Are you planning a trip to Paris and wondering how long it would take to tour the Louvre? The Louvre is one of the most famous museums in the world and is home to over 35,000 works of art.
It’s no surprise that it can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about touring the Louvre and how long it will take.
Planning Your Visit
Before we dive into how long it takes to tour the Louvre, let’s talk about planning your visit. The museum is open every day except Tuesdays from 9 am to 6 pm.
On Wednesdays and Fridays, the museum stays open until 9:45 pm. We recommend purchasing your ticket in advance online to avoid standing in line.
Types of Tickets
The Louvre offers several types of tickets that cater to different needs. The standard ticket costs €17 and gives you access to all permanent collections, while a reduced price ticket costs €10.50 for visitors aged between 18-25 years old.
If you’re short on time or want to skip the line, we recommend getting a skip-the-line ticket, which starts at €20.50. You’ll be able to enter through a separate entrance and won’t have to wait in line.
How Long Does It Take To Tour?
The time it takes to tour the Louvre depends on several factors such as your interests and pace of walking. On average, visitors spend around three hours inside the museum.
If you’re an art enthusiast or plan on seeing all of the major works of art, we recommend allocating at least five hours for your visit. Keep in mind that some areas of the museum can get crowded, which may slow down your pace.
If you’re short on time or have limited mobility, we recommend taking a guided tour. A guided tour will ensure that you see all of the major works of art and learn more about the museum’s history. Guided tours typically take around two hours.
Must-See Works of Art
The Louvre is home to some of the world’s most famous works of art, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. If you’re short on time, we recommend prioritizing these must-see works of art:
- The Winged Victory of Samothrace
- The Venus de Milo
- The Coronation of Napoleon
- Liberty Leading the People
- The Raft of the Medusa
- The Wedding at Cana
- Mona Lisa
Tips for Your Visit
To make your visit to the Louvre as enjoyable as possible, we’ve compiled a list of tips to keep in mind:
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing as you’ll be doing a lot of walking
- Bring water and snacks with you as there are limited food options within the museum
- Download a map or use an audio guide to navigate through the museum
- Avoid visiting on Tuesdays when it can get particularly crowded
Final Thoughts
The Louvre is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Paris. Although it can be overwhelming, allocating enough time for your visit and prioritizing must-see works of art will ensure that you have an unforgettable experience.
Don’t forget to plan ahead, wear comfortable shoes, and bring water with you. Enjoy your visit!