If you’re planning a trip to Paris, you might be wondering if it’s worth getting a museum pass. After all, the city is home to some of the most famous museums in the world, such as the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay.
But with so many options available, it can be tough to decide which pass – if any – is right for you. In this article, we’ll explore whether a museum pass is worth it for your trip to Paris.
What Is a Museum Pass?
Before we dive into whether or not to get a museum pass, let’s define what it actually is. A museum pass is a ticket that gives you access to multiple museums and attractions for a set period of time. In Paris specifically, there are two main types of passes: the Paris Museum Pass and the Paris Passlib’.
The Paris Museum Pass offers access to over 50 museums and monuments in and around Paris, including big names like the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay. It’s available in 2-day, 4-day, or 6-day options and costs €52 ($61), €66 ($78), or €78 ($92) respectively as of September 2021.
The Paris Passlib’, on the other hand, includes both transportation (metro and bus) and admission to select museums and attractions. It’s available in 2-day, 3-day, or 5-day options starting at €139 ($164) as of September 2021.
Pros of Getting a Museum Pass
Now that we know what a museum pass is let’s look at some pros of getting one for your trip:
Saves Time
One of the biggest advantages of getting a museum pass is that it can save you time. With long lines being common at popular museums like The Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, having a museum pass can allow you to skip the ticket line and go straight to security. This can save you anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on how busy the museum is.
Saves Money
If you plan on visiting multiple museums during your trip to Paris, then getting a museum pass can save you money in the long run. As we mentioned earlier, the Paris Museum Pass costs €52 for 2-days, €66 for 4-days, or €78 for 6-days. If you’re planning on visiting more than one or two museums during your trip, then this could be a cost-effective option.
Flexibility
Another advantage of getting a museum pass is that it gives you flexibility. With the Paris Museum Pass specifically, you can visit as many museums as you like within the duration of your pass. This means that if you change your mind or hear about another museum that interests you, then you can go without worrying about additional costs.
Cons of Getting a Museum Pass
While there are certainly advantages to getting a museum pass in Paris, there are also some cons to consider:
Upfront Cost
One of the biggest cons of getting a museum pass is the upfront cost. Depending on which pass you choose and how many days it covers, it can be quite expensive – especially if you’re on a tight budget.
Not All Museums Are Covered
Another important thing to note is that not all museums are covered by the Paris Museum Pass or Paris Passlib’. While both passes cover major attractions like The Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, there are still many popular museums that require separate admission fees. This means that even with a museum pass, there may still be additional costs to consider.
Conclusion
So, is it worth getting a museum pass in Paris? The answer ultimately depends on your travel plans.
If you’re planning on visiting multiple museums during your trip and want to save time and money, then a museum pass could be a great option. However, if you only plan on visiting one or two museums or have a tight budget, then paying for individual admission fees may be the better choice.
Regardless of whether or not you decide to get a museum pass, we recommend doing some research beforehand to figure out which museums and attractions interest you the most. This will help you make an informed decision about which pass – if any – is right for your trip.