10 fun facts about the Eiffel Tower
Since the Eiffel Tower’s 1889 inauguration in Paris, over 300 million visitors have visited the iconic attraction. Historically designed to commemorate the centennial of the French Revolution, this structural wonder dominates the Parisian skyline today.
Back in the 19th century, the construction of this “Iron Lady” was no easy feat—60 tons of paint, 7,300 tons of iron, and 2.5 million rivets were used. Under the watchful eye of Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel, it took two years, two months and five days for the structure to be completed.
Before your Eiffel Tower tour, discover some monumental truths about this landmark. There are also plenty of lesser known facts (and secrets) about the Eiffel Tower that will pique your interest.
It was the tallest man-made structure until 1930
The Eiffel Tower reigned supreme as the tallest man-made structure in the world for about four decades. Without its antenna, the Eiffel Tower stood at a staggering 984 feet. From 1930 onwards, it was officially surpassed by the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building in New York.
With a net worth of 400 billion euros today—six times that of the Colosseum in Rome and more than the Tower of London—the Eiffel Tower is no doubt a hallmark of engineering and modern architecture. Take a guided tour to learn more about this grand dame.
The Eiffel Tower was supposed to be demolished after 20 years
The Eiffel Tower was built to flaunt France’s industrial prowess at the 1889 World Fair. But when its permit expired in 1909, it was ready to be dismantled. To preserve this landmark, a radio antenna was erected atop the Eiffel Tower—and the plan worked. City officials felt that it was too valuable as a radio transmission tower and decided against tearing it down.
Believe it not, the Eiffel Tower was once yellow
Made of wrought iron, the Eiffel Tower needed a protective coat to counteract any natural elements. During its official launch, it sported a copper-brown color. But after a decade, its metallic structure was coated in yellow paint instead.
From 1968 onwards, the signature “Eiffel Tower Brown” became the official color. The darkest shade was painted on top, and the lightest on the bottom—giving it a subtle ombre effect. Take a closer look at the paintwork as you make your way up the Eiffel Tower.
The Eiffel Tower can only be painted by hand
It takes a lot of primping to look fab at 133 years old. Here’s a fun fact about the Eiffel Tower: It’s painted the traditional way—mostly by hand. The Eiffel Tower is stripped of its color and repainted every seven years by 50 painters. To date, the tower has been repainted 19 times.
On average, at least 60 tons of paint are applied to the whole structure to prevent the iron exteriors from rusting. The Eiffel Tower has since undergone a sparkling golden makeover for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
The Eiffel Tower has a (not so) secret apartment
Architect Gustave Eiffel cleverly included a private apartment at his namesake tower—possibly the world’s most enviable address. Perched 1,000 feet above Champ de Mars, this space was used to conduct experiments and host impressive guests like Thomas Edison.
After being locked away for years, you can now view this hidden sanctuary, with much of the furnishing still in place. Maximize your time with skip-the-line tickets and bask in the aerial views from up here.
You’ll see 72 names engraved at the base
Not known to many, the Eiffel Tower was practically a science lab. Inspect the tower’s details, and you’ll notice 72 names engraved on the edge of the first floor. These names were previously covered up, but restorative efforts made their golden letters visible again. It’s a symbolic way of paying homage to the scholars, scientists, and mathematicians who contributed tirelessly to the tower’s successful assembly.
There’s a tiny post office, too
If you’re thinking of a novel souvenir, swing by the Eiffel Tower’s post office on the first floor (at the south pillar). Pick a postcard and mail it back home. It’ll be delivered with an exclusive "Tour Eiffel Paris” stamp, something you can’t get anywhere else. Consider this a special memento to commemorate your trip, or send a surprise letter to a loved one back home.
The Eiffel Tower’s height changes with the seasons
Here’s another interesting fact about the Eiffel Tower: Its height changes with the seasons. If you’re visiting in summer, the tower is actually taller as the iron structure expands up to 7 inches when temperatures are as high as 104°F. In winter, the cold weather causes the tower to shrink up to 6 inches. Besides the seasonal changes, strong winds and bad weather can also cause the tower to sway.
To get to the top, you’ll have to climb 1,665 steps
The Eiffel Tower comprises three sections. On the first level (189 feet high), you’ll find an observation area, souvenir shops, and Madame Brasserie, a chic restaurant. Challenge yourself to walk on the glass floor; it affords expansive views of the city beneath your feet.
The second level—at 379 feet—includes a Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Jules Verne, plus another observation deck. From up here, keep your eyes peeled for famous sights like the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, and Champs Élysées.
Unless your fear of heights gets in the way, head to the top floor which is 905 feet above the ground. Revel in panoramic views while sipping some rosé at Bar à Champagne. The climb (and all 1,665 steps) will be worth celebrating.
It’s actually illegal to publish photographs of the lit-up Eiffel Tower
During the daily illumination show, catch the Eiffel Tower twinkling in its full glory. The iron edifice sparkles after sunset thanks to the 20,000 light bulbs adorning it.
Before you get all excited to post on your newsfeed, remember: the light display is essentially an artwork protected by copyright. Capturing and sharing photos of the Eiffel Tower is fine for personal use, but not for commercial purposes. Don’t risk getting into trouble with the French authorities.
Top-rated Paris tours and activities
More like this:
