Eiffel Tower Fun Facts

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We’ve created this list of 101 fun facts about the Eiffel Tower!

This article contains over 101 fun facts about Eiffel Tower, fun facts for kids, plus fun facts about its history, tourism, culture, legends, and so much more!

Eiffel Tower Fun Facts


Table of Contents

Fun Facts About Eiffel Tower – About Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is a famous landmark located in Paris, France. It is a wrought-iron lattice tower that was designed and built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 Exposition Universelle, a world’s fair that was held in Paris to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution.

The Eiffel Tower is named after Gustave Eiffel, who was a French engineer and entrepreneur. It stands at 324 meters (1,063 feet) tall, and was the tallest man-made structure in the world when it was completed in 1889. It held this title for 41 years until the Chrysler Building was completed in New York City in 1930.

Today, the Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world and a symbol of Paris. It is visited by millions of people every year and is an important tourist attraction in France. It has also been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and other forms of media over the years.

Fun Facts About Eiffel Tower – 101 Fun Facts

Here are 101 fun facts about Eiffel Tower:

  1. The Eiffel Tower is located in the Champ de Mars park in Paris, France.
  2. It was constructed for the 1889 Exposition Universelle, a world’s fair celebrating the centennial of the French Revolution.
  3. The tower was designed by Gustave Eiffel, a French civil engineer.
  4. The Eiffel Tower stands at 324 meters (1,063 feet) tall.
  5. The tower weighs 10,100 tons.
  6. The Eiffel Tower is made of wrought iron and was the tallest man-made structure in the world when it was built.
  7. The tower held the title of the tallest man-made structure for 41 years until the Chrysler Building in New York City was completed in 1930.
  8. The Eiffel Tower is the most-visited paid monument in the world.
  9. It was originally intended to be a temporary structure that would be dismantled after the exposition, but it was so popular that it was allowed to remain.
  10. The tower has three levels that visitors can access.
  11. The first level is 57 meters (187 feet) above the ground.
  12. The second level is 115 meters (377 feet) above the ground.
  13. The third level is 276 meters (905 feet) above the ground.
  14. There are 1,665 steps to the top of the Eiffel Tower, but most visitors take the elevator.
  15. There are four elevators in the Eiffel Tower.
  16. The elevators can travel up to 9 meters (30 feet) per second.
  17. It takes approximately 1 minute and 30 seconds to reach the first level of the Eiffel Tower by elevator.
  18. It takes approximately 4 minutes to reach the top of the Eiffel Tower by elevator.
  19. The Eiffel Tower was painted red when it was first built.
  20. The tower has been painted 18 different colors since it was first built.
  21. The current color of the Eiffel Tower is brownish-red, also known as “Eiffel Tower brown”.
  22. The tower was originally supposed to be built in Barcelona, Spain, but the city rejected the project.
  23. The Eiffel Tower was the tallest man-made structure in the world until the completion of the Empire State Building in 1931.
  24. The Eiffel Tower is taller in the summer than in the winter, due to the expansion of the iron from the heat.
  25. The Eiffel Tower sways in the wind, but it is designed to withstand gusts of up to 130 km/h (80 mph).
  26. The Eiffel Tower is the most-visited paid monument in France.
  27. The Eiffel Tower was the tallest structure in France until the construction of the Millau Viaduct in 2004.
  28. The Eiffel Tower was used for communication purposes during World War I.
  29. The tower has two restaurants, one on the first level and one on the second level.
  30. The Eiffel Tower was closed to the public during World War II and was used as a radio tower by the Nazis.
  31. The Eiffel Tower is illuminated at night by 20,000 light bulbs.
  32. The lighting system of the Eiffel Tower was upgraded in 2013 to be more energy-efficient.
  33. The Eiffel Tower is the most-photographed landmark in the world.
  34. The Eiffel Tower was the inspiration for the Blackpool Tower in England.
  35. The Eiffel Tower was almost demolished in 1909, but it was saved because it had become an important part of Parisian identity.
  36. The Eiffel Tower has been the site of numerous high-profile events, including the marriage of Gustave Eiffel’s daughter in 1907 and the inauguration of the tower’s new lighting system in 1985.
  37. The Eiffel Tower has been featured in numerous films, including “An American in Paris,” “Ratatouille,” and “Inception.”
  38. The tower was originally intended to have a lifespan of only 20 years, but it has lasted for over 130 years.
  39. The Eiffel Tower is a popular spot for proposals and has been the site of thousands of romantic moments over the years.
  40. The tower has been the site of numerous daredevil stunts, including a tightrope walk by Philippe Petit in 1974.
  41. The Eiffel Tower is one of the most popular spots for Instagram photos in the world.
  42. The tower has a small apartment on the third level that was used by Gustave Eiffel as a private retreat.
  43. The apartment is decorated with furniture that was designed by Eiffel himself.
  44. The Eiffel Tower was the tallest structure in the world when it was built, but it was surpassed by the KVLY-TV mast in North Dakota in 1963.
  45. The tower was the tallest structure in France until the completion of the Ostankino Tower in Moscow in 1967.
  46. The Eiffel Tower was the tallest structure in the European Union until the completion of the Shard in London in 2012.
  47. The Eiffel Tower is the largest tourist attraction in Paris, attracting over 7 million visitors each year.
  48. The tower is open to visitors every day of the year except for December 25.
  49. The Eiffel Tower is a popular spot for New Year’s Eve celebrations, with a fireworks display and light show.
  50. The tower is the site of an annual stair race, where participants climb to the top as quickly as possible.
