How to Visit the Louvre: Tickets, Tips and Must-See Works

The Louvre is located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, at 75001 Rue de Rivoli. It is open every day except Tuesdays, as well as on January 1, May 1, and December 25. Regular hours run from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with late openings until 9:45 PM on Fridays. Arriving early, especially on weekdays, can help you avoid long lines and the busiest periods.

There are three main entrances: the Pyramid entrance, the Carrousel du Louvre underground shopping mall entrance, and the Porte des Lions entrance. The Pyramid entrance is the most popular and can have long queues, so if you want to save time, consider entering through the Carrousel du Louvre where ticket scanning is more streamlined. The Porte des Lions entrance is less frequented but opens only during busy seasons or special events.

Make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing time, as the museum staff begin to usher visitors out 30 minutes prior to closing. Also, check the official Louvre website before your visit for any unexpected closures or schedule changes.

Purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended to avoid waiting in line. Tickets can be bought online via the official Louvre website or authorized resellers. A standard adult ticket costs €17 if bought online and €15 if purchased at the museum, but queues at the ticket counters can be long. Entry is free for visitors under 18 years old, residents of the European Economic Area aged 18-25, and on the first Saturday of each month from 6:00 PM to 9:45 PM.

There are also combined tickets available that include access to temporary exhibitions, priced higher depending on the exhibit. Additionally, the Paris Museum Pass grants entry to the Louvre along with over 50 other museums and monuments in and around Paris, which is practical if you plan to visit multiple sites in a short time.

When buying tickets online, you will need to select a specific time slot. Arriving outside your assigned time may result in denied entry. Print your tickets or have them ready on your phone to scan at the entrance.

The Louvre is divided into three wings: Denon, Sully, and Richelieu, each containing different collections. The Denon Wing, accessible directly from the Pyramid entrance, houses famous works such as the Mona Lisa and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. It’s also home to Italian Renaissance paintings and French sculptures.

The Sully Wing contains the Egyptian Antiquities, the medieval Louvre foundations visible in the lower levels, and a variety of decorative arts collections. The Richelieu Wing features French and Northern European paintings, Oriental antiquities, and the lavish apartments of Napoleon III.

The museum’s layout can be confusing at first, so grab a map at the entrance or download the official Louvre app which provides detailed floor plans and audio guides. Clear signage in multiple languages helps visitors find their way. Be prepared for a lot of walking — comfortable shoes are essential.

Among the Louvre’s 380,000 objects and 35,000 works of art, certain pieces draw particular attention. The Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci is arguably the most famous, displayed behind bulletproof glass and surrounded by crowds. Its relatively small size contrasts with the intense focus it commands.

Nearby is the Winged Victory of Samothrace, a majestic marble sculpture of the Greek goddess Nike, perched at the top of a staircase. The sheer sense of movement captured in the statue’s flowing drapery and poised stance makes it a engaging sight.

Other highlights include the Venus de Milo, an ancient Greek statue representing Aphrodite, and Eugène Delacroix’s "Liberty Leading the People," a powerful painting symbolizing the July Revolution of 1830. Don’t overlook the Coronation of Napoleon by Jacques-Louis David, a massive canvas filled with detailed figures and lively colors.

For those interested in ancient civilizations, the Egyptian Antiquities section houses sarcophagi, statues, and everyday objects that paint a rich picture of life along the Nile thousands of years ago.

To get deeper insight into the artworks and their histories, consider renting an audio guide available at the museum or through the Louvre app. The audio guide features commentary in several languages, timed to your pace as you move through the galleries.

Guided tours are also available and often focus on specific themes, such as Renaissance art or ancient civilizations. Booking a tour in advance ensures a knowledgeable guide will lead you through the museum’s highlights, providing context and answering questions.

If you prefer to see solo, the app includes curated itineraries that can be tailored to your interests and time available. These itineraries help visitors prioritize certain works without feeling overwhelmed by the museum’s size.

Comfortable footwear is essential, as the Louvre’s galleries stretch over 72,735 square meters and visiting even a portion of the collection can involve several kilometers of walking. Wear layers, as indoor temperatures can vary depending on the season and the crowd size.

Security checks are mandatory at all entrances; large bags and backpacks are discouraged and may be subject to additional screening or storage. It is advisable to bring only a small bag or purse for ease of movement.

Photography without flash is permitted in most parts of the museum, but tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed. Eating and drinking are prohibited inside the galleries, though several cafés within the museum provide rest stops with light meals and refreshments.

The Louvre contains several cafés and restaurants where visitors can pause to rest and refresh. The Café Richelieu-Angelina, located near the Denon Wing, is famous for its luxurious hot chocolate and traditional French pastries. Its large windows offer views onto the Louvre’s inner courtyard, allowing you to relax while watching the flow of visitors outside.

For a casual bite, the Café Mollien provides sandwiches, salads, and coffee in a more informal setting. There are also vending machines scattered throughout the museum for quick snacks and drinks.

Restrooms and seating areas are available on every floor, though they can become crowded during peak times. If you need to leave and re-enter, keep your ticket handy, as it allows re-entry on the same day.

The Louvre is accessible by several metro lines. Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre station (Lines 1 and 7) exits just steps from the Pyramid entrance. Alternatively, the Louvre-Rivoli station (Line 1) is nearby on Rue de Rivoli. Numerous bus lines, including 21, 24, 27, and 39, stop near the museum.

If you prefer to walk, the museum sits along the Seine River, east of the Tuileries Garden and Place du Carrousel. Nearby landmarks include the Pont des Arts pedestrian bridge and the historic Palais Royal with its elegant arcades and gardens.

For cyclists, Paris’s Vélib’ bike-sharing stations surround the Louvre area. Taxi stands and ride-share pick-up points line Rue de Rivoli and nearby streets.

Arriving at opening time or during the late Friday openings is the best way to avoid the thickest crowds that gather around major artworks like the Mona Lisa. Weekends and public holidays tend to be the busiest, so if your schedule allows, plan your visit on a weekday.

Using the less popular entrances, such as the Carrousel du Louvre, can save time waiting in line. Also, consider visiting during the winter months when tourist numbers dip slightly.

Focus your visit by selecting a few sections or artworks to study rather than attempting to see everything. The museum’s size means seeing every piece in one day is impossible and can lead to fatigue.

Keep a water bottle with you, and make use of seating areas throughout the galleries to rest.