Complete Guide to the Louvre: What to See and How Much Time You Need

The Louvre is vast — with over 35,000 works on display across three wings and five floors, even a full day barely scratches the surface. Start with a plan: decide whether you want a highlights tour (2–3 hours) or a deeper exploration (half a day or more).

Most visitors begin in the Denon wing, home to the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, and the Grand Gallery of Italian paintings. The Sully wing covers ancient Egyptian and Greek antiquities, while Richelieu holds French sculptures and decorative arts. Grab a free map at the entrance and mark your must-sees before the crowds build.

Book a timed-entry ticket to skip the ticket queue, arrive 15 minutes early, and wear comfortable shoes. Wednesday and Friday evenings are quieter and the museum stays open until 9:45 PM — a magical time to wander the galleries with fewer people.