No monument symbolizes a city quite like the Eiffel Tower symbolizes Paris. This 330-metre iron giant has watched over the French capital since 1889, and seeing it for the first time — whether soaring above the rooftops or sparkling against the night sky — is a genuinely magical moment. Whether you climb it, dine in it, or simply admire it from a park bench, it’s the heart of any visit to Paris.
A Controversial Icon
Built as the centerpiece of the 1889 World’s Fair to mark the centenary of the French Revolution, the tower was designed by the engineer Gustave Eiffel. Astonishingly, many Parisians initially hated it, dismissing the iron structure as an eyesore, and it was only meant to stand for 20 years. Saved by its usefulness as a radio transmitter, it went on to become the most beloved and most-visited paid monument in the world.
Going Up the Tower
Visitors can ascend to three levels. The first and second floors offer fantastic views, glass floors, restaurants, and exhibitions, while the very top — reached by lift — rewards you with a breathtaking panorama over the whole of Paris. You can take the lift all the way, or save money and burn off some croissants by climbing the stairs to the lower levels. Booking a timed ticket online in advance is essential to avoid long queues.
The Evening Sparkle
One of the tower’s most enchanting sights costs nothing. Every evening after dark, on the hour, the Eiffel Tower lights up with thousands of twinkling lights for a five-minute sparkle that delights everyone watching. Find a spot on the Champ de Mars or across the river and wait for the show — it’s one of the most romantic experiences in the city.
The Best Views of the Tower
Some of the finest views are of the tower, not from it. The Trocadéro terrace across the Seine offers the classic head-on panorama, while the lawns of the Champ de Mars are perfect for a picnic beneath it. For something different, the rooftops of Montparnasse Tower and Galeries Lafayette include the Eiffel Tower in their skyline views — the one thing you can’t see when you’re standing on top of it.
Planning Your Visit
The nearest stations are Bir-Hakeim, Trocadéro, and École Militaire. Book tickets well ahead, especially in summer, and arrive a little before your slot to clear security. Visit early morning or evening for the best light and smaller crowds, and consider timing your visit for dusk so you catch both the daytime views and the magical sparkle after dark. Keep an eye on your belongings in the busy areas around the base.
More Paris guides: explore the full Paris Travel Guides series.
