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How To Visit The Louvre For The First Time

by Mark and Kristen Morgan

Published: June 17, 2024

Updated: September 2, 2024

The Louvre is one of the largest and most visited museums in the entire world. It contains over 600,000 works of art spanning almost 10,000 years of history, and typically showcases around 35,000 works of art at any given time. We’ve been to the Louvre twice, exploring top to bottom both times, and we barely scratched the surface. What we’ve learned is that it would take weeks to see everything inside the enormous museum, so we recommend having a plan for your visit. In this guide we show you what to expect when you visit the Louvre Museum in Paris for the first time, including the things you can’t miss, ticket options and what to do if tickets are sold out online.

Our Louvre Experience

We’ve been to Paris multiple times and we’ve visited the Louvre on two separate occasions. The first time was in July 2018 during our 18 month honeymoon around the world, and the second was during an 8-day trip to Paris in November 2023. Both times we booked tickets online and visited early in the morning, but we’d change a few things if we were to visit again. We’ll explain those things later in the guide, and we encourage you to use our tips! Read more  about us .

The Louvre is definitely the most overwhelming attraction in Paris, especially the first time you visit. You want to do it well and not miss anything, right? Well, what we can tell you is that it’s always busy and no first time visitor really has a clue where they’re going. So don’t worry, relax and enjoy yourself. You’ll get the hang of it, just like we did. Having an idea about what you want to see will help when you arrive, and we’ll show you the best bits in this guide.

History Of The Louvre

Before we get into the guide, we think it’s important to understand a little bit of background on the museum. The Louvre was originally built in 1190 as a fortress on the banks of the Seine River for King Philippe Auguste. You can still see the old wall remnants in the basement of the museum, just look for the Medieval Louvre in the crypt below.

In 1364, the Louvre officially became a royal residence and it was modified several times over the years including the Grande Galerie during the reign of Henri IV. However, the expansion of the Louvre was paused when Louis XIV moved his budget to the Palace of Versailles in the 1670’s and it solely operated as a private art gallery for the wealthy during this time.

During the French Revolution, it was decreed the Louvre would become a public art museum. So on August 10th, 1793, the Louvre was officially inaugurated with about 500 works of art. Since this time, the Louvre has seen numerous renovations with thousands of works added to its enormous collection we can see today.

The Pyramid Project in the late 1980’s designed by Chinese-American architect Ieoh Ming Pei was an architectural feat that has now become one of the most recognizable structures in the world. This glass pyramid is now the main entrance to the museum. Further installations include the Department of Islamic Art added in 2012 along with the Department of Byzantine and Eastern Christian Art in 2022.

In 2023, the Louvre welcomed 8.9 million visitors making it the most visited museum in the world with the Vatican Museums in Rome following in the #2 spot. The three most popular pieces inside include the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. During your visit, think about how the museum has also been home to numerous kings.

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Visitor Information

The Louvre is open every day of the week, except Tuesdays, from 9:00am to 6:00pm. But on Wednesdays and Fridays, the museum stays open until 9:00pm. It’s closed on January 1st, May 1st and December 25th, remaining open on all other public holidays unless they fall on a Tuesday.

A ticket to the Louvre booked on the official website will give you access to the permanent collections as well as the temporary exhibitions. You can also visit the Eugène-Delacroix National Museum on the same day or the day after your visit. We’ll discuss various ticket options later in our guide.

There are four main entrances for the Louvre and every visitor must pass through security when entering. The most well known entrance is the large glass pyramid in the middle of the central courtyard and it’s the only entrance you can use if you do not have a pre-booked ticket.

During our last visit, there were four different lines for entry:

• Blue line : Priority access for disable visitors
• Green line : Visitors with pre-booked tickets or the Paris Museum Pass
• Orange line : Visitors without tickets
• Yellow line : Visitors with memberships

We booked the 9:30am timed entry reservation (9:00am was sold out) and we still had to wait 45 minutes in the security line to get into the Louvre in November even though we got in line at 9:15am. Before getting in line, a staff member checked our tickets.

The second entrance to the Louvre is known as the underground mall entrance. It’s accessed through the Carrousel de Louvre shopping mall (Galerie du Carrousel). Here are the ways you can access this entrance:

• Enter at 99 Rue de Rivoli (take the escalator down to the shopping mall)
• Directly across from the Palais Royal-Musee du Louvre metro stop (look for signs)
• Tuileries Garden entrance (both sides of the Arc du Triomphe du Carrousel leads to stairs underground)

Both times we visited we used the pyramid entrance, but next time we’re going to use the Carrousel entrance which often has smaller lines. There is another entrance at the Richelieu passage, but it’s reserved for groups and those with membership cards. You can also use the Porte des Lions entrance, but you need a ticket and it’s closed on Fridays.

READ : How to plan the perfect weekend in Paris

What To Expect Inside

After entering through the Pyramid, you’ll pass through airport style security and then take an escalator or steps down to the Louvre. If you entered through the Galerie du Carrousel, you’ll already be on the main floor under the pyramid. This is considered to be the Reception Hall of the museum.

The collections in the museums are displayed on five different levels in three interconnecting wings, named after prominent figures in French history. After the Reception Hall, you’ll have the option to start with the Denon Wing, Richelieu Wing or Sully Wing.

Here is an a quick overview of the three wings:

• Denon – The most popular wing because it’s home to several of the top sights including two we mentioned at the beginning of this guide (Mona Lisa and the Winged Victory of Samothrace). It also showcases the Apollo Gallery, Greek and Roman Antiquities, the French Crown Jewels as well as famous painintings from France, Spain and Italy.
• Richelieu – In this wing, you can see paintings from Northern Europe, Napoleon’s III apartments, Iraq and Mesopotamia Antiquities (Code of Hammurabi is popular) and additional decorative arts from Europe.
• Sully – This wing contains the oldest artifacts in the Louvre including Egyptian Antiquities, the Medieval Louvre as well as Iran, Levant and Arabia Antiquities. The Venus de Milo is also located here.

Travel Tip : We entered through the Denon Wing and it was quite busy so we had to wait in another short 10 minute line. Less visitors begin at the Richelieu or Sully Wing so they often have smaller crowds.

Before entering one of the wings, you can pick up a map of the museum. It’s free and details what you can see in every room, but it’s confusing. You’ll also be able to pick up an audioguide for €6,00. There are small descriptions at each work of art, but if you want to learn more, you might want to consider an audioguide if you’re not taking a guided tour.

On the official website, you can use an interactive museum map and see a schedule of room closures . Unfortunately, the Napoleon Apartments we’re closed during our visit, but we could visit just about everything else.

Best Things To See At The Louvre

After both of our visits, we’ve compiled a list of the best things to the see inside the Louvre. It includes highlights of the museums spread across multiple floors. Use this list to see the top things during your visit because we’ve sorted by wings, rooms and levels.

Denon Wing:

• Liberty Leading the People : Room 702 – Denon Wing (Level 1)
• Mona Lisa : Room 711 – Denon wing (Level 1)
• Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss : Room 403 – Denon wing (Level 0)
• Slaves (Rebellious Slave and Dying Slave by Michelangelo): Room 403 – Denon wing (Level 0)
• The Coronation Of Napoleon : Room 702 – Denon Wing (Level 1)
• The French Crown Jewels : Room 705 (in the Apollo Galerie) – Denon Wing (Level 1)
• The Grande Galerie : Room 710 – Denon wing (Level 1)
• The Pyramid (as seen from inside the museum): Room 404 – Denon wing (Level 0)
• The Raft of Medusa : Room 700 – Denon wing (Level 1)
• The Wedding Feast at Cana : Room 711, Denon wing (Level 1)
• Winged Victory of Samothrace : Room 703 – Denon wing (Level 1)

Sully Wing:

• Great Sphinx of Tanis : Room 348 – Sully wing – Level -1
• Egyptian Antiquities : Sully Wing – Levels 0 + 1 (multiple rooms)
• Medieval Louvre : Room 113 – Sully Wing – Level -1
• The Caryatids : Room 348 – Sully wing – Level 0
• Venus de Milo : Room 346 – Sully wing – Level 0

Richelieu Wing:

• Code of Hammurabi : Room 227, Richelieu Wing (Level 0)
• Napoleon III’s Apartments : Level 1 – Richelieu Wing (head to room 544)
• The Cour Khorsabad : Room 229 – Richelieu wing (Level 0)
• The Cour Puget : Room 105 – Richelieu Wing – Level -1
• Sarcophagus of the Spouses : Room 663 – Richelieu Wing (Level 1)

Travel Tip : The Wedding Feast at Cana is the biggest painting in the Louvre measuring 6 meters high and almost 10 meters wide.

Lourve Ticket Options

Many ticket vendors for the Louvre offer a “skip the line” option. This basically means a pre-purchased ticket that allows you to skip the line for individuals without a timed entry reservation. If you book a ticket on the official website, it’s the same thing. You can also book a guided tour which depending on the company, has access to less busy group entrances. We highly recommend you book a timed entry reservation for the Louvre so you don’t run the risk of tickets selling out on the day of your visit.

If you do not purchase your ticket in advance, you’ll have to wait in an outdoor ticket line which can range from 1-3 hours depending on the time of year. You’ll be completely exposed to the elements and even in November, this line was well over an hour wait. This is not an efficient way to spend your time in Paris so please purchase your tickets in advance.

General admission tickets for the Louvre cost €22,00 for adults on the official website. You can book it here and you’ll have to chose a timed entry reservation which run on half and hour increments beginning at 9:00am. If you plan to visit in Paris during peak season in July and August or during the holidays, you should plan to book your tickets at least one month in advance.

However, if you want to book a guided tour or multiple attractions, you can also book with:

• Tiqets (use WATM10NOW for 10% off)

Get Your Guide

We visited the Louvre with a Tiqets Paris & Versailles Bundle . It includes the entry into the Louvre, Palace of Versailles and a Seine River Cruise. We could easily book timed entry tickets for all 3 attraction right on the Tiqets website and it was a little cheaper than purchasing all 3 attractions individually.

Even with a timed entry ticket, you’ll have to wait in a line with all of the other visitors who have the same time slot at the pyramid entrance. This line is unavoidable because it eventually leads to security.

Travel Tip : Residents of the European Economic Area aged 18-25 and anyone under 18 years old will receive free entry into the Louvre museum.

Guided Tour Options

If you want to take a guided tour in the Louvre, you have a few different options.

You can book a combined ticket for €31,00 which includes admission and a guided tour through the Louvre. These tours begin in the group reception area and are available in English, Spanish and Italian. English tours begin everyday at 9:45am with additional tours on 2:00pm on weekends as well as 6:00pm and 7:00pm on Fridays.

There are also various third party companies who offer highly reviewed guided tours. Your entry ticket to the museum is often included in these tours and they can be a good way to secure entry if all the tickets are sold out online. We’ve personally worked with each company listed below and can recommend their tours:

• Highlig hts Tour – Priority entry and 1.5 hour guided tour
• Private Tour – A 3 hour option for up to 8 people max
• Museum Masterpieces – A 3 hour tour to the  renowned masterpieces with reserved access
• Two Hour Tour – See the highlights in the Louvre with optional Orsay guided tour
• Exclusive Guided Tour – A 2.5 hour option with special entry
• Simple 2 Hour Tour – Basic tour to all the museum highlights

Travel Tip : Before booking a tour, make sure you read the fine print so you know exactly what to expect.

Which Paris Passes Include The Louvre?

If you’re consider purchasing an attraction pass for Paris, we highly recommend you read our guide comparing all the Paris passes here . We did the research and used 3 popular passes in the city during our last visit so we tell you what we liked and didn’t like about each one.

Here’s a high level overview of the Louvre on each pass:

• Tiqets Paris & Versailles Bundle – Louvre entry into the Palace of Versailles and a Seine sightseeing river cruise.
• Go City Paris – Available on the All-Inclusive pass only. You can also use the Paris Pass run by Go City for the same experience.
• Paris Museum Pass – Louvre entry with mandatory reservation required.

We wouldn’t recommend other Paris pass options because we have not used them ourselves and users often complain about difficulty booking attractions.

Tips For Visiting

After visiting ourselves, we compiled a small list of helpful tips to help you make the most of your trip to the the Louvre.

• Buy tickets in advance online . Avoid waiting hours to get into the Louvre and purchase your tickets before visiting.
• The pyramid is the most popular entrance . It’s the best way to enter the Louvre, but it’s busy so use the Galerie du Carrousel for smaller crowds.
• Restrooms are far and few in between . We thought there were not enough toilets considering how big the museum is so always use the facilities when one is nearby.
• Don’t try to see everything . Find the major highlights then spend your time on what interests you.
• The Richelieu is the quietest wing . If you can take the crowds anymore, head to this location inside the museum.
• Book the first time slot of the day for the best experience (9:00am or 9:30am). You’ll get into the museum before the morning crowds. Wednesday and Friday afternoons are also a quieter time if you want avoid the rush. Next time we visit, we’ll go for an evening time slot.
• Bring a small purse or backpack . Otherwise, you’ll have have to secure it in the locker room before entering the museum.

Our Louvre Photos

We love visiting the Louvre and took many photos! Here are a few of our favorites:

The Morgan Conclusion

What we like : It’s the Louvre, we liked almost everything about it! The paintings, sculptures, artifacts and everything else throughout the museum are nothing short of incredible. These are some of the most important historical pieces of art in our world. But we also loved the diverse architecture inside the Louvre, the different rooms, themes and halls are very impressive.

What we don’t like : There are definitely some downsides at the Louvre. We don’t like how manic the lines are outside in the morning. It takes a long time to get in and situations like this tend to bring out the worst in some people. We also don’t like how non-linear it is to get around once inside. Getting lost is like a rite of passage, and the lower floors in particular are always so busy. Also, the food is expensive in the on-site restaurants.

Is the Louvre worth visiting? Yes, the Louvre is definitely worth visiting. It’s a long day, it’s overcrowded and you’ll be tired when you leave but it’s worth it. You’ll likely be underwhelmed by the Mona Lisa, but there’s so much more to see.

