:  4.5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   2 HOURS | ✅  BOOK IT !

Take the less travelled path up the Eiffel Tower and climb the stairs . Most people take the lift up the Eiffel Tower so you will not have to wait in as many lines if you choose a guided climb up the Eiffel Tower.

Once you reach the second level of the Eiffel Tower you will have beautiful views over Paris and some of the most famous landmarks including the Louvre , Arc de Triomphe, the Seine River, and the Champs-Élysées.

There is no public access via the stairs to the top of the Eiffel tower but you can opt for a lift ticket to complete the ascent to the top.

“I definitely recommend this. You have all the time you need to rest if you get tired. Definitely worth the experience. Highly recommended.” – Kathereen (Read more reviews )

On the way up you will learn about Gustave Eiffel and the history of the Eiffel Tower. When you reach the second level of the Eiffel you will be able to catch your breathe as you marvel at the view.

After spending as much time as you would like up the Eiffel Tower you can enter the lift and return to the street.

This is not a skip-the-line ticket so make sure you go early in the morning to avoid peak times when the queues can be very long.

🤩 Check Prices and Availability !

5. City tour with lunch at the Eiffel Tower and Seine River cruise

⭐️  RATING:  4 /5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   5 HOURS | ✅  BOOK IT !

Paris is the perfect place to combine sightseeing and great food.

The City tour with lunch at the Eiffel Tower and Seine River Cruise offers an opportunity to see some of Paris’ most famous landmarks while enjoying a gourmet meal inside a heated glass dome on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower.

A dream came true. This was another experience out of my bucket list. I was able to celebrate my mother’s birthday with my friends. The food and service was excellent. – Fianny (Read more reviews )

You can choose from either morning or afternoon slots for this unique experience .

Your journey begins on a luxury coach on an immersive tour of Paris before you embark on an hour river cruise culminating with lunch up the iconic Eiffel Tower.

With picturesque views of Paris from every angle, this will surely be an unforgettable experience.

6. Paris Eiffel Tower Guided Tour with Access Via Lift

⭐️  RATING:  4 /5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   2 -4 HOURS | ✅  BOOK IT !

If climbing up the Eiffel Tower is not your thing then this guided tour to the second floor is what you are looking for.

As you ascend to the second level via lift your guide will explain the legends and lesser known facts about this famous Paris landmark.

“Excellent experience, guide was nice and great. We definitely recommend this tour to families. The guide took care of the whole group including the kids.” – Carlos (Read more reviews )

Your guide will be easy to spot when you arrive at the tour and they are very knowledgeable and friendly. Even when there are large crowds the guides will make the process as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

If you would like to take the lift to the summit of the Eiffel Tower you can add this option when booking.

7. Eiffel Tower Skip The Line 2nd Level Access with Host

⭐️  RATING:  4/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   1 HOUR | ✅  BOOK IT !

If you would prefer to skip-the-line and head straight up the tower then this is tour for you.

Skip the lines with your tomed entry priority tickets and enjoy a more relaxed day at one of the worlds most famous landmarks.

Spend more time up the Eiffel Tower rather than waiting in a long line and hear some of the history of the tower and colourful stories of Paris and the Eiffel Tower’s past. You will also hear stories about other famous landmarks in Paris and get some insider tips for the rest of your vacation.

“Brilliant tour easy & quick to access. Gonzalo our tour guide was brilliant very informative, engaging & funny too. Thank you, you made our Eiffel tower experience a very memorable one” – Zoe (Read more reviews )

At the conclusion of the tour your guide will leave you up the Eiffel Tower so you can continue to enjoy the Tower at your own pace.

8. Eiffel Tower Priority Access Guided Tour with Summit access

⭐️  RATING:  4.5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   1.5 HOURS | ✅  BOOK IT!

The Eiffel Tower Priority Access Guided Tour with Summit Access is an amazing experience for any traveler.

Not only does the small group tour include the regular second level observation deck, but it also takes you to the summit.

You’ll be provided with priority skip-the-line tickets so you don’t have to wait in long lines to get your ticket.

“Great experience Our guide was fantastic with top knowledge and an infectious energy, thoroughly recommend a tour with these guys” – Matthew (Read more reviews )

So you can hear your guide clearly as headsets are provided for all participants.

The guides are knowledgable, funny and entertaining – ensuring that this guided tour is an unforgettable experience.

9. Eiffel Tower with Reserved Access to the Summit

⭐️  RATING:  4/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   2 HOURS | ✅  BOOK IT!

Make the most of your visit with this reserved access to the summit tour , and no waiting in line!

“Our tour guide was wonderful. She was easy to find and was very knowledgeable about the Tower and all if France . We went to the top which was a very exciting part of the tour nit yo ge missed” – Sharon (Read more reviews )

You can enjoy a detailed tour of the second and third floors on this tour . Learn about the history behind this stunning monument as your English speaking guide shares stories and anecdotes – perfect if you’re short on time and don’t have time to wait for tickets to the summit.

You don’t have to worry about getting access to the summit with this tour – it’s guaranteed!

10. Eiffel Tower Skip the Line Summit Access and Seine River Cruise

⭐️  RATING:  4.5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   2-3 HOURS | ✅  BOOK IT!

The Eiffel Tower and Seine River Cruise is the perfect way to get up close to Paris’ best-known landmark!

Skip the line access to the summit of the Eiffel Tower provides you with incredible views over Paris and enjoy some of the city’s history.

“Tour was timely and Claudia was fantastic. She took photos for us and ensured we all stayed together. Be aware that the tour to the top from the 2nd floor and back down will still be quite a wait in line, depending on the time of year. My only concern was that we were not given the boat tix and I had to ask for them after I had already checked in. Make sure you get passes to everything you paid for.” -Rita (Read more reviews

The one hour river cruise includes an audio guide providing more information about the sights, allowing you to learn more about Paris while taking in some of its most stunning architectural landmarks.

The skip-the-line ticket also ensures a smooth and stress-free experience to ensure your time in Paris is spent in a relaxed atmosphere.

11. Eiffel Tower Tour with Optional Summit and Seine Champagne Cruise

⭐️  RATING:  4.5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   2 HOURS | ✅  BOOK IT!

The Eiffel Tower Tour with Optional Summit and Seine Champagne Cruise is a great way to experience the City of Lights in all its glory! Begin your journey with a guided tour through the Trocadéro gardens and the Champ de Mars, where you will be immersed in the history of Paris.

“Ami our guide he was fun and knowledgeable. The day with its blue sky made for an awesome view of Paris. Ami pointed out all the magnificent historical buildings and the history. Without a guide it would still have been wonderful but with the history and where the buildings were made much more worth our while. We would definitely go again.” -Judy (Read more reviews )

You’ll then explore the first and second floors of the magnificent Eiffel Tower, or if you have chosen to upgrade for an additional fee, ascend to its summit – unparalleled views across the city await!

Afterwards, take a leisurely cruise along the River Seine while sipping complimentary champagne – a truly unique way to end your day.

Note that it can be a little hard to find the meeting point for this tour so make sure you allow plenty of time.

Furthermore, if you wish to visit the summit, book your tickets early as they tend to sell out quickly!

The knowledgeable guides are always happy to answer any questions about Paris’ monuments and history.

12. Eiffel Tower Skip the Line 2nd Floor and Seine River Cruise

⭐️  RATING:  4/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   3 HOURS | ✅  BOOK IT!

Your knowledgeable tour guide will lead you to skip the lines at the Eiffel Tower, and take you up to its 2nd floor for breathtaking views of the cityscape.

Learn about the history and design of this iconic monument as you go.

