During my trip to Paris, I visited the famous Louvre museum. The museum itself is magnificent and is so large, it would take at least five days to see all the artworks that it has to offer. However, if you can only afford to spend one day there, it is helpful to have a guide to help you navigate through the museum efficiently.

The list below highlights the top pieces to see during your visit, although I would highly encourage everyone to admire the other pieces that are not listed along the way.

1. Nike of Samothrace

The Nike of Samothrace or The Winged Victory of Samothrace is a timeless piece. The sculpting technique of her dress and the realistic formation of her body originates from the Hellenistic period of Greece.

Although she stands on a more modern made base, the prow of a ship, Nike herself stands tall and viewers are able to see her from various angles in the large room. Historians account that she once overlooked the Sanctuary of the Great Gods on the island of Samothrace and represents naval victory.

2. Liberty Leading the People

Another classic painting originated from the French revolution depicts the new ideologies that swept across countries under a monarchist government, particularly France. This painting is based on the historical event of the July Revolution in 1830, the abdication of King Charles X and the efforts to establish the republic. Painted by Eugène Delacroix, this scene of Lady Liberty illustrates the event as written in Victor Hugo's 1862 novel, "Les Miserables."

3. Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss

Based on the mythical story of Psyche and her relationship with Cupid, this piece depicts the immense love and tenderness cupid felt as he brings Psyche back from death. Sculpted by Antonio Canova, this Neoclassical piece was made during the time of the Romanticism movement.

4. The Slaves

Two of the few Michelangelo sculptures outside of Italy, the Slaves are a true masterpiece. Pictured above is the "Rebellious Slave" and beside it stands the "Dying Slave". The two chained slaves show entirely different emotions, the dying resides in what seems to be asleep and the other is rebellious and struggles to be free.

5. Venus de Milo

One of the most famous works of ancient Greek sculpture, this depiction of Afrodite or Venus de Milo shows Hellenistic artistry. A period when drapery was detailed, hips and curves were accentuated and figures were sculpted is spiral compositions. This Sculpture is thought to have originated from the island of Melos and the representation of the sea goddess Amphitrite.

6. The Wedding Feast at Cana

This painting is a depiction of the famous scene in the bible when Christ performed his first miracle. Painted by Paolo Veronese, this piece measures 267 in × 391 in, making it the largest painting to be displayed in the Louvre. This piece is brightly colored and features many scenes for the viewer to look at.

7. Mona Lisa

Right opposite the Wedding Feast of Cana, the largest painting in the Louvre, resides the much smaller painting of Mona Lisa. Protected by glass and ropes to keep the viewers at bay, this painting is what everyone wants to see. While the painting itself shows great mastery by Leonardo DaVinci, it is a much duller version of what it used to be. The colors used to show brightly, but due to time and constant thievery, has dulled.