There are many nice things to do in Montmartre, Paris. I normally go every time I am in Paris, because it is such a fun neighborhood to explore.
If there is one neighborhood you should not miss when visiting Paris, that’s Montmartre. Looking more like a large village than a city proper, Montmartre is part of Paris – though in 1871, during the Franco-Prussian war, residents refused the authority of the city of Paris.
Home to artists – Picasso, Van Gogh, Renoir and more recently singer Dalida to name but a few, and a popular set for movies (more about that in a bit), Paris’ 18th arrondissement is all about cobbled alleys, quaint cafés, hidden corners with incredible, charming views and the most unique atmosphere.
Most people spend half a day or a day at most in this part of town, but you may want to factor in a couple of days to take in all that it has to offer. Continue reading to discover the best things to do in Montmartre, Paris.
The Top Things To Do In Montmartre, Paris
Take a guided walking tour
One of the best things to do in Montmartre to get a hang of the area, to learn about its history and to understand your whereabouts is a guided walking tour. It’s actually what I did during my first trip to Paris and I must say I was glad to have a guide that took the edge off the planning bits and dodged the crowds.
Tours of Montmartre usually last around 3 hours, and after the tour you have the rest of the day to continue exploring on your own, take photos, and more.
I took this Montmartre 2-hour walking tour that was very budget-friendly. My guide proved to be incredibly knowledgeable and led the group swiftly across the busy streets of Montmartre sharing interesting facts and useful information.
One of my favorite tours is this Exclusive Montmartre Experience with Private Vineyard Tasting, Skip-the-Line Museum Tour, & Sacré-Coeur – It’s operated by Take Walks, one of my favorite tour providers, and goes to some of the best places to visit in Montmartre, including the Vigne du Clos Montmartre, the last remaining vineyard in Paris.
Alternatively, you may want to join a one-hour Sacre Coeur and Montmartre tour with an expert guide. There even are kids-friendly tours, for those of you traveling with your family.
Visit the Sacré-Coeur Basilica
The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Montmartre is Sacré-Coeur Basilica (Basilica of the Sacred Heart) – it’s one of the most famous places to visit in Montmartre.
Once a pagan place of worship, it now is one of the most popular places to visit in Paris, and it can be seen from several places in town (including from the Eiffel Tower), as it stands on top of Montmartre hill.
Despite its look, the Basilica is actually not nearly as antique as it appears. The founding stone was laid in 1875 and the church was finally completed in 1914 and consecrated after the end of World War I.
What’s interesting to note is that despite the pollution of a city as crowded as Paris, the Basilica remains white – which is due to the material used for its construction, white travertine.
If you care for an in-depth tour of the church, you may want to opt for this guided tour that lasts 1-5 hours. Otherwise, the church is free to visit. It is open daily from 6:30 am to 10:30 pm. Remember you need to be dressed modestly to visit the church.
Climb the Dome of the Sacré-Coeur
Right outside of the church, on the left when facing the church, you will find the access point to the Sacré-Coeur Dome.
Climbing the 300 steps to the Dome of the Sacré-Coeur is certainly one of the best things to do in Montmartre to get sweeping views of Montmartre Hill and the rest of the city. It also allows you to see the church from a different (and surely interesting) angle.
There is a small fee to access the Dome, and there can be a line too. Plan to visit as early as possible during the day, or in the evening, to avoid the largest crowds. Opening hours vary so you should check the official website for further information.
Once you are done visiting the Basilica, head to Square Marcel-Bleustein-Blanchet – it’s a lovely spot away from the crowds, where you can chill before you continue your exploration of Montmartre, Paris.
Take in the views from the Basilica
Unfortunately, when I visited Sacré-Coeur Basilica the weather was overcast and the views from the Basilica were not exactly the best.
Yet, the Parvis du Sacré-Coeur is one of the best spots for views of Paris, especially at sunset, and you may want to enjoy some time sitting around and looking at the city, trying to recognize the many spots you see.
In the photo above, you can recognize the Centre Pompidou and Notre-Dame on the right.
Ride the Funiculaire de Montmartre
If you don’t fancy walking all the way uphill to Sacré-Coeur Basilica, you can use your metro ticket to jump on the funicular: it’s one of the most fun things to do in Montmartre. It’s been there since 1900!