“Beautiful evening walk to the Eiffel Tower. Marcella was an excellent guide switching easily between 3 languages to make sure then entire group was informed and knew where to go and hear her great info. She was very knowledgeable about all the districts of Paris and explained everything we saw around the tower. Great guide.” -Susan (Read more reviews )

Afterwards, take a journey down the banks of the stunning Seine River in a one hour cruise, viewing famous landmarks such as Notre Dame and Musée d’Orsay from the comfort of your boat.

All tours meet at a location away from the Eiffel Tower- so be sure to note down where you need to be when booking your tickets!

If choosing a night tour, don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes as there are some steep steps getting to where your cruise begins.

13. Eiffel Tower Skip-The-Line Second Level Access by Elevator

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Eiffel Tower with a skip-the-line second level access by elevator tour .

“I can’t remember the name of our guide but he was very personable, knowledgeable, and presented information with humorous anecdotes. We were so glad to purchase these tickets well in advance which provided us the luxury of not having to stand in line. The regular lines for ticket purchasing were incredibly long and it was a hot day. We were told by some people that the wait times were 2 and 3 hours long. This definitely is worth the price.” -Daria (Read more reviews )

Enjoy easy access to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower and an entertaining tour with skip-the-line tickets.

Find the best photo opportunities, and stay on the second floor for as long as you like after your tour has finished.

If you’d like to take it a step further, purchase a summit ticket for a unique experience!

With this unique tour , you’ll get to enjoy all that the Eiffel Tower has to offer without waiting in line.

14. Eiffel Tower with Reserved Access to the 2nd Floor

The Eiffel Tower is an iconic structure that you simply can’t miss when in Paris. But now, with reserved access to the 2nd floor of this impressive monument, you can get a great view of Paris and its surroundings.

“Our guide Matilde was wonderful. Very helpful and informative. Cute and fun. She knew a lot about Paris.” – Don (Read more reviews )

What makes this tour even better is that you meet up with one of the expert English speaking guides just steps from the tower.

They are both fun and informative and will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have.

And once there, enjoy the incredible 360 degree panoramic views of Paris!

15. Eiffel Tower Climbing Experience with Guide and Optional Summit Upgrade

Climbing the Eiffel Tower with a guide is an experience to remember.

As you take the slow and scenic route up the stairs, you’ll be able to see angles and view points that most people don’t ever get to witness – it’s simply breathtaking.

Plus,you’ll get to walk out onto the glass platform 57m above the ground, which is an amazing feat in itself!

“Our guide was amazing! Ratrilekha was extremely personable and amazing. She gave us the full history of the tower, recommendations for our trip, and walked with my daughter and helped her practice French. She was absolutely wonderful!” – Stacy (Read more reviews )

For those who’d really like a thrill, there’s also the option of upgrading your experience and taking an elevator to the summit of the tower.

You’ll be in a smaller group of 20 people or less for a more intimate experience.

And along with making stops on each floor to look at the views and hear a small history lesson on the tower and Paris before continuing on to the second level, this is sure to be an adventure you won’t forget anytime soon.

16. Priority Eiffel Tower Ticket with Access to 2nd floor Via Stairs

The Priority Eiffel Tower ticket with access to the 2nd floor via stairs offers a unique experience.

Skip the line and climb to the second floor, where you can admire beautiful views of Paris all the way up!

“My experience at the Eiffel was great, and I would strongly recommend using Online ticket because people without the ticket were waiting more than 2 hours, and I was at the second floor in about 15 minutes.” – Gordana (Read more reviews )

Along with this ticket, you also have access to an audioguide that is accessible on your phone.

Please note that this is only a ticket for access to the first two floors and it does not include access to the summit of the tower. Enjoy this memorable experience as you explore the Eiffel Tower like never before!

🤩 C heck Prices and Availability!

Tips for Getting the Most out of Your Eiffel Tower Tour

• Make sure you know where the meeting point is. It might be worth finding the meeting the day before so you’re not late
• Arrive early the tour will not wait for you
• Wear comfortable shoes especially if you are climbing the Eiffel Tower
• Have plenty of battery and storage space on your camera or phone, you will take a lot of photos
• If you have questions about the tower or anything else about Paris and your trip ask your guide
• Find out about the cancellation policy before booking
• Read all of the important information on the tour page and your booking confirmation so you don’t forget anything important

FAQs: Eiffel Tower Tickets

What is the best eiffel tower tour.

The Best Eiffel Tower Tour is Eiffel Tower Summit Skip the Line with Host ; with over 2,780 reviews, you will get the best tour of the Eiffel Tower.

Can you climb the Eiffel Tower for free?

No, you cannot climb the Eiffel Tower for free. You can explore the gardens surrounding the Eiffel Tower for free but you cannot access the tower without a ticket.

Is a guided tour worth it for the Eiffel Tower?

Yes, a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower is it worth it. Guided tours often provide in-depth historical and cultural context as well as fun facts about the location that you may not have known before. You can also purchase tickets to skip the line.

What is the best way to visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris?

The best way to visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris is to purchase tickets online before your visit. This will allow you to avoid long lines and maximize your time once you arrive at the Tower. Additionally, considering taking a guided tour so that you can hear about the history of this iconic landmark while taking in its breathtaking views.

Is it better to go to the second floor or the top of the Eiffel Tower?

It is definitely worth going to the top of the Eiffel Tower. The views are amazing and there is just something about standing at the top of the Eiffel Tower.

Is it better to go up the Eiffel Tower at night or day?

Going up the Eiffel Tower at night is a different experience to the day time. During the day you can see beautiful views of Paris and the surrounding areas. At night time you can see the lights or Paris and the stunning light show on the Eiffel tower.

How long does it take to visit the Eiffel Tower?

I recommend visiting the Eiffel Tower for at least two hours This gives you time to explore each floor, take in the panoramic views and enjoy a meal, drink or shop if you choose to do so.

How many levels does the Eiffel Tower have?

The Eiffel Tower has three levels that are open to the public. You can climb or take a lift to the first two floors and then to reach the summit you will need to take the lift, visitors cannot climb to the summit.

Can you climb to the summit of the Eiffel Tower?

No, you cannot climb to the summit of the Eiffel Tower. You must take the lift.

What can you see at the summit of the Eiffel Tower?

At the summit of the Eiffel Tower you can see Gustave Eiffel’s office, views of the Arc de Triomphe, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, the Seine River and beautiful views of Paris.

🤩 The Best Eiffel Tower Tour is Eiffel Tower Summit Skip the Line with Host with over 2,750 reviews you know you are making the most of your time in Paris by skipping the lines and exploring the tower with an expert guide

Final Thoughts: Eiffel Tower Tickets Skip the Line

I hope this guide helped you find the Eiffel Tower Tour of your dreams.

For our money, the best Eiffel Tower Tour is the Eiffel Tower Summit Skip the Line with Host .

This tour helps you skip the line and head straight up the Eiffel Tower with an expert guide leading the way and answering all of your burning Paris questions .

✅  Pro Tip:  Before booking, read the frequently asked questions sections for the tour(s) you’re considering to ensure you pick the best one for your needs and interests.

Are you looking to escape the city during your trip to Paris? Check out the best tours to the Palace of Versailles .

What Time Does the Eiffel Tower Light up? How many Steps in the Eiffel Tower? How to spend 3 days in Paris: The Perfect Paris Itinerary The Ultimate Guide for your first solo trip to Paris Best Hotels in Paris with Eiffel Tower view Language in Paris: Everything you need to know Private Champagne Tour from Paris: 5 most luxurious tours Paris at Night Time: How to Spend a Perfect Evening in Paris 21 Perfect Weekend Getaways from Paris 11+ Best Hotels outside Paris with parking Uber Paris: 7+ tips for Uber in Paris 7 Best Private Boat Tours Paris 23 Best Private Guided Tours in Paris The perfect day trip from Paris to Amsterdam 

I'm Fiona, the Australian blogger behind Travelling Thirties. Travel has always been my passion since 2007. I created this site to help inspire you to travel the world. In 2010 I moved from Australia to Scotland with $500 and a one way ticket, no one thought I'd last 5 minutes but I lasted 5 years. I share everything from one day itineraries to travel tips and tricks from Australia to Europe that will inspire you to get out and travel. Some of my favourite countries I have been to are France, Finland, Denmark, and England.

