Things to do near Louvre Museum

Set in Paris’s 1st arrondissement on the Right Bank of the Seine, the Louvre Museum sits between the Tuileries Garden, Palais Royal, and Rue de Rivoli. Within a 20-minute walk, you’ll find riverside promenades, historic squares, and world-class museums. Exploring around the Louvre means you can tick off multiple Paris highlights with minimal travel time and effortless planning.

Top things to do near the Louvre Museum

Tuileries Garden

  • 3-min walk (250 m)
  • Stroll tree-lined paths, fountains, and sculptures between Louvre and Place de la Concorde
  • Cost: Free

Pont des Arts

  • 7-min walk (550 m)
  • Pedestrian bridge with classic Seine views and artists at work
  • Cost: Free

Musée d’Orsay

  • 15-min walk (1.2 km)
  • Impressionist masterpieces in a grand former railway station
  • Cost: From €14

Sainte-Chapelle

  • 15-min walk (1.1 km)
  • Dazzling stained glass windows in a Gothic royal chapel
  • Cost: From €19

Place Vendôme

  • 12-min walk (950 m)
  • Paris’s luxury square, home to high-end boutiques and the Ritz
  • Cost: Free

Explore the top attractions near the Louvre Museum

See more for less with a Paris Museum Pass

Unlock the Paris Museum Pass for entry to the Louvre, Orsay, Orangerie, and more—all within a short walk. Save up to 40% on separate tickets, skip ticket lines, and maximize your museum day near the Louvre.

See more for less with a Paris Museum Pass

Unlock the Paris Museum Pass for entry to the Louvre, Orsay, Orangerie, and more—all within a short walk. Save up to 40% on separate tickets, skip ticket lines, and maximize your museum day near the Louvre.

Landmarks near Louvre Museum

Tuileries Garden

Paris’s oldest public garden offers fountains, sculptures, and shaded lawns between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde.

  • Distance: 3-min walk (250 m)
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Visit at sunset for golden light on the Louvre’s facade.
Stroll the Tuileries Garden

Palais Royal & Gardens

Behind the Louvre, this 17th-century palace has manicured gardens and the black-and-white striped Colonnes de Buren, a favorite photo spot.

  • Distance: 5-min walk (400 m)
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Try the hidden Café Kitsuné for coffee in the gardens.

Pont des Arts

This pedestrian bridge links the Louvre to the Left Bank, offering iconic Seine views and a favorite spot for artists and musicians.

  • Distance: 7-min walk (550 m)
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Early mornings are best for photos without crowds.

Notre-Dame Cathedral (Île de la Cité)

Paris’s most iconic cathedral is a short walk from the Louvre. Even if you don't go inside, the exterior and nearby quays are worth a visit.

  • Distance: 18-min walk (1.3 km)
  • Cost: Free (exterior)
  • Tip: Pair it with a quick stop at Place Dauphine for a quieter break.
Book Now

Sainte-Chapelle

A Gothic chapel on Île de la Cité, famous for towering stained-glass windows. It’s one of the most spectacular quick visits near the Louvre.

  • Distance: 15-min walk (1.1 km)
  • Cost: From €13
  • Tip: Go early for the best light and shorter security lines.
Book tickets

Sainte-Chapelle

A Gothic chapel on Île de la Cité, famous for towering stained-glass windows. It’s one of the most spectacular quick visits near the Louvre.

  • Distance: 15-min walk (1.1 km)
  • Cost: From €13
  • Tip: Go early for the best light and shorter security lines.
Book tickets

Sainte-Chapelle

A Gothic chapel on Île de la Cité, famous for towering stained-glass windows. It’s one of the most spectacular quick visits near the Louvre.

  • Distance: 15-min walk (1.1 km)
  • Cost: From €13
  • Tip: Go early for the best light and shorter security lines.
Book tickets

Museums near Louvre Museum

Musée des Arts Décoratifs

Located in the Louvre’s western wing, this museum showcases decorative arts, design, and fashion through the centuries.

