Must-Know Tips for Visiting the Louvre Museum Paris: A Complete First-Timer’s Guide

Visiting the Louvre can feel a little scary because it’s so big! With over 35,000 amazing artworks and lots of people, it might be hard to know where to start. You could easily spend hours walking around the huge halls, missing out on famous art like the Mona Lisa, or standing in long ticket lines.

But don’t worry! I am here to help. This “tips for visiting Louvre Museum Paris” guide will show you how to skip the lines and find your way around the Louvre like a pro.

Whether you are planning your visit on a Friday, entering through the Carrousel du Louvre, or heading straight to the Richelieu Wing, I have all the tips you need to make your visit unforgettable.

Let’s make your visit to the Louvre fun and easy!

Key Takeaways

• The Louvre is really big, with lots of art. Make a plan to know where to go first so you don’t get lost.
• Buy your tickets online to avoid waiting in long lines. You can use the less popular gate Carrousel du Louvre to skip even more lines.
• Make sure to see the Mona Lisa. It is one of the most famous artworks in the world.
• You can use the audio guide. An audio guide can help you learn more about the art.
• The Louvre has cafés like Café Marly and Café Mollien. Take a break and relax before exploring more art.

Short History of the Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum, a wonder of the world, is located in the heart of Paris, France. It is one of the largest and most famous art museums in the world right now. 

In 2023, around 8.9 million people visited the Louvre Museum. This large number made it the world’s most visited museum.

The Louvre Museum’s story starts in 1190. King Philip II of France built a fortress by the Seine River. He wanted to protect Paris from attacks and keep his kingdom safe. This fortress was named the Louvre.

In the 16th century, King François I changed the fortress into a royal residence. It served as a royal palace during the Renaissance and became a public art museum in 1793. Today, the museum holds over 500,000 artworks. It is a must-visit spot in Paris.

Curious about the Louvre’s past? Uncover The Fascinating History of the Louvre Museum in Paris, France.

Why Visit the Louvre Museum in Paris?

The Louvre Museum is the world’s largest museum and one of the most famous places in Paris. Here’s why you should visit:

1. Amazing Artworks Inside the Museum

Inside the Louvre, you can see famous artwork like the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci and the beautiful Venus de Milo sculpture.

Don’t forget to visit the Winged Victory of Samothrace and Liberty Leading the People by Delacroix. There are also permanent collections and temporary exhibitions.

2. The Famous Pyramid

When you first arrive, you will see the huge pyramid made of glass at the museum entrance. It is a famous Parisian landmark. You can also enter via the Carrousel du Louvre or through the Passage Richelieu entrance.

3. Lots of Things to See

The Louvre offers so much to see. Make sure to visit the Denon Wing and the first floor for amazing paintings. If you are planning to visit, prepare for your visit by buying Louvre tickets in advance and picking a time slot to avoid the queues.

4. Guided Tours to Help You

The museum offers guided tours for a better understanding. The official website has everything you need to know about booking a tour.

5. Relax in the Tuileries Gardens

After visiting the museum, you can relax in the Tuileries Gardens near the museum. It is a beautiful place to walk and enjoy the view of the Seine River.

The Louvre Museum is accessible to all visitors and offers a free Wi-Fi network. Make sure to plan enough time to explore and enter the artwork to experience everything inside.

Can’t decide between the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay? Find out in Louvre vs Musée d’Orsay: Which Paris Museum Should You Visit?

The Louvre Museum’s opening hours

Want to see the best of Paris? Check out Louvre Museum to Arc de Triomphe: Best Route and Top Sights.

Best Time to Visit the Louvre Museum

Night Visits vs. Day Visits

Special Ambiance of Night Visits: When you visit the Louvre at night, it feels very special. There are fewer people. It is peaceful, and you can see the art in a calm, quiet way.

Extended Hours on Fridays: On Wednesday and Friday, the Louvre stays open late. You can visit until 9:00 PM. This is a good time to go if you don’t like crowds.

Want to skip the crowds at the Louvre? Learn When Is The Best Time to Visit Louvre Museum?

Types of Louvre Museum Tickets 2025

There are various types of tickets for the Louvre Museum. They Are:

1. General Admission Ticket

This ticket allows visitors to access the permanent collections of the museum.

2. Permanent Collections + Temporary Exhibitions Ticket

The Louvre Museum often hosts various temporary exhibitions. These tickets grant access to both permanent collections and temporary exhibitions.

• Louvre Museum Reserved Tour Entry Ticket
• Louvre Museum Permanent collection tickets
• Louvre Museum Ticket with Full Access

3. Skip-the-Line Ticket

Skip-the-line tickets help visitors avoid waiting in lines to enter the museum.

4. Guided Tours

Guided tour tickets include an expert guide to assist the visitors. Guides will help you with everything from planning the visit to exiting the museum.

5. Audioguide Tickets

If you want to learn about history and facts but don’t want a guide, audio guide tickets are the best option for you.

• Louvre Museum Audio Guide Tour
• Louvre Museum Audio Guide Reserved Ticket
• Louvre Museum Audio Guide Ticket

Confused about Louvre tickets? Get all the details in How to Buy Louvre Museum Tickets: A Guide.