You can get off at the Parvis du Sacré-Coeur from where you can easily reach the Basilica. However, I recommend you first stop at Place Louis Michel (Louis Michel Square).
This lovely square is actually a beautiful terraced garden that was first opened in 1927. A gorgeous staircase leads all the way to the Sacré-Coeur Basilica and once at the top you can enjoy stunning views.
Go for a ride on Montmartre Carousel
A ride on the carousel is definitely one of the best things to do in Montmartre for families with young children. You will find this charming carousel in Place Louis Michel, on the way to Sacré-Coeur Basilica.
But even if you aren’t traveling to Paris with your family, and in fact even if you are a solo traveler like myself, you should still go!
If you like traditional carousels as much as I do, you will love it. Depending on which angle you look at it and photograph it, the Sacré-Coeur will be in the photo. So take your time!
Take a look at the Sinking House
The Sinking House of Montmartre is one of the most famous places to visit in Montmartre. But it is not really sinking. This is just an optical illusion, but it is truly cool to look for it. You will find it close to the Sacré-Coeur Basilica.
Now, let me help you or you will go as crazy as I did looking for it. What you need to do is walk up the main set of stairs to the Parvis of the Sacré-Coeur. Once you get to the last few steps (the grass is actually fenced), move to the right. Tilt your camera. The house looks like it is sinking!
Visit other churches in Montmartre
The Sacré-Coeur is the most famous church in Montmartre, but definitely not the only one.
Another notable church is the Saint-Pierre de Montmartre, a 12th-century church that was part of the Abbey of the Benedictine Sisters of Montmartre and which was mostly destroyed during the French Revolution.
The church has a beautiful Romanesque interior and a nice statue of Our Lady of Montmartre, as well as a painting by Joseph François Parrocel “Christ in the Garden of Olives”.
If you happen to be in Paris on 1 November, you may also want to visit the Cemetière du Calvaire, which only opens on that day and can only be visited on guided tours in French. It’s located on Rue du Mont-Cenis, between Place du Tertre and the Sacré-Coeur, so if you are not there on its only opening day, you may at least try to take a peak from outside.
Another church that is easy to check out is the Saint-Jean de Montmartre Church, one of the few Art Nouveau churches in Paris. You really can’t miss it as it is located just outside the Abbesses Metro station.
Inside the church you can see unique Art Nouveau-style painted glass, a beautiful organ, and an altar which, like the rest of the church, is entirely in concrete.
Both churches are free to visit.
Follow the footsteps of Amelié
If you haven’t watched the movie Amelié, stop whatever you are doing and download it now. This is honestly one of the best movies that came out at the beginning of the century (it came out in 2001), a story full of irony, positivity and romance – not to mention the soundtrack is incredible.
It marked the success of actress Audrey Tatou – whom you may recognize from another movie, The Da Vinci Code.
The movie is about the life of Amelié Poulin, and it is set in Montmartre, and one of the most fun things to do in Montmartre is to can go in search of the filming locations.
One of the most popular places to visit in Montmartre is the Café des 2 Moulins. It’s a cute spot, with posters and all. The owner isn’t exactly the friendliest so don’t expect to be able to pop in for photos. You will have to sit for a drink or a meal at least!
Another cool place to look for is Au Marché de la Butte (the Maison Collignon in the movie) on 56 Rue des Trois Frères. It’s the greengrocer when Amelié shops in the movie (and some of the most fun scenes in the movie take place there).
Explore Montmartre Cemetery
Historic cemeteries can surely be charming places to visit, and there’s no doubt that checking out Montmartre Cemetery is what to do in Montmartre for history buffs, as it really feels like stepping back in time.
The third largest cemetery in Paris after Père Lachaise and Montparnasse Cemetery, Montmartre Cemetery (officially known as Cimitière du Nord) was first opened in 1825 and is the resting place of prominent French artists such as writers Emile Zola and Alexandre Dumas (author of The Three Musketeers), painter Degas, Stendhal, and singer Dalida.