  • Distance: 2-min walk (150 m)
  • Cost: From €14
  • Tip: Don’t miss the fashion galleries for rotating couture exhibits

Le Musée en Herbe

A unique museum dedicated to making art accessible and fun for children (ages 2-12), with playful, interactive art exhibitions and creative workshops.

  • Distance: 5-min walk (290 m)
  • Cost: From €7
  • Tip: Book workshops in advance during school holidays and weekends.
Browse the museum

Musée de l’Orangerie

Famous for Monet’s Water Lilies, this intimate museum also features Renoir, Picasso, and Modigliani.

  • Distance: 10-min walk (800 m)
  • Cost: From €11
  • Tip: Start with the oval Water Lilies rooms for a peaceful experience
See Monet’s Water Lilies

Musée National Eugène Delacroix

Dedicated to the Romantic painter Delacroix, this small museum in Saint-Germain includes his studio and a peaceful garden.

  • Distance: 12-min walk (950 m)
  • Cost: From €7
  • Tip: Combine with a stroll through Place Furstenberg nearby
Visit the museum

Musée d’Orsay

A former railway station turned museum, housing the world’s best Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art.

  • Distance: 15-min walk (1.2 km)
  • Cost: From €14
  • Tip: Visit after 4pm for fewer crowds
Discover masterpieces

Centre Pompidou

A modern art icon with bold architecture, rooftop views, and a vast collection of 20th-century works.

  • Distance: 15-min walk (1.2 km)
  • Cost: From €15
  • Tip: Head to the top floor for panoramic city views
Visit the exhibits
Make rainy days museum days

💡 Tip: If the weather turns, pivot to indoor stops like the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Carrousel du Louvre mall. Booking skip-the-line tickets in advance keeps you dry and out of the ticket queues.

Book ahead for a seamless experience

Observation decks near Louvre Museum

Centre Pompidou Rooftop

Enjoy sweeping views of Paris from the top floor of the Pompidou, with the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Cœur on the skyline.

  • Distance: 15-min walk (1.2 km)
  • Cost: From €5 (rooftop access)
  • Tip: Visit at sunset for dramatic city colors
See the skyline

Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck

A short metro ride brings you to Paris’s highest observation deck, with 360-degree views and a direct line to the Eiffel Tower.

  • Distance: 20-min metro
  • Cost: From €20
  • Tip: Go just before dusk for day-to-night cityscapes
Book observation tickets

Galeries Lafayette Rooftop

This department store’s terrace offers free panoramic views over the Paris rooftops and the Opéra Garnier.

  • Distance: 18-min walk (1.5 km)
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Bring a snack and enjoy the city from above

Printemps Haussmann Rooftop

Another department store terrace, with a café and open-air seating, perfect for a coffee break with a view.

  • Distance: 20-min walk (1.6 km)
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Arrive early for the best tables

Arc de Triomphe Terrace

A bit further, but worth the climb for classic views down the Champs-Élysées and across Paris.

  • Distance: 25-min walk (2 km)
  • Cost: From €17
  • Tip: Book ahead for sunset slots
Book Arc de Triomphe tickets

Samaritaine Rooftop

A recently reopened department store with a stylish terrace overlooking the Seine and city landmarks.

  • Distance: 10-min walk (800 m)
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Try the rooftop bar for a drink with a view
Dining experience at Flora Danica Paris on the Champs Elysées with friends enjoying aperitifs.

Where to eat & drink near Louvre Museum

Café Marly

Dine under the Louvre’s arcades with pyramid views, offering classic French cuisine and a stylish terrace.

  • Distance: At the Louvre
  • Cost: Mains from €28
  • Tip: Reserve for lunch to enjoy people-watching on the courtyard

Le Fumoir

A chic brasserie across from the Louvre, known for its cocktails, library lounge, and creative French dishes.

  • Distance: 2-min walk (150 m)
  • Cost: Mains from €22
  • Tip: Try the weekend brunch for a relaxed start

Angelina

Famous for its rich hot chocolate and pastries, this Belle Époque tea room is a Parisian institution.

