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.
👉 Ready to lock in your visit? Grab our Secrets of the Louvre Museum Tour with Mona Lisa.
Skip to What You Came Here For
How to Get to the Louvre Museum in Paris
It’s straightforward, but still requires a bit of know-how.
- 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.
What to See at the Louvre
With so many galleries, it’s hard to know where to begin. These are worth the hype:
👀 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.
- Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss: Canova’s romantic masterpiece, complete with a handle to rotate the sculpture.
- The Coronation of Napoleon: Over 100 people are featured, including Napoleon’s mom, who didn’t even attend.
- Liberty Leading the People: The July Revolution of 1830 depicted in oil paint by Delacroix.
- The Raft of the Medusa: Cannibalism, despair, and political scandal all on one massive canvas.
- Sleeping Hermaphrodite: Walk around it—you’ll see why ancient sculptors were so obsessed.
- Great Sphinx of Tanis: A guardian figure whose original inscriptions were replaced by pharaohs over centuries.
Interessante Fact: Only 10 percent of the Louvre’s collection is displayed.
👉 Our Semi-Private Louvre Tour with Mona Lisa leads you to each of these must-sees, with expert storytelling along the way.
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.
Secrets of the Louvre Museum Tour with Mona Lisa
2.5 hrs | €€
Skip the lines, hit the highlights, and explore the crown jewels in the Galerie d’Apollon.
Louvre at Closing Time Tour
2 hrs | €€
Fewer crowds, famous masterpieces, and golden-hour lighting.
Private Louvre Tour with Expert Guide
2.5 hrs | €€€
See the Louvre at your own pace with a tailored itinerary and expert guide.
Paris in a Day Tour
8 hrs | €€€
The Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Montmartre, and a Seine cruise.
Interessante Fact: Tour Guy groups use an expedited security lane shared with museum staff—worth its weight in euros on rainy mornings.
👉 Not ready to book? Check out our full breakdown of the Best Louvre Tours to Take and Why.
Louvre Tickets and Opening Hours in 2025
If you’re not booking a tour, this section is critical.
Opening Hours:
- Monday: 9 am – 6 pm
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 9 am – 9:45 pm
- Thursday: 9 am – 6 pm
- Friday: 9 am – 9:45 pm
- Saturday & Sunday: 9 am – 6 pm
Closed: Jan 1, May 1, Dec 25
Tickets:
- Adults: €22
- EU residents (18–25): Free (with ID)
- Under 18: Free (with ID)
Interessante Fact: The Louvre wasn’t always a museum—it was originally a fortress built in the 12th century.
👉 Our Louvre tours include skip-the-line entry, so you don’t have to worry about timing or logistics.
What to Skip at the Louvre
Most travelers waste hours or miss the good stuff. Avoid these rookie mistakes:
- Don’t come without timed tickets. Even in shoulder season, you’ll likely get turned away.
- Avoid the free first Friday unless you love crowds more than art.
- Don’t expect to “do it all.” This museum can’t be conquered in one go.
- Skip the Pyramid Starbucks unless you’re desperate. Paris has better coffee 30 steps away.
Interessante Fact: The Louvre has so much art that if you spent 30 seconds at each piece, you’d need 100 days to see it all.
Secret Tip for Visiting the Louvre
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 Tour and 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.
Where to Eat Near the Louvre
Avoid overpriced tourist traps. Here’s where to eat before or after your visit:
- Maison Maison | €€ | Drinks on the Seine
Outdoor seating, small plates, and great views. Best for post-museum lounging.
- La Régalade Saint-Honoré | €€€ | Bistro Vibes
Duck hearts and rabbit shepherd’s pie—this spot takes French food seriously.
- Le Grand Véfour | €€€€ | Historic Fine Dining
Napoleon and Josephine dined here. The interior alone is worth the visit.
- Le Louvre Ripaille | €€ | Local Favorite
Hearty French food and solid prices just steps from the museum.
- Télescope | € | Specialty Coffee
Tiny café in Little Tokyo, perfect for pre-tour caffeine.
👉 Check out our full guide to restaurants near the Louvre—hand-picked by our local experts.
How to Visit the Louvre: 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.
👉 Want more expert Paris advice?
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