  51. The Eiffel Tower has been the site of numerous world records, including the fastest ascent of the tower on a bicycle and the longest distance walked on a tightrope between two points on the tower.
  52. The Eiffel Tower has been depicted on numerous French coins and stamps over the years.
  53. The tower has been the subject of numerous poems, novels, and songs, including the famous song “La Vie en Rose.”
  54. The Eiffel Tower has inspired numerous replicas around the world, including in Las Vegas, Tokyo, and China.
  55. The Eiffel Tower was featured in the opening ceremony of the 1998 FIFA World Cup, held in France.
  56. The tower was the site of the first public radio broadcast in France, which took place in 1921.
  57. The Eiffel Tower is a popular spot for bungee jumping and zip-lining.
  58. The tower has been closed to the public on several occasions due to weather conditions, including strong winds and heavy snow.
  59. The Eiffel Tower was the tallest structure in the world until the completion of the CN Tower in Toronto in 1976.
  60. The tower has been featured in numerous music videos, including Madonna’s “Open Your Heart” and Katy Perry’s “Firework.”
  61. The Eiffel Tower has been the site of numerous political protests and demonstrations over the years.
  62. The tower is owned by the City of Paris and is operated by the Eiffel Tower Operating Company.
  63. The Eiffel Tower has been struck by lightning numerous times over the years, but it is equipped with lightning rods that protect it from damage.
  64. The tower has been the subject of numerous works of art, including paintings, photographs, and sculptures.
  65. The Eiffel Tower has been featured on numerous TV shows, including “The Amazing Race,” “Top Gear,” and “The Simpsons.”
  66. The tower has been the site of numerous fashion shows and photo shoots over the years.
  67. The Eiffel Tower was the tallest man-made structure in the world when it was built, but it was soon surpassed by the Washington Monument in the United States.
  68. The tower is made of over 18,000 individual pieces of wrought iron.
  69. The Eiffel Tower is illuminated by over 20,000 light bulbs at night.
  70. The tower’s lights were turned off during World War II to avoid attracting enemy planes.
  71. The Eiffel Tower was the tallest structure in France until the completion of the Millau Viaduct in 2004.
  72. The tower has been featured in numerous video games, including “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3” and “Assassin’s Creed Unity.”
  73. The Eiffel Tower was the site of a terrorist attack in 2015, in which 130 people were killed.
  74. The tower is named after Gustave Eiffel, the engineer who designed it.
  75. The Eiffel Tower is an important symbol of France and is often used to represent the country in marketing and advertising.
  76. The tower was the centerpiece of the 1889 Exposition Universelle, a world’s fair that celebrated the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution.
  77. The tower was originally intended to be built in Barcelona, Spain, but the city rejected the design.
  78. The Eiffel Tower was the tallest structure in the world until the completion of the Chrysler Building in New York City in 1930.
  79. The tower was the tallest structure in Paris until the completion of the Tour Montparnasse in 1973.
  80. The Eiffel Tower has been the site of numerous art installations and exhibitions over the years.
  81. The tower is a popular spot for BASE jumping, despite being illegal.
  82. The Eiffel Tower is featured in numerous video games, including “Hitman 2” and “Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege.”
  83. The tower has been the site of numerous scientific experiments over the years, including studies on air resistance and meteorology.
  84. The Eiffel Tower was originally intended to be a temporary structure and was almost torn down after the 1900 Exposition Universelle.
  85. The Eiffel Tower has been featured in numerous music videos, including U2’s “City of Blinding Lights” and Beyonce’s “Partition.”
  86. The tower has been the site of numerous public concerts, including a performance by French DJ David Guetta in 2015.
  87. The Eiffel Tower was the tallest structure in the world until the completion of the Empire State Building in New York City in 1931.
  88. The tower has been featured on numerous postcards and souvenirs over the years.
  89. The Eiffel Tower is a popular spot for skydiving.
  90. The tower has been the site of numerous film shoots over the years, including scenes from “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” and “Da Vinci Code.”
  91. The Eiffel Tower has been the site of numerous celebrity visits over the years, including Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and Marilyn Monroe.
  92. The tower has been the site of numerous weddings over the years, with couples coming from all over the world to exchange vows at the iconic landmark.
  93. The Eiffel Tower is a popular spot for marriage proposals, with couples from all over the world choosing to pop the question at the iconic landmark.
  94. In 2002, French climber Alain Robert climbed the Eiffel Tower without ropes or other safety equipment. He reached the top in just under 3 hours.
  95. The Eiffel Tower was nearly demolished in 1909, but it was saved because it was still useful as a radio communications tower.
  96. The Eiffel Tower was painted a reddish-brown color when it was first built, but it has been repainted a number of times over the years. It is now painted a distinctive shade of brown that is officially known as “Eiffel Tower Brown.”
  97. The tower was used as a radio communications tower during both World War I and World War II.
  98. The Eiffel Tower has been the site of numerous public protests and demonstrations over the years, including rallies in support of workers’ rights and civil liberties.
  99. The tower has been used as a backdrop in numerous films, including “Sabrina,” “The Bourne Identity,” and “Ratatouille.”
  100. The Eiffel Tower was the tallest structure in the world for 41 years, until the completion of the Empire State Building in New York City in 1931.
  101. Today, the Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, attracting millions of visitors from around the globe each year.

