Visiting the Louvre in Paris – Is it worth it?

Stepping into the Louvre Museum is like walking through a living timeline of human creativity. It’s no wonder this iconic Parisian landmark draws millions of visitors each year; it has over 35,000 artworks that span thousands of years. From world-famous masterpieces to hidden gems, every corner of this 60,600 square meters (652,000 square feet) museum is filled with remarkable art. Visiting the Louvre is an unforgettable experience for every traveller… yes, we believe the Louvre is well worth a visit.

A Brief History of The Louvre

The Musée du Louvre was initially constructed as a fortress in the late 12th century. It later served as a royal palace before being opened to the public as a museum in 1793, following the French Revolution. The architecture of the museum reflects centuries of French history, culminating in the iconic glass pyramid designed by I.M. Pei in 1989, which has become one of Paris’s most recognisable symbols.

Must-See Masterpieces

No visit to the Louvre is complete without seeing its legendary highlights:

The Mona Lisa, painted by Leonardo da Vinci, is an enigmatic portrait that many visitors to the Louvre are eager to see. However, it’s important to plan ahead to avoid the large crowds. We didn’t organise our visit and ended up waiting with a big group of people, which took quite a while. Was it worth it? That really depends on how much you appreciate art or whether you simply want to check it off your bucket list. Given the fame of this painting, you might expect it to be a substantial size, but we were surprised by how small it actually is—though, of course, size isn’t everything.

The Raft of the Medusa is one of the most dramatic and emotional works in the Louvre. Painted by Théodore Géricault in 1819 on a large canvas, the artwork illustrates the aftermath of a shipwreck, where desperate survivors cling to a fragile raft.

The Code of Hammurabi is one of the world’s oldest and most important legal texts. Originating in ancient Babylon nearly 4,000 years ago, this code was inscribed on a tall basalt stele. The monument records 282 laws established by King Hammurabi. It is remarkable to stand in front of this artifact and realise that you are witnessing the foundations of law and order.

The Venus de Milo is an ancient Greek statue that embodies grace and mystery. Discovered on the island of Milos, the statue was presented to the Louvre in 1821. Although her arms have been lost over time, the beauty of the Venus de Milo remains undiminished, continuing to captivate visitors.

The Winged Victory of Samothrace is an impressive sculpture that stands atop a magnificent staircase. Discovered on the island of Samothrace in 1863, this artwork represents the goddess Nike, the personification of victory. The figure is depicted with flowing, wet drapery and outstretched wings. Historically, people prayed to this goddess for protection from the treacherous sea.

Don’t miss the Egyptian antiquities and French crown jewels for a glimpse into history and culture.

Beyond the Art

The Louvre is not just about the artwork housed within; its stunning architecture, including the iconic pyramid entrance, complements the overall experience. Additionally, the beautiful Tuileries Gardens contribute to a quintessential Parisian atmosphere. Take a moment to relax at a nearby café and soak in the ambience of one of the world’s most significant cultural landmarks.

Our visit

We’ll admit it — we were utterly unprepared for our visit to the Louvre. Without a plan, we wandered through its endless halls for more than four hours and barely scratched the surface of what there is to see. The museum is enormous, and it’s easy to get lost in its maze of galleries and staircases.

We hadn’t researched where to eat or drink, only to discover later that there are several cafés and restaurants inside, including Paul’s Bakery near the pyramid and the elegant Café Marly overlooking it. In hindsight, a little preparation — such as checking the map, selecting a few highlights, and knowing where to take a break — would have made our experience even more enjoyable.

Tips for Visiting the Louvre in Paris

After our first visit, we quickly learned a few things we’ll definitely do differently next time:

• • Plan ahead: The Louvre is enormous — far too much to see in one visit. Pick two or three sections or masterpieces you don’t want to miss and start there.
  • Book tickets online: This saves valuable time and helps you skip the long entry queues. Book online at GetYourGuide or Booking.com
  • Arrive early (or late): The museum gets busiest mid-morning (exactly when we arrived!). Arriving at opening time or later in the afternoon makes for a calmer experience.
  • Use the Louvre app or map: With so many wings and levels, having a digital guide or map helps you find your way around and track what you’ve already seen.
  • Guided tours: Use this option to enrich your experience with informative narration. Get your tickets here.
  • Free entry: First Friday evenings of the month after 6 p.m. (except in July and August). See ‘cost’ below for other free admission eligibility.

So, is visiting the Louvre worth it?

Our day at the Louvre was unforgettable — even if we weren’t as organised as we should have been. Four hours flew by in what felt like minutes, and we left with the feeling that we’d only just begun to explore its treasures. The museum’s scale, history, and sheer beauty are overwhelming in the best possible way.

Whether you’re an art lover or simply curious about the world’s most famous museum, the Louvre promises something for everyone. Take your time, follow your curiosity, and don’t worry if you can’t see it all — that’s part of its charm. Each visit reveals something new.

Have you been to the Louvre? We’d love to hear about your favourite artwork or your best tip for visiting! Share your experience in the comments below or tag us on social media — we love seeing how others explore this incredible place.