Top Louvre Museum Tours and Tickets
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Louvre Museum: Private Guided Tour
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“View famous artworks and learn their history”
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Louvre Museum: Dedicated Entry + Small Group Guided Tour
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“See Mona Lisa, Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss, and other masterpieces”
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Louvre Museum: Dedicated Entry + Guided Tour
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“Visit the Mona Lisa in peace and quiet with a last-entry Louvre tour”
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The Louvre Museum ranks among the largest and most frequented art museums globally, drawing over 7 million visitors annually in recent years. Situated in Paris’s 1st arrondissement near the Palais Royal and the Seine River, it contains more than 380,000 objects and exhibits around 35,000 artworks, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. Louvre ticket prices start at EUR 17 for adults, with free entry for EU residents under 26 and other qualifying groups. Due to its vast size and popularity, understanding the ticketing system, timed entry, and optimal visiting times is essential for a well-organized visit.
What types of Louvre tickets are available and how do timed entries work?
Louvre tickets include standard timed entry, guided tours, and combination passes; timed entry allocates visitors a specific hour to reduce overcrowding.
The standard timed entry ticket grants access to both permanent collections and temporary exhibitions during a set 30-minute entry window, which helps minimize wait times. Visitors must select their entry time when buying tickets online, which is strongly advised to avoid long lines. Tickets can also be purchased onsite at the Pyramid entrance or Porte des Lions, but queues there tend to be longer, especially during peak periods.
Timed entry slots begin at 9 AM and run every 30 minutes until 6 PM. On Wednesdays and Fridays, the museum stays open until 9:45 PM, with last admission 45 minutes before closing. Arriving within your assigned time frame is crucial because late arrivals may be denied entry. This system keeps visitor numbers manageable inside the Louvre, improving the flow and atmosphere.
The standard timed entry ticket grants access to both permanent collections and temporary exhibitions during a set 30-minute entry window, which helps minimize wait times. Visitors must select their entry time when buying tickets online, which is strongly advised to avoid long lines. Tickets can also be purchased onsite at the Pyramid entrance or Porte des Lions, but queues there tend to be longer, especially during peak periods.
Timed entry slots begin at 9 AM and run every 30 minutes until 6 PM. On Wednesdays and Fridays, the museum stays open until 9:45 PM, with last admission 45 minutes before closing. Arriving within your assigned time frame is crucial because late arrivals may be denied entry. This system keeps visitor numbers manageable inside the Louvre, improving the flow and atmosphere.
When are the best times to visit the Louvre Museum to avoid crowds?
Weekday mornings, especially Tuesday through Thursday, and late evenings on Wednesdays and Fridays offer the least crowded Louvre visits.
The museum is closed on Tuesdays, so Mondays and Fridays tend to be busier. Arriving promptly at the 9 AM opening lets you see galleries with fewer visitors, including popular rooms like the Denon wing where the Mona Lisa hangs. Evening openings on Wednesdays and Fridays provide quieter galleries as many tourists leave by then.
Attendance dips during January, February, and November, months when Paris sees fewer tourists overall. Avoiding public holidays and school vacation weeks helps reduce crowd density further.
The museum is closed on Tuesdays, so Mondays and Fridays tend to be busier. Arriving promptly at the 9 AM opening lets you see galleries with fewer visitors, including popular rooms like the Denon wing where the Mona Lisa hangs. Evening openings on Wednesdays and Fridays provide quieter galleries as many tourists leave by then.
Attendance dips during January, February, and November, months when Paris sees fewer tourists overall. Avoiding public holidays and school vacation weeks helps reduce crowd density further.
Louvre Tickets
Location of Louvre Tickets
Are guided tours of the Louvre worth it and what options are available?
Guided tours offer focused commentary and save time, with choices ranging from small groups to private guides.
Given the museum’s sprawling layout, tours concentrate on major works such as the Winged Victory of Samothrace and the Egyptian antiquities, providing historical context not found on plaques. Tours last between 1.5 and 3 hours and frequently include skip-the-line privileges.
Options include semi-private tours of up to 6 participants, private tours tailored to specific themes like Renaissance painting, and family tours that engage children with stories and simplified explanations. Prices range from EUR 50 to over EUR 150 per person depending on the group size and customization. Booking ahead is recommended, particularly during busy months.
