The Louvre in Paris is the city’s most famous attraction and one of the world’s most substantial museums. With 652,300 square feet, 380,000 objects, and 35,000 works, there’s a lot to see in the Louvre – including crowds of people! Since the museum gets very busy, it’s important to know the best time to visit the Louvre.
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Best day to visit the Louvre
The Louvre is currently open Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 9 am to 6 pm. The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays. On Fridays, the Louvre is open until 9:45 pm.
Saturday is by far the busiest day to visit the Louvre, as well as Fridays and Sundays. French locals are off work and can visit the museum, along with all the tourists.
For this reason, the best days to visit the Louvre are during the work week. Monday is the best day to visit the Louvre, followed by Wednesday and Thursday.
However, it’s possible to go to the Louvre at a bad time on a good day, and still be overwhelmed by the crowds, so what’s the best time to visit the Louvre?
Best time to visit the Louvre
Regardless of the day, 2 pm is usually the busiest time to go to the Louvre. Visit the Louvre either in the early morning, around 9 am, or later in the afternoon around 3 pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
On the weekend, 3 pm is the busiest time of day at the Louvre, so the best time to visit the Louvre on the weekend is in the morning when locals are late to rise.
If you’re set on visiting the Louvre on a Friday, it is best to avoid the museum between 2 pm and 6 pm. Opting for a late-night visit after an early, romantic dinner might be the best idea on Fridays since the Louvre closes at 9:45 pm on that day. It is important to note that if you want to take in as much as possible, you should get in line by 7 pm on Fridays.
Best time to visit the Louvre:
- Monday: 9am-12pm; 3-5pm
- Tuesday: CLOSED
- Wednesday: 9am-12pm; 3-5pm
- Thursday: 9am-12pm; 3-5pm
- Friday: 9am-12pm; 6-9pm
- Saturday: 9am-12pm; 4-5pm
- Sunday: 9am-12pm; 4-5pm
Best season to visit the Louvre
If you can help it, it’s best to visit the Louvre during the off-peak season between November and February. Make sure you bring a heavy-duty coat in case you need to wait in line (if you haven’t bought skip-the-line tickets)!
Best time to visit the Louvre with a family
If you are visiting the Louvre with a family and kids, it is even more important to be aware of the best time to visit the Louvre.
Check the French school calendars before your visit. See when kids are on a holiday break and avoid taking your kids on these days as the Louvre will likely be packed with local families and classroom visits.
Tickets to the Louvre
One of the most important parts of visiting the Louvre is planning your visit ahead of time. Buying your tickets in advance is one of the best ways to avoid waiting in line.
You can purchase a fast-track digital ticket for guaranteed access within 30 minutes of waiting in line.
If you are looking to make the most out of your visit, you can also book a guided tour of the Louvre’s highlights with priority entry to the museum, ensuring you maximize your time inside.
