Museums in Paris: Our Top Picks & Honest Recommendations

Our Top 5 Museums in Paris

Musée du Louvre

What do you need to know? The Louvre sits right on the Seine and is the most visited museum in the world — and honestly, it’s easy to see why. This is where you’ll find Da Vinci’s famous Mona Lisa, among countless other treasures.

Is it worth it? Absolutely. The Louvre is the undisputed number one among Paris museums. The collection is so fascinating — and above all, so wide-ranging — that you don’t have to be an art lover to get your money’s worth.

Our tip: The Louvre is seriously large. Plan at least three to four hours for your visit — more if you really want to dig in.

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Musée d'Orsay

What do you need to know? The Musée d’Orsay is another major highlight among Paris museums. It showcases paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and photographs from the period between 1848 and 1914.

Is it worth it? 100%. The Musée d’Orsay is an incredibly fascinating museum housed in an equally stunning building — for us, it’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in Paris. The collection gives the Louvre a real run for its money, and it’s even cheaper.

Our tip: Plan plenty of time here too, and buy your tickets online in advance if you can. It’s a hugely popular alternative to the Louvre. And heads up — admission is free for everyone on the first Sunday of every month!

Book Orsay Museum tickets online

Paris Catacombs

What do you need to know? The Catacombs are underground tunnels and rank among the most visited attractions in Paris. Since 1786, when disease and hunger had the city firmly in their grip, between seven and eight million bones have been stored here.

Is it worth it? Definitely. The Catacombs give you a genuinely authentic look at an important chapter of Paris’s history — and they should be on your list for any Paris city trip. Far beneath the Métro, an impressive silence takes over. We’d come back again and again.

Important: Tickets can only be purchased online. Sales open one week at a time, so you need to be quick. An audio guide is included with your ticket.

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Atelier des Lumières

What do you need to know? The Atelier des Lumières is located near the famous Père Lachaise cemetery. Set inside a former iron foundry, it hosts immersive exhibitions on a variety of rotating themes.

Is it worth it? Without a doubt. The industrial charm combined with the breathtaking light projections makes for a really beautiful combination — and something completely different from a typical art or history museum. The atmosphere is incredible, and the trip out here is totally worth it.

Our tip: On weekends, you can’t buy tickets on-site. If you want to visit on a Saturday or Sunday, book online in advance.

Book L’Atelier des Lumières tickets online

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The Conciergerie

What do you need to know? Just a few steps from Notre-Dame, you can visit the prison of the French Revolution at the Conciergerie. You’ll pass through the dungeons where Marie Antoinette awaited her execution, among other historic spaces.

Is it worth it? The Conciergerie is one of those places that never lets you go. Even though only a small part of the building is open to visitors, you get a powerful sense of the site’s history. The French Revolution comes to life here in a remarkably authentic way. One of the best museums in Paris for history lovers!

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More Must-See Art Museums in Paris

Musée de l'Orangerie

What do you need to know? The Orangerie is just a short walk from both the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay. It’s entirely focused on Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, and the School of Paris.

Is it worth it? For fans of Impressionism, this is a must. The highlight is definitely Monet’s Water Lilies — but the rest of the collection (Picasso, Renoir, Matisse) is genuinely impressive too.

Our tip: Admission is free on the first Sunday of every month. For everyone!

Book Musée de l’Orangerie tickets online

Musée Picasso

What do you need to know? Inside an elegant 17th-century mansion, around 250 works by Pablo Picasso await you — paintings, documents, letters, photographs, and sketches.

Is it worth it? The collection is not only enormous but also arranged chronologically, so even without much background knowledge you can easily follow the development of his work over the years.

Our tip: Here too, admission is free for all visitors on the first Sunday of every month!

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Fondation Louis Vuitton

What do you need to know? A relatively recent addition to the Paris museum scene, the Fondation Louis Vuitton is a private museum founded by the Louis Vuitton brand. It mainly showcases works from the 20th century.

Is it worth it? We think the building alone makes the trip to the edge of the city worth it. Just like the exhibitions themselves, it’s a real eye-catcher.

