I love squeezing in an art museum or two when I travel, and Paris? It’s basically the ultimate playground for art lovers.
I’m not the kind of person who rushes through museums ticking off names. I like to slow down, take in the rooms, maybe sit on a bench and people-watch for a bit.
On my last trip to Paris, it was no different. Museums were on the list! Some were grand and overwhelming in the best way, others felt cozy and personal.
Whether you’re a first-timer or returning to the city for the tenth time, here are the best museums in Paris in my opinion. From iconic spots near the Eiffel Tower to peaceful galleries tucked away in the Marais.
⏰ Short on time?
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Let’s be real, the Louvre is huge.
It’s the world’s largest art museum, home to around 35,000 works, and you could easily spend an entire day here (or a lifetime).
I saw the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and wandered through the Egyptian and Greek antiquities sections until I needed a croissant break.
I’ll be honest, I spent a whole day there and still didn’t cover the surface. Will have to go back!
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (closed Tuesdays)
👉 Pre-book your timed entry tickets here to skip the massive lines.
If you’re short on time: Just do the Denon Wing (where the Mona Lisa lives) and one other section. Pick what interests you most.
This is hands-down a favourite museum in Paris. Set inside a former train station, the building itself is gorgeous. It’s all about Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. If you’re into Claude Monet, Degas, or Van Gogh, this is the spot. It’s way easier to navigate than the Louvre and I could take my time.
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM (closed Mondays)
👉 Reserve your ticket in advance to avoid waiting in line, especially in the morning.
Top Tip: Don’t miss the giant clock windows upstairs. The view of Paris through them is stunning.
This smaller museum in the Tuileries Gardens is famous for Monet’s Water Lilies murals, and let me tell you, they’re even more impressive in person. I loved the peaceful vibe here. It’s quiet, calm, and easy to enjoy without rushing.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (closed Tuesdays)
👉 Skip the line by booking here in advance. It’s a short visit and easy to fit into your itinerary.
Pro Tip: Pair this with a walk through the gardens or a visit to the Louvre
Set in a lovely old mansion with a garden full of sculptures, Musée Rodin is all about sculpture and it’s such a chill vibe. Seeing The Thinker in person? Iconic, right!
If you want to see great art but also have space to sit on a bench and chill, this is your place.
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM (closed Mondays)
👉 Book museum + garden tickets here. You can also get a ticket just for the gardens if you’re short on time.
Don’t Miss: The Gates of Hell. It’s a massive, dramatic sculpture tucked into the garden.
Musée Jacquemart-André
If you want something quieter and a bit posh, check out this museum housed in a 19th-century mansion. It’s a peek into upper-class Parisian life, plus a stunning collection with pieces by Rembrandt, Botticelli, Fragonard, and more.
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
The Centre Pompidou has the largest modern art collection in Europe, and the building looks like something out of a sci-fi film with pipes on the outside. Inside, you’ll find works by Picasso, Duchamp, Kandinsky, and loads more. It’s great if you want something totally different from traditional art.
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM (closed Tuesdays)
👉 Book your Pompidou ticket here for timed entry and access to the rooftop.
Don’t Miss: The rooftop view. It’s one of the best in Paris.
Right in the heart of the Marais, this museum is inside a beautiful mansion and filled with Picasso’s paintings, sculptures, sketches, and ceramics. It’s easy to navigate and way less overwhelming than some of the bigger spots.
Opening Hours: 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM (closed Mondays)
👉 Pre-book your ticket here to avoid lines, especially on weekends.
Why you’ll love it: It walks you through all the phases of his work so you really get a sense of his evolution.
Petit Palais
Petit Palais is beautiful inside and out, and the best part? It’s free! It was built for the 1900 World’s Fair and now serves as the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts. The permanent collection is surprisingly impressive and spans everything from antiquity to the early 20th century.
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (closed Mondays)
👉 No ticket needed for the permanent collection!
Don’t Miss: The inner courtyard garden and café. A peaceful place to take a break.
These hotels also have a VIEW of the Eiffel tower.
Hôtel Le Walt ($$)
Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel ($$$)
Shangri-La Hotel Paris ($$$$)
Where did I stay in Paris
👉 Watch our hotel review staying at Hotel Le Millie Rose in Paris!
Short on Time? Start Here
If you only have a day or two in Paris and want to prioritise:
- Musée d’Orsay – easiest to navigate, most beautiful Impressionist works
- Louvre – see the highlights, but don’t try to do it all
- Musée de l’Orangerie – peaceful, quick, and memorable
Tips to Avoid Museum Fatigue
- Don’t overdo it. One or two museums a day is plenty
- Take breaks. Cafés inside or nearby are perfect for resetting
- Go early. Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Focus on what interests you. Skip sections that don’t grab you - Mix it up. Alternate museum days with park days or shopping
FAQ: Visiting Art Museums in Paris
The Louvre is iconic, but the Musée d’Orsay is easier to manage and full of must-see works.
Yes! The Petit Palais is free, and many museums offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month.
Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Centre Pompidou has modern, colourful art and interactive exhibits that are more engaging for younger visitors.
You can, but I suggest no more than two to avoid museum fatigue. Mix in outdoor time or lunch breaks.
Most offer audio guides or apps you can download. They’re great if you’re visiting without a tour.
Big names like the Louvre, Orsay, Pompidou, and more. 👉 It’s worth it if you plan to visit 3 or more museums.
About 2 to 3 hours for most, longer for the Louvre if you’re doing more than highlights.
Yes, most major museums are accessible, but it’s best to check the official website for facilities.
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