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Downloadable tourist map of Montmartre

Situated in the heart of Paris, the district of Montmartre will captivate you with its village-like atmosphere and artistic buzz: for decades, the most famous painters have lived a bohemian lifestyle here.  By downloading this map of Montmartre , you can easily locate the most remarkable places in this charming Parisian district. 

Click below to download the plan 

PDF tourist map of the Montmartre district 

If you enjoy strolling along the alleyways and streets of this exceptionally picturesque area, make sure to visit its must-see buildings, monuments, streets, and squares.  

Our tourist map of Montmartre is easy to download.  Keep it handy on your smartphone or tablet so you can access it easily, without requiring an internet connection. Print the map in PDF format and slip it into your pocket. 

It shows the principal monuments, museums and tourist attractions of Montmartre , as well as the hidden treasures of a district that is one of the most popular with tourists. 

Montmartre: monuments, museums, cabarets and alleyways

Although the imposing Sacré Cœur Basilica dominates Paris from the hilltop, there are other tourist treasures that await you. The place du Tertre , with its numerous painters, cafes and brasseries, is a hot tourist spot. The Clos-Montmartre , a vineyard plot cultivated in Paris, also attracts tourists with its bucolic charm.  The Museum of Montmartre, the Renoir Gardens, and the Espace Dali are also among some of the iconic places in this district, which served as a background for the film « Amélie ».  

Several legendary cabarets , such as Chez Michou or Au lapin Agile, also contribute to the history of Montmartre.  

It is this timeless Montmartre that we feature on our tourist map. 

Map of Montmartre for savvy tourists 

Our map lists ten attractions, from the most famous to the lesser-known:

Other downloadable tourist maps 

Plan for your trip in advance and download our different maps on your smartphone or tablet in PDF format:

• Tourist map of Paris
• Map of Paris monuments
• Map of Paris museums
• Map of Paris districts

Free self-guided walking tour of Montmartre, Paris (with map)

Posted on Last updated: March 7, 2024

Explore Paris’ bohemian, artistic neighbourhood with this free walking tour of Montmartre’s artistic history, beautiful architecture, pavement cafés and scenic views – map and directions included.

* This site contains affiliate links , where I get a small commission from purchases at no extra cost to you.

The hilltop neighbourhood of Montmartre, Paris , is one of the city’s most popular tourist spots. But not too long ago it was synonymous with drinking, dancing and debauchery. In the mid-19th century, Montmartre was just outside Paris’ city limits so it was free of the city’s taxes and controls and evolved into a bohemian, artistic enclave.

The artists you’ll see now are more likely to be caricaturists and painters capturing tourists in the Place du Tertre than Impressionists drinking absinthe in their atelier. But the area still has the feel of a charming small village within a big city, and this self-guided walking tour of Montmartre takes you through its historic and artistic highlights.

A self-guided walking tour of Montmartre

Start your Montmartre self-guided walking tour at Blanche Métro station, which is on Line 2 (or you could also take the Métro to nearby Pigalle on Line 12 which is only a five-minute walk along the Boulevard de Clichy). From there, walk up Rue Lepic – you’ll see the colourful Moulin Rouge cabaret hall on your left, home of the can-can.

Café des Deux Moulins

If you’ve seen the film Amélie then you might recognise a few of the shops along Rue Lepic, including the Café des Deux Moulins on the corner of Rue Cauchois. In the film, the main character Amélie Poulain, played by Audrey Tautou, worked here as a waitress.

The tobacco counter that featured in the film might not be there any more, but the café still has that classic Parisian bistro feel with its dark woodwork, red booths and zinc counters. There are a few nods to the film too, with a poster of Amélie on the wall and a tasty crème brulée d’Amélie on the menu if you’re in need of a sugar hit.

Carry on along Rue Lepic, then when you come to the junction at the end, take a short diversion to the left to see the exterior of number 54 Rue Lepic. This was where Vincent Van Gogh lived with his brother Theo from 1886 to 1888, and he did several paintings of the view of Paris from the window of their third-floor apartment.

Then retrace your steps back to the junction and continue on down Rue des Abbesses. Turn left into Rue Ravignon and follow it to Place Émile Goudeau.

The Bateau-Lavoir

Place Émile Goudeau was at the heart of Montmartre’s art scene in 1889 as the home of the Bateau-Lavoir artists’ commune. This former factory was divided into 20 small studios. It was dark and dirty, had no heating and was so unstable it creaked and swayed on stormy days just like the laundry boats on the Seine that gave it its nickname.

But the Bateau-Lavoir was also was a hotbed of talent. Artists like Picasso, Matisse and Modigliani passed through its doors as well as composers, writers, actors and art dealers. They started moving out after the First World War and most of the original building was destroyed in a fire in 1970, but you can see its frontage at 13 Rue Ravignan.

At the end of the square, take a left up Rue d’Orchampt and follow it until you reach the junction with Rue Lepic and Rue Girardon, where you’ll see a windmill in front of you.

The Moulin de la Galette

Montmartre’s 17th-century windmills originally ground grains to make the bread which gave the Moulin de la Galette its name. But they were later turned into cafés and dance halls where people could socialise with a glass of local wine and bread from the mill.

Parties at the Moulin de la Galette were popular with local artists, including Renoir whose painting Dance at Le Moulin de la Gallette is on show in the Musee d’Orsay. A smaller version sold for $78 million in 1990, making it one of the world’s most expensive paintings. The Moulin was also captured on canvas by Van Gogh and Picasso.

There were originally up to 30 windmills covering the hills around Montmartre, but only two are left now. The original Moulin de la Gallette (which is marked on maps as the Moulin de Blute-Fin, as that was its original name) is now private property so you can’t take a look around. But you can get a glimpse of it from Rue Lepic or Avenue Junot.

And in front of it is Montmartre’s other surviving windmill – the Moulin Radet, which was built slightly later in 1717. Today it sits on top of a restaurant (slightly confusingly) called the Moulin de la Galette , which has a terrace underneath the windmill.

Next walk up Rue Girardon until it turns the corner into Rue de l’Abreuvoir, where you’ll see a small square with a bronze bust of a woman on your left.

Place Dalida

This tiny square is named after an Egyptian-born singer who became a huge star in France during the 1960s and 70s. Dalida – originally named Iolanda Cristina Gigliotti – lived on Rue de l’Abreuvoir and is commemorated with a bronze statue in the square.

She sold millions of records, but her life was full of tragedy, and after she lost several lovers and friends to suicide she eventually killed herself with an overdose in 1987 at her house in Montmartre. Dalida is buried in Montmartre cemetery nearby. And she’s still a cultural icon in France, with films, documentaries and over 50 biographies written about her.

Carry on walking along picturesque Rue de l’Abreuvoir, which has great views of the white dome of Sacré-Cœur Basilica rising up behind the buildings.

Rue de l’Abreuvoir

With its ivy-covered houses, Rue de l’Abreuvoir is one of Montmartre’s prettiest streets. It’s though to be one of the oldest streets in Paris too, dating from the 14th century. Though the name (from the French for a watering trough used by livestock) came much later.

At the top of the street is La Maison Rose , a candy pink café and restaurant. It was once the home of Catalan painter Ramon Pichot, who turned it into a restaurant which hosted his friends Salvador Dali and Picasso. It was also painted by artist Maurice Utrillo. Today it’s a favourite for Instagrammers and a filming location for TV series Emily in Paris .

Once you reach the end of Rue de l’Abreuvoir, turn left and take a short diversion down Rue des Saules to see Paris’ last remaining vineyard.

Clos Montmartre

Vines have been grown in Montmartre since the Romans, who built a temple here dedicated to Bacchus, the god of wine. Most of the vineyards were sold off for development over the years, but 1500m² of vines were saved by a group of artists in the 1930s.

The Clos Montmartre vineyard produces 1500 half-litre bottles of wine each year, which are auctioned off for charity. They’re not France’s finest wine, but get snapped up for the novelty value. You can visit the vineyard during the Fête des Vendanges , a five-day celebration of French food and wine each October with stalls, parades and fireworks.

Just past the vineyard you’ll see the orange building of the Lapin Agile . This has been a cabaret since the mid-19th century and got its name from their speciality sautéed rabbit. Past regulars included local artists Picasso, Modigliani and Utrillo.

Backtrack to La Maison Rouge, where you can turn left into Rue Cortot to visit the Musée de Montmartre * if you want to find out more about the area’s history. Otherwise head south down Rue des Saules and left along Rue Norvins past the pretty Le Consultat café – another Montmartre Instagram hotspot – to the Place du Tertre.

Place du Tertre

The Place du Tertre was once the centre of Montmartre village, located on the site of an old Benedictine Abbey. Singers, musicians and artists would gather there, and it’s still one of the city’s artistic hubs. You can wander around and watch the artists in action painting a mix of Parisian street scenes, portraits, caricatures and silhouettes.

Competition for a pitch in the square is so fierce that there’s a 10-year waiting list. Each artist only gets a tiny one-square-metre space to work in, and you don’t even get it to yourself – each spot is shared between two different artists who use it on alternate days. It’s a good spot for people watching, with café terraces all around the square.

Leaving the Place du Tetre behind you, take the Rue du Mont Cernis then turn left into Rue Azais and follow it along the edge of the park to Sacré-Cœur Basilica.

Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Sacré-Cœur was built between 1876 and 1912 to honour the victims of the Franco-Prussian war, using travertine limestone that’s designed to get whiter as it ages. It’s a real mix of architectural styles which was a bit controversial at the time – some people described it like a gaudy giant wedding cake – but it’s grown on Parisians as time’s gone by.

The steps outside the front of Sacré-Cœur are one of Paris’ best viewpoints , with the city stretching out in front of you. You can climb up 300 spiralling stairs to the top of the basilica’s tower for an even higher view. There also a huge golden mosaic of ‘Christ in Majesty’ behind the alter inside, and a crypt which allegedly contains Christ’s heart.

Walk down the steep lawned area in front of Sacré-Cœur, which is packed full of sunbathers, picnickers and street performers on sunny days. Then turn right at the bottom of the hill into Rue Tardieu and go straight on to Abbesses Métro station.

Mur des je t’aime

Finish your self-guided walking tour of Montmartre at the Le mur des je t’aime (Wall of Love) in Square Jehan Rictus, just behind the entrance to Abbesses Métro station. The wall is made up of 612 tiles which say ‘I love you’ in 250 different languages. It’s a favourite selfie spot for loved-up couples, honeymooners and wedding photoshoots.

From there you can catch the Métro Line 12 on around Paris. Or find a café or bar to finish off your walk with a drink – GCD Montmartre is a good wine bar on Rue Durantin or Marlusse et Lapin on Rue Germain Pilon is a quirky cocktail bar.

Self-guided Montmartre walking tour map

If you’d like to do this Montmartre walk yourself, click on the map below to access directions through Google maps. The route is just over 2.5km (1.6 miles) and takes 35 minutes to walk straight through, but allow a couple of hours to include stops.

It’s not a particularly challenging walk, though there are hilly sections, and Montmartre has some cobbled streets so trainers or walking shoes are a good idea.

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Friday 15th of March 2024

Estimated time of the tour?

Lucy Dodsworth

Hi Maria, the route is just over 2.5km (1.6 miles) and takes 35 minutes to walk straight through, but allow a couple of hours to include stops.

Magda Colodetti

Tuesday 26th of December 2023

We went on a Montmartre tour today, stopping at all suggested points along the way. The route was excellent.

Saturday 30th of December 2023

That's great – really glad you enjoyed it!

Saturday 8th of July 2023

Thank you Lucy for the tour. Me and my husband learned a lot about this neighborhood. Do you have any other walking tour?

Sunday 9th of July 2023

Hi Adriana – great to hear you enjoyed it! I have a couple more Paris walks, on on St Germain (https://www.ontheluce.com/st-germain-paris-walking-tour/) and one on film locations along the Seine (https://www.ontheluce.com/paris-film-locations-walk/).

Thursday 16th of February 2023

Thank you for this route, it helped us a lot!

You're very welcome – great to hear it was useful!

