Rick Steves Says There's No Shame In 'Tour Freeloading' To Get The Most Out Of Your Museum Visit

Travel expert Rick Steves is full of practical advice on how to get the most out of your European vacation. This is especially true when it comes to the artwork. According to him, the best Monet experience in Paris can be found in smaller museums rather than at the Musée d'Orsay, and no trip to Pompeii is complete without a visit to its "Secret Room" frescoes in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples. 

Beyond that, Steves also has plenty of wisdom when it comes to maximizing the value of any museum visit. After all, tickets can be quite pricey, and you shouldn't always be forced to pay for a tour guide or audio tour on top of an entry fee — especially if you're only interested in a particular piece or room. 

Instead, Steves champions a cheeky, yet clever, way to enrich your time at the museum once you're inside: eavesdropping on tour guides, or "tour freeloading." According to his website, "If you're especially interested in a particular piece of art, spend a half hour studying it and listening to each passing tour guide tell his or her story about David or the Mona Lisa." He further explains: "They each do their own research and come up with a different angle to share. Much of it is true." Now, imagine if you'd instead paid the price of the tour, only to spend but a few minutes with, and receive a single story about, an artwork you've waited your entire life to see? Steves' suggestion provides you an opportunity to take a seminar on the subject of your choice. A chance to become an expert on one of the art world's greatest masterpieces.

It's understandable if you feel apprehensive about eavesdropping on a paid tour, gleaning knowledge unfairly from someone who is working to make their living. However, for travelers on a shoestring budget, Steves quells all fears. "There's nothing wrong with this sort of tour freeloading," he argues. Just make sure you're not intruding. For example, don't stand in anyone's way, or ask a bunch of questions. Instead, try hanging in the back, just close enough to hear what's being said, or off to the side, where you can still look at things up close. Don't get too close, though, or you might find out the hard way what happens when you accidentally damage priceless art at a museum — which essentially means waving goodbye to your thoughtful, budget-conscious workaround!

Additionally, Steves also recommends doing research upfront to know which pieces you'd like to bear down for. "Do some reconnaissance on the museum's website before your visit to line up your targets. Or, on arrival, look through the museum's collection handbook or postcard rack to make sure you won't miss anything of importance to you." He advises sticking to the masterpieces and not getting distracted. Instead, "focus on just the top attractions. Most major museums provide brief pamphlets that recommend a greatest-hits plan."

Another key benefit to Steves' freeloading strategy is that it saves you energy. Museum-going can be exhausting. Steves himself attests: "I'm rarely good for more than two or three hours at a time." By staying in one place, you're saving your brain power and keeping your feet fresh. All the better if you can sit and rest — museums like the Louvre and Orangerie typically have benches where guests can study large works at their leisure.