Visiting the Louvre sounds magical—until you try to buy Louvre Museum tickets last minute. I remember standing in a long, hot line, wasting hours just to get inside. Worse, many ticket types were already sold out when I finally reached the counter.
It was stressful, confusing, and honestly, it drained the excitement out of my day. If you don’t plan ahead, you risk missing famous artworks like the Mona Lisa. But don’t worry—this guide will show you exactly how to book the right Louvre Museum tickets, avoid long lines, and make your visit easy and unforgettable.
Key Takeaways:
- Book your Louvre Museum tickets in advance to avoid long lines.
- Various ticket options are available, including skip-the-line and guided tours.
- If tickets are sold out, try GetYourGuide or Tourstravelfinder for last-minute options.
- The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays and most crowded on weekends.
- After your visit, explore nearby attractions like Musée d’Orsay and the Seine River.
Louvre Museum: Iconic Art Gallery
The Louvre Museum, a wonder of the world, is located in the heart of Paris, France. It is one of the largest and most famous art museums in the world right now.
In 2024, around 8.7 million people visited the Louvre Museum. This large number made it the world’s most visited museum in the world.
History of the Louvre Art Museum
The story of the Louvre Museum begins in 1190. King Philip II of France decided to build a strong fortress on the banks of the Seine River. He created this fortress to protect Paris from outside attacks and to keep his kingdom safe. It was called the Louvre.
In the 16th century, King François I converted the fortress into a royal residence. It was a royal palace during the Renaissance and became a public art museum in 1793. The museum has a collection of over 500,000 artworks. It is a must-see place in Paris.
Why You Should Visit the Louvre Museum in Paris
- World-Famous Artworks: The Louvre has an impressive collection. It includes the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.
- Rich History: The beautiful architecture of the Louvre has a fascinating story.
- Diverse Collections: Paintings, sculptures, Egyptian artifacts, Islamic art, and more.
- A Cultural Icon: This place is a wonderful spot for anyone who loves history and art.
Pro Tip: At the Louvre and want to see the Eiffel Tower? Check out “How to Travel from Louvre to Eiffel Tower: A Complete Guide“.
The Louvre Museum’s opening hours in 2025
| Category | Details |
| Opening Hours | Monday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday, Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Closed: Tuesday Last entry: 1 hour before closing |
| Public Holidays | Closed on 1st January, 1st May, and 25th December. Open on other public holidays unless they fall on a Tuesday. |
| Eugène-Delacroix National Museum | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed Tuesdays, 1st Jan, 1st May, 25th Dec)Evening opening on the first Thursday of the month until 8:30 PM |
| Ticket Prices | General Admission: €22 |
| Memberships | Amis du Louvre membership is available, ranging from €15 to €120. |
For more details and to book tickets, you can visit Louvre Museum’s official page.
Types of Louvre Museum Tickets 2025
There are various types of tickets for the Louvre Museum. You can book your tickets as per your requirements. Here is everything you need to know about Louvre Museum tickets:
1. General Admission Ticket
This ticket allows visitors to access the permanent collections of the museum. The collections include famous works like the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.
| Ticket Names | Booking Links |
| Louvre Museum Entry Ticket | Book Now |
| The Louvre Access and Direct to Mona Lisa | Book Now |
| Abu Dhabi Louvre Museum Access Ticket | Book Now |
2. Permanent Collections + Temporary Exhibitions Ticket
The Louvre Museum often hosts various temporary exhibitions. These tickets grant access to both permanent collections and temporary exhibitions.
- Louvre Museum Reserved Tour Entry Ticket
- Louvre Museum Permanent collection tickets
- Louvre Museum Ticket with Full Access
3. Timed Entry Ticket
If you are looking for hassle-free entry, this ticket is perfect for you. It allows visitors to enter the museum at a specific time. You can book your timed entry tickets from the Louvre’s official website.
4. Skip-the-Line Ticket
Skip-the-line tickets help visitors avoid waiting in lines to enter the museum. Paris is famous for its tourist spots. Buy skip-the-line tickets to avoid long waits.
| Ticket Name | Booking Link |
| Louvre Museum Skip the Line & Explore Masterpieces | Book Now |
| The Louvre Skip the line Access and Direct to Mona Lisa | Book Now |
| Louvre Museum Skip the Line Exclusive Tour | Book Now |
| Louvre Museum Skip the Line Reserved Tour | Book Now |
| Louvre Museum Skip the Line Ticket | Book Now |
5. Guided Tours
Guided tour tickets include an expert guide to assist the visitors. Guides will help you with everything from planning the visit to exiting the museum.
| Louvre Museum Guided Tour Book a Ticket | Louvre Museum Tour with Meet & Greet Book a Ticket |
| The Louvre Access with Host Book a Ticket | Louvre Museum Skip the Line Guided Book a Ticket |
6. Audioguide Tickets
If you want to learn about history and facts but don’t want a guide, audio guide tickets are the best option for you. You can explore alone and listen to the background stories of paintings and objects.
- Louvre Museum Audio Guide Tour
- Louvre Museum Audio Guide Reserved Ticket
- Louvre Museum Audio Guide Ticket
7. Group Tickets
Sometimes, we travel in a group or join a group-guided tour for a better experience. It is a budget option for visitors. Groups can enjoy special rates and arrangements. However, advance booking is often required. Visit Tours Travel Finder or GetYourGuide to book your ticket.
8. Paris Museum Pass
- Access over 50 museums and monuments, including the Louvre.
- Available for 2, 4, or 6 consecutive days.
Price: Approximately €70 for 2 days, €90 for 4 days, and €110 for 6 days (as of 2025).
9. Combo Tickets
When a single ticket includes more than one attraction or activity, it is called a combo ticket. Many tourists want to cover various destinations in one day. In this situation, a combo ticket is a good option. I can suggest some trusted platforms that sell combo tickets.
10. Free Admission
- The Louvre is free for all visitors on the first Friday of the month after 6 p.m. (except in July and August).
- Visitors under 18 years old.
- EU residents aged 18-25 (with a valid ID).
- Disabled visitors and their accompanying persons.
Note: Free admission does not include access to special exhibitions.
Where to Buy Louvre Museum Tickets?
- Official Website: You can buy regular tickets from the official website. It is most trusted to buy Louvre tickets.
- GetYourGuide: This site has a great ticket collection. You can find guided tour tickets here. Feel free to buy your ticket with confidence.
- Tourstravelfinder: This is another reliable platform for package tickets. You can trust it to find what you need.
know before visiting the Museum: Booking your tickets in advance can help make your visit even more enjoyable.
How to Book Louvre Museum Tickets for 2025
Step-by-Step Guide for Louvre Museum Ticket
- Step 1: Visit the official Louvre Museum website
- Step 2: Select “Book a Ticket.”
- Step 3: Choose Your Ticket Type (Individual, Groups, Guided)
- Step 4: Select the date and time
- Step 5: Make Payment
- Step 6: Wait for confirmation and the PDF
Payment Tips: Various payment methods are accepted, including bank cards and chèques-vacances (holiday vouchers).
How to go to the Louvre Museum?
There are various mood of Transportation to get to the Louvre Museum. Here is a comprehensive list of them:
| Transport Mode | Route | Estimated Cost (€) | Estimated Time |
| Metro (Subway) | Line 1 or Line 7 to Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre station | €2.10 (single ticket) | 5-10 min from central Paris |
| RER Train | RER Line C to Saint-Michel Notre-Dame, then walk or take Metro Line 4 to Châtelet and transfer to Line 1 | €2.10 – €10 (depending on distance) | 10-20 min |
| Bus | Buses 21, 27, 39, 67, 69, 72, 74, 85, 95 stop near the Louvre | €2.10 (single ticket) | 15-30 min |
| Taxi | From central Paris (e.g., Eiffel Tower area) | €10-€20 | 10-20 min |
| Uber/Bolt | From anywhere in Paris | €8-€25 | 10-25 min |
| Walking | From Notre-Dame: ~15 min From Opéra Garnier: ~20 min | Free | 15-25 min |
| Bike (Vélib’) | Public rental bikes available near the Louvre | €3 (day pass) | 5-15 min |
| Car | Parking available at Carrousel du Louvre | €7/hour | Varies (traffic-dependent) |
Tip: For a fast and cheap ride, take the Metro. From Charles de Gaulle Airport, go RER B to Châtelet-Les Halles, then take Metro Line 1.