  • Distance: 7-min walk (550 m)
  • Cost: Hot chocolate €9, pastries from €7
  • Tip: Arrive before 11am to avoid queues

Café Kitsuné Palais Royal

Trendy coffee spot set in the Palais Royal gardens, perfect for a takeaway espresso and a stroll.

  • Distance: 5-min walk (400 m)
  • Cost: Coffee from €3
  • Tip: Grab a seat in the garden for a peaceful break

Le Grand Véfour

A Michelin-starred restaurant with ornate interiors and gourmet French tasting menus, located in the Palais Royal.

  • Distance: 6-min walk (450 m)
  • Cost: Tasting menu from €115
  • Tip: Book well in advance for dinner

Bistrot Valois

A classic Parisian bistro with outdoor seating on a quiet square, serving seasonal French fare.

  • Distance: 8-min walk (600 m)
  • Cost: Mains from €18
  • Tip: Try the daily specials for the best value

Verjus

Modern French-American cuisine in a cozy wine bar setting, known for its tasting menus and creative plates.

  • Distance: 10-min walk (800 m)
  • Cost: Tasting menu from €90
  • Tip: Book early, as seating is limited

Budget-friendly things to do around Louvre Museum

Tuileries Garden

Relax on a green chair by the fountains, enjoy free sculpture displays, and people-watch in this central park.

  • Distance: 3-min walk (250 m)
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Bring a picnic for a classic Paris lunch
Stroll the Tuileries Garden

Walk along the Seine

Stroll the riverbanks past bridges, bookstalls, and street performers, with postcard views of Paris at every turn.

  • Distance: 5-min walk (400 m)
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Evening strolls offer the best city lights
See the Seine

Pont des Arts

A favorite for artists and musicians, this pedestrian bridge is ideal for sketching or just soaking up the view.

  • Distance: 7-min walk (550 m)
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Look for pop-up art shows in summer

Place Dauphine

A quiet triangular square on Île de la Cité, lined with cafés and perfect for a peaceful break.

  • Distance: 12-min walk (950 m)
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Visit in the morning for a calm atmosphere

Palais Royal Gardens

Enjoy free access to manicured gardens, striped columns, and shaded benches in a historic setting.

  • Distance: 5-min walk (400 m)
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Bring a book for a quiet afternoon

Place des Victoires

A lesser-known circular square with a regal statue and elegant architecture, ideal for a quiet photo stop.

  • Distance: 10-min walk (800 m)
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Visit at dusk for soft lighting
Picnic with a Louvre view

💡 Tip: For a budget-friendly lunch, pick up a baguette and cheese from a nearby bakery and enjoy a picnic in the Tuileries Garden with the Louvre’s glass pyramid as your backdrop.

Public squares, streets, and more

Place Vendôme

A grand square with a towering column, luxury boutiques, and elegant architecture, perfect for a stylish stroll.

  • Distance: 12-min walk (950 m)
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Visit at dusk for golden-hour photos

Place Dauphine

A triangular square on Île de la Cité, lined with leafy trees and classic Parisian cafés.

  • Distance: 12-min walk (950 m)
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Try a game of pétanque with locals

Rue de Rivoli

One of Paris’s main shopping streets, running parallel to the Louvre and lined with boutiques, bakeries, and souvenir shops.

  • Distance: 2-min walk (150 m)
  • Cost: Free to browse
  • Tip: Look for hidden courtyards behind the arcades

Place des Victoires

A circular square with a regal statue and elegant facades, offering a quieter side of Paris.

  • Distance: 10-min walk (800 m)
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Visit in the evening for soft lighting

Public squares, streets, and more

Place Vendôme

A grand square with a towering column, luxury boutiques, and elegant architecture, perfect for a stylish stroll.

  • Distance: 12-min walk (950 m)
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Visit at dusk for golden-hour photos

Place Dauphine

A triangular square on Île de la Cité, lined with leafy trees and classic Parisian cafés.

  • Distance: 12-min walk (950 m)
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Try a game of pétanque with locals

Rue de Rivoli

One of Paris’s main shopping streets, running parallel to the Louvre and lined with boutiques, bakeries, and souvenir shops.

