7 Million
Annual Visitors to the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower welcomes approximately 7 million visitors annually, with about 75% of them being foreign tourists. That's roughly 19,000 people per day!
When Gustave Eiffel's iron tower was unveiled at the 1889 World's Fair, it was meant to be temporary—scheduled for demolition after 20 years. Parisians initially hated it, calling it an eyesore. Writer Guy de Maupassant allegedly ate lunch in the tower's restaurant every day because it was the one place in Paris where he couldn't see the tower.
How times have changed! Today, the "Iron Lady" is the universal symbol of Paris and France. The tower was the world's tallest structure for 41 years until the Chrysler Building surpassed it in 1930.
The tower isn't just a tourist attraction—it's been a scientific laboratory, a radio transmission tower, and even a billboard. In the 1920s, Citroën used it as the world's largest advertisement, with 250,000 light bulbs spelling out the company name.
Every evening, the tower sparkles for 5 minutes at the beginning of each hour after sunset, using 20,000 light bulbs. This twinkling light show has become one of Paris's most magical nightly rituals.
🏛️Historical Context
Built for the 1889 World's Fair to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, it was the tallest man-made structure for 41 years.
🎬Pop Culture References
- •Featured in countless romantic films as the ultimate symbol of Paris
- •Appeared in "Midnight in Paris," "Ratatouille," and "The Bourne Identity"
- •Frequent target in alien invasion movies
✨Fun Facts
- •The tower grows up to 6 inches in summer due to thermal expansion
- •There are 1,665 steps to the top
- •Gustave Eiffel had an apartment at the top where he entertained famous guests
Source: Société d'Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel