Every trip to Paris includes a Louvre day—and that’s exactly why it can go sideways fast. The crowds, the maze-like galleries, the overload of masterpieces. But with the right tips and a little planning, you can skip the chaos, sidestep the lines, and still stand face-to-face with the Mona Lisa. Here’s how to visit the Louvre like a Tour Guy insider.
Before it was a museum, the Louvre was a medieval fortress, then a royal palace, and finally transformed into the art capital of the world. Its halls house 5,000 years of human creativity, from Mesopotamian tablets to masterpieces by da Vinci, Delacroix, and David. But all that glory comes with long lines, confusing layouts, and rookie mistakes.
Let’s jump into the most important things you need to know about visiting the Louvre.
Louvre Tickets and Opening Hours in 2025
So, how much does it cost to visit the Louvre? Here’s what you need to know:
The Louvre sits right in the heart of Paris, between the Seine River and the historic Palais Royal. It’s easy to reach by metro, taxi, and on foot.
On Foot: 3 minutes from Palais Royal, 10 minutes from Île de la Cité, or 15 minutes from Notre-Dame.
Metro: Lines 1 or 7 to Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre. Use the underground entrance via Carrousel du Louvre for faster security.
Bus: Lines 21, 24, 27, 39, 68, 69, 72, 81, 95. Get off near Rue de Rivoli or Quai François Mitterrand.
Taxi: Tell your driver “Carrousel du Louvre.” It’s covered, less hectic, and leads straight into the museum.
Interessante Fact: During World War II, thousands of masterpieces were secretly evacuated from the Louvre and hidden in castles across France to avoid Nazi looting.
👉 Want a local to lead the way? Our Paris in a Day Tour includes a guided Louvre visit, Latin Quarter walk, and Eiffel Tower views.
Best Guided Tours
A guided tour isn’t just for art buffs—it’s the smartest way to skip lines, avoid wandering aimlessly, and get the stories behind the art.
To make the most of your Louvre visit, follow these tried-and-true tips:
Book timed tickets well in advance.
Don’t try to see everything—pick a few wings or join a guided tour.
Wednesday and Friday late nights (open to 9 pm) mean fewer school groups.
Approach the Mona Lisa from the side, not straight-on.
Leave bulky bags at home. Lockers fill fast, and security may refuse large items.
Secret Tip
Grab a 19:30 entry on Friday. Head straight for the Mona Lisa, then double back to the Winged Victory staircase as the guards begin their sweep. You’ll watch Nike hover in moonlight pouring through the glass roof—likely alone.
👉 Want a real treat? Book the Louvre at Closing Time Tourand let your guide lead you through emptying halls as night falls.
Interessante Fact: During WWII, the Nazis used the Louvre as a storage house for looted art. But thanks to Jacques Jaujard, over 4,000 masterpieces were smuggled out and hidden in Loire Valley chateaux.
How Long Is a Louvre Tour?
A typical guided tour of the Louvre lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours and covers the museum’s top highlights without feeling rushed. If you’re exploring on your own, plan for at least 3 hours. Add an extra 30–60 minutes if you’re stopping for lunch, browsing gift shops, or detouring into less-visited galleries.
What to See at the Louvre
With so many galleries, it’s hard to know where to begin. These are worth the hype:
The Mona Lisa
👀 Click the name of the masterpiece for a detailed explanation.
The Mona Lisa: She’s tiny and behind glass, but still magnetic. Approach from the side to avoid the line.
Winged Victory of Samothrace: Sitting triumphantly atop the Daru staircase, this Greek sculpture is best viewed from the front-left angle, where her draped clothing looks windswept.
Venus de Milo: Likely Aphrodite—but nobody knows for sure. She might even be Amphitrite.
Yes, without one you will have to wait in a long line and may not get in.
Is the Louvre open every day?
No, it’s closed on Tuesdays and major holidays (Jan 1, May 1, Dec 25).
Can I visit just the Mona Lisa at the Louvre?
Technically yes, but the layout makes it a 20+ minute walk from the entrance.
Is the Louvre accessible?
Yes, but check elevator access and routes in advance.
Do I need to print my ticket?
No, digital tickets on your phone scan just fine.
Can I see everything in one day?
Not realistically. At 30 seconds per artwork, you’d need 100 days non-stop.
Final Thoughts
Treating the Louvre as a quick Mona Lisa pit‑stop is like ordering plain bread in a three‑star bistro. Slow down, book the right ticket (or better, a guide), and let Victory, Liberty, and 5,000 years of genius wash over you.
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Sean is a co-founder and owner of The Tour Guy and its subsidiary The Roman Guy. He studied finance and statistics, but that is his "Dr. Jekyll" side! His "Mr. Hyde" is in love with travel, art, history, and culture. Sean has read libraries of historical text and believes that all internet content should come from books. A practice he follows!
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