Best museums in Paris

Paris offers an uncountable number of attractions, museums and monuments to visit. As there are so many museums (more than 100) it is impossible to see everything in only one visit. When planning a trip to the city, it is best to plan in advance which museums you will be visiting according to your interests. Check out this list of the 5 best museums in Paris.

Saving money in Paris museums and attractions:

Activities in Paris are quite expensive, so a good option might be to buy an attraction pass that will allow you to save money. Depending on what activities you are interested in doing, one or the other card will suit you. Paris tourist cards are:

• Go City “all-inclusive pass” – With this card you can choose the number of days (2, 3, 4 or 6 days) and it includes access to more than 60 attractions, museums and tours. It is a very convenient option if you plan to visit many paid attractions.More info about the Go City Paris here.
• Go City “explorer pass” – This pass allows you to choose the number of attractions you are going to visit (3, 4, 5 or 7 attractions) and you will have 60 calendar days to use it. It is an option that allows you to explore the city at your own pace and convenient if you plan to visit few paid attractions. More info about the Go City Paris here.

These are the best museums in Paris:

1. Louvre Museum

One of the most known icons of Paris. Louvre is the most famous and one of the biggest museums in the world. It is the most visited museum in the world so there are usually long lines to enter the museum.

Nevertheless the crowds shouldn’t stop you from visiting the Louvre. The museum holds a stunning art collection from different styles, origins and periods. One of the most popular paintings in the museum is the Gioconda, which is probably the most famous painting in the world. Louvre museum is huge! You can’t see it all in just one visit.

• Opening times: wednesdays and fridays 9 am-9.45 pm, monday/thursdays/saturdays/sundays 9 am-6 pm, closed on tuesdays.
• Ticket prices: The ticket price for adults is 22€. Entry is free for those under 18 years old. Entrance is free on the first sunday of each month.

2. Orsay Museum

The most beautiful museum in Paris. Orsay Museum showcases an outstanding collection of impressionist art from artists like Monet, Manet, Degas and Van Gogh. But what makes Orsay distinguish among the other museums is its building, which used to be a train station from 1900.

The museum isn’t too big so you can see it in just a couple of hours. It also shows a collection of architecture and design.

• Opening times: tuesdays/wednesdays/fridays/saturdays/sundays 9.30 am – 6 pm, closed on mondays.
• Ticket prices: The ticket price for adults is 16€. The entrance is included in the Go City Pass.

3. Centre Pompidou

Georges Pompidou is the ideal museum for those who prefer modern and contemporary art. It also offers live shows and photography exhibitions. Among its collection there are paintings from artists like Picasso, Kandinsky and Matisse.

The futurist building was designed by Richard Rogers and Renzo Piano and it is unique because its innovation. This museum is different from all the others in these list and it is one of my favorite museums in the world for it building.

4. Musée de l’Orangerie

Any Monet lovers reading? Orangerie museum is composed of two oval shaped rooms housing 8 huge water-lily murals by Monet. This is the best place to appreciate his work. In the inferior floor of the museum you will also find other impressionist paintings from various artists.

It’s a small museum but one of the most beautiful in Paris.

• Opening times: wednesdays to mondays 9 am – 6 pm, closed on tuesdays.
• Ticket prices: The ticket price for adults is 12.5€. The entrance is included in the Go City Pass

5. Rodin MuseumThis museum contains the largest collection of Rodin’s work ( including The Thinker, The Kiss and The Gates of Hell) . It has two sites: at the Hôtel Biron where Rodin used to reside, and just outside Paris at Rodin’s old home. With nearly three hectares, the beautiful garden adds charm to the place.

• • Opening times: tuesdays/wednesdays/fridays/saturdays/sundays 10 am – 6.30 pm, closed on mondays.
  • Ticket prices: The ticket price for adults is 14€. The entrance is included in the Go City Pass

6. Les Invalides – Army Museum

This museum is located within the Les Invalides complex, built as a residence for retired French soldiers and military personnel. The army museum has one of the best collections of antique weapons and armor and many items from the First and Second World Wars.

But without a doubt the most impressive thing about this museum is the dome of Les Invalides with Napoleon’s tomb inside. This area is truly the emblem of the museum and a must-see monument in Paris.

Book your ticket entrance for Les Invalides here

7. Versailles Palace

While the Palace of Versailles is not exactly in Paris, I consider it an amazing place to visit if you travel to the French capital. Visiting the Palace of Versailles really gives you an idea of ​​the opulence and luxury in which the royalty of this country lived.

In addition to the palace building, you can also visit its gardens, the Grand Trianon and the Little Trianon (Marie Antoinette’s domain). The Palace of Versailles is located about 18 km from Paris and you can visit it on your own or book a tour to Versailles Palace from Paris with transportation like this one.

Tips for visiting the best museums in Paris:

• • Buy your ticket in advance to avoid the queue at Louvre Museum.
  • Each museum is free one day of the month. Check the sites when you know when you’ll be visiting Paris.
  • Museums are free for 18-25 year olds who own a european passport.
  • If you plan on visiting many museums and monuments consider buying the Go City “all-inclusive pass” as it will allow you to save some time and money.
  • Need an itinerary for your trip? Read 4 days in Paris itinerary
  • Other interesting museums in Paris: Palais de Tokio, Quai Branly Museum, The Arab World Institute and Grand Palais.

Other useful posts:

• 4 days in Paris itinerary
• Where to stay in Paris: best areas and hotels
• Visiting Villa Savoye from Paris
• Tips for planning your first trip to Europe
• 2 days in Amsterdam

This post contains affiliate links. That means, if you click on certain links within this post and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read more about it here.