Fun Facts About Eiffel Tower – 25 Fun Facts for Kids

Here are 25 fun facts about Eiffel Tower that kids might enjoy:

  1. The Eiffel Tower was named after its designer, Gustave Eiffel.
  2. It was built as the entrance arch to the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris.
  3. The Eiffel Tower is 324 meters tall and weighs over 10,000 tons.
  4. The tower has three levels that are open to the public.
  5. The Eiffel Tower was the tallest man-made structure in the world when it was built.
  6. It took over two years to build the Eiffel Tower.
  7. The tower is made of iron and was assembled using over 18,000 pieces.
  8. The Eiffel Tower was the tallest structure in France until 1973.
  9. The tower was almost torn down after the 1900 World’s Fair, but it was saved because it was being used for scientific experiments.
  10. The Eiffel Tower is painted every seven years to prevent rust.
  11. It takes 60 tons of paint to cover the Eiffel Tower.
  12. The tower was the site of the first radio transmission in history in 1898.
  13. It was also used to intercept enemy radio signals during World War I.
  14. The Eiffel Tower was the inspiration for the Blackpool Tower in England.
  15. The tower has two restaurants that serve French cuisine.
  16. The Eiffel Tower is lit up at night with over 20,000 light bulbs.
  17. The tower has a glass floor on the first level that allows visitors to see all the way down to the ground.
  18. The Eiffel Tower has four lifts that take visitors to the top.
  19. The tower has a secret apartment that Gustave Eiffel used to entertain guests.
  20. The Eiffel Tower has been featured in many movies, including “Ratatouille” and “The Bourne Identity.”
  21. The tower has been the site of many exciting stunts, including a tightrope walk by Philippe Petit in 1974.
  22. The Eiffel Tower has a small ice skating rink on the first level during the winter.
  23. There is a zip line that takes visitors from the second level to the ground.
  24. The Eiffel Tower has a weather station at the top.
  25. The tower is a popular place for marriage proposals and has seen many couples get engaged over the years.

Fun Facts About Eiffel Tower – History

Here are some historical fun facts about the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is a famous landmark located in Paris, France. It was designed by Gustave Eiffel, a French engineer, and was built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. Construction on the tower began in 1887 and was completed in 1889, just in time for the World’s Fair that was being held in Paris.

The tower was originally intended to be a temporary structure, meant to be dismantled after the World’s Fair was over. However, due to its popularity and the important role it played in telecommunications, it was allowed to remain standing.

In the early years of the tower’s existence, it was used primarily for scientific experiments, including studies of air resistance and the behavior of radio waves. During World War I, it was used for communication purposes by the French military.

Over the years, the Eiffel Tower has become one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, and is visited by millions of tourists each year. It has also been the site of several important events, including the arrival of the Olympic torch at the beginning of the 1924 Olympic Games and the tower’s 100th anniversary celebration in 1989.

Despite some initial controversy surrounding its construction, the Eiffel Tower has come to be widely regarded as a symbol of Paris and French culture. It has been featured in countless films, books, and works of art, and remains one of the most iconic structures in the world.

