Reasons to Visit the Eiffel Tower
Reasons to visit the Eiffel Tower are many. Most obvious is that it is the iconic symbol of Paris. You’ve likely heard about and seen images of the Eiffel Tower all your life. It is more than 130 years old. And defying the critics and naysayers, it still stands tall in spite of starting life as a temporary fixture so many years ago. Dominating the skyline of central Paris, the Eiffel Tower is now classified as a historic monument. Whether you’re relaxing on the lawn and looking up at it or looking at the world from inside the tower, it’s quite impressive.
You can see the Eiffel Tower from many vantage points on both sides of the Seine River.
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More reasons to visit the Eiffel Tower
Yes, the Eiffel Tower is a symbol of Paris recognized all over the world. And the more you know of its history and structure, the more interesting your visit will be. Here are a few more awesome reasons to visit and some fascinating things to look for when you go to the Eiffel Tower.
The Eiffel Tower Is a design wonder
The Tower was built for the Exposition of 1889, which marked the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. Taking just two years and two months to construct, the Eiffel Tower is called by the official site “a veritable technical feat.”
The design is complicated and intricate, far more than it appears from a distance. The metal is held together with more than 2 million rivets. These metal pieces, each so small, work together to hold up the massive structure.
You can marvel that the Eiffel Tower still stands
The plan was to destroy the Eiffel Tower 20 years after the Exposition. But creator Gustave Eiffel figured out a way to save his pet project. He declared a purpose for the tower based on science. It could serve as a place for astronomical and weather observations. It could serve as a telegraph communications point. It’s perfect for studies of the wind. Mr. Eiffel put it this way: “It will be for everyone an observatory and a laboratory the likes of which has never before been available to science.”
If you look on each leg of the tower today, you find the names of 72 scientists honored in their field.
The Eiffel Tower served as a wireless transmitter site during World War I and later aided in radio and television broadcasting.
And so, its contributions to science have insured the survival of the tower that was not meant to last.
It’s bigger in person than it looks in photos
The Eiffel Tower is gigantic. You hear that it is 1,000 feet high and the statistic flits right out of your head. But when you stand dwarfed underneath it, you experience how tall that really is!
The four substantial legs are amazing structures that hold up all the metal. A park and pond fit under one of the legs.
Enjoy views of Paris all around
You can climb to three levels of the Tower, and at any of these you can take in the view. The Tower affords a 360-degree panorama of Paris. The peaceful Seine flows below, with what looks like toy boats floating along.
The streets of Paris have an interesting layout. And the gold dome that sparkles in the sunlight is the Invalides, where Emperor Napoleon I rests in his tomb.
You can dine high above Paris at the Jules Verne Restaurant
Located in the Eiffel Tower, high above the ground, you’ll find the famous MICHELIN-starred restaurant, Jules Verne. Exquisite cuisine and a breathtaking view make dining here unforgettable. See the website for more information and reservations.
The Eiffel Tower lights up the night
Seeing the immense tower lit up against the darkness is an experience you will remember always. It takes 20,000 light bulbs to illuminate the Eiffel Tower, and once an hour on the hour for five enchanting minutes they sparkle. You can thank 25 mountain climbers for placing these lights on the tower. And it took them five months.
The magnificence, the history, and the universal recognition of the Eiffel Tower combine to make it a one-of-a-kind marvel. Travel up in it and take in the vistas of Paris. It’s an experience you’ll always remember and treasure – and likely want to repeat.
Are you heading to Paris for the first time? Read these tips to help you plan your trip!
One excellent way to explore Paris is with a walking tour. I highly recommend Take Walks Paris!
Practical Information
You can take an elevator or climb (many!) stairs up into the tower. About seven million visitors a year do just that. I knew that I wanted to go up in the structure before we flew to Paris. Friends of mine wanted to simply gaze at the tower from the ground. If you know you want to go up, you can reserve tickets for the elevator and save standing in long lines.
Learn more about climbing up the 700 stairs!
The official Eiffel Tower website gives all the information you need to buy your tickets online before your visit. Avoid standing in long lines by coming already armed with your tickets. Ticket options include climbing up the steps or taking the elevator. There’s even an option to take the elevator to the top plus a glass of champagne!
