Musee du Louvre (Louvre Museum), Paris (must see)

Originally a fortified castle that was later converted into a regal palace, the Louvre has since transcended its beginnings to become the preeminent cultural destination in France. To refer to this extraordinary institution simply as a museum would be a gross understatement! Boasting a staggering 38,000 artifacts spanning prehistoric times to the modern day, the Louvre offers an unparalleled experience for those who consider themselves true lovers of the arts.

Whatever your area of interest – be it paintings, sculptures, archaeological treasures, pharaonic tombs, or exquisite jewelry and trinkets from across the globe – the Louvre has it all in abundance, including some of the world's most celebrated masterpieces, like the awe-inspiring ancient Greek statues of "Venus de Milo" and "The Winged Victory of Samothrace," as well as the iconic "Raft of the Medusa" painting. And, of course, the pièce de résistance: Leonardo da Vinci's legendary "Mona Lisa".

In fact, for many, Mona Lisa is the prime, if not sole, reason for their pilgrimage to the Louvre. If you are among their ranks, then prepare yourself to politely maneuver through the crowd to the front row, hoping to snap a few shots of the painting. Still, it is not until you visit some of the less hyped areas of the Louvre, such as the Sully or Richelieu wings for instance, that you will bear witness to the full scope of its splendor. Less crowded than the others, these galleries are just as much treasure troves, if not more.

The Richelieu wing, in particular, is extremely chic and renowned for its magnificent lighting and glassed courtyards – truly unique pieces of architecture offering an incomparable aesthetic experience. The pinnacle of the Richelieu is the Napoleon III apartment with its gargantuan chandeliers, acres of ceiling paintings, swathes of red velvet, and an explosion of decorative moldings, all underscored by a profusion of gilded embellishments; a space of overwhelming opulence that leaves an impression on all who experience its majesty.

In 2018, the Louvre cemented its position as the world's most popular art museum, drawing an average of 28,000 visitors per day. If you are intent on crossing this marvel off your bucket list, it is imperative that you procure your tickets or museum pass well in advance, and to expedite your entrance, make use of the less-crowded underground portal at the Porte des Lions (the Lions Gate). For the ultimate experience, visit the Louvre on a Friday afternoon, when the museum remains open until 10pm (subject to seasonal variations), and you may find yourself with the entire place almost to yourself. Either way, upon entering, be sure to obtain a map, which will spare you precious time otherwise spent aimlessly wandering around, enabling you to focus on the art that most captures your interest.

Why You Should Visit:
One-of-a-kind, unparalleled experience that remains one of the most delightful destinations for art lovers.