So you think you've been to epic museums? No museum beats the Louvre - it's the Disney World of the art world! Visiting can be overwhelming, as there are tons of crowds and endless mazes of masterpieces to navigate. Watch this video above and read this article below for helpful tips for first-timers visiting the world's most iconic art museum!
Getting There
The Louvre is centrally located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, along the Right Bank of the Seine. The easiest way to reach it is by metro. Take Line 1 or Line 7 to Palais Royal Musée du Louvre station. We went in the main entrance, but if you want a shorter line follow signs at that station to underground entrance Carrousel du Louvre.
Buy your tickets online in advance to skip the ticket queue. General admission is €22.00 or $25.13.
Frugal Tip: Entry is free for EU residents under 26 and on the first Friday evening of each month (except July and August) for everyone!
When to Visit
The Louvre is open every day except Tuesdays, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (open late on Fridays until 9:45 p.m.). Mornings and weekday afternoons are typically less crowded, but expect some lines and busy galleries no matter when you go. Cedric and I were advised to start getting in line at the main entrance around 8 a.m. even though the museum opens at 9a.m. Once those doors open, it's a race to the Mona Lisa! If you are in the front section of that entry line then you can get pretty close. There's about 15 feet roped off from the public, but if you get there early then you can snap a picture in the front of that line!
Mona Lisa Experience
Seeing the Mona Lisa with the crowds is a lot. I actually needed to sit in silence afterwards to calm down. I was scolded by other patrons for taking too many photographs and being in the way by accidentally bumping into people. Everyone is crammed like sardines and everyone wants that perfect shot with the queen bee of the art world. After all the build-up of waiting in line for an hour, running in, and realizing the famous piece is too far away to get a great photo without a professional camera, I was happy to have seen it but wouldn't want to revisit her again, no offense Mona. Just a heads-up for first-time visitors: the experience might be more hectic than you expect.
Mona Lisa Selfie and Crowds
What to See
With over 35,000 works of art on display, it’s impossible to see everything in one visit, so don't even bother! Also download the Louvre app and plan your trip before you arrive to get the most out of the experience.
Must-See Highlights (besides Miss Mona)
Venus de Milo – This ancient Greek statue is one of the most celebrated sculptures in history.
Winged Victory of Samothrace – A stunning headless statue perched dramatically at the top of a staircase.
Liberty Leading the People – Delacroix’s stirring painting symbolizes the French Revolution.
The Coronation of Napoleon – An enormous and detailed canvas by Jacques-Louis David.
Winged Victory of Samothrace
How to Navigate
The Louvre is divided into three main wings:
Denon Wing – Home to the Mona Lisa, Italian Renaissance paintings, and French Neoclassical art.
Sully Wing – Includes ancient Egyptian artifacts and the medieval Louvre foundations.
Richelieu Wing – Contains sculpture galleries and Northern European paintings.
A paper map or the app will help you explore these wings, and show you where the bathrooms are! You can also avoid planning the day yourself by booking one of their guided tours or using their audio guides on your visit.
Overall just pick a few must-see pieces and then wander to your heart's content. This is what Cedric and I did and we ended up discovering our favorite pieces in the Richelieu wing. This wing had breathtaking displays of ancient Roman and Greek marble sculptures that were so smooth and almost unreal in person.
Ceiling in the Denon Wing
Relax After the Museum
After your visit, take a stroll through the Tuileries Garden, it's only a 3 minute walk outside the museum and it's free! A wonderful fountain with toy sail boats whizzing through the waters, the smell of flowers dancing around the greenery and the ambience of sculptures will take you to a place of enchantment and calm after the hectic Louvre day. The main fountain, where children push boats and ducks frequent, has lounge chairs provided for visitors. Cedric and I sat here for at least an hour just listening to the sounds of the water, children and nature.
A beautiful fountain in the Tuileries Garden
Final Thoughts
Visiting the Louvre is one of those destinations that should skyrocket to the top of your bucket list. I wish I lived closer so I could visit more often! Whether you’re spending two hours or an entire day inside, it’s a chance to step into a world of artistic genius, cultural history and timeless beauty. If you're visiting for the first time, use these tips to plan ahead or book a tour so that you'll spend less time stressing and more time soaking in the beautiful art! (Check out these tours below!)
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