Choose the right entrance to the Louvre Museum
| Entrance | Location |
| Pyramide (Main Entrance) | Under the glass pyramid in the Cour Napoléon |
| Carrousel du Louvre (Mall Entrance) | 99 Rue de Rivoli (near Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre metro) |
| Porte des Lions (Temporarily closed) | Near the Seine River, southwest side of the museum |
| Porte de Richelieu | Near Rue de Rivoli, opposite Palais Royal |
If you love history, dive into “The Fascinating History of the Louvre Museum in Paris, France“.
Best time to go to the Louvre Museum
The best time to visit the Louvre Museum depends on various factors. Here’s a guide to help you plan your visit:
Best Days to Visit
To enjoy a more peaceful visit, try coming early in the morning when the gate opens. You might also consider visiting on weekdays, especially Wednesday and Friday, to avoid larger crowds.
Worst Times to Visit
🚫 Midday (11 AM – 3 PM): Peak tourist hours with long lines.
🚫 Weekends and Holidays: Extremely crowded.
Best Seasons to Visit
- Low Season (November–March): Low tourists, short lines.
- High Season (June–August): Very crowded; visit in the early morning or late evening.
- Spring & Fall (April–May, September–October): Balanced crowd levels and pleasant weather.
Full Guide Tips: Planning a trip to the Louvre? Find out in “When Is The Best Time to Visit Louvre Museum?“.
What to eat at the Louvre Museum?
1. Cafés and Restaurants in the Louvre
- Le Café Mollien
- Bistrot Benoit
- Le Café Richelieu (par Angelina)
2. Food in the Carrousel du Louvre (shopping area)
- Paul
- Cafés de la Pyramide
- La Petite Folie
- Le Fumoir
Things to do at the Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum offers iconic masterpieces and hidden gems. Here’s a guide to the top things to do:
1. Admire Famous Masterpieces
- Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci:
- The Venus de Milo
- Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix
- The Wedding Feast at Cana by Paolo Veronese
2. Walk Through the Napoleon III Apartments
- The Richelieu Wing is home to Napoleon III’s lavish apartments.
3. Visit the medieval Louvre
- In the Sully Wing, explore the medieval Louvre’s remnants, including the moat and foundations.
4. Enjoy the Tuileries Gardens.
- Walk in the Tuileries Gardens after your museum visit. Enjoy the fountains, sculptures, and views of the Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe.
5. Take a guided tour.
- The Louvre offers a large number of collections. Take a guided tour to explore and learn about its history. The guide will tell you everything.
6. Take a photo at the Louvre pyramid.
- Visit the Louvre Pyramid in the Cour Napoléon courtyard for a must-have photo.
Near the Louvre and looking for more to explore? Check out “Top Things to Do Near the Louvre Museum: A Visitor’s Guide“
Louvre Museum map
| Wing | Main Artworks/Exhibits | Floor |
| Denon | Mona Lisa, Winged Victory of Samothrace, The Wedding Feast at Cana | 1st & 2nd |
| Sully | The Venus de Milo, The Coronation of Napoleon, Medieval Louvre | Ground & 1st |
| Richelieu | Napoleon III Apartments, French Sculptures, Islamic Art | 1st & 2nd |
| Sully & Richelieu | Mummies, Sarcophagi, Stelae | 1st |
| Sully | Ancient Greek Pottery, Roman Statues | Ground & 1st |
Louvre Museum must-see exhibits
- Mona Lisa: It is the most famous portrait painting in the Louvre. A masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci.
