Paris has a way of capturing the imagination like few cities on earth. Its grand boulevards, elegant cafés, world-famous landmarks, and centuries of history make it one of the world’s most visited destinations. But with so much to see, planning a trip can quickly become overwhelming.
Among Paris’s greatest attractions stands the Louvre Museum. Visitors flock from around the globe to see Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and thousands of other artistic treasures. The crowds are legendary, with lines often stretching across the courtyard beneath I. M. Pei’s iconic glass pyramid.
Fortunately, visiting the Louvre doesn’t have to be intimidating.
As a professional historian who has explored museums throughout Europe, I’ve learned that a little planning goes a long way. In this guide, I’ll show you how to buy Louvre tickets, whether a guided tour is worth it, what masterpieces shouldn’t be missed, and how to appreciate the fascinating history of what was once the palace of French kings.
Whether you’re visiting Paris for the first time or returning to discover something new, this guide will help you make the most of your time in one of the world’s greatest museums.
Louvre Museum at a Glance
| Location | 1st Arrondissement, Paris |
| Recommended Visit | 3–5 hours |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; Wednesdays & Fridays until 9:00 p.m.; closed Tuesdays |
| Best Tour | LivTours Mona Lisa First Viewing Semi-Private Tour |
| Should You Book Ahead? | Absolutely |
| Skip-the-Line Worth It? | Yes—especially in peak season |
| Best For | Art lovers, history buffs, first-time Paris visitors |
| Don’t Miss | Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace, Liberty Leading the People |
Why Visit the Louvre? Historian’s Perspective
The Louvre isn’t just another art museum—it’s one of the greatest cultural institutions on Earth.
Housed inside a magnificent royal palace on the banks of the Seine, the Louvre contains works spanning more than 5,000 years of human history. Ancient Egyptian antiquities, Greek sculptures, Renaissance masterpieces, French crown jewels, and spectacular decorative arts all share the same sprawling palace.
While most visitors come to see Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, they quickly discover that the Louvre offers so much more. You’ll find yourself face-to-face with an Egyptian sphinx, wandering around Napoleon’s lavish apartments, or viewing an enormous painting depicting his coronation. Turn another corner and you’ll encounter breathtaking ceilings, marble staircases, and ornate salons that remind you this was once the residence of French kings.
As a historian, I love that the Louvre itself tells a remarkable story. Many visitors think of the Louvre simply as an art museum, but I encourage you to look beyond the paintings. Before becoming one of the world’s most famous museums, the Louvre protected medieval Paris as a fortress, evolved into a magnificent palace, and served as home to generations of French monarchs. As you wander through its galleries, remember that the building itself is one of the museum’s greatest artifacts.
Should You Take a Guided Louvre Tour?
If you’re only planning to visit the Louvre once, I strongly recommend taking a guided tour.
The museum is enormous. With hundreds of rooms and tens of thousands of works on display, it’s surprisingly easy to spend hours wandering without seeing many of the highlights. While you could certainly explore on your own, a knowledgeable guide transforms the experience by explaining the stories behind the museum’s greatest masterpieces while navigating efficiently through the palace.
A quality guide also provides historical context that you simply won’t get from reading small information plaques. Instead of merely seeing the Mona Lisa, you’ll understand why it became the world’s most famous painting. Rather than walking past the Winged Victory of Samothrace, you’ll learn why this Hellenistic sculpture continues to captivate visitors more than 2,000 years after it was carved.
Another major advantage is saving valuable vacation time. Many guided tours include reserved entry or priority access, allowing you to spend more time admiring art instead of standing in line. During the busy spring and summer months, that alone can make the extra cost worthwhile. Time-slot reservations are strongly recommended, even for visitors with standard admission tickets.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply want to experience the Louvre’s greatest treasures without feeling overwhelmed, a guided tour is one of the best investments you can make during your visit to Paris.
⭐ Amy’s Favorite Louvre Tour
LivTours Mona Lisa First Viewing Semi-Private Tour
If I could recommend only one Louvre tour, this would be it. One of the biggest challenges at the Louvre is the crowds. By midday, the galleries surrounding the Mona Lisa can become packed with visitors, making it difficult to fully appreciate the museum’s most famous painting. LivTours solves that problem by offering early access that allows guests to experience the Mona Lisa before the largest crowds arrive.
I also love that LivTours keeps its groups small—no more than six guests. That means you can actually hear your guide, ask questions, and enjoy a much more personal experience than the large groups often found elsewhere.