How to Get Louvre Museum Tickets & Skip the Lines

To avoid long lines, get your Louvre Museum tickets ahead of time. Here is the process:

Buying Tickets Online vs. On-Site

The best way to get tickets for the Musée du Louvre is to buy them online. You can visit the Louvre website or other trusted ticket sites like Tours Travel Finder or GetYourGuide. If you buy tickets at the museum, you might have to wait. Buying online is much faster.

Louvre ticket pricing & discounts: Tickets usually cost around €22, but you can get discounts if you are a student or under 18. Check the Louvre website for the latest prices.

Entry Points & How to Avoid Queues

Secret Entrances to Avoid Crowds

• To avoid the crowds, you can enter through the Carrousel du Louvre shopping center. This is a secret entrance that is quieter than the front of the pyramid.

Paris Museum Pass & Priority Access

• If you want to skip the line, you can get a Paris Museum Pass. This pass gives you priority access to the Louvre and many other museums in Paris.

Free Entry Days & Special Discounts

Who Gets in Free?

• Visitors under the age of 18 can enter the Louvre for free. Visitors between 18 and 26 years old who live in the European Union can also enter for free.

First Sunday of the Month Access

• The Louvre is free for all visitors on the first Friday of the month. It’s a great time to visit if you want to see the museum and save money.

Skip the crowds and explore the Louvre under the stars. Book your private night tour now.

Must-See Artworks & Hidden Gems

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Top 5 Must-See Artworks

1. Mona Lisa: The most famous painting in the largest museums in the world. You can find it in the Denon Wing.
2. Venus de Milo: A beautiful statue of an ancient woman. It is located in the Greek and Roman Art section.
3. Winged Victory of Samothrace: A statue of a woman with wings, on the top of the stairs.
4. The Raft of the Medusa: A huge painting of a shipwreck. It is found in the Sully Wing.
5. Liberty Leading the People: A powerful painting showing the fight for freedom.

Looking for the Mona Lisa? Find out Your Guide to Where is Mona Lisa in the Louvre Museum.

Hidden Gems of Musée de Louvre

There are also hidden gems in the Louvre that many people miss! Here are some cool things to see:

• The Code of Hammurabi
• The Marly Horses
• Porte des Lions
• The Wedding Feast at Cana by Paolo Veronese
• The Death of Sardanapalus by Delacroix
• The St. John the Baptist by Leonardo da Vinci

Best Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

If it is your first time visiting the Louvre, here’s a good itinerary for your visit:

1. Start at the front of the pyramid and enter through the main entrance.
2. Go to the Mona Lisa first, as it is the most famous.
3. Then, see the Venus de Milo and Winged Victory.
4. If you have time, visit the hidden corners, like the Porte des Lions.

Love Impressionist art? Discover the Impressionist Museum in Paris: A Journey Through Art.

How to Make the Most of Your Louvre Visit

1. Get Your Tickets Early: Book online to skip long lines. Fast-track tickets can get you in even faster.

2. Go Early or Late: Go in the morning or late day for a better deal on Louvre tickets and a less crowded experience.

3. Pick a Few Artworks to See: The Louvre is huge. Pick a few highlights like the Mona Lisa or The Winged Victory of Samothrace.

4. Take Your Time: Study the artwork and its descriptions. The audio guides offer additional insight.

5. Visit the Gardens: Relax at the Jardin des Tuileries, a beautiful park next to the Louvre.

6. Use the Cloakroom: If you have a backpack or coat, you can leave them in the cloakroom inside the museum.

7. Bring Snacks: You might feel hungry while walking. You can bring snacks or visit a café in the museum for something tasty.

Should You Take a Guided Tour?

A guided tour is a great way to see the best parts of the Louvre. A guide can help you understand the art and ensure you have an unforgettable visit. You can find tours on the Louvre website or through a shopping centre near the museum.

How Much Time Should You Spend in the Louvre?

The Louvre is the world’s largest museum, and there’s a lot to see. It is good to plan your visit. You should spend at least 2-3 hours to see the big artworks like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. If you want to see everything, it might take a full day.

Visiting the Louvre? Discover the top things to do nearby for an unforgettable Parisian experience.

Top Tips for an Unforgettable Experience

• Wear Comfortable Shoes: You need to walk a lot at the Louvre, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes. Your feet will thank you.
• Plan Enough Time: The Louvre is very big, so plan at least three hours to explore. If you want to see more, you might need even longer.
• Download a Museum Map: Before you go, download a map of the Louvre. It will help you find your way around and see all the cool things.

See the best landmarks of Paris! Get your Complete Guide from Louvre Museum to Notre Dame de Paris.

Other attractions in Paris

Make the most of your Paris trip! Check out Top Attractions Near Louvre Museum: Your Paris Tour Guide for top sights nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you take photos inside the Louvre?

Yes, but flash photography, tripods, and selfie sticks are not allowed. Some temporary exhibits may also prohibit photography.

Is it worth getting a guided tour of the Louvre?

Guided tours provide expert insights and save time. However, self-guided visits using a museum app can also be enjoyable and flexible.

What are the best entrances to avoid long lines?

Skip the Pyramid entrance and use the Carrousel du Louvre or Porte des Lions entrances for shorter queues.

Conclusions

The Louvre is full of amazing art and cool things to see. If you prepare for your visit and follow these tips, you will have an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve visited before, you will see something new and exciting every time.