- Venus de Milo: This ancient Greek statue of Aphrodite is from around 500-30 BCE.
- The Winged Victory of Samothrace: This sculpture of the goddess Nike is a prime example of ancient Greek art.
- Code of Hammurabi: This ancient Babylonian law code is one of the oldest written records. It holds great historical importance.
- Napoleon III Apartments: Visit the home of Emperor Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie.
If you love Impressionist art, don’t miss “Exploring the Impressionist Museum in Paris: A Journey Through Art“.
Louvre Museum annual pass for visitor
The Louvre Museum Annual Pass (or Carte Louvre/Pass Louvre) is a wonderful option for those who love visiting the museum. With this pass, you can enjoy many visits throughout the year. It is a great way to access unlimited time in the museum.
What’s included in the annual pass?
- Unlimited Access to the Louvre Museum
- Access to Permanent Collections
- Special Exhibitions
- Exclusive Invitations
- Discounts
Things you need to know before visiting the Louvre Museum
- Buy tickets in advance: Buy tickets online ahead of time to avoid long lines.
- Security procedures and restrictions: Expect security checks, including bag inspections and metal detectors. No large bags, backpacks, helmets, or bulky items are allowed.
- Take care of your children: Children are welcome at the Louvre Museum. However, it is important to take care of your children.
- Behave respectfully: don’t touch exhibits, speak quietly, and don’t use flash photography. Follow the museum’s guidelines.
Other attractions in Paris
| Attraction Name | Location | Ticket Booking Link |
| Eiffel Tower | Champ de Mars, 7th Arr. | Eiffel Tower Tickets |
| Musée d’Orsay | 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 7th Arr. | Musée d’Orsay Tickets |
| Notre-Dame Cathedral | Île de la Cité, 4th Arr. | Notre-Dame Tickets |
| Sacré-Cœur Basilica | Montmartre, 18th Arr. | Sacré-Cœur Tickets |
| Arc de Triomphe | Place Charles de Gaulle, 8th Arr. | Arc de Triomphe Tickets |
| Versailles Palace | Place d’Armes, Versailles | Versailles Palace Tickets |
| Musée Rodin | 77 Rue de Varenne, 7th Arr. | Musée Rodin Tickets |
| Centre Pompidou | Place Georges Pompidou, 4th Arr. | Centre Pompidou Tickets |
| Pantheon | Place du Panthéon, 5th Arr. | Pantheon Tickets |
| The Catacombs of Paris | 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 14th Arr. | Catacombs Tickets |
| Musée de l’Orangerie | Jardin des Tuileries, 1st Arr. | Musée de l’Orangerie Tickets |
| Luxembourg Gardens | 6th Arr. | Luxembourg Gardens Info |
| Pont Alexandre III | Seine River, 8th Arr. | Pont Alexandre III Info |
| Disneyland Paris | Marne-la-Vallée, outside Paris | Disneyland Paris Tickets |
FAQs About Louvre Museum Tickets
1. Can I buy Louvre Museum tickets on the same day?
Yes, you can buy tickets on the same day. But please keep in mind that availability may be limited. For the best experience, I recommend booking your tickets online in advance.
2. How much time should I spend at the Louvre?
The museum is very large, and the collections are very big. I recommend setting aside 3 to 4 hours to fully enjoy the key highlights.
3. What are the Louvre’s busiest times?
Weekends and holidays are popular times to visit, so you may find more people around. The busiest hours are usually from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
4. What days is the Louvre closed?
The museum remains open daily except 1 August. The cancellation policies vary based on reservation type. Check the FAQ for more details on solo and duo tickets and other visitor services.
Conclusion
Visiting the Louvre Museum is a unique experience. If you want to enjoy it fully, plan ahead. Booking tickets in advance is mandatory. Choose the right ticket option to avoid long waits. Try to visit during off-peak hours. It can help you to reduce stress. So, plan smart and enjoy your unforgettable adventure at the Louvre