More Paris Guides

• 10 things you need to see in Paris
• How to visit the Eiffel Tower
• Five ways to spend 2 days in Paris
• Paris attraction pass comparison
• Palace of Versailles visitor guide

Want more Paris information? Head over to our Paris Travel Guide for help with planning your first visit.

We hope our guide to visiting the Louvre for the first time helps you with planning your Paris itinerary!

Please let us know if you have any questions about what to see in the Louvre in the comments below.

Happy Travels ,

Mark and Kristen

Enjoy this Louvre guide? Pin it for later!

Note : This article contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

All Rights Reserved © Where Are Those Morgans, LLC. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, maps, graphics, etc.) in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.

Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us .

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How to visit the Louvre: 16 tips for a perfect time there

Home » France » How to visit the Louvre: 16 tips for a perfect time there

The Louvre is probably one of the most famous museums in the world. Almost everyone knows the iconic pyramidal construction and it’s a spot visitors to Paris always have on their list. But, the Louvre is also one of the biggest museums in the world, with more than 35,000 works of art and 300 rooms it’s sometimes overwhelming for the people visiting it. So if you’re thinking about how to visit the Louvre and enjoy your time there, fear no more! Here are some tips so you have the perfect visit to the Louvre.

1. First of all, you don’t have to visit the Louvre

Yes, it’s one of the most important museums in the world but if you’re not that into art or you feel like you’d rather visit other important spots in Paris, simply don’t go. Every visitor is different and everyone has different interests. It’s valid to skip places you’re not interested in. Really, if you’re just going so you can get a picture of the Mona Lisa, just skip it, you’ll probably enjoy more doing other things.

2. You won’t see everything, even if you visit it many times

The Louvre is HUGE so you’ll never be able to see everything in one visit (not even in two or three). Accept that you won’t see all of it and stop rushing it. I’ve seen so many people going from room to room, rushing it, trying to see everything. My guess is that they get out of the museum tired and cranky. Remember you’re probably on vacation, enjoy what you can in the time you have, don’t rush it.

3. How to visit the Louvre depends on you

With so many works of art and rooms to offer, the best thing to do is to plan beforehand what do you actually want to see in the Louvre. Before visiting, check the plans of the Louvre. Take your time to check the interactive map (I spent hours there before visiting) on the website of the Louvre. This interactive map will give you a better idea of where everything is. You can also print or save in your computer a map with all the information on the wings and rooms .

To have a general idea of the artworks housed in the Louvre check also the 8 curatorial departments the museum is divided in  Egyptian Antiquities ; Greek, Roman and Etruscan Antiquities ;  Near Eastern Antiquities ; Islamic Art ; Decorative Art ;  Sculpture ; Paintings ; and Drawings & Prints .

4. Know how to get there

Since the Louvre is so famous, there are many ways to get there. You can use public transportation (which is better) or get there by car (there’s an underground place to park on Avenue du Général Lemonier). Most of the times it’s better to use the bus since the metro lines serving the Louvre can be crowded. Also, there are Vélib’ bike stations near the museum.

5. Buy your tickets in advance

If you want to avoid lines, buy your tickets in advance. Go to the official website of the Louvre to buy them. Another option is to have the Paris Pass , which gives you access to several museums around Paris and you can also take the fast track lane.

6. Know where to enter

Most visitors enter the Louvre through the glass pyramid of the museum. Once you’re there, you’ll see signs like these:

This entrance is good if there’s no line but it’s safer to go into the museum through the Carrousel du Louvre . This is an underground shopping mall and you can enter the Louvre near an inverted glass pyramid that’s near the Apple store. There are almost no people in this line so it’s quicker. The Métro line 1 station is connected to the Carrousel du Louvre.

7. If you’re not sure, get a guide

Maybe you’re not that into art but you’re interested in seeing what the Louvre has to offer. In that case, the best option is to get a guide. There are guided tours in English every day at 11 am and 2 pm. These tours will take you to the Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, the Venus de Milo, and a great selection of masterpieces. Book your “Welcome to the Louvre” tour here  for 12 €.

The audio guide can be frustrating to use, instead, download the official Louvre app for iOS and Android . This is a free app but you can also buy additional information.

8. Get there early or during the evening

Most guides recommend getting to the Louvre super early to beat the crowds… and since most guides do this, most people do this too. It’s true that there are fewer people at 9 am when the Louvre opens but also consider getting there after 3 pm (right after Parisians have their food ). And for the best experience, visit the Louvre for the late-night opening: arrive after 6 pm on Wednesdays or Fridays and enjoy the museum up until 9:45 pm.

9. Wear comfortable clothing

Especially, wear comfy shoes. Avoid bringing big bags or backpacks, you won’t be able to move as freely as you’d want.

10. Respect the art

If you’ve gone to enough museums, you know how this works. Don’t smoke, drink, eat, raise your voice, touch artworks or run inside the museum. You can be asked to walk out in case you don’t follow these rules (and really… why would you even smoke inside the Louvre?).

Taking pictures and videos are permitted in the permanent collection exhibition rooms, don’t use flash or other lighting equipment. In the temporary exhibition rooms, you can’t take photos or videos.

11. Be careful of pickpockets

Since there are many tourists (and people in general) it’s a place where you may get robbed. Just be careful of your belongings and exercise your common sense .

12. Use the bathroom

Before entering the wings there are restrooms, don’t miss the chance to go. Believe me, you wouldn’t want to miss on something just because you want to go to the bathroom… not that it has happened to me.

13. Use the elevators

Save time and energy with these. If you check the map beforehand, you’ll see the elevators marked there so you don’t get lost.

14. Get out of the museum if you need to

The ticket you buy to enter the Louvre is good all day and for multiple entrances. If you’re planning on visiting different wings, a good idea is to exit the wing and cross through the entrance hall to enter other wings It’s faster and you don’t have to walk through the museum again.

15. Enjoy the building itself

The Louvre was originally a fortress but then it became one of the main residences of French kings. In 1793 (!) it became a museum so the building itself it’s worth a look. Don’t miss:

• Apollo Gallery (first floor, room 66) which seems to be covered in gold
• Islamic Galleries (ground floor and lower level) that is one of the newest wings of the Louvre
• Napoleon III Apartments, Richelieu Wing (first floor, rooms 82 to 92) where you can see the high style of living Napoleon had
• Marly Court, Richelieu Wing (ground floor and lower level), a white marble and stone courtyard full of sculptures
• Summer Apartments of Anne of Austria, Denon Wing (ground floor, rooms 22 to 28) where you’ll be able to see breathtaking ceilings commissioned by King Louis XIV in 1655.

16. Visit the Tuileries Garden

A nice place that also the kids will love . These gardens are between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde. This is the largest and oldest public park in Paris and you’ll love its landscape art, sculptures, and a relaxing vibe. After relaxing there, have a nice hot chocolate in Angelina (a true Parisian thing to do!).

We hope these tips were useful, enjoy your visit to the Louvre!

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The Best Louvre Guided Tour

If you are headed to Paris, the Louvre is always a must-visit destination. But it can be overwhelming. We debated whether we wanted to use a tour guide or explore it on our own. In the end, we booked a small group skip-the-line tour with The Tour Guy, and we are so glad that we did.

Why You Need to Visit the Louvre

The Louvre isn’t just a museum; it’s a sprawling palace-turned-art haven housing some of the world’s most iconic pieces. You know this is the home to Mona Lisa’s enigmatic smile, but it also contains Venus de Milo’s timeless beauty, and countless other masterpieces waiting to be discovered.

There are more exhibits in the museum than you will have time to visit. Our guide estimated that it would take two weeks to really experience the entire museum and all it contains.

Whether you’re interested in ancient Egyptian artifacts, Renaissance paintings, Greek sculptures, or anything in between, you can find it at the Louvre. While some exhibits are constantly there, others rotate in and out, so you can visit again and again and see something new. We explored special exhibits for Jan van Eyck and the Olympics on our own after the tour ended.

Note that for some of the special exhibits like the van Eyck, you cannot enter it as part of a tour group. This is available only for individuals, and there was a line to get in that moved pretty quickly when we visited. Thankfully, there was not an additional fee for these.

Some links in this article are affiliate links that may earn me a commission if you purchase through them.

Should You Use a Tour Guide?

I had visited the Louvre before on a group tour, and it wasn’t the best experience, which is why I hesitated. However, we found The Tour Guy, which offered a small group Louvre tour that also included a skip-the-line, and we booked it. This was an entirely different experience from what I had the last time I was at the Louvre, and I cannot recommend it more.

Without question, book a tour guide to maximize your experience. While the Louvre has audio tours you can rent, they absolutely do not compare. The Louvre is massive, with over 35,000 works of art on display (and tons more in storage). Trying to navigate it all on your own is like trying to find a needle in a haystack.

Our guide was Etienne, who had decades of experience doing tours. He was incredibly personable and knew way more about the Louvre and the artwork within than I would have expected. I loved that we could ask questions as we went and have him point out small details that we would have missed on our own or just with an audio guide.

He explained the stories behind the pieces, the techniques used by the artists, and the historical context. It made the whole experience so much richer and interesting for all of us.

The fact that this was a small group tour meant that there is a maximum of six people on the tour. As a group of five, it was just the five of us so it is almost like a private tour but at a far lower cost.

With only six people, it’s far easier to hear the guide and get into smaller spaces than it would be with a larger group. When I did a tour before, it was closer to 20 people, and that is a much different experience that I did not like anywhere near as much.

Guides know the Louvre inside and out, and they can show you hidden gems and lesser-known masterpieces you might miss on your own. We also let him know at the start that there were a couple of pieces we really wanted to see, and he made sure to include them.

Why Skip-the-Line is Worth the Price

The Louvre can get ridiculously crowded, especially during peak season. I quite simply do not want to waste my vacation time stuck in line.

With skip-the-line access, you breeze past the hordes and head straight inside, maximizing your time admiring the art. We met right by a statue just outside the Louvre, and it was amazing to see how many people were already queuing up to get into the Louvre.

Skip the line doesn’t mean you can skip the security line, but that went very quickly for us. Those who purchase tickets onsite and easily wait for three hours or longer. Even if you purchase your tickets in advance, you still have to wait in a queue, though it will be shorter.

Pro tip: Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends if you have flexibility. Wednesdays and Fridays are great because the museum is open later, allowing you even more time to explore.

Ready? Book this Skip-the-Line Small Group Louvre Tour !

What to expect on your tour.

Our guide met us by a designated statue and was there before the designated time. He had a clearly marked sign and was easy for us to spot.

The first thing you do when you enter is use the restrooms. There are no bathrooms during the tour, so be sure to take advantage if you think you may need to.

Be prepared for the usual bag checks. While you get to skip the primary queue, you do still need to go through security.

Pro tip: Know what is and isn’t allowed in the Louvre. You cannot bring large bags or umbrellas, and the tour does not go near the lockers where you would otherwise be able to store them. The same holds true for any umbrella that does not fit into a bag you bring into the museum. Be sure to check the full list of prohibited items before you visit.

On the other hand, you are allowed to bring a small bottle of water in your bag. You must drink it away from any artwork and not near any displays.

The tour is promoted that it lasts for three hours. We met at 10:15am, and we were inside the museum by 10:30am which is pretty impressive on a summer day.

However, our tour was over just before 1pm, which was a little less than the three hours we were promised. My guess is that because our group did not use to use the restrooms and we were also successful at quickly getting to the front of viewing the Mona Lisa, we saved ourselves some time, but I would have loved to squeeze out a little more knowledge in those last 15 or so minutes.

The tour may vary in the specific route you take in terms of what rooms are open on a given day or what is more or less crowded. Many of the rooms are one way only, so there is a route for much of the tour that makes sense to follow.

The Tour Itself: A Journey Through Art History

The Louvre is over 800 years old, and the original fortress under the museum from the 12th century was only discovered when they made the new entrances and had to excavate to create them in the 1980s. It was a palace for a short time and only became a museum in the 1790s after the French Revolution.

I had no idea about much of this history, and I loved that we started the tour in the fortress area. It was beautiful to see the excavated areas and learn about how it was built, including the makers’ marks that denoted where builders started and stopped their work.

Our tour continued from the underground fortress and moved into the Medieval Art section before moving to the Ballet Hall with the Greek and Roman sculptures. It was fascinating to learn that when you see Roman statues, they are generally marble copies of bronze statues made by Greeks. The Roman copies have extra supports because they are not as strong or balanced as bronze, which makes it easy to identify.

In this area, our guide was sure to point out the iconic Venus de Milo and the Nike of Samothrace. Etienne was sure to note the small details like the small portion of the Nike statue that was broken off and exhibited to the side that many people missed.

From there, we moved to the lavish Salon d’Apollon, a gallery showcasing French royal art and decorative objects. This includes the French Crown Jewels, which are just as fascinating and impressive as the British Crown Jewels, even though they are definitely lesser known.

The next stop was the Grand Gallery where we learned about works by Renaissance Masters like Leonardo da Vinci and Caravaggio, two of the titans of the Italian Renaissance. Our guide pointed out the innovative techniques used by da Vinci in works like the Virgin of the Rocks, and the dramatic use of light and shadow in Caravaggio’s paintings, like The Death of the Virgin.

And of course, we visit the Mona Lisa. As our guide pointed out, that is not the most prominent work in the room. On the opposite side, the wall is taken up by the largest painting in the Louvre, the Wedding at Cana painting by Veronese. This massive canvas was cut into three pieces when Napoleon confiscated it during his conquests in Italy.

That was a great lesson overall. In every room and on practically every surface, you find amazing artwork. Don’t just look for the known pieces, as you may discover artwork you love just next to it.

We also explored the Neoclassical section, where sculptures inspired by Greco-Roman ideals take center stage. The tour finished with a visit to Michelangelo’s masterpieces, including his famous Pieta sculpture.

The tour ends at this point, where you are still in the heart of the Louvre. You are very near the Cafe Mollien, just outside the Neoclassical Hall, which is a perfect time and place to take a break and refresh yourself before you explore on your own.

Tips to Best See the Mona Lisa

There’s no queue for the Mona Lisa, so it’s basically a patient shuffle to get close. We found that the best strategy was to go to one side or the other, as the ends seemed to move towards the front much faster than those waiting in the center.

