Louvre Museum Visit Guide: Plan Your Day

The Louvre is the largest art museum in the world, and that scale is exactly why a short plan matters more here than almost anywhere else in Paris. You will not see everything in one visit, and trying to is the fastest way to leave tired and underwhelmed. The trick is to choose a handful of rooms, enter at the right door and accept that the building itself is part of the show.

Which entrance to use

The glass Pyramid is the famous entrance, and also the slowest one. If you hold a timed ticket, the Porte des Lions and the Carrousel du Louvre entranceCarrousel entranceAn underground access point to the Louvre through the Carrousel du Louvre complex. through the shopping mall are usually faster. Arriving with a ticket already booked for a set time is the single biggest time saver, because the long outdoor line is mostly people buying on the spot.

What to see first

Most visitors head straight for the Mona Lisa, which means the Denon wingDenon WingOne of the Louvre's three principal wings, containing major painting galleries and the Daru staircase. is busiest in the first hours. If you want a calmer start, begin with the Richelieu wingRichelieu WingThe Louvre wing on the north side of Cour Napoléon, with sculpture courts, decorative arts and other departments. and its French and Northern European painting, then reach the Italian galleries later. The Venus de Milo, the Winged Victory of Samothrace and the Napoleon III apartmentsNapoleon III ApartmentsThe richly decorated former Minister of State apartments in the Louvre's Richelieu Wing, named for their Second Empire style. are highlights that reward a slower pace.

Best time to go

The museum is quietest at opening and on the late evening on the weekday it stays open after dark. Midday and early afternoon are the peak. Avoid the first Sunday of winter months if you dislike crowds, since reduced or free access pulls in large numbers. Plan two to three hours for a focused visit and more only if you genuinely enjoy long museum days.

Frequently asked questions

Plan your visit: Louvre