- 📍 Location: The 1st arrondissement of Paris, on the banks of the Seine River.
- 🕒 Activity time: 09:00-18:00 (closed on Tuesdays). On Wednesdays and Fridays open until 21:45.
- 💶 Updated costs: €32 per person (45% increase from last year). EU residents: €22. Free for under 18s.
- ???? New procedures: It is strictly prohibited to bring bags larger than 55x35x20 cm.
- 🎟️ Tickets: Pre-booking is a must! The physical box offices are busy and most of the time they don't sell tickets for the same day.
The Louvre is undoubtedly the most famous museum in France and perhaps the world, and as such it is a must-see attraction (especially if it is your first time in Paris). Walking through the vast corridors of the Louvre is a natural addition to the city's essential experiences, much like Visiting the Eiffel Tower or exit toRomantic cruise on the Seine River In the evening.
However, it is important to understand that this is the largest and most visited museum in the world, attracting about 10 million visitors each year. The numbers here are simply incredible: the exhibition space is spread over about 60,000 square meters, including 403 different rooms that display no less than 35,000 magnificent works of art created over thousands of years of history – from ancient Egypt to 19th century France. To put that into perspective, if you were to devote just one minute to each work, it would take you 64 consecutive days to see everything the museum has to offer without closing your eyes.
But there is a thorn in the side: the size of the museum and the number of important works it contains can turn a visit there into a tireless race from room to room, until the traveler gets what I call “art poisoning” and leaves the Louvre tired and frustrated.
Does this mean I recommend you not visit the Louvre? God forbid! But you have to do it smartly, and that's exactly the purpose of this page. Here you'll find practical and up-to-date information for 2026 (tickets, location, which gates are the most profitable to enter to bypass lines, security procedures) as well as information about which works are really worth seeing, so that you can stay focused. So say goodbye to the Pyramid, ignore the Mona Lisa (it's just, you really can't), and let's get going.
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Louvre Museum Tickets (Skip the Line!)
Since a significant number of you came here to find tickets to the Louvre, let's start with the most important news for 2026. Please note: Starting January 14, 2026, The Louvre has significantly increased admission prices by 45% For all visitors who are not citizens of the European Union. The price of a regular ticket is now 32 euros per person. If you have a European passport, the price remains 22 euros (you will be required to show an ID card at the entrance). The museum's goal in this move is to try to dilute the enormous tourist load a little, but demand is still at its peak, so booking in advance is more critical than ever. By the way, contrary to rumors, the Louvre does not charge an additional fee for entry to the Mona Lisa hall, at least not in the coming years.
| Card type | Updated price (2026) | Key advantage | Who is suitable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic entrance ticket | €32 (free up to 18 years old) | The cheapest and most direct option, saves the queue at the checkout. | Independent travelers who want to wander at their own pace |
| Guided tour (Mona Lisa) | Variable (depending on the provider) | Extremely fast entry accompanied by precise guidance without wasting time | Visitors who visit for the first time and are short on time |
| Paris Pass (museum ticket) | By number of days of use | Includes admission to dozens of additional attractions throughout Paris | Families and “museum worms” planning busy days |
Tickets and tours
Important Information: If you only want to buy an entrance ticket to the Louvre, you will have to do so through The museum's official websiteThe problem is that these tickets sell out early and in such a case there is no choice but to order a ticket that includes a tour. In order to help you buy the ticket that suits you, I have compiled a series of tickets from the TIQETS website, one of the most reliable and user-friendly sites I know. You will find there both tickets for the Louvre only and tickets that combine entry to the Louvre andOther attractions in Paris.But there is a way around this: The option of“Hosted Access” (Entrance with a host) allows you to enter through a side entrance, skip the regular line, and go directly to the work with a companion who knows the shortest route.
Secrets of the Louvre: Which entrance gate is better?
One of the most common mistakes tourists make when they arrive at the Louvre in Paris is to line up at the first line they see, usually in front of the glass pyramid. The Louvre actually has several different entrances, and knowing them in advance can save you a lot of precious time standing in the sun or rain.
- The Glass Pyramid: This is the main entrance, the most famous and busiest. The queue is divided by color: the green line is for advance ticket buyers and Museum Pass holders (average wait time of 20-30 minutes), while the orange line is for those who arrived without a ticket – a queue that is really, really not recommended, as the wait can exceed an hour and there are most likely no tickets left at the box office. The blue line is reserved for people with disabilities.
