The more famous the landmark, the more likely you’ll hear someone call it overrated. The Eiffel Tower is no exception. Critics complain about the crowds, the long lines, and the souvenir vendors. Some visitors even leave Paris wondering what all the fuss was about.

But after interviewing several people who actually live in Paris, I discovered something surprising. Many locals love the Eiffel Tower just as much as tourists do.

That shouldn’t be surprising, of course. The 1,083-foot iron structure has dominated Paris’s skyline since 1889. It’s one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks and arguably the defining symbol of France itself. Yet unlike many famous attractions that locals avoid, the Eiffel Tower continues to inspire affection among the people who see it every day.

Take travel blogger Amber Haggerty.

“I live near the Eiffel Tower and love it just as much as tourists do,” she says. “I know that some people feel underwhelmed after visiting, but I always stop for a second to watch it glitter at night or snap a photo when I see a particularly good view.”

Even after years of living nearby, the tower hasn’t lost its appeal.

“Since I live so close to the tower, I am forced to walk with the throngs of tourists who flock to it every day,” she says. “Despite the added complexity of navigating the crowds, I can never blame them — it’s just a beautiful part of the city’s scenery.”

That sentiment was echoed by real estate agent Kristjan Kruuk, who sees the tower regularly while showing properties throughout the city.

“Eiffel Tower for me is something more than a landmark,” he says. “It’s a symbol that has become an essential part of the architectural fabric that defines Paris. Every time I visit an apartment in Paris and see just a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower’s elegant curve pointing upward, I’m always filled with positive emotion reminding me of the 13 years of well-spent moments I’ve enjoyed while living here.”

In other words, the tower isn’t merely something Parisians look at. It’s something many of them feel.

Perhaps nobody expressed that connection more vividly than Sarah Anto, a PhD student who spent her childhood living just two blocks away.

“I literally grew up in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, and let me tell you, it quickly became my backyard,” she says. “It was basically my playground growing up, and I still love it to bits. Paris just wouldn’t be the same without it. If you took it away, you’d be removing the heart of the city, if not the entire country, let alone Western Europe.”

Anto also shared a tip that many travelers might appreciate.

“Here’s a piece of advice I give to everyone who visits: climbing to the top of the Eiffel Tower might sound cool, but it’s actually kind of a letdown. Why? Because it’s the one spot in Paris where you can’t see the tower itself, which is ironic. If you really want a breathtaking view, head over to the Montparnasse Tower, the top of Arc Triumph, or the free observations deck at Galeries Lafayette. There you get this amazing 360-degree view of both Paris and the Eiffel Tower.”

Then there’s tour guide Lily Lopez, who regularly witnesses both tourists and locals rediscovering the landmark.

“We take over 1,000 people per month on guided Eiffel Tower tours,” she says. “Parisians often join our tours led by out-of-town guests, and surprisingly, they end up loving it the most. Their pride in the city shines through as they learn new things about familiar sights.”

That’s what I find most interesting.

The Eiffel Tower isn’t beloved simply because it’s famous. It’s beloved because it continues to inspire wonder long after its familiarity should have faded.

For travelers planning a visit to Paris, that’s worth remembering. Yes, seek out the neighborhood cafés, hidden gardens, and lesser-known museums. But don’t let anyone convince you to skip the city’s most iconic landmark during both day and twinkling night.

After all, the people who know it best still stop to admire it. And if locals still love the Eiffel Tower after seeing it every day, perhaps tourists are onto something too.

Blake Snow contributes to fancy publications and Fortune 500 companies as a bodacious writer-for-hire and seasoned travel journalist to all seven continents. He lives in Provo, Utah with his wife, five children, and one ferocious chihuahua.