Express Wanderlust: Cannot leave the house? Take virtual tours of these museums

The ongoing global health crisis has pushed the world population to confine itself to the safety of closed doors. And as important as that is, for a person who is bitten by the travel bug, this could be a trying period. Every Thursday, we bring you a new place that is worthy of an exploration. But now, since we are having to push the pause button on our itineraries, here are some virtual tours that you can take instead. Remember, the world still exists, albeit under a difficult circumstance. But once all this is over, you may be able to physically go and check out the place of your dreams, until then, make-do with these virtual tours. (Source: Getty/Thinkstock)

Louvre, Paris, France: If you are planning to check out museums from around the world, you have to start with the famous Louvre in Paris. Until before the outbreak, tourists used to throng this place every day of every year. But don't be disheartened if you have not had the chance to visit it. You can now take a tour from the comfort of your couch. Just wear your VR headset and head over to the website to get all the tour-related information. Alternatively, you can also check out "youvisit.com" for information on the same. (Source: Getty/Thinkstock)

Vatican museum, Rome, Italy: Just like the Louvre, the Vatican museum is also believed to offer virtual tours. So from France, you can head straight to Italy. Here, you will be able to see the beautiful ceilings, the rare artworks, the serpentine staircases, and the halls you have so longed to visit. The museum boasts of Michelangelo’s paintings in the Sistine Chapel, and you will be able to see it! Just head over to "museivaticani.va" for this. (Source: Getty/Thinkstock)

National Portrait Gallery, London, England: The next place to head for your cultural fix can be the National Portrait Gallery in London. It is believed that the place was set to close later this year anyway, to undertake some renovations until 2023. It is said that when it opened in the year 1856, the gallery became the first portrait gallery in the world. Here, you can see portraits of some prominent personalities. (Source: Getty/Thinkstock)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York: New York City may be in a state of lockdown, but you can still access the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It is considered to be the biggest museum of art in the United States, attracting tourists from all around the world. It still will, but virtually. You can move around the hallways, pause and study, without any crowd, too! Check it out at "metmuseum.org". (Source: Getty/Thinkstock)

Musée d'Orsay, Paris, France: Head back to France, for you missed a landmark site! Visit the Musée d'Orsay which is located inside a building that once served as a railroad station known as Gare d'Orsay, and later a hotel. Inside the museum, you will see the French life, including art, photographs, sculptures, furniture, and paintings by great artists like Monet and van Gogh. You can take find out about the tour on "artsandculture.google.com". (Source: Getty/Thinkstock)

Watch this space as we bring you more virtual reality travel experiences next week! (Source: Getty/Thinkstock)