- Passage Richelieu: This is the real “secret” of the guides and locals! This gate is located in the alley connecting the Louvre courtyard to Rue de Rivoli, and usually offers a zero wait time of only 0 to 10 minutes. However, please note: entry through this gate is currently limited to small guided tours with an authorized guide and to special membership card holders.
- Carrousel du Louvre: Entrance located in the underground shopping center (entrance from 99 Rue Rivoli or the Tuileries Garden). Its huge advantage is that it can be reached directly from the subway station without going out onto the street, so it is perfect for rainy or cold days. Waiting time is estimated at 30 to 45 minutes and requires a pre-booked ticket.
- Lions Gate (Porte des Lions): Side entrance located in the south wing, very close to the Seine River andTuileries GardensIn the past, many guides highly recommended it because tourists hardly knew about it, but today it is considered a problematic option because the museum management often closes it due to a lack of staff and without prior notice. There are no cloakroom services on site.
Louvre Visitor Information (Hours, Food, and Bags)
Where is the Louvre and how do you get there?
The address of the Louvre Museum is… The Louvre Palace, located in the 1st arrondissement, between the Seine River and the famous Rue de Rivoli. In fact, it does not have a “regular” address of street and number. The most convenient way to get there is by metro lines 1 and 7, which stop at the station. Royal Palace-Louvre MuseumYou can also get to the Louvre by bus using the following lines: 21, 27, 39, 67, 69, 72, 74, 85 and 95. In the modern era, you simply need to open your navigation app and follow the thousands of other tourists.
What days and times is the Louvre Museum open?
The Louvre is open almost every day of the week between 09:00 AM and 18:00 PM. Please note: the museum is closed on Tuesdays! (A very common mistake among travelers is to plan a visit on this day.) In addition, on Wednesdays and Fridays, the Louvre operates a “Nocturnes” format and remains open until 21:45 p.m. The last entry is always allowed about an hour before closing time, and the rooms begin to be emptied by security guards about half an hour before closing. The museum is completely closed on the following dates: January 1, May 1 (Labor Day), and December 25.
When should you visit and what are the new security procedures?
In terms of peak times, the Louvre will always be crowded. The busiest hours, when it is sometimes difficult to move around the main galleries, are between 11:00 AM and 15:00 PM. If you want to enjoy a more relaxed experience, I recommend booking tickets for the first time slot in the morning (09:00) and be among the first to enter the Danon wing, or take advantage of Friday evenings, when the lighting in the galleries becomes dramatic, the pace of visitors is lighter and the overall atmosphere is much less stressful. In terms of days of the week – Thursday is considered the calmest day.
Security procedures for 2026: The museum management has tightened the procedures. Absolutely forbidden Bring large bags, small suitcases (trolleys) or backpacks larger than 55x35x20 cm into the museum. Smaller backpacks and side bags are allowed in, but must go through a security screening and a magnetometer. Regarding food – the cafes and restaurants inside the Louvre are considered quite expensive and tend to be busy, so it is worth stocking up on a closed bottle of water and a snack or sandwich in advance. It is very important to know: Eating or drinking is strictly prohibited inside the exhibition rooms., to protect the works. However, you will find seating areas and benches in the central hall under the pyramid where you can eat your side. Regarding photography: Take pictures freely, but be sure to turn off the flash, and leave the tripods and selfie sticks at the hotel.
What works of art are worth seeing at the Louvre?
If this is your first time, here is a short list of the mainstream flagship works that most visitors visit the Louvre to see, and you should mark them with a “V” (most of them are concentrated in the Danon and Soli wings):
The Mona Lisa
Probably the most famous painting in the world, the work of the master of the art of abstraction, Leonardo da Vinci. The painting is known for its mysterious smile and unique spomato technique. Know in advance: the painting is significantly smaller than it seems (about 77 x 53 cm) and is protected behind thick, bulletproof glass. The hall is usually filled with dozens of visitors trying to take a picture. My advice? Don't start with the Mona Lisa as soon as you enter; save it for later so you don't get tired of the pressure right from the start.
ונוס ממילו
A breathtaking ancient Greek marble statue from around 100 BC, probably representing Aphrodite, the goddess of love. The statue was discovered on the island of Milos with its hands missing, a mystery that only added to its mystery and universal fame.
Nika of Samothrace
A masterpiece from the Hellenistic period in Greece (2nd century BC). The statue depicts the Greek goddess of victory, with outstretched wings, standing at the bow of a ship. The statue is dramatically placed at the top of a wide flight of stairs (the Daro Steps) and it is difficult not to stand in awe at the illusion of the wind blowing through the thin, wet fabric on her body.
