The Eiffel Tower Paris France picnic
Having a picnic near the Eiffel Tower in Paris France.

But let me answer the most frequently asked questions about the Eiffel Tower Paris France. From interesting facts to legends and stories and not to forget tips on visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris, this article answers them all.

And if you are already planning a visit to Paris, don’t miss our 4 days in Paris Itinerary

So here are 10 Questions about the Eiffel Tower in Paris France:

1. When and why was the Eiffel Tower built?

The Eiffel Tower was built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution and to be the centrepiece of the 1889 World’s Fair. 

The tower’s construction began in January 1887 and was completed in just over two years! It was the tallest structure on earth back then.

During its construction, the Eiffel Tower was met with scepticism and criticism from many Parisians who felt that it was an eyesore and that it would ruin the beauty of Paris. However, today, the Eiffel Tower is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world. 

The Eiffel Tower Paris France picnic
The Eiffel Tower Paris France is a well-known structure around the world.

2. Who is the Eiffel Tower named after?

It was named after its designer, Gustave Eiffel, a French engineer who specialised in metal structures, most notably bridges. You can see this when you look at the design of the Eiffel Tower, it has that “iron-bridge look”.

The Eiffel Tower stands 324 metres (1,063 feet) tall, including its antenna.

The Eiffel Tower Paris France Gustav Eiffel
The Eiffel Tower Paris France Gustav Eiffel designed the Eiffel Tower

3. Where is the Eiffel Tower located in Paris?

The Eiffel Tower is located in Paris, France, on the Champ de Mars in the 7th arrondissement. 

It is situated on the left bank of the Seine River and is easily recognisable as one of the most famous landmarks in the city. 

The exact address of the Eiffel Tower is 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France

The Eiffel Tower Paris France on the map
The Eiffel Tower Paris France on the map near the river Seine

4. How many floors Eiffel Tower Paris France?

The Eiffel Tower has three floors. 

The first and second floors can be accessed by stairs or elevators, while the third floor can only be reached by elevator.

The first floor is at a height of 57 metres (187 feet), the second floor is at a height of 115 metres (377 feet), and the third floor is at a height of 276 metres (905 feet).

Each floor offers stunning views of the city, and the top floor provides a panoramic view of Paris that is truly breathtaking.

The Eiffel Tower Paris France entry
The Eiffel Tower Paris France has two entrances East and West leg of the tower. Security has now been also added.

5. Are there any great stories or legends about the Eiffel Tower?

Yes, there is a legend associated with the Eiffel Tower that involves a man named Franz Reichelt, who attempted to fly from the tower using a parachute suit of his own design. Reichelt was a tailor and amateur inventor who became obsessed with the idea of creating a suit that would allow people to fly.

On February 4, 1912, Reichelt climbed to the first level of the Eiffel Tower and jumped off, hoping to demonstrate the effectiveness of his parachute suit. However, the suit failed to deploy properly, and Reichelt fell to his death in front of a crowd of horrified spectators.

There is a quick video on Youtube about this incident.

The tragic incident became famous and was widely reported in the press, making Reichelt something of a cautionary tale about the dangers of pursuing risky or unrealistic ideas. 

However, the legend also served as a reminder of the Eiffel Tower’s iconic status and its power to inspire and captivate people, even those who were willing to risk their lives in pursuit of their dreams.

The Eiffel Tower Paris France under
The view of the grounds below The Eiffel Tower Paris France – this is where Franz sadly plummeted to his death.

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6. How many people visit the Eiffel Tower every year? 

The number of visitors to the Eiffel Tower can vary from year to year, but on average, it attracts around 7 million visitors annually. That’s like the population of Denmark and Slovenia combined! 

It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world and remains a symbol of Paris and France. But surprisingly, Eiffel Tower is not one of the 7 New World Wonders.

The Eiffel Tower Paris France Tourists
Why is the Eiffel tower famous? The Eiffel Tower Paris is a symbol of France and a truly unique structure.

7. Does the Eiffel Tower Paris France sparkle at night and why?

Yes, the Eiffel Tower sparkles every night for a few minutes. The tower is lit up by thousands of twinkling lights that give it a magical appearance. 

The sparkling effect is created by the flashing lights that are installed on the tower and is visible for five minutes every hour, from sunset until midnight. The twinkling lights are a popular sight and add to the charm of the Eiffel Tower, making it even more spectacular to behold at night.

