The Eiffel Tower has a rich and fascinating history that spans over 130 years. It has played an important role in French history and culture and is an integral part of the Parisian skyline and a beloved tourist destination.
Today, the Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world and a symbol of Paris and France. It is a significant tourist attraction, with millions of visitors each year. The tower has undergone several renovations and improvements over the years to ensure its safety and accessibility for visitors.
Who designed the Eiffel Tower?
The French engineer and architect Gustave Eiffel designed the Eiffel Tower. He is also known for his work on constructing the Statue of Liberty. Gustave Eiffel's design was selected from over 100 submissions to a competition to design a centrepiece for the 1889 World's Fair, held in Paris to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. The tower was meant to be a temporary structure, but Gustave Eiffel's innovative design and engineering ensured that it became a permanent fixture in the Parisian skyline and one of the most famous landmarks in the world.
When was the Eiffel Tower built?
Construction of the Eiffel Tower began in 1887 and was completed in 1889, in time for the 1889 World's Fair in Paris. Gustave Eiffel and a team of engineers and workers oversaw the construction process. The tower was built in just over two years, using 18,000 pieces of wrought iron and 2.5 million rivets.
How tall is the Eiffel Tower?
The tower is 324 meters (1,063 feet) tall. When completed, the Eiffel Tower stood as the tallest structure in the world, a title it held for over 40 years.
However, taller structures have been built over the years, and now the Eiffel Tower is not even in the top 50 tallest structures.
As of September 2021, the Eiffel Tower ranks as the 68th tallest freestanding structure in the world.
What was the Eiffel Tower used for?
After the World's Fair, the Eiffel Tower was intended to be dismantled, but it was ultimately allowed to remain standing due to its popularity and potential use as a radio antenna. In the early years after its construction, the tower was used for scientific experiments and telecommunications and radio broadcasting.
What happened to the Eiffel Tower during the World Wars?
During World War I, the Eiffel Tower was an important radio communications centre for the French military. During World War II, the tower was closed to the public and used by the Germans as a radio and communications centre.
FAQs
When is the best time to visit the Eiffel Tower?
The best time to visit the Eiffel Tower largely depends on your preferences and priorities. Here are some factors to consider:
Weather: The weather in Paris can be unpredictable, but generally, the best time to visit the Eiffel Tower is during the spring (April to June) or fall (September to November) when the temperatures are mild, and the crowds are not as overwhelming as in the summer.
Time of day: The Eiffel Tower is open every day, and the best time to visit can depend on your preferred time. If you want to avoid crowds, consider visiting early in the morning or later in the evening. The tower is also beautiful at night when it's illuminated, so an evening visit can be particularly special.
Events: If you are interested in attending a special event at the Eiffel Tower, such as the Bastille Day fireworks on July 14th or the New Year's Eve light show, plan your visit accordingly.
Lines and crowds: The Eiffel Tower is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world, so lines and crowds can be significant at any time of year. If you want to avoid long lines, consider visiting during the off-season or booking a skip-the-line ticket in advance.
How many people visit the Eiffel Tower per year?
According to the official website of the Eiffel Tower, around 7 million people visit the tower every year. However, this number can vary depending on various factors, including the time of year, major events in Paris, and other external factors such as global pandemics or political situations.
During peak tourist seasons, such as summer or major holidays, the number of visitors can be significantly higher, and the lines to enter the tower can be pretty long. Therefore, planning your visit in advance and booking tickets online is always advisable to avoid waiting in line.
How much does it cost to visit the Eiffel Tower?
The cost to visit the Eiffel Tower varies depending on several factors, such as age, ticket type, and the level of access to the tower.
Adults (ages 26 and over): 16.60 euros for access to the second floor by stairs, or 26.10 euros for access to the top by elevator.
Young people (ages 12-25): 8.30 euros for access to the second floor by stairs, or 23.10 euros for access to the top by elevator.
Children (ages 4-11): 4.10 euros for access to the second floor by stairs or 12.50 euros for access to the top by elevator.
Children under four years old: free admission to all levels.
Special ticket packages are available that include skip-the-line access, guided tours, and access to other attractions in Paris.
It's worth noting that prices can change over time, so it's always a good idea to check the official website of the Eiffel Tower for the most up-to-date information.
Is it worth visiting the Eiffel Tower?
The Eiffel Tower is one of the world's most iconic and recognisable landmarks, and visiting it can be a unique and memorable experience. The tower offers breathtaking views of Paris from its observation decks, and it is also a fascinating piece of engineering and history.
The Eiffel Tower also offers a variety of experiences for visitors, such as dining at its restaurants, taking guided tours, and attending special events like the annual fireworks display on Bastille Day.
That being said, visiting the Eiffel Tower can be crowded and overwhelming, especially during peak tourist seasons. Additionally, the lines to enter the tower can be quite long, so it is advisable to book tickets in advance and plan your visit accordingly.
Ultimately, whether or not visiting the Eiffel Tower is worth it depends on your personal interests and priorities. If you are interested in history, architecture or simply want to enjoy panoramic views of Paris, then visiting the Eiffel Tower may be an excellent choice for you.
What to wear when visiting the Eiffel Tower?
When visiting the Eiffel Tower, it's important to dress appropriately for the weather and the activity level you will be undertaking. Here are some tips on what to wear:
Comfortable walking shoes: The Eiffel Tower is a large structure, and you'll likely be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes that can handle some uneven terrain.
Dress in layers: Paris weather can be unpredictable, so it's a good idea to dress in layers so that you can easily adjust to changing temperatures.
Respectful clothing: If you plan to enter the tower, remember that it is a cultural landmark and that it is recommended to dress in respectful clothing. Avoid shorts, tank tops, or any revealing clothing.
Weather-appropriate clothing: Check the weather forecast before your visit and dress accordingly. Bring a raincoat or umbrella if rain is expected, and wear sunscreen and a hat if it's sunny.
Comfortable backpack: A small backpack is helpful for carrying water, snacks, a camera, and other essentials.
Avoid high heels: It's recommended to avoid high heels as the stairs, and uneven surfaces may be difficult to walk on.