Travel Expertise: Europe Travel, France Travel, Christmas Markets, travel planning, itineraries and travel tips

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Complete Guide To Visiting Eiffel Tower for the first time

Last updated on June 19th, 2021 at 04:31 am

Eiffel Tower is certainly the icon of Paris and one of the most visited sites in the world. And if you are visiting Eiffel Tower for the first time, you would certainly love to experience it to its full potential.

It can never happen that you visited Paris but saw the Eiffel Tower only from outside or vantage points. Experiencing the tower requires a bit of pre-planning and in this guide, you can find everything you need to know to make your first-time visit to Eiffel Tower memorable.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission if you click on one and make a purchase.

About The Eiffel Tower

The  Eiffel Tower in Paris built by Gustave Eiffel in 1889 is a national heritage of France. This 324 metres tall wrought-iron lattice structure truly has a celeb status and is one of the most recognizable monuments in the world.

One of the reasons why the Eiffel Tower is so famous is that it boasts of a daringly modern design that was way ahead of its time. After 130 years of its construction, it remains one of the most iconic landmarks in the world.

Today, it is also considered as the symbol of love owing to a large number of marriage proposals being made with the ‘Iron lady’ as the witness and is a hot favorite amongst couples.

And the best part is, the experiences on offer at Eiffel Tower are ever evolving from glass floors to the finest restaurants.

Read More : Paris Bucket List – 30 Things To Do In Paris

Tips To Plan For Visiting Eiffel Tower For The First Time

Everyone who visits Paris visit Eiffel Tower. You need to plan your visit well and in advance to get inside the Tower and make the most of it.

1. Tickets for Eiffel Tower

It is highly recommended you buy your tickets for the Eiffel tower online and plan your day. That way you can skip the line and save a lot of time. The official Tour Eiffel  site has very clear instructions about various ticket options.

Eiffel Tower has three floors – The first floor, second floor, and the top floor (Summit). If it is your first time in Paris with your family, it is advisable to visit all three floors for a complete experience. The prices depend on whether you are opting for Stairs or an Elevator.

Stairs are available till the 2nd floor and after that, you need to take the elevator to the top.

Now here’s the catch.

Taking stairs is a cheaper option but ascending 674 steps till the second floor is no mean feat especially if you are visiting Paris with kids and have other places to go to during the day. So, in the most likely situation, you will be selecting “Lift entrance ticket with access to the Summit.” as the option from the Tour Eiffel site.

For us, we were clear that we will visit the top floor and take the elevator only, and that way we saved a lot of time and toil.

But, what to do if online Eiffel Tower tickets are sold out?

Eiffel Tower tickets get booked at least 2 months before the date of booking. Hence keep a close eye on the  Tour Eiffel  site. However, in the scenario e-tickets are sold out, a guided tour is the only option.

2. Eiffel Tower Opening Hours

The Eiffel Tower is open 365 days . However, in today’s exceptional situation the Tower is currently closed. It is set to reopen on 16th July 2021! The revised opening hours will be available from   the Tour Eiffel site .

Mid-July to August

9:30 AM – 22:30 PM.

The Tower will close at 11:45 PM

Rest of the Year

The schedule for the rest of the year is yet to be announced by the authorities.

3. How to reach Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower is located in 7th arrondissement of Paris. It is easily accessible from all parts of the city via public transport system.

Metro : Lines 6 and 9. Exit at Trocadero station for an amazing Eiffel Tower view before walking down to the tower across the Seine.

RER C Train : Get off at the Champs de Mars station.

Bus : 42, 69, 82, and 87.

How To See All The Floors While Visiting Eiffel Tower For The First Time

1. the top floor or the summit, 276 meters (905 feet).

If you arrive during Opening Hours, take the elevator to the top right away and work your way back down. The Summit is usually not crowded during initial hours. Hence, leverage that window.

For accessing the top floor, take the elevator to the 2nd floor and then opt for the next elevator to the top floor. You can come back to the 2nd floor later.

Ensure to video-record your elevator ascent experience!

Once you are at the summit, be ready for a breathtaking view of Paris city. It does ushers in a myriad of emotions. After all, you are at the top of the Eiffel Tower! There are quite a few things you can do at the summit other than the majestic view. Check out the secret chamber of Gustave Eiffel which has realistic wax statues representing the bygone time. And also take a photo with your kid and loved one at the ‘Place to Kiss’. Place to Kiss is small pink board tucked in a corner at the top floor and serves as a photo background for Top of the Eiffel Tower moment!

2. The second floor

Take the elevator now to come down to the second floor. Usually there is a wait time for the elevator. So, be patient.

This floor promises to provide yet another spectacular view of Paris if not better! This floor does not have a mesh all around, and the observation deck is stunning providing a clearer view of the city. The second floor has a gift shop, buffets, and the prestigious Jules Verne restaurant .

3. The first floor

Your next stop is the first floor. Once again, take the elevator from second to first floor.

As you walk through the first floor, you will discover an array of things on offer – a vertigo-inducing glass floor where you can sit and take photos, a museum, a spiral staircase section, a sprawling terrace, and many more.

By this time, you might be a bit tired. Hence, move on to the terrace section and grab a seat.

There are several snack counters available around. While you settle down with your food and coffee, be ready to observe and admire the intricate engineering of the Tower with the pillars on four sides. This open-air seating arrangement does provide you with some awesome insights into the scale of the construction.

Experience for kids while visiting Eiffel Tower first time

First of all, prepare your kids for visiting the Eiffel Tower. Arouse their curiosity by telling them various facts and figures and including them in your trip planning.

There are several kid-friendly activities in Eiffel Tower.  

A free tour for kids on the first floor helped by two characters Tom and Elia will introduce the young minds to various information and history about the tower. Ensure to  download and print the visit materials in advance  for this interactive fun activity.

Just ensure you do not lose sight of them as the Eiffel tower gets crowded.

Dining at Eiffel Tower

There are several dining options in the Eiffel tower to satiate your taste buds while also offering you some unique sights and experiences. Some of them are super-affordable and some are on the pricier side. Choose according to your priorities and plan of the day.

The 2nd floor of   Eiffel Tower has the prestigious  Michelin star  Le Jules Verne restaurant  offering multi-course French cuisine. You need to book in advance and be there in proper attire. There is a separate electric elevator for diners at this restaurant. This place is really expensive!

For those with a sweet tooth can indulge in those heavenly macarons at the Macaroon Bar .

58 Tour Eiffel  (closed for renovation till 2021) on the 1st floor is a brasserie offering all day meals from breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. This place is pricey too but much lesser than Le Jules Verne restaurant! Go for it if you fancy.

The Esplanade, first and second floors have buffets for a quick grab.

The top floor has a champagne bar which also serves non-alcoholic drink, a good option when you have your family with you.

Read more : 11 Must-Try food In Paris

Shopping at Eiffel Tower

The gift shops in Eiffel Tower can be found in the Esplanade, the first floor and the second floor. They have an array of souvenirs on offer from miniature Eiffel Tower replicas to perfumes and ‘Made in France’ products. We picked a few souvenirs from here.

Best Eiffel tower views and photo opportunities

Now that you have experienced Eiffel Tower across all its levels, it is time to admire the beauty from other places in Paris.

The 2013 Bollywood blockbuster movie ‘Queen’ had captured the spirit of Paris quite vividly. There’s a scene in the movie where the protagonist travels to Paris and was on a city exploration spree. She always wished to visit Paris with her fiancée but unfortunately, that didn’t happen, and she traveled alone. A scene shows how she is trying to navigate the city with a map in hand and wherever she looks has a view of the Eiffel Tower.