Tuesday 9th of April 2019

Me and my missue are going there this weekend will defo use your map.

What other areas are good to visit?

Monday 15th of April 2019

Hi, I also love the St Germain area and the walk along the Seine is lovely – the Marais is a great neighbourhood too with lots of places to eat and drink.

Montmartre, Paris: 22 Best Things to Do & Places to See (+ Map)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 18, 2024

You probably already know that the charming bohemian Montmartre neighborhood is one of the must-see areas in Paris, France. But what to see and do in Montmartre and how to experience the very best that this fascinating area has to offer?

In this guide, we share all the best places to see and things to do in Montmartre on your first visit. To help you plan your time, we also include some practical tips and useful information, as well as a map of the main sights and attractions of Montmartre.

There is a unique charm about Montmartre that sets it apart from the rest of Paris. Once a hilltop village dotted with windmills and surrounded by vineyards, it retains a very old-world vibe. Its combination of cobbled streets and pretty stone buildings strewn with wisteria and roses makes you feel as if you’re a million miles from the city!

Evidence of its artistic heritage can be seen and felt everywhere. This was once the place where 19th- and 20th-century artists like Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Edith Piaf lived and worked. Today contemporary artists vie for a spot on Place du Tertre where they paint in the open air, creating a scene straight from a postcard.

There are many wonderful places to visit and enchanting things to see in Montmartre. Below, are some of the musts as well as the map indicating all the top sights. Take a look!

Top 5 Experiences in Paris:

• Sainte Chapelle .
• River Seine Cruise .
• The Louvre .
• Eiffel Tower .
• Versailles Palace & Gardens .

Map of the Best Places in Montmarte

To give you a better idea of where everything is located, we created this map indicating all the best spots to see in Montmartre.

You can find pictures and information about each place further below.

Good to know: Most of the landmarks in Montmartre are places that you just see from the outside, or where you just stop for a quick look and a few photos. So visiting Montmartre doesn’t require a lot of time. If you don’t go inside any of the museums, you can see all the best places in Montmartre in about 2-3 hours. With half a day, you can explore Montmartre quite thoroughly.

TIP: Be sure to come back in the evening to see the cabaret show at the iconic Moulin Rouge (more about it below)!

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

TIP: If you want to see all the best places in Montmartre without having to constantly look at the map and figure out where to go, you’ll be glad to know that there are many really good (and very affordable) walking tours of this neighborhood .

Alternatively, you can also opt for a self-guided audio tour (via an app on your smartphone) that allows you to see the best spots in Montmartre at your own pace. We did this on our most recent visit to Paris and – despite having been to the area many times in the past – we discovered quite a few new places and learned a lot along the way. It’s not comparable to just walking around on your own.

And if you have a bit more time, there are also some really nice food tours . It’s a great way to get a bit off the beaten path and experience what makes this vibrant area tick.

READ ALSO: Traditional French Food & Dishes to Try in France

These are the best places to see and things to do in Montmartre:

1. Sacré-Coeur Basilica

Thanks to its hilltop location, the beautiful Basilica of the Sacred Heart (Sacré-Coeur Basilica) is visible across Paris and is one of its most famous landmarks. It’s also the most popular place to visit in Montmarte, attracting big crowds.

The history of the Basilica is somewhat surprising. Located at an ancient sacred pagan site, this place is also associated with the early Christian church and religious martyrs. Interesting fact – the literal translation of ‘Montmartre’ means the ‘Hill of the Martyrs’.

The Sacré-Coeur Basilica is an extraordinary place to visit, with one of the world’s largest mosaics over the altar, a stunning pipe organ, and a crypt filled with statues and religious artifacts. Despite its appearance, this grand basilica was completed just over 100 years ago, in 1914 (for comparison, the Eiffel Tower dates from 1887).

Interesting fact: The white facade of the Sacre-Coeur Basilica has never been cleaned. It was built using a ‘self-cleaning’ travertine limestone that was also used for several other Parisian landmarks.

Practical information: The Basilica is open every day from 6.30 am to 10.30 pm and admission is free.

2. The Dome of Sacré-Coeur

In addition to visiting the Basilica, be sure to also climb to the top of the Sacré-Coeur dome for awesome 360° views across the city. This is one of the best views in Paris and – in my opinion – one of the best things to do in Montmartre. It also gives you a unique chance to admire the architecture of this remarkable church from a very different angle.

Aim to visit early in the morning or in the evening – preferably on a weekday – to avoid the crowds. If you can, time to climb the dome at around sunset – the views are even more impressive.

Practical information: The Sacre-Coeur Dome is normally open daily, with opening hours varying a bit depending on the season. There is a small charge to climb it. At the moment, you can only get the tickets on the spot. For up-to-date practical info, see the official website .

The entrance to the dome is located outside of the church, on the left side when looking towards the basilica.

3. Place du Tertre

To the west of the Sacre-Coeur Basilica lies the lively Place du Tertre . This little cobblestoned square is the beating heart of Montmartre and truly one of the most remarkable places in Paris.

The atmosphere here is lively and relaxed. There are some historic 18th-century buildings to admire and many cafés and restaurants where you can sit and soak up the ambiance. And what an ambiance it is, indeed!

Where else can you have your portrait painted by a talented artist, surrounded by other painters at their easels and spectators admiring their work? When you consider that artists wait up to 10 years for the opportunity to work here, you begin to understand just how special this square really is! You can also buy some beautiful artwork from the many stalls here.

Interesting fact: The Chez la Mère Catherine (currently La Mère Catherine ) brasserie on Place du Tertre is one of the oldest restaurants in Paris, established in 1793. It is believed to be the birthplace of the term ‘bistro’. During the 1814 Paris occupation, Russian soldiers frequented the place and used to shout ‘bystro’ (Russian for ‘quick’ ) in order to get a drink quickly. Nowadays a bistro is a common term used to describe small simple restaurants where you can get a quick meal.

4. Square Louise Michel

Established in 1927, this popular terraced garden in front of the Sacre Coeur Basilica is a great place to sit and enjoy the city views. Square Louise Michel is built on a slope and has a monumental staircase leading up toward the basilica .

Here you often see performances from talented street entertainers and – from the top – you also have some nice views of Paris. These stairs are always crowded with tourists, locals, and street vendors.

Around this staircase, you’ll also find some green spaces and several benches. If you have a moment, sit down and soak up the atmosphere.

Good to know: You don’t absolutely have to climb these stairs in order to see them. You can also take the Montmartre funicular instead and then see the stairs from the top. You can use your metro ticket for this and it’s an easy way to reach the top of the hill. You’ll still have to do a few stairs to reach the Sacre-Coeur.

TIP: Square Louise Michel is also home to a charming and traditional Parisian carousel , Carrousel de Saint-Pierre. This is a popular spot for photos, as the Sacre Coeur in the background makes for a particularly scenic shot. If you are visiting Paris with kids – or if you want to feel like a child again – give it a try!

5. The Staircases of Montmartre

The highest hill in Paris, it will come as no surprise that Montmartre has many stairs. And while climbing them is not always fun, it’s something you have to experience when visiting Montmartre.

The most famous of them all are the stairs leading to the Sacré-Coeur Basilica (see above for more info). But there are quite a few others.

Well worth seeing are the Calvaire Street Stairs . This staircase starts at the southwestern end of Place du Tertre, close to the Dali Museum and you can see it from the top.

Also, the colorful stairs of Rue Chappe are nice to see. The best view here is from the bottom up.

And don’t worry about locating them. I indicated all these places on our map of Montmartre attractions (at the top of this article). It’s all very close by too.

6. Wall of Love

Located on the square at Place des Abbesses, Le Mur des Je t’aime (Wall of Love) may be the most romantic spot in the City of Love. It’s definitely one of the must-sees in Montmartre.

Created by artists Frédéric Baron and Claire Kito in 2000, this navy blue wall is made up of more than 600 enameled lava rock tiles. On its surface, the words ‘I love you’ are written in more than 250 languages.

On this blue wall, you will also note splashes of red color. These represent the broken hearts of a divided human race – ones that the wall aims to reunite.

If you are visiting Montmartre with a partner, then a selfie in front of this wall is a must!

7. Montmartre Museum – Renoir Gardens

Musée de Montmartre – Jardins Renoir is a little museum set inside the former residence of famous artists like Renoir and Valadon. It was also a popular place for creative types at the time to meet and exchange ideas.

The building was opened as a museum in 1960 and is filled with paintings depicting Montmartre village in days gone by, with its farmland and many windmills.

Your ticket includes an audio app. It’s a great way to learn more about the rich history of Montmartre and how this village that used to be on the outskirts of Paris has changed as the city grew.

The beautiful gardens overlooking the vineyards are inspired by Renoir masterpieces that were painted at the property. Stop for a drink at Café Renoir which opens out onto the Renoir Gardens and you almost feel as if you’re part of a painting yourself!

Practical information: The museum is open every day from 10 am to 7 pm. The café is open from 11.30 am. You can find more info and get skip-the-line museum tickets here . In the low season, it’s usually not a problem to just get tickets on the spot.

Good to know: The museum tickets also include the gardens, or you can get a ticket for the gardens only (the latter can only be bought on the spot).

8. Moulin Rouge

No visit to Montmartre would be complete without catching a glimpse of the Moulin Rouge , located on the southwestern side of the neighborhood, at the bottom of the hill. This famous Parisian cabaret with a red windmill on its roof is one of the most iconic places in Paris.

The original venue was from 1889 when it was opened by Charles Zidler and Joseph Oller, the owners of the Paris Olympia. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by fire in 1915, then rebuilt and reopened in 1921.

The cabaret’s biggest claim to fame is its status as the birthplace of the French Cancan – a dance that was considered to be rather scandalous at the time!

You can still see the Cancan performed there today and enjoy a meal at its onsite restaurant. It is very much a tourist attraction and the prices are high, but it’s well worth a visit to see the turn-of-the-century decor, colorful costumes, and dazzling shows. This is a very Parisian experience – don’t miss it!

PRO TIP: Book your tickets for the Moulin Rouge show well in advance! This is a very popular attraction and the shows sell out all the time. To give you an idea, when we recently visited Paris in October , the tickets for the ‘early’ evening shows were gone about 3 weeks upfront, and the midnight shows sold out soon after that. As far as Moulin Rouge is concerned, there is no low season. This is because the shows are popular with the locals and business travelers as well.

TIP: If your budget allows it and you are looking for a truly unique experience, opt for the dinner + show tickets . It’s worth it!

9. The Walker-Through-Walls

Le Passe-Muraille (Walker-Through-Walls) is one of the lesser-known gems to see in Montmartre. This is a very cool bronze sculpture of what appears to be a man walking through a wall.

This piece of art was inspired by the short story ‘The Man Who Walked Through Walls’ by the French writer Marcel Aymé. Its hero – a gentleman named Dutilleul – had the ability to walk straight through walls. He then went on to put his skill to a range of creative uses and became a sort of supervillain. Until one day, things didn’t go as planned and he got stuck inside the wall…

TIP: If you want to read this fun story before visiting Montmartre, you can find it on Amazon (also available on Kindle).

Legend has it that touching the head of Le Passe-Muraille will bring you good luck (although it’s so high that it’s hard to reach!). You will also notice that he has a very shiny hand from all the people pretending to pull him from the wall and photographing the moment.

10. Le Moulin de la Galette

Although it’s hard to imagine now, Paris was once surrounded by farmland and windmills dotted the horizon. These were used to grind the locally-produced grain and to press grapes.

Unfortunately, there are only a few windmills left in Paris today, but you can see them all in Montmartre!

The most famous of them is the red windmill atop the Moulin Rouge (see higher above).

Another is the restored Le Moulin de la Galette , located on Rue Lepic, above the restaurant with the same name. It’s just a short walk from the Walker-Through-Walls sculpture. This particular windmill was immortalized in Renoir’s painting ‘Le Bal de la Moulin de la Galette’, although the backdrop was rather different.

The last windmill — Le Moulin Blute-Fin — is behind the restaurant but located on private land, so it cannot be visited.

Good to know: You don’t have to visit the restaurant in order to see the windmill. But the restaurant is really good and if you are looking for a special treat for lunch or dinner in Montmartre, it could be a nice choice.

