The Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel)

The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France is one of our favorites and one of the most famous landmarks in the world. It’s not only “must-see” – but also a “you can’t help but see” because it is the tallest structures in the city and visible from all over the city. It’s as tall as an 81-story skyscraper building.

Gustave Eiffel designed the Eiffel Tower and originally built as the entrance to the 1889 World’s Fair (1889 l’Exposition Universelle). It was partly intended to showcase French engineering. It was meant to be temporary and taken down but has been there ever since.

KeeKee’s Tips for Going Up The Eiffel Tower!

You can even go up INSIDE the Tower! Climb the 360 steps or take the elevator to the First Level where you’ll find a transparent floor (what?!) and educational exhibits. Climb 359 more steps to The Second Level (or take the elevator). Both levels have restaurants and snack bars (including the famous Jules Verne restaurant). There’s even an elevator to the very tippy-top! On the Third Level, you’ll find even more stunning views, snack bar and a Champagne Bar for the adults.

Bring a city map with you, the type they provide at your hotel. This way you can identify the monuments and buildings you see from way up high!

One of our favorite times to go to the Eiffel Tower is when the sun is setting. Not only will you see the beautiful colors of the setting sun, but you will also be able to see the city of Paris light up! And, at sunset, the Tower starts sparkling with its light show! Twenty thousand bulbs light up for 5 minutes every hour until 1 am. As KeeKee says in her Paris adventure, it’s SO sparkly!

Getting Tickets

Schedule and buy tickets online to avoid waiting in long lines. I recommend checking for reservations a few months in advance of your trip. If full, check again a week or so before your visit in case reservations become available.

Visit the Eiffel Tower official website for tickets and even more great details to plan your visit.