The Louvre is one of the most iconic museums in the world, and with its fame often comes long lines. No one wants to spend hours waiting in line when they only have a week for a trip, so we are sharing our best tips on how to skip the lines at the Louvre.
1. Timed Entry to Skip the Line at the Louvre
Save yourself from the agony of standing in line by booking your tickets online. The Louvre’s official website offers timed-entry tickets, allowing you to skip the long lines and proceed directly to security checks. Note that you will still need to wait in the security lines, but buying your ticket beforehand will at least minimize the time spent in ticket lines. If you arrive right before they open at 9am and head directly to the Mona Lisa, you’ll have about 10 minutes of smaller crowds before the rest of the visitors begin pouring in.
2. Skip the Lines at the Louvre with Late Night Entry
While The Louvre closes at 6pm most days, on Fridays, it stays open until 9:45pm. Visiting on a Friday evening while everyone else is at dinner is a great way to avoid some of the crowds at this world famed museum. Better yet, it gives you the chance to have the Mona Lisa all to yourself if you save it until the end of your visit. By visiting the Mona Lisa 30 minutes before closing, you’ll have the room almost all to yourself. This is my favorite method on how to avoid crowds at the Louvre, as I was able to visit the museum with nearly no one else around me late at night.
3. Choose the Right Entrance to Skip the Line at the Louvre
While the Pyramid entrance is iconic, it’s also the most crowded. If you’re wondering how to skip the lines at the Louvre so you can spend more time admiring the impressive artwork inside, consider entering through the Louvre’s underground entrance. The less frequented Carrousel du Louvre entrance is an underground shopping mall and entrance area located beneath the glass pyramid, and it gives a quicker start to your museum adventure. This entrance is accessible directly from Rue de Rivoli. Look for signs indicating the entrance to the Carrousel du Louvre shopping mall. This is one of my favorite tips I give my friends and family who want to know how to skip the lines at the Louvre, especially since you can always visit the Pyramid after you see the museum to see the gorgeous architecture and take pictures!
4. Visit During Off Peak Seasons to Skip the Lines at the Louvre
If possible, plan your visit during the off-peak seasons, such as late fall or winter. Smaller crowds mean shorter lines, giving you ample space to appreciate the art without the hustle and bustle.
How to Get to the Louvre
Metro: The Louvre is well-served by the Paris Metro. The closest metro station is Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre (Lines 1 and 7). After exiting the station, you’ll find yourself near the Louvre courtyard.
Bus: Several bus lines stop near the Louvre. Check the RATP website or use a navigation app to find the most convenient bus route for your location.
Car: Driving in central Paris can be challenging, and parking near the Louvre is limited. We recommend taking a cab or Uber ride instead.
Rules and Regulations at the Louvre
Security Checks: All visitors are subject to security checks upon entering the museum. This involves passing through metal detectors, and bags are subject to inspection.
Photography: Photography is allowed in most areas of the Louvre, but the use of flash and tripods is usually prohibited. There may be restrictions in specific exhibitions or galleries, so always check for signage indicating photography guidelines.
Louvre Bag Policy: Large bags, backpacks, and suitcases are not allowed inside the museum. Visitors are required to store these items in the museum’s cloakroom, usually for a fee. I like to travel with a small crossbody bag or beltbag! You can find more information about the Louvre bag policy on their website.
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