Two hours is barely enough — but with the right route it can be unforgettable. This itinerary skips the crowds at the entrance, walks straight to the most beloved works, and weaves through galleries that genuinely reward a brief stop.
Before you arrive
Pre-book a timed entry slot for the first opening hour. Eat beforehand: the route is dense, and stopping for coffee will cost you a third of your visit.
First 40 minutes — the iconic portrait
Head straight to the most famous painting in the world. The room is always crowded; stand at the back wall first to take in the scale, then approach. Resist the urge to photograph — you'll have a better memory if you simply look.
Next 40 minutes — Hellenistic sculpture
Walk to the wing housing the great Hellenistic figures. Two of them — a winged victory at the top of a staircase and a graceful armless goddess — are the heart of the visit. Both reward you for circling slowly.
Final 40 minutes — Italian Renaissance
Return through the long Italian gallery. Slow down for the smaller works, not just the large ones. Many of the side panels are extraordinary and almost no one stops in front of them.
Leaving cleanly
Exit through the underground concourse rather than the main pyramid — it's faster and you'll see a beautifully lit inverted glass structure on your way out.