Fun Facts About Eiffel Tower – Design

Here are some fun facts about the Eiffel Tower’s design.

The Eiffel Tower was designed by French engineer Gustave Eiffel, who also oversaw its construction. Eiffel’s team included several other engineers and architects who contributed to the design and engineering of the tower.

The tower is made of wrought iron and is composed of four large arched legs that converge at the base and rise up to a single point at the top. The legs are connected by a lattice of smaller beams that create a complex geometric pattern.

The tower is divided into three levels, each of which offers different views of the city of Paris. The first two levels can be reached by stairs or by elevators, while the third level can only be reached by elevator.

Construction of the tower began in 1887 and took just over two years to complete. The tower was built on the Champ de Mars, a large public park in central Paris. It was constructed using prefabricated components that were assembled on site. The components were carefully designed and engineered to fit together precisely, allowing the tower to be constructed quickly and efficiently.

During the construction process, the tower’s height was a topic of much debate. Eiffel had initially proposed a height of 300 meters (984 feet), but this was later increased to 324 meters (1,063 feet) to ensure that the tower would be taller than the Great Pyramid of Giza. At the time of its completion, the Eiffel Tower was the tallest structure in the world.

Overall, the design and construction of the Eiffel Tower were groundbreaking for their time, and helped to establish Gustave Eiffel as one of the foremost engineers of the 19th century. Today, the tower remains one of the most iconic and recognizable structures in the world.

Fun Facts About Eiffel Tower – Cultural Significance

Here are some fun facts about the Eiffel Tower’s cultural significance.

The Eiffel Tower has significant cultural significance as a symbol of Paris and France, and has become one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. It is considered a masterpiece of engineering and architecture, and has been admired and celebrated by people from all over the world.

As a symbol of France, the Eiffel Tower represents the country’s history, culture, and national identity. It is often featured in movies, TV shows, and other forms of media as a symbol of Paris and all things French. It has also been the site of many important events in French history, such as the lighting of the Olympic torch for the 1924 Summer Olympics, and the millennium celebrations in 2000.

Beyond its cultural significance in France, the Eiffel Tower has also become a symbol of hope, love, and unity for people all around the world. It has been the site of countless marriage proposals and romantic gestures, and has been used as a backdrop for many important moments in people’s lives.

In addition to its cultural and symbolic significance, the Eiffel Tower has also played an important role in science and technology. It was used for scientific experiments in its early years, and has since been used as a platform for radio and television broadcasting.

Overall, the Eiffel Tower is an important cultural icon that represents the history, culture, and national identity of France, as well as a symbol of hope, love, and unity for people all around the world. It continues to be a popular tourist attraction and an important part of French and global cultural heritage.

Fun Facts About Eiffel Tower – Tourism

Another fun fact about the Eiffel Tower is that it’s one of the most popular tourist locations in the world.

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world, and attracts millions of visitors each year. Tourists come from all over the world to see the tower and experience the views from its observation decks, which offer stunning panoramic views of Paris.

Visitors can access the Eiffel Tower via stairs or elevators, and can choose to visit one or all three of the tower’s levels. Each level offers a different experience and view of the city. The first level has a glass floor and a variety of exhibits and attractions, while the second level offers a restaurant and outdoor viewing platform. The third and highest level offers the most expansive views of the city, but is only accessible by elevator.

In addition to the tower itself, there are many other attractions and activities in the surrounding area, including restaurants, cafes, museums, and parks. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the Seine River or visit the nearby Champs-Elysees shopping district.

Due to its popularity, the Eiffel Tower can be quite crowded, especially during peak tourist season. Visitors are advised to purchase tickets in advance to avoid long lines and wait times. They should also be prepared to undergo security screenings and bag checks before entering the tower.

Despite the crowds, visiting the Eiffel Tower is considered a must-do experience for many tourists, and is often a highlight of their trip to Paris. Its cultural significance and stunning views make it a truly unique and unforgettable destination.

About Eiffel Tower – Legends

Another fun facts about the Eiffel Tower is that it has inspired many legends and stories over the years. Here are some of the most well-known legends about the tower:

Gustave Eiffel’s secret apartment: According to legend, Gustave Eiffel had a secret apartment at the top of the tower that he used to entertain guests. The apartment was said to be decorated in luxurious style and contained a grand piano. Although there is no evidence that such an apartment existed, the legend persists and continues to capture people’s imaginations.

The tower’s transformation during the war: During World War I, the Eiffel Tower was repurposed as a radio transmitter, and was used to intercept enemy communications. According to legend, the tower was also used as a giant periscope, allowing French soldiers to spy on enemy positions from high above the city.