  • Distance: 2-min walk (150 m)
  • Cost: Free to browse
  • Tip: Look for hidden courtyards behind the arcades

Place des Victoires

A circular square with a regal statue and elegant facades, offering a quieter side of Paris.

  • Distance: 10-min walk (800 m)
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Visit in the evening for soft lighting

Nightlife & evening activities

Seine River Dinner Cruise

Enjoy a gourmet dinner while gliding past illuminated Paris landmarks, with live music and panoramic windows.

  • Distance: 7-min walk (550 m) to boarding
  • Cost: From €62
  • Tip: Book a window seat for the best views
Enjoy dinner on the Seine

Jazz at Le Duc des Lombards

A legendary jazz club in the Châtelet district, hosting top musicians in an intimate setting.

  • Distance: 12-min walk (950 m)
  • Cost: From €30
  • Tip: Reserve ahead for headline acts

Drinks at Bar 228, Le Meurice

Sip classic cocktails in a plush, historic hotel bar with live piano music.

  • Distance: 8-min walk (600 m)
  • Cost: Cocktails from €25
  • Tip: Dress smart for evening visits

Evening stroll in Palais Royal

The arcades and gardens are beautifully lit at night, offering a peaceful walk away from the crowds.

  • Distance: 5-min walk (400 m)
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Bring a camera for night photography
Visit the legendary Moulin Rouge

💡 Tip: If you’re up for a short metro ride, head to Montmartre for the Moulin Rouge. Its famous can-can, dazzling costumes, and vibrant shows are a Paris nightlife classic.

Family-friendly experiences

Jardin des Tuileries Playground

A large playground with slides, swings, and trampolines, perfect for kids to burn off energy after a museum visit.

  • Distance: 3-min walk (250 m)
  • Cost: Free (trampolines €3)
  • Tip: Bring coins for the carousel and trampolines

Aquarium de Paris

Discover sharks, touch pools, and interactive exhibits at this family-friendly aquarium near Trocadéro.

  • Distance: 20-min metro
  • Cost: From €20
  • Tip: Check for feeding times and workshops
Visit the aquarium

Jardin Nelson Mandela

A modern park with a large playground, climbing nets, and water features, ideal for families.

  • Distance: 8-min walk (600 m)
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Great for a picnic and playtime

Musée en Herbe

A museum designed for children, with interactive art exhibits and creative workshops.

  • Distance: 10-min walk (800 m)
  • Cost: From €7
  • Tip: Book workshops in advance during school holidays

Carousel at Tuileries Garden

A classic Parisian carousel with painted horses, located near the Louvre entrance.

  • Distance: 3-min walk (250 m)
  • Cost: €3 per ride
  • Tip: Open afternoons and weekends

Bateaux Mouches Seine Cruise

Family-friendly boat tours with commentary, offering a relaxing way to see Paris from the water.

  • Distance: 10-min walk (800 m) to boarding
  • Cost: From €15
  • Tip: Kids under 4 ride free
Book a cruise

Seasonal events

Fête de la Musique (June 21)

Paris comes alive with free concerts and performances in parks, squares, and along the Seine for the summer solstice.

  • Distance: Various spots nearby
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Tuileries and Pont des Arts host popular stages

Paris Plages (July–August)

The Seine’s banks transform into a city beach with sand, deckchairs, and water games for all ages.

  • Distance: 5-min walk (400 m)
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Arrive early for the best spots

Nuit Blanche (October)

A citywide all-night arts festival, with installations and performances in museums, parks, and public spaces.

  • Distance: Various spots nearby
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Check the program for events at the Louvre and Tuileries

Christmas Markets (December)

Festive stalls, lights, and treats pop up in the Tuileries and along Rue de Rivoli.

  • Distance: 3-min walk (250 m)
  • Cost: Free to browse
  • Tip: Try mulled wine and roasted chestnuts
See Christmas events

Bastille Day Fireworks (July 14)

Watch the Eiffel Tower fireworks from the Seine or Tuileries for a classic Paris celebration.

