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Why the Eiffel
Tower is special
The Eiffel Tower is the icon of Paris and
France - and one of the most recognizable structures on earth.
Eiffel Tower
tips & insights
 The Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 for an international exhibition in Paris,
France and named for its builder, Gustave Eiffel.
Some people back then
thought it was hedious. One sarcastic critic famously said he liked being on the
Eiffel Tower because "it's the only place in Paris where I cannot see it".
Times have changed. Almost
all Parisian citizens today love it.
The Eiffel Tower instantly became the world's tallest man-made structure. It broke the record held
for over 4400 years by the Khufu Pyramid in Egypt (only to lose it 41 years later to the
Chrysler Building in Manhattan).
The monument came close to
being razed in 1909 when its city permit expired. It was saved because the radio
antennae on top of the structure was deemed essential.
Since 1889, over 230
million people have visited the Eiffel Tower. The current annual count is over 6
million.
The structure has three
observation levels (see photo). Their heights (relative to modern office
buildings) are 17 stories for the first, 37 stories for the second, and 75
stories for the third level.
Obviously, the higher the
observation level, the more breathtaking the view. However, even the first level
of the Eiffel Tower offers a remarkable 360-degree view because - with few
exceptions - the buildings in Paris must not exceed 20 meters (66 feet) in
height.
You can reach the first and
second observation level by stairs or elevator. The third level is accessible
only by elevator.
The Eiffel Tower is an
immensely popular tourist destination. Last year over 6 million people visited
it. Since 1889, over 230 million people have done so.
Elevator wait lines
(especially for the third level) can be excruciatingly long during the summer
tourist season. Be the first in line when the gates open in the morning or
arrive after 6 pm. It also helps to avoid weekends.
The best photo location for
a full-view shot of the Eiffel Tower is from the Place du Trocadero terrace
across the Seine River.
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