How to buy tickets for the Louvre Museum in Paris

Visiting the Louvre Museum in Paris requires a minimum of planning. It is one of the most famous and most visited museums in the world, housing masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace, and its size makes it impossible to improvise an effective visit.

This guide will help you understand how to buy tickets for the Louvre Museum, which options to choose from (scheduled entry, audio guide, guided tour, or tourist pass), the best times to visit, and what to know before entering. The goal is simple: avoid mistakes, save time, and plan a smoother visit.

For those in a hurry: the most practical way to visit the Louvre is to book online in advance. You can consider the guided tour of the Louvre with priority admission and Mona Lisa. If you prefer a more independent visit, you can consider the Louvre ticket with audio guide.

How to buy tickets for the Louvre Museum

To visit the Louvre, it is advisable to book before your visit, choosing the day and time slot. The museum is in high demand, and the timed entry helps manage the flow of visitors. This does not eliminate security checks, but it avoids showing up without a plan and risking long waits or limited availability.

You can buy tickets via the official Louvre website or through booking platforms like GetYourGuide, which are useful if you’d like to compare tickets, guided tours, audio guides, combined Seine cruises, or tourist passes.

The best ways to get tickets for the Louvre Museum

Buying tickets on-site: why it’s not recommended

Arriving at the Louvre without a ticket is not the best choice. On-site tickets may only be available at certain times and depending on the crowd; during peak periods, availability can be limited or not suitable for your preferred time.

For a museum of this size, wasting time at the entrance means reducing the hours available to find your way around the galleries, reach the most famous works, and visit the collections calmly.

Booking online: the most practical choice

Booking online lets you choose the day and time of entry, organizing the rest of your day in Paris more easily. This is especially useful if you’d like to pair your Louvre visit with other tours, a walk along the Seine, or a broader itinerary in the city center.

For an independent visit, you can consider the Louvre entrance ticket with audio guide. Before confirming, always check the time slot, meeting point, audio guide language, cancellation policy, and what is included in the reservation.

Booking a guided tour

The Louvre is enormous, and a guided tour can really make a difference. A guide helps you navigate the wings, floors, and collections, focusing on the main masterpieces and explaining the historical and artistic context of the works.

You can consider a guided Louvre tour with Mona Lisa and iconic masterpieces, especially recommended if it’s your first visit or if you have little time and want to avoid getting lost in the galleries.

Consider a tourist pass or a combination ticket

If you want to visit several museums and attractions during your trip, it might make sense to consider a tourist pass. The Paris Museum Pass can be helpful if you plan to visit several museums, but for the Louvre it is still important to check the time slot reservation.

If you’d like to combine your museum visit with a scenic experience, you can also consider a package with the Seine, such as the Louvre ticket with Seine cruise. This is a good option if you’re short on time and want to fit in two very popular experiences on the same day.

For those planning a broader Paris itinerary, it can also be useful to read our guide on what to see in Paris and, if you plan to visit other major attractions, the one dedicated to tickets for the Palace of Versailles.

Standard ticket, audio guide, guided tour or pass: what should you choose?

The choice depends on the type of visit you want to have and the time you have available.

• Timed entry ticket: is recommended if you want to visit the Louvre independently and choose your own route.
• Ticket with audio guide: is a good intermediate solution if you want some extra information without joining a group.
• Guided tour: is recommended for a first visit because the museum is very large and a guide helps you see the main masterpieces without wasting time.
• Combined ticket with Seine river cruise: is useful if you want to combine art and scenery in a single day in Paris.
• Paris Museum Pass: can be worth it if you plan to visit several museums and monuments included in the pass.

If you have little time or are visiting the Louvre for the first time, the guided tour is often the most effective choice. If, on the other hand, you prefer to move around freely and have already decided which rooms to see, a timed entry ticket may be enough.

Useful information for visiting the Louvre

Louvre opening hours

The Louvre is generally open from Wednesday to Monday and closed on Tuesday. Standard hours are 9:00 am – 6:00 pm on Monday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday; on Wednesday and Friday, opening hours are extended into the evening. Last entry is one hour before closing, and rooms begin to be cleared before closing time.

The museum is closed on January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th. However, opening hours and days may vary due to events, maintenance, or special situations, so it’s always best to check the official calendar before visiting.

How much do tickets to the Louvre cost?

The price of Louvre tickets depends on the visitor category and the purchase channel. Official rates distinguish between residents or citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) and non-EEA visitors. There are also free admissions for certain categories, including those under 18 and EEA residents under 26 years old.

Booking platforms and guided tours may charge higher prices, as they include extra services such as guides, audio guides, assistance at entry, or combinations with other activities. Before buying, always compare what’s included and the cancellation policies.

How do tickets for the Louvre Museum work?

Louvre tickets are tied to a specific date and time slot. After booking, you receive the ticket or access instructions; usually, you can show it in digital format unless the provider states otherwise.

The Louvre ticket allows access to the permanent collections and temporary exhibitions. It may also include access to the Musée National Eugène-Delacroix on the same day of your visit or the next opening day, according to official conditions.

Are there skip-the-line tickets for the Louvre?

The term “skip-the-line” should be understood carefully. A ticket booked online allows you to use the line dedicated to visitors with a reservation and time slot, but all visitors still have to go through security checks. There is no ticket that eliminates all waiting in any situation.

To really cut down on waiting time, book in advance, pick a smart time slot, and arrive a little early. A guided tour can also help after entry, as it saves you time finding your way around the rooms.

Which entrance should you choose for the Louvre?

The most famous entrance is the Pyramid, but it’s not the only one. The museum also has other access points, such as Carrousel du Louvre, Passage Richelieu, and Porte des Lions, with rules and availability that may vary depending on the type of visitor, ticket, and day.

