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 landmarks to see in a single day, for example. In this article you'll find out everything you need to see and visit to get to know Montmartre inside out.

One of the icons par excellence of Montmartre. The best-known 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 a night to see their incredible Moulin Rouge show, which lasts about two hours, watching the famous Doriss Girls in a display of the best original music and their incredible costumes of feathers and sequins. You will see the authentic cancan!

If you are planning to go to the Moulin Rouge, you can go just to see the show or you have the option of dinner plus show. Also, I recommend that you book in advance, as despite having two daily shows (at 9pm and 11pm, the latter only on Fridays and Saturdays until the end of March), tickets sell out very quickly as it is such a busy and well-known place.

Please note that this show contains partial nudity of the body in several moments of the show, so it is not recommended for all audiences. As for the price of the Moulin Rouge Tickets: how to buy and pricesThe price to enter just to see the show is around 100€ approximately. If you also want to come for dinner, it will cost around €200 (with several menus to choose from. The menu consists of 3 courses).

The name may not ring a bell, but this is the well-known café that appears in the film Amèlie, where the main character works. It is such a well-known café that it is now an almost obligatory stop for all visitors to Montmartre.

You will find it between Rue Lepic and Rue Cauchois. It takes 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. Visit its official website here

Upon arrival, you will be surprised by the colours of the exterior façade, all passion red. You will also notice from the outside all the advertising that mentions the film Amèlie. Once inside, you will be able to recognise all the scenery with photos of the main character, 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. It is open from Monday to Sunday (Monday to Thursday from 7am to 2pm. Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 2pm).

As you know, Montmartre was and still is the Parisian cradle of artists, the neighbourhood where many well-known painters, among others, lived. Bateau-Lavoir 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 hiring a guided tour, I do not recommend it, as there is not much to see. All the useful information about the place can be found in the shop window.

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

Known as the painters' square, it 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 surrounded by Parisian cafés and creperies, so you can stop for a snack at any time of the day. Souvenirs abound, and you should know that this is the cheapest place in Paris if you want to take home a souvenir of your trip.

In this square you will find no less than 300 artists exhibiting their works daily, which makes it a very crowded place, but I recommend you to go, as it is a place declared as a historic district. Don't miss it!

The Sacré-Coeur Basilica is one of the most representative monuments of Paris. Situated at the top of Montmartre at 130 metres abovesea 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.

You can reach it on foot, by taking the stairs in Square Louise Michel or the funicular from Place Saint Pierre. The basilica offers the possibility of going up to the dome to discover the best views of the capital. If you wish, you can also enter the crypt for a supplement.

You can enter the Sacré Coeur basilica free of charge. You only have to pay to go up to the dome or down to the crypt. The price is around €7. And you can go every day of the week from 6:00 am to 22:30 pm.

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 due to 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, because of all the history it contains. Its beauty, both inside and out, leaves no one indifferent.

You will find it open to visit from Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 12pm and from 3pm to 6pm. If you are interested in Parisian history, I recommend you to go, you won't be disappointed!

You can also stop for lunch at Café Le Consulat. A well-known 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 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 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 during your visit to Montmartre, and a visit to the "I love you" wall is a must in the city of love!

This wall is made up of 40 square metres covering 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 and walk around or just sit and look at the mural. You'll need time to find the language you're looking for... but it's fun!

Access to the park and the Mur des Je t'aime is free and free of charge. You can go whenever you want and spend as much time there as you like.

Although few tourists visit it, I think it is a must if you go to Montmartre. This museum captures the tradition and culture of the neighbourhood, but it is also located next to the beauty of the beautiful Renoir gardens.

The museum was founded in 1960 and is housed in two buildings: the Hotel Dêmarne and the Maison Bel Air. At one time this museum was 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.

The Montmartre Museum houses numerous paintings, drawings and posters by many of the artists who lived in Montmartre, such as Lautrec, Modigliani and Utrillo, which tell us much of the history of the neighbourhood. The museum also has a room dedicated exclusively to the world of the can-can.

In addition to the museum's permanent exhibition, you will usually find a temporary exhibition that deals with the cultural life of the neighbourhood, in order to learn more about the culture and knowledge of the area. I also recommend you get the Paris Pass to gain access to numerous museums and the best attractions in Paris.

Renoir Gardens

The museum is surrounded by the divine Renoir Gardens, one of the most beautiful and romantic corners of Paris, where you can see the only remaining vineyards in the city: the Clos Montmartre vineyards.

Be sure to visit this museum. Although Paris has much larger and more historic museums, this museum is rarely visited by tourists and is one of the most beautiful in the capital, it won't take you too long and you'll also have a lovely walk through the gardens.

You'll find it open from Monday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm (in high season from 10am to 7pm). Admission is around €10 for adults and children under the age of 10 get in for free.

This Dalí museum is 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 metres dedicated to the artist. You will find the museum at 11 Rue Poulbot.

You will also find 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.

Although the museum is for all audiences and both adults and children will be enthralled by his works, it is possible that not all of them will please everyone. 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!
You can visit the museum every day of the week from 10 am to 6 pm. Admission is around €13 for adults and children under the age of 8 can enter for free.

Maybe you feel like visiting all the places mentioned in this post on foot, but maybe you fancy a different experience. If you wish, you have the option of visiting Montmartre by taking a route 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.

This 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, the other way round from Place du Tertre to Place Blanche (30 minutes). You can choose which one you want to leave first and take your time to catch the next one, as you can come back at any time you wish.

You will see emblematic sites such as the Moulin Rouge, the Saint Vincent cemetery, the Sacre Coeur basilica, the Saint Pierre market, Montmartre Museum... among others.

The departure times are:

• January: Saturdays and Sundays from 10h to 18h with departures every 30 minutes.
• February: Monday to Sunday from 10h to 18h with departures every 30 minutes.
• March: Monday to Friday from 10h to 18h with departures every hour and Saturdays and Sundays from 10h to 18h with departures every 30 minutes.
• April to September: From 10h to 19h every 30 minutes. July and August from 10h to 22h.
• From October to December: From 10h to 17h. Monday to Friday departures every hour, weekends departures every 30 minutes.

The price of the Petit train de Montmartre is approximately €6 per person.

If you feel like visiting Montmartre, but prefer to be taken on a fixed route, you can always choose a guided tour from Paris. A programmed tour where you can forget about everything and be taken to the best places in Montmartre. Places not to be missed. A two-hour tour with an experienced local guide who will make you feel like you know it all.

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