As you got to the front, you can then squeeze over to the center with the rest of the crowd. Know that you will have a bit of time to admire the painting and take photos, but there are security guards who will eventually hustle you along to move to the next gallery, especially if people start to push too close to the ropes.

Pro tip: Be prepared for a crowd, but don’t let it discourage you. You will need to be patient but also slightly aggressive to ensure you make it to the front. For us, it took less than 15 minutes even with the huge crowd.

This photo I took shows an idea of part of the crowd waiting to see the Mona Lisa. And yet, so few people are paying attention to the gorgeous Wedding of Cana piece.

Our guide gave us tips to make it to the front of the viewing area, then he went to wait for us on the other side of the wall. I appreciated this, as it was silly for guides to add to the pressure of trying to get to a suitable viewing point.

I did see two families get about halfway to the front and flat out give up and leave. Both had relatively young children, so that’s a good reminder to know your group and what their tolerance and patience level is before you get into the crowd.

Do You Need to Tip?

While tipping is much less a thing in Europe than it is in the States, you still ought to tip your tour guides, especially when they give you fantastic service the way Etienne did. The guides we had were never overt in their hinting at tips that way they are often in other areas of the world, but they were very appreciative as we did tip them.

While overall we did not carry many Euros and paid via a credit card without exchange rate fees, we did make sure to include enough money for tips. If you do not have Euros, they will accept US dollars, though obviously that is not their preference as they then need to go to a bank to exchange them.

Important Info About The Tour Guy Semi-Private Louvre Tour with Mona Lisa

We would absolutely book this semi-private Louvre tour again. The guide was fantastic, and we really felt it was worth the ticket price with what we learned and experienced.

You can book this tour pretty much every day the Louvre is open. Be aware that the Louvre closes on Tuesdays when you plan your trip. This Louvre tour does often sell out, so book it as soon as you can.

The good news is that they offer several tours each day, starting as early as 8:45am. Remember that the early day and later afternoon tours are likely to experience less crowding than the ones in the middle of the day.

It’s easy to book it directly on The Tour Guy website . Even better, if you book multiple tours, they give you a discount. There’s so much to see and do in Paris from the food and history tour of Monmartre that we also did to the Bateaux Mouches to the Eiffel Tower and more that you’re sure to find other great options to book during your stay.

If something happens to your travel, you can cancel at least 24 hours in advance of your tour and receive a full refund. I appreciate this when I book travel plans far in advance because sometimes things come up. While I never want or expect to have to cancel, this gives me an additional peace of mind.

Tickets are included in this skip-the-line tour. The price you pay when you book is the full, all-inclusive price – less any gratuity you choose to give your guide.

The rates vary based on the age of the participate. You can choose to pay either in Euros or dollars.

• Adults (18 years old and over) are $139.95 or 124,95 Euros
• Youth (7-17 years old) are $134.95 or 119,95 Euros
• Children (under 6 years old) are $128.75 or 114,95 Euros

Make sure to be on time. Even though this is a small group tour, if you are late, the tour will leave without you. When we visited Versailles – also with The Tour Guy – there were several people who did not show up, and we had to leave without them. The same held true with the Monmatre Food and History tour we did with The Tour Guy where three people were late and missed out.

The Louvre is massive. When you plan your arrival time, give yourself an extra 10 to 15 minutes to ensure you are able to get to the right meeting spot. It is a long walk from one end of the Louvre to the other.

Along the same lines, make sure you map out your travel route not just to the Louvre but to the exact meeting point of Louis XIV statue in front of the iconic pyramid. The email confirmation you receive includes a link to the Google Maps location, which makes it easier to navigate.

Don’t Miss the Louvre When You Visit Paris

The Louvre is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. With a skip-the-line tour and a knowledgeable guide, you can fully enjoy these artistic masterpieces and create memories that will last a lifetime. With a little planning and the right guide, your Louvre adventure will be an unforgettable journey through the history of art.

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• Louvre Museum Guided Tours

What to Expect

• See & Do

Should You Take a Louvre Museum Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets?

Are you wondering if you should take a guided tour of the Louvre Museum when you visit Paris?

For a lot of visitors, the best and easiest way to explore the Louvre , view its iconic treasures such as Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, and bypass the notoriously long security lines where wait time without a skip-the-line ticket can be up four hours is to join a guided tour. 

Book Your Louvre Museum Tickets Now: Our Top Picks

• Louvre Masterpieces Tour with Reserved Tickets - Most popular choice 
• Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Guided Tour - Small group tour
• Louvre Museum Timed Entry Ticket - Ticket only; no tour

Guided tours of the Louvre can also be a lot more fun and informative than going on your own, especially when you're visiting for the first time.

Even if you've visited the Musée du Louvre (as it is called in French) on your own, seeing it through the eyes of an expert guide can provide new insights and a richer experience.

Even though the Louvre now limits daily admission to 30,000 visitors (down from 45,000/day pre-pandemic), that's still a lot of people crowding around the most popular exhibits.  Tours led by expert guides provide plenty of benefits to help you get the most from your visit.

Being part of a tour group means you get fast-track priority entrance into the museum, the expertise of someone who knows where the most famous masterpieces are located and how to whisk you quickly through the masses of other visitors to get to them, and insights and interesting stories about the art that make the whole experience fun and entertaining. 

As a bonus, most tours let you continue  exploring on your own after the tour ends.

In this article, we provide tips on how to choose the best Louvre tours, how the skip-the-line process works, highlights of what you might see on a guided tour, and a few more things to see and do in the museum and nearby Paris locations after your official tour ends.

More Ways to See the Louvre Museum :

Top photo: Pyramid and reflecting pool in front of the Louvre, (c) Paris Discovery Guide

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Which Louvre Museum Guided Tour Should You Choose?

Tour booking platforms such as Get Your Guide and Viator offer a huge variety of Louvre Museum tours - in fact, the choices can be overwhelming.  Which are the best Louvre tours for you to consider?  First, think about the kind of experience you want to get from your tour.

If you want to be able to hear your guide and perhaps ask questions, book a small group tour.  Although the  Louvre normally limits tour groups to just 6 people  plus the guide in order to minimize disruption to other visitors, tour companies can bring in much larger groups by paying an additional fee - which is why you'll sometimes see huge groups of 25 or more people struggling to hear their guide through headsets.  

To avoid this kind of experience, look for tours with  "small group"  in the tour description and check the maximum group size.  If you're not 100% certain that your plans will not change, look for a tour that offers free cancellation and full refunds up to 24 hours in advance.

Here are two highly-rated small group tours to consider:

• 2-Hour Louvre Museum Skip-the-Ticket-Line Guided Tour - You'll see masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo as well as lesser-known sights, including an Egyptian sphinx and mummies and the Royal Crown jewels in the Apollo Gallery
• Louvre Museum: 3-Hour Comprehensive Tour with Skip-the-Line - Includes most of the art covered in the 2-hour tour above, plus you'll see additional paintings and sculpture as well as Napoleon III's lavish apartments.   Please note:  This tour can also be privatized  for your group of 5 or fewer participants

If you have limited time and are looking for a faster-paced experience where you won't be doing quite as much walking, here is another highly-rated option (although with up to 20 participants, it's not a small-group tour):

• Must-Sees of the Louvre Museum: 1.5 Hour Guided Tour - Skip the lines and see the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, Venus de Milo, and other famous masterpieces on this whirlwind "Top 10" (or more) tour

If you'd prefer a private tour for just you and whoever you bring with you, the Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Access Private Guided Tour pairs you with an expert guide who will speed you through the entrance, show you iconic masterpieces and lesser-known gems, and give you an unforgettable experience while sharing fascinating information about what you see.

Visiting the Louvre with children or teens?  Consider a private tour designed for families.   The cost for a family of up to 4 people is only slightly higher on a per person basis than a small group tour, and you get the advantage of a guide with expertise in keeping kids engaged and entertained by the art while giving the adults an informative and relaxing experience. 

More Guided Tours of the Louvre

How skip-the-line access works for guided tours.

Meeting Your Tour Group

When you book your small group or private tour, you'll receive instructions about where to meet up with your guide.   

Most tours meet at a designated spot such as in front of one of the Paris souvenir stores on Rue de Rivoli, which runs along the Louvre's north side.  You'll be given the name of the store and the address when you book your tickets. 

At the designated time, your guide will arrive, make introductions, and verify that everyone is present. You'll walk together to the Louvre. 

Your Louvre Museum Tour Begins

All tours include tickets to the Louvre for a specific time slot.  If your group arrives a few minutes early, your guide may give you a brief orientation to the Louvre's ornate exterior architecture.

Up close, the Louvre is so enormous and ornate that it feels almost overwhelming and slightly incomprehensible - yet your guide can quickly explain the architectural styles, ornamentation, and even the symbolism of a few of the statues and carvings while filling you in on the building's origin as a fortress and then a fortified castle begun in 1190 by Phillip-Auguste, its evolution and reconstruction as a royal palace in the 14th century, and its conversion during the French Revolution to become the French national gallery and museum .  

Next, you'll go walk around to the building's western and slightly newer facade, where you'll pass through security and enter the museum.

Skipping the Long Security Lines & Getting Priority Access through a Group Tour Entrance

Most groups head down a special tour group-only entrance through the Richelieu Passage - a broad hall with ornate vaulted ceilings and lined with arcades and expanses of glass giving you glimpses into the museum.

After making a quick turn through a specially marked group entrance and walking down a short flight of stairs, you'll pass through a security checkpoint where you have to open our bags for a quick inspection.  Normally there's no line  at all.  It's a total breeze compare to going through the much, much busier public entrance at the Pyramid in the museum's courtyard or through the Carrousel du Louvre shopping mall.

After passing through the checkpoint, you'll almost immediately enter a large group reception room and from there, you'll pass through another door and walk out onto the museum's vast entry hall on the "Level 0" floor under the pyramid.   Again, totally fast and easy.

Now, to be realistic, occasionally there are delays, particularly as you're passing through security, and you will have to wait a bit - but again, the tour group process is much faster than entering on your own.

What Will You (Usually) See during a Guided Group Tour of the Louvre?

With so many different tour options for seeing the Louvre with a guide, it is impossible to predict exactly what you will experience - but in general, most group tours take you to see several of the most famous masterpieces such as Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa painting, Greek sculptures such as the Venus de Milo and Winged Victory of Samothrace, plus rooms containing massive French paintings such as Delacroix's Liberty Leading the People .

You may also visit the Pavillon de l'Horloge where you can see the museum's medieval foundations and moat, bits of one or two other collections, such as the Egyptian Galleries in the Sully Wing, the French Royal crown jewels in the breathtaking Apollo Gallery, and possibly Napoleon III's sumptuous apartments.   And don't forget that along the way, you can see some of the museum's most breathtaking treasures simply by looking up.

In small group tours such as the Louvre Museum: 3-Hour Comprehensive Tour with Skip-the-Line and sometimes in the shorter 2-Hour Louvre Museum Skip-the-Ticket-Line Guided Tour , guides have the flexibility of somewhat customizing the itinerary to suit your group's interests. 

Even if the museum is packed with other visitors on the day of your tour, your guide will help you dodge the masses to prevent you from feeling jostled and will also position you to have excellent views of the art.  And because guides know all the museum's short cuts and hidden stairways, they'll get you from one exhibit to the next much faster than you could navigate on your own.

After after you pass through security and under the Pyramid on the ground floor, your guide will take you up an escalator to Level 1 and may point out the museum's three wings:  Sully, Richmond, and Denon. 

Each wing has an entrance where where you will scan your ticket in order to enter.  Occasionally you may encounter a short line, but even if you do, the entrance process normally takes less than a minute.  Each time you move from one wing to another through this central entry hall, you will need to show your ticket, although you can also go from wing to wing by winding your way through the galleries.

So, what will you see?  Here are exhibits that may be included, although keep in mind:  they may differ based on museum conditions (such as crowds), the tour guide's preference, your group's interests, and the length of your tour.

The Mona Lisa & Other Italian Renaissance Masterpieces

On the way to see Leonardo da Vinci's famous Mona Lisa in the Denon Wing, your guide may take you through the Grande Galerie filled with stunning Italian Renaissance masterpieces by Titian, Raphael, da Vinci, and others, pausing to linger in front of some of the most stunning.

The Louvre has the largest collection of da Vinci paintings in the world, and your guide may point out some of them along the way.

The Louvre's most famous painting of all, da Vinci's Mona Lisa , his portrait of Lisa Gherardini, wife of a Florentine merchant, holds center stage in a gallery lined with other wonderful Italian paintings but they get mostly ignored. 

The massive lines of people focus only on trying to glimpse La Jaconde , as the famous painting is known in Italian.

Because of the crowds, the museum guards keep the lines moving as quickly as possible. 

Once you reach the front, you get 30 seconds in front of the Mona Lisa, which most people spend by taking a selfie. 

Occasionally, if the wait is too long, the tour guide may suggest that you see the painting on your own afterwards, which is usually a good idea because you're not wasting tour time by standing in line.

Want to See Only the Mona Lisa?

Museum officials estimate that up to 40% of all visitors see only one piece of art at the museum:  the Mona Lisa. 

If that's you or if you don't have enough time to see more than this one masterpiece, you may want to check out a quick Only the Mona Lisa experience.  Your guide will whisk you through security as you skip the entrance line and take you directly to the line to see the famous portrait, which will usually save you some time and perhaps frustration compared with finding it on your own.  Please note: this is not a guided tour. 

Another alternative, of course, is to get a priority entrance ticket (or use a Museum Pass ) and come on your own.

Venus de Milo, Winged Victory, Cupid's Kiss, & Other Greek Antiquities

The Louvre's immense and always-popular Greek Antiquities Gallerie contains some of the world's most famous sculptures from this period.

You are likely to see the three most famous sculptures - Venus de Milo , the Winged Victory of Samothrace, and Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss - and hear about the myths and legends embodied by the art.

At the sculpture of Venus de Milo, your guide may share information about why the statue is missing its arms.

