Paris, France2-3 hoursSunset
Eiffel Tower
Paris's iron landmark built for the 1889 World's Fair.
Ideal: Ideal for first-time Paris visitors, city landmarks, views, and photography.
Built in under two years for the 1889 World's Fair from 18,038 wrought-iron pieces joined by 2.5 million rivets. It was planned for demolition after twenty years; what saved it was the radio antenna placed on top. At the time, a petition signed by Maupassant among others protested it as 'useless and monstrous'. The iron expands in heat, so in summer it grows about 15 centimetres; every seven years it gets a fresh coat using nearly 60 tonnes of paint.
Why go?
- To see Paris's most iconic structure up close
- Because it offers a strong viewpoint over the city from above
- Because day and night feel completely different
Travel tip
For the best photo angles, try the Trocadéro side and the evening lighting.