That’s how viewing Eiffel Tower is captured in popular culture and is something we can relate to.

Several locations in Paris offer some of the iconic views of the Eiffel Tower and unique photo moments you might want to bring back as memories.

1. From Place du Trocadéro

Place du Trocadéro is an open space with several fountains along a long basin and provides probably the best view of the Eiffel Tower. If you are visiting Paris for the first time, this view of the Eiffel Tower is something you are going to cherish for years to come. Ands it’s free!

It can be easily accessed by taking the Metro line 6 or 9 and exiting at the Trocadero stop. As soon as you get to the top of the stairs to exit the Metro station, this view awaits you.

2. From the base of the Eiffel Tower

This is a no-brainer. One of the best views of the Eiffel Tower is while you are at the base of the Tower. Take a selfie with your family with the Tower in the background and make it a moment to remember.

3. On Seine Cruise

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A trip to Paris is incomplete without a cruise on the river Seine. Explore the city along its waterway as you cross some of the most notable Paris Landmarks. The usual 60-min cruises offer some of the spectacular views of Paris and certainly the Eiffel Tower .

There is an array of Seine Cruise on offer and you can check for Seine Cruise options from  the Bateaux Parisiens website .

Pro Tip : If you are starting the trip from the base of the Eiffel Tower, then you have a great photo opportunity to have the tower on your background while you gorge on some tidbits while waiting for your turn.

4. From Tour Montparnasse Tower

The tallest skyscraper in Paris is the  Montparnasse Tower. Its observation deck on the 59th floor provides a panoramic 360-degree view of Paris with the Eiffel Tower in it.

Adults – 15 Euros

Young people (12 to 18) – 8 Euros

Child (4 to 11) – 7.5 Euros.

You can book your tickets online for  Montparnasse Tower . Note that the elevator access is till the 56th floor and after that, you will need to ascend the stairs to the 59th floor to the observation deck.

5. Carousel of the Eiffel Tower

Paris is full of carousels intended to keep the kids entertained. There’s a carousel right below the Eiffel Tower. It provides the perfect photo opportunity when the Eiffel Tower is lit up at night.

6. From Arc De Triomphe

The iconic Arc De Triomphe monument commissioned by Napoleon to represent various victories of the French army is also known for providing great views of the Eiffel Tower along with the entire Paris city. You will need to ascend 284 steps to the observation deck for this wonder.

Arc De Triomphe tickets   can be bought online.

Read more : 10 Things To Do In Montmartre

Interesting facts about Eiffel Tower

And here are some trivia about Eiffel Tower :

• The French have a nickname for the tower: La Dame de Fer, “the Iron Lady.”
• . The then artists led by authors like Alexandre Dumas and Guy de Maupassant protested the erection of the tower calling it ‘useless and monstrous’ and a blow to Paris’s pristine beauty.
• Thomas Edison was one of the invitees of Gustave Eiffel at his secret chamber on the top floor.
• The tower received its 200,000,000th guest on 28 November 2002.
• It was originally planned to be dismantled after 20 years of construction.
• The tower has been used for making radio transmissions since the beginning of the 20th century.
• The tower was always a favorite amongst filmmakers. 1985’s James Bond film ‘A view to Kill’ had scenes shot in the tower or the more recent ‘Tomorrowland’ have its actors travel to the tower for accessing an inter-dimensional travel capsule.

Frequently Asked Questions On Visiting Eiffel Tower For The First Time

Sadly no! Good travel experiences rarely come as freebies and certainly not the Eiffel Tower 1st Floor. The ticket options available starts with second floor which obviously includes first floor as well.

Eiffel Tower is gorgeous from day till night. But for the optimum experience, the best time to visit Eiffel Tower is during the opening hours in the morning and after sunset for a spectacular view from the twinkling tower. The early morning visit will ensure there’s less crowd around and certainly great views.

Yes, very much. Please do yourself a favor by booking tickets beforehand and skip-the-line. Alternatively, you can go for guided tours to visit the tower. They include skip-the-line facility.

Photographing Eiffel Tower at night is not illegal at all. However, professional uses of the images are copyrighted and require prior authorization. Check the full response at the official Tour Eiffel site .

If you didn’t manage to get an e-ticket or are not of a DIY sort of traveler, then a guided tour is the only option. You might want to choose a guided tour to club it with other sightseeing activities in Paris. Choice is your.

It depends on which restaurant you are opting for. Jules Verne restaurant’s price range starts from $200, 58 Tour Eiffel stands at $50 onwards while the buffets available for quick grab are much cheaper and affordable.

Closing Thoughts On Visiting Eiffel Tower For The First Time

That’s a wrap. Hope this post will help you experience Eiffel Tower in its full glory. Let me know about your experience too!

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Eiffel Tower

By: History.com Editors

Updated: June 7, 2019 | Original: June 13, 2011

When Gustave Eiffel’s company built Paris’ most recognizable monument for the 1889 World’s Fair, many regarded the massive iron structure with skepticism. Today, the Eiffel Tower, which continues to serve an important role in television and radio broadcasts, is considered an architectural wonder and attracts more visitors than any other paid tourist attraction in the world.

Designing and Building the Eiffel Tower

In 1889, Paris hosted an Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair) to mark the 100-year anniversary of the French Revolution . More than 100 artists submitted competing plans for a monument to be built on the Champ-de-Mars, located in central Paris, and serve as the exposition’s entrance. The commission was granted to Eiffel et Compagnie, a consulting and construction firm owned by the acclaimed bridge builder, architect and metals expert Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel. While Eiffel himself often receives full credit for the monument that bears his name, it was one of his employees—a structural engineer named Maurice Koechlin—who came up with and fine-tuned the concept. Several years earlier, the pair had collaborated on the Statue of Liberty’s metal armature.

Did you know? The base pillars of the Eiffel Tower are oriented with the four points of the compass.

Eiffel reportedly rejected Koechlin’s original plan for the tower, instructing him to add more ornate flourishes. The final design called for more than 18,000 pieces of puddle iron, a type of wrought iron used in construction, and 2.5 million rivets. Several hundred workers spent two years assembling the framework of the iconic lattice tower, which at its inauguration in March 1889 stood nearly 1,000 feet high and was the tallest structure in the world—a distinction it held until the completion of New York City’s Chrysler Building in 1930. (In 1957, an antenna was added that increased the structure’s height by 65 feet, making it taller than the Chrysler Building but not the Empire State Building, which had surpassed its neighbor in 1931.) Initially, only the Eiffel Tower’s second-floor platform was open to the public; later, all three levels, two of which now feature restaurants, would be reachable by stairway or one of eight elevators.

Millions of visitors during and after the World’s Fair marveled at Paris’ newly erected architectural wonder. Not all of the city’s inhabitants were as enthusiastic, however: Many Parisians either feared it was structurally unsound or considered it an eyesore. The novelist Guy de Maupassant, for example, allegedly hated the tower so much that he often ate lunch in the restaurant at its base, the only vantage point from which he could completely avoid glimpsing its looming silhouette.

The Eiffel Tower Becomes a Permanent Feature of the Paris Skyline

Originally intended as a temporary exhibit, the Eiffel Tower was almost torn down and scrapped in 1909. City officials opted to save it after recognizing its value as a radiotelegraph station. Several years later, during World War I , the Eiffel Tower intercepted enemy radio communications, relayed zeppelin alerts and was used to dispatch emergency troop reinforcements. It escaped destruction a second time during World War II : Hitler initially ordered the demolition of the city’s most cherished symbol, but the command was never carried out. Also during the German occupation of Paris, French resistance fighters famously cut the Eiffel Tower’s elevator cables so that the Nazis had to climb the stairs.

