Eiffel Tower
Standing as the centrepiece of the Paris skyline, the Eiffel Tower is not only a masterpiece of 19th-century engineering but also one of the world's most vital broadcasting and observation hubs.
Completed in 1889 for the Exposition Universally (World's Fair), the tower has graced the Champ de Mars for 137 years, remaining the most iconic cultural symbol of France. Originally intended to stand for only 20 years, it was saved from demolition because its height made it an ideal platform for radio and television antennas. Today, the tower is owned by the City of Paris and managed by the Société d'Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel (SETE).
Dimensions and Architectural Feats
The Eiffel Tower was a "dream tower" brought to life through intense labour and mathematical precision.
Evolving Height: While your records mention 324 meters, the tower actually "grew" in recent years. After a new digital radio antenna was installed in 2022, its official height is now 330 meters (1,083 feet).
The Iron Puzzle: The structure is composed of 18,038 pieces of puddle iron, held together by precisely 2.5 million rivets.
Rapid Construction: Despite its complexity, construction took only two years, two months, and five days (from January 1887 to March 1889), which was considered an incredible achievement at the time.
Temperature Sensitivity: Because it is made of iron, the tower is "alive." In the heat of the summer, the metal expands, causing the tower to grow by up to 15 centimetres.
A Global Magnet for Tourism
The Eiffel Tower is widely considered the most-visited paid monument in the world.
Attendance Records: You noted over 7 million visitors in 2017; as of 2025, the tower continues to see massive crowds, with approximately 6.75 million people accessing the upper floors and nearly 10 million visiting the freely accessible forecourt.
The Climb: Visitors can choose to take the elevators or, for a more "athletic" experience, climb the 674 steps to reach the second level.
Views and Dining: The tower features three levels, including the famous Le Jules Verne restaurant on the second floor and a summit observation deck at 276 meters, offering the highest public view in the European Union.
Practical Travel Recommendations for 2026
If you are planning a visit this year, please note several new regulations designed to improve the visitor experience:
Mandatory Online Booking: Starting in late 2026, many ticket types—especially for groups—must be reserved exclusively online in advance. This aims to reduce the legendary wait times.
The "Olympic Legacy" Glow: Following the 2024 Paris Olympics, the tower and its surrounding gardens (the Trocadéro and Champ de Mars) have been refreshed. The area is now more pedestrian-friendly, making the stroll toward the tower much more enjoyable.
Security and Access: Access to the forecourt (the ground area directly under the tower) is free, but you must pass through a security screening. To save time, avoid bringing large bags or metal objects.
Best Time to Visit: To see the "Sparkling Tower," stay until the top of every hour after sunset, when 20,000 lightbulbs flash for five minutes. For fewer crowds, aim for a mid-week visit during the early morning (8:30 AM).
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