Given the museum’s sprawling layout, tours concentrate on major works such as the Winged Victory of Samothrace and the Egyptian antiquities, providing historical context not found on plaques. Tours last between 1.5 and 3 hours and frequently include skip-the-line privileges.
Options include semi-private tours of up to 6 participants, private tours tailored to specific themes like Renaissance painting, and family tours that engage children with stories and simplified explanations. Prices range from EUR 50 to over EUR 150 per person depending on the group size and customization. Booking ahead is recommended, particularly during busy months.
How can visitors buy Louvre tickets and what are the price ranges?
Tickets are available online, at museum entrances, or through authorized sellers, with standard adult entry starting at EUR 17.
Purchasing tickets online is the fastest way to secure a timed entry slot and bypass long lines. The official Louvre website and authorized platforms show real-time availability and prices. Same-day tickets may be offered online but sell out quickly.
Onsite tickets are sold at the Porte des Lions and the main Pyramid entrance in the Cour Napoléon, though wait times can be lengthy. Standard entry costs EUR 17; free admission applies to EU residents under 26 and visitors under 18 years old. Temporary exhibitions may require an additional fee. Combination tickets and guided tours vary in price. Accepted payments include credit cards and contactless methods.
Purchasing tickets online is the fastest way to secure a timed entry slot and bypass long lines. The official Louvre website and authorized platforms show real-time availability and prices. Same-day tickets may be offered online but sell out quickly.
Onsite tickets are sold at the Porte des Lions and the main Pyramid entrance in the Cour Napoléon, though wait times can be lengthy. Standard entry costs EUR 17; free admission applies to EU residents under 26 and visitors under 18 years old. Temporary exhibitions may require an additional fee. Combination tickets and guided tours vary in price. Accepted payments include credit cards and contactless methods.
What are the practical details for visiting the Louvre Museum?
The Louvre is located at Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, open daily except Tuesdays, from 9 AM to 6 PM, with late hours on Wednesdays and Fridays until 9:45 PM.
Enter primarily through the glass Pyramid in the Cour Napoléon. Accessibility features include elevators and wheelchairs for visitors with reduced mobility.
The Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre metro station (Lines 1 and 7) is a five-minute walk from the museum. Bus lines 21, 24, 27, 39, 48, 68, 69, 72, 81, and 95 stop nearby. Walking distances: 15 minutes from Île de la Cité and 20 minutes from Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Cloakrooms are available, but large bags and suitcases are not allowed inside.
Enter primarily through the glass Pyramid in the Cour Napoléon. Accessibility features include elevators and wheelchairs for visitors with reduced mobility.
The Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre metro station (Lines 1 and 7) is a five-minute walk from the museum. Bus lines 21, 24, 27, 39, 48, 68, 69, 72, 81, and 95 stop nearby. Walking distances: 15 minutes from Île de la Cité and 20 minutes from Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Cloakrooms are available, but large bags and suitcases are not allowed inside.
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“If you book timed entry tickets for 9:00 AM on Rue de Rivoli, you can often skip long lines and have a quiet start before the afternoon crowd arrives. After your visit, grab a croque-monsieur at Café Marly for a classic Parisian treat under 15 euros.”
Julien Moreau/ Local Tour Operator
What local tips can help save money and improve the Louvre visit?
Visitors can save by using free admission days and discounts, while off-peak visits enhance comfort.
Admission is free on the first Saturday of each month from 6 PM to 9:45 PM and on Bastille Day (July 14). EU residents under 26 enjoy free entry year-round. Booking tickets online in advance helps avoid extra fees charged by vendors at the entrance.
To avoid pricey museum cafés, bring snacks or dine at nearby spots in the Le Marais or Saint-Germain-des-Prés, both within a 20-minute walk. Consider renting an audio guide or using the official Louvre app for detailed commentary without hiring a private guide. Comfortable shoes are essential, as the museum covers over 72,735 square meters of galleries.
Admission is free on the first Saturday of each month from 6 PM to 9:45 PM and on Bastille Day (July 14). EU residents under 26 enjoy free entry year-round. Booking tickets online in advance helps avoid extra fees charged by vendors at the entrance.