Montmartre Cemetery is a bit off the main center of Montmartre (about a 15-minute walk), beneath a bridge. Since it’s a bit off the main area that tourists explore, it can be pleasantly quiet compared to the rest of Montmartre. It is open every day from either 8:00 or 9:00 am until 6:00 pm.
For more places with less crowds in Paris, head over to my post How To See Paris Off The Beaten Path.
Learn about the many artists who lived in Montmartre
The history of Montmartre is directly linked to the lives of the many artists who lived there. Renoir, Picasso, and Van Gogh all lived in Montmartre for some time. They were inspired by the charms of this part of Paris. You may even decide to follow in their footsteps.
For example, if you are a fan of Picasso, you may want to stop by his first atelier on 49 Rue Gabrielle; then visit the Bateau-Lavoir and the Lapin Agile (more about those below).
Go to the Vigne Du Clos Montmartre
The name Vigne du Clos Montmartre will probably mean nothing to you. But what if I told you this is the last working vineyard in the city of Paris? Yes, you read correctly: this teeny tiny vineyard is still making wine and while you can’t really go Montmartre wine tasting, you should still visit.
It’s a truly lovely pace and I recommend stopping by for a short while, even if you can’t really gìwalk in. It will give you a better idea of how life was in Montmartre village.
Let me tell you a bit more about the history of this place.
Already in the 12th century, the Abbey of Montmartre planted a few vines as a way to produce wine and support itself. When Montmartre village was annexed to Paris in the 19th century, the vineyard disappeared, but the City of Paris planted one again in 1933 with the idea of preventing the further uncontrolled development of housing in the area.
Located behind the Musée de Montmartre (where you can buy a bottle of its wine, if you want), the Vigne du Clos Montmartre now has about 1700 vines and produces a few varieties of red and rosé wines. The profits from the wine sales are reinvested in the preservation of Montmartre.
If you happen to visit Paris in early October, you may even be able to come across the Grape Harvest Festival in Montmartre.
If you want to visit the Vigne du Clos Montmartre, I recommend this Exclusive Montmartre Experience with Private Vineyard Tasting, Skip-the-Line Museum Tour, & Sacré-Coeur – It’s a small group tour run by Take Walks, one of my favorite tour providers, and it lasts 2.5 hours and takes you to the best places to visit in Montmartre, including this unique vineyard.
Visit the Cabaret Au Lapin Agile
Right by Le Clos Montmatre on 22 Rue de Saules, you will find the Cabaret Au Lapin Agile. The name literally means “the agile rabbit.”
This cabaret was first opened in 1860 and it was a favorite of local residents and of the artists’ community. Its name actually dates from 1875, when the logo was painted: this represents a rabbit holding a bottle of wine and leaping from a saucepan, and since it is in Montmartre, it is complete with windmills in the background too.
In 1905 Picasso painted a scene that represented its interiors – that’s how famous it was. In fact, many famous people are known to have enjoyed an evening here: Eleanor Roosevelt, Lauren Bacall, Paul Newman and even Charlie Chaplin.
It’s a lovely spot, so make sure to stop by. You could even consider going in for a drink – there is live music almost every night from 9:00 pm.
Enjoy coffee at Le Refuge Café or at Le Consulat
Dating back to the 1930s, La Refuge Café is said to be one of the best cafés in Paris. It’s a truly iconic spot – you must have seen it so many times on Instagram. Whether you just want to have a hot drink on a rainy day or snap a photo from the outside, make sure to stop by!
Another nice café in Montmartre is Le Consulat. This brasserie is one of the most popular places for a bite in the area. It’s located on what used to be known as la Butte Montmartre.
Pay your homage to Dalida
Dalida used to be one of the most famous Parisian singers. Born in Cairo from Italian parents, she lived in Montmartre until she died in 1987 (she was only 54) and is buried in Montmartre Cemetery. Make sure to go to Place Dalida (it was dedicated to the singer in 1996), where you will find a statue representing her that was placed in 1997.
It’s a lovely small square at the end of the cutest of streets and the views from there are stunning.
Legend goes that if you rub her breast you will soon find true love. Judging by how shiny her breasts are, many believe in this legend. You may want to give it a try because you never know. I did, I found what I thought was true love, finally, and it ended almost as quickly as I found it. Go figure!