As a historian, I especially appreciate guides who do more than recite dates and names. LivTours’ expert guides bring the artwork to life through fascinating stories about the artists, French history, and the royal palace itself. Rather than rushing from masterpiece to masterpiece, you’ll leave with a much deeper understanding of why these works have inspired visitors for centuries.
Why I recommend this tour: semi-private groups(maximum six guests), early access to the Mona Lisa before peak crowds, expert English-speaking guides, skip-the-line entry, visits many of the Louvre’s most famous masterpieces, and lasts for one and half hours which is a perfect time so that you aren’t worn out. If your budget allows for one museum tour in Paris, make it this one. Seeing the Mona Lisa before the largest crowds arrive creates a far more enjoyable experience than trying to peer over dozens of smartphones later in the day.
Save 10% on two or more LivTours experiences with my exclusive discount code: AMYRH10 and my affiliate link: https://livtours.com/tours/mona-lisa-first-viewing-semi-private-louvre-tour?af_code=E1DDN61
Louvre Tour Comparison
| Tour | Best For | Group Size | My Rating |
| LivTours Mona Lisa First Viewing | First-time visitors, art lovers, avoiding crowds | Maximum 6 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amy’s Favorite |
| The Tour Guy Secrets of the Louvre | Great overview of the museum’s highlights | Small Group | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| The Tour Guy Closing Time Louvre Tour | Smaller evening crowds | Small Group | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| GetYourGuide Louvre Masterpieces Tour | Budget-friendly guided experience | Varies | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Viator Louvre Tours | Largest selection of tour options | Varies | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
Before You Go
A little planning can make the difference between an exhausting visit and an unforgettable one.
Reserve your tickets well in advance, arrive early, wear comfortable shoes, and don’t try to see everything in a single visit. The Louvre rewards visitors who slow down and appreciate both its masterpieces and its extraordinary history.
Louvre History: From Medieval Fortress to the World’s Greatest Museum
Long before it became home to Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa or the elegant Venus de Milo, the Louvre stood as one of the most important buildings in France. Over more than 800 years, it has served as a fortress, royal palace, government building, and finally one of the world’s greatest museums.
As a historian, I think understanding the building’s evolution makes visiting the Louvre even more rewarding. Every gallery, grand staircase, and ornate ceiling reflects another chapter in the history of France.
A Medieval Fortress (1190)
When I approach the Louvre, my heart races. Before I set eyes on a single painting or sculpture, I feast on the biggest work of art of all—the palace itself. The Louvre’s story begins in 1190 when King Philippe Auguste (Philip II) ordered the construction of a massive stone fortress along the right bank of the Seine. At the time, Paris was still a relatively compact medieval city vulnerable to invasion, particularly from the English during the conflicts that would eventually culminate in the Hundred Years’ War.
The fortress featured thick defensive walls, towers, and an enormous central keep nearly 100 feet tall. Rather than serving as a royal residence, the original Louvre functioned primarily as a military stronghold protecting the western edge of Paris.
Today, visitors can still see the foundations of this medieval fortress in the museum’s lower level—a fascinating reminder that beneath one of the world’s greatest art museums lies one of medieval France’s most important castles.
From Fortress to Royal Palace
As Paris expanded beyond its medieval walls, the Louvre gradually lost its strategic military importance. King Charles V transformed the fortress into a royal residence between 1364 and 1380. His architect, Raymond du Temple, softened the austere military structure by adding elegant windows, decorative towers, elaborate staircases, and comfortable royal apartments.
For the first time, the Louvre became more than a fortress—it became a palace worthy of the French monarchy. Although later rulers dramatically altered the building, Charles V laid the foundation for the Louvre’s future as one of Europe’s great royal residences.
The Louvre During the Renaissance
By the early sixteenth century, medieval castles had fallen out of fashion. Inspired by the beauty of Renaissance Italy, King François I envisioned a palace that reflected the elegance of Florence and Rome rather than the defensive architecture of the Middle Ages.
Beginning in 1527, much of the medieval Louvre was demolished and replaced with magnificent Renaissance architecture. François I also played another crucial role in the museum’s history: he became one of France’s greatest art collectors.
It was François I who invited Leonardo da Vinci to spend the final years of his life in France. Leonardo accepted the invitation, bringing several of his paintings—including the Mona Lisa—with him. After Leonardo’s death in 1519, the painting entered the French royal collection, eventually finding its permanent home in the Louvre centuries later. Much of the Renaissance palace we admire today traces its origins to François I’s ambitious rebuilding program.
