Eiffel Tower - discover the symbol of Paris

Facts about the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower stirred emotions from the very beginning. Some artists and residents considered it too bold, too industrial, and improper in elegant Paris. The structure, which was only meant to remain standing for a limited time, went on to become one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world.

For many people, a visit to the Eiffel Tower is an essential part of any trip to Paris. It is worth seeing it as more than just something to tick off your list. Ideally, set aside a little more time to walk beneath the structure, stroll through the Champ de Mars, view it from a distance, and see how its appearance changes at different times of day.

Where is the Eiffel Tower?

The Eiffel Tower is located in Paris’s 7th arrondissement, by the Champ de Mars and close to the Seine. Its official address is 5 avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris. It is a good area to explore on foot, as several popular viewpoints, bridges, and museums are nearby.

The area around the tower is very touristy, so be prepared for crowds, especially in high season, at weekends, and when the weather is good. If you want a quieter walk or photos without the heaviest crowds, consider visiting in the morning.

You can get to the Eiffel Tower by metro (Trocadéro and École Militaire), RER train (Champ de Mars Tour Eiffel), bus (Tour Eiffel or Champs de Mars stop), or on foot from other popular places in the city centre.

Discover Paris from one of the most famous viewpoints in the world. Check the available Eiffel Tower entry options and choose a date that best fits your sightseeing plans.

What is the history of the Eiffel Tower?

The tower was designed by Gustave Eiffel, and it was built as the main attraction of the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris. It was a time when cities competed with one another in scale, modernity, and technological achievements.

The tower was meant to show just how much could be achieved with iron construction. In the 19th century, it was a bold project and wholly different from the classical architecture of Paris. That is why it provoked such extreme reactions.

At first, it was not treated the way we treat major landmarks today. It was intended to exist for a limited time, but it proved useful for scientific experiments and radio communication, among other things. This helped it survive and later become a symbol of the city.

How many levels does the Eiffel Tower have, and how tall is it?

The Eiffel Tower has three levels open to visitors. On the first and second levels, you will find observation decks and visitor areas. The summit can be reached by lift from the second floor.

The height of the Eiffel Tower is most often given as around 330 metres, including the antenna. The historic structure itself was lower - the original design called for a tower about 300 metres high. Differences in the stated height are mainly due to later changes and the installation of antennas.

In practice, what matters more to visitors than the exact number of metres is which level you choose. The second floor offers a very good view of Paris and is enough for many people.

Eiffel Tower - tickets

A visit to the Eiffel Tower can take many forms. You can simply walk up to the tower, climb the stairs, take the lift to the second level, or choose a ticket to the summit. Each option offers a slightly different experience.

At SeePlaces, you will find a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower with stair access to the 2nd floor. As you climb the stairs, the guide tells you about the Eiffel Tower, its construction, and interesting details that are easy to miss when visiting on your own. This makes the experience more engaging - it is not just about “going up to a viewpoint”, but about fully experiencing one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world.

On the second floor, a panoramic view of Paris awaits, with the Seine, the Champ de Mars, and the city’s most important landmarks in the background. It is one of the best viewpoints in the city!

A guided tour also makes the visit easier to organise, as you do not have to analyse the different entry options yourself or think about the route. Everything is planned so that you can make the most of your time and focus on sightseeing.

It is also worth remembering that the Eiffel Tower is one of the most popular attractions in Paris. Security checks, queues, and crowds of tourists are part of the experience here. That is why it is best not to plan your visit too tightly, especially if you also have a cruise, museum visit, or dinner reservation on the same day.

Where is the best place to see the Eiffel Tower?

You do not have to go up the Eiffel Tower to get a good view of it. Every so often it is most impressive from a distance, when you can see the entire structure and its place in the Paris skyline.

Where are the best places to admire it?

• Trocadéro - the classic viewpoint on the opposite side of the Seine. It is one of the most popular places for photos, so it is best to come in the morning or outside the busiest hours.
• Champ de Mars - the park right next to the tower. A good choice if you want to see the structure up close and enjoy a relaxed walk or picnic.
• Pont d’Iéna - the bridge connecting the Trocadéro area with the Eiffel Tower. It offers a simple but striking perspective and works well as part of a walk between the two sides of the Seine.
• Seine cruise - a great option if you want to see the tower from the water while also taking in other Paris landmarks. It is a good choice for people who prefer a more relaxed way of sightseeing without constantly travelling by metro.
• Montparnasse Tower - a viewpoint where you can see the Paris skyline with the Eiffel Tower in it. It is an interesting alternative because from the Eiffel Tower itself, you cannot see... the Eiffel Tower.
• The banks of the Seine - a walk along the river lets you see the tower from several perspectives.

If you are short on time, choose this combination: Trocadéro, a walk across Pont d’Iéna, and a short break on the Champ de Mars. It is a simple plan that lets you see the tower from several angles without buying a ticket.

Want to see more than just one monument? Take a tour of Paris on board the Hop-On Hop-Off bus. You can hop on and off as you wish, and you'll also have an audio guide available in multiple languages.

What to see near the Eiffel Tower?

The area around the Eiffel Tower is a good place for sightseeing. It is worth doing more than simply walking up to the structure and taking a photo. Nearby, you will find several places that are easy to combine into one walk.

1. Champ de Mars is the closest green space to the tower. You can rest here, take photos, and see the tower up close. It is also a good place to slow down after intensive sightseeing.
2. The Seine and nearby bridges are perfect for a walk. The route along the river offers plenty of attractive photo opportunities and lets you experience a more cinematic side of Paris.
3. Les Invalides is a larger historic complex within a longer walk or short ride. It is a good place for people who want to combine views with French history.
4. Musée du Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac is located very close to the Eiffel Tower. It is an option for those who enjoy museums and want to see something beyond the most obvious attractions.

Summary - Is it worth going up the Eiffel Tower?

Yes, but it will not be the most important part of the trip for everyone. If you dream of seeing Paris from one of its icons, going up the tower can be very rewarding. If you care more about photos of the structure itself and a skyline view with the Eiffel Tower in the frame, Trocadéro, a Seine cruise, or the viewpoint at Montparnasse will be a better choice.

The most sensible approach is to treat the Eiffel Tower as part of a larger plan. Set aside time to climb or take the lift, but also leave some time for a walk around the area. Paris is best experienced not only from above, but also at street level: by the river, on the bridges, in parks, and alongside streets.