Over the years, the Eiffel Tower has been the site of numerous high-profile stunts, ceremonial events and even scientific experiments. In 1911, for instance, the German physicist Theodor Wulf used an electrometer to detect higher levels of radiation at its top than at its base, observing the effects of what are now called cosmic rays. The Eiffel Tower has also inspired more than 30 replicas and similar structures in various cities around the world.

Now one of the most recognizable structures on the planet, the Eiffel Tower underwent a major facelift in 1986 and is repainted every seven years. It welcomes more visitors than any other paid monument in the world—an estimated 7 million people per year. Some 500 employees are responsible for its daily operations, working in its restaurants, manning its elevators, ensuring its security and directing the eager crowds flocking the tower’s platforms to enjoy panoramic views of the City of Lights.

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Eiffel Tower: Information & Facts

Whether you're lucky enough to have visited Paris or have only ever dreamed of going there, chances are you know of the French capital's most beloved landmark: the Eiffel Tower.

The Eiffel Tower, La Tour Eiffel in French, was the main exhibit of the Paris Exposition — or World's Fair — of 1889. It was constructed to commemorate the centennial of the French Revolution and to demonstrate France's industrial prowess to the world. 

"Although at the beginning it was seen as 'the ugliest building in Paris,' soon it became the symbol of the city," said Tea Gudek Snajdar, an Amsterdam-based art historian, museum docent and a blogger at Culture Tourist . 

World's Fair centerpiece

Gustave Eiffel, a French civil engineer , is usually credited with designing the tower that bears his name. However, it was actually two lesser-known men, Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier, who came up with the original drawings for the monument.  

Kochlin and Nouguier were the chief engineers for the Compagnie des Etablissements Eiffel — Gustave Eiffel's engineering firm. Together with Eiffel and a French architect, Stephen Sauvestre, the engineers submitted their plans to a contest that would determine the centerpiece for the 1889 World's Fair in Paris.

The Eiffel company's design won, and construction of the wrought-iron tower began in July 1887. But not everyone in Paris was thrilled with the idea of a giant metal monument looming over the city. 

Even to contemporary eyes, the Eiffel Tower is unique. But in the late 19th century, nothing had been seen like it. "Modern architecture was emerging slightly in Paris before the Eiffel Tower. But it was doing it in a very shy way," said Gudek Snajdar. Iron, which was newly popular as a building material because of the Industrial Revolution, became a cornerstone of modern architecture. But in 1887, it had only appeared internally, as support structures, or in unimportant buildings like hothouses, factories and bridges. 

"The biggest problem was that they still didn't know how to make something aesthetically appealing with the new material. When they were using it, they would try to repeat historic stone structures. It's very visible on — for example, pillars in the Bibliotheque Ste.-Genevieve in Paris," explained Gudek Snajdar. "However, with the Eiffel Tower they changed completely the way they were using the new material. The structure, its appearance is completely new and modern."

When construction of the tower began on the Champs de Mars, a group of 300 artists, sculptors, writers and architects sent a petition to the commissioner of the Paris Exposition, pleading him to halt construction of the "ridiculous tower" that would dominate Paris like a "gigantic black smokestack."

But the protests of Paris' artistic community fell on deaf ears. Construction of the tower was completed in just over two years, on March 31, 1889. 

Construction of the Eiffel Tower

Each of the 18,000 pieces used to build the tower was calculated specifically for the project and prepared in Eiffel's factory on the outskirts of Paris. The wrought-iron structure is composed of four immense arched legs, set on masonry piers that curve inward until joining in a single, tapered tower.

Building the tower required 2.5 million thermally assembled rivets and 7,300 tons of iron. To protect the tower from the elements, workers painted every inch of the structure, a feat that required 60 tons of paint. The tower has since been repainted 18 times.

Eiffel Tower fun facts

• Gustave Eiffel used latticed wrought iron to construct the tower to demonstrate that the metal could be as strong as stone while being lighter.
• Eiffel also created the internal frame for the Statue of Liberty.
• Construction of the Eiffel Tower cost 7,799,401.31 French gold francs in 1889, or about $1.5 million.
• The Eiffel Tower is 1,063 feet (324 meters) tall, including the antenna at the top. Without the antenna, it is 984 feet (300 m).
• It was the world's tallest structure until the Chrysler Building was built in New York in 1930.
• The tower was built to sway slightly in the wind, but the sun affects the tower more. As the sun-facing side of the tower heats up, the top moves as much as 7 inches (18 centimeters) away from the sun.
• The sun also causes the tower to grow about 6 inches.
• The Eiffel Tower weighs 10,000 tons.
• There are 5 billion lights on the Eiffel Tower.
• The French have a nickname for the tower: La Dame de Fer , "the Iron Lady."
• The first platform is 190 feet above the ground; the second platform is 376 feet, and the third platform is almost 900 feet up.
• The Eiffel Tower has 108 stories, with 1,710 steps. However, visitors can only climb stairs to the first platform. There are two elevators.
• One elevator travels a total distance of 64,001 miles (103,000 kilometers) a year.

A hallmark of modern architecture

The Eiffel Tower is unquestionably modern in its shape, which is distinct from the Neo-Gothic, Neo-Renaissance and Neo-Baroque styles that were popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, according to Gudek Snajdar. But its material truly made it stand out. 

"The Eiffel Tower was one of the first examples of the modern architecture because of the iron," said Gudek Snajdar. "And the fact that the building didn't have any purpose in particular." It existed purely to demonstrate French architectural creativity and skill with materials to the world; it was imbued with meaning but not utility.

The Eiffel Tower is also a more democratic, and therefore modern, structure than other monuments of the time, according to Gudek Snajdar. Gustave Eiffel insisted that elevators be included in the tower, but they had to be imported from an American company because no French company could meet the quality standards, Gudek Snajdar said. "Because of the escalators, the building could be used as a tower from which Parisians and their visitors could enjoy a view on their city. That was something that was before only accessible to a few wealthy people that could afford flying in a hot air balloon. But now, it was rather cheap and anyone could enjoy the view on a city from it," she explained. 

"That's why it's a great example of a modern architecture. It's democratic and not only available to a few of a wealthy people. But people of a different social background could use it and enjoy it."

Uses of the tower

The tower was intended as a temporary structure that was to be removed after 20 years. But as time passed, people no longer wanted to see the tower go. 

"After seeing the success of the tower during and after the World Exhibition, many of the former enemies of the project publicly apologized. By the time the Exhibition was over, most Parisians were proud of the structure," said Iva Polansky, a Calgary-based novelist and historian at Victorian Paris . "Although there remained a few die-hards like the novelist Guy de Maupassant, who continued to loathe the sight of it."

Gustave Eiffel was also not keen on seeing his favorite project dismantled, and so he set about making the tower an indispensable tool for the scientific community.

Just days after its opening, Eiffel installed a meteorology laboratory on the third floor of the tower. He invited scientists to use the lab for their studies on everything from gravity to electricity. Ultimately, however, it was the tower's looming height, not its laboratory, that saved it from extinction. 

In 1910, the city of Paris renewed Eiffel's concession for the tower because of the structure's usefulness as a wireless telegraph transmitter. The French military used the tower to communicate wirelessly with ships in the Atlantic Ocean and intercept enemy messages during World War I . 

The tower is still home to more than 120 antennas, broadcasting both radio and television signals throughout the capital city and beyond.

The tower today

The Eiffel Tower is still the centerpiece of Paris' cityscape. More than 7 million people visit this iconic tower every year, according to the attraction's official website . Since the tower's 1889 opening, 250 million people from around the world have enjoyed all that the Eiffel Tower has to offer.

And it has a lot to offer. The tower's three platforms are home to two restaurants, several buffets, a banquet hall, a champagne bar and many unique gift shops. Educational tours of the tower are available for children and tourist groups.