If you have an online reservation, always check the instructions on your voucher or the official website. Some entrances may be reserved for groups, cardholders, or visitors with specific conditions.

How to get to the Louvre

The Louvre is located in the center of Paris, on the right bank of the Seine, in the 1st arrondissement. The most convenient metro stop is Palais-Royal/Musée du Louvre, served by lines 1 and 7.

You can also reach it by bus, on foot from many central areas, or combine your visit with a walk along the Seine, the Jardin des Tuileries, or the Palais-Royal district.

Security checks at the Louvre

Security checks take place at the entrance. It’s best to avoid luggage, large bags, and bulky items: the museum does not admit objects above certain dimensions and may require you to leave them in the available lockers.

For a smoother visit, bring only what’s necessary, keep your ticket and ID ready, and follow staff instructions. Even with a booked ticket, security can cause queues during peak times.

Visiting the Louvre with a disability

The Louvre provides dedicated services for visitors with disabilities and their companions, including priority access and free admission under official conditions. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are allowed.

Before your visit, it is advisable to consult the official information on accessibility, especially if you have specific needs related to mobility, sight, hearing, or duration of your museum visit.

How long does a visit to the Louvre last?

The Louvre is too large to be visited entirely in just one day. For a first visit focused on the main masterpieces, plan for at least 2 or 3 hours. If you love art and want to explore more sections, you can dedicate half a day or even more.

The best advice is to choose your priorities in advance: the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace, Egyptian antiquities, Italian painting, Galerie d’Apollon, or Napoleon III’s apartments. Without at least a basic itinerary, you risk walking a lot and seeing less than you hoped.

What is the best time to visit the Louvre Museum?

To avoid crowds, weekdays, late afternoons, and evening openings on Wednesdays or Fridays (when available) are often preferable. The earliest hours of the morning are very popular and can be crowded, especially around the Mona Lisa.

Free-entry days can be interesting, but they attract many visitors. If you want a quieter visit, it’s better to choose a less popular time slot and book in advance.

Where to stay near the Louvre Museum

Staying near the Louvre is convenient if you want to be in a central area of Paris, well-connected and perfect for visiting museums, the Seine, the Tuileries, Palais-Royal, and historic districts. Prices can be higher than in other areas, but the location is very practical.

For an apartment stay near the museum, you can consider Citadines Apart’hotel Louvre Paris, ideal for those seeking more independence in a very central area.

If you prefer a traditional hotel in a convenient location between the Louvre and Saint-Germain-des-Prés, you might consider Hotel Des Deux Continents, useful for those who want to get around easily on foot or by metro.

For a more affordable and informal option, you can consider Le Village Montmartre, not very close to the museum but well-connected and more suitable for those wanting to keep to a budget.

To compare other areas and alternatives, you can also read our guide to hotels in Paris.

What to know about the Louvre Museum

What is the Louvre?

The Louvre is a museum and former royal palace in Paris. It houses one of the world’s most important art collections, with works ranging from ancient times to the great European painting schools.

When was the Louvre built?

The original complex was built as a medieval fortress between the late 12th and early 13th centuries. In the following centuries, it was transformed into a royal palace and then into a museum.

When did it become a museum?

The Louvre opened as a public museum in 1793, during the French Revolution, when the royal collection was made accessible to the public.

Where is the Louvre located?

The Louvre Museum is located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, on the right bank of the Seine, between the Jardin des Tuileries and the Palais-Royal district.

FAQ about tickets for the Louvre

Is it advisable to buy Louvre tickets in advance?

Yes, it is advisable to buy tickets in advance because the Louvre is one of the most visited museums in the world and entrance is arranged by time slots. Booking online helps you organize your visit better and reduces the risk of unnecessary waiting.

Are Louvre tickets really skip-the-line?

Tickets booked online allow you to use the dedicated line for visitors with timed entry, but do not skip the security checks. For this reason, it is best to arrive a little ahead of your scheduled time.

How much does a ticket to the Louvre cost?

The price depends on the visitor category and the sales channel. Official rates distinguish between EEA and non-EEA visitors, while guided tours and tickets with additional services may have higher costs.

Who gets free admission to the Louvre?

Several categories are entitled to free admission, including minors under 18, EEA residents under 26, and visitors with disabilities with an accompanying person. Even those eligible for free entry should book a time slot online.

What day is the Louvre closed?

The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays. It is also closed on January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th, unless there are updates to the official calendar.

How much time do you need to visit the Louvre?

For a first visit focused on the main masterpieces, you need at least 2 or 3 hours. For a more complete visit, it’s better to plan for half a day or more.

Which entrance should you use for the Louvre?

The main entrance is the Pyramid, but there are also other accesses such as Carrousel du Louvre, Passage Richelieu, and Porte des Lions. The voucher or the official website will indicate which entrance to use based on your ticket.

Is it better to visit the Louvre with a guide or on your own?

It depends on what kind of experience you want. If you prefer moving around freely, you can visit on your own with a planned itinerary. If it’s your first time or you have little time, a guided tour helps you efficiently see the main masterpieces.

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Conclusion: which ticket should you choose for the Louvre?

The best ticket for the Louvre depends on your available time and the type of visit you want. If you prefer exploring independently, a ticket with timed entry is usually enough. If it’s your first time or you want to see the main masterpieces without wasting time finding your way, a guided tour is often the most effective choice.

To start, you can check the Louvre ticket with audio guide or consider a guided tour of the Louvre with Mona Lisa and masterpieces. Before confirming, always check the date, time, meeting point, language, and booking conditions.