Must See Museums Paris – A Helpful City Guide for Tourists Visiting for the First Time

Paris is known as the City of Lights and it’s easy to see why. From its iconic monuments and buildings to its world class museums and galleries, Paris is a city that has something for everyone. It’s no wonder that it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a week, there’s no shortage of things to do and see. In this blog post, we’ll focus on the must see museums in Paris. We’ll cover some of the city’s most famous and popular museums, as well as some lesser-known gems. We’ll also provide helpful information about the best ways to get around Paris, as well as some popular tour options.

History and Background of Paris

Paris is the capital of France and the largest city in the country. It is located on the banks of the River Seine in northern France and is one of the most populous urban areas in Europe. It is a major global city and home to some of the world’s most famous monuments and landmarks. It has been an important political and cultural center for centuries, and it remains one of the most visited cities in the world due to its unique blend of history, culture, art, architecture, and cuisine.

The history of Paris can be traced back to the 3rd century BC when it was a small Gallic village named Lutetia. The Roman Empire conquered it in 52 BC and changed its name to Lutetia Parisiorum. During the Middle Ages, it was an important center for commerce and trade as well as an intellectual hub. In 1789, the French Revolution began in Paris, leading to a period of political turmoil and economic decline. However, in the 19th and 20th centuries, Paris experienced a period of rapid growth and modernization, and it has become one of the most important cities in the world.

Today, Paris is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world due to its iconic monuments and landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre Museum, and much more. It also has a thriving artistic, cultural, and culinary scene that has made it one of the most interesting cities in Europe.

Getting Around Paris

Paris is a large city with many different attractions and sights to explore. Fortunately, it has an efficient public transportation system that makes it easy to get around. The most popular way to get around Paris is by Metro. The metro system has 16 lines and 244 stations that cover most parts of the city, making it easy to reach any destination quickly and easily.

Alternatively, you can also get around by bus or taxi. There are over 1000 buses that serve most parts of the city, making it a great option if you want to explore more areas or if you’re not near a metro station. Taxis are also available and can be easily hailed from the streets or via apps such as Uber or Taxify.

Must See Museums in Paris

Paris is renowned for its world-class museums and galleries, many of which are considered to be some of the best in the world. Here are a few must-see museums in Paris that you won’t want to miss:

Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum is one of the most famous museums in the world and it is home to some of the most famous works of art ever created. Located in the heart of Paris, the museum is home to over 35,000 works spanning from antiquity to modern times. It houses iconic works such as Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Michelangelo’s Slaves, and many more. It’s no wonder why it’s one of the most visited museums in the world.

Musée d’Orsay

The Musée d’Orsay is a must-see museum for anyone interested in 19th century French art. Located on the banks of the Seine River in a former railway station, it houses some of the best works from this period such as Monet’s Water Lilies, Van Gogh’s Starry Night, Manet’s Luncheon on the Grass, Gauguin’s Tahitian paintings, and many more.

Centre Pompidou

The Centre Pompidou is a modern art museum located in Beaubourg district of Paris. It houses some of the best works from 20th century artists such as Picasso, Matisse, Dali, Frida Kahlo, Magritte, and more. The museum also has an extensive library and research center that makes it a great place to visit if you’re looking for more information about these artists and their works.

Musée Rodin

The Musée Rodin is a museum dedicated to the works of French sculptor Auguste Rodin. Located in a beautiful 18th century mansion on the outskirts of Paris, it houses some of his most famous works such as The Thinker, The Kiss, The Gates of Hell, and many more. It also has beautiful gardens where you can admire his sculptures in their natural setting.

Experience an Evening Cruise Along the Seine River

An evening cruise along the Seine River is one of the best ways to experience Paris at its most romantic. Enjoy stunning views of some of Paris’ most iconic monuments such as Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower while sipping champagne or enjoying a romantic dinner on board. The cruise usually lasts for about two hours and you can book it online at Viator.

Take a Tour of Versailles Palace

The Palace of Versailles is one of France’s most famous landmarks and a must-see if you’re visiting Paris. Take a tour of this spectacular palace and its gardens while learning about its history and its fascinating inhabitants such as Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette. You can book a tour online at GetYourGuide.

Visit Montmartre Hill

Montmartre Hill is one of Paris’ most picturesque neighborhoods with narrow winding streets lined with charming cafes and galleries. Visit this historic hilltop neighborhood for beautiful views of Paris or explore its narrow streets for unique shops and galleries. You can book a guided walking tour online at GetYourGuide.

Conclusion

Paris is one of the world’s great cities with something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for iconic monuments, world class museums and galleries, or romantic river cruises, there’s no shortage of things to do in this amazing city. Take advantage of our tips above to make sure you visit all the must-see museums in Paris during your stay!