Even if the Winged Victory of Samothrace statue of Nike, Goddess of Victory, is surrounded by large tour groups, your guide may position your group so that you can see the statue from all sides.

Look closely at the sculpture's details.  Which viewing angle do you think its creator might have had in mind?

Of course, there's a lot more to see in these galleries beyond just the famous statues.  If you're on the 3-hour tour, your guide may show you other favorites.  If not, you can always return on your own after the tour ends.

The Great Sphinx in the Louvre's Egyptian Antiquities Gallery

The Louvre's Egyptian Antiquities Gallery is huge - another area where hours can pass like a heartbeat as you admire the extensive collection of mummies and other artifacts.

Most tours pause only long enough to examine the magnificent Great Sphinx of Tanis, sculpted from granite possibly as long ago as the Old Kingdom period in 2600 BC.  With the head of a king and the body of a lion, the sculpture is over 5 feet long and carefully crafted with precise details.  If you're going to see only one thing in this fascinating gallery, the sphinx is a fantastic choice.

Medieval Art in the Italian Galleries

Some tours may pause briefly in the room with medieval Italian paintings where the guide might give a mini-lesson about how art (and painters' skills) changed between the Medieval and Renaissance periods.

For example, look at the beautiful Madonna and Child painting by Florentine artist Cimabue (above). What aspects do you find striking or unusual from a 21st century perspective?

Famous French Paintings

Most tours stop by the French Paintings Gallery, which features huge canvases by famous 18th and 19th century French painters depicting important moments in French history.  Unless you happen to know a LOT about the details of French history, these paintings can be hard to fully appreciate.

This is where your guide's expertise can help these paintings come alive.  For example, one of the most famous of these paintings, Delacroix's Liberty Leading the People , can be hard to fully appreciate - but a knowledgeable guide can quickly and succinctly explain the historical, revolutionary, and philosophical details depicted in the painting and also point out the symbolism, allegorical references, and other nuances.

Perhaps best of all, your guide will do this in a lively and entertaining way - a useful skill when you're trying to explain a painting about the July Revolution of 1830 (no, that is not the French Revolution triggered by the storming of the Bastille in 1789 - it was a second but also important revolution against the monarchy) to a tour group of non-French people.

Apollo Gallery (Galerie d'Apollon)

The Galerie d'Apollon is without a doubt one of the museum's most exquisite rooms. 

Gilded walls, superb tapestries, a fantastically embellished vaulted ceiling, and more ornamentation than you can imagine provides the perfect setting for display the French Crown Jewels collection.

As brilliant as the gems are, the gallery almost outshines them.

Most of the longer tours take you to see this room and the jewels in it - not a quick stop because there's so much to absorb.

Napoleon III's Apartments

Last but certainly not least, another spectacular attraction normally included only with the longer tours - because it's not a quick visit - is the dazzling series of rooms known as Napoleon's Apartments. 

Contrary to what you might believe from the name, Napoleon III never lived here himself but he did order the rooms created as part of his major expansion of the Louvre's Richelieu Wing in the 1850s.  His Minister of State used the rooms to entertain and no doubt impress visiting heads of state.  

The rooms practically drip with gold, crimson, mirrors, and sparkling crystal chandeliers.  Elaborately painted ornate ceilings complete the look. 

The apartments outshine even the over-the-top opulence of Louis XIV's Versailles Palace - but then Louis was a mere king whereas Napoleon III was France's Second Emperor, like his famous uncle, Napoleon Bonaparte, who was the first to bestow this title upon himself. 

Incidentally, that's why this ornate, over-the-top style, which you can also see at the similarly dazzling Palais Garnier (Paris Opera House), is called "Second Empire."

More about top attractions to see in Paris's 1st Arrondissement

What Can You Do in the Louvre After Your Tour Ends?

Your admission ticket from most guided tours good for the rest of the day, so you're welcome to explore the former palace on your own. 

Here are some ideas about what to see and do:

Time for a Break:  Tea on a Terrace 

Although the Louvre has a number of cafes and places to eat scattered throughout its three wings, Café Mollien offers a special experience because of its statue-lined outdoor terrace overlooking the Pyramid.

To find Café Mollien, look for a large elaborate staircase at the end of the French Paintings Gallery and walk up.  You'll spot Café Mollien on your right.

The cafe offers light snacks similar to what you'd find in a bakery - pastries, slices of quiche, and salads - along with hot beverages, water, soft drinks, beer, and wine.  But what makes it fantastic is the terrace seating overlooking the rest of the Louvre, its courtyard with the glass pyramid, and in the distance, Tuileries Garden.

The terrace is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the restorative powers of, for example, a cup of tea and a slice of lemon tart.

Cy Twombly Ceiling in the Salle des Bronzes

The magnificent blue Cy Twombly ceiling in the Salle des Bronzes located in the Sully Wing almost overshadows the 1,000 or so fascinating bronze objects normally on display here. 

The striking blue ceiling reflects an initiative by the Louvre to incorporate contemporary art and was created in 2010 by Cy Twombly, the first American artist to ever be asked to create a permanent installation in the museum.  The white strips along the edges contain the names (in Greek) of seven renowned Greek sculptors from the Classic period.

Decorative Arts Galleries

If you're interested in visiting the Louvre's Department of Decorative Arts, here's what you should know:   it is immense.   It occupies the entire second floor of the Richelieu Wing and part of the Sully Wing including the Apollo Gallery, and has seven sections devoted to specific periods of French history  from the  Middle Ages through the 19th century. 

The Napoleon III Apartments in the Napoleon I to Napoleon III Galleries are the most popular with visitors due to their over-the-edge extravagance involving vast quantities of crimson velvet, crystal chandeliers, and gold, but there's much, more more to see beyond the apartments.  On a typically day, you'll have this area mostly to yourself.

The Medieval to Renaissance Galleries are a close second in popularity, and a "must" if you love tapestries.

Another fantastic section contains the Louis XIV to the Revolution Galleries .  Wander through about the dozen or so sumptuously elegant rooms to immerse yourself in French aristocratic life in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Islamic Art Galleries in the Denon Wing

The Islamic Art Galleries opened only in 2012, and are the Louvre's new installation.   The galleries occupy two lower floors in the Denon Wing, under an undulating golden roof of glass triangles that moves with the wind and filters in outdoor light.  You can see the neoclassical design of the museum's Cour Visconti Courtyard through the mostly-glass walls. 

The 2,500 or so objects on display here span a dozen centuries (7th through 19th) and cover a wide swath of regions from Spain to India.   The collection is organized according to period and location, and is still growing. 

Trying to see everything all at once would be overwhelming.  After wandering around for a bit, a good strategy is to focus on displays devoted to art from a specific region and time period - for example, Egypt and North Africa created about a thousand years ago.

Pavillon de l'Horloge ("The Clock Pavilion)

Before the Louvre was an art museum, it was the palace for French kings and queens - and before that, it was a fortified castle during medieval times.

So our last suggestion for what to see inside the Louvre after your tour ends is the fascinating Pavillon de l'Horloge on Level 0 of the Sully Wing where you can see where the museum begin - or at least, its 12th century foundations.

The Pavillon de horology contains the remains of the moat that once surrounded the medieval fortress built by Philippe-Auguste from 1190-1202. 

After being filled in to make way for renovations in 1528, the moat was forgotten until the mid-1980s when a major archaeological excavation undertaken in preparation for constructing the glass pyramids uncovered it, along with hundreds of thousands of objects tossed into the moat through the centuries.

Recent renovations have opened up this area to visitors and in addition to walking around the foundations and moat walls of the original fortress, you can view a number of fascinating displays showing the evolution of the Louvre from fortress to the world's largest art museum.  You can easily spend a couple of hours in this gallery.

Something special to look for:  on many of the stones, you can see carvings of small symbols such as hearts, squares, triangles, and other marks.  These are the individual "signatures" carved into the stones by the original stonemasons who constructed the moat - very cool to see over 800 years later!

The Perfect Ending to Your Louvre Tour: Tuileries Garden

Once you leave the museum, there's one more part of the Louvre complex you may want to visit if you have time:  Tuileries Garden, located to the west of the museum toward Place de la Concorde. 

Jardin des Tuileries (Tuileries Garden) dates back to 1564 when Catherine de Medici created it on the site of an old tile factory ( tuileries is the French word for tiles ) after her husband, King Henry II, died after being injured during a jousting match.

Today, Tuileries Garden is open to the public free of charge and is one of Paris's loveliest parks with pools, fountains, numerous statues, plenty of comfortable seating, and lush flower gardens.  It's the perfect spot to rest your feet after hours of walking around the Louvre - or anytime!

How to Choose the Best (for You) Louvre Museum Guided Tour

• Decide what you want - Small (6 or less) group or large group?  Public tour (agenda will be set by the tour guide) or private tour (tour guide will typically customize the itinerary based on your interests)?  Do you want to be able to cancel (with full refund) or reschedule if necessary?
• Choose a less crowded day if possible , especially during peak seasons.   The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays; Mondays and Wednesdays are usually the most crowded weekdays, and Saturdays and Sundays are even busier.  So schedule your tour for a Thursday or Friday if possible.  But if you can't, don't worry - tour guides are experts at dodging crowds.
• Want to explore the Louvre on your own after your tour ends?  The Louvre closes at at 9:45pm on Wednesdays and Fridays and 6pm on other days - so make sure your tour ends early enough to allow you the amount of time you want.  If not, look for another tour.
• Book through a booking agency such as Get Your Guide or Viator that has 24x7 customer support staff who speak your language - This makes canceling or rescheduling a booking, asking a question, or getting other help or information much easier!
• Do you have any questions about the tour?   Call the customer service number and ask!
• Read online reviews carefully - No tour is ever going to get 100% 5-star ratings, assuming they have more than just a handful of reviews - but you might want to give preference to tours that get 4 stars or better.
• Are you bringing your kids on the tour?  If so, book a family-oriented tour designed to keep kids entertained and engaged, which you can find for many venues including the Louvre.  Your kids will absorb more information with this approach and even more important, be much happier - and so will you.

Recommended Tours - Choose the One that's Best for You

• 2-Hour Louvre Museum Skip-the-Ticket-Line Guided Tour
• Louvre Museum: 3-Hour Comprehensive Tour with Skip-the-Line
• Must-Sees of the Louvre Museum: 1.5 Hour Guided Tour
• Paris Louvre:  2-Hour Private Tour for Families & Children - Start with the Mona Lisa and then continue on to see other special exhibits in a fun and family-friendly manner
• Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Access Private Guided Tour
• Only the Mona Lisa Guided Entry

Or book a priority entrance ticket or use a discount pass such as the Museum Pass and explore on your own.

How to See Special Exhibitions at the Louvre

Most Louvre tours do not include special exhibitions - but the good news is that you can see these on your own after your tour.  Almost all are free. 

Check out the major current and upcoming Louvre special exhibitions

More Ways to See the Louvre Museum

Where to stay near the louvre.

Near the Louvre Museum in the historic heart of Paris, you'll find so many other wonderful things to explore and experience - more famous museums and monuments, the Paris Opera House (Palais Garnier), world-class shopping in Parisian boutiques along Rue Saint-Honoré, fabulous cafes and restaurants - it's a fantastic part of the city to stay in, so if you're looking for a hotel or short-stay apartment close to the Louvre, check out our recommendations.

Map Showing More Paris Hotels & Short-Stay Apartments 

Want to see more Paris hotels and short-stay apartment rentals ?  Use this hotel map from Booking.com to find accommodations in all prices ranges based on your travel dates, and make your reservations:

Check out the newest Paris hotels

More Articles about Top Attractions in Paris

• Top 10 Paris attractions - The city’s most iconic places and sights!
• Paris Museum Pass - How much money and time can you save with it?
• Skip the Line Tickets - How to get fast entry to top Paris attractions
• Easy Day Trips from Paris to Versailles, Giverny, D-Day Beaches, Disneyland, & more
• Where to go for spectacular views of the Paris skyline
• Find out about Île de la Cité's medieval masterpieces in the heart of Paris

Top Attractions & Tours

• Eiffel Tower - Enjoy sweeping views of Paris
• Louvre Tour - Soak up art & see the Mona Lisa
• Palace of Versailles - Best way to see the famous Chateau
• Paris Museum Pass - Choose 2, 4, or 6 days
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15 Tips & Tricks for Visiting the Louvre Museum in Paris (2024 Info)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: February 4, 2024

Planning to visit the famous Louvre Museum in Paris and wondering what to expect? When to go, what to see, and how to make sure you don’t miss any of the ‘musts’? Or maybe you are more worried about the practical aspects of the visit, such as how to skip the lines, which entrance to take, or what you can bring inside?

This guide should answer all your questions and help you plan a truly memorable experience when visiting the Louvre. Find out!

The Louvre Museum in Paris, France, is one of the most famous and largest museums in the world, housing a vast collection of art and artefacts that span over 9,000 years of history. Louvre is also the world’s most visited museum, attracting millions of visitors every year.

As you can imagine, visiting the Louvre can be overwhelming, especially if this is your first time in Paris , your time is limited, and you want to make the most out of your visit.

So here are some of our top tips and tricks for a better experience and to make sure that you get the most out of your visit to the Louvre Museum . At the bottom of the article, you can also find answers to some frequently asked questions about visiting the Louvre. Take a look!

Top Paris Experiences to Book in Advance:

• The Louvre .
• Eiffel Tower .
• Sainte Chapelle .
• Versailles Palace .
• Moulin Roug e .

Good to know: This guide is written with the help of Steven from Art History Co . Passionate about famous paintings from art history, he visited the Louvre many times. Based on his recommendations and our personal experience, in this article, we bundled all our top tips and the most important info for your first visit to the Louvre Museum in Paris.

Here are some of our top tips for visiting the Louvre:

1. Plan ahead

As already mentioned, Louvre is the most visited museum in the world. Just before the pandemic, they welcomed almost 10 million visitors a year. The moment restrictions started to ease, tourist numbers skyrocketed again…

This led to Louvre capping the number of daily visitors, with timed-entry slots, and it seems that this practice is here to stay. The lines at the Louvre have always been notoriously long, but these days, you are no longer guaranteed to get in even if you decide to wait it out.

