How to Skip the Line at the Louvre: A Practical Guide

The Louvre welcomes close to nine million visitors a year, which makes it the most-visited museum on earth — and, on a busy afternoon, one of the slowest to get into. A little planning goes a long way.

Book a timed-entry ticket before you arrive

Every visitor needs a timed-entry reservation, whether it's a paid ticket or a free-admission slot. Booking online in advance guarantees your entry time and lets you walk past the general ticket queue entirely.

Pick the right entrance

The glass pyramid in the Cour Napoléon is the most iconic entrance, but it's also where the longest queues form. The Carrousel du Louvre entrance at 99 Rue de Rivoli, accessible from the underground shopping mall, is often much quieter and leads to the same security checkpoint.

Visit on a late-opening evening

The Louvre stays open until 9:45 PM on Wednesdays and Fridays. Evening visits are noticeably calmer than the mid-morning to early-afternoon rush, and the lighting inside the galleries is just as good.

Know before you go

• Large bags and suitcases are not permitted inside — travel light

• The Mona Lisa is displayed in the Salle des États and draws the biggest crowds of any single work

• Free museum Wi-Fi and a mobile app can help you navigate once inside