Following the death of King Henri II in 1559, his widow, Catherine de Medici, commissioned the construction of a magnificent new royal residence west of the Louvre known as the Tuileries Palace. Over time, successive monarchs sought to connect the two palaces through a series of long galleries and elegant courtyards. These additions dramatically expanded the royal complex and helped create the immense palace visitors explore today. Although the Tuileries Palace was destroyed by fire during the Paris Commune in 1871, its former location is now occupied by the beautiful Tuileries Garden stretching toward Place de la Concorde.
The Grand Louvre of the Bourbon Kings including ⭐ Amy’s Favorite Gallery
Throughout the seventeenth century, French monarchs continued enlarging and embellishing the Louvre. Architects including Pierre Lescot, Louis Le Vau, and Claude Perrault contributed magnificent façades, graceful courtyards, and lavish interiors. Even the celebrated Italian sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini proposed designs for the palace, although most of his plans were never built.
One of my favorite rooms in the Louvre is the breathtaking Galerie d’Apollon. Created during the reign of Louis XIV (aka the Sun King), its dazzling gilded ceiling and elaborate decoration immediately reminded me of the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles. In fact, the Galerie d’Apollon helped inspire many of the decorative elements later seen at Versailles.
Ironically, one of the most important events in the Louvre’s history occurred when someone moved out. In 1682, Louis XIV relocated the royal court to the newly completed Palace of Versailles. Although construction continued at the Louvre, it was no longer the king’s primary residence. Without the royal court occupying the palace, artists, sculptors, architects, and scholars increasingly used portions of the building as studios, exhibition spaces, and meeting places. The Louvre gradually evolved from a royal home into a center for artistic and intellectual life. When Louis XVI was king, he approved the plans to open a royal museum in the Louvre. But then there was that whole beheading thing…
The French Revolution Creates a Museum
The French Revolution forever changed the Louvre. Following the overthrow of the monarchy, revolutionary leaders declared that the royal collections should belong to the French people rather than a single king.
On August 10, 1793, exactly one year after the storming of the Tuileries Palace, the Musée Central des Arts officially opened inside the Louvre. The museum initially displayed just over 500 paintings, many of them formerly owned by the French Crown or confiscated from members of the nobility and the Church. For the first time in history, ordinary citizens could admire masterpieces that had once been reserved exclusively for royalty.
Napoleon Expands the Collection
Napoleon Bonaparte dramatically shaped the Louvre’s collections. During his military campaigns across Europe and Egypt, thousands of works of art and antiquities were brought back to France. For a time, the museum was even renamed the Musée Napoléon.
Although many objects were returned to their countries of origin after Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo, numerous masterpieces remained in France, greatly enriching the museum’s collections. Napoleon also continued construction projects at the Louvre, further transforming the former palace into the magnificent museum visitors know today.
The Modern Louvre
Today, the Louvre occupies more than 782,000 square feet and displays approximately 35,000 objects selected from a collection of hundreds of thousands of works spanning thousands of years of human history. Its collections include ancient Egyptian artifacts, Greek and Roman sculpture, Islamic art, European paintings, decorative arts, royal treasures, and archaeological discoveries from around the world.
Perhaps the museum’s most recognizable modern addition arrived in 1989 with the completion of architect I. M. Pei’s striking glass pyramid. Initially controversial, the pyramid has since become one of Paris’s most iconic landmarks, providing visitors with a dramatic entrance while symbolically connecting the Louvre’s medieval past with its modern future.
Millions of people visit the Louvre every year to admire some of humanity’s greatest artistic achievements. Today, the frescoed ceilings, paneled walls, gilded moldings, and marbled interiors of this 403-room (according to pocket guide, I didn’t count) palace are a perfect place to contemplate the treasures within…and the building’s history.
The Louvre’s Must-See Masterpieces
With more than 35,000 works on display, no one can see everything in a single visit. In fact, trying to do so is one of the biggest mistakes first-time visitors make. Instead, I recommend identifying a handful of masterpieces that you absolutely want to experience and allowing yourself time to appreciate each one.
Below are the works I believe every first-time visitor should see. Together they represent some of the greatest artistic achievements in human history and showcase the incredible breadth of the Louvre’s collections.