11. Saint-Denis Statue

When sightseeing around Paris you may have noticed the curious headless statues of Saint-Denis . They are all over the place.

These are in memory of the legendary Saint-Denis, originally the first Bishop of Paris, and one of the patron saints of the city. The story is that he was beheaded by the Roman rulers for preaching Christianity. This execution took place in the area we currently know as Montmartre and contributed to its name (‘Hill of the Martyrs”).

But what’s really interesting is that Saint-Denis is said to have picked up his head and started walking with it in his hands. According to the legend, he then continued his journey all the way to St Denis in the north of Paris, to the site where St Denis Cathedral is today.

Montmartre’s statue of Saint-Denis is located in the square Suzanne Buisson. This – according to the legend – is where he stopped to wash his head in a fountain.

Since this legend is also related to the origins of the name of the Montmartre, I find that it’s worth a short detour coming to see the statue. The square where it’s located is also very tranquil and there are some benches where you can rest a bit from all the uphill-downhill walking in Montmartre.

12. Saint-Pierre de Montmartre Church

One of the oldest churches in Paris, the Saint-Pierre de Montmartre dates back to the 12th century. It originally formed part of the ancient Abbey of the Benedictine Sisters of Montmartre. The Abbey was destroyed in the French Revolution and this is the only part still remaining.

The church has a Romanesque interior, with the finest architectural details to be found around the apse and choir. You can see a statue of Our Lady of Montmartre, a 16th-century oval baptismal font made in the form of Moses’ cradle, and the painting ‘Christ in the Garden of Olives’ by Joseph-François Parrocel.

A gateway from the church leads to the Cimetière du Calvaire, the parish’s old graveyard. It is filled with the tombs of important Montmartre citizens from centuries past, but is only open to the public once a year, on November 1st.

Practical information: The Saint-Pierre de Montmartre church is free to visit and open every day except Monday. Opening hours are from 9 am to 12 pm and from 3 pm to 6 pm. It’s located just in between the Sacre-Coeur Basilica and Place du Tertre, so you can easily pop in here for a minute when passing by.

13. Dal í Museum

If you’re familiar with the work of Salvador Dali, then the Dalí Museum near Place du Tertre may be one of the places to visit in Montmartre.

This small museum has a collection of over 300 of Dali’s artworks including surrealist sculptures, paintings, etchings, and some unique Dali furniture. This is the largest private collection of original artworks by Salvador Dali in France.

The museum is definitely a must-see for fans of Surrealism. If you have more time, you can also get an audio guide which is available in 8 languages.

The museum is tucked away in the side street behind Place du Tertre and is overlooked by most tourists. So it’s usually not too busy, and it’s a welcome respite from all the crowds in the surrounding areas.

However, I personally find that the ticket price is quite steep for a rather small exhibition which we visited in less than half an hour. So I’ll leave it up to you to decide. If you love art and have plenty of time, check it out. If, however, you are short on time or find the ticket too expensive, don’t feel bad if you give it a pass. There are many other amazing museums in Paris which are worth your time more.

Practical information: The Dali Paris is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. You can just get the tickets on the spot.

14. Cabaret Au Lapin Agile

The tiny Cabaret Au Lapin Agile is the oldest bar-cabaret in Paris. Its name literally translates to ‘agile rabbit’. Originally opened in 1860, it was named after the logo for the venue, which was painted in 1875. This features a rabbit holding a bottle of wine and leaping from a saucepan, with a windmill in the background.

Despite the club’s small size, it is known across the world and has had some very famous guests over the years. These include Lauren Bacall, Eleanor Roosevelt, Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, and Charlie Chaplin! So intriguing is its interior that it was painted in 1905 by Picasso.

Good to know: From 9 pm almost every evening, you can go here to hear music played by exceptionally talented artists who invite the crowd to join them. The show runs continuously until 1 am. Just be aware that all the songs and conversations are in French. For more up-to-date practical information, see their website .

But even if you don’t go to see the show, it’s well worth passing by here to see this colorful building from the outside. It’s one of the most iconic landmarks of Montmartre!

15. Montmartre Vineyard

Located just next to the Cabaret Au Lapin Agile, you’ll find a little vineyard , Vigne du Clos Montmartre . A visit here gives you a glimpse into the past of Montmartre village and what the area looked like in the past.

The hill of Montmartre was home to the oldest vineyards in Paris, dating from the 12th century when the Abbey of Montmartre planted vines and developed wine production as one of the income sources to support itself.

The vineyards of Montmartre disappeared when the village was annexed by the city of Paris in the 19th century. The little vineyard that you can see here today was recreated by the City of Paris in 1933 as a means to block the development of the land for housing and to preserve the heritage of the village of Montmartre.

Nowadays Vigne du Clos Montmartre has about 1,700 vines of different varieties. It produces a small number of red and rosé wines. The proceeds from these are invested back into community projects. Every year at the beginning of October, the Grape Harvest Festival in Montmartre honors the wine produced at Clos Montmartre.

It’s surprising – but delightful – to come across this tiny little vineyard, nestled between the houses on the streets of Montmartre. Although it is closed to the public, you can walk around the perimeter and see the vines. These look especially pretty in the summer when the air is filled with butterflies, or in the fall when the leaves start to change color.

Good to know: You can buy and taste Montmartre wine in the Montmartre museum shop.

16. Rue de l’Abreuvoir & La Maison Rose

Rue de l’Abreuvoir is one of the prettiest streets in the Montmartre neighborhood. It’s lined with charming old buildings and really takes you back in time to the old village near Paris. This quaint cobblestone alley is a must-see in Montmartre!

Don’t miss La Maison Rose at the corner of Rue de l’Abreuvoir and Rue des Saules. This is one of the most iconic restaurants in Montmartre. In 1908, the house was painted pink and opened as a restaurant. It also served as a cabaret for a while. The restaurant has always been popular among many artists who lived in Montmartre and – among many others – played host to Picasso and Dali who were friends with the owner.

The charming building has kept the same look for over a century. Serving traditional French cuisine, it is hard to think of anywhere prettier to dine than at La Maison Rose. It is also one of the most photographed places in Montmartre (and you have to be very lucky to be able to take a picture without too many people around).

It is particularly inviting during the summer months when green tables are placed outside. You don’t have to stop for a meal, but be sure to take a photo outside this iconic eatery in Montmartre.

17. Dalida’s House

Montmartre was the permanent home of the Paris-based singer Dalida, who was much loved in the region and is considered a true French music icon. Since her untimely death in 1987 at the age of 54, her memory has been held dear, especially in Montmartre.

Every sightseeing tour of the neighborhood includes a few Dalida stops in their itinerary. So if you want to see ‘everything’ in Montmartre, check out the house in which she lived.

You can find it on Rue d’Orchampt (nr 11B), just up the hill from the Abbesses Métro station (the most convenient metro station from where to explore the Montmartre).

Dalida’s house is not open to the public, but you can see a plaque outside placed in her memory and enjoy for a moment the tranquility of the pretty street in which it’s located.

18. Dalida Bust at Place Dalida

Just a short walk from Dalida’s house, you’ll find another must-see in Montmartre – Dalida Square ( Place Dalida ) .

In 1996, the city of Paris dedicated this square to the singer. Not only does it offer amazing views, but it is also home to a bronze bust of Dalida. It was revealed in 1997 to mark the 10th anniversary of her death. You might notice that the breasts of the statue have a burnished appearance, caused by visitors touching them for good luck.

Many fans come here to contemplate and it is a scenic, lovely spot in which to linger even if you’re not familiar with the singer or her music.

19. Place Émile Goudeau

Place Émile Goudeau is a small square in the heart of Montmartre. It’s best known for Le Bateau-Lavoir , a house where many famous artists rented studios. Picasso painted ‘Demoiselles d’Avignon’ while living here.

Fire destroyed the original building in 1970 but Le Bateau-Lavoir was completely rebuilt and reopened in 1978. It is used as artists studio today too, but you’ll have to be content to see it from the outside as it is not open to visitors.

Note also a small drinking fountain – Fontaine Wallace – at the top of the square. These cast-iron fountains date from the 19th century and are named after Sir Richard Wallace who financed them. Back in the day, it was a great relief to the poor citizens and the homeless to have easy access to free drinking water.

There are about 70 Wallace fountains scattered all over Paris and they have become one of the unmistakable symbols of the city.

20. Saint-Jean de Montmartre Church

Located just at the Abbesses metro exit, Saint-Jean de Montmartre Church is one of Paris’s few Art Nouveau churches.

It’s also the first religious building to be made from reinforced concrete. Red bricks were used in the facade to please those who worried that a concrete church would look unattractive. You can also see some geometric designs that were added for visual appeal!

The interior features a theme based on the Johannine Writings – The 4th Gospel and the Apocalypse. With marble angels, Art Nouveau stained glass, a great organ, and a reinforced cement altar, it is unique and really impressive.

Practical information: The church is open daily from 9 to 6.30 pm and is free to visit. It’s just a quick stop – well worth a few minutes of your time.

21. Montmartre Cemetery

If you find cemeteries interesting then don’t miss the Montmartre Cemetery . This is one of the largest and most interesting cemeteries in Paris, dating back to 1825.

Montmartre cemetery is the final resting place of many famous people. These include the authors Stendhal and Émile Zola (although his remains have later been moved to the Pantheon), artist Edgar Degas, singer Dalida, the famous singer-songwriter duo Michel Berger and France Gall, and many others.

A visit here feels a bit like walking through an open-air museum or a park. You’ll see people strolling around, even having lunch here, etc. It’s a truly unique experience. If you are looking for something a bit different to do in Montmartre far away from the crowds, check it out!

Good to know: Montmartre Cemetery is open daily, usually from around 8-9 am to 6 pm. It’s a bit further away from all the other Montmartre sights mentioned in this guide, but still, just a 10-15 minutes walk. Visiting here will likely add at least an hour to your overall sightseeing time in Montmartre.

22. The Sinking House of Montmartre

This is a somewhat unusual Montmartre attraction that has become very popular in recent years due to the pictures shared on social media.

The Sinking House of Montmartre is simply an optical illusion of a building that seems to be tilted and ‘sinking’ into the grass.

Good to know: You can find this ‘leaning’ house just next to the Sacre-Coeur Basilica. As you walk on the final flight of stairs toward the church, you will see a green lawn on your right side. The orange building behind it is the ‘sinking’ house. The rest is simply a matter of holding your camera in such a way that the grass is level and – voila!

Keep in mind that the grass patch here is fenced, so try to take your pictures from the stairs.

So, this is our guide to the must-see places in Montmartre. It might look like a lot, but – as said before – most of these sights are just short photo stops.

Depending on your overall itinerary, we recommend planning at least 3-4 hours for a visit to Montmartre. We found that it’s really worth it taking a (self-) guided tour here – it’s the stories behind the buildings and the places you see that really bring this iconic neighborhood to life.

I hope that this guide to the best things to do in Montmartre gives you a better idea of what to expect, and helps you plan your visit and enjoy every moment of your trip.

You can’t help but fall in love with Montmartre and you’ll never forget this charming part of Paris. Have a great trip!

TIP: If this is your first time in Paris and you want to experience the best of the City of Light, take a look at our detailed Paris itinerary for 4 days . It covers all the musts, a few lesser-known places, and – of course – includes a visit to Montmartre, but also Versailles, and so much more. Check it out!

READ ALSO: Tips & Useful Things to Know Before Visiting Paris

More tips for visiting Paris:

• French Food
• 1 Day in Paris
• 4 Days in Paris
• Best Views in Paris
• Top Museums to Visit in Paris
• Louvre Museum: Tips & Useful Info for First Visit
• Paris in October

If you found this post useful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

More travel inspiration for some of the nicest cities in Europe:

• Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Barcelona, Spain
• Bern, Switzerland
• Bologna, Italy
• Bruges, Belgium
• Brussels, Belgium
• Bucharest, Romania
• Colmar, France
• Edinburgh, UK
• Florence, Italy
• Geneva, Switzerland
• Krakow, Poland
• Lisbon, Portugal
• Lucerne, Switzerland
• Madrid, Spain
• Milan, Italy
• Rome, Italy
• Salzburg, Austria
• Seville, Spain
• Toledo, Spain
• Venice, Italy
• For many more… check our  destinations page. We also highly recommend you check out our step-by-step guide with tips for planning a trip to Europe .

