Designed as the centerpiece of the 1889 Paris World's Fair
The Eiffel Tower was built in record time. Its design was selected from more than 100 proposals. It was not built for practical use, but rather to showcase the technological capabilities of the French people. Construction began on July 1, 1887 and was completed in about 22 months. Given the building practices of the day, this was an incredible feat. When the tower first opened, it had three restaurants on the first floor, and was painted a reddish brown.
Observation deck
You can experience Paris, France from a new perspective by visiting the Observation deck of the Eiffel Tower. This 460-foot-high observation deck is located on the Paris Las Vegas half-scale replica. The observation deck is one of the highest spots in the Las Vegas area.
From the observation deck, you can see the city below from nearly every angle. The views from the 2nd floor are particularly impressive and close enough to see everything in the city. The tower also features panoramic maps and telescopes to pinpoint landmarks in Paris. You can also see the ground below from the vision well. The observation deck also features restrooms, a macaron bar, a souvenir shop, and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Stairs
The Stairs of the Eiffel Tower are a famous Paris attraction. This famous tower has 700 stairs and is one of the most iconic structures in the city. The first flight of stairs takes you to the second floor, the second flight takes you to the top, and the final flight takes you back down. Each flight of stairs has a different bearing length that allows the stairs to turn.
The entire staircase of the Eiffel Tower is 4.3 meters high and is made from iron. The tower was originally built in 1889. In 1983, a section of the staircase was cut out of the tower to make room for an elevator. The staircase was then dismantled into sections, which can be seen today in many places. Other parts of the staircase can be found in the gardens of the Yoishii Foundation, the Statue of Liberty in New York, and Disney World in Florida.
Elevator
In 1889, a hydraulic lift called an Edoux was installed in the Eiffel Tower, carrying visitors to the second and third floors. It was later replaced with a Schneider electric elevator. The elevator's design has undergone a series of revisions and renovations since its initial installation. Today, there is only one remaining Otis lift, installed in 1983 for the exclusive use of Jules Verne restaurant patrons. In addition, a four-ton goods elevator operates on the South pillar.
The elevators are a vital part of the tower's daily operations. They carry passengers up and down the tower twice a day, and their maintenance is vital to the tower's overall well-being. A team of specialists monitors the elevators with computer systems to ensure smooth operation and safety.
Free classic view
If you're interested in viewing the Eiffel Tower from below, a free classic view of the tower is available in the Eiffel Tower Museum. This museum includes exhibits about the building's history and architecture, as well as a bronze bust of Gustave Eiffel sculpted by Bourdelle. The museum also has lifts from the 19th century.
If you don't mind paying for a ticket, you can also get the iconic view for free from a cafe. Many Parisian cafes have a terrace that provides a view of the tower. The Au Canon des Invalides and Le Recrutement Café are two excellent choices. Another great view of the tower can be had from the dome of the Sacre-Coeur. There are also free views available on the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette.