The Louvre museum in Paris is many things: an art museum, a palace, a rabbit warren of endless corridors, and one of the most visited attractions in the world. It’s vast, overwhelming, and utterly brilliant – but trying to “see the Louvre” in one visit is like trying to read an entire library in a weekend.
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The Louvre Museum in Paris is one of the most famous art museums in the world. With over 35,000 works on display, trying to see everything in one visit is impossible. Instead, this guide focuses on the Louvre highlights worth seeing first, from the Mona Lisa to ancient Egyptian treasures and royal apartments.
If you’re visiting the Louvre for the first time, these are the 10 Louvre highlights I recommend seeing first.
1. The Mona Lisa 🎨
Let’s get the big one out of the way. The Mona Lisa is, of course, the most famous painting in the Louvre – and probably the most guarded smile in art history.
Visitors crowding around the Mona Lisa in the Louvre’s Salle des États.
I have to admit though: the experience wasn’t quite what I expected.
The painting is tiny. The crowds are huge. And the room feels more like a concert than a contemplative space (see photo above).
But just behind you? The Wedding Feast at Cana by Veronese. It’s enormous, dramatic, and utterly ignored by most visitors. I actually found that more moving than Mona herself.
Still, the Mona Lisa is a must-see if you’re a first-timer. Go early and prepare for the scrum.
2. The Winged Victory of Samothrace 🕊️
Perched at the top of the Daru staircase, this sculpture is one of the most breathtaking pieces in the museum.
The way the marble seems to ripple like fabric is pure magic. It captures a sense of motion and grace that’s hard to believe is carved from stone.
It’s over 8 feet tall and dates back to the 2nd century BC, though the artist remains unknown.
Tip: Walk up from the base of the staircase for the full dramatic reveal.
3. The Venus de Milo🏛️
The Louvre’s sculpture halls are full of Greek and Roman icons, but the Venus de Milo is the star. She’s missing arms, but not mystery.
Believed to represent Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, she was discovered on the island of Milos in 1820 – in pieces. Her arms were never found, and no one’s quite sure how she originally stood or what she was doing. As for the artist? It’s possibly Alexandros of Antioch, but that’s still debated.
Nearby, you’ll also find Athena and a whole host of statues that play with gender and form – some that looked like women from the front but were actually men.
Don’t miss Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss by Antonio Canova, or Michelangelo’s Slaves – both are beautifully emotional and full of movement.
4. The Great Sphinx of Tanis 🐫
This is one of my favourite wings. Massive sphinxes, intricately painted sarcophagi, and ancient Egyptian relics that give Indiana Jones vibes.
The Great Sphinx of Tanis alone is worth the detour – dark, powerful, and mysterious.
The wing is quieter than the Denon galleries, so it’s a great place to slow down.
5. Code of Hammurabi 📜
The Code of Hammurabi is one of the oldest deciphered writings of significant length in the world – and you can stand right in front of it.
It’s a tall basalt stele etched with laws from ancient Babylon, including some surprisingly relatable human behaviour (for example, no stealing of goats).
This section of the museum is often less crowded and a real hidden gem.
6. The Napoléon III Apartments ✨
Gold ceilings. Velvet walls. Chandeliers that could crush you. The Napoléon III Apartments are pure opulence. They feel more Versailles than museum and are a perfect breather from the classical overload elsewhere.
They’re a bit tucked away, which means fewer crowds. Don’t miss them if you love a bit of royal drama.
7. Da Vinci & the Italian Masters 🇮🇹
The Louvre holds the largest collection of Leonardo da Vinci paintings outside of Italy.
Besides the Mona Lisa, you’ll find The Virgin of the Rocks, La Belle Ferronnière, and Saint John the Baptist – all more accessible and, arguably, more impressive.
There’s also a fascinating painting by Antonello da Messina, who used the “eye-following” technique even before Da Vinci made it famous. Art nerds, rejoice.
8. French Paintings: Raft of the Medusa & Liberty Leading the People ⚔️
These two paintings gave me goosebumps.
Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix crackles with revolutionary energy, full of symbolism and raw emotion.
Nearby, The Raft of the Medusa by Théodore Géricault is dramatic, heartbreaking, and vast. It’s a haunting scene of shipwreck survivors adrift at sea.
You’ll find them in the Denon Wing, not far from the Italian master galleries.
9. Crown Jewels & Stolen Sparkle 💎
I saw them. I admired them. And then, a few months later, they were stolen in a jewellery heist straight out of a movie (the October 2025 Louvre robbery).
These treasures were tucked away in a glittering gallery of tiaras, jewels, and ceremonial swords. It was an unexpected Louvre highlight that felt more like a royal vault than a museum wing.
10. Inverted Pyramid & Medieval Foundations 🔻
On your way out (or in), don’t miss the Inverted Pyramid in the Carrousel du Louvre. It’s a modern icon thanks to The Da Vinci Code and genuinely cool to see in person.
Fun fact: there are ancient treasures hidden beneath the museum too. The foundations of the original medieval fortress that once stood on this spot. It’s a reminder that the Louvre wasn’t always about art – it started life as a castle.
Louvre Highlights I Still Want to See ✍️
Even after multiple visits, there’s still so much left to explore. Next time, I’ll be heading straight for:
🕌 The Islamic Art Wing: a treasure trove of intricate ceramics, calligraphy, and decorative arts I’ve yet to wander through.
🖼️ Flemish and Dutch Masters: I want to give the Vermeers and Rembrandts their due attention (without rushing past).
📸 Da Vinci paintings: I want to photograph all five of them next time (my phone died on my last visit – still not over it).
🗿 More of the French sculptures: I’ve only scratched the surface here and can’t wait to see more.
🆕 Whatever new exhibition is on: there’s always something fresh and fascinating popping up at the Louvre.
Final Thoughts: Louvre Highlights for Real People 🎨
You don’t need to be an art historian to appreciate the Louvre. Whether you’re hunting masterpieces, following a tour, or just wandering and seeing what catches your eye, it’s one of the most rewarding museums on Earth.
These are the Louvre highlights that made an impact on me. It’s not everything, but it’s a lot – and I’ll be back for more. Let me know your favourite piece, or what you think I should see next.
FAQs about the Louvre Highlights
The Louvre is one of the most popular things to do in Paris, so naturally it comes with lots of questions. Below are some answers!
What are the highlights of the Louvre Museum?
Top highlights include the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory of Samothrace, Venus de Milo, Psyche Revived, Egyptian Sphinxes, Napoléon III Apartments, and masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Delacroix, and Géricault.
Can you see all the Louvre highlights in one day?
Not really – the museum is huge. Focus on 2-3 sections, or take a highlights tour to see the top works without getting overwhelmed.
Is the Mona Lisa worth seeing?
It’s iconic, but also crowded. It’s worth seeing once, but many visitors find other works more impressive once they’re inside.
What is the best time to visit the Louvre?
Go early in the morning or late in the evening on Wednesdays and Fridays (extended hours). The museum is closed on Tuesdays.
Do I need a guide to see the Louvre highlights?
A guide can help, especially for first-timers. But self-guided visits work too – just plan your route and don’t try to see it all.
Where can I buy tickets for the Louvre?
Book directly via the official Louvre website or book a Guided Tour to be taken straight to the most important pieces.
Related Reading about Paris and Art
🎨 Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna: Highlights You Shouldn’t Miss
🎨 The Best European Cities for Art: A Solo Traveller’s Guide
🗼10 Things to Do in Paris: Croissants, Culture & Cafés.
🗼The Coolest Neighbourhoods in Paris (And Why You’ll Love Them).
🌙 What to Eat in Paris: 13 Iconic French Foods & Experiences.
🇫🇷 The Perfect One Day in Central Paris: A First-Timer’s Guide.
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