Louvre

France

Possibly the most famous art museum in the world, the Louvre is also incredibly popular, crowded, and enormous.

Here are some tips:

1. Plan your visit. If you spent one minute in front of every piece of art in the place it would take you 64 days to see everything. Plan the things you want to see and plan accordingly. In general “must sees” on most lists include the Mona Lisa (remarkably disappointing and mobbed), Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory. The Louvre website has their recommendations of top things as well (they have 24). Get a map, make a plan.
2. Plan your entry. Lines can be long – the one at the pyramid is usually the longest. Consider the Carousel entry near the metro station. Either buy tickets in advance online or get a Paris Museum Pass.
3. Wear comfortable shoes. You are going to be doing a LOT of walking. You may want hydration and snacks as well.
4. Don’t be disappointed by the lack of Impressionist art – these are all at the (much better) Musee d’Orsay.
5. Limit yourself. Since you cannot see everything, stop when you’ve had enough. You will enjoy yourself more and actually may remember some of what you saw.
6. See our blog on visiting major museums.

Hours:

• Monday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
• Tuesday: Closed.
• Wednesday: 9 a.m.–9:45 p.m.
• Thursday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
• Friday: 9 a.m.–9:45 p.m. 
• Saturday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
• Sunday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
• On the first Saturday of each month, the museum is also open from 6 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. and admission is free for all visitors.