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). However, there is a catch: the size of the museum and the number of important works it contains can make a visit there 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 that you not visit the Louvre? God forbid! But you have to do it wisely, and that is exactly the purpose of this page.
Here you will find practical information (tickets, location, directions, etc.) as well as information about which works are really worth seeing, so that you can stay focused and not leave the Louvre exhausted. In short, here you will find all the information you need to make your visit to the Louvre enjoyable and experiential. So say goodbye to the Pyramid, ignore the Mona Lisa (it's just, you really can't), and let's get going.
Louvre Museum Tickets (Skip the Line!)
Since a good number of you came here to find tickets to the Louvre (without standing in line, of course), let's start with that and then move on to more interesting topics. I've compiled the best options for booking in advance for you here:
Tickets and tours
Basic entrance ticket
- The cheapest option
- Timed entry (save time at the box office)
- Still need to go through security check
Guided tour of the “Mona Lisa”
- Extremely fast entry
- Direct access to the main works
- More expensive than a regular card
Museum card (Paris Pass)
- Including the Louvre, D'Orsay, Versailles And more
- Cost-effective for those who visit many sites
- Limited time (two days or more)
Combined tickets (affordable!)
Louvre + Seine Cruise
Louvre + Palace of Versailles
Louvre + Opera Garnier
Let's face it, the line at the Mona Lisa Hall is perhaps the least enjoyable attraction in Paris. Sometimes it takes over an hour just to get into the room itself.
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.
Louvre Visitor Information
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 and Rue Rivoli. 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 reach the Louvre by bus using the following lines: 21, 27, 39, 67, 69, 72, 74, 85 and 95.
What days and times is the Louvre Museum open?
The Louvre is open every day, Except Tuesdays, between 09:00 and 18:00. Please note that on Wednesdays and Fridays the Louvre is open until 21:45, with the last entry being about an hour before closing time.
The queues at the Louvre are almost mythical. To avoid getting “dried out” in line, I highly recommend Buy a ticket in advance (see above), and avoid coming on days when admission is free (because your time in Paris is worth more than 17 euros). Also, if you come on a Friday evening, you will find a much calmer and less crowded museum.
What works of art are worth seeing at the Louvre?
This is a really difficult question, since the Louvre contains a huge amount of art treasures. But don’t worry, I have a solution for you! I turned to Dr. Efi Ziv and asked him which works of art should never be given up. His answer can be found in the article 10 Must-See Works at the Louvre Museum (and Not a Word About the Mona Lisa).
Beyond the artworks themselves, the Louvre itself was also a residential palace, and therefore entire wings of it look and feel like a palace. 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 I had to choose just one wing, in my opinion the most impressive of all is the Napoleon III wing. Take a look at this video and judge for yourself:
The Louvre did not begin its career as a museum, but as a fortress that became the residence of kings. FranceI have created an article for you that summarizes the most important events in its 800 years of existence. Take about 5 minutes to read. The history of the Louvre MuseumThis will enhance your visit immensely.
Recommended hotels in the Louvre area
There are two big advantages to staying in the Louvre area. The first advantage is the ability to get to the Louvre quickly very close to its opening time, thus bypassing some of the lines. The second advantage is the central location, which allows for walking access to most attractions. Here are some hotels I particularly like in the area:
Pampering and luxury
Hotel Regina Louvre
- Perfect location right in front of the Louvre
- Classic and luxurious design (5 stars)
- Very high price
Hotel Brighton
- Spectacular view of the Tuileries Gardens
- True Parisian chic
- High demand (pre-order)
Hotel in Lille
- An intimate and charming boutique hotel
- In Saint-Germain (walking distance from the Louvre)
- Relatively small rooms
Good value for the price
Hotel Montpensier
- Reasonable price in a central location
- clean and tidy
- Basic design without frills
Drawing Hotel
- Modern design dedicated to art
- Young atmosphere and great location
- Less suitable for classic fans
Louvre Montana
- Right in front of the Tuileries Gardens
- Charming small hotel
- Very small rooms
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 not cheap), I highly recommend clicking on one of the links and using the Booking map to search for hotels a little further away that will fit your budget. It's also worth checking out Audi's apartment on Place de la Concorde, which is about a 10-minute walk away.
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.