The Eiffel Tower is one of the most-visited monuments in the world, a marvel of engineering, and an unmissable stop on any trip to the French capital. Designed by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World’s Fair, it went from being a temporary structure to becoming the iconic symbol of Paris.
In this article, we’ll explore everything the Eiffel Tower has to offer its visitors—from breathtaking views to fine dining and the romantic allure of its summit. We’ll go over all the essential details and provide tips for making your visit as enjoyable as possible.
NOTE: If you’re interested in finding discounted Eiffel Tower tickets, visit the link above.
History of the Eiffel Tower
Let’s start with a brief look at the history of the Eiffel Tower. It was designed by engineer Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World’s Fair, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. The tower took just over two years to complete—a remarkably fast pace for the time.
One of the fascinating aspects of its history is that the tower was initially set to be dismantled after 20 years. However, as you can imagine, that didn’t happen. Standing at 324 meters, it utilized pioneering iron construction techniques.
Over the years, the tower has witnessed significant historical events, including both World Wars. More recently, it has been upgraded with new visitor facilities and a lighting system that illuminates it at night.
Here are some of the top Eiffel Tower tours we recommend:
Climbing the Eiffel Tower: Observation Decks
The tower has three floors accessible to visitors, each offering a unique experience. Let’s look at each in more detail:
First Floor: A New Perspective from Above
The first stop is at 57 meters high and features a glass floor that gives visitors a thrilling view below. Walking on the transparent floor is exhilarating, though not for the faint of heart!
Here you can explore an interactive exhibit about the Eiffel Tower’s history and watch a film that highlights the monument’s evolution. If you’re feeling hungry, the Madame Brasserie restaurant offers both excellent views and delicious cuisine.
We recommend taking the elevator to this floor (though stairs are an option if you’re feeling adventurous).
For discounted tickets, consider booking this combo for access to the Eiffel Tower and a Seine River cruise—one of our favorite experiences.
Second Floor: Panoramic Views of Paris
At 115 meters high, the second floor provides even more stunning views of Paris. You can easily spot the Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame, making it a great spot for photos.
Here, you can enjoy a meal at Le Jules Verne while gazing out over the city or pick up some souvenirs from the shops. You can reach this level by elevator or from the first floor using the stairs. We recommend booking an elevator ticket for the most convenient access.
You can buy a skip-the-line ticket to the second floor here.
Third Floor: Reaching the Summit
Finally, the summit awaits at 276 meters. Here you’ll have the best views, with visibility extending up to 80 kilometers on a clear day. A notable feature of the summit is a recreation of Gustave Eiffel’s office.
There’s also a small bar where you can enjoy a drink. Access to the summit is by elevator only, and space is limited, so it’s highly recommended to book your ticket well in advance.
In this link, you can book your ticket for access to the top of the Eiffel Tower online, bypassing the lines.
Restaurants at the Eiffel Tower
Dining at the Eiffel Tower is a special treat that combines gourmet French cuisine with breathtaking views. It’s a romantic spot where couples often start or finish their journey, creating an unforgettable evening.
Here’s a closer look at the two main dining options:
Madame Brasserie
Located on the first floor, Madame Brasserie is a true Parisian bistro. It can get quite busy at lunchtime as many visitors want to experience dining here. Reservations aren’t strictly required during the day, though they’re highly recommended, especially during peak season.
At night, Madame Brasserie takes on a more formal atmosphere, and reservations become mandatory. It offers a varied menu with options for younger diners as well.
For dinner with a bit of savings, you can book online at these times:
Le Jules Verne
A step up in luxury, Le Jules Verne on the second floor boasts even better views and dishes crafted with complex, refined techniques. Le Jules Verne has one Michelin star (under chef Frédéric Anton), blending traditional and contemporary French cuisine.
Reservations here are required months in advance due to high demand. For an exclusive touch, the restaurant has a private elevator for guests, allowing for direct, crowd-free access.
Champagne Bar
At the summit of the Eiffel Tower, you’ll find the Champagne Bar, where you can celebrate with a glass of French champagne in hand. For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, there are alternatives available.
Open from 10:30 AM to 10:30 PM, this bar offers stunning 360-degree views without the need for a reservation.
Tips for Dining at the Tower
For both restaurants, it’s strongly recommended to make an online reservation in advance. This is essential for Le Jules Verne, given its prestige and popularity. You may also want to check each restaurant’s website for menu options and prices, which can be quite high (as mentioned, discounts are available through the links above).
Keep in mind that Le Jules Verne requires elegant attire, whereas Madame Brasserie is more casual during the day with no specific dress code.
Consider timing your dinner around sunset to watch Paris transition from day to night. For a full experience, plan for at least two hours to savor the meal and views without rushing.