Mona Lisa
Artist: Leonardo da Vinci
Date: c. 1503–1506 (possibly completed later)
Location: Denon Wing
No painting in the world attracts more visitors than Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Every day, thousands of people crowd into the Salle des États hoping to catch a glimpse of her famously mysterious smile.
Despite its relatively modest size—just 30 by 21 inches—the Mona Lisa has become one of the most recognizable works of art ever created. Leonardo revolutionized portrait painting through his use of sfumato, a technique that softened edges and created lifelike transitions between light and shadow. Her enigmatic expression seems to change depending on where you stand, contributing to centuries of fascination.
The painting’s fame exploded after it was stolen from the Louvre in 1911. For more than two years, its disappearance captivated newspapers around the world before it was recovered in Italy and triumphantly returned to Paris. Ironically, its theft in 1911 transformed it from a respected Renaissance portrait into an international celebrity. Today, the painting is displayed behind protective glass in a climate-controlled case.
Amy’s Tip: Visit the Mona Lisa early in the morning or with LivTours’ Mona Lisa First Viewing tour. You’ll have a much better experience than trying to see it in the middle of the afternoon when the room is packed.
Venus de Milo
Artist: Unknown
Date: About 130–100 BC
Location: Sully Wing
Graceful, elegant, and forever mysterious, the Venus de Milo is one of the greatest surviving sculptures from ancient Greece. Discovered on the island of Milos in 1820, the marble statue is believed to depict Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty. Although famous for her missing arms, historians still debate exactly what she originally held. Some believe she carried an apple awarded by Paris during the Judgment of Paris, while others suggest a shield or mirror. Her flowing drapery and remarkably lifelike anatomy demonstrate the extraordinary skill of Hellenistic sculptors.
Winged Victory of Samothrace ⭐ Amy’s Favorite Sculpture
Artist: Unknown
Date: About 190 BC
Location: Daru Staircase
Standing triumphantly atop the museum’s grand staircase, the Winged Victory of Samothrace may be my favorite sculpture in the Louvre.
Created to commemorate a naval victory, the sculpture depicts Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, descending onto the prow of a ship. Although missing both her head and arms, the statue conveys astonishing movement. She is not a static figure but instead appears alive. On the Winged Victory, look closely at the deeply carved folds of the goddess’s robe. They billow across her body as if caught in a sea breeze, creating the illusion of movement from solid marble. It’s one of the greatest examples of Hellenistic sculptors making stone appear alive. The dramatic placement atop the staircase makes the sculpture even more breathtaking.
Liberty Leading the People
Artist: Eugène Delacroix
Date: 1830
Location: Denon Wing
This dramatic painting has become one of the defining images of France. Created to commemorate the July Revolution of 1830, Delacroix depicts Liberty as an allegorical woman carrying the French tricolor while leading revolutionaries over the barricades.
The painting blends real historical events with symbolism. Liberty herself is not an actual participant but an ideal representing freedom, democracy, and the spirit of revolution. Its influence can still be seen today, inspiring everything from political posters to commemorative monuments around the world.
The Coronation of Napoleon
Artist: Jacques-Louis David
Date: 1807
Location: Denon Wing
One of the largest paintings in the Louvre, this monumental canvas measures nearly 33 feet wide. Rather than depicting Napoleon receiving his crown from Pope Pius VII, David immortalized the moment Napoleon crowned his wife Joséphine while the pope watched nearby—a powerful statement about the emperor’s authority. Like many royal portraits, this painting is also political propaganda. David wasn’t simply recording history—he was helping Napoleon shape how history would remember him. The painting is filled with historical figures, elaborate costumes, and extraordinary detail. Spend a few minutes examining the faces, fabrics, and architectural setting.
The Raft of the Medusa
Artist: Théodore Géricault
Date: 1819
Location: Denon Wing
This emotionally charged masterpiece tells the true story of the French naval frigate Méduse, whose wreck left more than one hundred survivors stranded on a makeshift raft. Only fifteen survived. Géricault interviewed survivors, studied corpses in morgues, and built scale models before completing the painting. The result is one of the most powerful works of Romantic art ever created. I think it would be a mistake to miss this one. Its political criticism of government incompetence shocked audiences and remains just as compelling today.
