The Louvre is the kind of place that can feel overwhelming before you've even found the entrance. It's huge, it's popular, and everyone wants to see the same painting.
The good news: a little planning turns it into a great day. Here are seven tips we'd give any first-time visitor.
What should you sort out before you go?
1. Book a timed entry ahead
This is the big one. Timed tickets help you avoid long waits at the door, and popular slots go fast.
Ticket prices and booking rules change, so check the official Louvre website before you go.
Book from the official site or a trusted provider, and be wary of anyone selling tickets outside the museum. Keep your confirmation on your phone, with a screenshot in case the signal is weak.
2. Choose a short list, not the whole museum
You can't see the Louvre in one visit, and you don't need to. Pick five or six works you really care about and plan around them.
Everything you pass on the way is a bonus.
Not sure what to choose? Mix a famous painting, a famous sculpture and something from a collection you know nothing about. The Egyptian rooms and the old medieval foundations of the palace are good surprises for many first-timers.
Write your list on your phone with the wing for each work. Displays can change, so check the official website for the latest room information.
When is the best time to visit the Louvre?
3. Go early or later in the day
Mornings right at opening and later time slots tend to feel calmer than the middle of the day. Opening hours vary by day, so check the official website before you go.
How do you enjoy the visit once you're inside?
4. Have a plan for the Mona Lisa
Is the Mona Lisa worth the crowd? For most first-timers, yes, as long as you know what to expect. She's behind glass, the room is busy, and you'll see her from a short distance.
See her early in your visit, then move on to quieter rooms. Just across from her hangs The Wedding Feast at Cana, the largest painting in the museum. Turn around: most people forget to.
5. Travel light
Large bags slow you down at security and in the galleries. Bring a small bag, a phone with your tickets ready, and comfortable shoes.
There's a security check at the entrance, so allow a little extra time even with a timed ticket. Bag rules can change; check the official website before you go.
Download a museum map before you arrive, or pick one up inside. The Louvre has three wings and several levels, and signs are much easier to follow when you already know where you're heading.
6. Take breaks
The Louvre is a lot of walking. Plan a coffee or a sit-down halfway through and you'll enjoy the second half far more.
Why visit the Louvre with a guide?
A guide handles the route, the timing and the stories. Instead of reading every label, you look at the art and hear why it matters.
It's also the easiest way to see the highlights without getting lost in the corridors.
Quick checklist before you leave the hotel:
- Timed ticket booked and on your phone.
- A short list of must-see works.
- Small bag, comfy shoes, water.
- A break planned halfway.
That's it. The Louvre isn't a test; it's a place to enjoy a few great works properly.
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Want to read more first? Try Louvre tips for Americans or Is the Louvre worth it?