Another place you could check out that is connected to the famous Parisian singer is her house, located in Rue d’Orchampt 11B, up the hill from the Abbesses Metro Station.
You can’t actually visit the house as it is not open to the public, but there is a commemorative plaque outside and if you were a fan of the singer this is one of the unmissable things to do in Montmartre.
Hang out in Place Suzanne-Buisson
One of the things to do in Montmartre to get away from the crowds is hanging out in Place Suzanne-Buisson. It’s close to Place Dalida and it’s a real haven. It really is a tiny park, not many tourists know of its existence so even on the busiest of days (like when I went) this nice square is pleasantly quiet.
Once you get to the square, you can also spot the statue of Saint-Denis holding his head. One of the patrons of Paris, Saint-Denis was the first bishop of Paris.
According to legend, he was beheaded by the Roman rules for preaching Christianity. He was executed on Montmartre Hill, whose name does in fact mean “hill of Martyrs.”
The legend gets more interesting though: Saint-Denis, once beheaded, picked his head. He stopped in the spot where his statue is placed today, in Place Suzanne-Buisson, to wash his head in a fountain, then walked all the way to the place where St. Denis Cathedral is located today, in northern Paris.
Learn the history of the Passe-Muraille
Le Passe-Muraille is where you will learn the history of the Man Who Walked Through Walls, after which the statue is named.
Writer Marcel Aymé wrote a book about a certain Mr Dutilleul, who discovered he was capable of walking through walls and decided to use it once a new boss made his life unbearable.
He walked through walls to the point that his manager went crazy and was taken to an asylum. He then started using his power to burglar banks, jewelries and the like.
When caught and put in prison, he used his power to escape. It was when he fell in love with a married woman that things changed. But I won’t tell you the end of the story, you need to learn for yourself!
According to legend, touching the head of the statue will bring you good luck, but it is so tall that it’s very hard to reach. Most visitors simply pull its hand (hence why it is so shiny), pretending they are trying to pull him out of the wall.
Admire the Bateau-Lavoir
If you google the name Bateau-Lavoir you will come up with photos of what the square where it is located looked like in the past and how it has changed through history.
Located in Place Emile Gadeau, this was the meeting place and residence of many prominent artists in the late 19th century and early 20th century. In other words, it was the place where lots of art was created! For example, this is where Picasso Painted his “Demoiselles d’Avignon”.
The building was destroyed by fire in May 1970 and completely rebuilt in 1978. It still houses an artists’ studio, but you can only see it from the outside.
Place Emile Gadeau is also home to a beautiful 19th-century fountain, similar to many more in Pairs that date from around the same time. They were all financed by Sir Richard Wallace to provide drinking water to the poorest people in the city.
Visit de Musée de Montmartre
One of the top things to do in Montmartre to learn more about its history is visiting the Musée de Montmartre, one of the most interesting museums in Paris. It’s located at 12, Rue Cortot. It once was the residence and meeting place of artists such as Renoir, Bernard, and Valadon.
The exhibit was first opened in 1960 and shows paintings of Montmartre village and documents that will help you put together the history of this part of town when it was covered in windmills.
The Jardins Renois is an integral part of the visit: these lovely gardens overlooking the vineyards inspired many famous paintings by Renoir. You can also stop at the café (which opens at 11:30 am) to take in the views.
The museum is open daily from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. You can usually get tickets at the door during low season, but in peak season you may want to get skip-the-line tickets online before your visit. Tickets usually include an audio guide and also give you access to the Jardins Renoir.
Go to the Musée d’Art Naïf Max Fourny
If you want to see a place that doesn’t get that many tourists yet, go to the Musée d’Art Naïf Max Fourny. This small museum is entirely focused on the contemporary side of Montmartre, with an exhibit of more than 1400 pieces from 55 different countries, and over 500 paintings and around 80 sculptures. It also hosts cultural events.
Hang out in Place du Tertre
No post about the best things to do in Montmartre can avoid mentioning Place du Tertre. This is quintessentially Montmartre, and the atmosphere is lively, quaint and charming all at the same time.
There are some 18th-century buildings you can admire, as well as historic cafés such as Chez la Mére Catherine, one of the oldest restaurants in Paris that first opened its doors in 1793.