Code of Hammurabi
Date: About 1754 BC
Location: Richelieu Wing
Predating the Roman Empire by more than a millennium, the Code of Hammurabi represents one of humanity’s earliest surviving legal codes. It shows us that the Babylonians were grappling with justice, contracts, crime, and punishment. Carved into a massive basalt stele nearly eight feet tall, it contains almost 300 laws governing Babylonian society. At the top, King Hammurabi receives authority from Shamash, the sun god and divine judge, reinforcing the idea that law derived from the gods.
Great Sphinx of Tanis
Date: About 2600 BC
Location: Egyptian Antiquities
The Louvre’s Egyptian collection is among the finest outside Egypt itself.
One of its highlights is the colossal Great Sphinx of Tanis, carved from granite more than four thousand years ago. Its human face and lion’s body symbolize the divine authority and strength of the pharaoh. Standing before it, it’s remarkable to realize that this sculpture was already ancient when Cleopatra ruled Egypt.
If You Only Have Two Hours…
Short on time? Here’s the route I recommend for first-time visitors:
- Winged Victory of Samothrace
- Venus de Milo
- Mona Lisa
- Coronation of Napoleon
- Liberty Leading the People
- Galerie d’Apollon
- Napoleon III Apartments
- Medieval Louvre Foundations (if time allows)
This route covers the museum’s most famous treasures while also giving you a sense of the Louvre’s remarkable history as a royal palace.
Planning Your Visit to the Louvre
A little planning goes a long way when visiting the Louvre. With millions of visitors each year and one of the largest art collections in the world, arriving prepared will save you time, reduce stress, and help you enjoy the experience rather than feeling overwhelmed. Here are my best tips after visiting the Louvre myself.
How Much Time Should You Spend at the Louvre?
One of the questions I see asked most often is, “How long do I need at the Louvre?” The honest answer is that you could spend days here and still not see everything. The museum displays approximately 35,000 objects spread throughout hundreds of galleries. Instead of trying to “do the Louvre,” decide what kind of experience you want.
2 Hours
Perfect if: you’re visiting Paris for only a few days, you mainly want to see the highlights, you’re taking a guided tour. Focus on: Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, Venus de Milo, Coronation of Napoleon
Half Day (3–5 Hours)
You’ll have time to see the masterpieces, wander into a few quieter galleries, admire the palace architecture, and still stop for coffee or lunch.
Full Day
Ideal for art lovers. You’ll have time to explore the Egyptian antiquities, French paintings, Near Eastern collections, Napoleon III Apartments, and lesser-known galleries that many tourists completely miss.
Amy’s Tip: Museum fatigue is real! After a few hours, masterpieces begin to blur together. Don’t feel guilty about taking a break or calling it a day. I’d rather truly appreciate ten incredible works than rush past one hundred.
How to Buy Louvre Tickets
The Louvre is one of the world’s busiest museums, so I strongly recommend purchasing tickets before your trip. Booking ahead allows you to reserve a timed-entry slot, reducing your wait and helping you plan the rest of your day in Paris. If you’re traveling during spring, summer, holidays, or school vacations, don’t wait until the last minute. The most desirable time slots often sell out well in advance.
If you’re interested in learning about the museum rather than simply walking through it, consider booking a guided tour instead of a standard admission ticket. Many tours include reserved entry and allow you to bypass much of the confusion surrounding your visit.
Here are some recommendations for booking Louvre tickets. Click on the links below to learn more:
LivTours Mona Lisa First Viewing—Louvre Museum Semi-Private (max 6 people) Tour (save 10% with code AMYRH10 and this link): https://livtours.com/tours/mona-lisa-first-viewing-semi-private-louvre-tour?af_code=E1DDN61
LivTours Louvre Semi-Private (max 6 people) Tour (save 10% with code AMYRH10 and this link): https://livtours.com/tours/mona-lisa-first-viewing-semi-private-louvre-tour?af_code=E1DDN61
Tour Guy Secrets of the Louvre with Mona Lisa: https://tidd.ly/4wl5Vm9
Tour Guy Louvre at Closing Time with Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo: https://tidd.ly/4bL1jxs
GetYourGuide Paris Mona Lisa and Louvre Masterpieces Tour with Reserved Access: https://www.getyourguide.com/paris-l16/quick-entrance-louvre-museum-3-hour-tour-t10505/?partner_id=CMSFGKK&utm_medium=online_publisher
Viator Louvre Tours: https://www.viator.com/Paris-attractions/Louvre-Museum/d479-a73?pid=P00161535&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector
Are Skip-the-Line Tours Worth It?
