No structure on Earth is more instantly recognizable than the Eiffel Tower. Gustave Eiffel’s iron lattice masterpiece was built for the 1889 World’s Fair and was originally intended to stand for just 20 years. Instead, it became the enduring symbol of Paris and one of the most visited monuments in the world, welcoming roughly seven million visitors annually. Standing 330 meters tall, the tower offers three levels of observation platforms, each presenting a different perspective on the City of Light — from the Seine winding below to the distant hills of Montmartre crowned by Sacré-Coeur.

The experience changes dramatically depending on when you visit. By day, the ironwork’s intricate engineering is on full display against Parisian skies. At twilight, the tower glows gold under 20,000 light bulbs, and every hour on the hour after dark, it erupts in a five-minute sparkling display that never fails to enchant. The first and second floors also house restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Le Jules Verne on the second level.

Pro tip: Take the stairs to the second floor — the climb is manageable for most people, the line is significantly shorter than for the lifts, and you get to appreciate the incredible ironwork engineering up close. Then take the elevator from the second floor to the summit.