The Eiffel Tower, or la Tour Eiffel, is a 330 metre wrought iron lattice structure designed by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 Exposition Universelle celebrating the centenary of the French Revolution. Built as a temporary installation meant to stand for 20 years, it was saved from dismantling because of its usefulness as a radio antenna. Today the Paris tower is the defining symbol of Paris and one of the top things to do in Paris. There are three public levels: the first at 57 metres and the second at 116 metres, both accessible by stairs or lift, and the summit at 276 metres reached by a separate lift from the second floor. Every hour after dark, the tower sparkles for five minutes with 20,000 flashing bulbs, a display introduced for the year 2000 celebrations and kept as a nightly ritual loved by Paris people and visitors discovering where is Paris in Europe along the Seine.

What makes this place special

The five minute sparkle of 20,000 flash bulbs every hour after sunset is best viewed from Trocadéro, the Champ de Mars lawn, or Pont de Bir-Hakeim.

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At the 276 metre summit, a small champagne bar serves flutes of Pommery for around €25, considered one of the most overpriced drinks in Paris, though the sweeping city views make it memorable.