12 Things to Do in the Montmartre Neighborhood

Visiting this neighbourhood is one of the best things you can do on your trip to Paris. It has retained its traditional charm since the 19th century, making it authentic and unique. The cradle of Parisian art, you can breathe life and joy in every corner.

Montmartre is not a very large place, but it has many activities and iconic sites that you can see in a single day. In this article, you will learn everything you need to see and visit to get to know Montmartre in great detail.

One of the icons par excellence of Montmartre. The most popular Parisian cabaret was built in 1889. A legendary place to spend a Parisian night. You will find it on the outskirts of Montmartre, in the Red Light District (Pigalle). I recommend that you spend an evening watching the incredible Moulin Rouge show, which lasts approximately two hours. You'll see the popular Doriss Girls in a display of the best original music and their incredible feather and sequin costumes.

If you plan to go to the Moulin Rouge, you should know that you can go just to see the show or you can book dinner and a show. I also recommend booking in advance, as despite having two shows a day on some days of the week, tickets sell out very quickly due to its popularity. If you don't have the budget to see the show, you also have the option of booking a tour of the Moulin Rouge, Sacre Coeur and Montmartre; for only €26, you can explore the exterior with a guide who will tell you the history of the legendary cabaret.

• Opening hours: 6:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. approximately, depending on the time of year.
• Price: From approximately £170 for the show only.

The name may not ring a bell, but this is the famous café that appears in the film Amélie, where the main character works. This café is so popular that it's now an almost obligatory stop for all visitors to Montmartre. You'll find it between Rue Lepic and Rue Cauchois under the name Café des Deux Moulins, as it's located between the two most iconic windmills in Paris: the Moulin Rouge and the Moulin de la Galette.

When you arrive, you'll be struck by the passionate red colour of the exterior façade. In addition to all the advertising outside that mentions the film Amélie. Once inside, you will recognise the whole setting with photos of the protagonist, who is very present in the décor of the premises.

In this bar, you can only have a drink or sample 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 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Sacré Coeur Basilica is one of the most iconic monuments in Paris. Located at the top of Montmartre, 130 metres above sea level, it offers panoramic views of the entire French capital from above. Built in the 19th century, this place of worship is dedicated to the heart of Christ.

The best way to visit it is by booking a tour of Montmartre and the Sacré Coeur. You can reach it on foot, climbing the stairs from Square Louise Michel or by taking the funicular from Place Saint Pierre.

The Basilica offers the possibility of climbing up to the dome to discover the best views of the capital. In addition, if you wish, you can enter the crypt for an additional fee.

• 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 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

This museum is a must-see if you're visiting Montmartre. It showcases the tradition and culture of the neighbourhood, and is located next to the beautiful Renoir Gardens, one of the most beautiful and romantic spots in Paris, where you can see the only vineyards left in the city: the Clos Montmartre vineyards.

Founded in 1960, the museum is divided into two buildings: the Hotel Dêmarne and the Maison Bel Air. At one time, this museum was home to 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 passed through Montmartre, such as Lautrec, Modigliani and Utrillo. There is also a room dedicated exclusively to the world of can-can. In addition, you will find temporary exhibitions on the cultural life of the neighbourhood.

• Opening 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: from €15

As you may know, Montmartre was and continues to be the Parisian cradle of artists, the neighbourhood where many well-known painters lived, including Picasso. 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 on Place Emile Goudeau. Although you have the option of booking a tour of Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur to get there comfortably and learn about it in detail. 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 was rebuilt years later. It is still considered a historical monument in Paris and, although it is not a place to spend much time on 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, it is one of the busiest places in Montmartre. You will find it a short distance from the Sacré-Cœur. This square is full of painters and artists selling their works. What's more, you can have your portrait done right there if you wish, as there are plenty of artists ready to sketch you at any time.

This square is also full of Parisian cafés and crêperies, so you can stop for a snack at any time of day. There are also plenty of souvenirs on offer, and it's the cheapest place in Paris to pick up a memento of your trip.

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

Unlike Sacré-Cœur, this medieval church is a peaceful haven 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 rich history.

Built in the 12th century, it is the least well-known but most prestigious church of the Abbey of Montmartre. It was completely 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 encompasses. Its interior and exterior beauty will not leave you indifferent. If you are interested in learning about the history of Paris, I recommend you visit. You will not be disappointed!

• Opening 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.

You can also stop for lunch at Café Le Consulat, a popular café in Montmartre that is also steeped in history. During the 19th century, artists such as Van Gogh, Picasso and Monet, among others, sat down to eat at this delightful bar and restaurant.

You'll find it just around the corner from the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Located on Rue Norvins and open for decades, it is a well-known spot in the neighbourhood due to its history. Despite all the changes made to the district, this café has remained open throughout, making it an essential place to visit in Montmartre.

This place is also notable for having retained its essence so well since it opened, thus maintaining its charm. Sit down to eat its delicious omelettes, meats or simply drink a delicious coffee while taking in the views around you.

The Mur des Je t'aime is a monument dedicated to love. You'll find it in the Place des Abbesses. This work by Frédéric Baron and Claire Kito is another monument that you simply must see on your visit to Montmartre. After all, you can't miss a visit to the wall of love in the city of love!

This wall covers 40 square metres and features no less than 600 tiles on which 311 "I love you" messages are written in 250 languages. Amazing, right?

You can stroll through the park where it is located or simply sit and observe the mural. You'll need some 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: there are no set opening hours. You can go whenever you like and spend as much time there as you want.

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

In addition, it offers workshops for the youngest members of the family, always related to the content of the exhibition. During the tour, you can admire all facets of the artist, where you can see his scientific, literary, philosophical, theological and artistic influences.

If you are a fan of Salvador Dalí's work or simply want to learn more about his history, don't miss this museum. You won't be disappointed!

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

You may want to visit all the places mentioned in 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 well-known neighbourhood on a guided tour. You will discover the best legends of the most bohemian and artistic neighbourhood in the city.

The train departs from two different locations and the tour is divided into two stages: the first from Place Blanche to Place du Tertre (15 minutes) and the second from Place du Tertre to Place Blanche (30 minutes). You can choose which one you want to leave from first and take your time to catch the next one, as you can return at any time you wish.

You will see iconic sites such as the Moulin Rouge, Saint Vincent Cemetery, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Saint Pierre Market, the Montmartre Museum... among others. Departure times are:

• January: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• February: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• March: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• April to September: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• July and August: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• October to December: 10am to 5pm.
• Price: €6 per person.

If you fancy visiting Montmartre but would prefer to be taken there, you can always book a tour of Montmartre where all you have to worry about is enjoying the places you can't miss.

A two-hour tour with an experienced local guide will make you feel like you know everything there is to know. See all the information about tours in Montmartre.

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