If Paris is on your list, the Louvre should be too. With a little planning, even infrequent travelers can see the big highlights without feeling rushed. Before you go, skim our Airport Security Made Simple in 2025 so your museum day starts stress-free.
Quick facts
- Open most days 9:00–18:00, late hours to 21:00 on Wednesdays and Fridays. Closed Tuesdays.
- Timed-entry tickets strongly recommended. Standard price is €22.
- Free admission for under 18s and many visitors 18–25 who reside in the EEA. Also free for everyone after 18:00 on the first Friday of the month, except July and August.
- Your Louvre ticket also includes the Musée National Eugène-Delacroix the same day and the next day it is open.
- Photography is allowed in permanent collections (no flash, no selfie sticks). Large luggage is not allowed; free lockers are under the Pyramid.
Packing light helps you move faster and skip bag hassles. Use our Carry-On Only Essentials checklist to keep things simple.
Why the Louvre belongs on your Paris list
The Louvre is more than famous paintings. It’s a walk through 800 years of history inside a former royal palace, with galleries that span ancient Egypt to 19th-century France. You can chase the hits or slow down and explore quieter corners. Either way, you’ll leave with stories worth sharing.
Plan like a pro
Buy timed-entry tickets
Grab your time slot online before you go. It saves you from standing in the wrong line and keeps your day on track. If you’re booking flights late, our guide to Last-Minute Flight Deals can still shave costs.
Pick the right entrance
- Pyramid Entrance: most iconic, well organized for timed tickets.
- Carrousel du Louvre Entrance: underground access via the mall and Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre metro. Great in bad weather and connects from the parking garage.
Think through timing
- Go early morning or after 16:00 for lighter crowds.
- Use late hours on Wednesdays and Fridays to see big hitters with fewer people.
- If your dates line up, the first Friday evening of the month after 18:00 is free for everyone (except July and August).
Pack light and wear comfy shoes
Skip large bags and umbrellas you can’t stow. You’ll walk a lot, so sneakers are your friend. Lockers are free for small items under the Pyramid. For what to bring (and leave out), see Carry-On Only Essentials.
Planning a quick Paris stop as part of a short trip? Steal ideas from our Weekend Getaway Ideas to make the most of limited time.
Choose your route
Here are simple, no-stress routes based on how much time you have. Start at the Denon Wing for the “greatest hits,” then branch to Sully and Richelieu.
90 minutes to 2 hours: the essentials
- Winged Victory of Samothrace (Denon, Daru staircase)
- Mona Lisa in the Salle des États (Denon)
- Liberty Leading the People by Delacroix (Denon)
If you have a few extra minutes, add The Coronation of Napoleon and The Raft of the Medusa nearby.
Half day: classics plus palace vibes
- Start with the essentials above.
- Venus de Milo (Sully)
- Great Sphinx of Tanis or your favorite Egyptian gallery (Sully)
- Napoleon III Apartments for that gilded wow moment (Richelieu)
Full day: deep dive
Use the museum map or app to build a loop across Denon, Sully, and Richelieu. Mix marquee works with galleries you love most, like Islamic art, Italian Renaissance painting, or French sculpture. Plan breaks every 90–120 minutes so you don’t burn out. For airport day tips that pair well with long museum days, read Airport Security Made Simple in 2025.
Beyond the famous works
- Michelangelo’s The Dying Slave and The Rebellious Slave
- Islamic Art galleries with sweeping, light-filled displays
- Decorative Arts and period rooms for a sense of how people actually lived
Tip: If a room feels packed, pivot to a nearby gallery. The joy of the Louvre is how easy it is to stumble onto a new favorite.
The palace and pyramids
Outside, pause in the Cour Napoléon to enjoy I. M. Pei’s glass Pyramid framed by centuries-old façades. Inside, look for the medieval foundations and the Inverted Pyramid in the Carrousel du Louvre. It’s an easy way to appreciate Paris’s blend of old and new.
Good to know
- Any exit is final, so plan restroom and snack breaks before leaving the secure area.
- Photography is fine in permanent collections without flash. Temporary exhibits can restrict photography.
- Large luggage is not allowed. Maximum item size is roughly 55 x 35 x 20 cm.
- Accessibility is taken seriously. Priority access and free admission are available for many visitors with disabilities and one companion.
Flying into a busy hub? Our roundup of the Best U.S. Airports for International Travel can help you pick routes that save time and money before you even land in Paris.
Make it a two-museum combo
Your Louvre ticket also covers the intimate Musée National Eugène-Delacroix in Saint-Germain the same day and the next open day. It’s a calm follow-up with a lovely studio and garden.
What to see nearby
- Tuileries Garden for a slow stroll and a café stop
- Place de la Concorde and the Seine
- Pont des Arts footbridge for river views
Short on time? Use our Weekend Getaway Ideas framework to plan a high-impact Paris day and still feel relaxed.
FAQ
How long should I plan?
First-timers do well with 2–3 hours for highlights or a half day with a café break. Art lovers can happily spend a full day. If you’re squeezing the Louvre into a quick trip, see Weekend Getaway Ideas for pacing.
Do I need a guided tour?
Not required, but tours add great context. If you go solo, download the map, pick a wing, and give yourself permission to skip. Pack smart with our Carry-On Only Essentials.
Best time to avoid crowds?
Weekday mornings right at opening, or evenings on Wednesday and Friday.
Can I take photos?
Yes, in most permanent galleries without flash. Temporary exhibits can restrict photography.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes. There are elevators, rest areas, and family services. Keep expectations simple and plan a snack stop.