Louvre Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Louvre Museum
Louvre Museum
4.5
Points of Interest & LandmarksArchitectural BuildingsArt Museums
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 9:45 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
As one of the largest, oldest, and grandest museums in the world, the Louvre hosts a treasure trove of artworks spanning diverse cultures and periods of history. Marvel at the museum’s greatest hits: the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, Winged Victory, and stunning collections of prized paintings and Greek and Roman statues. It’s not possible to see all of the museum in one visit, so be inspired to return for your next trip to Paris. Buy timed-entry tickets online to skip the lines as the museum is usually packed. You can also join a guided tour to enjoy a curated experience organized and led by an expert. – Tripadvisor
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Admission tickets
from $43.33
All you need to step foot in the door.
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Louvre / Palais-Royal
From the majestic Louvre to the regal Palais-Royal, this neighborhood oozes luxury. The grand arches along Rue de Rivoli are shadowed by mosaics in front of decorated vitrines and hotels. Place Vendôme is lined with the world’s best jewelers and their glittering window displays. Every other establishment has someone to open the door for you or park your car. You can spend hours gazing at its haute couture shops or lingering over a meal at any of its chic eateries. After all that indulgence, the Tuileries gardens provide stately respite, while theaters compete for your applause. It's a neighborhood that draws admirers from around the world, all attracted to the luxe life in Paris.
How to get there
  • Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre • 3 min walk
  • Louvre – Rivoli • 5 min walk
Reach out directly
See what travelers are saying
  • Dool15
    Tennessee116 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    At Last I Made It!
    I have been wanting to visit the Louvre for 15 years. I did not make it on my first trip to Paris so it was definitely at the top of my list on this trip. It did not disappoint! The line went quickly, maybe waited for 25 minutes before passing through security. The museum is so vast. We spent most of our time in the Denon Wing which houses many of the most popular pieces. Although most people go to see the Mona Lisa, take time to enjoy many of the other paintings and statues. You may consider finding a written guide to help you navigate through the museum (I used Rick Steves’) or a local guide who can help you navigate through the museum efficiently as you learn about the artists and their art.
    Amy H, we are glad that you enjoyed your visit!
    Written May 9, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited May 2022
    Traveled with friends
    Written April 30, 2023
  • Lakhbir Singh
    Vancouver, Canada235 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Home of the Mona Lisa - Need I say more
    Largest museum in the world. Put on your walking shoes and get the audio guide. It took me 6 hours to walk through the whole museum. The Mona Lisa is the star attraction. The glass ceiling statue room was spectacular. Make sure you take pictures outside during the sunset of the pyramid. If your friends and family know you went to Paris they are going to ask about the Louvre. It is a must-see attraction like the Eiffel Tower.
    Visited April 2023
    Written May 1, 2023
  • Angelo Z
    Evant, Texas300 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Louvre
    What can one say it’s the Louvre. The history of art on display. There is little way around the lines and crowds even when buying tickets in advance but you should. To me it was a must see, glad we did , seeing the art one hears so much about made it worth while.
    Angelo Z, thank you very much for your comment. We are delighted that you enjoyed your visit !
    Written May 9, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 3, 2023
  • Lnihiser
    Dunedin, Florida151 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A wonderful museum
    I spent most of the day at the Louvre. I recommend if you’re in Paris to make it a point to go. It has every kind of artwork you could possibly want including the Mona Lisa. All kind of statues from every part of history you could ever want. it’s really worth the time and money. The money was 15 euro to get in and even though you did not have a ticket it didn’t take more than 20 or 30 minutes to get in the door and it was really crowded so I definitely recommend it. This is an awesome place
    Lnihiser, thank you very much for your comment. We are delighted that you enjoyed your visit !
    Written May 25, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written May 5, 2023
  • Ravjeet Singh Bindra
    46 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Must visit in Paris
    It is an amazing museum with alot of good artifacts and paintings. Its a must visit for all the people visiting Paris. Make sure take the audio guide as the. The line might look big but it is a fast moving line so dont worry and go for it
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 7, 2023
  • Vickilynn111
    Douglasville, Georgia149 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Art Galore
    An extremely big multi level museum. A lot to see including the Mona Lisa. Wear comfortable shoes. Plan ahead the line outside gets long. But once inside you’ll enjoy the art.
    Visited November 2022
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 9, 2023
  • Sheila B
    9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful
    It was wonderful seeing these paintings in person, I was shocked at the size of them, I wish the line to see the Mona Lisa had been a little more managed, people we're clamoring and cutting in line, as if they weren't going to get to see it... I felt they needed someone to manage it a little better, lots of pushing and shoving. :-(
    Visited May 2023
    Written May 9, 2023
  • thisgirl_Gray
    Los Angeles, California2,384 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fun all day activity
    The Louvre Museum is a nice all day activity for museum lovers. Most people only visit to the famed Mona Lisa, but this museum has so much more to offer if you enjoy historical art, sculptures, and artifacts. I've been several times and still haven't seen everything in this museum, so my advice would be to plan your day according to what you would like to see, the entry is timed, so I advise to get an esely entry time so you are not feeling rushed if you like to browsw. However, certain popular works can be crowded so there may be some slight wait times to get through the rooms. All in all, I recommend visiting the Louvre at least once in your life.
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written May 15, 2023
  • beachlovernc2015
    Leland, North Carolina1,948 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Do NOT go without a plan!!!
    You must have timed tickets for entry and don't be late. We got in line about 30 minutes ahead. Security is good and they move everyone along. Once you are in the main entry there are maps available of the wings of the museum but if you don't have a plan, you will wander aimlessly. The maps themselves are not very detailed so it is best to have a list of what things you most want to see & where they are located OR pictures on your phone to show the staff to direct you. There are many "highlights" tours you can find on line but everyone has their own interests. We made a list and were able to find most things - it worked well. Do be aware, that the rooms in the museum are not all marked that well & staff is sometimes hard to find. Crowds were manageable- it is a huge place EXCEPT for the Mona Lisa- you just have to be patient, expect to be jostled and you really won't be able to stand and get a good look at it for any length of time. All in all, we are glad we went but there were other museums we enjoyed more.
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 16, 2023
  • Ted G
    18 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Anatomy Lesson at the Louvre
    Guide book in hand, I tailored this visit to my teen, less so for my wife and I. The good news is she loved the vibe of the crowds, the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, and Venus de Milo. I was not prepared for mild shock and offense at the Denon Wing's male nudes. Picaso Museum and the Sophia Reina had not informed her. With the use of her hand she got back into Italian paintings with the Raft of the Medusa and the tempest passed.
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written May 16, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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WanderingWithUsTwo
Phoenix, AZ737 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
This museum could easily double as a maze with all the rooms and passageways! For our first stop we decided to take on the Louvre and we had planned on visiting a few other places later that day. This museum can easily be an entire day visit given the size of it and how many different things there are to see. We easily spent 6 hours there and recommend giving yourself adequate time to explore so you don’t feel rushed. We bought a Paris Museum Pass through @klook for 55 USD per person which gave us access to over 50 museums and monuments in and around Paris for 48 hours. This is a good choice if you know you want to explore several popular museums or attractions within a few days since they offer 2, 4, and 6 day options. But be advised you still need to make a separate ticket reservation for the Louvre using your pass since you need to pick a specific time to enter. If you choose to visit individually the cost is around 19 USD per adult. In many cases in Europe people 25 years or younger are considered youth so be sure you check what category you fall under to avoid paying more for any attractions. There are also many opportunities to enter for free on the first Sunday of each month and certain evenings for most museums. For any museum be sure to bring comfortable shoes and be ready to walk and go up and down stairs. We also suggest eating beforehand since food inside can be expensive and the earlier you can enter the better so you can enjoy more of the space to yourself!
-@wanderingwithustwo
Written May 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rick C
Irving, TX472 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2019
Let me start by saying that I've been to other renowned museums and crowds were expected. The Louvre has made an effort to control the crowds, issuing timed entry tickets, but they still could do better, especially at the entrance.

