Rising majestically over the Paris skyline, the Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. Originally built as the entrance arch to the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair), the tower was designed by Gustave Eiffel and was intended to stand for just 20 years. Despite initial public criticism, it quickly became a symbol of innovation and Parisian elegance—and remains so over a century later.

Made of over 18,000 iron parts and standing at 330 meters (1,083 feet) tall, the Eiffel Tower was the tallest man-made structure in the world until the Chrysler Building was completed in New York in 1930. Its graceful lattice structure is both an engineering marvel and a visual icon, especially striking when illuminated at night. The tower includes three visitor-accessible levels, with restaurants, viewing decks, and exhibits offering panoramic views of Paris and the Seine River.

A fun fact: Every evening, the Eiffel Tower sparkles for five minutes every hour on the hour after sunset, thanks to 20,000 twinkling lights—a magical experience that draws visitors and locals alike. It's also repainted every 7 years using about 60 tons of paint.

Today, the Eiffel Tower welcomes nearly 7 million visitors annually. You can ascend by elevator or climb 674 steps to the second level. From the summit, views extend over Paris’s most famous landmarks, from the Louvre to Sacré-Cœur. It’s not just a monument—it’s an essential Paris experience.

Eiffel Tower

Experience the Eiffel Tower in Paris—an iconic iron masterpiece offering panoramic views, dazzling nightly light shows, and rich history from its 1889 World’s Fair debut to today’s unforgettable visitor experience.

The original hydraulic elevators designed by Eiffel’s team were a marvel of 19th-century engineering and are still partially visible in operation today. Although modernized, much of the original system is preserved. Visitors often marvel at the mechanical design while ascending or descending the tower.

Elevators & Mechanics

Historic elevator system still visible and partially in use.

Elevators & Mechanics

Paris, France

Historic elevator system still visible and partially in use.

Location