Orsay Museum: Worth It & How to Visit

The Orsay Museum sits in a stunning old train station right on the Seine and holds the world's best collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. Expect crowds, especially around the big names (Van Gogh's Starry Night, Monet's water lilies, Degas dancers). The building itself is spectacular; the giant clock windows and airy hall make it one of the most pleasant major museums in Paris. Plan on 2–3 hours if you want to see the highlights without rushing. It's manageable in size compared to the Louvre, so you won't feel completely destroyed at the end.

Best time to visit is weekday mornings right after opening or late afternoon. Avoid weekends and the middle of summer if possible; the lines and heat inside can get unpleasant. Expect to pay around $25–$40 for a standard ticket. Guided tours or skip-the-line options push it toward $50–$60. Buy timed tickets in advance; walk-up tickets often mean long waits.

Honest tips: Focus on the top floor Impressionists first, then work your way down. Skip the basement-level decorative arts unless you have extra time; they're interesting but not why most people come. Get the museum's free floor plan when you enter and don't try to see everything; the permanent collection is the main event. If you're already museum-fatigued in Paris, the Orsay is one of the few that still feels worth the effort.