eiffel tower
(paris)

The Eiffel Tower is located on the Champ de Mars in Paris, named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built the tower. Built in 1889 as the entrance arch to the 1889 International Exhibition, it is today both a global cultural icon of France and one of the most recognizable structures in the world.

The tower is the tallest building in Paris, and the most-visited paid monument in the world; more than 7 million people ascended it in 2011. The tower received its 250 millionth visitor in 2010.

During its construction, the Eiffel Tower surpassed the Washington Monument to assume the title of the tallest man-made structure in the world, a title it held for 41 years, until the Chrysler Building in New York City was built in 1930. Today, it is the second-tallest structure in France, after the Millau Viaduct.

VISITOR INFORMATION

The tower has three levels for visitors. Tickets can be purchased to ascend, by stairs or lift (elevator), to the first and second levels. The walk from ground level to the first level is over 300 steps, as is the walk from the first to the second level. The third and highest level is accessible only by lift - stairs exist but they are not usually open for public use. Both the first and second levels feature restaurants.

Open: all year, daily: mid Jun-Aug 0900-2400; rest of year 0930-2300, but with extended opening hours at Easter and during Spring holidays.

There is a ticket office at the foot of the Tower, open every day, but you can buy tickets online. These electronic tickets - which you can print at home or save to your mobile phone - allows you to go directly to the queue for those with tickets. But be aware, that these tickets are date and time specific.

Also, check the website for information about anything that might be causing delays: www.eiffel-tower.com.

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