We came in from the metro so did not enter through the pyramid. Still, the line just to go through security was long, and while it moved quickly, there were people in line that had tickets for much more later. However, the line for the actual admission was not too bad.

It is a big museum, and we got the audio guide. It was not worth the additional cost as it doesn't do a very good job of guiding you through the museum. The paper brochure highlights the best to see in each gallery. Of course, the must sees are the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. While I got to see them both, they could do a better job controlling the crowds at the Mona Lisa.

As I previously said, the museum is huge, as it's composed of multiple buildings attached. If you want to see all the highlights, I'd recommend splitting your visit into two or three days as there is too much to see, and trying to see it all in one day can be overwhelming. Also, some exhibits are not open on certain days of the week, and you may see what will be closed or open on their website. Also, the map shows which days each exhibit is closed.

Overall, one of the world's most impressive museums, but again, they can do a better job with the crowds.
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Foteini V
95 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2019
A great place of history. I would not recommend the audioguide since it does not worth its value. I would also suggest having booked the ticket online prior to your visit and of course go there as early as possible to avoid having to stand on a queue. I went there at the opening hours so I was like the 10th person to enter the museum. You can see more when there are not that many people and of course take great pics as if you were having a private tour in the museum.
Written January 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

P Werrmann
Winter Garden, FL7 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Friends
I am giving only 4 stars because of the atrocious security management at the entrance. Guests without tickets such as myself waited 90 minutes in the cold before being allowed in. A major preference was given to those who purchased admission in advance. Even when those queues were empty, security still wasn’t letting the main line move. When asked why, the curt guard provided no reasoning and said only “patience”. It was almost enough to give up and leave, but I’m glad we stayed. The museum was worth it, but I definitely recommend purchasing tickets in advance.