The tower is open to visitors 365 days a year, with visiting times varying by season. From June to September, the tower remains open until after midnight. Rates vary, but visitors can expect to pay between $13 (10 euros) and $19 (14.5 euros) per person for access to the tower's three public lifts and 704 stairs. Tickets, including group-discounted tickets, can be purchased online or at the ticket office at the foot of the tower.

The Eiffel Tower "provided Paris with the most distinguishable silhouette," said Polansky. Its distinct look has made it an enduring symbol of Paris. 

But according to Gudek Snajdar, more than just its striking shape makes it an icon of the city. "Paris was a center of modern art and painting at the time [late 1800s], home to democracy, and hosting the first world exhibition," she said. "It was meant to be a birthplace of modern architecture, too."

Additional reporting by Jessie Szalay, Live Science contributor.

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Elizabeth is a former Live Science associate editor and current director of audience development at the Chamber of Commerce. She graduated with a bachelor of arts degree from George Washington University. Elizabeth has traveled throughout the Americas, studying political systems and indigenous cultures and teaching English to students of all ages.

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Location: Paris, France

GPS : 48° 51' 30.13'' North / 2° 17' 40.13'' East

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Dimensions of the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is a monument of very large size, rare are those who are as imposing as it. The statues in the World are smaller, even the statues of large sizes. The buildings are imposing, but apart from a few sets such as the Forbidden City of Beijing or the Kremlin, in Moscow, one can not really find monuments at the size of the Eiffel Tower. But by the way, how much does she measure?

Height and other dimensions

The Eiffel Tower is 324m , currently. It did not cease to grow according to the times, initially it measured "only" 312m, measure taken at the top of the flagpole of the tricolor flag, the highest point. The top of the tower is 301m, without the flag. Being a technical object, it can be measured from every angle, from its surface to the ground, or even to the depth of its foundations, to the surface of the platforms. What is interesting to note is the perfect correspondence between the initial plans , established in 1884, with the measures that we can do currently: They match perfectly, proof of the efficiency of the designers, just as manufacturers of the parts.

The lists below give the sizes of the main pieces of the Eiffel Tower, part by part.

Overall size

Here is a summary of the most significant weights of the tower. For details, or to find a more particular weight, See the weight page of the Eiffel Tower.

Why did you want to create such a tall tower?

It is by going near the tower, feeling crushed by this incredible metal mass, that one can ask the question of why the Eiffel Tower was built. These reasons are quite simple, but we must delve into the spirit of the nineteenth century. The mid-nineteenth century coincides with the beginnings of the industrial revolution, a fantastic era in which we discovered the power of machines and where we improve our knowledge every day. Among his knowledge, a discovery of importance: the possibility of using metals as construction equipment.

Until then all constructions were systematically made of rubble or stone, it is masonry. But masonry does not have infinite resistance: Even the hardest granite crumbles under too much weight. It was therefore necessary to allow a weight limit for buildings. The highest climbed at 170m (The Mile Antonelliana Tower, Turin), but these were already exploits whose choice of materials was preponderant. Iron, for its part, allowed much lighter constructions, so it seemed appropriate for heavy buildings such as sheds and towers. But nobody had ever built these buildings, everything was to discover. Soon engineers calculated tensile strengths, torsion of all possible forms. Some began to build, and their experiences served others. And then came just as quickly a question: Is it possible to build a tower 1000 feet high? Knowing that in the metric system, this value is 300m, in France we translated it by researching methods of building a tower 300m high.

It was an interesting challenge, engineers all over the world were trying to prove their superiority, as much for their personal glories as for the pride of their countries, at a time when the feeling of patriotism was very strong. At the French, it was Gustave Eiffel who was at the forefront of the technique. It is therefore he who has appropriated this challenge. While he was not the only one, but his skills mixed with knowledge of the business world as well as politics have made him take a lead over its competitors. Still, the organizing committee of the 1889 World Fair wanted to see this tower built in Paris: This was the starting point for the adventure of the Eiffel Tower.

Finally, the reason we wanted to build such a high tower is a technological challenge made possible by progress. The rest is just self-denial to design it and a lot of work to complete it.

Weight of the Eiffel tower

Calculating the forces of the Eiffel tower

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19 Mind-Blowing Facts and Figures About the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is the symbol of Paris, the one iconic sight every first-time visitor has on their to-do list. It’s a spot for romantic proposals and a place that is as beautiful as it is an architectural and engineering marvel. 

But just how marvelous this tower is can only be realized by taking a look at the jaw-dropping impressive (and often surprising) facts and figures that make up this metal structure we all love so much.

Here are 19 Eiffel Tower facts to know whether or not you’re planning a trip to Paris .

1. Gustave Eiffel built the tower because he won a competition

When it was decided that Paris was going to host the Exposition Universelle, the World’s Fair, in 1889, the exact date of the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, France wanted to make a memorable impact. 

So the city held a competition, and out of 107 submissions, it was the striking design by engineer Gustave Eiffel and his team, which won the right to build the icon of the World’s Fair.

2. Eiffel had to pay for much of the build himself

While the city of Paris wanted to make an impact, they seemingly didn’t necessarily want to pay for it. The contract stated that Gustave Eiffel would build the tower at his own expense, but he’d receive a small grant from the government to help him out. 

The cost then was roughly 6.5 million in francs, a paltry 1.5 million of that accounting for the grant. In total, that’s roughly €30 million in today’s money.

3. Eiffel didn’t work alone

Gustave Eiffel gets a lot of the glory — and gave his name to the tower, but he wasn’t a solo act.

A construction of that magnitude takes more than one engineer and quite a few architects. In total, over the two years, two months, and five days it took to build the tower, historians estimate that a team of some 50 engineers and architects, plus around 500 workers, chipped in to get the Eiffel Tower ready for the fair.

4. It was once tallest building in the world

Talk about making a big impact. At the time of the 1889 World’s Fair, the Eiffel Tower was the world’s tallest building, and it stayed at this record-breaking rank for 40 years.

Then in 1929, the Chrysler Building briefly took the title, only to be toppled by the Empire State Building .

5. The Eiffel Tower changes height

The Eiffel Tower stands around 1,023 feet (312 meters) feet tall, but that can vary. Sound unbelievable? It’s true — depending on the temperature, the tower may be slightly taller when you see it one year versus when you visit the next time. 

Between the hottest and coldest days of the year, the tower grows and shrinks by around six inches (or 15 centimeters). 

Bonus fact: In high winds, the tower also sways noticeably by over 2.5 inches (six centimeters). 

6. It gets a regular lick of paint

To keep the Eiffel Tower safe and looking pretty, not only are the rivets and bolts regularly replaced, but the entire structure also regularly gets a fresh coat of paint — 60 tons worth of it. 

Completely repainted every seven years, the tower has sported various colors over the years. But in 1968 the French settled upon a specifically created color called, not surprisingly, Eiffel Tower Brown.

Read all about the Eiffel Tower’s many paint jobs through the years. It’s a colorful history.

7. The Eiffel Tower has over 1,700 steps

While Gustave Eiffel added three hydraulic lifts back in 1889, a wonder in themselves for the 19th century, the 1,665 steps that lead all the way to the top have always been one of the highlights of visiting the tower. 

In fact, on the day of the inauguration Gustave Eiffel climbed up right to the top, farther than visitors are allowed to go, reportedly 1,710 in total, to hoist the French Tricolor.

He always recommended climbing as the way to experience the tower, and we do too. Climb with us or read what travelers say it’s really like to climb the tower . 

8. The first guided climbing tours up the Eiffel Tower launched in 2017

People have been climbing the tower since it was built, but it took over 120 years to create a guided tour that took the stairs.

You see, before 2017, guided tours always took the elevators. You zip up, you zip back down. But in February of that year, we launched the world’s first climbing tour of the Eiffel Tower . Your local guide gives you an orientation on the ground, gets your tickets, and leads the way up the stairs. 

