We could spend entire days or even weeks just walking through the streets of Paris, but we would miss out on some of its most interesting attractions, such as its museums. And there is always room for culture on a trip, so in this article we are going to tell you about what we believe to be the best museums in Paris .
Best museums in Paris
From the classic of all classics, the Louvre, to other more original and, we dare say, somewhat dantesque proposals hehe. But no spoilers, let's go straight to the 5 essential museums in Paris:
1. Louvre Museum
We cannot start the list of the best museums in Paris with anything other than the one that could easily be placed in the top 3 worldwide: we are obviously talking about the Louvre. Behind its characteristic glass pyramid , the space dedicated to its exhibitions is enormous, almost colossal. Therefore, the ideal would be to have a whole day to visit all its rooms, full of paintings, sculptures and extraordinary pieces of art.
Did you know that it was opened back in 1793 , after the end of the French Revolution, to bring art to the people?
Two of the masterpieces housed here are Leonardo Da Vinci's "Mona Lisa" and " The Winged Victory of Samothrace ", but the truth is that each of the objects on display is of incalculable value and is part of the world's artistic heritage.
If you don't have all day or would prefer a guided tour with an expert who will show you the best of the museum, take a look at this tour .
- Price : €17 (you can buy it in advance, without queues, here )
- Where : Rue de Rivoli
- Nearest metro : Palais Royal – Louvre Museum
2. Orsay Museum
The other must-see museum during your stay in the French capital is the Musée d'Orsay. It will be especially loved by lovers of impressionist painting , as there is no other museum in the world with such a large number of works by impressionist masters, such as Renoir or Monet. There is also no shortage of works by other artistic geniuses: Van Gogh, Paul Cézanne or Paul Gauguin, among others.
And it's not just the exhibition that stands out; the building itself, on the banks of the Seine, is a symbol of Paris and one of the most photogenic corners of the city (and that's saying a lot). Built at the end of the 19th century, the highlight of the complex is the monumental retro-style clock on one of its walls, which once marked the arrival and departure times of trains. Trains? Yes: the Musée d'Orsay is located in what was once a former train station.
- Price : €16 (you can buy it in advance, without queues, here )
- Where : 1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur
- Nearest metro : Solférino
3. Pompidou Centre
The triad of the best museums in Paris is completed by the Pompidou Centre, a true emblem of modern and contemporary art . Even before crossing its doors you will be left speechless, although we cannot say whether it is because of how strange it is or how attractive it is (there are opinions for all tastes).
It bears the signature of Richard Rogers and Renzo Piano and what is a fact is that, with its curious, eccentric and strange aesthetics , it does not leave anyone indifferent.
Some of the artists you can admire on the walls of the Pompidou are Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo, Marc Chagalle, Joan Miró and Wassily Kandinsky.
- Price : €15 (you can buy it in advance, without queues, here )
- Where : Place Georges-Pompidou
- Nearest metro : Rambuteau, Hôtel de Ville or Châtelet
4. Catacombs of Paris
At this point we have our doubts as to whether or not it is correct to label the Paris Catacombs as a “museum”. Although you can see that we took the liberty of including them in the list, in fact, we would dare to describe them as a huge and apocalyptic museum of humanity , in which the corridors are transformed into narrow galleries “decorated” with the skulls of thousands and thousands of people.
These tunnels that run through the subsoil of Paris were built as mines during the Roman era, although in the 18th century they were given a new use: the remains of people who crowded the different cemeteries of Paris ended up here , to give them relief.
It should be noted that this is not a visit suitable for everyone . We would not go with children, nor do we recommend it to people who suffer from claustrophobia or who are sensitive to the somewhat macabre sight of skeletons. Buuuut, if you want to visit a place full of history , unique and original, the Catacombs of Paris are an excellent option.
⭐ Believe it or not, the Catacombs are one of Paris' star attractions, so it is advisable to book your tickets in advance.
- Price : €29 (audio guide included)
- Where : 1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy
- Nearest metro : Mouton Duvernet or Glaciér
5. Rodin Museum
If you want to get the image of skulls and the realm of the dead out of your head with something more classical, you have to go to the Rodin Museum . In 1918, the artist decided to donate ALL his works (sculptures, drawings and collection of antiques) to the French state, on two conditions: that they be kept at the Hotel Biron , which would become the Rodin Museum as soon as he died, and that he be allowed to reside there until the end of his days.
He was not very lucky, as he died the following year, but both conditions were met and today we can enjoy his invaluable heritage inside the Rodin Museum, formerly the Hotel Biron, and in its beautiful gardens.
Some of the artist's masterworks are: The Kiss, The Wanderer, The Thinker, The Cathedral, Monument to Balzac, as well as Father Tanguy, a work by Van Gogh.
- Price : €13 (if you want to buy your ticket in advance and skip the queues, you can do so here )
- Where : 77 rue de Varenne
- Nearest metro : Varenne or Invalides
Obviously, there are many other museums in Paris that are not included in this list, but honestly, these 5 are our favourites. Which are the best museums in Paris for you ?
