Built as the entrance arch for the Exposition Universelle in 1887 and 1889, La Tour Eiffel commemorated the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. The innovative steel monument designed by Louis Eiffel was not altogether popular at the time of its erection. Many thought the immense iron structure was a jarring eye-sore in the recently Haussmannized Paris. But it quickly became a point of pride—Paris boasted the “World’s Tallest Tower” until 1930, when New York’s Chrysler Building usurped the title.

Two restaurants perch high in the tower; the Michelin-rated Jules Vernes has its own elevator, though you’ll pay for the view dearly at the end of even the most modest meal. Most folks get to the top the old-fashioned way: waiting in line. As one might expect, the queues are longest midday and onwards in the summertime. If you’re feeling sprightly, you can climb up the first and second levels, although getting to the very top requires an elevator ride. The enochlophobic and early birds might want to take advantage of the morning lull; there is nothing more beautiful than watching Paris wake up from 276 meters.