Then you take a break on the first floor and get some more info from your guide (who will also point out the snacks and bathrooms) before heading up to the second floor.

It’s a classic Parisian experience everyone should try once . 

Tip: Don’t wear heels or flip-flops!

9. The elevators travel 2.5x around the earth every year

Well, that’s the length they travel. There are three lifts on the Eiffel Tower that carry visitors an estimated distance of 64,000 miles (or 103,000 kilometers) each year. That distance is around 2.5 times the circumference of the globe.

So should you climb or take the elevator? It’s a personal choice. Our Eiffel Tower Elevator Tour is popular, though we’re partial to the climbing tour.

If you’re trying to decide, we laid out the pros and cons of the stairs vs. the elevator . 

10. It’s made up of lots of bits and pieces

It looks like a single piece or a few big pieces, but it isn’t.

There are 18,000 metal parts that make up the Eiffel Tower, held together by 13,000 bolts and 2.5 million rivets. Because the original tower was only supposed to last around 20 years, the various pieces are constantly being replaced and fixed.

11. You can see beyond Paris from the top

From the Eiffel Tower, you can see Paris stretched below you and as far as 65 miles on a clear day, which means you can see well beyond Versailles, to the forest of Fontainebleau.

You’ll generally have good views of the Sacre Coeur on the hill of Montmartre as well all the way over to Montparnasse on the other side, even on a not-so-clear day.

Of course, the view changes depending on if you’re looking from the first, second, or third floor. Here’s everything you can see from all three levels. 

12. In 1909, the tower was going to be demolished

In 1909, 20 years after the Eiffel Tower’s opening, the contract for it expired, and it was marked for being dismantled.

But Gustave Eiffel fought hard to save his tower. From his office at the very top of the tower , he persuaded France that the tower would have future telegraphic and meteorological benefits. The upshot? He got his way, and the Eiffel Tower stayed, eventually becoming the global landmark we know and love today.

13. The Eiffel Tower has 7 million visitors a year

The tower welcomes visitors from around the world, including around 7 million visitors every year. In total, close to 300 million people have visited the Eiffel Tower since its opening, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world.

And that’s only the people who have actually climbed or ridden the elevator up the tower. Think of how many millions more have stood at its feet and admired it!

14. The Eiffel Tower was sold in 1925

That’s right. Victor Lustig, an Austria-Hungarian con artist sold the Eiffel Tower for scrap to metal dealers back in 1925. 

Lustig — whose name, strangely enough, means “funny” in German, ran off with an undisclosed but large amount of money, but he eventually landed in prison, where he died, which wasn’t funny at all. 

15. The Eiffel Tower got married one time

You think you love the Eiffel Tower, but you don’t love it as much as Erica Eiffel. Born Erica LaBrie, she “married” the Eiffel Tower in 2007 in a commitment ceremony. She is an advocate for objectophilia, where people feel attachment to inanimate objects.

If you’re a romantic visiting Paris, read our Valentine’s Day guide to the Eiffel Tower . Nowhere in there will we suggest marrying the tower.

16. The tower has 20,000 lights

The tower has way more lights than any Christmas tree we know of. And every night after dark, you can see it lit up. It even sparkles for five minutes on the hour, its 20,000 LED light bulbs paying homage to the well-known Paris nickname, City of Light.

Can you climb the tower when it’s lit up at night? Yes, you can! The Eiffel Tower shows off completely different views after sunset. Here’s how to see the Eiffel Tower lights . 

17. It’s also green

Not green like the color — it’s Eiffel Tower Brown as we discussed above. But it is eco-friendly. Not only does it use LED lights, but it also produces its own electricity via wind turbines hidden in the structure.

18. The Eiffel Tower was almost destroyed in WWII

During World War II, when the German army occupied Paris and as the Allies were approaching to liberate Paris in 1944, Hitler ordered General Dietrich von Choltitz to destroy the Eiffel Tower and other historic monuments. 

But it never happened. Fortunately, the general refused to carry out the order.

19. It will be the real shining star at the Paris Olympics

In time for the 2024 Olympic Games, the Eiffel Tower will get a one-off, very special golden paint job to shimmer even more than normally.

As Patrick Branco Ruivo, director of SETE (the company that manages the Eiffel Tower), explains it, “It will give the Eiffel Tower a bit more of a ‘gold’ look for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games compared to the color we were more used to.”

Eiffel Tower Guided Climb

Related guides.

Best Views of the Eiffel Tower: 6 Top Spots for Photos

Everything You Can See From the Eiffel Tower (All 3 Levels)

Paris Architecture: 5 Must-Sees Compared to the Eiffel Tower

• Corrections

How Long Did It Take to Build the Eiffel Tower? (Timeline)

The Eiffel Tower took a vast team of workers just over 2 years to complete. Here’s how they did it in record time.

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic and revered monuments of all time, a unique symbol of the city of Paris and a beacon of architectural innovation. Designed by Gustave Eiffel , and unveiled during the Paris World Fair in 1889, the tower was once the tallest monument in the world , and it showcased Paris as a world-leading center for cutting-edge technology and design. The 300-metre-high tower took 2 years, 2 months and 5 days to complete, and involved some 300 on-site workers to carry out the work. We track the timeline of the Eiffel Tower’s planning and construction to learn more.

Planning the Eiffel Tower Took Around 3 Years

Plans for a tower on the Champ-de-Mars that would be unveiled during the Paris Exposition Universelle of 1889 began in 1884. The World Fair coincided with the centennial of the French Revolution , and as such, planners hoped the tower at the center would become a symbol of French independence and freedom. The designs of French engineer Gustave Eiffel were selected from 107 different entries as part of an open competition.

Gustave Eiffel worked alongside two of his chief engineers, Emile Nouguier and Maurice Koechlin, and together they came up with the idea of a tower resembling a large pylon, featuring four lattice work girders, which came together into a pinnacle at the top. They also employed architect Stephen Sauvestre to assist with the aesthetic of their design. It took three years to push the design through the planning stages, ready for construction.

The Initial Construction Work Took Five Months

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Official construction work on the Eiffel Tower began on the 26 th of January 1887. In the build up to the tower’s construction, all the metal elements of the tower were created at Eiffel’s factory on the outskirts of Paris – they designed and made a kit comprising around 18,000 parts, which were then passed on to a team of workers to install in place. It took a huge team of 300 construction workers just five months to carry out their foundational work. First, they laid concrete foundations below ground level. Then they began to assemble the metal parts of the tower’s pillars on the 1 st of July 1887.

Metal Pieces of the Eiffel Tower Were Assembled in 21 Months

The remainder of the tower’s upper levels took longer to complete, as their intricate parts had to be held together via a series of metal rivets. Four men were needed to fit each rivet in place – one to heat it, another to hold it firmly, another to accurately shape it and the final one to hammer it into place.

While piecing together the parts, workers had to stand on fairly flimsy wooden scaffolding by today’s standards, meaning it was dangerous, back-breaking work. The component parts were lifted high into the air by steam-powered cranes which climbed up gradually as the tower grew in height. This painstaking work began in July 1887; by December that year, the major girders up to the first level were complete. By the 1 st of April 1888 the first floor was complete, and by the 14 th of August 1888 construction workers had completed the second floor. The top levels were even trickier and more dangerous, requiring specialist work at a great height – they were finally completed on 31 st March 1889.

Finally, the Eiffel Tower was unveiled to the public on the same day as the Paris Exposition Universelle, (the Paris World Fair ), on the 15 th of May 1889. Although it was only supposed to stay for 20 years, the tower has now become a permanent fixture on the Parisian skyline, and an architectural icon that attracts millions of tourists every year.

