Discover Louvre’s 15 best spots for your trip in Paris

The Louvre occupies a former royal residence along the Seine, displaying tens of thousands of artworks and artifacts spanning ancient civilizations to the 19th century. Its collection includes the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.

The museum's modern glass pyramid entrance, added in 1989, has become a landmark in its own right.

A guided Louvre tour with reserved (skip-the-line) access, covering major works including the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace, and pieces by Caravaggio and Michelangelo. An expert guide provides context and stories behind each masterpiece throughout the visit.

A 2-3 hour guided tour through the Louvre with a pre-reserved ticket for fast entry. The guide leads a route through the museum's most iconic works, including Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace, sharing the stories behind each.

Guests can continue exploring independently after the guided portion ends.

Bar Hemingway is tucked inside the Ritz Paris on Rue Cambon, a hushed, memorabilia-lined room celebrating Ernest Hemingway's ties to the hotel. Head bartender Colin Field built its reputation over decades, and it remains one of the most storied cocktail bars in the world, drawing visitors for a special-occasion drink rather than a casual round.

This guided visit provides entry to the Louvre along with an introduction to its permanent collections, from ancient antiquities to European masterpieces. A guide leads visitors through key galleries, offering context on the museum's history and highlighted works.

Guided tours are also available through temporary exhibitions. Reservation is required, and is mandatory for all visitors between 1 July and 31 August 2026.

Set beneath the Louvre's arcades between the Cour Napoléon and Tuileries gardens, Café Marly pairs classical woodwork and Olivier Gagnère-designed interiors with a terrace facing the Pyramid. The seasonal menu spans breakfast pastries and eggs to brasserie classics served at lunch and dinner.

Open daily from 8am to 2am, it draws both Parisians and travelers for a refined, unhurried meal near the museum's galleries.

Set beneath the arcades of the Louvre between the Cour Napoléon and the Tuileries gardens, Café Marly pairs a Parisian brasserie with the feel of a literary café. Classified woodwork, custom furniture designed by Olivier Gagnère, and a terrace facing the Pyramide du Louvre create a refined, hushed atmosphere.

The seasonal menu covers breakfast through dinner, and two semi-private salons are available for events.

Motors Coffee sits just off Rue des Halles in the 1st arrondissement, a convenient stop for travelers exploring the Louvre and Les Halles area. It's especially praised for its pastries, including a well-liked Basque cake, alongside solid espresso drinks.

Museum of Illusions Paris fills several floors near Les Halles with hands-on optical illusions, tilted rooms, and perspective tricks designed for photos as much as genuine puzzlement. It's popular with families and groups, though some reviewers note it can feel crowded and warm during busy periods, and pricing has drawn mixed opinions relative to the size of the museum.

Télescope Café is one of the pioneers of Paris's specialty coffee scene, a narrow space near the Palais-Royal known for excellent espresso and simple breakfast items like banana bread and scrambled eggs. It remains a favorite for serious coffee drinkers passing through the 1st arrondissement.

Le Tout-Paris is a dynamic, bustling dining room carrying chef Arnaud Donckele's signature style. Expect attentive, professional service and refined dishes served in a lively, social atmosphere.

Reviewers highlight the stunning views, though note the space lacks air conditioning, which can matter during warmer months.

Big Bus Paris runs a network of open-top double-decker buses along routes covering the city's main sights, letting ticket holders hop on and off freely at any stop for the day. Reviewers appreciate the frequency of buses and the ease of the format, especially for families or those with limited mobility.

Galerie Véro-Dodat dates to 1826 and retains much of its original Restoration-era decor, including a striking black-and-white checkerboard floor and painted ceiling panels. It's quieter than some of the other covered passages, making it a pleasant, uncrowded stop between the Louvre and Les Halles.

Astier de Villatte has produced its distinctive milky-white ceramics from a workshop and boutique near the Louvre since the 1990s, each piece hand-poured in antique molds and intentionally imperfect. Reviewers consistently praise the craftsmanship on display, even for those just browsing rather than buying.

This evening tour drives past Paris's major illuminated monuments — the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and more — with audio commentary providing context along the route. Reviewers consistently describe it as a great overview experience, especially for visitors short on time.