The Raft of the Medusa
A huge romantic-tragic painting by the artist Théodore Géricault, based on a true and horrific story of a shipwreck and the survivors who tried to survive in the heart of the sea while losing their humanity.
Napoleon's coronation
A huge and impressive canvas by the Emperor's official painter, Jacques-Louis David. The work records the historic moment in 1804 when Napoleon took the crown from the Pope and crowned his wife Josephine. Take a moment to examine the delicate details of the silk and velvet garments of the hundreds of figures.
Freedom leads the people
Eugène Delacroix's iconic painting commemorating the July Revolution of 1830, in which the Statue of Liberty is seen waving the tricolor flag above the barricades in Paris.
Artwork for advanced students
If you are an advanced Francophile and sophisticated enough not to stand in line in front of the Mona Lisa, I have a completely different suggestion. I turned to my friend Dr. Efi Ziv and asked him which works of art should not be missed under any circumstances (those that are less visited by tourists). His fascinating answer can be found in the article 10 Must-See Works at the Louvre Museum (and Not a Word About the Mona Lisa).
The Louvre building: How not to get lost in the wings?
If you try to wander around the Louvre Museum randomly, you will quickly get lost in the dozens of kilometers of corridors and halls. The Louvre is divided into three main wings (Sully, Denon, Richelieu) that are interconnected and surround the central pyramid. It is highly recommended to download an up-to-date map to your mobile device or collect a printed map from the intelligence desk immediately after security.
- Denon Wing: The southern wing facing the Seine River. This is undoubtedly the busiest and most popular wing, as it is home to the Mona Lisa, the Victory of Samothrace, and masterpieces of Italian and French painting. If you are short on time and want to “check in” on the big hits – this is the wing for you.
- Sully Wing: The eastern and central wing. Built around the square courtyard (Cour Carrée). This is the wing that treasures the ancient history of the palace; on the lower level you can literally walk among the foundations of the wall. Here you will find the magnificent collection of Egyptian antiquities and the Venus de Milo statue.
- Richelieu Wing: The northern wing. Here the crowd is usually less: you will find antiquities from the Near East, illuminated sculpture courtyards and Flemish paintings. The real treasure in my opinion in this wing is Napoleon III Apartments (Appartements Napoléon III) – which preserve the unimaginable splendor of the Second Empire in France.
The Louvre itself was a residential palace before it became a museum, so entire wings of it look and feel like a luxurious palace in every sense of the word. Take, for example, the wing of 18th-century furniture so beloved by Francophile Ronen Sass. Take a look at this video and see the splendor and beauty:
While I certainly agree with my friend's statement that this is a must-see wing, if you have to choose just one wing to soak up the royal atmosphere, in my opinion the most impressive of all is the Napoleon III wing. Take a look at this video and judge for yourself:
Accessibility at the Louvre Museum (information for people with disabilities)
Fortunately, despite being a huge and ancient historical building, the Louvre Museum is extremely accessible to people with physical disabilities and wheelchair users. There is no need to wait in long lines at the entrance. There is a Blue Line in the glass pyramid specifically for staff and people with disabilities (and one companion), which allows quick access via a special elevator that goes directly down to the main reception hall below the pyramid.
On level 2 of the main hall, near the intelligence stand, there is a “Visitor Assistance Area.” Here you can borrow wheelchairs, folding chairs for resting, walking sticks, and even strollers or front baby carriers free of charge (back carriers are prohibited in the Louvre due to the risk of accidentally damaging the works). All that is required is to leave an ID as a deposit.
Special elevators and escalators (which sometimes require an escort or opening by museum ushers, so don't hesitate to ask for their help) connect all the floors of the different wings. In addition, the Louvre has been investing in accessibility for the visually impaired in recent years, and there is a dedicated "Tactile Gallery" in the Danon Wing where you can feel copies of famous sculptures. It is highly recommended to ask the information desk for the Louvre's special "accessibility map" (which can also be checked atOfficial accessibility page), which clearly marks all elevator routes, ramps, and disabled restrooms.
Recommended hotels in the Louvre area
There are two huge advantages to staying in the Louvre area (the 1st arrondissement of Paris). The first advantage is the ability to get to the museum quickly, very close to its opening time in the morning, thus bypassing a significant part of the lines. The second and more fundamental advantage is the geographical location – you are right in the “heart” of Paris, within a short walk of the Tuileries Gardens, the Marais district, the Left Bank and most of the city’s main attractions. Here are some hotels I particularly like in the area, divided by budget:
Pampering and luxury
Hotel Regina Louvre
- Perfect location right in front of the Louvre, you will feel like royalty.