Our tip: The nearest landmark is the Arc de Triomphe. You can try to combine both in one visit.

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Jeu de Paume

What do you need to know? The Jeu de Paume is a former sports hall, now home to a photography and video museum with contemporary rotating exhibitions.

Is it worth it? The Jeu de Paume offers a refreshing contrast to Paris’s larger museums, and the rotating exhibitions keep things interesting no matter when you visit.

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Espace Dalí

What do you need to know? The Dalí Museum is tucked into the winding streets of Montmartre. The exhibition features over 300 works by Salvador Dalí — paintings, sculptures, etchings, and even pieces of furniture.

Is it worth it? The experience is just as extravagant and surreal as the painter himself was in life. The museum is really wonderfully done and presents the works of this extraordinary artist in a truly unique way.

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Musée Rodin

What do you need to know? The Musée Rodin is dedicated to the works of French sculptor Auguste Rodin. Set in an 18th-century mansion where Rodin also briefly lived, you can see his most famous pieces alongside works by Van Gogh and Monet.

Is it worth it? Absolutely. Not only is the museum packed with beautiful art, it’s also consistently far less crowded than the other art museums in Paris. Wonderfully relaxing.

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Musée Guimet

What do you need to know? The Musée Guimet is France’s national museum of Asian art. Here you’ll find everything from Ming vases to Khmer statues (from Cambodia) to Buddhist sculptures.

Is it worth it? Fantastic for Asia enthusiasts. There’s so much to take in that you could easily spend two hours wandering through the galleries. And as a bonus, there’s even a museum garden.

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Centre Georges Pompidou

The Centre Pompidou will be completely closed for renovation work from 2025 to 2030!
What do you need to know? You’ll find the Centre Pompidou in the charming Parisian neighborhood of Le Marais. It displays works by Picasso, Warhol, and Matisse, among others.

Is it worth it? We love the Centre Pompidou! Among the classical buildings surrounding it, the inside-out structure looks wonderfully out of place — in the best possible way. The exhibitions won us over too. If you’re into modern art, this is your place.

Our tip: The Centre Pompidou has a rooftop terrace that’s really worth checking out.

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More Historical Museums in Paris

Grande Galerie de l'Évolution

What do you need to know? At the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution, an animal parade awaits you — like something straight out of Noah’s Ark. Spread across 7,000 square meters, it’s all about the animal kingdom and its evolution.

Is it worth it? This natural history museum is especially great for families traveling to Paris with children, but adults will find plenty to marvel at too. Seeing the scale between humans and animals up close is truly impressive.

Our tip: Pair your visit with a stroll through the Jardin des Plantes park next door. It’s beautiful — and the Galerie de Botanique greenhouse is located there too, our museum pick number 24.

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Musée de l'Armée & Dôme des Invalides

What do you need to know? The military museum covers French military history, while the Dôme des Invalides is the famous tomb of Emperor Napoleon I. Both buildings are part of the Hôtel des Invalides complex in the heart of the city.

Is it worth it? The military museum and the Dôme des Invalides are two separate buildings, but they complement each other perfectly. An educational exhibition, stunning architecture, and above all Napoleon’s tomb — it absolutely blew us away.

Our tip: Even though individual tickets for each building are available, we recommend the combination ticket. It saves you money and means you won’t miss a thing.

Book Musée de l’Armée & Dôme des Invalides combination tickets online

Science Museum: Palais de la Découverte

What do you need to know? Inside the Grand Palais, you’ll find the Palais de la Découverte. The focus is on the natural sciences: chemistry, physics, mathematics, geology, biology, astrophysics, and astronomy.

Is it worth it? Across 25,000 square meters, science fans will have an absolute field day. There are interactive displays, a large Van de Graaff generator, rotating exhibitions, and a planetarium.

Our tip: It gets very crowded on weekends. Make sure to book your ticket online in advance.

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Musée de Montmartre

What do you need to know? On the edge of the Montmartre hill stands a house dating back to the 17th century. Artists like Renoir once lived and worked here. Today, you can explore the history of this very special neighborhood.

