I understand that this is a major holiday. Typically, are the museums and other major tourist sites around the city closed for the day?

Which city? Ascension Day is a public holiday in most of Europe, but not in UK or Ire. Typically museums and other sights stay open, often keeping Sunday hours/charges. Banks and gov offices are closed, as are many smaller shops, but restaurants usually stay open.

Steve, glad you posted. I'll be arriving Paris on 5/24 and was a bit concerned that everything would be closed since Ascension Day is a serious religious holiday for Roman Catholics. Just heard gossip today that France will celebrate on June 1, 40 days after Easter. I need to confirm that. However, I can tell you that in '91 I went to Brugges for the express purpose of seeing the Ascension Day processional (1000 yr history - wow!) and the trains were running and restaurants were open. At least in Brugges and Brussels. It was a school holiday as well and while my traveling partner was annoyed at the crowds, I thought all the kids on the train were exuberant and delightful. Crowds might be more the problem than closings. I think someone here, StCirq maybe, could give the lowdown about France, pls?

If you're talking about France I beleive that the Government is closed. The Louvre is closed (I don't have info on D'Orsay or others). I emailed the hotel I'm staying at and they've confirmed that. Most of the larger shops and things will be open as well as the trains, metro etc.

I was in Paris last year and on Ascension Day, we decided to go to Chinatown. That place NEVER closes for holidays! It was big fun, and we felt like we got to see another slice of life in Paris.

Steve, bonjour, The ONLY thing I can tell you is that all major cities in Europe like Paris, London, Rome, Florence, Vienna, etc. will be absolutely packed with tourists. We usually take the day after Ascension day off for a small getaway to a city nearby (1-2 hours' flight). We shall be arriving ourselves in Paris on May 24 and will stay away from all major musts which however will be easy as we are regulars in Paris. We will choose small museums (if open), go the cinema or just relax in a café in Montparnasse or - as stated - go to Chinatown. Great idea, Melissa, I forgot about that.