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25+ Magical Things to Do in Montmartre, Paris (+ Map & Tips!)

Winding cobblestone lanes, artistic haunts, endless cafes, and historic cabarets, all topped off with a basilica that stands proudly on the highest hill in Paris: Montmartre has long captured the hearts of travelers, and with so many wonderful things to do in Montmartre, it’s not hard to see why!

Once the home of artists like Picasso, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Matisse–just to name a few–visiting Montmartre today provides plenty of glimpses into the neighborhood’s Belle Époque past.

While Montmartre, or Paris’ 18th arrondissement , is one of the most popular places to visit in Paris today, that doesn’t mean that it hasn’t retained its magic–you just have to know where (and when) to look.

We’ve had the chance to visit Montmartre many times, including basing ourselves in the neighborhood on two separate trips, most recently for a full week.

Here is exactly what to do in Montmartre, from iconic views to hidden gems, plus tips for making the most of your visit!

Table of Contents

Want to visit Montmartre the easy way?

The best things to do in montmartre, paris, fun things to do near montmartre, where to stay in montmartre, where is montmartre in paris (+ how to get there), tips for visiting paris’ montmartre neighborhood, self-guided montmartre walking tour itinerary, faq for visiting montmartre in paris, map of the best places to visit in montmartre.

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Only have a short time (say, half a day or less) to visit Montmartre and want to make the most of it?

This popular walking tour covers many of the most popular places to visit in Montmartre that we talk about in this travel guide ( this is an even shorter tour option that also gets great reviews).

Opting for a walking tour instead of exploring independently does come with a few trade-offs–one of the great joys of visiting Montmartre is wandering semi-aimlessly around the neighborhood–but it comes with big benefits, too.

A knowledgeable guide with colorful stories can bring Montmartre’s bohemian past to life in a vivid way that is difficult to replicate on your own.

(… Without doing a lot of reading about the history of Paris in advance, anyway–for example, did you know that for a brief time in 1871, Montmartre wasn’t even part of Paris?).

A walking tour also has the benefit of making sure you have a chance to enjoy Montmartre’s best angles without getting lost or climbing a few extra staircases in the process, which is easy to do.

If you do opt for a Montmartre walking tour, we recommend saving a little extra time before or after your tour to enjoy a drink at one of the neighborhood’s many outdoor cafes, and/or climb to the top of Sacré-Coeur, after your tour if at all possible.

Book your walking tour of Montmartre today!

Step inside the incredible Sacré-Coeur Basilica.

Standing tall at the peak of the Montmartre butte and visible from many of the best viewpoints in Paris, Montmartre’s Sacré-Coeur Basilica is a must-see when in the neighborhood!

The basilica itself is free to enter, and its Romano-Byzantine interior, complete with marvelous mosaics that remind me of a more modern Ravenna , is worth admiring.

Sacré-Coeur is newer than you might think, too!

Construction started in 1875 and was declared completed in 1923, a clear reminder of how ever-changing the Montmartre neighborhood is.

… and climb to the top to enjoy one of the absolute best views of Paris.

Climbing another 300 steps after already climbing all the way up to the base of Sacré-Coeur may feel a bit overwhelming (visiting Montmartre can be quite the workout), but it’s absolutely worth it!

While the view of Paris from the steps of the Sacré-Coeur is popular and lovely, the view from the top of the dome is stupendous .

The dome is open daily, but with different opening hours depending on the season.

You can check here for the current opening hours.

If at all possible, we recommend timing your visit to the dome for sunset, and be sure to leave yourself 15+ minutes to circle the dome (you can walk all the way around the edge of it) and enjoy the view!

Admire Sacré-Coeur without the crowds at Square Marcel Bleustein Blanchet.

If you start circling Sacré-Coeur after enjoying views from the front, you’ll eventually come to the lovely Square Marcel Bleustein Blanchet, which is home to one of the loveliest views of the basilica!

This small park is located behind Sacré-Coeur, and thanks in large part to its location, is a delightfully uncrowded hidden gem in Montmartre.

From here, you can take a deep breath and enjoy gorgeous views without fighting for space or asking touts to leave you alone.

Enjoy the bustling, artistic atmosphere of the Place du Tertre.

Lined with picturesque cafes and covered with artists’ easels, the beautiful Place du Tertre is the heart of Montmartre’s artistic culture and has been for centuries.

If having your portrait drawn by a local artist is on your Montmartre bucket list, this is the place to do it!

The artists with easels set up in the Place du Tertre are licensed and regulated, and have to apply with the city to set up there–not just anyone can join.

For that reason, we recommend approaching a sitting artist if you’re interested in buying art here.

Roving artists who pitch their wares to you are not regulated, technically not allowed (though they always seem to be around), and much less likely to provide a product you’ll be satisfied with.

Regardless of whether or not you’re in the market for artwork, the atmosphere in the Place du Tertre is lovely and visiting is a great addition to a trip to Montmartre.

Don’t forget to turn back toward Sacré-Coeur for a view of the domes peeking up over the square!

Watch the world go by at one of Montmartre’s many charming cafes or bistros.

Montmartre is positively covered in picturesque cafes and bistros, and sitting outside to enjoy a coffee and croissant in the mornings is a fabulous way to enjoy them.

Of course, given how popular visiting Montmartre is, many of the cafes and bistros have mediocre food, high prices, or both–but you can usually find somewhere worth enjoying.

The famous spots of Le Consulat (where you can drink at the same cafe Picasso and Monet once enjoyed, Le Refuge, and Le Vrai Paris all get solid, if not raving, reviews.

Café des Deux Moulins , which was featured in the movie Amélie , doesn’t get as good of reviews, but visitors hoping to enjoy the nostalgia seem to enjoy it.

We have also enjoyed a morning café at Le Bimbo , and Porto-Paris (Portuguese rather than French, but good).

And, while you can’t sit down there, I can’t talk about breakfast in Montmartre without mentioning Pain Pain , a former winner of the best baguette in Paris award and a must-taste when visiting Montmartre!

Stroll down the beautiful Rue de l’Abreuvoir.

Sandwiched between La Maison Rose at the top and Place Dalida at the bottom, the short street of Rue de l’Abreuvoir is one of the prettiest streets in Montmartre, and quite possibly one of the prettiest streets in all of Paris!

And, it’s without a doubt one of the 18th’s most famous photography spots.

As you walk down the street, be sure to turn back regularly to look behind you!

Like many of the most beautiful places in Montmartre, the domes of Sacré-Coeur will start peeking out over the top of the hill as you descend.

While not particularly busy, this is still an active driving street, so keep an eye out for cars as you explore!

… and pause at the bottom to enjoy Place Dalida.

Shady and peaceful Place Dalida is situated at one end of Rue de l’Abreuvoir and features beautiful views of the picturesque street framed with the white domes of Sacré-Coeur.

It’s also home to a bust celebrating–who else–the famous French singer Dalida, who was known for performing in more than 10 languages.

Legend says that touching Dalida’s bust is good luck–and based on the discoloration, it’s easy to see that many people visiting Montmartre have given it a chance to work.

Explore the Montmartre Museum.

Generally speaking, Montmartre is less of a museum-hopping neighborhood and more of a place to soak up the atmosphere–but it’s worth making an exception for the Musée de Montmartre .

Housed in the former home of Auguste Renoir, the Montmartre Museum explores the history of the neighborhood.

Most of the attention is focused, of course, on Montmartre’s heyday starting in the 19th century, with exhibits on the building of Sacré-Coeur, the iconic shadow theatre of the original Chat Noir, a recreated apartment of Suzanne Valadon, and much more.

We thoroughly enjoyed the museum and the attached Renoir Gardens.

The gardens are also home to the best accessible view of Le Clos Montmartre, one of the only remaining vineyards in Paris!

Buy tickets to visit the Montmartre Museum today!

Admire the vines of Le Clos Montmartre (from outside the gate).

In a city as modern and busy as Paris, finding a small vineyard nestled amongst the buildings is an absolute treat!

And, what better home could there be for a quirky urban winery than Montmartre village, which already feels worlds apart from much of the city?

Unfortunately, Le Clos Montmartre isn’t generally open to the public, but that doesn’t stop travelers from eagerly peering through their front gate on Rue des Saules (it helps that the gate is just around the corner from La Maison Rose).

The best view of the vineyard, where I took the below photo, is from the Montmartre Museum’s gardens, but you’ll need to purchase a ticket to the gardens to access it.

Garden access is included with a museum ticket , or you can purchase only access to the gardens separately.

Le Clos Montmartre only produces a small amount of wine–1000 bottles a year or less–but if you’d like to try it, you can find it for sale around Montmartre (including in the Montmartre Museum gift shop).

See the best of Montmartre’s cuisine on a food tour.

Want to sample delicious Parisian food while exploring Montmartre on foot with an excellent guide?

Consider booking a Montmartre food tour with Devour Tours!

Devour Tours is one of our favorite food tour companies in Europe (they’re also associated with Take Walks , another favorite of ours).

We loved this Paris food tour we booked with them, among several others!

Their Montmartre food tour offers an incredible combination of excellent food and memorable stories about the history and culture of the 18th arrondissement.

Book your Montmartre food tour today!

Visit the famous La Maison Rose.

Originally opened in 1908, the beautiful pink facade of La Maison Rose has been a staple of Montmartre for generations.

While it has gone through a handful of closures, reopens, and ownership changes over the years, its iconic pink facade dates all the way back to the original.

Staples of Montmartre, such as Albert Camus and Dalida, were once clients, and today, La Maison Rose remains a functioning restaurant (we highly recommend making reservations if you want to eat there).

Most visitors, though, no doubt come merely to admire the exterior.

The facade has been slightly updated in the few years since I took the below photo–“La Maison Rose” is now printed in a more modern, blocky green style.

I have to admit I’m still extremely partial to the script version, so opted to preserve my favorite version in this Montmartre blog post.

Enjoy the Place Saint-Pierre (and its carousel).

Tiny Place Saint-Pierre is one of the most recognizable places to visit in Montmartre, but you may have never heard its official name before–because Place Saint-Pierre is much better known for what sits inside it.

Home to the Montmartre carousel (technically named the Carrousel de Saint-Pierre , but generally referred to as the Montmartre carousel), the Place Saint-Pierre sits below Sacré-Coeur.

Rides are short but inexpensive, and popular with kids visiting Montmartre!

The carousel may be even more popular with photographers, though: the ability to capture the Sacré-Coeur and a historic Parisian carousel in one image is a delight.

Find Montmartre’s remaining windmills.

Once upon a time, Montmartre was known for its many windmills.

Today, only a handful remain–including, Moulin Radet, the windmill that overlooks the restaurant La Moulin de la Galette .

There’s also a windmill named Moulin Blute-Fin, which is on private land but you can spot from the street.

Collectively, these two windmills are known as Moulin de la Galette, and they have been featured in paintings by Van Gogh, Renoir, and many more.

Meanwhile, the iconic windmill on top of the Moulin Rouge, while not technically in Montmarte, is near-synonymous with the neighborhood.

… and the quirky statue of  Le Passe-Muraille .

The bronze statue of Le Passe-Muraille (or “Passer Through Walls”) is one of the quirkiest attractions in Montmartre, and only takes a minute to see!

Depicting a man stuck inside a wall as he attempts to walk through, Le Passe-Muraille is actually a statue of a specific character from the French novel Le Passe-Muraille .

The character, and therefore his statue, met his unfortunate fate of being permanently stuck in a wall after using magical powers for immoral purposes.

You don’t need to have read or even be familiar with the book, though, in order to appreciate this unusual art piece that feels right at home in the 18th arrondissement .

Spend some time relaxing on the Sacré-Coeur steps that overlook Louise Michel Park.

