Here’s a practical 3-hour Louvre itinerary designed for first-time visitors. It covers the absolute must-sees without feeling too rushed. Recommended 3-Hour Louvre Itinerary Best entry: Carrousel du Louvre (underground entrance at 99 Rue de Rivoli) — usually much shorter lines than the Pyramid. Best time to start: First entry slot of the day (around 9:00 AM) if possible. 0:00 – 0:15 | Arrival & Orientation Enter via Carrousel, clear security, and head into the Hall Napoléon (under the Pyramid). Grab a free map if you need one. Follow signs toward the Denon Wing. 0:15 – 0:30 | Winged Victory of Samothrace Climb the dramatic Daru staircase. Spend time with the Winged Victory of Samothrace (Nike) at the top — one of the most spectacular placements of any sculpture in the world. 0:30 – 1:15 | Mona Lisa & Italian Paintings Continue to Salle des États (Room 711) for the Mona Lisa. Don’t miss Veronese’s *The Wedding at Cana* directly opposite her (it’s enormous and often overlooked). Walk through the Grande Galerie and enjoy other Italian masterpieces (Leonardo’s Virgin of the Rocks, La Belle Ferronnière, Raphael, etc.). 1:15 – 1:45 | French Romantic Masterpieces Move to the nearby large galleries (around Rooms 700–702). See: Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People David’s The Coronation of Napoleon Géricault’s The Raft of the Medusa 1:45 – 2:30 | Venus de Milo Cross over to the Sully Wing. Head to the Greek antiquities section for the Venus de Milo (Room 346). If you have a few extra minutes, glance at nearby Greek sculptures. 2:30 – 3:00 | Optional Extra or Exit Option A (recommended if you still have energy)**: Quick look at Egyptian antiquities (Great Sphinx of Tanis or the Seated Scribe) nearby in Sully. Option B**: Head back toward the Pyramid for photos and exit. Tips for Success Wear comfortable shoes — you’ll walk a lot on hard floors. Stay focused and keep moving; it’s easy to get distracted. Download the official Louvre app or use a good map beforehand. The Mona Lisa room is almost always crowded — go early for the best experience. Skip the Richelieu Wing on a 3-hour visit (save it for a longer trip).