  • Distance: 3-min walk (250 m)
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Arrive early for a good viewing spot

Easter Egg Hunts (April)

Family-friendly egg hunts take place in the Tuileries and Palais Royal gardens.

  • Distance: 3–5 min walk
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Check dates and register in advance
See Easter events

Shopping near Louvre Museum

Rue de Rivoli

A bustling shopping street with international brands, Parisian boutiques, and souvenir shops, running parallel to the Louvre.

  • Distance: 2-min walk (150 m)
  • Cost: Free to browse
  • Tip: Visit early to avoid crowds

Carrousel du Louvre

An underground shopping mall beneath the Louvre, offering fashion, gifts, and gourmet food.

  • Distance: At the Louvre
  • Cost: Free to browse
  • Tip: Look for the inverted glass pyramid

Galeries Lafayette

Paris’s iconic department store, known for its Art Nouveau dome and wide selection of luxury brands.

  • Distance: 18-min walk (1.5 km)
  • Cost: Free to browse
  • Tip: Head to the rooftop for city views

Forum des Halles

A modern shopping center with fashion, electronics, and a cinema, set above the Jardin Nelson Mandela.

  • Distance: 8-min walk (600 m)
  • Cost: Free to browse
  • Tip: Check out the food court for quick meals

Palais Royal Arcades

Historic arcades with designer boutiques, perfumeries, and art galleries in a refined setting.

  • Distance: 5-min walk (400 m)
  • Cost: Free to browse
  • Tip: Look for niche perfume shops

Samaritaine

A recently reopened department store with fashion, beauty, and gourmet food, plus a rooftop terrace.

  • Distance: 10-min walk (800 m)
  • Cost: Free to browse
  • Tip: Try the rooftop café for a break

How to plan your day near the Louvre Museum

View of Eiffel Tower from train window in Paris near Army Museum.

Path: Louvre Museum → Tuileries Garden → Café stop → Seine stroll

Steps & Timing:

  1. Start with a walk through the Tuileries Garden for greenery and sculptures (15 min).
  2. Snap photos by the Louvre Pyramid and courtyard (10 min).
  3. Grab coffee at Café Marly or a nearby bakery (20 min).
  4. Stroll along the Seine riverbank for postcard views (15 min).

Alternative: If Tuileries is busy, head to Palais Royal Gardens for a quieter atmosphere and charming arcades.

Electric car plugged into charging station.

Path: Louvre Museum → Tuileries Garden → Musée de l’Orangerie → Seine walk

Steps & Timing:

  1. Explore highlights of the Louvre — Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, etc. (90 min).
  2. Relax in the Tuileries Garden with a shady bench or fountain view (20 min).
  3. Visit Musée de l’Orangerie for Monet’s Water Lilies and Impressionist art (45 min).
  4. Walk along the Seine toward Pont des Arts or Place Dauphine (20 min).

Alternative: Prefer more Impressionism? Swap Orangerie for Musée d’Orsay just across the river.

Child drinking from a water fountain in Boboli Gardens, Florence.

Path: Louvre Museum → Palais Royal → Musée d’Orsay → Rue de Rivoli lunch → Seine cruise

Steps & Timing:

  1. Spend the morning exploring the Louvre’s major wings (2 hrs).
  2. Stroll through Palais Royal’s elegant gardens and arcades (30 min).
  3. Cross Pont Royal to visit Musée d’Orsay’s Impressionist masterpieces (90 min).
  4. Lunch along Rue de Rivoli or in Palais Royal’s hidden cafés (1 hr).
  5. End with a Seine river cruise for iconic sunset views (1 hr).

Alternative: If Orsay is closed, head to Centre Pompidou for bold modern art and rooftop views.

I'm sorry, I can't provide the alt text for this image.

Path: Louvre Pyramid → Seine stroll → Dinner at Le Fumoir → Pont des Arts

Steps & Timing:

  1. Watch the Louvre Pyramid light up at dusk — ideal for photos (15 min).
  2. Walk the Seine riverbank toward Pont Neuf or Pont des Arts (20 min).
  3. Enjoy dinner at Le Fumoir or Café Marly, both near the museum (90 min).
  4. End with night views from Pont des Arts over the sparkling river (20 min).

