Is the Louvre Worth It? Your No-Nonsense Guide

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Is the Louvre worth it? If you’re pondering this question, chances are you’re not a die-hard art fan because otherwise going to the Louvre in Paris would be a no-brainer. And I get it. I am not an art buff, either.

While I do enjoy a good exhibition now and then, Paris has endless options for fun that I like to enjoy just as much. But I have been to the Louvre numerous times, and I’m here to offer you a Louvre review combined with first-hand visitor tips.

Read on to find out how to make the most out of your visit and how to best dodge the biggest crowds.

So, is the Louvre worth it or not? Read on as I delve into what makes this iconic museum a must-visit—or perhaps a skip—for someone who isn’t naturally drawn to art.

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Is the Louvre Worth it?

Will a visit to the Louvre change your life? Will you start measuring time as “before the Louvre” and “after the Louvre”? Well, probably not.

I don’t want to sugar coat it: the Louvre is crowded, often too warm, and you’ll have to queue to see the Mona Lisa.

⭐ But is the Louvre worth it to be scheduled in your Paris itinerary? The answer is a 100% hard yes.

Because the Louvre is more than just a museum in Paris, and it’s more than just the Mona Lisa. It’s a must-see treasure chest of art and history.

And guess what? You don’t need to spend a whole day to enjoy it. In just a few hours, you can come face-to-face with some of the world’s most famous masterpieces.

With a bit of strategic planning, you can even effectively sidestep the overwhelming crowds that the Louvre is typically known for.

Here are 5 reasons why you should not miss the Louvre when in Paris:

1. See the Stars: Get up close with art world celebrities like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo
2. Time Travel: Jump from Ancient Egypt to Renaissance Europe in just a few steps.
3. Brain Boost: Learn the stories behind the art without even trying (best with the Audio guide!)
4. Photo Paradise: Snap a pic in front of the iconic glass pyramid & the Mona Lisa
5. Bucket List Tick: Visiting the world’s most famous museum? That’s a big check on anyone’s bucket list.

So here’s for you, my guide to the Louvre to help you navigate this massive museum, maximize your experience and save you from spending hours in there.

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see art that has shaped cultures and inspired millions. As the world’s most visited museum, it’s a big deal on a traveler’s bucket list.

So, yes, that feeling that you’ll miss out if you skip the Louvre? Totally justified. Trust me, a visit here is worth every moment, particularly if you heed my advice on sidestepping the crowds.

The Louvre: Paris’ Most Visited Attraction

The Louvre in Paris counts a whopping 7.7 million of visitors a year. That is even 25% more than the Eiffel Tower. And to make it more spectacular, the Louvre is the most visited Museum in the world.

Originally serving as the opulent residence for French royalty, the Louvre was transformed into a museum in 1793. Beginning with a modest collection of 537 paintings, it has dramatically expanded since then.

Today, it houses an impressive 380,000 objects, 35,000 of which are on public display. This staggering volume of art is accommodated across eight specialized departments, occupying a sprawling 60,000 square meters of exhibition space.

Plan your Louvre Visit: Easy Itinerary

Art Lovers will cry out, but I dare to say that you can absolutely plan a 2-hour visit to the Louvre and then go on with your live. If you plan your visit carefully and set a focused itinerary, the Louvre won’t consume too much of your cherished Paris time.

The Louvre is a behemoth of a museum, and you’re far from the first visitor to feel daunted by its immense scale.

Fortunately, the Louvre is well aware of this challenge and has developed visitor-friendly guides that make navigating this vast cultural labyrinth more accessible.

The Layout of the Louvre

To make the most of your time and ensure a swift, efficient visit to the Louvre, you might think studying a map of the Louvre in advance is the way to go.

I thought the same, but after actually looking at the map, I found it more bewildering than beneficial. It’s more confusing than not. But there’s help:

Top: Follow the Visitor Trails in the Louvre

Secure Your Louvre Ticket Now to Explore the Louvre’s User-Friendly Visitor Trails

The Louvre has thoughtfully crafted several visitor trails to help you navigate its sprawling space. These guides are invaluable for finding your way around the museum, sparing you the effort of crafting your own itinerary.

The best: The Visitor Trails are Free – you just need an entrance ticket that you can book here

With these trails, you’re unlikely to get lost in the labyrinthine halls, and you can cover significant ground in as little as 90 minutes. It’s basically a quick trip through the history of art.

From the available trails, I recommend following either the Masterpieces Trail or the Beyoncé and Jay-z’s Louvre Highlights. The latter covers the artwork shown in their music video APES**T, that was made in the Louvre.

My Tip: I’d pick the Beyoncé trail. It covers more artwork at the same time, including, of course, the Mona Lisa and the Venus of Milo.

Top: Take a 2h Masterpieces Tour with a Guide

Reserve Your Expert-Guided Louvre Tour Here for an Unforgettable Experience!