In my opinion—yes. Your vacation time is valuable. Rather than spending an hour or more waiting to enter, I’d much rather be standing in front of the Winged Victory of Samothrace or admiring Napoleon’s Apartments.
Guided tours also eliminate another challenge: figuring out where everything is. The Louvre is massive, and even with a map, it’s surprisingly easy to become disoriented. A knowledgeable guide ensures you spend your limited time seeing the museum’s highlights while learning fascinating stories along the way.
If you’re only visiting the Louvre once, I recommend LivTours’ Mona Lisa First Viewing Semi-Private Tour. Early access, expert guides, and groups of no more than six people make this one of the best ways to experience the museum. Bonus: Save 10% on two or more LivTours experiences with my discount code AMYRH10 and affiliate link: https://livtours.com/tours/mona-lisa-first-viewing-semi-private-louvre-tour?af_code=E1DDN61
Best Time to Visit the Louvre
Timing can dramatically change your experience.
Early Morning ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The first hour after opening is my favorite time to visit. Crowds are lighter, photography is easier, and you’ll have a much better chance of enjoying the museum before tour groups arrive.
Wednesday and Friday Evenings ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Because the museum stays open later on Wednesdays and Fridays, evenings can be surprisingly pleasant. Many day-trippers have already left Paris, creating a calmer atmosphere in the galleries.
Midday ⭐⭐☆☆☆
This is usually the busiest period. If possible, avoid arriving between late morning and early afternoon when tour groups are at their peak.
Getting Around the Louvre
The museum is divided into three main wings: Denon, Sully, and Richelieu.
Denon Wing—Home to: Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, Coronation of Napoleon, Liberty Leading the People. This is usually the busiest section.
Sully Wing—Home to: Venus de Milo, Medieval Louvre, Egyptian Antiquities
Richelieu Wing—Often quieter than the other wings. Highlights include: Napoleon III Apartments, Code of Hammurabi, French sculpture, Decorative arts
Many visitors rush directly toward the Mona Lisa, but some of the Louvre’s most beautiful rooms are nearly empty. When you notice an elegant ceiling, marble staircase, or richly decorated gallery, pause for a moment. Those architectural details are part of the museum’s story too.
Accessibility
The Louvre is one of the more accessible historic attractions in Europe.
Visitors will find:
- Elevators
- Accessible entrances
- Wheelchairs and folding chairs available
- Accessible restrooms
- Seating throughout the museum
- Priority access at certain entrances
Mistakes to Avoid
Even seasoned travelers can make a few missteps at the Louvre. Here are the ones I’d avoid:
- Waiting until the last minute to book tickets.
- Trying to see the entire museum in one visit.
- Ignoring the palace architecture.
- Visiting only because of the Mona Lisa.
- Wearing uncomfortable shoes.
- Visiting on free admission days unless you’re prepared for very large crowds.
- Skipping a guided tour if it’s your first visit.
Final Thoughts
The Louvre is far more than a museum filled with famous paintings. It allows visitors to travel time through more than eight centuries of French history and over five thousand years of human civilization. Whether you’re admiring Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, standing beneath the soaring Winged Victory of Samothrace, or exploring the medieval fortress hidden beneath the palace, the Louvre has an extraordinary ability to connect visitors with the past.
As a historian, I encourage you not to rush. Slow down. Look up at the painted ceilings. Notice the marble staircases. Wander into a gallery that isn’t crowded. Some of my favorite moments at the Louvre have come from unexpected discoveries rather than famous masterpieces. I hope this guide helps you experience one of the world’s greatest museums with a little more confidence—and a much deeper appreciation for its remarkable history.
Bon voyage! Amy
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Louvre worth visiting?
Absolutely. Even if you’re not an art lover, the palace itself is one of the most remarkable historic buildings in Europe.
How long should I spend at the Louvre?
I recommend two to three hours to avoid museum fatigue but still see the highlights.
What is the best day to visit?
Weekdays—especially Wednesday or Friday—are generally less crowded than weekends.
Is a guided tour worth it?
For first-time visitors, yes. A knowledgeable guide helps you navigate the museum efficiently while providing historical context you would likely miss on your own.