Is it worth it? Looking for authentic, creative Paris? You’ll find it right here. Your visit traces the development of Montmartre through paintings, photographs, and the famous cabaret posters by Toulouse-Lautrec.

Our tip: Don’t miss the Montmartre neighborhood in general. It’s a wonderful spot for strolling, great food, and good wine.

Book Musée de Montmartre & Gardens tickets online

Truly Unique Museums in Paris

Wax Museum: Musée Grévin Paris

What do you need to know? The Grévin is Paris’s answer to Madame Tussauds in London. You’ll find famous French figures alongside plenty of international celebrities.

Is it worth it? The whole museum is beautifully done and has a great atmosphere. Perfect for selfies with the stars.

Our tip: Right next to the wax museum you’ll find the Passage Jouffroy — a historic covered shopping arcade with traditional shops and restaurants, and a genuinely cool off-the-beaten-path Paris find. Make sure to check it out while you’re there!

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Musée du Vin – Caves du Louvre

What do you need to know? Near the Louvre, there’s a wine cellar that’s been set up in a really cool way for visitors. You can explore the rooms on your own for free, or join a wine tasting to learn all about the vaulted cellars and French wine.

Is it worth it? The visit really comes into its own if you book a wine tasting. Without it, there’s not a whole lot to discover on your own. It’s the conversation, the stories, and the tasting that make the experience complete.

Book Musée du Vin & Wine Tasting tickets online

Fashion Museum Paris: Palais Galliera

What do you need to know? At the Palais Galliera near the Champs-Élysées, 100,000 garments and accessories take you on a journey through the history and evolution of French fashion from the 18th century to the present day.

Is it worth it? A paradise for fashion lovers! Both the permanent collection and the rotating exhibitions always revolve around fashion — sometimes showcasing new collections, sometimes looking back at the history of style.

Our tip: We found the online ticket booking process really cumbersome and confusing. Your best bet is to simply buy your ticket on-site at the museum box office.

Technology Museum: Musée des Arts et Métiers

What do you need to know? The Musée des Arts et Métiers showcases technological achievements against an impressive backdrop. The collection includes 3,000 objects spanning communication, energy, and scientific instruments.

Is it worth it? Engineers and tech enthusiasts can’t afford to skip this one. It’s the world’s oldest industrial and technological collection — and there are even airplanes hanging from the ceiling. Seriously cool!

Book Technology Museum tickets online

Musée du quai Branly

What do you need to know? The Musée du quai Branly is located near the Eiffel Tower and is dedicated to non-European art.

Is it worth it? If you’re interested in other cultures, this is the place for you. About 3,500 objects of African, South American, and Oceanic art and culture await you in a beautifully designed space.

Our tip: If you’re traveling to Paris by Eurostar, bring your train ticket to the museum. Your Eurostar ticket gets you a discount at the Musée du Quai Branly ticket desk.

Book Musée du quai Branly tickets online

Cinema: Grand Rex

What do you need to know? The Grand Rex has been Europe’s largest cinema since 1932 and is a true gem. In this landmark Art Deco theater, you can watch movies in style or take a peek behind the scenes.

Is it worth it? Film lovers shouldn’t miss the Grand Rex — whether it’s for a screening or a behind-the-scenes tour. It’s a real journey through the history of filmmaking.

Book Grand Rex tour tickets online

Greenhouse: Galerie de Botanique Jardin des Plantes

What do you need to know? The Galerie de Botanique is located in the Jardin des Plantes — a lovely green space along the Seine. Inside the greenhouse, you can wander through tropical forests, jungles, and arid zones.

Is it worth it? Walking through a jungle right in the middle of a major city — how cool is that? The contrast between the different zones is fascinating. A great alternative to history and art museums.

Our tip: Online booking isn’t necessary for the greenhouse and often isn’t even possible. Just buy your ticket on-site.

Chocolate Museum Paris

What do you need to know? The Chocolate Museum features around 1,000 exhibits on the history of chocolate and how it’s made. And of course, you can sample all kinds of chocolate varieties from different countries to your heart’s content.

Is it worth it? The Chocolate Museum is a fantastic family pick among Paris museums. There’s learning, discovering, and snacking to be done — a really great combination. And the museum shop has delicious souvenirs.

