Quick Answer:
How long did it take to build the Eiffel Tower? 2 years, 2 months & 5 days.
The Eiffel tower was built fast, even by today’s standards. Construction began January 26, 1887 with 300 workers 18 thousand pieces of iron later, it officially finished on March 31, 1889. The tower did not open until May 6th of that same year. Construction lasted for two years, two months and five days (this does not include the five months it took to lay the foundation).
Additional Eiffel Tower Information:
Located in Paris, France, The Eiffel Tower currently stands at 324 metres or about 108 stories high. The original height was only 312 metres, as a television tower was added later. The tower is open to the general public with viewing areas at the 19th, 38th and 89th stories. From 273 metres up (the 89th story) the maximum view is about 37 miles out, but the surrounding countryside is rolling hills blocking viewing sections. There is an urban myth that the United States gave the Eiffel Tower to France in exchange for the Statue of Liberty. This is false. France commissioned, paid for and built the Eiffel Tower themselves as their main attraction and selling point at the International Exposition of 1889. If you are planning on visiting inside the Eiffel Tower, there are open iron stairways up to the first and second platforms (the 19th and 38th story public viewing areas). The highest viewing point can only be reached by elevator.
Interesting Fact: There is a small, functioning French post office inside the Eiffel Tower.