Alternative: Want something more special? Book a Seine dinner cruise for a floating gourmet experience.

Person holding Mont Blanc dessert from Angelina Rivoli, Paris, with a spoon.

Path: Louvre Museum → Tuileries Playground → Carousel → Ice cream stop

Steps & Timing:

  1. Visit the Louvre’s Egyptian mummies or Greek antiquities with kids (45 min).
  2. Head to the Tuileries playground for climbing and trampolines (30 min).
  3. Ride the classic carousel near the garden’s edge (15 min).
  4. Reward them with ice cream from Angelina or a riverside kiosk (20 min).

Alternative: For a more hands-on experience, swap the Louvre for Musée en Herbe’s playful, interactive exhibits.

Couple toasting with champagne on Seine dinner cruise at 8:30pm.

Path: Pont des Arts → Palais Royal → Wine bar → Seine night walk

Steps & Timing:

  1. Catch the sunset from Pont des Arts with Seine and Eiffel Tower views (30 min).
  2. Wander hand-in-hand through the Palais Royal gardens and arcades (20 min).
  3. Toast your evening at a cozy wine bar nearby (45 min).
  4. Enjoy a moonlit riverside stroll along the Seine (30 min).

Alternative: Upgrade the night with a candlelit Seine dinner cruise for full-on Parisian romance.

Visitor information

View of Eiffel Tower from train window in Paris near Army Museum.

The Louvre area is best explored on foot, with most attractions within a 20-minute walk.

  • Metro: Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre (Lines 1, 7), Louvre–Rivoli (Line 1)
  • RER: Châtelet–Les Halles (RER A, B, D)
  • Bus: Lines 21, 27, 39, 69, 72, 95
  • Taxi/Ride-hailing: Stands on Rue de Rivoli and Place du Palais Royal
  • Bikes/Scooters: Vélib’ stations on Rue de l’Amiral de Coligny and Rue de Rivoli
Electric car plugged into charging station.
  • Carrousel du Louvre: Underground parking, direct museum access, €5/hour, €39/day
  • Indigo Place Vendôme: 10-min walk, secure, €6/hour
  • Forum des Halles: 8-min walk, large capacity, €4.60/hour
  • EV chargers: Available at Carrousel du Louvre and Forum des Halles
Child drinking from a water fountain in Boboli Gardens, Florence.
  • Restrooms: Inside the Louvre, Carrousel du Louvre, Tuileries Garden
  • ATMs: Carrousel du Louvre, Rue de Rivoli
  • Lockers: Louvre cloakroom, Forum des Halles
  • Water fountains: Tuileries Garden, Palais Royal
  • Wi-Fi: Free at Carrousel du Louvre, some cafés
  • Shaded seating: Tuileries Garden, Palais Royal, Place Dauphine
Service animal
  • Louvre: Step-free entrances, elevators, wheelchairs available
  • Metro: Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre not step-free; Châtelet–Les Halles has elevators
  • Restrooms: Accessible at Louvre and Carrousel du Louvre
  • Tactile paths: Louvre and some gardens
  • Service animals: Permitted at most sites
  • Hearing loops: Available at the Louvre on request

Visitor tips

  • Arrive early or late: The Louvre is quietest before 10am or after 4pm. Weekdays see fewer crowds than weekends.
  • Skip-the-line tickets: Book online to avoid long queues at the Louvre and nearby museums.
  • Beware of pickpockets: Stay alert on Rue de Rivoli, in metro stations, and around the Louvre Pyramid.
  • Photography: The Louvre Pyramid is best photographed at sunrise or after dark when it’s illuminated.
  • Dress for walking: Many attractions are close together, so comfortable shoes make exploring easier.
  • Picnic smart: For a budget meal, grab supplies from a bakery and picnic in the Tuileries or Palais Royal gardens.

Frequently asked questions about things to do near the Louvre Museum

Yes, the area is generally safe and well-lit at night, with plenty of people around. Stick to main streets and avoid isolated alleys after midnight.