After getting inside, the experience was great. There was plenty to see but the map was very unhelpful. It was a little disappointing that the Egyptian Antiquities section was closed during our visit, but that just meant we explored other sections. There is truly too much to see in one day. Frankly, the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo aren’t that impressive. I understand their historical significances, but there are far more impressive paintings and sculptures elsewhere in the museum.

If you find yourself in Paris, make sure to stop here. And if you’re under 26 and living/studying in Europe, take advantage of the free admission!
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

GNYC1
New York City, NY50 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
We loved seeing the Louvre. This is one of the iconic places in Paris that is not to be missed. However, do yourself a favor & go there with an established guide.

The guide provides many benefits. To begin with, we skipped the main entry point & the massive crowds & gained access through a side entrance which was fabulous. But if you don't have a guide, make sure to buy advance tickets to avoid the long ticket buying line.

Once inside, our guide knew this enormous museum inside out & expertly navigated us through it's many hallways & passages to get us to the "main attractions" as quickly as possible. The Louvre is massive & crowded & it would have taken us hours to do on our own what our guide accomplished in just over an hour.

Also, we purchased advanced tickets for the DaVinci exhibition inside the Louvre which was just wonderful. This exhibition is not included with general admission & must be separately purchased. One should definitely get tickets as soon as possible if you are heading to Paris in the near future (I'm not sure how much longer it will be there) & wish to see this special exhibition.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jillian McCall
2 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2019
If you are in Paris, you have to see the Louvre, of course! Definitely buy your tickets ahead of time on their website, it's makes your life much easier on the day of your visit, as it is always crowded. I also don't think it's required to have a guided tour. I got the basic ticket with the headset and loved it because I wasn't locked into a certain time frame. You must also avoid anyone "selling tickets" outside the museum, they are fake. Once inside, you get a headset and are let loose into the different wings, it's user friendly and easy to navigate. You can choose to spend 2 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours, whatever. You make it what you want it to be! The only con that I can say is that the Mona Lisa is the most difficult to see, yet the biggest attraction there. I never saw it because the line is insane and it's a whole different ticket and payment to see it. I wish they could find a better way to share this piece with everyone! Though other works of art by DaVinci are view-able and honestly, very similar. Highly recommend the Louvre, don't miss it!
Written January 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

mtbydr
116 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Family
Be careful about the strikes; eventhough it may seem absurd it would be beneficial to read about them before going to the museum. Especially for early tickets (09:00-09:45) you may have to wait outside. It is always worth the price to book a ticket online even in offseason. Dont forget to ask for the online ticket line!
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

travelingkr2011
Houston, TX221 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2019
My husband and I visited Paris for our anniversary and this was by far one of our favorite things to see in Paris! The Louvre Museum is a must see! The architectural design of the buildings outside were great. We purchased our tickets in advance with a 9am entrance time on a Saturday. Because we had our tickets, we were able to get through security and get started in no time at all. We picked up maps in English which were really helpful. The exhibits were beautiful! The Louvre also had many countries represented throughout the building. The Mona Lisa tends to be very crowded but it is worth seeing. The gift shop had some great souvenirs and they were reasonably priced as well. I would recommend visiting this museum when they first open and plan to stay at least 4 hours.
Written July 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

David C
7 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Friends
Travelled to Paris specifically to see the Da Vinci exhibit. Our slot was booked for 8pm on the Friday. When we arrived there were approximately 20-30 protesters blocking the entrance. We were advised by the security on the door that the museum was closed due to the protest and we would be refunded our ticket price. For such a small amount of protesters I cannot understand how a museum such as The Louvre could just shut. Especially as so many people have travelled globally to see this particular exhibit.
Written January 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

David R
Adelaide, Australia66 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
Everyone knows that the Louvre is one of the premier museums (if not the premier museum) in the world. It goes without saying that it is well worth a visit.
Skip the line tickets are a worthwhile investment because the entrance line is generally horrendously long, however a cheaper and better alternative is to go early (within the first 1/2 hour of opening). We left it too late to book skip the line tickets for the day we wanted to go so instead went early and entered through the side entrance about 1/2 hour after opening and joined a line of only 20 or so people. (The line was that short that we wondered whether we were in the wrong line). Sure enough, when we looked out the window at the glass pyramid entrance later while we were having lunch the lines there were massive.
You need pretty much a full day to do the museum justice anyway - even then you cant possibly see everything in just the one day.
Similar to the entrance line, the line to see the Mona Lisa is generally massive. If you go early then do this first thing as the line only gets longer as the day goes on.
Written January 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Louvre Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Frequently Asked Questions about Louvre Museum

Louvre Museum admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost $43.29, while a popular guided tour starts around $5.42 per person.





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