- Classic and luxurious French design (5 stars) that never fails.
- Very high price, suitable for celebrations or a honeymoon.
Hotel Brighton
- A spectacular and unforgettable view of the Tuileries Gardens and the Eiffel Tower.
- True Parisian chic that produces amazing photos.
- Demand is very high, reservations must be made months in advance.
Hotel in Lille
- An intimate, magical and quiet boutique hotel.
- Located on the Left Bank, but just across a bridge from the Louvre.
- The rooms in Paris are relatively small, and so are here.
Good value for the price
Hotel Montpensier
- A completely reasonable price for a super-central location near the Palais Royal.
- A clean, tidy and functional hotel for those who come to travel.
- Very basic design, without the special luxuries of luxury hotels.
Drawing Hotel
- Cool modern design dedicated to modern art and illustration.
- Young atmosphere, cute bar and great location.
- Less suitable for classic fans of chandeliers and heavy curtains.
Louvre Montana
- Located right across from the Tuileries Gardens and a short walk from the corner of Rue Rivoli.
- A small, charming and welcoming Parisian hotel.
- Very small rooms – it's best to pack light.
None of these hotels are available? Don't worry, I have other great hotels to recommend.
If these hotels are too expensive for you (the 1st arrondissement is considered a prestigious and expensive district), I highly recommend clicking on one of the links, and on the Booking map that opens for you, look for hotels a little further away (for example, in the Opera area, the 2nd arrondissement) that will fit your budget. Also, if you prefer a more spacious local living experience, it's worth checking out Audi's apartment on Place de la Concorde, which is about a pleasant 10-minute walk along the gardens.
Questions and Answers (FAQ)
Was the Louvre always a museum?
Absolutely not. It started as a fortress in 1190, built to protect Paris from Viking raids. The remains of the ancient fortress can still be seen today in the museum's basement (in the Soli wing). It later became a magnificent royal palace where the kings of France lived, and only after French Revolution Officially became a museum open to the general public.
How long does it take to see all the works in the Louvre?
The Louvre is the largest art museum in the world. It has over 35,000 items displayed over 60,000 square meters! If you were to spend just one minute per item, without breaks for food or sleep, it would take you 64 consecutive days to see everything. Therefore, an average tourist visit lasts between 3 and 4 hours, and it is highly recommended to focus in advance on a specific wing or a tour of the must-see works.
Was the Mona Lisa ever stolen?
Yes, absolutely! Over the years, the Louvre has been the victim of several thefts, but the most famous is undoubtedly the theft of the Mona Lisa in August 1911 by museum employee Vincenzo Peruggia. The painting was missing for about two years and caused a worldwide uproar (which actually contributed greatly to the work's current psychedelic popularity), until it was returned. Today, the painting is secured in an unprecedented way.
Is it allowed to bring food and drinks into the Louvre?
You are allowed to bring bottled water (well-sealed) and snacks or sandwiches in your bag, which is even recommended as the lines and prices at the cafes inside are high. However, eating or drinking inside the exhibition rooms themselves is strictly prohibited to protect the canvases and sculptures from damage. If you wish to eat, you can do so in the designated rest areas scattered outside the galleries or under the pyramid.
Is it allowed to take photos inside the museum?
Yes, you are allowed to take photos for personal use in most exhibition spaces in the museum. However, you must be sure to turn off the flash. Additionally, tripods of any kind and selfie sticks are strictly prohibited due to the risk of physical damage to the artworks and other visitors.
Is it possible to leave the museum and return on the same day?
No. Current museum procedures state that once you have exited the exhibition grounds (past the security gates), you cannot use the same ticket to re-enter, even on the same day. So, make sure you have done everything you wanted to do (and eaten in the rest areas if necessary) before you leave.
I wanted to ask about entry with a disabled card.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
From what I know, yes (they usually require advance ticket reservations to regulate the amount of people there).
Hi, does it make sense that when I tried to purchase a “skip the line” ticket, I received a message that there is no entry for children under 17?
Sounds very strange to me..
Peace
Is there no option to purchase/mark a ticket for a child? Am I actually ordering one ticket and two audio applications?
She is 12 years old.
Thanks
Children under 18 are supposed to enter for free and therefore no ticket is needed.
Is it possible to bring food into the Louvre (we eat kosher and cannot eat in its restaurants), or to leave it halfway out to eat and then return?
As far as I know, food is not allowed in the Louvre.