Enjoying the view of Paris from the steps leading to the Sacré-Coeur is one of the most popular things to do in Montmartre, especially at sunset!

Regardless of what time you visit, though, it’s worth stopping to rest and enjoy the view (especially if you just climbed the roughly 270 steps it takes to reach the Sacré-Coeur from Place-Saint Pierre).

However, be cautious: the combination of the viewpoint being popular and free to access means that pickpockets and scammers are rife here.

That’s not a reason to stay away, but it’s definitely a reason to be extra cautious with your belongings.

We have enjoyed several stunning Paris sunsets from this spot, and hope to see many more in the future!

… and don’t miss seeing the Sinking House of Montmartre while you’re there!

The Sinking House of Montmartre is one of Paris’ most beloved optical illusions, and it’s very easy to find during a Montmartre visit!

If you’re standing amongst the crowd on the steps of the Sacré-Coeur, face the basilica and then turn to your right.

You’ll see a red building jutting out in the distance, beyond the lawn.

Turn your camera ( this is our beloved camera , though we shot the below photo years ago on this one ) so that the lawn is straight.

Voilà –suddenly the red building is “sinking”!

Seek out “secret” Eiffel Tower views from Montmartre.

Meander along the top of the Montmartre butte long enough, and you’ll come across some pretty spectacular views of Paris that you won’t find on any map or in any guidebook.

Often visible in only a small sliver when peering through buildings or trees, these views are all the more rewarding for how surprising it often feels to stumble across one (and many of them even overlook the Eiffel Tower).

Here’s one spot to get you started: navigate to the restaurant Chez Plumeau, located just around the corner from the Place du Tertre.

Start at the top of the staircase, and then meander along the edge of the wall, and you’ll find plenty of gorgeous Eiffel Tower views!

Duck inside the second-oldest church in Paris.

Situated right between Sacré-Coeur and Place du Tertre, you might suspect that the second-oldest church in Paris would be crowded with visitors–but this is actually one of the many hidden gems of Montmartre that are tucked away in plain sight.

Construction of the Church of St. Pierre de Montmartre began in 1133, though it is believed that a church has stood on this site since the 3rd century.

Home to the Montmartre Abbey before the French Revolution, St. Pierre de Montmartre has a long history in the 18th arrondissement –significantly longer than the more-famous Sacré-Coeur.

The interior is fairly simple, with featured stained glass and lots of stone, but lovely and worth a quick peek inside (it’s free to visit).

St. Pierre de Montmartre is also home to the Calvaire Cemetery, which you should definitely visit if you get the rare opportunity.

It’s only open one day a year, on All Saint’s Day (November 1)!

Enjoy a world-famous cabaret beloved by Picasso at Cabaret Au Lapin Agile.

Dating to 1860 and the inspiration behind a Picasso painting of the same, Cabaret Au Lapin Agile bills itself as Paris’ oldest cabaret.

Situated in the heart of Montmartre (along Rue des Saules), and once the haunt of many of Montmartre’s most famous residents, the party is still going like it’s the Belle Époque every night in Au Lapin Agile.

Today’s version is touristy, yes–but still lots of fun.

Be sure to make reservations in advance if you want to spend an evening in Montmartre tucked inside this lively spot.

Snap a selfie with someone you love at the “I love you” wall.

Located in Square Jehan-Rictus, just a few steps from the Abbesses metro stop, you’ll find one of the most beloved Montmartre photo spots!

The dark blue Wall of Love is adorned with the phrase “I love you” in more than 300 languages, making it the perfect place to visit with one of your favorite people.

Stroll along some of Montmartre’s most picturesque streets.

Montmartre is made for wandering, and one of the absolute best things to do in Montmartre is to turn down random streets and find your favorites.

A few of the prettiest streets in Montmartre include the famous Rue de l’Abreuvoir, the winding Rue Lepic, and Rue Abbesses.

Rue des Saules is well worth a stroll as well, as are Rue Andre Antoine and Rue Lamarck.

Pay a visit to the Montmartre Cemetery.

As the largest cemetery in Montmartre and the third-largest cemetery in Paris, the Montmartre Cemetery (technically named Cimetière du Nord ) is the final resting place of many of the 18th arrondissement’s most famous residents!

Located in a former quarry, strolling through the Montmartre Cemetery definitely gives the impression that you’re wandering beneath the ground (though it is all open air–just sunken).

Alexandre Dumas, Dalida herself, and many more were laid to rest here.

The Montmartre Cemetery is free to visit and an easy addition to most Montmartre itineraries.

Seek out Amélie filming locations.

The popular French movie Amélie just may be the most beloved piece of cinema that has ever been filmed in Montmartre!

As a result, visiting Amélie filming locations is popular in Montmartre (and if you don’t know what I’m talking about, watching the movie before visiting will definitely inspire you to visit Montmartre)!

Café des Deux Moulins and Au Marché de la Butte (which played the Maison Collignon grocery store) are 2 of the most popular spots to visit that won’t necessarily already be on your Montmartre bucket list.

Wander through the St. Vincent Cemetery.

The final resting place of many of Montmartre’s former poets, artists, actors, and more, the peaceful St. Vincent Cemetery is a smaller and quieter alternative to visiting the larger Montmartre Cemetery.

Free to visit and home to notable Parisians like Maurice Utrillo, Léontine Aubart, and more, the cemetery also has a view of the rooftop of the famous Au Lapin Agile Cabaret.

There are also free public toilets located inside the cemetery, a nice perk for travelers who have been pounding the pavement on a self-guided Montmartre walking tour.

Explore the Espace Dalí Museum.

Dedicated to the one and only Salvador Dalí, the Dalí Museum features over 300 works by the prolific artist.

Originally amassed as a private collection, Espace Dalí was completely redone in 2018.

If your taste in art leans more toward the contemporary, this is the place in Montmartre for you!

Wander aimlessly and find your own unusual places to visit in Montmartre.

Cliche it may be, but to this day, one of the most rewarding things to do in Montmartre is simply to wander through the neighborhood!

From quiet cafes to stately homes to shady staircases to quirky shops to unusual views of Paris (including the Eiffel Tower), Montmartre’s a wonderful place to explore on foot.

On our most recent trip to Montmartre in Paris, we stumbled across a Portuguese-themed coffee shop among many other treasures, which delighted us to no end as we had a chance to reflect on the 14 months we lived in Lisbon .

We wouldn’t have found that shop in a guidebook, but it was a memorable stop all the same.

Just remember to wear comfortable shoes and prepare for hills when exploring on foot: visiting Montmartre involves climbing lots of hills!

Just outside the boundaries of the neighborhood, you’ll find several more fun things to do near Montmartre.

That includes one of Paris’ most famous attractions, too–one that is often associated with the 18th arrondissement …

See a show at the famous Moulin Rouge!

Thanks in large part to the 2001 movie starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, the Moulin Rouge is one of the most recognizable Montmartre landmarks.

… but it’s not technically located in Montmartre!

Located in the Pigalle district just south (and downhill) from Montmartre, the Moulin Rouge is Paris’ most famous cabaret and is topped by its most recognizable windmill.

You can file this one under “indisputably touristy and extremely memorable”, and most people love the performance (think variety show, not cohesive play).

If you want to see the cabaret show, be sure to book at least a couple of weeks in advance !

Even if you don’t go inside, though, it’s worth stopping by for a quick photo op with the windmill.

Book tickets to the Moulin Rouge cabaret show today!

… and pay a visit to the current Le Chat Noir.

Thought to be the original Parisian cabaret, a form of nightlife that took Montmartre by storm at the end of the 19th century, Le Chat Noir has an enduring legacy in the area.

If you visited the Montmartre Museum, you no doubt learned all about the original Le Chat Noir and its unique “shadow play” that helped make it an icon.

And, if you’ve ever so much as glanced into a shop when browsing for Paris souvenirs , you have no doubt seen posters, placemats, and more decorated with the black cat drawings that have their origins at Le Chat Noir (translation: the black cat).

While the original Le Chat Noir has been closed for over a century, a later location opened in 1907 is still in business to this day.

Reviews are solid if not exceptional, and the atmosphere is a clear nod to Montmartre’s historic cabarets, complete with live music every night.

Check out the Museum of Romantic Life.

Housed in a pretty and delicate home dating to 1830, the Musée de la Vie Romantique explores a literary side of Paris, with a focus on George Sand.

Peaceful and quiet, the Museum of Romantic Life is tucked away in a charming courtyard that feels worlds away from central Paris (though if you visit during recess, you’ll hear the nearby schoolchildren playing!).

The museum includes a garden which is home to a pretty cafe, perfect for relaxing a bit before continuing your sightseeing in Paris.

The permanent exhibitions are free to visit, and we felt like we had the museum all to ourselves when we visited a few years ago.

However, now that the Museum of Romantic Life was briefly featured in season 3 of Emily in Paris, it may get a bit more crowded!

Hoping to make Montmartre your base for your trip to Paris?

As much as we love Montmartre, we first need to caution that given Montmartre’s comparative remoteness to many of the other things to do in Paris, it may not be the best fit–and we say that as travelers who have stayed in Montmartre twice and loved it both times ( this is where we stayed most recently ).

Generally speaking, we would suggest that most first-time visitors to Paris choose a more centrally located neighborhood to stay in (the Latin Quarter (5e) or Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6e) fairly close to the Seine are our go-to suggestions).

However, if you’re a repeat visitor to Paris who loves Montmartre, or you’re hoping to save money by staying a bit further out, Montmartre can be a lovely option as long as you’re prepared to “commute” to most of the top things to do in Paris.

During our first trip based in Montmartre, we checked into Hotel Bellevue Montmartre (small rooms but adequate), and most recently at the Aparthotel Adagio Paris Montmartre , which we loved!

As you leave the boundaries of Montmartre itself, the nearby Pigalle area (where the Moulin Rouge is) can be a bit louder due to the nightlife, as well as a bit less refined, so keep that in mind as you’re browsing places to stay in Montmartre.

Ateliers de Montmartre ADM and the Mom’Art Hotel are two well-reviewed properties we’d love to stay in during future trips to Montmartre.

Check rates & book your stay in Montmartre today!

Paris is famously divided into 20 arrondissements , or neighborhoods, that are named via a number system that starts with 1 in the center of the city and circles outward like the shell of a snail.

Montmartre is the 18th arrondissement and is located on the outskirts of the city center, just north of Pigalle (where the Moulin Rouge is).

Because it is fairly far removed from–not to mention uphill from–many of the other popular things to see in Paris (it would take roughly an hour and 15 minutes to walk to Sacré-Coeur from the Eiffel Tower, for example), most visitors don’t arrive in Montmartre on foot.

You can either head to the Abbesses stop (Line 12), the deepest metro in Paris, and right next to the Wall of Love, or go to the Anvers stop (Line 2) and walk directly up Rue de Steinkerque from there until you dead-end into the Sacré-Coeur.

If you head to Abbesses, be sure to take the elevator/lift out of the station–it takes 144 steps to reach the surface!

The Lamarck–Caulaincourt (Line 12) is another option on the north side of Montmartre, near Le Refuge. Its photogenic entrance is worth a look!

If you’d rather not take the metro, a taxi or Uber is always an option as well.

If you’d like to walk at least one leg of the trip to and from Montmartre, we recommend walking as you leave (downhill).

The Palais Garnier and Galeries Lafayette flagship store (with its famous dome and rooftop view) are about a 30-minute walk downhill from Montmartre.

The journey is part of the fun on this route, though: take the Rue des Martyrs and you’ll be surrounded by distractingly tempting cafes, bakeries, cheese shops, butcher shops, fruit stands, and more as you meander back toward more central neighborhoods in Paris.

Be prepared to climb lots of hills!

There’s no getting around it: exploring the best things to do in Montmartre means climbing lots of hills, including several steep staircases!

This can be somewhat mitigated in a few places, but ultimately, it’s an unavoidable feature of the neighborhood.

To limit your climbing, you can take the Montmartre Funicular from near the Place St. Pierre to the base of Sacré-Coeur for the price of one metro ticket.

The Montmartre tourist train is also a cute way to stay off your feet, especially if you’re visiting Montmartre with kids.

