When staying in Paris, I was literally just a stone-throw away from the Lourve. You know, that great, amazing museum of art that houses the Mona Lisa. Yeah, the one that Beyonce and Jay-Z recently had shut down so that they could visit it: The Lourve. It’s a great museum, I’m sure. Plus, who wouldn’t want a picture with one of the most iconic portraits in the world? But, visiting the Lourve is probably as close to drowning in an ocean of people as you’ll ever get. I’m not kidding. The amount of people that flock to the Lourve is beyond astonishing. My friend recently uploaded a picture that basically shows a room filled with people, all with their camera phones and GoPros out. So, if you’re in Paris and you’re okay with waiting in line for 2-3 hours and wading through an endless amount of people to see some paintings, then go to the Lourve. But, if you’re looking for something different, something a bit more exciting, head to Palais de Tokyo, instead.

Palais de Tokyo calls itself the “anti-museum,” a palace for adventurers and rebels. It contains carefully curated works of contemporary art that force the viewer into an experience that stimulates all senses. While there, I walked through industrial-like platforms and up and down stairs, watching videos that made me feel uncomfortable. I took a ride in a boat through dark waters while eery music played in the background. I found myself in a techno-colored, psychotic, drug-induced dream, complete with neon lights and Asian midgets. Paris knows how to do art, and that includes even the most messed up, controversial kind. It’s thought-provoking, the kind of art that makes you think about it’s message even though the message is right there in front of you. I can go on and on about this museum because honestly, for peak season especially, it was terribly empty. But, maybe that’s a good thing. The lack of people added to the overall experience. Instead of struggling to see a picture, I was able to walk through the museum at my own pace. My experience with the artworks was completely personal since I could fully focus on it without the distraction of crowds.

The entrance fee is only ~$10 (there’s discounts, so definitely check online for that), there’s a couple of trendy bars and restaurants both connected to the museum and right by the museum, it’s open till midnight almost every day, and it provides great views of the Eiffel Tower. There’s absolutely no excuse for not checking it out.

Cheers!