Eiffel Tower

An iconic wrought-iron lattice tower built in 1889 for the World's Fair, standing 330 meters tall on the Champ de Mars. It remains the most visited paid monument in the world, drawing millions annually for panoramic city views and its status as the ultimate symbol of Paris and France.

Things to do

• Ascend to the Summit — Take the elevator or stairs to the third floor for panoramic 360-degree views of Paris stretching up to 70 kilometers on clear days.
• Second Floor Dining — Visit Michelin-starred Le Jules Verne restaurant on the second level for French cuisine with unobstructed tower and city vistas.
• Trocadéro Photo Spot — Walk to the Trocadéro viewpoint across from the tower for the most iconic postcard-style photograph of the Eiffel Tower's full structure.
• Champ de Mars Picnic — Spread a blanket on the grassy field below the tower with local wine and cheese for an quintessentially Parisian experience.
• Light Show at Night — Return after dark to witness the tower's sparkling light display that illuminates for five minutes every hour, creating a magical nighttime spectacle.
• Seine River Cruise — Board a bateau-mouche from nearby docks to view the tower from the water while gliding past other Paris landmarks.

Food to try

• Crêpes from Street Vendors — Purchase thin French crêpes from vendors around the tower's base, filled with Nutella, jam, or savory ham and cheese.
• Macarons from Ladurée or Pierre Hermé — Sample pastel-colored almond meringue cookies from these legendary Paris pâtisseries with flavors like rose, pistachio, and salted caramel.
• French Onion Soup (Soupe à l'Oignon) — Warm bowls of caramelized onion soup topped with melted Gruyère cheese at nearby bistros along Rue de l'Université.
• Baguette Sandwich (Jambon-Beurre) — The classic French ham and butter sandwich on fresh baguette, available from bakeries throughout the surrounding neighborhood.

Local customs & good to know

• Book Tickets in Advance — Purchase tickets online days ahead to avoid hours-long queues, especially during peak summer and holiday seasons when lines exceed two hours.
• Respect the Iron Lady — Avoid touching or leaning heavily on the structure; the wrought iron is fragile and protected, and staff actively monitor for damage or graffiti.
• Mind Pickpocket Hotspots — Exercise heightened awareness of pickpockets in crowded queues and on the tower itself—keep bags zipped and valuables secure, particularly on lower levels.
• Arrive Early or Late — Visit in early morning hours before 9 AM or after 5 PM to experience fewer crowds and superior photography lighting on the tower and city.