Keep an eye out for scams, especially on the steps of Sacré-Coeur.

Petty tourist scams are, unfortunately, a persistent issue in parts of Montmartre.

In particular, be cautious near the Place du Tertre, Place St. Pierre (near the carousel Sacré-Coeur), and especially on the Sacré-Coeur steps.

Common scams include unlicensed roving artists charging too much for mediocre (or worse) work, “friendship bracelets” offered for free and then charged for once they’re on your wrist, and of course, standard pickpockets.

This isn’t a reason to be frightened or stay away, but keep your wits about you and your belongings close, especially when you’re in crowds!

Proceed carefully if you want to have your portrait drawn in Montmartre.

I mentioned this when discussing the famous Place du Tertre, but it bears repeating: if you want to have your portrait drawn in Montmartre, choose your artist carefully!

An artist who is seated with an easel in the Place du Tertre is licensed and approved by the city, and is your best bet for quality work.

Don’t forget to discuss the price before committing!

Consider visiting in the morning (or off-season) for the lowest crowds.

Generally speaking, a good rule of thumb for visiting Montmartre in Paris is that the earlier you arrive, the fewer crowds you’ll have to contend with.

If you are visiting Paris in the winter , then all the better: there’s far less congestion in Montmartre then.

Regardless, as one of the most popular neighborhoods to visit in Paris, it’s best to come to Montmartre expecting to be surrounded by tourists, souvenir hawkers, and more–unless, of course, you arrive at dawn.

… but watching the sunset from Montmartre is also something special.

Watching the sun set over Paris from the butte of Montmartre is a beloved tradition in Paris and a fun addition to your trip!

The views are best from the top of Sacré-Coeur’s dome, but they’re still wonderful from the steps (you can’t see the Eiffel Tower from the steps, though).

Students, ex-pats, visitors, and more all gather into a jovial crowd to watch the sunset from the steps of the Sacré-Coeur every night, and it’s a memorable experience to join in the fun (just watch your pockets closely).

If you’d prefer a little more peace and quiet, wander around until you find one of the many smaller-but-still-magical viewpoints overlooking Paris.

Don’t sit down at a restaurant without a quick check of its reviews.

In a place as popular with visitors as Montmartre, it’s inevitable that plenty of mediocre restaurants and cafes will pop up to serve them.

That’s not a reason to avoid eating in Montmartre at all, and we’ve enjoyed some lovely meals there (more on that in the FAQ section), but you’ll want to exercise the same caution here that you would when choosing restaurants near the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre.

Namely, avoid places that ask you to come inside, have a multi-lingual menu with flags printed on it out front, and (generally) that are within view of a major monument.

We like to use Google Reviews to check a place’s credentials before sitting down too–if you stick with places rated 4.1 and above, you’ll generally enjoy at least a solid (and sometimes delicious) meal without running into issues like surprise fees.

Only have time for a short visit and want to enjoy as many of the best things to do in Montmartre as possible?

Here’s a quick Montmartre walking route that we have enjoyed variations of many times!

Starting from the Anvers metro stop, head up Rue de Steinkerque until you reach Place Saint-Pierre and its beautiful carousel and view of Sacré-Coeur.

Head further uphill (ideally by passing through Square Louise Michel, though you can take the funicular as well) to the steps of Sacré-Coeur.

Enjoy the view, head inside (it’s free!), and if you’re so inclined, climb the 300 steps to the top of the dome (it’s worth it).

Afterward, circle the basilica and pay a visit to Square Marcel Bleustein Blanchet.

From there, finish encircling the church and head to the Place du Tertre, potentially ducking inside the Church of Saint-Pierre de Montmartre on your way.

Continue down Rue Norvins until you hit Le Consulat, and then right onto Rue des Saules.

In a very short time, you’ll come upon Le Clos Montmartre on your right.

Take a peek, then double back to La Maison Rose and stroll down the Rue de l’Abreuvoir until you hit Place Dalida (don’t forget to look behind you to enjoy the view!).

Head up Rue Girardon to famous Rue Lepic, and follow Rue Lepic as it curves back around and eventually meets up with Rue des Abbesses.

Right by the Abbesses metro stop, you’ll find the Wall of Love tucked inside Square Jehan Rictus (and right next to the metro stop, you’ll also find a crêperie stand that makes an excellent Nutella crepe).

From there, you can either hop on the metro and head off to another place in Paris, or double back to Rue Lepic and walk down to the Moulin Rouge (it’s about an 8-minute walk from the Wall of Love).

While this clearly doesn’t cover all of the beautiful places in Montmartre to visit, it’s an efficient way to get a memorable snapshot of Paris’ 18th arrondissement for those who may only have a few days in Paris and are working with limited time.

What’s the best way to get to Montmartre?

We covered this in more detail in the how to get to Montmartre section of this blog post, but essentially, the easiest way to get to Montmartre is to take the metro.

The Lamarck–Caulaincourt (Line 12) is another option on the north side of Montmartre, near Le Refuge.

If you want to see the Moulin Rouge on your way up, you could get off at the Pigalle stop and walk to Montmartre from there.

While there are a few other nearby metro stops and ways to access the neighborhood, Abbesses and Anvers are generally the most frequently used metro stops in/near Montmartre for visitors.

Where should I eat in Montmartre?

Montmartre has more than its fair share of mediocre restaurants aimed at tourists, so be sure to look up the reviews of anywhere you want to eat before you go!

For a special occasion, the Michelin Guide has some great suggestions!

For something unique, La Refuge des Fondus famously serves popular fondue at long, family-style tables–and serves their wine in baby bottles (yes, really).

Personally, we had tasty, casual lunches at Café de Luce and La Villa des Abbesses  and would be happy to return to either.

For a quick bite, Fric-Frac gets wonderful reviews for their variety of croque-monsieurs .

And, don’t forget to stop by Pain Pain to sample a baguette that was once voted the best in Paris!

This barely scratches the surface of Montmartre restaurants, of course, but ultimately, just be sure to check the reviews of an eatery before sitting down.

And, like elsewhere in Paris, it’s best to either make reservations or show up at opening in order to have a good chance at getting a table (in the most popular or famous places, reservations are often a must).

Is Montmartre a good place to stay in Paris?

It can be, depending on what kind of traveler you are!

We’ve stayed in Montmartre twice, first in a Hotel Bellevue Montmartre (small rooms but adequate), and most recently at the Aparthotel Adagio Paris Montmartre , which we loved!

Keep in mind that as you leave the boundaries of Montmartre itself, the nearby Pigalle area (where the Moulin Rouge is) can be a bit louder due to the nightlife, as well as a bit less refined, so keep that in mind as you’re browsing places to stay in Montmartre.

Is Montmartre worth visiting?

Yes, Montmartre is absolutely worth visiting!

Montmartre is one of Paris’ prettiest and most popular neighborhoods to visit and has been a favorite among visitors for generations.

While you’ll find more tourists than artists in this formerly bohemian neighborhood these days, that doesn’t mean it’s not still worth exploring–just that you’ll have to work a little harder to find quiet corners.

The most popular places to visit in Montmartre are typically popular for good reason, though, so don’t let the crowds scare you off (though maybe show up early to avoid the worst of them–more on that below).

Is Montmartre safe?

When it comes to staying physically safe, Montmartre is generally as safe as any other tourist destination in Paris–which is to say, statistically very safe!

However, petty crime is a different story.

Pickpocketing is a problem in Montmartre, especially in places where tourists congregate in large crowds like the steps of Sacré-Coeur and the Place du Tertre.

Definitely keep an eye on your belongings, and don’t set your bag down at a cafe or restaurant in a place you can’t easily watch it ( our favorite anti-theft backpack latches to chairs for a bit of extra safety).

Scams are also an issue, but easily avoided: don’t give anyone money, and don’t accept any “free” items from touts (friendship bracelets are frequently offered).

A simple but firm “ non, merci ” and moving on is the best way to deal with a persistent tout.

We’ve never been pickpocketed, but it does happen and we do know people who have been robbed in Montmartre.

This is absolutely not a reason to avoid Montmartre, but staying aware of your belongings and surroundings is a must.

Is Montmartre safe at night?

Montmartre is very busy and touristy, and it’s generally considered just as safe at night as it is during the day!

You’ll want to be vigilant about common scams and pickpockets, but there’s no reason not to visit Montmartre at night.

Some of our favorite memories of visiting include enjoying Montmartre in the evening.

How long does it take to see Montmartre?

Our shortest visit to Montmartre lasted a couple of hours, and our longest visit was when we based ourselves in Montmartre ( in this aparthotel , which we loved) for a week!

In other words, exploring the Montmartre neighborhood is very adaptable to however much time you do have.

Since it does take a bit of a time commitment to get there from the center of Paris, I’d recommend planning to spend at least 2 hours there to make the journey worth it.

If you have less time to spare than that, you’re probably better off enjoying one of the many other incredible things to do in Paris that are closer to the center–but then again, that depends on just how much you want to see even the tiniest sliver of Montmartre.

What’s the best time to visit Montmartre?

The most peaceful time to visit Montmartre is in the early morning, as soon after dawn as you can manage to get there!

Mornings generally have wonderful light for photography, too.

The most crowded time of day to visit Montmartre is the middle of the day and afternoon.

The evenings, including sunset, are far less peaceful than the mornings but are wonderful to experience.

What’s the best month to visit Montmartre?

As far as the season goes, the crowds in the neighborhood of Montmartre follow those in the rest of Paris: summer is the busiest, winter the most empty, and spring and fall somewhere in the middle.

There’s not a single month of the year where I’d turn down a morning in Montmartre, though!

Cherry blossom season (late March to mid-April), fall foliage season (the first half of October), and Christmas market season (late November through early January) all also bring their own perks to the neighborhood.

Regardless of which month you visit, you’ll be able to enjoy all of the typical top things to do in Montmartre, Paris, plus perhaps some seasonal attractions as well!

Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

2 thoughts on “25+ Magical Things to Do in Montmartre, Paris (+ Map & Tips!)”

Do you have any suggestions for: Monte Carlo, Monaco, Marseille, France, Sete (Montpellier) France, & Barcelona, Spain? We will be taking a fall cruise and visiting these places each for a full day of 8 hours or more. Looking for options of what to see. I really LOVE following you 2 and Ranger. Wishing you nothing but the BEST & HAPPINESS. Keep on traveling.

We’ve visited most of those, but not very in-depth for most of them (we have spent almost a week in Barcelona). We had the terrible luck of a rainy day when we were in Monaco, so didn’t get to see nearly as much of it as we would like!

I hope to publish a guide to spending one day in Barcelona sometime this spring, but in the meantime, I talk quite a bit about it in this post: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/10-days-in-spain-itinerary/

Thank you so much for following along with us! Wishing you and yours all the best. 🙂

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31 Fantastic Things to do in Montmartre – Local Insider Guide

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Are you looking for exciting things to do in Montmartre and don’t want to miss a thing in this wonderful neighborhood ? Read on! I put together a list for you with 31 things to do in Montmartre.

In this article, you also find tips on where to eat, how to avoid crowds, and how to keep yourself safe from scams.

I love Montmartre. It is one of my favorite areas in Paris and honestly, if I don’t know where to go or what to do, I always find myself heading up north to have yet another walk in the beautiful Montmartre neighborhood.

It is just never getting old and each and every time, I discover something new or rediscover something I’ve forgotten about. And this is, although I lived in Montmartre for a couple of years!

Salut, I am Lena – travel planning expert and parisienne since 2006 🩷

Montmartre is a hill in the north of Paris, famous for its artists and Bohemian culture . The hill is topped by the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, which offers stunning views over the city. The streets around the basilica are lined with art galleries and cafés, and there are often buskers and performers in the square.

In fact, Montmartre is one of the neighborhoods that Paris is most famous for . 

Whether you’re an art lover or simply want to explore an iconic Parisian neighborhood, Montmartre is definitely worth a visit. The area is full of hidden gems, surprising street art, and an incredible vibe.

But truth be told, I am not the only one who fell in love with Montmartre and if you are planning on visiting and looking for things to do in Montmartre, you should be aware of a few things.

