Millions of people visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris each year, making the iconic 19th-century monument something of an unofficial mascot for the City of Light.

First built for the World Fair in 1889, many Parisians initially slammed the creation. Author Guy de Maupassant famously calling it "useless and monstrous."

Yet the 250 million people who have visited since its debut might beg to differ. Tourists seem particularly fond of the structure at night, when the tower glows with sparkling lights and illuminates the Champ de Mars.

The Eiffel Tower is open to visitors until 12:45 a.m. in the summer, and until 11:45 p.m. the rest of the year. Those mesmerizing, twinkling lights glow for five minutes every night on the hour until 2 a.m. in the summer, and until 1 a.m. during the rest of the year.

Visitors to the Eiffel Tower at night can often enjoy smaller crowds, particularly in Paris’ off season of late autumn and early winter (excluding Christmastime).

One of the best places to eat dinner near the Eiffel Tower is the tasteful Jules Verne restaurant, located within the tower itself, and highly rated on both TripAdvisor as well as Yelp. For the best views of the Eiffel Tower at night, however, order a glass of Champagne at the nearby Le Gatsby, or check out Les Ombres, on Quai Branly.

Eiffel Tower Spire

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A photograph shows the spire of the Eiffel Tower.

Twinkling Lights

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Twinkling lights dazzle visitors every hour on the hour each night.

Trocadero

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A view shows the Eiffel Tower from Trocadero.

Sunset Over the Eiffel Tower

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There are few better places to watch a sunset.

Crowds at the Eiffel Tower

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The Eiffel Tower attracts millions of visitors each year.

Vintage Car Cruises By the Eiffel Tower

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A vintage car takes a spin near the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

View From Notre Dame

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The Eiffel Tower shimmers behind the Notre Dame cathedral.

Eiffel Tower Neighborhood

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The Eiffel Tower is located in the 7th Arrondissement.

Seine River

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This gorgeous view shows the Eiffel Tower from the banks of the Seine.

Place de la Concorde

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The Place de la Concorde is pictured near the Eiffel Tower.

Champ de Mars

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The Eiffel Tower is located on the Champ de Mars public park.

Christmas Market

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Paris' Christmas markets are part of an annual tradition across Europe.

Carousel

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Children can take a ride on this charming, nearby carousel.

Fireworks

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Fireworks explode near the Eiffel Tower during special holidays.

Café Near the Eiffel Tower

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A typical Parisian café is pictured near the monument.

Aerial View

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An aerial image shows the Eiffel Tower at night.

Night View

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At night, the Eiffel Tower isn't the only part of the City of Light that glows.

Happy Planning!