10 things to see and do in the Montmartre neighborhood

Visiting this neighbourhood is one of the best things to do on your trip to Paris. It has maintained 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 plenty of activities and emblematic sites to see in just one day. In this article you will find out everything you need to see and visit to get to know Montmartre in detail.

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'll find it on the outskirts of Montmartre, in the Red Light District (Pigalle). I advise you to dedicate one night 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 are planning to go to the Moulin Rouge, you can go just to see the show or you have the option to enjoy dinner and watch the show. I also recommend that you book in advance, as despite having two shows a day on some days of the week, tickets sell out very quickly as it is so popular.

• Times: 18:45 h. and 20:45 h. approximately depending on the time of year.
• Price: From approximately €194 for the show only.

Save money with your Moulin Rouge ticket pack

You may not be familiar with the name, but this is the well-known café that appears in the film Amèlie, where the main character works. It is such a popular café that it is now an almost obligatory stop for all visitors to Montmartre. 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 in Paris: the Moulin Rouge and the Moulin de la Galette.

When you arrive, you will be surprised by the colours of the exterior façade, passion red. The outside of the building also displays all the advertising that mentions the film Amèlie. Once inside, you will be able to recognise all the scenery with photos of the star of the film, very present in the decoration of the place.

In this bar you can just have a drink or try the most traditional Parisian bistro dishes. You can book a tour of Montmartre and it will be one of the stops.

• Opening hours: open Monday to Thursday from 7am to 2pm, and Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 2pm.

The Sacré Coeur Basilica is one of the most representative monuments of Paris. Located at the top of Montmartre, 130 metres above sea level, it offers panoramic views of the whole 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 reach it on foot, up the stairs of Square Louise Michel or by funicular from Place Saint Pierre.

The Basilica offers the possibility of climbing up to the dome to discover the best views of the capital. You can also visit the crypt for an extra charge.

• Price: You only pay to go up to the dome or down to the crypt, which costs around €7.
• Opening hours: Open every day of the week, from 6am to 10.30pm.

This is a must-see if you go to Montmartre. This museum brings together the tradition and culture of the neighbourhood, 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 vineyards left 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. This museum was once the home of many internationally renowned artists such as Renoir. It was closed for many years, but in 2011 it reopened its doors to the public again.

The Montmartre Museum houses numerous paintings, drawings and posters by many of the artists who lived in Montmartre, such as Lautrec, Modigliani and Utrillo. There is also a room devoted exclusively to explaining and dedicating the world of can-can. You' ll also find a temporary exhibition on the cultural life of the neighbourhood. I recommend you book a Paris Pass to visit it.

• Opening hours: open Monday to Sunday, from 10am to 6pm (in high season from 10am to 7pm).
• Price: approximately €10 for adults.

As you know, Montmartre was and still is the Parisian cradle of artists, the district 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 in Place Emile Goudeau. Although you have the option of booking a tour of Montmartre and the Sacre Coeur to get there easily and get to know it in detail. You'll find all the useful information about the place in the shop window.

As a curiosity, you should know that this place burned down in a fire and was rebuilt years later. It is still considered a historical monument of Paris and, although it is not a place to spend a lot of time in during your visit to Montmartre, if you are a fan of Picasso or Van Gogh, you can go to admire the façade and the shop inside.

Known as the painters' square, this is one of the busiest places in Montmartre. You'll find it within walking distance of the Sacre Coeur. This square is full of painters and artists selling their work. You can also get your portrait taken there, if you wish, as there are plenty of artists ready to draw you at any time.

This square is also full of cafés and Parisian creperies where you can stop for a snack at any time of the day. It is also full of souvenirs and is the cheapest place in Paris if you want to take home a souvenir of your trip.

In this square you'll find no less than 300 artists exhibiting their work every day, which makes it a very crowded place, but I recommend you go, as it's a declared historic district. Don't miss it!

This medieval church, unlike the Sacre Coeur, is a haven of peace without the 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.

It was 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, due to all the history it contains. Its interior and exterior beauty will not leave you indifferent. If you are interested in Parisian history, I recommend you to go, you won't be disappointed!

• Opening hours: Open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9am to 12pm and from 3pm to 6pm.

You can also stop for lunch at Café Le Consulat, a popular café in Montmartre that is also steeped in history. In this café, during the 19th century, artists such as Van Gogh, Picasso and 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 neighbourhood due to the history that precedes it. Despite all the changes made to the district, this café has remained open throughout all its changes, making it a must-visit place in Montmartre.

This place is also distinctive in that it has maintained its essence so well since its opening, thus maintaining its charm. Sit down to eat their delicious omelettes, meats or just drink a delicious coffee while looking at the views around you.

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 on your visit to Montmartre. And you can't miss a visit to the I love you wall in the city of love!

This wall is made up of 40 square metres covering no more and no less than 600 tiles on which are written 311 "I love yous" in 250 languages. Amazing, isn't it?

You can stroll through the park where it is located or just sit and look at the mural. You'll need time to find the language you're looking for... but it's fun!

• Price: access to the park and the Mur des Je t'aime is free.
• Opening hours: the opening hours are free. You can go whenever you want and spend as much time there as you like.

This Dali Museum has a permanent exhibition of the best works of this master of surrealism. You can see more than 300 of the artist's works, including three-dimensional sculptures of some of his best-known images, which speak of the painter's philosophy and most deeply rooted beliefs. You will find some limited and authentic pieces. More than 600 metres dedicated to the artist. You will find the museum at 11 Rue Poulbot.

It also has workshops for the youngest members of the family, always related to the content of the exhibition. During the tour, you will be able to admire all the facets of the artist, where you can see his scientific, literary, philosophical, theological and artistic influences.

If you are an admirer of Salvador Dalí's work or simply want to know more about his history, don't miss this museum - you won't be disappointed!

• Opening hours: open every day of the week, from 10 am to 6 pm.
• Price: 13 € for adults.

Perhaps you'd like to visit all the places mentioned in this 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 neighbourhood on a guided tour. You'll discover the best legends of the city's most bohemian and artistic neighbourhood.

The train departs from two different squares and the tour takes place in two stages: The first from Place Blanche to Place du Tertre (15 minutes) and the next from Place du Tertre to Place Blanche (30 minutes). You can choose 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. The departure times are:

• January: from 10 am to 6 pm.
• 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 10am to 10pm.
• From October to December: from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Price: 6 € per person.

If you feel like visiting Montmartre, but prefer to be taken on a walking tour, you can always book a walking tour of Montmartre where all you have to worry about is enjoying the must-see sights.

A two-hour tour with an experienced local guide will make you feel like you know it all. Check out all the information about tours in Montmartre.

I hope this guide has helped you decide which are the places you shouldn't miss on your visit to Montmartre. Enjoy the bohemian neighbourhood!