Here are some interesting tours to consider:
LivTours (save 10% off two or more tours with our links and code AMYRH10) Paris tours: https://livtours.com/destinations/paris-tours?af_code=E1DDN61
Tour Guy Paris tours: https://tidd.ly/4fqDk96
GetYourGuide Paris Mona Lisa and Louvre Masterpieces Tour with Reserved Access: https://www.getyourguide.com/paris-l16/quick-entrance-louvre-museum-3-hour-tour-t10505/?partner_id=CMSFGKK&utm_medium=online_publisher
Viator Louvre Tours: https://www.viator.com/Paris-attractions/Louvre-Museum/d479-a73?pid=P00161535&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector
Can you visit the Louvre without seeing the Mona Lisa?
Of course—but I wouldn’t! Just remember that some of the museum’s greatest treasures have much smaller crowds and can be even more rewarding.
What’s your favorite thing in the Louvre?
That’s an impossible question!
What are the best months to visit the Louvre?
My favorite months are: April, May, September, and October. You’ll still encounter crowds, but generally fewer than during the height of summer.
Which entrance should you use at the Louvre?
Most visitors enter through the iconic Glass Pyramid. While it’s certainly the most famous entrance—and worth seeing—it also attracts the largest crowds. Other entrances occasionally offer shorter waits, including:
- Carrousel du Louvre
- Porte des Lions
- Richelieu Entrance (reserved for certain ticket holders)
Don’t automatically join the longest line you see. Sometimes walking a few extra minutes to another entrance can save you a considerable amount of time.
Can you take photos at the Louvre?
Yes! Photography is permitted in most areas of the museum for personal use. Flash photography, selfie sticks, and professional equipment may be restricted. Please remember that everyone wants a chance to enjoy the artwork. Take your photo, then step aside so others can experience it as well.
Is there a place to eat at the Louvre?
You don’t have to leave the museum to grab a bite.
The Louvre offers several cafés and restaurants where you can recharge before continuing your visit.
If you’d rather enjoy a meal afterward, you’ll find countless cafés and bistros throughout the nearby 1st Arrondissement and along the Seine.
Amy French, Ph.D., is the voice behind Roaming Historian. A professional historian and seasoned traveler, she shares stories that blend history and travel to give readers a deeper understanding of the places they explore.
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Protect your vacation with Travel Insurance dot com. This awesome travel site provides quotes from numerous travel insurance agencies and allows you to purchase them with no added increase to you: https://www.travelinsurance.com/?utm_source=pap&a_aid=65590b3a60c44
Visiting France on a Cruise? Check out Shore Excursions Group
If you’re visiting ports during a cruise, Shore Excursions Group is a reliable alternative to booking excursions through the cruise line. Their tours are often smaller, more affordable (sometimes up to 40% less than ship excursions), and led by knowledgeable local guides. They offer carefully designed shore excursions in ports around the world. Even better, they provide a guaranteed on-time return to the ship, giving cruisers peace of mind when exploring independently. Just plug in your cruise ship and sail date and your ports will automatically populate, so you can browse excursions for your cruise ports here:
https://www.shoreexcursionsgroup.com/?id=1634209&data=roaminghistorian@gmail.com
Traveling Soon? Trusted Tour & Travel Partners
Planning your trip? Here are our trusted travel partners — thoughtfully chosen for quality, reliability, and exceptional experiences.
- LivTours (high-quality semi-private and private European tours led by expert guides)
Save 10% with code AMYRH10 (valid on two or more tours).
https://livtours.com?af_code=E1DDN61 - The Tour Guy (engaging small group & private European tours)
https://tidd.ly/3J78sNi - Viator (compare thousands of tours, day trips, and experiences worldwide)
https://www.viator.com/?pid=P00161535&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector - GetYourGuide (flexible booking options for tours, attractions, and local experiences)
https://www.getyourguide.com/?partner_id=CMSFGKK&utm_medium=online_publisher - Shore Excursions Group (high-quality shore excursions with lower prices and return-to-ship guarantees.)
https://www.shoreexcursionsgroup.com/?id=1634209&data=roaminghistorian@gmail.com - Expedia (flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages)
https://expedia.com/affiliate/p7ZcFsz - Hotels.com (book hotels globally and earn free nights through their rewards program)
https://www.hotels.com/affiliate/rdDAFaG - VRBO (private homes and unique stays ideal for families and longer trips)
https://vrbo.com/affiliate/KvF3nms - Travel Insurance.com (compare policies side-by-side to protect your trip at no extra cost)
https://www.travelinsurance.com/?utm_source=pap&a_aid=65590b3a60c44
Affiliate Disclosure
Roaming Historian may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support the research and storytelling that go into every article. All opinions are always our own.