Who Is Gustave Eiffel? 5 Facts on the French Engineer

By Rosie Lesso MA Contemporary Art Theory, BA Fine Art Rosie is a contributing writer and artist based in Scotland. She has produced writing for a wide range of arts organizations including Tate Modern, The National Galleries of Scotland, Art Monthly, and Scottish Art News, with a focus on modern and contemporary art. She holds an MA in Contemporary Art Theory from the University of Edinburgh and a BA in Fine Art from Edinburgh College of Art. Previously she has worked in both curatorial and educational roles, discovering how stories and history can really enrich our experience of art.

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How Tall is the Eiffel Tower? (Plus 5 Facts to Know)

How Many World Fairs Did Paris Host in the 19th Century?

Sturgill Simpson to release new album under a new name, embark on 2024 concert tour

A decade following the breakout success of his May 2014-released album "Metamodern Sounds in Country Music," Sturgill Simpson has announced not just his forthcoming eighth album — July 12's "Passage Du Desir" — under a new alias, Johnny Blue Skies, but also a 28-date North American tour.

Famously, Simpson noted he would only release five studio albums under his name. His Johnny Blue Skies debut will be released via his own independent label, High Top Mountain Records. Simpson (credited as Johnny Blue Skies) and David Ferguson co-produced songs recorded at Nashville, Tennessee's Clement House Recording Studio and London's Abbey Road Studios .

"Passage Du Desir" is currently available for pre-order at shop.sturgillsimpson.com .

The Passage du Desir is a shopping district in downtown Paris' 10th arrondissement, or district, located a 20-minute drive east of the Eiffel Tower.

In a 2021 feature for the Nashville Tennessean , part of the USA TODAY Network, Simpson noted that he idealized a career in which he was free of making records that sustained a self-branded industry as a machine.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

"To me, that sounds like prison. It's a job, you're a politician."

Instead, the past decade has seen him achieve Grammy-winning acclaim for five full-length studio albums, two COVID-19 quarantine bluegrass projects — "Cuttin' Grass Vol. 1 and Vol. 2" — and acting in film and television roles, including "The Dead Don't Die," " Queen & Slim ," " Killers of the Flower Moon ," and " The Righteous Gemstones ."

Regarding the sound that his Johnny Blue Skies debut could encompass, he offered to The Tennessean in 2021 that he would need to "(have) something to say" and be "really excited about" a "really great idea for a record." 

"I'll put it this way, if I go back into the studio it'll be because I thought of the complete and total reinvention that gets me excited," Simpson said. "But it won't be my name. I'm done with that all that."

Sturgill Simpson tour 2024 tickets: What you need to know

Fans are being asked to register before tickets go on sale. Registration for the pre-sale is open until June 10 at 8:59 p.m. PT or 11:59 p.m. ET via sturgillsimpsonlive.com  for early access to the artist pre-sale starting June 12 at 10 a.m. local time. A limited number of tickets will be available for the general public on June 14 at 10 a.m. local time while supplies last.

Interested in going? Check out tickets at Vivid Seats , StubHub , SeatGeek , and Ticketmaster .

Purchases you make through our links may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

Sturgill Simpson tour 2024 dates

• Aug. 9-11 – San Francisco @ Outside Lands Festival
• Sept. 14 – Los Angeles @ The Greek Theatre
• Sept. 15 – Santa Barbara, California @ Santa Barbara Bowl
• Sept. 17 – West Valley City, Utah @ Maverik Center
• Sept. 19 – Bend, Oregon @ Hayden Homes Amphitheater
• Sept. 20 – George, Washington @ The Gorge Amphitheatre
• Sept. 22 – Missoula, Montana @ KettleHouse Amphitheater
• Sept. 24 – Moorhead, Minnesota @ Bluestem Center for the Arts Amphitheater
• Sept. 25 – Minneapolis @ Roy Wilkins Auditorium
• Sept. 27 – Lexington, Kentucky @ Rupp Arena
• Sept. 28 – Detroit @ Fox Theatre
• Oct. 1 – Chicago @ Salt Shed
• Oct. 2 – Chicago @ Salt Shed
• Oct. 4 – Brandon, Missouri @ The Brandon Amphitheater
• Oct. 4-6 – Austin, Texas @ Austin City Limits Music Festival
• Oct. 8 – Oklahoma City @ Criterion
• Oct. 9 – Rogers, Arkansas @ Walmart AMP
• Oct. 11-13 – Austin, Texas @ Austin City Limits Music Festival
• Oct. 15 – St. Louis @ Fabulous Fox Theatre
• Oct. 18 – Pittsburgh @ Petersen Events Center
• Oct. 19 – Forest Hills, New York @ Forest Hills Stadium
• Oct. 21 – Ashville, North Carolina @ ExploreAsheville.com Arena
• Oct. 22 – Cary, North Carolina @ Koka Booth Amphitheatre
• Oct. 24 – Duluth, Georgia @ Gas South Arena
• Oct. 25 – Nashville, Tennessee @ Bridgestone Arena
• Nov. 12 – Philadelphia @ The Met
• Nov. 15 – Hampton, Virginia @ Hampton Coliseum
• Nov. 18 – Washington, D.C. @ The Anthem
• Nov. 20 – Toronto @ Massey Hall
• Nov. 21 – Toronto @ Massey Hall
• Nov. 23 – Boston, Massachusetts @ MGM Music Hall at Fenway

Contributing: Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY

E-tickets are now available for visits until August 11. Check this page regularly for all the latest updates about the visiting conditions during the Paris 2024 Olympics, and also during the week preceding the opening ceremony (July 18-25).

Why does the Eiffel Tower change size?

Wednesday 3 February 2021

Modified the 27/12/23

Over its 131-year history, the Eiffel Tower has gotten taller thanks to radio and television antennas. But in addition to this new equipment added at the top, its metal structure gains or loses a few centimeters throughout the year. We’re here to tell you all about it!

The world's tallest tower for 42 years

When it was inaugurated for the Paris World's Fair on March 31, 1889, the Eiffel Tower, originally called "The 300-meter Tower," had a total height of 312 meters, making it the tallest tower in the world! It proudly held that title until 1931. That year, it was dethroned by the Empire State Building (381 meters).

Since then, the Eiffel Tower has continued to grow and today measures 330 meters including the antennas that were successively added at the summit, in 1957, 2000 and 2022, to broadcast radio and television . And it may not be over yet...

A few millimeters gained in summer, but lost in winter!

One of the reasons the Eiffel Tower is still as dazzling as ever is because it adapts to its environment and all types of weather conditions: wind, cold, rain, snow, frost, heat, etc. Like any metal, puddled iron is sensitive to variations in temperature and so reacts to high temperatures in summer and low or even negative temperatures in winter.

When temperatures rise, the Tower increases in size! This is a natural physical phenomenon called thermal expansion. Heat causes an increase in volume that makes the Eiffel Tower a few millimeters taller. This expansion also causes the Tower to tilt slightly away from the sun. The sun only hits one of the 4 sides of the Tower creating an imbalance with the other 3 sides, that remain stable, thus causing the Eiffel Tower to lean. In this way, the sun’s movement over the course of a clear day can cause the top of the Tower to move in a more or less circular curve measuring approximately 15 centimeters in diameter.

Conversely, when cold winter weather arrives, the metal structure contracts and it can lose a few millimeters as well!

Suffice it to say that these changes are natural and infinitesimal and have no impact on the robustness of the structure. They are also absolutely imperceptible to visitors and observers. On the other hand, high winds can cause it to wobble or vibrate somewhat, without damaging the structure. Because the engineers at Eiffel’s company had 20 years experience designing metal viaducts , the Tower was truly (with its curved shapes and edges) designed to minimize wind resistance! But of course, when the wind exceeds certain limits we close the top floor, or even the whole Tower, to protect the public and our staff from the risks posed by turbulent weather conditions.   

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