Plan Your Louvre Museum Visit
A simple order of steps for a smooth Louvre visit: choose a format, check free admission, book a time, read your voucher, plan the journey and pick a few priorities.
Six steps to plan your visit
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Choose how you want to visit
Decide between exploring on your own with a timed museum ticket and joining a guided tour. Our comparison of tickets and tours explains the trade offs.
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Check free admission
Visitors under 18 and some young people under 26 from the EEA can enter free under the museum’s conditions. Check this on the official tickets page before you pay for a package, because a guided service can still have its own charge.
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Book a time
The museum uses timed entry. Book standard tickets on ticket.louvre.fr, or book a tour with a fixed start time. Avoid Tuesdays, when the museum was closed at our last check.
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Read your voucher
Look for the meeting point, the arrival time and the documents you need. For tours the voucher instructions take priority over general advice, including ours.
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Plan the journey and arrival
Work out your route and add time for security. See getting to the Louvre for transport and entrances, and opening hours for last entry.
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Pick a few priorities
Choose three to five works or areas you really want to see. Our first visit guide suggests a route of two to three hours.
Quick plan at a glance
| When | What to do | Where |
|---|---|---|
| When dates are fixed | Choose a format and book a time | Compare options |
| A week before | Check opening days and any special closures | Official hours |
| The day before | Reread your voucher and plan the route | Getting there |
| On the day | Arrive early for security and the meeting point | Your voucher |
| Inside | Follow your priorities and take breaks | First visit guide |
What to bring
- Your ticket or voucher, on a charged phone or printed
- Proof of age or residence if you claim free or reduced admission
- A small bag only; large luggage is restricted
- Comfortable shoes, because the museum is large and floors are hard
- A refillable water bottle and a light layer for changing room temperatures
- Your short list of priorities, with their wing names
Visiting with family
Children tire quickly in a museum this size. Plan a shorter visit with breaks and a few memorable works. Read our guide to visiting the Louvre with children.
For a first visit, choose a few priorities rather than trying to see every wing. Leave time to find your way between galleries.
Frequently asked questions
How far ahead should I book?
Book as soon as your dates are fixed, especially for weekends, school holidays and summer. Guided tours at popular times can fill up days ahead.
Can I bring a large bag or suitcase?
Large luggage is restricted. Check the official visitor rules for current size limits and cloakroom availability before you go.
Should I print my voucher?
Follow the instructions on your voucher. Many are accepted on a phone, but keep the battery charged and a screenshot ready in case of weak signal.
Sources
- Louvre: tickets and prices (official)
- Louvre: hours and admission (official)
- Louvre: map, entrances and directions (official)
Practical details come from official museum pages where possible. Product details come from the Tiqets product page for each option. Read our editorial policy to see how we check and correct information.