Place du Tertre is also the place you should go if you want your portrait or caricature taken. Just imagine that some artists wait up to 10 years to get permission to paint here! Of course, it is very touristy, but when a place is so charming you quickly forget about everything else.
It’s best if you don’t take photos of the paintings. I took mine casually so nobody was bothered, but if you go behind the back of the artist, you will be told off!
Artists are good at Place du Tertre. The same can’t be said about the cafés and restaurants around it. Make sure to avoid them!
Visit Dalì Museum
Dalì Museum is one of the best places to visit in Paris for lovers of surrealist art, and one of the most interesting Montmartre museums. It’s not exactly a cheap museum, considering it is a fairly small collection, but if you are a fan you may want to invest in a ticket.
You will find this small museum not far from Place du Tertre, where it houses a collection of roughly 300 paintings, sculptures, drawings, and even furniture that belonged to Salvador Dalì.
The museum is open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. You can get tickets directly at the door. You can also get an audio guide in addition.
Go to the Mur des Je T’Aime
The Wall of Love is one of the most iconic landmarks in Montmartre, and visiting is what to do in Montmartre for any romantic couple.
This wall is made of 600 enameled lava rock tiles and covers a surface of around 40 square meters. Put together by artists Frédéric Baron and Claire Kito in 2000, it displays how to say I love you in 250 languages.
The wall is entirely blue, the writings white and there are red bits and pieces here and there that represent broken hearts.
I said before it’s for the romantic couples, really. But also for the single ones who have not lost hope yet.
Visit the Musée de la Vie Romantique
For more romantic things to do in Montmartre, head to this small museum located just outside Montmartre in what used to be the home of George Sandartwork, a famous French writer. All the art here exudes romance. There’s also a nice tearoom where you can relax during the good season.
Snap a photo of La Maison Rose
This is one of the most charming (and photographed) corners of Montmartre.
La Maison Rose (named like this after it was painted pink in 1908, when it first opened as a restaurant), on the corner between Rue de Saules and Rue de l’Abreuvoir, has been operating for more than a century and it’s the place where artists such as Picasso and Dali would eat.
Nowadays, it is not exactly a cheap place to eat – but if you want to try traditional French cuisine, this is definitely a good spot. It can be charming to dine outside in the summer months. Otherwise, simply do what most visitors in Montmartre do: stop by to take a photo.
Stuff your face at Les Petits Mitrons
If you are looking for a place to eat in Montmartre, head straight to Les Petits Mitrons. A local institution, it’s been run by the same family for more than 30 years.
This pastry shop serves sweet and savory pies. The salmon and leek quiche is delicious. You can’t eat in, so have your food wrapped and find yourself a sunny spot for a picnic.
Look for the windmills
Montmartre lays in an area that was once outside of Paris and known as Montmartre Village, and that used to be farmland covered in windmills.
Not many windmills remain, but those that are still up are quite a sight. A short distance from the above-mentioned Passe-Muraille, you will find Rue Lepic where the Moulin de la Galette is located above the restaurant with the same name. This particular windmill was made famous by Renoi’s painting “Le Bal de la Moulin de la Galette”.
The street is packed with lovely quaint shops, so once you are done chasing windmills you can continue your walk in search of more mundane finds.
Try traditional French cuisine at Le Petit Moulin Montmartre
If you are in search of traditional French food, one of the things to do in Montmartre is eating at Le Petit Moulin Montmartre.
This French Bistro and wine bar is located near the old center of Montmartre village. You will find a selection of cheeses to die for and a fabulous wine list. Honestly, I wouldn’t even go for a full meal if I could just stuff my face with cheese!
Check out the staircases of Montmartre
Since Montmartre is set on a hill, it goes without saying that you will come across many staircases on your exploration. You may wish to avoid them, but since you can, here’s what to do in Montmartre: embrace it, and take a photo!
Other than the famous stairs leading to the Sacré-Coeur Basilica (which you can avoid if you take the funicular), the most scenic ones are the colorful stairs of Rue Chappe and the stairs of Calvaire Street, located at the southwestern end of Place du Tertre.