So if you want to visit the Louvre Museum, you’ll have to plan – and book your tickets – ahead. You can find more information about the tickets and tours below.

Good to know: The Louvre is open daily except on Tuesdays. Opening hours are from 9 AM to 6 PM, except on Fridays when the museum is open longer – until 9.45 PM. The Louvre is closed on Christmas Day, January 1, and May 1, and remains open on all other public holidays unless they fall on a Tuesday.

READ ALSO: Tips for Visiting Paris (First-Timer’s Guide)

2. Decide if you’ll go on your own or with a tour

Before you rush to book your tickets for the Louvre, you should consider whether you want to try to tackle the museum on your own or would rather go with a local guide.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both approaches. Here are a few things to consider.

• If you have at least half a day (4-5 hours) and are prepared to do your own research, then consider going on your own. The main advantage of going on your own is that you can decide which works you want to see (you’ll need to find them though – more info below) or how long you want to stay admiring them. Needless to say, this is cheaper than going with a guide.

Here, you can reserve a timed-entry ticket if you decide to visit on your own. Without a guide, you may want to opt for a ticket that includes an audio guide . If you go on your own, be sure to read all our practical tips for visiting the Louvre Museum further below!

• If you are short on time (2-3 hours) and want to see all the famous artworks at the Louvre in just a couple of hours, consider going on a guided tour. Going with a local guide will save lots of time, research, and stress. Not only will you not have to worry about the tickets, which entrance to take, or where to go, but you’ll also be sure to see all the most important masterpieces that Louvre is famous for. And if you like to (and depending on the hour of your tour), you can decide to stay inside the museum after the tour and explore a bit more on your own.

Here, you can find a big selection of tours . You can opt for group tours, small-group tours , or private tours . There are tours that go early in the morning and others that try to avoid the biggest crowds by visiting just before closing time.

TIP: We have been to the Louvre several times over the years, and just once without a guide (and it was overwhelming!). Recently, we visited the Louvre with this small-group ‘Closing time at the Louvre’ tour and it was a great experience. We didn’t have to worry about any practicalities, saw a lot more than ever before, and learned so much info and interesting facts about the museum and the art. Recommended!

You can find additional information about tickets and tours below. But first – one more thing to consider before you book your Louvre tickets.

3. Avoid peak times

It goes without saying that your experience visiting Louvre will highly depend on when you visit. If you come here on a Monday in February it will be incomparably quieter than on a Saturday before Easter… But the Louvre is always busy.

As a minimum, try to avoid the weekends (even more so the first Sundays of the month when most Parisian museums including the Louvre are free), public holidays, and French school holidays. It’s busy. Really, really busy. The museum is also at its busiest in the middle of the day (+- 10 am to 3 pm).

One of the best days to visit is Thursday. Mondays and Fridays are also good, also because the museum is open until late on Friday evenings.

The best times to visit the Louvre are either very first thing in the morning (but only if you manage to get in the moment it opens and quickly run to the most popular rooms (Mona Lisa)) or late in the afternoon, a few hours before the museum closes.

Good to know: The last entry to the museum is 1 hour before the closing time, but you really should come at least 2-3 hours before that if you want to see some of the main pieces of art. They start clearing all the rooms over half an hour before the closing time.

For example, the earlier-mentioned ‘Closing time tour’ that we did , brings you to Mona Lisa at its quietest – just before the rooms get cleared. The tour starts 3 hours before the closing time, so you have enough time to see the other pieces of art first.

4. Book your tickets in advance

We cannot stress this enough – if you want to be sure to visit the Louvre, you really have to book your tickets in advance. If the maximum capacity isn’t reached, they might allow walk-ins, but you cannot count on it. Not even to mention that you’ll waste a lot of time waiting in line.

You don’t have to (in fact, you can’t) book months in advance, but we recommend reserving the tickets at least 2-3 weeks before your travel date. Usually, the museum releases the tickets about 5-8 weeks in advance (usually, at the start of the preceding month – so in the beginning of May for the entire month of June, etc.). If you want to have a specific time slot, it’s best not to wait too long (even more so if visiting during the peak season).

Good to know: Children under 18 can visit the Louvre Museum free of charge. EU residents under 26 years old are also free (but don’t forget your ID!). You will still need to reserve a timed ticket in advance even if entry is free for you.

TIP: You don’t have to print out the ticket as the email you receive will have a link to a barcode which they will scan on entry. However, note that the mobile reception isn’t fantastic inside, so after you make your purchase, simply screenshot the barcode on your phone for easy access.

Note about the Louvre tickets. You can buy them on the official website of the museum , and also on reputable websites that are official resellers, such as Tiqets or GetYourGuide .

The official website has somewhat cheaper rates and also the very first time slots of the day. Official resellers add a small administrative fee. However, despite a few euros difference, we normally book all our Paris tickets via Tiqets or GetYourGuide . It’s just so much easier than having to create separate accounts and deal with different systems of each museum/attraction. Plus, often you can even save more money by getting combination tickets they offer (see below).

5. Save money by getting ticket bundles

If you are planning to visit several sites and attractions in Paris, you can sometimes get better deals on bundles .

Here are some of the most popular ticket bundles that include the Louvre tickets:

• Louvre + Seine Cruise .
• Louvre + Eiffel Tower .
• Louvre + Eiffel Tower + Seine Cruise (with Eiffel Tower Summit tickets.
• Louvre + D’Orsay Museum .
• Louvre + Opera Garnier .

Good to know: Paris Museum Pass also includes the Louvre tickets. However, you will still need to reserve a specific time slot yourself and that can be a hassle if you don’t think of it in time.

READ ALSO: Best Museums in Paris

6. Skip the lines by avoiding the main entrance

While the famous Louvre Pyramid is iconic, equally iconic is the sight of the long lines waiting to get in. Not many tourists know that there are several other entrances.

One of the best entrances for individual visitors to the Louvre is the underground entrance at Carrousel du Louvre shopping mall . It can be accessed directly from the metro station. It’s incomparably quieter here than at the main entrance at the Louvre Pyramid!

If you are arriving by metro, simply follow the directions to the museum through the shopping mall without heading upstairs. If you are coming on foot, locate the Triumphal Arch on the eastern end of the Tuileries Garden. Facing the Louvre on both sides of the Arch, you’ll see stairs going down (see the exact location on the map ).

Not only is this entrance undercover (great if it’s raining), but it’s also air-conditioned (a life-saver when it’s hot). The line here is usually incomparably shorter than at the main entrance; just make sure you are in the general admission line.

7. Prepare for an airport-style security check

Security check at the Louvre is similar to an airport, so prepare in the same way. Except that here you can bring a bottle of water.

First, don’t bring anything you don’t absolutely need. No sprays or sharp objects, so leave your nail cutters, Swiss knives, and hairsprays at the hotel. Also, no big bags are allowed inside the Louvre. The maximum size is 55 x 35 x 20 cm (21 x 14 x 8 inches).

By the way, this is not only important when visiting the Louvre, but everywhere in Paris. All the main tourist attractions have similar security checks, so carry as little as possible in order to save time and hassle everywhere you go.

As you wait, take all items from your pockets and place them into a handbag or backpack to make your entrance smooth. Be patient as you will see many wonderfully confused and unprepared visitors in front of you going through security as they have never done it before.

Good to know: While the entry tickets are timed, there is actually quite a good ‘grace period’. So if you are half an hour early they will still allow you to enter, and the same goes if you are late. I wouldn’t stretch it too far though. Try to arrive at the security check at least 30 minutes before your time slot. This is if you use the entrance that we recommend; if you use the main entrance, you will need much more time.

TIP: While waiting in line, connect your mobile phone to the Wifi. It’s free and fast whereas the mobile signal is patchy inside the museum.

8. Don’t overpack, but know that you can bring whatever you need

If you are sightseeing the whole day, you’ll likely have some things with you that you don’t absolutely need at the museum, but want to have with you for other reasons. Don’t stress about it.

You can bring what you need and small backpacks are allowed at the Louvre (see the maximum dimensions in the above section). However, keep in mind that backpacks and large bags might not be allowed in the galleries.

Good to know: If you have a heavy jacket or a backpack, you can simply store it in the free self-service lockers. You can find more info about lockers below.

Here are some tips for what you may want to bring with you:

• A sweater, a jacket, or a scarf (depending on the season). While the busy areas of the museum are generally quite warm, it can be much cooler in some galleries than in others.
• Headphones. If you are planning on getting an audio guide (which we highly recommend if visiting without a guide), consider bringing your own headphones with a standard jack. The headphones that come with the audio guides are quite clunky and uncomfortable and you will have a much better time with smaller headphones. If you have wired noise canceling headphones, you may want to bring them as the museum is loud. But I wouldn’t buy new headphones just for this.
• Small snacks/lunch. If you are planning on spending more time at the Louvre, you can bring some snacks or your own lunch if you wish. The food at the Louvre isn’t that expensive, however, on the busier days at lunchtime it can sometimes be hard to find a seat to sit down! Please note that you are not allowed to eat or drink in the exhibition rooms.
• Camera/phone. If you are taking pictures with your phone, you may also want to pack a power bank (and a long cable)! Please note that you are not allowed to use selfie sticks or flash. In general, you can take pictures everywhere, but some temporary exhibitions may not allow photography.
• Credit cards. You don’t need to bring any cash.
• Face masks. At the moment of writing, face masks are not mandatory. However, some rooms at the Louvre can be extremely crowded and full of tourists. So if you feel uncomfortable with that, you may want to bring a face mask.
• ID. You will need this for reduced entry if under 18 or 26 as an EU resident. Any national card is accepted, you don’t need a passport. You will also need an ID if you want to rent an audio guide or borrow any kind of equipment (they have baby carriers, pushchairs, walking sticks, folding stools, wheelchairs, etc.).

TIP: Check the official site for more information about all the available amenities. The Louvre also offers free Wi-Fi and phone chargers.

9. Pick up a map

Once you are through security, the natural instinct is to head straight for the paintings. A few more minutes to prepare will go a long way!

First, pick up a map . While the staff are very good (they all speak English and French) and there are signs everywhere, you will really need a map when visiting the Louvre on your own. Paper maps are available in the lobby as you first get into the Louvre and will come in very handy as the museum is massive.

There is also a visual map on the audio guide screen with geo-tracking. But it’s actually quite difficult to use. So we really recommend that you pick up a traditional paper map.

10. Get an audio guide

If you want to learn at least a bit of background information about the works of art that interest you, make sure to get an audio guide . (Obviously, you won’t need this if going with a guided tour.) It can be a bit confusing at first, but once you know how to use it, it’s really helpful.

There are well-labelled kiosks upon entry where you can buy an audio guide (or skip this step and get a ticket with an audio guide already included). The machine prints a receipt with which you can pick up your audio guide from the service desk next to it.

On busy days, you will see lots of tourists trying to buy audio guides from the desk directly, this can sometimes create unnecessary queuing. Just hold up your receipt and somebody will swap it for an audio guide. Remember to have your ID card ready.

11. Use the lockers

You’re in, you have a map, an audio guide, and are good to go. One final stop. Head downstairs to the lockers and drop off everything you don’t absolutely need . This will make your visit so much more enjoyable!

You will see lots of people around and a lot of unavailable lockers. Head right to the back of the room and there are always plenty of available ones, even on busy days.

There are lockers of all sizes. They are FREE and easy to use and you’ll find the instructions on the lockers. Just don’t forget the code that you choose! Lockers are free and secure. Btw, they have glass doors, so you will still recognize your locker even if you forget which one it was. However, it makes it easier to simply snap a photo of the locker number on your phone.

Make sure you take everything with you when you leave. After you leave, you cannot re-enter the museum.

Good to know: There are bathrooms next to the lockers. They are typically the cleanest and the least busy of them all.

12. Be prepared to push in

Regardless of what day you visit, or even the season, the Louvre will be busy. The main halls and galleries will be full of people and it will be loud. There will be large tour groups where the guides will push in (they are trying to do their job).

You have to realize that not everybody at the Louvre will speak English or French, and that people come from different cultural backgrounds. A simple ‘excuse me’ or ‘do you mind’ can go a long way, but it can also lead to a confused stare or even get people upset.

Good to know: The famous works will have a large gathering of people around them and if you want to get to the front for a closer look, you won’t have much luck waiting for your chance. Push in, do what you need to, and get out. Just don’t expect to be able to stand in the center of a world-famous painting for several minutes without disturbance.

If you want to try and get a selfie or even just a picture in front of famous works, don’t expect it to be perfect. There will always be people around you.

Also, remember that there are plenty of other paintings in the Louvre which are just as good and substantially less busy than the famous Mona Lisa. In fact, there are a couple of amazing Leonardo da Vinci paintings that you can see without the crowds (and take a selfie with them if you like).

Talking about famous masterpieces, read on for more tips!

13. Research what you want to see

With almost half a million pieces of art, the collection of the Louvre is massive. At any given time, there are about 35,000 artworks displayed in more than 400 rooms of the museum. You would need several weeks or even months if you want to properly see everything…

So don’t expect to see ‘everything’ in a day, let alone in a couple of hours. Do some research, decide what you absolutely want to see, and take a look at the map to plan your visit.

Some of the most famous pieces of art at the Louvre are:

• Mona Lisa (La Gioconda) by Leonardo da Vinci.
• Venus de Milo by Alexandros of Antioch.
• Winged Victory of Samothrace.
• The Raft of the Medusa by Théodore Géricault.
• Slaves by Michelangelo.
• Great Sphinx of Tanis .
• The Coronation of Napoleon by Jacques-Louis David.
• The Wedding Feast at Cana by Paolo Veronese.
• Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix.
• Death of the Virgin by Caravaggio.

TIP: Most first-time visitors head to the Denon wing of the Louvre. It’s here that you will find some of the most famous masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa and many others listed below. See below for more info.

