10 things to see and do in the Montmartre neighborhood
If you go to Paris, take the time to visit Montmartre, the most bohemian neighborhood. You will breathe art in every corner
Visiting this neighborhood is one of the best things to do on your trip to Paris. It still maintains its traditional charm since the 19th century, which makes it authentic and unique. The cradle of Parisian art makes you breathe life and joy in every corner.
Montmartre is not a big place, but it has many activities and emblematic sites to see in just one day. In this article you will learn everything you should see and visit to know Montmartre in detail.
1. Moulin Rouge
One of the icons par excellence of Montmartre. The most popular Parisian cabaret was built in 1889. A mythical place to spend the Parisian night. You will find it on the outskirts of Montmartre, in the Red Light District (Pigalle). I advise you to dedicate an evening to see the incredible show of the Moulin Rouge, which lasts approximately two hours. You will see the popular Doriss Girls in a display of the best original music and their incredible costumes of feathers and sequins.
If you plan to go to the Moulin Rouge you should know that you can go just to see the show or you have the option to enjoy dinner and watch the show. Also, I recommend that you book in advance, because despite having two daily passes some days of the week, tickets are sold out very quickly to be so popular.
- Schedule: 18:45 h. and 20:45 h. approximately depending on the time of year.
- Price: From 194 € approximately for the show only.
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2. Café des Deux Moulins
Possibly the name does not ring a bell, but this is the well-known café that appears in the movie Amèlie, where the main character works. A cafe so popular that it is already an almost obligatory point to which all visitors to Montmartre go. You will find it between Rue Lepic and Rue Cauchois under the name of Café des Deux Moulins, as it is located between the two most emblematic mills of Paris: the Moulin Rouge and the Moulin de la Galette.
Upon arrival, you will be surprised by the colors of the exterior facade, passion red. Besides indicating from the outside all the advertising that mentions the tape Amèlie. Once inside, you will be able to recognize all the scenery with photos of the protagonist, very present in the decoration of the place.
In this bar you can just have a drink or taste the most traditional bistro dishes of Paris. You can book a tour of Montmartre and it will be one of the stops.
- Hours: open Monday to Thursday from 7 am to 2 pm, and Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 2 pm.
3. Sacré Coeur (Sacré Coeur Basilica)
The Sacré Coeur Basilica is one of the most representative monuments of Paris. Located at the top of Montmartre, 130 meters above sea level, it offers panoramic views from the heights of the French capital. Built in the 19th century, this place of worship is dedicated to the heart of Christ.
The best way to visit it is to book a tour of Montmartre and the Sacre Coeur. You can access it on foot, up the stairs of Square Louise Michel or by funicular from Place Saint Pierre.
The Basilica offers the possibility to climb up to the dome to discover the best views of the capital. In addition, if you wish, for a supplement you can enter to see the crypt.
- Price: You only pay to go up to the dome or down to the crypt, whose price is around 7 €.
- Hours: open every day of the week, from 6 am to 10:30 pm.
4. Montmartre museum
It is a must visit if you go to Montmartre. This museum collects the tradition and culture of the neighborhood, but it is also located next to the beauty of the beautiful Renoir gardens, one of the most beautiful and romantic corners of Paris, where you can see the only remaining vineyards in the city: the vineyards of Clos Montmartre.
Founded in 1960, the museum is divided into two buildings: the Hotel Dêmarne and the Maison Bel Air. At the time, this museum was the home of many internationally renowned artists such as Renoir. It remained closed for many years, but in 2011 it reopened its doors to the public again.
In the Montmartre Museum there are numerous paintings, drawings or posters of many of the artists who passed through Montmartre, such as Lautrec, Modigliani or Utrillo. In addition, there is a room dedicated exclusively to the explanation and dedication to the world of the can-can. And, in addition, you will find a temporary exhibition that deals with the cultural life of the neighborhood. I recommend you to book a Paris Pass to visit it.
- Hours: open Monday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (in high season from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.).
- Price: 10 € approximately for adults.
5. Bateau-Lavoir
As you know, Montmartre was and still is the Parisian cradle of artists, the neighborhood where many famous painters lived together, among others. Bateau-Lavoir. It is known for having been the meeting place and residence of many of these artists, including Picasso.
You will find it located at Place Emile Goudeau. Although you have the option to book a tour of Montmartre and the Sacre Coeur to get there comfortably and know it in detail. All the useful information of the place, you will find it in the showcase.
As a curiosity, you should know that this place was burned in a fire and years later was rebuilt. It is still considered a historical monument of Paris and, although it is not a place to spend a lot of time in your visit to Montmartre, if you are an admirer of Picasso or Van Gogh, you can go to admire the facade and the store that lives inside.