If you do arrive in Paris and decide spur-of-the-moment to visit the Eiffel Tower, you will likely have an easier time buying tickets to climb the stairs. The lines for the elevators can be quite long.
Shops on every floor offer souvenirs of the Eiffel Tower and Paris. From gourmet foods to key chains of the tower, you’ll find something fun to take home with you.
Where to stay
Paris offers hundreds of hotels. It’s sometimes overwhelming to start looking for a place to stay. Here are a few suggestions for lovely hotels near some of the sites mentioned. With the excellent Paris Metro system, you will be able to arrive wherever you like with just a little planning.
Near the Invalides: The Hotel de Varenne is exquisitely decorated and includes an inviting patio. You can walk from here to the Invalides as well as the Rodin Museum. (7th arrondissement)
Book your stay at the elegant Hotel de Varenne around the corner from the Rodin Museum.
Near the Pantheon: Hotel des Grand Hommes and (right next door) the Hotel les Dames du Pantheon. Both of these elegant hotels are across the street from the Pantheon. From my balcony room at the Grand Hommes I watched the sun rise on the iconic Pantheon. (5th arrondissement)
Book your stay at the Hotel des Grand Hommes and enjoy a view of the stately Pantheon out your window.
Near the Museum of the Liberation of Paris: Hotel Serotel Lutece is in the Latin Quarter, not exactly near the museum. But it is within comfortable walking distance. You can also walk from here to the Pantheon, Notre Dame, and Sainte-Chapelle. Not only is this a comfortable, attractive hotel, but I also found the staff here to be extra helpful with directions and information. (5th arrondissement)
Book your stay in the cozy Hotel Serotel Lutece in a walkable neighborhood near metro stations, shops, and restaurants.
Central to wherever you want to go: Hotel Moliere, themed on the French poet, is a delightful hotel near the Louvre. It is surprisingly affordable for this pricey area. You can walk or take the Metro to any sites you would like to visit. (1st arrondissement)
Book your stay at Hotel Moliere near the Louvre and the lovely Tuileries Garden.
Explore Paris with these tours!
Consider a side trip to the D-Day Beaches and Normandy
History comes alive when you visit the D-Day Beaches in Normandy. Just a two-hour train ride or drive from Paris, the Normandy beaches offer battle sites and museums. Pay respects at the many somber cemeteries. Stay in charming Bayeux. Normandy makes a great side trip if you are going to Paris.
Book the elegant Hotel Churchill in Bayeux, the perfect base for exploring the D-Day Beaches.
Places to visit include Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, and Gold, Juno, and Sword Beaches. If you have time, include all 5 D-Day Beaches in your itinerary for an amazing overview of June 6, 1944 and Operation Overlord.
Book your train tickets with Rail Europe for easy and reliable service.
Rail Europe partners with more than 230 train services such as SCNF, DB, and Swiss train lines. So, you can always find the transportation you need for your trip.
Renting a car in France? I can recommend renting with Auto Europe.
FOR MORE OF PARIS, HEAD TO THESE POSTS!
Ageless Beauty at Sainte-Chapelle
Paris WWII Sites for History Lovers
A Few Hours in Paris
The Invalides – Where Paris History Comes Alive
Tips for Your First Trip to Paris
Climbing Up Into the Eiffel Tower
Exploring the Rodin Museum
5 Reasons to Visit Luxembourg Gardens
Paris Gardens to Enjoy
The D’Orsay Museum in Paris
A Walk in the Latin Quarter
PIN IT FOR TRAVEL PLANNING!!!
Such a magical and stunning place to visit!
I did so love you photos of the Eiffel Tower! I enjoyed the photos all the more because when I was there it was in March and there were no leaves on the trees and the grass was not green! It was just a beautiful, breezy day! Thank you!
I would like to climb it someday.
One of my favorite places to enjoy the eiffel tower is from Cafe D’lhomme! I’ll usually get a coffee and watch it from there, especially when it’s dark! Lovely post!!
Gorgeous photos as always! I loved visiting the Eiffel Tower with my mother 15 years ago and can’t wait to bring the kids. I’ll have to share your pics and facts until we can go!