The Eiffel Tower Paris France sparked
The Eiffel Tower sparkles at night – every hour after sunset until midnight

8. Are there replicas? Eiffel Tower Paris France vs Tokyo Tower Japan

Yes, there are several replicas of the Eiffel Tower located around the world. Some of the most notable ones include:

  • Tokyo Tower in Japan: This tower was built in 1958 and is located in Tokyo, Japan. It is 333 metres tall and was modelled after the Eiffel Tower.
  • Blackpool Tower in the UK: This tower was built in 1894 and is located in Blackpool, England. It is 158 metres tall and was inspired by the Eiffel Tower.
  • Las Vegas Eiffel Tower in the USA: This tower is located in Las Vegas, Nevada, and is a half-scale replica of the Eiffel Tower. It is 165 metres tall and was built in 1999.
  • Eiffel Tower of Tianducheng in China: This tower is located in Tianducheng, China, and is a full-scale replica of the Eiffel Tower. It was built in 2007 and stands 108 metres tall.
  • Eiffel Tower of Pakistan in Pakistan: This tower is located in Bahria Town, Islamabad, Pakistan and is a replica of the Eiffel Tower. It was completed in 2018 and is 80 metres tall.
The Eiffel Tower Paris France Las Vegas
The Eiffel Tower replica in Las Vegas USA

9. How can you visit the Eiffel Tower Paris France?

Visitors to Paris can easily visit the Eiffel Tower, located in the heart of the city. The tower is open every day of the year, from 9 am to midnight (in the summer months, it stays open until 1 am). 

You can buy tickets to go up to the top of the tower, either by stairs or by elevator. There are three levels that visitors can visit, each offering stunning views of the city. 

The Eiffel Tower Paris France lift
Visitors to the Eiffel Tower in Paris France can purchase Eiffel tower tickets online or at the tower. Lift going up the Eiffel Tower.

The first level has a glass floor, which can be a bit scary for those who are afraid of heights! 

The second level has a restaurant where visitors can enjoy a meal with a view (you must book months in advance). The top level offers breathtaking panoramic views of Paris.

It is recommended to buy tickets in advance, as the lines can be very long.

You can buy this direct access ticket online. This is the most popular option; it grants you access to the 1st and 2nd floors and the Summit by elevator. Alternatively, you choose from a number of other options to visit the Eiffel Tower here.

Visitors can buy tickets online or at the ticket office at the base of the tower. There are also guided tours available, which provide a more in-depth look at the tower’s history and construction.

The Eiffel Tower Paris France view
The Eiffel Tower became part of the landscape of Paris

10. How much does it cost to visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris France? 

The cost of visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, depends on several factors, such as the type of ticket, the age of the visitor, and the method of access. 

As of 2023, the general admission ticket prices for the Eiffel Tower are as follows:

  • Adult (ages 25 and over) – €19.70 for access to the top by elevator or €10.50 for access to the 2nd floor by stairs.
  • Youth (ages 12-24) – €16.60 for access to the top by elevator or €7 for access to the 2nd floor by stairs.
  • Children (ages 4-11) – €5 for access to the 2nd floor by elevator or stairs.

Children under the age of 4 yrs get free admission. 

Visitors can purchase tickets online or at the ticket office at the base of the tower.

Purchasing tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist season, is recommended to avoid long lines and ensure availability.

The Eiffel Tower Paris France stairs
The cheaper way to visit the Eiffel Tower is to take the stairs to the second floor.

The Eiffel Tower in Paris France is a remarkable feat of engineering and a must-visit attraction for anyone visiting Paris. Its history, size, and beauty make it one of the most iconic landmarks in the world.

Whether you want to climb to the top or simply admire it from the ground, the Eiffel Tower is sure to leave you in awe.

If you plan a trip to Paris, read our guide on How Many Days in Paris Do You Need?, or our detailed 4 Days in Paris Itinerary. You may choose to stay at one of these 15 hotels with views of the Eiffel Tower.

And we recommend taking a side trip to Beaune in Burgundy, only 3.5 hours away. Here are 5 top things to do in Beaune.

And this is the best eSIM for France to stay connected in Paris and the rest of the country.

Travel Tips for Europe

If you plan to explore more of Europe after you’ve had the best time in Paris, then you’re in luck! We love this region of the world and have some great tips for you. Check out our ULTIMATE Packing List for Europe for starters.

For the food lovers out there, you’ll love reading about all the new foods you can taste with our Complete Food Map of Europe!

Perhaps you’re travelling on a budget? These 10 Cheapest Countries in Europe to Visit may be just the tool you need to start planning an epic trip.

But, know these 8 Things To Know About Travelling to Eastern Europe before you go, and these are 7 Misconceptions about Eastern Europe that every traveller should know.

We’ve got many Tips for How you can Save Money to Travel, and even when you’re out there travelling, maybe these 20 Jobs that PAY YOU to Travel the World will help you travel longer. It worked for us, and we bet it can work for you, too.

Finally, these Top 6 Travel Hacks to Save You Money and our Best Travel Tips from Over 15 Years of Travel are some of the best travel advice we can share with you.

For more travel tips, gear, and products we use regularly on the road, head to our Travel Resources Page.