Our guide on the best museums to visit in Europe for your next trip.
Europe is home to some of the world’s most renowned museums, showcasing priceless art collections, historic artifacts, and cultural treasures. Whether you’re passionate about art, history, science, or archaeology, there’s a museum for you.
Europe’s museums are treasure troves of art, culture, and history, but planning your visit in advance can save you time and money. Always check for free admission days or discounted rates, and where possible, book your tickets online to skip the queues.
Whether you’re exploring the rich history of the Vatican Museums or the contemporary collections at the Van Gogh Museum, each visit offers a unique window into the heart of European heritage.
Here’s a guide to some of the best museums across Europe, with details on entry prices and schedules to help plan your visit.
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Best Museums to Visit in Europe
1. The Louvre Museum – Paris, France
Why Visit:
The Louvre is the world’s largest and most-visited museum, boasting a vast collection of art and artifacts, including Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and the ancient Greek statue Venus de Milo.
Price:
General Admission: €17 (online), €15 (on-site).
Free Admission: Under 18, EU residents under 26, and on the first Saturday of each month from 6 PM – 9:45 PM.
Schedule:
Open: Wednesday to Monday, 9 AM – 6 PM.
Closed: Tuesdays, January 1, May 1, December 25.
Tip: Visit in the evening on Wednesdays and Fridays when the museum stays open until 9:45 PM for fewer crowds.
2. The British Museum – London, UK
Why Visit:
The British Museum houses an extraordinary collection of artifacts from around the world, including the Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles, and Egyptian mummies. It’s a must-visit for history lovers.
Price:
General Admission: Free.
Exhibitions: Special exhibitions may charge fees (typically £15-£20).
Schedule:
Open: Daily, 10 AM – 5 PM.
Extended Hours: Fridays until 8:30 PM.
Closed: January 1, December 24-26.
Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially for the Egyptian and Greek sections, which are particularly popular.
3. The Vatican Museums – Vatican City, Italy
Why Visit:
The Vatican Museums house one of the most impressive art collections in the world, including Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling and Raphael’s The School of Athens. The museums span more than 20,000 works of art.
Price:
General Admission: €17.
Reduced Price: €8 for children (6-18 years) and students under 25.
Free Admission: On the last Sunday of each month (9 AM – 2 PM).
Schedule:
Open: Monday to Saturday, 9 AM – 6 PM (last entry at 4 PM).
Closed: Sundays (except the last Sunday of the month), January 1, and December 25.
Tip: Book tickets online to skip the long queues and consider taking a guided tour to fully appreciate the extensive collection.
4. The Rijksmuseum – Amsterdam, Netherlands
Why Visit:
The Rijksmuseum is home to masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age, including works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh. Highlights include Rembrandt’s The Night Watch and Vermeer’s The Milkmaid.
Price:
General Admission: €22.50.
Free Admission: Children under 18.
Schedule:
Open: Daily, 9 AM – 5 PM.
Closed: Open every day, including holidays.
Tip: Visit early in the morning to see Rembrandt’s The Night Watch with fewer people around.
5. The Uffizi Gallery – Florence, Italy
Why Visit:
The Uffizi Gallery houses one of the most important art collections in the world, featuring masterpieces from the Italian Renaissance, including works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci. Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus is a major highlight.
Price:
General Admission: €20 (March to October), €12 (November to February).
Reduced Price: €2 for EU citizens aged 18-25.
Free Admission: On the first Sunday of each month.
Schedule:
Open: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:15 AM – 6:30 PM.
Closed: Mondays, January 1, May 1, December 25.
Tip: Book tickets online to skip the queue, especially during peak tourist season. Guided tours are highly recommended for a deeper understanding of the collection.
6. The Prado Museum – Madrid, Spain
Why Visit:
The Prado Museum is Spain’s premier art museum, showcasing a vast collection of European art from the 12th to the 19th century, including works by Goya, Velázquez, El Greco, and Titian. Velázquez’s Las Meninas is one of the museum’s most famous pieces.
Price:
General Admission: €15.
Reduced Price: €7.50 for students and children.
Free Admission: Monday to Saturday, 6 PM – 8 PM, Sundays and holidays, 5 PM – 7 PM.
Schedule:
Open: Monday to Saturday, 10 AM – 8 PM; Sundays and holidays, 10 AM – 7 PM.
Closed: January 1, May 1, December 25.
Tip: Plan your visit during the free entry hours in the evening, but be prepared for larger crowds.
7. The Hermitage Museum – St. Petersburg, Russia
Why Visit:
One of the largest and oldest museums in the world, the Hermitage Museum features over three million items, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Michelangelo. The Winter Palace is part of the museum complex and offers a stunning architectural backdrop.
Price:
General Admission: 500 RUB (around €6.50).
Free Admission: First Thursday of every month and December 7 (Hermitage Museum Day).
Schedule:
Open: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, 10:30 AM – 6 PM; Wednesday and Friday, 10:30 AM – 9 PM.
Closed: Mondays, January 1, and May 9.
Tip: Take a guided tour to navigate this vast museum more efficiently and focus on key highlights.
8. The Van Gogh Museum – Amsterdam, Netherlands
Why Visit:
Dedicated to the works of Vincent van Gogh, this museum holds the largest collection of Van Gogh’s paintings and drawings in the world, including Sunflowers and The Bedroom. It also provides insights into his troubled life.
Price:
General Admission: €19.
Free Admission: Under 18.
Schedule:
Open: Daily, 9 AM – 6 PM; Fridays, 9 AM – 9 PM.
Closed: Open every day, including holidays.
Tip: Buy your tickets online to secure a time slot and avoid the long lines, especially during peak season.
9. The Musée d’Orsay – Paris, France
Why Visit:
The Musée d’Orsay is housed in a former railway station and is home to one of the world’s finest collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, featuring works by Monet, Degas, Van Gogh, and Renoir.
Price:
General Admission: €16.
Reduced Price: €13 for 18-25-year-olds outside the EU.
Free Admission: Under 18 and on the first Sunday of each month.
Schedule:
Open: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 AM – 6 PM; Thursdays until 9:45 PM.
Closed: Mondays, January 1, May 1, and December 25.
Tip: Head straight to the top floor for the best views of Paris and the bulk of the Impressionist masterpieces.
10. The Acropolis Museum – Athens, Greece
Why Visit:
Located at the foot of the Acropolis, this museum showcases Greece’s ancient history, with artifacts from the Acropolis and surrounding areas. Highlights include the Parthenon frieze and other ancient Greek sculptures.
Price:
General Admission: €10 (November to March), €5 (April to October).
Free Admission: Under 18 and on March 6, April 18, May 18, and the last weekend of September.
Schedule:
Open: Monday, 9 AM – 5 PM; Tuesday to Thursday, 9 AM – 8 PM; Friday, 9 AM – 10 PM; Saturday and Sunday, 9 AM – 8 PM.
Closed: January 1, Easter Sunday, May 1, December 25-26.
Tip: Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon for a quieter experience.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.