Go shopping
Shopping is one of the best things to do in Montmartre. The cobbled alleys and lovely streets have a series of lovely boutiques and shops where you can find pretty much anything you want – clothing, shoes, and accessories; food of all sorts, wine and other drinks; jewelry and art. It’s just an issue of budget, really. But the good news is that looking is free!
Attend a show at Moulin Rouge
The Moulin Rouge is not in Montmartre proper, but southwest of it, in the district of Pigalle on Boulevard de Clichy – if you take the subway and get off at Blanche it will likely be the very first thing you see as you come out of the station.
This is one of the most famous cabarets in the world. It first opened its doors during the Belle Epoque in 1889, the very same year that the Eiffel Tower was being inaugurated for the Universal Expo. It’s here that the legendary French Cancan dance was first invented.
Owners Charles Zidler and Joseph Oller (who also owned the Paris Olympia), wanted to offer a bit of a unique experience to visitors from the more sophisticated Paris center. A fire destroyed the building in 1915, after which it was rebuilt.
Even if you may not want to see a show at the Moulin Rouge, you should at least pop by to see it from the outside as it is one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris.
On the other hand, if you want to see a show, you should get tickets to the Moulin Rouge well in advance (I’d say a month before you intend to visit). Depending on what you book, your tickets will also include a glass of champagne, or you can opt to have dinner and see the show too.
Is Montmartre Worth Visiting?
Whenever readers ask me “Is Montmartre worth visiting?” I quickly say yes!
This part of Paris (it’s part of the 18th arrondissement) is so different from the rest of the city, it has such a unique vibe (there’s a good reason it is called “Montmartre Village”), that you really will feel like you are in a different place and it is not by chance that an application to inscribe the butte of Montmartre in the UNESCO World Heritage list has been made in 2021.
If you have a picture of Paris in mind that includes cobbled alleys, quaint corners, sipping wine as you watch people go by, and street artists taking your portrait or your caricature, then you likely have Montmartre in mind. You will soon fall in love with this former hilltop village that was once the home of Auguste Renoir and Vincent Van Gogh.
But there’s more: Montmartre is probably the most photogenic (or Instagrammable, as you may say today) part of Paris.
Whether you go there for a few hours or a few days, you definitely won’t regret visiting.
How To Get To Montmartre
The best way to reach Montmartre from other parts of Paris is by subway (called metro in French). Take line 2 to Anvers station (where you can catch the funicular to the Basilica); and line 12 to Abbesses. From there, you will have to walk up the hill to reach the main attractions such as Place du Tertre and Sacré-Coeur Basilica.
Alternatively, you can also take the metro to Blanche which is right outside the Moulin Rouge and walk from there – it’s an easy, pleasant walk.
You can also use your hop-on-hop-off bus pass to reach Montmartre – just make sure to pick the Montmartre route.
Where To Stay In Montmartre
Not many people opt to stay in Montmartre during their trip to Paris, as it’s not too convenient to explore the rest of the city. However, if you want to focus exclusively on what to do in Montmartre, you could consider basing yourself here.
There is a fair selection of good places to stay in Montmartre. I have picked the best ones for you:
Hotel des Arts Montmartre has really small but beautiful rooms. It’s close to the metro station.
Maison Lepic has modern, comfortable rooms in a great location. Rooms are small but have everything you need for your stay.
Le Relais offers plush rooms, albeit a bit small. The location is just perfect.
Further Readings
Check out my other posts about Paris and France to better plan your trip:
- The Best Paris Travel Tips
- Complete Marais, Paris Guide
- A Week In Paris Itinerary: What To See And Do
- A Wonderful Itinerary For 5 Days In Paris
- A Fantastic Itinerary To See Paris In 4 Days
- Paris In 3 Days: A Great Itinerary To Make The Most Of It
- A Fabulous Itinerary For 2 Days In Paris
- The Perfect Itinerary To See Paris In A Day
- 15 Amazing Day Trips From Paris
- The Best Cities To Visit In France
- How To Get Tickets To The Louvre
- How To Get Musee D’Orsay Tickets
- How To Get Versailles Tickets
- How To Get From Charles De Gaulle Airport CDG To Paris
- How To Avoid Scams In Paris
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