When most people hear “Paris museum,” the Louvre comes to mind. But the Musee d’Orsay is hardly second fiddle. To start, there’s gallery after gallery of must-see masterpieces. Then there’s the building itself: a former train station that was built to impress for the 1900 Paris Exposition. Stepping into the central aisle under its famous arched glass ceiling is like time-hopping into 19th-century France, aka peak impressionist era. And the big names like Manet, Monet, van Gogh, and Degas are all here. The rest of the collection can’t be missed either: sculpture, photography, assorted decorative objects, and revolving exhibitions. Come with a plan and some patience—the major works of art on display bring the crowds. But you can take your time and make a day of it; the various on-site restaurants are perfect spots for a breather.