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Practical Tips for your visit to Montmartr e

I put together this complete guide to my favorite Parisian area to help you prepare for your visit to Montmartre. This guide includes information about how to get there , but most importantly what to see in Montmartre, recommendations on where to eat in Montmartre, and also where to stay .

At the end of this article, you also find a map with all the sights, that you can easily access from your phone to guide you when you are in Montmartre. Please do also read the section on scams in Montmartre and know what you need to watch out for!

Where is Montmartre in Paris?

When you are planning your trip to Montmartre, you need to know where Montmartre is in the first place.

Well, this sounds as if Montmartre was a side trip, but the district is actually in inner Paris, in the 18th Arrondissement.

Even though it looks like, Montmartre is far away from the center, it is not really. Paris is a surprisingly small city. For example, if you walked from Montmartre to the Louvre, in the very center of Paris, it would take you only 40 minutes.

How to get to Montmartre in Paris?

As said, Paris is small, and getting to Montmartre is straightforward. If you are not staying close by and can walk to Montmartre, it’s easiest to take the Metro.

Montmartre has 2 Metro Station, Abbesses and Lamarck-Caulaincourt . Both services by Line 12.

But this being said, the Metro Stations Place Blanche, Pigalle and Anvers of Metro Line 2 are just a stone’s throw away, and so is Barbès-Rochéchouart of Line 4 and Place de Clichy , Line 13

Funiculaire de Montmartre

When you are in Montmartre, you have also the option to ride a special train: The Funiculaire de Montmartre . Originally built in 1900, it is the only remaining funicular in Paris. The ride itself is short, but it gives a great view of the city.

The cars are small and often crowded, but it is still a fun ride. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to experience something different in Paris or who simply can’t or doesn’t want to walk all these stairs!

When to visit Montmartre?

Montmartre is of course fantastic no matter the season.

Be it in spring , with the first warm Sundays and the beautiful blossoms popping up everywhere, or in summer with outdoor picnics in front of the Sacré Coeur for nighttime Apéros . But also autumn , with its wonderful fall foliage that is especially nice in the lush Montmartre hill, and winter , with fewer crowds but mulled wine and hot chocolates.

Even though the seasons are not influencing the pleasure of a trip to Montmartre, the day and time certainly are.

As a rule of thumb: favor weekdays over weekends and mornings over afternoons. 

Montmartre is a very popular neighborhood. If you visit on a sunny afternoon on a weekend, you might find yourself being shoved through the narrow cobblestone alleys, while you probably walk them alone on a Tuesday morning.

Well, I know that most of us are traveling over weekends and are not having too much of a choice when it comes to “avoiding the crowds”. A good compromise is, however, to simply visit as early as possible. 

Beware of the Scams in Montmartre!

Montmartre is a touristic hotspot, and you need to keep your eyes open to not fall for one of the popular scams that are going on there. Of course, there are as well pickpockets. I summed up briefly in the following the most common scams in Montmartre. However, I recommend you take a look at my post that explains in detail all Scams in Paris. 

Signature Scam

A group of -mostly- girls will ask you to sign a petition, sometimes they pretend to be deaf. While you sign their petition, you are very likely to be robbed without you noticing it. They won’t physically harm you or be violent. You see them especially on the stairs when going up or down to the Sacre Coeur.

Just keep on walking. Don’t stop, don’t engage, simply ignore them but keep your valuables close.

Bracelet Scam

I am not 100% certain to call this one really a scam, it is rather a sneaky way to force you to buy something. This scam goes like this: You walk up or down the stairs from the Sacre Coeur, and a person will take your wrists and start knotting a friendship bracelet around. Once he’s done, he wants you to pay a little sum for it.

If you know they are there, you’ll see them from far. Keep your hands close to your body or tuck them in your pockets. They are not dangerous, but rather friendly, chatty, and smiling. Just firmly walk past them, and they will leave you alone.

TukTuk Scam

This is a new scam in Paris. On all sights are guys waiting in TukTuks and offering to give you a ride. Typical tourists rides, from one sight to another. Looks like fun and the price seems fair. Just when you arrive, they will show you a sign, that the price is actually per Person, not per ride. I believe they are linked to organized crime. My advice: Don’t take TukTuk rides, unless arranged beforehand with an agency.

Is Montmarte Safe?

Montmartre is a very touristic place and overall safe to walk around day and night , especially the area between Sacre Coeur, Abbesses, and Rue Lepic. But it’s a thing everywhere in Paris, that you are in a safe area, and you turn around two corners, and you see a complete change of scenery.

Montmartre is no exception. This being said and to put it in perspective, it isn’t a no-go area, far from it. Especially during the daytime. But if you are worried, just stay in the center of Montmartre and don’t walk out to the East.

I am talking especially about the area around and in between the Metro Stations Barbès – Rochechouart and Château d’Eau. But believe me, it is very unlikely that you end up there accidentally.

When visiting Montmartre, keep in mind, that Pigalle is just there as well. Pigalle is the Redlight District of Paris. While completely fine during the daytime, there is a lot of Party going on in the evening, and you might want to stay away if you are with children or uncomfortable around nudity.

Where to eat in Montmartre

Montmartre is famed for its street cafés and restaurants and is perfect for taking the occasion to enjoy lunch or dinner in this gorgeous neighborhood.

However, there is a plethora of restaurants in Montmartre to choose from, and to be honest, many of them are tourist places, especially around Place de Tertre

While I cannot comment on the quality of the food, you certainly pay for the location. It’s safe to assume, that the higher you get on the hill, the more tourists and the fewer locals.

Personally, I ate in two restaurants in Montmartre and I feel comfortable recommending both of them:

La Maison Rose

I was hesitant, to be honest when booking a table at the famous La Maison Rose , half expecting to be served an overpriced low-quality meal. But not at all, it was wonderful.

The setting is of course incredible, but the service was also very friendly and attentive, and the food: excellent. My friend and I shared a vegan mezze as starters, and I had the plat du jour as a main, which was chicken, with a delicious honey and lemon sauce.

They also serve vegan and vegetarian dishes .  The restaurant is not a cheap eatery, but it was not outrageous either. I paid for half a starter, the main, and a glass of wine €30.

Comptoir Breizh

If you are looking for a more casual place that does not require a reservation and which is also a bit more budget-friendly, the Comptoir Breizh is a solid choice.

It’s located on Rue des Abbesses, right by the Metro Station Abbesses, a bit off the touristic buzz and with more local vibes. It is a classic Crêperie with savory and sweet crêpes and savory galettes. I ate there many times already and always enjoyed it.

In case you never heard of Galettes, they are a French main dish from the Brittany region.  They are made from buckwheat flour and are usually savory, with fillings that vary depending on region and personal preference, but commonly include ham, cheese, and egg.

Other popular places in Montmartre are these, I did not eat there myself, though:

• Le Consulat – one of the iconic & historic restaurants in Montmartre and a good address for classic French dishes: snails, onion soup, omelet, and Croque Monsieur. Address: 18 Rue Norvins, 75018 Paris
• Bouillon Pigalle –  There is no more traditional place to eat in Paris than in a Bouillon . These cheap eateries serve classic French dishes at a very low price, and they almost disappeared from the gastronomic landscape. But for a few years, they experience a revival and are so popular today, that there is always a massive queue.  Address: 22 Bd de Clichy, 75018 Paris
• Grenouille Paris : – quick bites and raclette Sandwiches. Address : 55 rue du chevalier de la Barre 75018 Paris

30 Things to do in Montmartre

Montmartre is truly one of the most wonderful areas of Paris. No matter how much and little time you have in Paris, you always should make sure to plan in a few hours to explore Montmartre.

Montmartre has almost an overload of charming sites, historical attractions, and cute alleys to stroll through. To make sure you are not missing anything, here is my list of 25 things to do in Montmartre!

#1 Visit the Basilica Sacre Coeur

The Sacre Coeur is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Paris. The church is located in the Montmartre district, on a hill that offers stunning views of the city. The Basilica was built in the late 19th century, and its white stone facade and onion-shaped domes are truly iconic and a centerpiece in the Parisian skyline.

You can explore the church’s interior, admire the stained-glass windows, you can even climb to the top of the bell tower for even more incredible views.

It’s a bit of work to climb there, but the view… oh the view. It’s worth all the struggle!

#2 Visit the Montmartre Cemetery

Paris is known for its cemeteries, and maybe it is a bit morbid, but the Parisian graveyards are rather popular tourist attractions. To be fair, they are one of a kind. Maybe you are planning already to visit the famous Père Lachaise Cemetery

then it is important to know that the Montmartre cemetery is the 3rd biggest in Paris and that notable personalities are buried there. For example, the French Impressionist Edgar Degas, Émile Zolà, and also the singer Dalida.

Many believe even Alexandre Dumas, the creator of the Three Musketeers, is buried in the Montmartre Cemetery, but that’s actually not the case. He is in the Panthéon.

#3 Say I Love You at “Le Mur de Je T’aime”

The “ I love you wall ” is basically what the name suggests: A wall filled with “I love you” – 311 times to be exact and in 250 languages. Well, it’s maybe not the most spectacular monument you can find in Paris, but there’s never anything wrong with love and neither with celebrating it.

It’s also a perfect place to snap a selfie with your loved one 🙂 You find the wall in a little park just next to the Metro Station Abbesses.

#4 Explore Montmartre with the “Petit Train”

If you absolutely want to make sure you miss nothing in Montmartre but are not especially up for exploring the hilltop neighborhood on foot, board the Little Train of Montmartre ! It’s a rather budget-friendly thing to do in Paris and a great way if you don’t have much time, but you don’t want to miss the quintessence of Montmartre either.

#5 Visit the Musée de Montmartre

This small but fine museum is absolutely unmissable if you are interested in the history of Montmartre and are keen on understanding where that special Montmartre flair is coming from.

The Museum is located on top of the hill, between the Basilica Sacre Coeur and La Maison Rose, and consists of several parts.

The museum itself is about the history of the renowned artist quarter , with many artworks and original pieces on display. But you have also the chance to attend a little shadow theater spectacle, which is adorable and interesting, and take a coffee or tea in the beautiful Café Renoir that belongs to the museum.

But that’s not all. To the Musée de Montmartre belongs a beautiful, lush garden that is inviting you to stay a bit and from where you have fantastic views over the Montmartre Vineyards.

And finally, you can visit the Atelier and the home of Suzanne Valdron and Maurice Utrillo.

#6 Watch the Street Artists of Montmartre

In Montmartre, you find Art at every corner. Of course, galleries, and painters, but also street art, performance artists, and living statues. Keep your eyes open! Or better: Take a seat on the stairs below the Sacre Coeur and enjoy the show!

Editors Tip: There are often flying traders around that are selling drinks and I usually buy something from them. It is surely controversial and a bit more expensive than if you stock up in a nearby supermarket. But I see the elevated price as a service fee for having a drink delivered directly to my hand. Either way, I don’t see them as scammers.

#7 Eat ice cream at Bachir

If you are up for a sweet dessert or just a little snack, you can’t miss the ice creams from Bachir . The Lebanese ice cream parlor serves the most delicious organic ice creams, and you should not miss their specialty: Fleur d’Oranger flavored ice cream with crushed pistachios.

#8 See a Cabaret Show at the Moulin Rouge

The famous Cabaret Moulin Rouge belongs to Montmartre, like the artists or the Sacre Coeur. If you visit the Musée de Montmartre, you learn tons of interesting stories about the early days of the Parisian Cabarets, but visiting actually one of them, certainly goes a step further.

Book your tickets well in advance – it sells out quick!

Customize our Moulin Rouge visit:

• Moulin Rouge late-night show with Champagne – check  here for availability
• class up your cabaret experience with a 3 Course Dinner and Champagne – find more info here
• Enjoy the show as a VIP from a private balcony – priority access, champagne, and Macarons/Chocolates included – check the package here

#9 Visit the last Vineyard of Montmartre

Paris has around 10 vineyards that are still operated, and the most famous of them is in Montmartre. While you can’t actually go ON the vineyard, you can still take a look at it and see the grapes and be surprised that there is actually a working vineyard on the south hill of Montmartre. I think that’s spectacular!