I had no idea what color the Eiffel Tower really was, that’s such an interesting fact that it takes 60 tons of paint! Great post thanks for all the details!
Great post with so much detail! I can’t wait to go back and visit the Eiffel Tower ; )
I’ve been to the Eiffel Tower twice and I’d go again! I’ve loved it each time…it’s such a beauty! But I have to say seeing it sparkle at night is a special treat! Great tips!
This is where you and I differ, Sharon! True, when you have never seen it, it’s humongous. I was impressed for a few minutes. Love your second angle of the tower. and thank you for making this the focus for this week at All Seasons:)
But then the waiting came for hubs and son to come back from their hike up and down, and daughter and I had to defend our backpacks and keep some super intrusive people at a distance from our treats. They were well dressed, so they were not poor or homeless. As years pass, it increases the iconic quality with time, but Paris has to much to see, that I could easily delete this tower from my next trip. Have a fun week!
Stunning photos! These remind me of my trip to Paris & the Eiffel Tower.
Fascinating details about the tower
Beautiful photos! We visited the Eiffel Tower when we were in Paris but we didn’t allow nearly enough time. We didn’t go up in the tower to look around. That gives us another good reason to go back!
The Eiffel Tower is my favorite architectural wonder of them all. I was so thrilled to get to see it; from just about everywhere in the city! Sadly, I never made it up into it though.
The Eiffel Tower is amazing in person! There’s nothing like it. You describe it perfectly
Wonderful pictures of the Eiffel Tower from some very interesting angles. Well done!
I’ve been to and definitely love it just as you said, the view from the top is stunning!!!
But I never search for its history and many stories, it’s a good reading for me 😀
Lovely photos Sharon and great information! I never knew that the Eiffel Tower served any purpose other than as a structure that you can ascend to see a great view of Paris. Can’t believe I wasn’t aware of the fact that The Eiffel Tower was a wireless transmitter during WWI – makes perfect sense now that I think about it! Goes to show that even the most famous landmarks have more to them than is commonly known. Thanks for the history lesson 🙂
I love your photos of the Eiffel Tower and commends you for providing such detailed facts and tips for those who’d like to visit!
Oh this reminds me of our trip to Paris! We took a picnic lunch right on those grassy fields in front of the Eiffel Tower, too! Paris is a great place to visit.
Such interesting facts about the Iron Lady! I always had the impression that it was red in colour; I guess that’s how it’s usually portrayed in media. Would love to see it in real life.
Ahhhh, the Eiffel Tower. Such a symbol of Paris. What fantastic photos you got! Years ago, I took my kids and we actually went underneath it. That was pretty cool!
No matter how many times we’ve visited Paris, every time we are there, the view of the Eiffel Tower never ceases to amaze us – it’s just so iconic.We love staying in 7th arr during our trips just so we can be in its vicinity and head out for a leisurely stroll along nearby Rue Cler. This was a great read and I enjoyed getting to know more about Eiffel – it certainly is a design wonder.
Couldn’t agree with you more! I’ve visited the Eiffel Tower a few times and it never gets old to me. One thing I do need to check off my bucket list is dining on the Eiffel Tower. They’ve got 2 restaurants located within the tower and I must try both of them!
The Eiffel Tower truly is a magnificent work of art and engineering! I love that Mr. Eiffel was clever enough to promote the tower’s use beyond it’s original use at the Exhibition–and I’m so glad. As one who loves art and architecture, panoramic views, and night skylines, it’s one of the many things I look forward to when visiting Paris. Thanks for sharing these interesting facts and tips about this historic monument. I’d love to see it painted red again, too!
I’ve never visited Paris – these are lovely shots
The Eiffel Tower is seriously magical and a must-see for anyone visiting Paris!
This was such an interesting read about the Eiffel Tower! I’d love to visit the Eiffel Tower again as the first time I never got to go up top of the structure. Thanks for sharing all your tips!
This brought so many wonderful memories of our trip to Paris. The Eifel tower is so gorgeous and makes for the perfect destination. Thanks for this detailed post and the great photography!