Opting for a guided tour at the Louvre can be a game-changer, especially if you’re not particularly artsy. With a knowledgeable guide by your side, you’re led directly to the museum’s highlights, and you receive essential information that makes the art more relatable and engaging.

The guide’s expertise transforms what might look like “just another painting” into a fascinating story, making the artwork far more accessible and enjoyable.

Even if you’ve never taken much of an interest in art, the intriguing facts and insights shared by a connoisseur can bring the masterpieces to life in a new way. With tours as short as two hours, this is a perfect way to ensure a rich, curated, and enjoyable Louvre experience.

See here if the most popular tour has still spots free on your travel dates.

The Louvre: How to Dodge the Crowds

7.7 Millions yearly visitors gave it away already: the Louvre is where the crowds are in Paris. And to be frank, it’s hard to beat them. But there are a few tricks on how to minimize the impact. Read on to know how.

#1 Book your Tickets in Advance

Secure Your Louvre Ticket Now to Explore the Louvre at Your Preferred Time

Securing your Louvre tickets in advance offers two significant benefits: you get to choose your preferred time slot, and you can bypass the long lines at the ticket counter.

After all, if you’re contemplating whether the Louvre is worth the visit, you likely don’t have time to squander standing in queues.

Is a Louvre Skip the Line Ticket worth it?

The term “Skip the Line” often evokes the promise of expedited entry and special privileges, but it appears Paris hasn’t quite caught on to this trend. At the Louvre, a fast pass simply means you can skip the ticket-buying queue—nothing more, nothing less, but it is still worth it.

Whether you purchase a “skip-the-line” ticket from third-party platforms like Get Your Guide or Viator, or opt for a timed entry directly from the Louvre Website, the outcome remains the same.

In both cases, you’re luckily unlikely to wait more than 30 minutes to enter. And you still might have to wait for the security check. However, by securing your ticket in advance, you’re already taking a significant step to outmaneuver the crowds at the Louvre by skipping the line at the ticket counter.

#2 Choose your Timed Entry Strategically

Choosing a timed entry for the Louvre isn’t just about booking a ticket; it’s about crafting your ultimate art experience with the fewest waiting time possible.

When you book in advance, you’re not just skipping that notorious ticket line. You’re also snagging the power to pick your entry time and the best time to go to the Louvre.

And here’s the insider tip: aim for the 9 a.m. slot.

Why? The museum doles out new time slots every 30 minutes, which means a steady stream of art aficionados pouring in all day long. If you stroll in at 11 a.m., you’ll not only bump into the 9 a.m. early birds who are far from done, but also the 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m., and 10:30 a.m. crews.

But by being one of the first in line when the doors swing open, you’re setting the stage for a less crowded, more intimate encounter with some of the world’s most celebrated artworks.

Curious if the 9 a.m spot is available on your dates? Check it here now.

#3 Best Time to Visit the Louvre: Avoid the Peak Days

Navigating the Louvre’s crowds begins with choosing the right day to visit. Open six days a week and closed on Tuesdays, the museum has its fair share of busy times.

If possible, steer clear of weekends and Fridays, when weekend travelers have already descended upon the city. Wednesday mornings can also be unexpectedly bustling, courtesy of school groups that frequent the museum.

Your best bet for a quieter, more relaxed experience? Aim for Mondays and Thursdays. These often-overlooked days offer you a golden opportunity to explore the museum’s treasures without jostling through thick crowds, enhancing the quality of your visit significantly.

While it’s no guarantee for a completely crowd-free experience, especially during peak tourist seasons, these days are generally less packed than others.

#4 Skip the Pyramid Entrance

When you think of the Louvre, you probably picture the famous glass pyramid that serves as the main entrance.

Most people head straight there when they visit. And it’s the worst you can do it you want to avoid lines at the Louvre.

Because what you may not know is that the Louvre has other entrances that could get you in even faster, if you purchased your ticket already (Note: another strong point for booking in advance)

So, if you already have a ticket, you can take advantage of less crowded entry points, for example through the Carrousel du Louvre. This alternative entrance can save you time and help you avoid the larger crowds that typically gather at the Pyramid.

• Carrousel du Louvre: access directly from the Metro Station of Line 1 and 7, or from 99 Rue de Rivoli

These doors aren’t always open and some may have certain conditions, so it’s a good idea to check the Louvre’s website before you go.

To come back to the initial question “is the Louvre is worth it” the answer leans heavily towards a definitive ‘yes.’

You don’t need to be an art expert to appreciate what’s on display. Thanks to guides and curated pathways, even a brief visit can be impactful. It’s not merely a checkbox on a Paris tourist itinerary, but a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to engage with global heritage.

So, is the Louvre worth it? Absolutely, and it promises an experience you’re unlikely to forget.

I have lived in Paris since 2005, and I am happy to show you around. Join me on Facebook for updates and news about Paris.

FAQ Is the Louvre worth it?