A lucky escape: In 1912, a man named Franz Reichelt attempted to fly off the Eiffel Tower using a homemade parachute. Sadly, his parachute failed to open and he fell to his death. However, according to legend, Reichelt’s death was not in vain – it is said that his death led to the development of modern parachute technology.

The Tower’s true purpose: According to one conspiracy theory, the Eiffel Tower was not built as a monument, but was actually a cover-up for a top-secret government project. Some have suggested that the tower was actually a giant electrical device, capable of creating massive amounts of energy and even controlling the weather.

These legends and stories have captured people’s imaginations for generations, and have helped to add to the mystique and allure of this iconic landmark. While some may be based in fact, others are purely fanciful and add to the tower’s rich history and cultural significance.

About Eiffel Tower – Symbols

The Eiffel Tower is an iconic landmark and symbol of Paris and France. Here are some of the symbols associated with the Eiffel Tower:

Romanticism: The Eiffel Tower is often seen as a symbol of love and romance, and is a popular destination for couples to visit and propose marriage. The tower has been featured in many romantic movies and TV shows, and has become a symbol of everlasting love and devotion.

French culture and identity: The Eiffel Tower is a symbol of French culture and national identity, and is often used to represent France and its unique history and traditions. The tower has become a symbol of French ingenuity and engineering, and represents the country’s artistic and cultural achievements.

Modernity and progress: The Eiffel Tower was built during a time of great progress and modernization, and was seen as a symbol of France’s technological and scientific prowess. The tower was an engineering marvel, and represented the cutting-edge technology of the time.

Hope and resilience: During World War II, the Eiffel Tower was a symbol of hope and resilience for the people of France. The tower was a reminder of the country’s cultural heritage and traditions, and gave the people hope for a brighter future.

Overall, the Eiffel Tower is a powerful symbol of love, romance, culture, progress, and hope. Its iconic silhouette has become synonymous with Paris and France, and has captured the imaginations of people all around the world.

Other Interesting Things About Eiffel Tower – Movies and Art

The Eiffel Tower has been a popular subject of art and has been featured in countless movies, TV shows, and other media over the years. Here are some examples of how the tower has been portrayed in movies and art:

Movies: The Eiffel Tower has been featured in many movies, including “Midnight in Paris,” “The Tourist,” “Ratatouille,” and “Inception.” In “Midnight in Paris,” the tower is shown in various shots of Paris and is a central location in the movie’s storyline. In “Inception,” the tower is used as a backdrop for a dream sequence.

Art: The Eiffel Tower has been a popular subject of artists, and has been depicted in a variety of styles and mediums. Famous artists who have painted the tower include Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Marc Chagall. The tower has also been featured in numerous posters and postcards, and has become an iconic symbol of Parisian art.

Photography: The Eiffel Tower is one of the most photographed landmarks in the world, and has been captured by countless photographers over the years. The tower has been photographed from every angle and at every time of day, and has become an iconic symbol of the beauty and elegance of Paris.

Music: The Eiffel Tower has also been referenced in many songs and musical compositions. For example, “La Vie en Rose,” a popular French song, features lyrics that reference the tower’s illuminated lights at night. In addition, many musical compositions have been inspired by the tower’s unique silhouette and architectural design.

Overall, the Eiffel Tower has played an important role in the world of art and media, and has become an iconic symbol of Parisian culture and sophistication. Its striking silhouette and romantic history have captured the imaginations of people all over the world and continue to inspire artists and filmmakers to this day.

Other Interesting Things About Eiffel Tower – Quotes

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, and has inspired many writers and thinkers over the years. Here are some notable quotes about the Eiffel Tower:

“It’s really nice to see the Eiffel Tower at night, because it’s lit up, so it sparkles a little and it’s beautiful.” – Victoria Justice

“The Eiffel Tower is a symbol of Paris. It’s as simple as that.” – Jean Nouvel

“The Eiffel Tower is a great masterpiece of architecture.” – Gustave Eiffel

“The Eiffel Tower is the Empire State Building after taxes.” – Tom Lehrer

“The Eiffel Tower is a beautiful sight, something to see when you’re in Paris. It’s also become something of a cliché, I guess.” – Alan Furst

“The Eiffel Tower is a triumph of imagination, a beautiful and bold monument that never fails to inspire awe.” – Anonymous

“The Eiffel Tower was a bold statement of progress and modernity when it was built, and it remains a symbol of those same ideals today.” – Anonymous

Overall, the Eiffel Tower is a beloved and iconic symbol of Parisian culture and history, and has inspired many people to think deeply about the meaning and significance of architecture, art, and progress.

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