Good to know: You can use the interactive map on the website of the museum to help you plan (although it helps to know the room numbers before you start). On the website, you can also find several suggested itineraries for a first visit. Just remember that it all looks so much simpler on paper than in reality. The museum is huge, it’s busy everywhere, and it’s not simple to stick to a plan, even if you are extremely well prepared. This is the reason why we personally much rather go with a guide…

14. Know where to find the most famous works

The Louvre is made of three areas, called Richelieu, Sully and Denon wings . They can all be accessed from the lobby and are very clearly labelled. Consider them as individual museums or buildings; you can’t connect from one to another without coming back to the center of the museum.

Know what you are looking for in each wing. Below is some information about the famous paintings and sculptures you won’t want to miss in each wing:

The Denon Wing is made up of mostly Spanish and Italian paintings, along with the famous 19th-century Neoclassical paintings from France.

It’s here that you will find the most famous Louvre painting of them all – the Mona Lisa . It’s located in Room 711 and there are signs everywhere in the museum with a picture of the painting and an arrow pointing you towards it. If you go straight to the painting, it’s about a 3-4 minute walk from the entrance to the Denon wing.

Be prepared for big crowds here. There can be a line to get in and two lines to get closer to the painting – one to the left and one to the right. Just join it, it likely won’t get any better. Use this time to flick through the map and familiarize yourself with the Louvre and check out the other paintings around you. The line usually moves pretty quickly, but on busy days you may be waiting around 30 minutes. It’s often quieter first thing in the morning and at the end of the day.

In addition, make sure to check out the other paintings in the room. Don’t miss the famous Paolo Veronese painting The Wedding at Cana which is incredible and often overlooked due to its proximity to the Mona Lisa.

TIP: Just nearby, in the hall of the Grande Galerie, there are also other da Vinci paintings : Saint John the Baptist, Virgin of the Rocks, La Belle Ferronnière, and The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne. These are usually very quiet and overlooked by most visitors.

Rooms 700-702 of the Denon Wing also contain most of the famous French Neo-Classic paintings such as Eugène Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People , Théodore Géricault’s The Raft of the Medusa , and both The Coronation of Napoleon and Oath of the Horatii by Jacques-Louis David among many others. These rooms are very close to the Mona Lisa painting and can also get extremely busy as most tour groups come here as well.

Richelieu Wing

The Richelieu wing houses many of the older northern paintings in the Louvre, from the 14th century right through to the 17th century. The paintings here are mostly of German, Flemish and Dutch origin.

There are two masterworks in Room 38 by Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer which are quite small in size and often overlooked, The Lacemaker and The Astronomer .

The famous Bathsheba at Her Bath by Rembrandt is right around the corner in Room 844, along with many of his other paintings.

The Richelieu wing also contains a room filled wall to wall with enormous Peter Paul Rubens paintings depicting the life of the Queen of France Marie de’ Medici. It’s a quiet corner in the Louvre so doesn’t get many visitors. You can find it in Room 801. It’s a wonderful place to sit down and relax as there are many seats in the middle of the room so you can take a load off and immerse yourself in the paintings.

TIP: One of the most impressive sculpture halls of the Louvre Museum – Cour Marly – can also be found in the Richelieu Wing (Room 102). It’s located right under one of the glass pyramids and can be seen from several levels.

The Sully wing of the Louvre contains the famous ancient Greek, Egyptian and Roman art. It’s very well laid out so you can walk through it naturally without missing anything, however, be sure to see the main highlights:

• Great Sphinx of Tanis is in Room 324, a granite sculpture from the 26th century BC.
• The Venus de Milo is arguably the most famous statue in the world. This ancient Greek marble sculpture from the Hellenistic period is larger than life at 7 feet tall and stands in Room 345.
• The Seated Scribe is an often overlooked tiny limestone statue in Room 635.
• Don’t miss the original fortress in the basement, a part of the old Louvre Castle wall.

15. Check out the Louvre Pyramids

When you are finished with your visit, don’t forget to head back to the locker and collect your bag. Return your audio guide if you hired one, and collect your ID.

Also, before you head out to the door, head downstairs and have a look at the bottom of the Louvre Pyramid.

Take the escalator and exit through the main door. Then, take some time to walk around the main square of the Louvre and admire its famous glass pyramids. Yes, there is more than one. In addition to the main large pyramid, there are three smaller pyramids and nice fountains.

You can take some beautiful pictures here. But for that, you may need to come back later at night (or visit very early in the morning) when the light is better and there are fewer people.

Louvre Museum FAQ

The Louvre Museum is so big that you could spend a week and still not see everything inside… That being said, most visitors typically spend 2-3 hours at the Louvre. If you plan well (or go with a local guide), you can quickly see ‘the musts’ in about 2 hours.

While it’s possible to get Louvre Museum tickets on the spot, only a very limited number of tickets are available for purchase at the entrance (and only during off-peak times). So if you want to be sure to visit the museum, you really should book timed-entry tickets in advance.

Louvre Museum tickets are timed and valid for one entry. So you cannot use the same ticket to come back to the museum. Once you leave the Louvre, you will not be able to enter with the same ticket again.

Yes, small backpacks are allowed at the Louvre. The maximum size of the bags you can take inside is 55 x 35 x 20 cm (21 x 14 x 8 inches). However, bigger bags and backpacks may not be allowed inside some galleries, so you will have to use (free) lockers to stow your bags during your visit.

The three most important works that you really have to see at the Louvre are the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, Venus de Milo by Alexandros of Antioch, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.

The Louvre Museum in Paris is one of the most famous museums in the world. So yes, of course, it’s worth a visit and you will probably not want to miss it on your first visit to the city. That being said, if your time in Paris is limited, we recommend planning not more than 2-3 hours for the Louvre, to quickly see the main sights. And if you decide not to visit inside, be sure to at least see the exterior of the building, the pyramids, and the park.

So, these are some of our top tips for your first visit to the Louvre Museum in Paris. We hope that it gives you a good idea of what to expect and helps you plan an unforgettable visit.

Yes, the Louvre is crowded, and yes, some artworks are so overhyped that it’s difficult to appreciate how truly remarkable they are. But no visit to Paris would be complete without catching a glimpse of some of the most important paintings and sculptures in the world.

So whatever you do, don’t miss it!

More tips for visiting France:

• French Food (Best Dishes to Try)
• Paris Travel Tips
• 1 Day in Paris
• How to See the Best of Paris in 4 Days
• Best Things to Do in Montmartre
• Best Views in Paris
• Paris in October
• Best Towns of the Alsace Wine Route
• Best of Strasbourg
• Best of Colmar
• Mont St Michel

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Friday 2nd of February 2024

Hello, first let me say how helpful your site has been as I've planned our first trip to Italy and Paris, thank you! Q: I'm trying to book tickets at the Louvre for April 4th and it's not showing any availability that far out. Is it due to the timing or are they truly sold out that far? Thank you

Saturday 3rd of February 2024

Hi Terri, at this moment, you can only book Louvre tickets until the end of March, so you are a bit too early. Try again at the beginning of March. I think they only release them for the current and next month.

Wednesday 15th of March 2023

Thanks for all the useful tips on your blog. We are going to Paris in May and can't decide if Louvre is worth it or if we should go to d'Orsay museum instead? Or should we try to see both? We have 3 days.

Friday 17th of March 2023

Hi Lisa, if this is your first time in Paris, then I think that the Louvre is really a must. But the d'Orsay museum is also very interesting and well worth a few hours. I would try to see both. :) With three days in Paris, you should be able to find the time for both museums. You may want to take a look at our Paris 4-day itinerary for ideas on how to plan it all. It has some lesser-visited places listed and an amazing food tour that we did, but if you skip those and just focus on the 'musts' then you should be able to do all that in 3 days. Have a great trip! PS Book your tickets for all the main sights in advance - that way, you are sure that you can actually see everything that you want to without wasting time.

Welcome to the Louvre

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Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Guided tours Highlights All publics 12 +

Discover the Mona Lisa , the Winged Victory of Samothrace , the Venus de Milo , and other masterpieces of the Louvre with trained guides who take you through the museum’s most impressive spaces, such as the medieval moat, giving you a fascinating insight into the history of the palace.

Available languages and times

Every day at 9.45 a.m. Additional tour at 2 p.m. on weekends and every Friday at 6 p.m and 7 p.m (Except: 1 March, 5 April, 3 May, 7 June and 26 April)

Every day at 9:45am

Every day at 10 am

Booking conditions

Guided tour - Combined ticket The combined ticket (31 €) allows an admission to the museum at the same access time than the selected Guided tour or Atelier, for visitors who do not benefit of a free admission to the museum. Guided tour - Full price Admission ticket for individual visitor  not included In case of tickets unavailability online, it is mandatory to purchase an admission ticket at spot.) Guided tour - Reduced price For visitors benefiting of a free admission to the museum: under-18s, under-26s living in the European Economic Area, membership card holders (Amis du Louvre, Louvre Mécène, Louvre Professionnels) people with disabilities and people on income support. Complete liste of tarif conditions on:  www.louvre.fr . Free admission with no ticket on presentation of proof of eligibility only.  

The 5 Best Louvre Tours [2024 Reviews]

As the largest museum in the world, it goes without saying that the Louvre is one of the largest tourist attractions in Paris – if not, the world.

Here, you can find some of the world’s most famous masterpieces on display, including da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, Winged Victory of Samothrace, Venus de Milo, Liberty Leading the People, and  much  more. There’s so much art inside the Louvre, that it would literally take days to see every single piece.

With that being said, it can be easily overwhelming to know where to go or what to see if you’ve never been before. That’s why we’re here to bring you the top tours of the Louvre available!

Be sure to see our reviews of Day Trips to Normandy , Eiffel Tower Guided Tours and Paris Catacombs Tours .

Best Tours of the Louvre Museum

Quick answer: the 5 best guided louvre museum tours for 2024.

• Best Private Tour: Louvre Inside Out: Private Skip the Line Tour
• Best Budget Tour: Louvre Museum Tour
• Best Guided Tour: Louvre Museum Skip-the-line Access Private Guided Tour
• Best Small Group Tour: Louvre Museum Small Group Guided Tour
• Best Value Tour: Paris Louvre Museum Must See Skip the Line Private and Tailored Guided Tour

Louvre Tour Reviews

1. best private tour: louvre inside out – private skip the line tour.

• Duration: 2 hours
• Departure: Louvre Pyramid, 75001
• Departure Time: From 9:00 AM to 5:30PM
• Includes:  Guided tour of the museum with a licensed tour guide, private Tour – Only your travel party & your guide, make on-the-spot changes to the tour, local tips & recommendations

Let’s start things off on the right foot with the Louvre Inside Out: Private Skip the Line Tour . This 2-hour tour is a great way to see the most famous pieces of art inside, while also learning from a guide that’s very knowledgeable on the museum.

The Louvre does attract quite a few crowds, so this really takes the stress out of the equation so you can just focus on the experience.

Meet your private guide with the rest of your group at the Louvre pyramid. Normally, there’s quite the line outside, going down inside of the museum. However, you won’t have to worry about waiting around.

Thanks to your skip-the-line privileges, you’ll get right to the fun! Just remember that you will have to pay for your entrance fee separately, but just getting the entrance inside is very quick and easy.

Once inside, you’ll realize just how expansive it is. It’s not all squished into a few different rooms or hallways. They have everything spaced out – offering the kind of room that these masterpieces deserve.

However, this also means that there’s quite a bit of walking involved and it can be hard to decide where to start first!

Your guide will take the lead, showing you the most famous artwork first. This includes the Nike of Samothrace, Venus de Milo, Mona Lisa, The Coronation of Napoleon, and so much more. There are also other pieces of history laid out on display, such as the French crown jewels!

While the tour itself lasts 2 hours, you can still choose to look around at your own pace or go back to certain pieces that you’d like to get a second look at. There are also various restaurants, cafes, and gift shops inside that can be fun to check out!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, other paris experiences you may enjoy:, 2. best budget tour: louvre museum tour.

• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Departure: Arc du Carrousel
• Departure Time:  From 9:00 AM to 5:30PM
• Includes: All entrance fees, professional guide, skip-the-line tour, small group size

Our next tour has. a lot of flexibility with ability to choose your tour length of 2 or 3 hours and group size of between 10-30 people. The Louvre Museum Tour is the perfect way to get yourself acquainted with Parisian culture, as so much of it is intertwined with the Louvre and the artwork it has on display.

With so much to see, this is one of the most seamless ways to become oriented and see some of the “big” ones. Now, there are plenty of tour guides at the Louvre.

However, not all of them have expert guides which means you won’t learn very much about the artwork and history of the Louvre.

We found it easy to ask the guide whatever you want, and as they are so knowledgeable, you’re almost always going to get a good answer. Once again, you don’t have to wait in the sometimes very long lines that extend out from the Louvre.

You and your group get to follow your guide right into the depths of this immense piece of architecture that once served as a fortress hundreds of years ago.

Your guide will talk to you about the history of the building, and perhaps even take you to see the parts where the original medieval moat structure lies inside.

It’s also served as a royal residence, which you’re also able to see – complete with the original lavish furniture! Home to almost 40,000 pieces of art, you will beeline to the most famous ones while your guide offers a historical and cultural narration.

Even if you consider yourself an art expert, you’re sure to learn (or at least see!) something new on this tour. This is surely unlike any other museum you’ve ever been in before!

Search For Other Paris Experiences You May Enjoy:

3. best guided tour: louvre museum skip-the-line access private guided tour.

• Duration: 2.5 hours
• Departure: Louvre Pyramid , 75001
• Departure Time:  From 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM
• Includes: Skip-the-line museum tour, professional guide, private tour guide, wheelchair-friendly tour

With our next tour, we bring you yet another 2.5-hour excursion that’s perfect for getting your feet wet in this legendary museum.

The Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Access Private Guided Tour will have you feeling like you have a Parisian local friend who’s also majored in art history showing you all their favorite artwork!

The guides are so good at what they do, that they even manage to keep children entertained – and that’s not easy to do at a massive art museum.

Start out by meeting your guide outside the museum and skip past the lines so you can go straight into exploring all this incredible art and history! Take a moment to look around the pyramid inside and outside, as they’re truly stunning!

We will be honest: just being at the Louvre is overwhelming with the sheer quantity of options and people around.

