Paris is filled with landmarks — Notre-Dame, the Louvre, Sacré-Cœur — but none capture the imagination quite like the Eiffel Tower. Whether glimpsed from the banks of the Seine, rising through the morning mist, or sparkling against the night sky, this iron giant is more than an architectural feat; it’s the enduring symbol of Paris itself.
At Findestinations, we believe no visit to Paris is complete without experiencing the Eiffel Tower up close, feeling its towering presence, and seeing Paris from above with your own eyes.
The Eiffel Tower was built as the entrance arch to the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair), celebrating the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. Designed by Gustave Eiffel’s engineering firm, the project was met with controversy; many Parisians called it “an eyesore” or a “monstrosity of iron.”
Yet, time has transformed this once-criticized structure into a beloved cultural treasure and one of the most recognizable landmarks on the planet.
Quick Facts:
Completed: March 31, 1889
Height: 324 meters (1,063 feet) including antennas
Material: 7,300 tons of iron
Number of Rivets: 2.5 million
Visitors: Over 7 million per year
The Eiffel Tower consists of three public observation levels, each offering its own unique perspective of Paris.
First Level (57 meters):
Glass floors for thrilling views straight down
Historical exhibits and a café
Often less crowded, perfect for lingering
Second Level (115 meters):
Arguably the best panoramic views for photography
Clear sights of Paris’s major landmarks: Notre-Dame, Arc de Triomphe, and the Seine
Fine dining at Le Jules Verne restaurant
Third Level (276 meters):
The highest accessible point
Gustave Eiffel’s reconstructed office on display
Breathtaking views stretching beyond Paris to the countryside on clear days
Findestinations Tip:
If you can manage it, take the stairs up to the second level (674 steps). Not only will you avoid some of the queues, but you’ll also experience the Tower’s intricate engineering up close.
Early Morning: Shortest queues, best light for photos
Late Afternoon: Ideal lighting as the sun sets behind Paris
Nighttime: The Eiffel Tower sparkles every hour on the hour after dusk
Findestinations Tip:
Book skip-the-line tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Each night, the Eiffel Tower sparkles for 5 minutes every hour on the hour after sunset. Over 20,000 flashing bulbs create this magical effect, drawing crowds to the Trocadéro and Champ de Mars lawns.
Findestinations Tip:
The Pont Alexandre III bridge and the Trocadéro gardens offer the most iconic vantage points for photos.
Metro Stops:
Bir-Hakeim (Line 6)
Trocadéro (Lines 6 and 9) for the best panoramic approach
École Militaire (Line 8)
River Seine Cruise:
Many Seine River cruises include iconic views of the Eiffel Tower — a romantic way to arrive at or depart from the monument.
Trocadéro Gardens: Classic, symmetrical views
Pont de Bir-Hakeim: Featured in movies like Inception
Rue de l’Université: Charming Parisian street with tower backdrop
Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck: For shots of the Eiffel Tower within the skyline
Champ de Mars: Perfect for picnics with a view
Le Jules Verne (2nd Level): Michelin-starred, refined French cuisine, reservations required
Buffet and snack bars: Available on all public levels
Les Ombres: Rooftop views across from the tower
Café de l’Homme: Elegant dining with Trocadéro vistas
Shangri-La Hotel’s Terrace: Luxurious, romantic setting
The Eiffel Tower isn’t just about views; it’s about moments.
Countless proposals happen under its iron arches daily.
Artists and writers have immortalized it in literature and film.
Its image represents not just Paris but the idea of romantic travel itself.
Findestinations Tip:
Consider a sunset picnic at Champ de Mars with a baguette, cheese, and wine for an unforgettable romantic memory.
Painted every 7 years using 60 tons of paint
Originally intended to be dismantled after 20 years
Has been used for radio transmissions since 1910
The Tower shrinks by 6 inches in winter due to contraction
Once the tallest structure in the world until the Chrysler Building surpassed it
Emma (Australia):
“Standing on the top platform as the sun set over Paris was pure magic. Photos don’t prepare you for how it feels to see the city spread out beneath you.”
Lucas (USA):
“The Eiffel Tower sparkling at night from the Trocadéro steps was my favorite moment in Paris. It’s worth waiting for that first flash of lights.”
Isabella (Italy):
“I took the stairs up, and though it was exhausting, it made reaching the top feel like an accomplishment — and the views tasted sweeter because of it.”
Spring:
Cherry blossoms frame the tower, especially near Champ de Mars. Ideal for photography and picnics.
Summer:
Peak tourist season. Vibrant street life, festivals, and longer days for late-evening visits.
Autumn:
Golden leaves and softer light make the Eiffel Tower views even more romantic. Fewer tourists mean shorter lines.
Winter:
The tower often appears through a mist or light snow, giving Paris an ethereal, dreamy atmosphere. Night visits in winter feel especially magical.
The first level features exhibits about the tower’s history and engineering marvels.
Interactive displays and archival materials give insight into how this structure, once mocked, became beloved worldwide.
Appearing in countless films, books, and artworks, the Eiffel Tower has become more than a landmark; it’s a symbol of dreams, hope, and possibility.
Midnight in Paris
Ratatouille
Mission: Impossible – Fallout
The tower often plays a role in shaping visitors’ romanticized expectations of Paris — and rarely disappoints.
Champ de Mars Gardens: Perfect for relaxation with a view
Trocadéro: Best photographic vantage point
Musée du Quai Branly: Rich ethnographic museum steps from the tower
Seine River Banks: Ideal for a post-visit stroll or cruise
At Findestinations, we believe the Eiffel Tower isn’t something to merely tick off a travel checklist. It’s a place to pause, reflect, and fall in love with Paris all over again.
Whether seen from a distance, climbed step-by-step, or admired sparkling against the night sky, the Eiffel Tower remains a symbol of how art, architecture, and humanity’s imagination can shape the soul of a city.
Findestinations — Your trusted source for travel inspiration, destination guides, and expert tips to help you explore the world with confidence and curiosity.