6. Place du Tertre
Known as the painters' square, it is one of the busiest places in Montmartre. You will find it within walking distance of the Sacre Coeur. This square is full of painters and artists selling their works. In addition, you can get a portrait right there, if you wish, as there are plenty of artists ready to draw you at any time.
This square is also full of cafes and creperies Parisian for you to make a stop for a snack at any time of day. In addition, souvenirs abound and is the cheapest place in Paris if you want to take a souvenir of your trip.
In this square you will find, no more and no less than about 300 artists exhibiting their works daily, that makes it a place with a lot of people, but I recommend you to go, as it is a place declared as a historic district. Do not miss it!
7. Saint Pierre de Montmartre Church
This medieval church, unlike the Sacre Coeur, is a haven of peace without tourist crowds. It is one of the oldest churches in Paris. You will find it on Rue du Mont-Cenis. It is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its great history.
Built in the 12th century no less, and although it is the least known, it was the prestigious church of the abbey of Montmartre. It was totally destroyed during the French Revolution and was not restored until the 14th century.
It is a monument worth seeing, because of all the history it comprises. Its interior and exterior beauty will not leave you indifferent. If you are interested in knowing all the Parisian history, I recommend you to go, you will not be disappointed!
- Hours: Open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
8. Café Le Consulat
You can also stop for lunch at Café Le Consulat, a popular Montmartre cafe that is also steeped in history. In this cafe, during the 19th century, artists such as Van Gogh, Picasso or Monet, among others, sat down to eat in this delicious bar-restaurant.
You will find it just around the corner from the Sacre Coeur Basilica. Located on Rue Norvins and open for decades, it is a well-known place in the neighborhood due to the history that precedes it. Despite all the changes made in the district, this cafe has remained open during all its changes, making it a must visit place in Montmartre.
This place is also characteristic for maintaining its essence so well since its opening, thus keeping its charm. Sit down to eat their delicious omelettes, meats or just drink a delicious coffee while observing the views around.
9. Mur des Je t'aime (Wall of "I love yous")
The Mur des Je t'aime is a monument dedicated to love. You will find it in the place des Abbesses. This work by Frédéric Baron and Claire Kito, is another monument that you must see during your visit to Montmartre. And you could not miss a visit to the wall of I love you in the city of love!
This wall is built on 40 square meters covering no more and no less than 600 tiles on which are written 311 "I love you" in 250 languages. Mind-blowing, isn't it?
You can stroll through the park where it is located or just sit and look at the mural. You will need time to find the language you are looking for... but it's fun!
- Price: access to the park and the Mur des Je t'aime is free.
- Hours: the schedule is free. You can go whenever you want and spend as much time there as you want.
10. Visit the Dali Paris
This Dali Museum has a permanent exhibition of the best works of this master of surrealism. You will be able to contemplate more than 300 works of the artist, highlighting some three-dimensional sculptures of the author's best-known images, which speak of the painter's philosophy and deep-rooted beliefs. You will find some limited and authentic pieces. More than 600 meters dedicated to the artist. You will find the museum at 11 Rue Poulbot.
In addition, there are workshops for the youngest members of the family, always related to the content of the exhibition. During the tour, you can admire all the facets of the artist, where you could see the scientific, literary, philosophical, theological and artistic influences.
If you are an admirer of Salvador Dalí's work or simply want to learn more about his history, don't miss this museum, you won't be disappointed!
- Hours: open every day of the week, from 10 am to 6 pm.
- Price: 13 € for adults.
Discover Montmartre in the Petit train de Montmartre
Maybe you feel like visiting all the places mentioned during the post with a tour on the Petit train de Montmartre. On this train you will immerse yourself in the history and culture of this famous neighborhood on a guided tour. You will discover the best legends of the most bohemian and artistic district of the city.
The train departs from two different squares and the tour takes place in two stages: The first one from Place Blanche to Place du Tertre (15 minutes) and the next one from Place du Tertre to Place Blanche (30 minutes). You can choose from which one you want to leave first and take the time to catch the next one, as you can come back at any time you want.
You will see emblematic sites such as the Moulin Rouge, the Saint Vincent Cemetery, the Sacre Coeur Basilica, the Saint Pierre Market, the Montmartre Museum... among others. Departure times are:
- January: from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- February: from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- March: from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- April to September: from 10 am to 7 pm.
- July and August: from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- October to December: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Price: 6 € per person.
Take a walking tour of Montmartre
If you feel like visiting Montmartre, but you prefer to be taken on a fixed shot, you can always book a tour of Montmartre where you will only have to worry about enjoying the must-see places.
A tour of about two hours with a local guide with a lot of experience that will make you feel like you know everything. Check out all the information about tours in Montmartre.
I hope this guide has helped you decide which are the places you should not miss on your visit to Montmartre. Enjoy the bohemian neighborhood!