These guides make it such a breeze, and makes you feel like you’re the only people in the room.

As this is a private tour, your group will really just be you and whomever you’re traveling with/bringing along for the ride. If you’re wondering if you should bring children along, know that it’s perfect for all ages.

Some of the guides even bring their own headsets so you can hear them perfectly among the crowds while still being able to enjoy the artwork and wander around a bit.

Even if you don’t consider yourself to be very knowledgeable about art, the guides make it easy to understand and create an engaging experience. This is really what you’re paying for, and it’s more than worth it!

4. Best Small Group:  Louvre Museum Small Group English Guided Tour

• Departure: 6 Rue de l’Amiral de Coligny , 6 Rue de l’Amiral de Coligny, 75001 Paris
• Departure Time: 10:00 AM, 1:30 PM, 5:00 PM
• Includes: Professional guide, Louvre Museum Skip the line access

The Louvre Museum Small Group English Guided Tour is yet again another excellent selection that consistently receives raving reviews! Lasting 2 hours, it’s one of the top ways to see this museum while still being able to work its way into a busy schedule.

There are various start times, so you have quite a bit of flexibility to fit it into your morning, afternoon, or evening.This tour features very small groups which cap out at just 6 people! This makes it very easy to move around and get more personalized attention from your experienced guide.

If you have any questions about the museum itself, or a piece of art, artist, etc. we’ve yet to hear something that they don’t know. As the most visited museum in the world, crowds are to be expected. By going on a self-guided tour, you may not get to see everything you wanted in just 2 hours.

While maps are included with your entrance fee, it’s so expansive that it’s difficult to create an efficient roadmap if you’re doing it without experience.

Small group tours remedy that, and if there’s something in particular you’d like to see, your guide can help make it happen.

Did we mention that the guides are also fluent in French, English, and Spanish? This means you can communicate more effectively, as well as understand what they’re teaching you better.

As you have already paid for entrance, feel free to walk around and check out everything you want at your own pace after the guided tour portion.

5. Best Value Tour: Paris Louvre Museum Skip the Line Private & Tailored Guided Tour

• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Departure Time: From 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
• Includes:  Professional guide, Louvre Skip the Line Access, private tour

Perhaps you’re on the hunt for an even shorter Louvre tour? Maybe you really want to see the Louvre and the Mona Lisa, along with some other famous works of art but have a packed schedule.

If that’s the case, then the Paris Louvre Museum Must See Skip the Line Private and Tailored Guided Tour is just for you! As the name suggests, this 1.5-hour tour is fully customized to what you want to do and see.

You’ll get to make the most of things with the skip-the-line ticket so you can jump right into these masterpieces and learning about the history behind them. Meet your guide at the Equestrian Statue of King Louis XIV which stands right in front of the Louvre’s pyramid.

Make sure to snap a few photos, pretending you’re touching the tip of the pyramid as it’s practically a rite of passage. Then, speed through the entrance with your guide and the rest of your small group and head straight to the most famous attractions.

Of course, if you prefer to take a look at those hidden gems that attract less visitors, you can do that to.

The guides are very knowledgeable in the artwork here, and will know exactly where to take you. Their fascinating stories and impressive knowledge of the artwork and the various buildings was so fantastic and made the whole experience that much more exciting.

Thanks to the small group, private tour, you have their full attention and can ask them pretty much anything you’d like, too!

One Day Itinerary for the Louvre Museum

Being the Louvre is one of the largest museums in the world, knowing what to see is the biggest problem. Here is a curated list of the 10 must see pieces of art that you can see in a few hours!

• The Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci : As you make your way through the crowds to see her and you see enigmatic smile of the woman that is so captivating it’s easy to see why people have been obsessing over it for centuries. Take a moment to admire the intricate details in the painting from the delicate folds of her clothing to the sfumato technique used in her face.
• Winged Victory of Samothrace : This stunning marble sculpture of the goddess Nike in my opinion is one of the most beautiful works of art in the world. When you finally reach the top you’re greeted by the breathtaking sight of the Winged Victory of Samothrace. The detail in the carving is amazing.
• Venus de Milo : This ancient Greek statue of the goddess of love is a true masterpiece of classical art. The graceful curves of her body and the expression on her face are what make this statue famous. The missing arms just add to the mystery and allure of this ancient work of art.
• The Raft of the Medusa by Théodore Géricault : This enormous painting is a epitome of Romanticism. It shows the survivors of a shipwreck clinging to a raft in the middle of the ocean. The emotions of the people on the raft are are vividly portrayed.
• Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix : This painting is a celebration of the French Revolution and the triumph of liberty over oppression. The figure of Liberty is depicted leading the people forward, her arms raised in victory. The color and composition of the painting is amazing.
• The Wedding at Cana by Paolo Veronese : This ginormous oil painting is a treat for the eyes. The painting is alive with movement from the guests mingling and dancing to the servants bustling around in the background. Every detail is meticulously painted from the intricate patterns on the clothing to the expressions on the faces of the guests.
• The Winged Bulls of Khorsabad : These massive sculptures were originally part of the palace of the Assyrian king Sargon II. They depict mythological creatures with the bodies of bulls and the wings of eagles and they are truly awe inspiring in their size and detail.
• The Coronation of Napoleon by Jacques-Louis David : This large painting shows the coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte as the Emperor of France. The colors of the painting are so vivid, it looks like he will walk out of the paining!
• Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss by Antonio Canova : This beautiful marble sculpture depicts the moment when Cupid revives Psyche with a kiss. The fluidity of the carving and the emotion conveyed in the figures is truly amazing.
• The Code of Hammurabi : This ancient Babylonian stele is one of the earliest examples of written law in the world. The carving depicts the Babylonian king Hammurabi receiving the laws from the sun god Shamash. The laws are written in cuneiform script and cover a wide range of topics from property rights to punishments for crimes.

Tips to Better Enjoy Your Visit to the Louvre

• Hours of operation : The Louvre is open everyday except Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. On Wednesdays and Fridays the museum is open until 9:45 p.m.
• Tickets : We recommend you go on a guided tour otherwise you can buy tickets in advance or at the museum. We recommended that you purchase tickets in advance as the Louvre gets very busy and you will probably have to wait in line for a ticket.
• Security : Security measures at the Louvre are similar to those at airports. Prohibited items include weapons and large bags or backpacks.
• Audio guides : Audio guides are available for rent at the museum and provide an interactive tour of the exhibits and give some background behind the artwork.
• Must-see exhibits : Some of the more famous works of art at the Louvre are the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.
• Dining : There are lots of restaurants at the Louvre including several cafés, a brasserie and a gourmet restaurant.
• Accessibility : The Louvre is accessible to visitors with disabilities, there are elevators and ramps available.
• Go early : Beat the crowds by going as soon as the museum opens. You won’t have to wait to see the more famous displays.
• Have a list : You should have a list of art that you must see and goto them first then go back and see everything else. See my one day itinerary above.

Tour Guides

The Louvre Inside Out: Private Skip the Line Tour is our Editor's Choice for the best Louvre museum tours

Robert Baker

Related articles, the 5 best stonehenge tours from london [2024 reviews], the 5 best florence wine tours [2024 reviews], the 7 best vatican tours ⛪ [2024 reviews], the 5 best seine river dinner cruises [2024 reviews].

Home > Paris Attractions > Louvre Guide 2024: Best Way to See the Louvre, Louvre Must-See, Map, and Top Louvre Tips by a Local

Louvre Guide 2024: Best Way to See the Louvre, Louvre Must-See, Map, and Top Louvre Tips by a Local

Louvre museum guide.

All about the Louvre: must-see, map of the Louvre entrances, and top tips for planning your Louvre itinerary.

If you ever find yourself in the French capital, don’t miss the Louvre Museum , one of the top things to do in Paris .

Located on the Seine River’s right bank, in the first Arrondissement, the Louvre is one of the world’s largest museums, home to incredible artworks. From Ancient Egypt statues to Baroque portraits, there’s something for everyone in the Louvre!

After visiting the Louvre Museum many times (at least twice a year), I have put together this Guide to the Louvre Museum  to help visitors with the latest information and my most precious Louvre tips. Use this Louvre Guide to decide what to see at the Louvre and plan your Louvre itinerary. Enjoy!

Table of Contents

• Why Visit the Louvre Museum
• Opening Hours and Best Time to Visit the Louvre Museum
• How to Visit the Louvre Museum
• Map of the Louvre Entrances [2024] & Best Louvre Entrance 2024
• A Peek Inside the Louvre (Take a Louvre Map!)
• Best Way to Visit the Louvre
• What to See at the Louvre (Louvre Highlights)
• Other Tips for Visiting the Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum is one of the top sights to visit in Paris. We recommend visiting the Louvre in the following Paris itineraries:

• 2 days in Paris itinerary
• 3 days in Paris itinerary
• 4 days in Paris itinerary
• 5 days in Paris itinerary
• 6 days in Paris itinerary
• 7 days in Paris itinerary

Related Articles

1. Why Visit the Louvre Museum

Haters will tell you to skip the Louvre because it’s expensive and the lines are long. But the 10 million people who visit the Louvre Museum annually are no fools, carried along by clichés. Come to visit and experience this incredible Museum for yourself!

The Louvre Museum is the world’s largest art museum and also the most visited.   The Louvre Museum houses a collection of more than 35,000 works of art spread over 60,000 square meters that range from ancient civilizations from the 6th century BC to the 19th century. If you have minimal interest in the arts, you will find something you like when visiting the Louvre!

Thanks to the Louvre’s Glass Pyramid , designed by the Chinese-American architect I. M. Pei, the Louvre Museum is also one of France’s most iconic monuments and one of Paris’s top photo spots for photographers. When it gets dark, the illuminated Louvre Pyramid is a must-see of Paris at night .

You will find some of the world’s most famous paintings and sculptures in the Louvre. The Mona Lisa , the Venus of Milo , the Code of Hammurabi , the Regent Diamond , and Napoleon I’s Coronation are just a few examples.

The Louvre is also part of the history of France.   The Louvre was built in the 12th century by King Philippe Auguste II as his royal palace. Over the years, the Louvre Palace symbolized the French monarchy’s wealth, power, and decadence, and its rooms and halls are stunning.

2. Opening Hours and Best Time to Visit the Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday to Monday. The last entry is one hour before the closing time, and they start evacuating the rooms at 5.30 p.m.

The Louvre is closed on 1 January, 1 May, and 25 December.

Before the pandemic, the Louvre held night sessions on Wednesday and Friday from 6 p.m. to 9.45 p.m. Currently (2024), the night session is only on Fridays.

2.1 The Louvre is Free for All Visitors on the First Friday of the Month (after 6 p.m.)

The Louvre Museum is free for all visitors on the first Friday of the month, night session (except in July, August, and 14th of July).

Given the interest in visiting the Louvre for free, only online reservations guarantee free entry to the Museum on Friday night. Reservations for the free Louvre Friday nights open a few days before the end of the month. Your booked ticket will cost 0€ and will be valid only on the selected date and time slot.

2.2 Best Day and Best Time to Visit the Louvre

The table below shows the estimated visitor flow in the Louvre Museum, and it is divided into days and time slots for the low season and high season. The  green  colour means fewer visitors while the  red  colour means more crowds. The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays.

» The best day to visit the Louvre Museum depends on the season (low season or high season). Generally speaking, visiting the Louvre during the week rather than the weekend is a good idea.

»  Since the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays see more visitors. Therefore, the best days to visit the Louvre are Mondays and Thursdays.

» What is the best time to visit the Louvre?  Arrive early in the morning, before the Museum’s opening.

3. How to Visit the Louvre Museum

How to visit the Louvre? While most people opt for a Louvre self-guided tour, a Louvre guided tour (private or with a small group) is an excellent idea if you are visiting the Louvre for the first time. Benefit from the special Louvre entrance for groups, with 0 waiting time, and see the major Louvre highlights with the explanations of a certified and passionate English-speaking guide.

• Priority Entrance Ticket + Small Group Guided Tour
• Priority Entrance Ticket + Private Guided Tour
• Other Louvre Guided Tour Options

If you prefer to visit the Louvre on a self-guided tour, you can buy your Louvre ticket with an audio guide for the best Louvre experience.

3.1 Book Your Louvre Timed Entrance Ticket Online

Due to the current circumstances, the Louvre has reduced the number of daily visitors. This means that there are fewer Louvre tickets to sell each day.

We strongly advise buying your Louvre tickets online in advance , as only online booking can guarantee your entrance to the Museum on a specific day. When you purchase the tickets online, you choose a specific date and time slot, ensuring a quick entry to the Museum in less than 30 minutes.

Visitors entitled to free admission also need to use the online booking system. At the end of the process, the cost will be 0€. This allows the Louvre to fully control the number of daily visitors — Click here to buy your Louvre tickets

3.2 Leave Your Coat and Backpack in the Cloakroom

Under the Glass Pyramid, a Cloakroom provides you with lockers and places for umbrellas free of charge. Remember that suitcases and bulky bags are prohibited. In case of difficulty, you can contact the help desk next door.

4. Map of the Louvre Entrances [2024]

There are five official Louvre entrances, shown on the Louvre Map here below:  Glass Pyramid , Porte des Lions , Carrousel du Louvre , and  Passage Richelieu .

The  Glass Pyramid , Carrousel du Louvre , and  Passage Richelieu are always open, while the Porte des Lions is closed on Fridays.

» The  Glass Pyramid   is the main Louvre entrance, and anybody can use it. It is also the most impressive access to the Louvre.

» Passage Richelieu entrance is for guided groups or visitors with a membership card (Amis du Louvre, Louvre Pro, Ministère de la Culture, Pass Education, ICOM).

» Galerie du Carrousel  (99 Rue de Rivoli) is another entrance to the Louvre Museum that anybody can use. The advantage of this Louvre Museum entrance is the direct access from the Parisian Metro (metro station Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre, line 1, take exit #6). Also, this is the best Louvre entrance to wait in line during rainy days in Paris or when it is too cold outside. 

» Porte des Lions is another option, but it’s a bit eccentric and only available for visitors with a ticket. There’s no Cloakroom nearby, so you will be denied access if you carry bulky objects. Please note this access is closed on Fridays, and sometimes the Museum management closes it without notice.

