Eiffel Tower

Where it is & how to get there

• Metro: Line 6 to Bir-Hakeim (5 min walk) or Line 9 to Trocadéro for the classic view across the river.
• RER: RER C to Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel, right next to the tower.
• Bus & boat: Buses 42, 69, 82 and 87 stop nearby, and the Batobus river shuttle stops at the foot of the tower.

The story of the Eiffel Tower

Gustave Eiffel's company built the tower for the 1889 World's Fair, held to mark 100 years since the French Revolution. Around 18,000 iron parts and 2.5 million rivets were assembled in just over two years, and at 300 metres it became the tallest structure on Earth until 1930.

Many Parisian artists and writers signed a petition against the "useless and monstrous" tower, and it was only meant to stand for 20 years. Eiffel saved it by turning it into a scientific platform for weather research and radio transmission. Today it is the symbol of France and welcomes around six million visitors a year.

Best time to visit

Tips before you go

• Book a timed ticket on the official site, and come back after dark: the tower sparkles for 5 minutes at the start of every hour.
• Climbing the stairs to the second floor is cheaper than the lift, and the queue is usually shorter.
• Security is airport-style: bring a small bag only. Large luggage and glass bottles are not allowed.
• The best photos of the tower are from Trocadéro across the river, from Pont de Bir-Hakeim, and from Rue de l'Université.

What's around the Eiffel Tower

• Trocadéro GardensFountains and the most famous viewpoint of the tower, 10 minutes on foot across Pont d'Iéna.
• Champ de MarsThe long lawn behind the tower, perfect for a picnic at sunset.
• Musée du Quai BranlyMuseum of world cultures with a vertical garden wall, 5 minutes away.
• Seine river cruisesBateaux Parisiens and Vedettes de Paris boats leave from the river bank at the tower.

Questions travellers ask