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Free Museums in Paris

Museum of Modern Art Paris

What do you need to know? The Musée d’art moderne de la Ville de Paris in the Palais de Tokyo focuses on contemporary art. The collection ranges from paintings and sculptures to photography.

Is it worth it? The permanent collection is free! A great opportunity to visit a renowned art museum in Paris even on a tight travel budget.

Fun fact: One of the most spectacular art heists in the world took place here — and as recently as 2010. Five paintings worth 100 million euros were stolen. The thief was convicted. The paintings have never been recovered.

Musée Carnavalet

What do you need to know? The Musée Carnavalet tells the story of the city of Paris and its residents. Across nearly 100 rooms, you’ll trace the city’s development through artworks, models, and many other mementos.

Is it worth it? The Musée Carnavalet is the best free historical museum in Paris. The collection is incredibly comprehensive, and there’s even a lovely garden in the inner courtyard.

Maison de Victor Hugo

What do you need to know? Book lovers, take note! You can visit the home of author Victor Hugo in the charming Marais neighborhood — completely free.

Is it worth it? You’ll find an authentically furnished apartment where you can learn a great deal about Hugo, his life, and his works. Walking through the rooms feels like stepping back in time. We visited ourselves and found the exhibition genuinely beautiful. A wonderful museum with free admission.

Our tip: The Marais neighborhood in general is well worth a detour. Its winding streets, diverse shops, and small parks radiate a wonderful French charm.

59 Rivoli

What do you need to know? Strictly speaking, 59 Rivoli isn’t a museum — it’s the last squatted building in Paris. Squatted by artists, that is. The 30 permanent studios in the building are free to visit.

Is it worth it? At 59 Rivoli, you can see, smell, marvel at, and buy art — and watch the artists at work. A genuinely cool alternative to a museum and a great local favorite in Paris.

Petit Palais – Museum of Fine Arts

What do you need to know? This small palace was opened for the 1900 World’s Fair and is an absolute gem. Around 1,400 pieces are on display — paintings, sculptures, and tapestries from the Renaissance. Admission to the permanent collection is free.

Is it worth it? The Petit Palais is sadly overlooked far too often. Yet it’s home not only to a free museum of fine arts but also a hidden café in an idyllic inner courtyard. Pure Paris vibes.

Fluctuart – Centre d'Art Urbain

What do you need to know? Since the summer of 2019, a boat moored along the banks of the Seine has been entirely dedicated to urban art. On board, you’ll find various areas with rotating exhibitions, a bookstore, artist studios, and a café.

Is it worth it? The museum is very centrally located, so if you’re passing by, you should definitely pop in. The boat is also a great spot for a coffee or a glass of wine with a cheese plate.

Musée du Parfum Fragonard

What do you need to know? At the Musée du Parfum, copper stills and a wealth of other equipment give you a fascinating look into the history of perfume and the techniques used to create it. Admission is free. You can also book an incredibly cool perfume-making workshop as an add-on.

Is it worth it? The museum is a great experience even on its own. But the guided tour and perfume-making workshop take it to another level entirely. You even get to take your own custom perfume home — a truly one-of-a-kind souvenir.

Book Musée du Parfum guided tour & workshop tickets online

Is the Paris Museum Pass Worth It?

If you’re planning to visit several museums in Paris, the Paris Museum Pass is worth considering.

It’s available for two, four, or six days, starting at 90 euros. Entry to 60 museums in Paris and the surrounding area is included, and you can almost always skip the line.

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That said, in our opinion the pass only pays off from four days onward. To make it worthwhile, you need to visit at least six or seven museums — and that’s tough to pull off in just two days.

These museums we recommend are included in the pass:

• Musée du Louvre
• Musée d’Orsay
• Centre Georges Pompidou
• Musée de l’Orangerie
• Musée Picasso
• Musée Rodin
• Musée Guimet
• Musée de l’Armée (without Dôme des Invalides)
• Conciergerie
• Musée des Arts et Métiers
• Musée du quai Branly

Frequently Asked Questions About Paris Museums