4.1 Best Louvre Entrance 2024

The best Louvre Entrance is Passage Richelieu , with zero waiting time. This entrance, however, is reserved for guided groups or people with membership cards.

The Louvre Glass Pyramid is the most popular entrance, and you can see long lines in the high season and on weekends. That said, in January 2024, I entered the Museum through the Glass Pyramid with a timed entrance ticket and only had to wait 10 minutes (low season, weekday).

The Carrousel du Louvre entrance is less crowded than the Pyramid, and you avoid the hazards of the weather. Personally, I find it a bit claustrophobic when it is overcrowded.

Porte des Lions can be a good entrance, but it’s a bit hit-and-miss, as sometimes it is closed without any previous notice.

4.2 Entering the Louvre through the Glass Pyramid

The Louvre Glass Pyramid has different lines marked with different colours:

• Yellow line  for visitors with special passes, such as annual visitor cards or tourist cards
• Orange line  for visitors without a pre-purchased ticket
• Green line  for visitors with tickets with a specific time slot
• Blue Line  for disabled visitors, pregnant women, visitors with strollers, or visitors with mobility issues. These visitors have access to the lift down to the Main Hall.

The green line is split into two lines, and each line is for different time slots. Before waiting in line, check that you are in the line for your time slot!

The Louvre Glass Pyramid is the Museum’s main entrance. To access the Louvre Museum through the Pyramid, you will find several controls:

• Before joining the line to access the Museum, there’s a first ticket control to ensure you are on the right day, time slot, and line (picture above).
• Right after entering the Glass Pyramid, you will be asked to use the hand sanitizer, and then, there’s the security control (scanner).

After the scanner, you will take the stairs down to the Main Hall, with the Information Desk, Cloakroom, Visitors’ Assistance Area, one of the restaurants and Paul’s bakery. You can see the entrances to the three different Louvre Wings from the Main Hall: Denon, Sully , and Richelieu . They are located on the Mezzanine.

Choose the Louvre Wing that appeals to you most and take the stairs up to the Mezzanine. Here, you can pick up the audio guides (on the desktop right before the tripods), and there’s the second ticket control. If you are entitled to free admission, you will be asked to show proof of free admission at this moment.

5. A Peek Inside the Louvre (Take a Louvre Map!)

5.1 Louvre Sections

The Art Treasures of the Louvre Museum are grouped into eight curatorial departments or Louvre sections: 

• Egyptian Antiquities
• Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities
• Near Eastern Antiquities
• Islamic Art, Paintings
• Decorative Arts
• Prints and Drawings

5.2 Louvre Layout

The Louvre’s treasures are exhibited in the Museum’s three interconnected Wings: Richelieu Wing , Denon Wing , and Sully Wing, clearly marked on the Louvre map.

In addition to these Wings, the Museum’s inner courtyards display the biggest sculptures.

On the Louvre map, you will find the Denon Wing facing the Seine River. Denon Wing is named after M. Denon (1747-1825), the first director of the Musée du Louvre. In Denon Wing, visitors find important artworks such as the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci or The Winged Victory of Samothrace.

If you want to concentrate on one Louvre Wing only, we suggest the Denon Wing.

The Sully Wing is located between the Denon Wing and the Richelieu Wing and is named after M. Sully (1559-1641), Chief Minister of King Henri IV. In the Sully Wing, visitors can find the Medieval Louvre, the Egyptian Antiquities, and the Venus of Milo.

Richelieu Wing

On the map of the Louvre, you will find the Richelieu Wing facing Rue de Rivoli. The Richelieu Wing is named after Cardinal Richelieu (1585-1642), Chief Minister of King Louis XIII. In Richelieu Wing, visitors can find French paintings and sculptures, Napoleon III apartments, and Near Eastern Antiquities.

5.3 Take a Louvre Map (with Highlights)

Taking a map of the Louvre Museum is paramount for visiting the Louvre. You have paper versions (Louvre map with highlights) in the Information Kiosk in the Central Hall, and there are also some QR codes with the Louvre Museum map to flash while you are waiting in line to enter the Glass Pyramid.

The Louvre map comes with the plans of the four floors, and you can find all the Louvre sections by floor and Wings and some of the Louvre highlights.

6. Best Way to See the Louvre

With 403 rooms, 14.5 km of rooms and corridors, and 72.735 m2 of exhibition spaces, visiting the entire Louvre in one day is impossible . If you spent one minute seeing each Louvre artwork, it would take 64 days to see everything in the Museum!

How to navigate the Louvre? There’s no right or wrong Louvre itinerary. You can decide to visit just one Wing, all floors, or walk through the different Louvre Wings. If you return to the Central Hall and then head to another Louvre Wing, you will have to show your Louvre ticket again.

Any exit from the Louvre Museum is final, and you won’t be able to come back with the same ticket.

Five Ways to Visit the Louvre

In our opinion, there are five ways to visit the Louvre:

1- Enter the Museum and start walking through galleries and galleries randomly. This is not the best option in a vast museum like the Louvre.

2- Follow the experts at your own pace with a Louvre Museum audio guide or a phone app. You can buy your skip-the-line Louvre ticket + audio guide online in advance and pick up the audio guide when you arrive at the Museum. Remember to grab the Louvre must-see map at the Main Hall.

3- Join a Louvre guided tour and visit the Louvre highlights with a professional guide. After the tour, you can visit other artworks, but you’ll surely have covered the basics.

4- Write down a Louvre bucket list , study it at home with the help of this Louvre Map , and try to make a Louvre itinerary that makes sense from a logistics point of view to avoid walking unnecessary kilometres.

TIP: Do you need some help for a quick visit? Click here to see how to visit the Louvre in 2 hours or less

5- Pick a specific department (e.g., Italian Paintings) and focus on this department only to get the most out of it. This is my favourite way to visit the Louvre because I am local in Paris and can visit the Louvre whenever I want. This way of touring the Louvre is also perfect for frequent Paris travellers or people interested in a specific subject.

Whatever you decide, grab the Louvre highlights map upon your arrival , take a break from time to time and use the restrooms when you see them (I never find the restrooms when I need them most, lol).

7. What to See at the Louvre (Louvre Highlights)

If you are wondering what to see at the Louvre in one day, we can help. Everybody has a different Louvre must-see list, but some Louvre artworks appear on everybody’s bucket list.

7.1 Louvre Must-See Guide By the Louvre Museum

The Louvre has a selection of masterpieces  that you can check on its website. This is the Louvre best route if you don’t have particular interests and want to cover the basics. There are 11 artworks in total :

• The Caryatids
• Venus de Milo
• Winged Victory of Samothrace
• Venus and the Three Graces Presenting Gifts to a Young Woman (Botticelli)
• La Belle Ferronière (Da Vinci)
• Sainte Anne (Da Vinci)
• Mona Lisa (Da Vinci)
• The Raft of the Medusa (Gérciault)
• Liberty Leading the People (Délacroix)
• The Slaves (Michelangelo)
• Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss (Canova)
• The Glass Pyramid

7.2 Louvre Must-See List by CNN 

To honour the Louvre’s 220th anniversary, CNN asked its users through its Instagram account about the Louvre highlights. Here is the Louvre must-see list by CNN:

• The Winged Victory of Samothrace
• Mona Lisa (Leonardo da Vinci)
• Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss (Canova) is one of the famous Greek Mythology stories.
• The Louvre Building
• The Consecration of Emperor Napoleon and the Coronation of Empress Joséphine on 2 December 1804 (David)
• Venus of Milo
• The Young Martyr (Delaroche) – depicts the sacrifice of a young Christian woman into the Tiber River.
• The Virgin of the Rocks (Da Vinci) – another of Leonardo’s masterworks.
• The Lacemaker (Vermeer) – with this painting, the achievement of Vermeer’s maturity is complete.

7.3 Louvre Highlights (World in Paris’ List)

My Louvre must-see list is a combination of the two lists above plus some other Primitive Italian artworks (Duccio, Cimabue), The Wedding Feast at Cana (Veronese) – sharing the room with the Mona Lisa, – and something by Caravaggio.

On this bucket list, there’s also the oldest exposed item: the statue of Aïn Ghazal , dated around 7000 BC! (Sully Wing, Ground Floor, room #303).

I complete my personal Louvre must-see guide with the most bizarre item exposed, The Hermaphrodite (Sully Wing, Ground Floor Salle des Caryatides #348).

8. Other Tips for Visiting the Louvre Museum

8.1 the louvre ticket is a combined ticket.

Few people know that in addition to the permanent collections and temporary exhibitions of the Louvre, the Louvre ticket gives you to the Musée Eugène Delacroix (6 Rue de Furstenberg, Paris 6) within 48 hours of first use. To visit the Musée Eugène Delacroix for free, you need to purchase and visit the Louvre Museum first.

8.2 Louvre Dress Code: Dress Like an Onion!

What to wear in the Louvre?   There is no Louvre dress code; you can wear what you want when visiting the Louvre. Just keep in mind that you will walk A LOT. Wear comfortable shoes. And dress in layers, like an onion!

Wearing layers is perfect in wintertime, when it is cold outside and warm inside.

8.3 Carry a Power Bank

A power bank is essential if you want to take pictures and navigate the Louvre with your phone all day. The last time I visited, I entered the Louvre at 9.30 a.m., and two hours later, my phone was dead.

Remember that you must show your Louvre ticket whenever you want to access the rooms from the Main Hall, so keeping your phone charged is essential if you have your ticket stored in it. Print out the ticket if you don’t want to carry a power bank.

8.4 Accessibility in the Louvre

The Louvre is accessible to disabled visitors, with various elevators and wheelchair lifts and even a Tactile Gallery. If you have mobility issues, look for the disabled symbols in the Louvre Museum map and adapt your Louvre itinerary accordingly.

At the Glass Pyramid , there’s a line (blue line) for disabled visitors or visitors with mobility issues. These visitors have access to the lift down to the Main Hall.

Walking sticks, folding bags, strollers, baby carriers, and wheelchairs are available free of charge for visitors at the Visitors Assistance Area , located in the Main Hall (level -2), behind the Information Area and next to the Cloakroom. An ID card will be requested as a caution.

8.5 Bring your Snacks and Water

Inside the Louvre are a couple of restaurants, but they are overpriced, and the food is so-so. Bring your snacks, sandwiches, and water if you travel on a budget. There are no restrictions on bringing your refreshments to the Louvre.

Eating inside the Louvre exhibition rooms is forbidden, but there are some benches in the Central Hall (Mezzanine), just before the ticket control, and nobody will bother you if you are eating a sandwich or a snack there.

Once you are done and have some energy back, show your tickets again to return to the exhibition areas. You can drink water wherever you want.

TIP: fans of Angelina Paris tearoom will be happy to know that there is an Angelina inside the Louvre with no line! Angelina Louvre is located in the Richelieu Wing, 1st floor, between the Napoleon III Apartments and Decorative Arts galleries.

8.6 Beware of Pickpockets

I never had any problem when visiting the Louvre, but it seems that pickpockets are an issue in this Museum. Never leave your bag unattended, and if somebody comes to you asking for your email or a donation, ignore him and walk away. It is a scam.

TIP: travel safely; use an anti-theft shoulder bag or an anti-theft backpack

8.7 Visit the Louvre Museum More than Once (If You Can)

If you are interested in the Arts, you will have to revisit the Louvre Museum to enjoy other paintings and sculptures that you missed during the previous visit. Paris is always a good idea , and another visit to the Louvre may be the perfect excuse to come back to Paris 😉

And there you have it, a quick Louvre Museum guide with the best tips for visiting the Louvre Museum. Use these Louvre tips to find your best way to see the Louvre, to get the shortest lines and the best experience inside!

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About WORLD IN PARIS

Quirky parisian explorer with a preference for lesser-known sights, i am continuously looking for new ideas and tips to bring you the best of the city of light read more about me ., i am elisa, the travel blogger behind world in paris. quirky explorer with a preference for the local side of my city and its lesser-known sights, i am continuously looking for new ideas to enjoy the best of paris & around . do you want to go beyond the louvre museum or the eiffel tower keep clicking for first-hand information & my best tips learn more.

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Boy, Who Broke Ancient Bronze Age Jar, Invited Again For Guided Israel Museum Tour

The boy "pulled the jar slightly" because he was "curious about what was inside," said ariel's father, alex..

The 4-year-old was accompanied by his parents, Anna and Alex Geller

Days after a four-year-old kid unintentionally smashed an ancient jar at an archaeological museum in Israel, he was invited to the assemblage again on Saturday for a guided tour. Ariel Geller hit the headlines a few days ago when he accidentally shattered a 3500-year-old jar, placed at the entrance of the Hecht Museum in Haifa.

BBC shared a video of Ariel's visit to the museum. It featured him dressed in a white t-shirt and denim shorts. He also wore a blue hat. The 4-year-old was accompanied by his parents, Anna and Alex Geller, on this guided tour. In a video interview with BBC , Anna talked about the incident and revealed that she was distracted by her daughter when Ariel accidentally damaged the ancient jar.

The boy "pulled the jar slightly" because he was "curious about what was inside," said Ariel's father, Alex. He added that when he saw his son next to the shattered pieces, he was "in shock" and immediately assumed that "my child hadn't done it."

ALSO READ |  Boy Shatters 3,500-Year-Old Bronze Age Jar At Israel Museum

"At first, I was in shock," Alex remarked. "Then I felt a bit angry with him." Later, the couple went up to a security guard and admitted what transpired. However, they were not prepared for what came next. "Instead of levying penalties or fines, they extended an invitation for us to return," Alex stated.

Reacting to the mishap , the museum's head Inbal Rivlin told Israeli news outlet Ynet, "The museum is not a mausoleum but a living place, open to families (and) accessible. We are appealing to parents: Don't be afraid. Things like this happen. We will fix (the jar) and put it back."

The museum estimates that the jar was made between 2200 and 1500 BC, and was probably used to transport regional goods like olive oil and wine. It was found during central Israel's Samaria excavations, and the museum has owned it for thirty-five years.

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