To avoid pricey museum cafés, bring snacks or dine at nearby spots in the Le Marais or Saint-Germain-des-Prés, both within a 20-minute walk. Consider renting an audio guide or using the official Louvre app for detailed commentary without hiring a private guide. Comfortable shoes are essential, as the museum covers over 72,735 square meters of galleries.
Reference Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
No, since 2019 the Louvre requires all visitors to have a timed entry ticket, even if you arrive early. This system helps manage crowd flow and ensures a better visit. Tickets must be purchased in advance for a specific entry time, which you should adhere to strictly. Arriving without a timed ticket will likely result in refusal of entry or long waits to find an available slot. It's best to book your tickets online via the official Louvre website or authorized resellers, selecting the exact time you plan to enter. On-site ticket sales are very limited and not recommended.
Yes, the Louvre features free admission on the first Saturday of each month from 6 pm to 9:45 pm and on Bastille Day (July 14). Additionally, entry is free for EU residents under 26 years old, teachers of art and history, disabled visitors plus one companion, and children under 18. Be aware that even on free days, you must reserve a timed entry ticket online in advance. This helps control crowds and avoids disappointment. If eligible, you will need to select the free ticket option when booking on the official Louvre site.
The most popular and busiest entrance is through the main glass pyramid on Rue de Rivoli. However, for faster access, many visitors use the Porte des Lions entrance near the Seine river or the Carrousel du Louvre entrance located in the underground shopping mall at 99 Rue de Rivoli. The Carrousel entrance is often less crowded and convenient if you are arriving by Metro (Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre station). The Porte des Lions entrance is smaller and can be quieter but may close during busy periods. Choose an entrance based on your ticket type and arrival time to reduce waiting.
Yes, the Louvre is wheelchair accessible. There are ramps and elevators throughout the museum to allow access to all exhibition rooms. Wheelchairs are available free of charge at the entrance on a first-come, first-served basis. Accessible restrooms and parking spaces are also provided. Visitors with disabilities and their companions can enter free of charge but still need to reserve a free timed entry ticket online. Staff are trained to assist visitors with special needs. It is recommended to plan your visit ahead by checking the official Louvre accessibility page for detailed maps and services.
When visiting the Louvre, bring a valid ID, your printed or digital timed entry ticket, comfortable shoes for walking, and a lightweight backpack or bag that meets security guidelines (no large suitcases or tripods). Photography without flash is allowed but avoid bringing professional camera equipment unless you have special permission. Also, pack a bottle of water, as the museum can be large and tiring to see. Note that food is not allowed inside the galleries but is available in cafes and designated areas. Arrive early to pass security smoothly and bring a portable phone charger as the visit can last several hours.
It is recommended to arrive at least 15 to 30 minutes before your scheduled entry time to allow for security checks and ticket verification. The security lines can sometimes be long, especially during peak tourist seasons. Arriving too early won’t let you enter before your time slot, so plan accordingly. If you arrive late, the Louvre may not guarantee entry as they strictly control visitor flow. Use the extra time to familiarize yourself with the museum map or grab a quick coffee nearby. The Louvre opens at 9 am daily except Tuesdays, and late hours on Wednesdays and Fridays until 9:45 pm.
No, re-entry is not allowed once you have exited the Louvre on the same day with a timed entry ticket. When you enter the museum, your ticket is scanned and valid for one continuous visit only. This policy helps manage visitor numbers and improves security. If you plan to take breaks or leave for meals, be aware you will not be able to return without purchasing a new ticket. Consider planning your visit with a clear route or meal breaks before entering, and use the museum’s cafes and rest areas inside to stay comfortable during your visit.
The Louvre is easily accessible by several public transit options. The closest Metro station is Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre (Lines 1 and 7), with exits leading directly to the Carrousel du Louvre entrance. Other nearby stations include Louvre-Rivoli (Line 1) and Pont Neuf (Line 7). Numerous bus lines, including 21, 24, 27, 39, 48, 68, 69, 72, 81, and 95, stop near the museum. For river transport, the Batobus shuttle stops at the Louvre’s nearby Pont des Arts pier. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available but may be slower during peak hours. Using public transport is generally recommended to avoid parking challenges in central Paris.
