With some of the best collections in the world, a museum day in Paris can be magical. But large crowds and huge, maze-like buildings can make for a frustrating time as well. Here are some tips for surviving (and enjoying) a museum day in Paris.
1. Pick the right museum
With an exceedingly large number of museums in Paris (over 100!), there’s certainly one that’s right for you. Pick an appropriate sized museum that matches your interests to set yourself up for success. In other words, you don’t have to go to the Louvre just because you’re in Paris. (Check out my blog on Must-See Paris Museums that aren’t the Louvre.)
2. Go when crowds are likely to be the lightest
It’s a whole lot easier to appreciate the exhibits if you aren’t shoulder to shoulder with every other tourist in town. Try to schedule a time when the crowds will be at their smallest. This is often right when the museum opens or just prior to closing. Many museums in Paris have extended evening hours on certain days of the week and this can be a great opportunity to explore without too many people around. Many Paris museums also offer free days once a month. Keep in mind that, while it’s nice to get in for free, these are often the most crowded days at the museum.
3. Be prepared by pre-purchasing tickets
Lines are unavoidable when it comes to visiting museums in Paris. Nearly everywhere has a security checkpoint that can’t be skipped, but you can save yourself the frustration of the ticket line. Many museums offer advance purchase of tickets on their website or consider using a Paris Museum Pass if you’re visiting multiple participating museums. With tickets in hand, you can skip straight to the security check and cut your wait time down significantly.
4. Pick up a map
Many of the museums in Paris are located in old, maze-like buildings, so make sure that the first thing you do is pick up a map (preferably in your native language). These are usually available for free at the information desk just inside the entrance. Some museums also have maps on their website that you can download directly to your phone.
5. Understand that you can’t see everything…
Unless it’s a very small museum, chances are you’re not going to see it all. And that’s okay. There’s no test at the end of your visit. There’s no prize for the person that sees the most. Consider the things you don’t get to see as a great reason to come back later on.
6. …But don’t just hit the highlights.
Every museum has its treasures and you should definitely see them! But don’t get so caught up in checking the Mona Lisa off your list that you forget to wander. To me, that’s the best part about museums…discovering new things I like…and figuring out what I don’t. Wander a bit. Let things catch your eye. You might discover something amazing!
7. Plan breaks
A museum day in Paris is a marathon, not a sprint. Make sure you plan some down time into your schedule. You’ll need to eat…and your feet are definitely going to need a break. Thankfully most museums have cafes or restaurants on site, but quality (and prices) vary. Check out your options in advance and have at least a rough plan before your visit. Keep this plan in mind as you explore the museum. There’s nothing like realizing you’re starving, only to discover you’ve wandered to the farthest wing possible from where you intended to eat (I may speak from experience on this one!).
8. Consider a guide
If you’re really on a tight schedule, or just want to know a lot more about what you’re looking at, consider a guide. Most museums offer audioguides in multiple languages for a small additional cost. There are also plenty of options for guided tours of the most popular museums in Paris, both by private tour companies or offered by the museum itself.
What are your best tips for surviving (and enjoying) a museum day?