If you wonder now where to buy a bottle of wine from this magnificent little vineyard, I have to disappoint you. The more or less 500l of wine that is produced are auctioned once a year and the benefit goes to local social initiatives.

#10 Look for the Filming Locations from Amélie

One of the loveliest films about Paris is certainly Amélie. If you think you as well, you should head to the Café des 2 Moulins, the café where Amélie worked as a waitress. You find it at 15, rue Lepic, 75018 Paris.

#11 Snap a Picture of La Maison Rose

The Maison Rose is probably one of the most Instagrammable spots in Paris, and rightly so! The house sticks out with its pale rose paint and ivy-covered walls.

La Maison Rose was bought by the Catalan painter Ramon Pichot in the very early 20th century. He used it as his studio, but also welcomed his friend Picasso and Dalí there. However, it was his wife Germaine Gargallo , a well-known figure of Montmartre and model to many painters, who painted it rose and opened the restaurant “La Maison Rose”.

#12 Shake Hands with the Passe Muraille

The Passe-Muraille is one of the surprising landmarks in the Montmartre district of Paris. The life-sized bronze statue is a tribute to Marce Aymé, writer of the famous French novel  “The Passe-Muraille”,  “The Man Who Walked Through Walls”.

The protagonist of this novel discovers that he obtained the ability to pass through walls and uses his newly found talent to commit all sorts of crimes. He, unfortunately, loses his superpowers just when he is .. well, passing through a wall, as you witness for yourself on Pl. Marcel Aymé in 75018, Paris.

#13 Get your painting done at Place Du Tertre

This place near the summit and just next to the Sacre Coeur is quite likely the square you have in mind when thinking about painters at Montmartre. Whether you want to get your portrait done or not – it’s fun to watch the artists at work!

#14 Find all 3 Windmills of Montmartre

Maybe you’re asked yourself already, why the Moulin Rouge is called like that, and what’s the story about the windmill on the roof of this famous cabaret anyway? Well, in the early 20th century, Montmartre had up to 30 windmills! They were used to grinding flour and grapes and were the characteristic symbol of the elevated Montmartre area.

You can see the windmills in many paintings in the Musée Montmartre, by the way!

Anyway, only 2 windmills survived the hands of time :

• The Moulin de la Galette , also known as Blute-Fin Windmill, was constructed in 1622. It is actually the only functioning windmill in Paris, but in private hands and not accessible by the public
• and the Moulin du Radet from 1717 , which is a restaurant today.

The 3rd one would be the windmill on top of the Moulin Rouge, but I am uncertain if that counts 🙂

#15 Visit the Dalí Museum

The Espace Dalí is an unforgettable experience for any art lover. The museum near Place du Tertre in Montmartre houses 300 original pieces, among others three-dimensional sculptures representing some of the best-known surrealistic paintings by Salvador Dalí.

#16 Look for Space Invaders

Maybe you have never heard of Space Invader, but I am 100% sure you’ve already seen them. Little colorful Mosaics that are attached to houses and walls and that are showing little figures. Well, these are Space Invaders and you find them all over Paris.

The fun thing is, that you can collect them using an App called Flash Invaders, and there are many of them in Montmartre.

#17 Attend the Vine Harvest Fest

If you are in Paris in early autumn, don’t miss the annual grape harvest fest, La fête des Vendange .

it’s a wonderful festival located in Montmartre with solely one purpose: eat and drink! Well, it actually celebrates the harvest of the grapes and the wine of Paris, but you mainly eat and drink. You can read more about La Fête des Vendanges here

For 2024, the dates of La Fête des Vendange are not yet communicated

#18 Visit Église Saint Pierre de Montmartre

The Église Saint Pierre de Montmartre is one of the most beautiful churches in all of Paris, and it’s definitely worth a visit. The construction of this church started in 1133, and it is one of the oldest surviving churches in Paris.

It’s located right next to the Sacre Coeur, at 2 Rue du Mont-Cenis, 75018 Paris.

#19 Take a Walking Tour with a local

Frankly, there is no better place in Paris for a walking tour than Montmartre. Roaming around on your own in Montmartre is great, but you will only scratch slightly on the surface.

Montmartre is so full of charming hidden gems, anecdotes, history, and art. It is impossible to discover all this on your accord and to fully understand this quirky and surprising neighborhood. And the good news is: these tours are more than affordable!

If you are opt-in for a walking tour through Montmartre, you have 3 options:

#1 Montmartre Guided Walking Tour (on average 15€ p/P)

You can book this tour here

During this 2-3 hours walk through Montmartre, your local tour guide will share with you tons of interesting facts and stories about this fantastic artistic neighborhood.

You will explore the most important sights of Montmartre, but also the hidden gems. It’s the perfect tour to get an overall in-depth impression and background info of Montmartre and its highlights, without spending too much time aimlessly wandering around. Click here for details on prices and availabilities. 

#2 Montmartre for Foodies: Cheese, Wine and Pastry Tour

Do you want to learn about the history of Montmartre but want to sample as well authentic French treats? Then this 3-hour foodie tour through Montmartre is perfect for you.

Indulge in delicious French pastries, and sample exquisite french cheese, cold cuts, and wine while your local expert guide unveils the magic of Montmartre for you. Discover Montmartre, culinary and historically! Get details about prices and availabilities here.

#3 Montmartre: Romantic Exploration Game (Budget Tour)

Book this self-guided tour here

If you are seeking a budget option to discover Montmartre, that is also fun and engaging. Then you have to check out this Romantic Montmartre Exploration Game. 

You not only learn about Montmartre, and its history while following clues and hints, you’ll be unlocking the cute love story of a couple trying to reconnect in the city of love. Sounds interesting? Get more details here.

Are you traveling to Paris on a budget? Browse through these articles for the best tips:

• 21 Simple Ways to Save Money in Paris
• 70+ Free & Fun Things to do in Paris
• 5 most convenient Ibis Hotels in Paris

#20 Have a Café in one of the Street Cafés

You have not really been to Montmartre if you did not take the time to sit on a terrace, sipping a café and watching the world go by.

#21 Take the Funicularie de Montmartre

Montmartre is a hillside village on Paris highest elevation: The Butte de Montmartre, with 128.6 m. It is only understandable, that walking up the many stairs to the Basilica Sacre Coeur is not everyone’s idea of fun, especially if you’ve done already quite some walking in the previous days.

Luckily, there is the Funiculaire de Montmartre . It’s not going all the way up but helps skip the last steps to the top.  As the funicular is part of the public transport system, you can use a regular metro ticket for access.

#22 Visit the beautiful Halle Saint Pierre

The Halle Saint Pierre is yet another spot in Montmartre that will look great on your Instagram profile. But apart from being a pretty building, it is first of all an cultural place: A bookstore , a café, a museum, and a gallery.

It hosts the permanent exhibition of d’art naïf Max Fourny, but  also often temporary events and exhibitions.

#23 See the Buste de Dalida

Dalida was a very famous and celebrated French singer. Despite being internationally successful, she suffered several private tragedies that led her to end her life in 1987. Dalida lived and died in Montmartre and if you visit the Montmartre Cemetery, you can pay your respects at her grave.

The Buste de Dalida on the lower end of Rue de l’Abreuvoir is Paris paying homage to her.

#24 Snap a picture of the two vintage Carousels of Montmartre

You probably know about the carousel at the bottom of the Sacre Coeur because you have seen it in so many pictures. But did you know that there is a second one just next to the Metro Station Abbesses, by the Mur des Je T’Aimes?

#25 Watch the Sunset over Paris

Thanks to the elevated location of Montmarte, the area is THE perfect spot to see the sunset. Find a place on the stairs of the Sacre Coeur, or elsewhere, and enjoy the sky changing its colors.

By the way, the sunrise is stunning as well!

#26 Walk the prettiest street of Paris: Rue de l’Abreuvoir

Rue de l’Abreuvoir is known to be the most gorgeous street in Paris and while I did not see every street yet, it’s easy to believe it. With the Maison Rose on top and the Dalida Buste below, the little curved street is the perfect photo to post with one of these brilliant Paris Instagram Captions .

#27 Have a cocktail in one of the world’s Best Cocktail Bars

I am not exaggerating, the Dirty Dick is indeed listed as one of the 50 World’s Best Cocktail Bars, and it is just at Pigalle, in Montmartre.

Are you interested in Nightlife in Paris? Don’t miss these articles:

• 5 Cocktail Bars in Paris you need to try!
• Secret bars in Paris discover Paris speakeasies!
• 30+ Memorable Things to do in Paris at Night

#28 Take a picture of the Sinking House

I feel silly adding it here because it is… silly. But I want this guide to be complete, so…did you know that there is a house just next to the Sacre Coeur that, depending on your angle, looks as if it is sinking into the ground? Admittedly, it does like it.

#29 Don’t be scared of the Abbesses Metro Station

I see the Abbesses Metro Station often popping up on lists of things NOT to do in Paris and to be honest, it took me a while to understand why. I thought it was maybe too creepy or too dark, dirty perhaps? No, it’s because of the stairs!

Abbesses is the only Metro Station that is under Montmartre and hence, you need to get up to see daylight. 36 m to be exact, through a spiral staircase, but you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful Belle Epoche Metro station!

You can also take the elevator, though, just prepare yourself for queuing.

#30 Find the hidden Lantern in Autumn

This sounds a bit similar to the sunken house, right? If you visit Paris in Autumn and you find yourself strolling around Montmartre, you might be stumbling upon a queue that formed in front of a street lantern. Then you know, you’ve found it. The lantern is half overgrown by Ivy which shines in the nicest colors of red during Autumn and became famous on Instagram.

Don’t think I am mocking anyone, I absolutely was in that queue already:

#31 See a Show at the Lapin Agile

The Cabaret Au Lapin Agile has been a Paris institution since it first opened its doors in 1860. Originally, the cabaret was known as the “Rendez-Vous of the Thieves” and later on the “Cabarat des Assasins”(it does hint that Montmartre was a rather tougher spot, doesn’t it?).

Later, it was renamed after a sign painted by Andre Gill which depicted a nimble rabbit leaping over a fence.

Throughout the years, the cabaret has been frequented by many well-known artists and writers, including Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh. Today, it remains a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, offering a glimpse into traditional French cabaret culture .

If you’re looking for an evening of entertainment with a bit of history, be sure to check out the Cabaret Au Lapin Agile.

Map of Montmartre: The top sights

Knowing the best sights is one thing, finding them when exploring Montmartre on your own is another. To make it easier for you, I marked all sights I mentioned in this article on this map.

To save for yourself, just click on the little square in the upper right (maybe it’s supposed to be a camera symbol) or send it to your email address via the share button.

Where to stay in Montmartre

For a complete hotel guide of Montmartre, check out this post.

Without being biased, the Montmartre neighborhood is a great location to stay when spending your vacation in Paris. There are plenty of things to do and see, and there is surely some hype, but after all, Montmartre is just a lovely neighborhood.

If you chose Montmartre as your base, you can take a peek behind the tourist destination and discover the real neighborhood. Where its inhabitants buy their Baguette at the local boulangerie and do their groceries at the merchants of Rue Lepic.

It’s a gorgeous quarter and staying there while in Paris is certainly nothing you’d regret.

If you are looking for a Hotel in Paris, you will be interested in these articles:

• 14 Hotels with stunning Eiffel Tower views- for (almost) every budget!
• Top 14 Hotels in Paris with a Balcony
• Paris neighbourhood guides

As I wrote a bit earlier, Montmartre can be a bit rough on the edges, and many Hotels ad Montmartre to their name, even though they are not in the district, at all.

To have you on the safe side when looking for a hotel in Montmartre , I did some research and found these hotels, that are absolutely gorgeous and exactly where you like them to be:

Hostel: Le Village Montmartre by Hiphophostels

If you’re looking for a great base to explore Paris without breaking the bank, look no further than the Le Village Montmartre! This Hostel is just a 10-minute walk from the Sacre Coeur, and it’s located in a safe area. The hotel has air conditioning, which is great for hot summer days. Plus, the Metro is very close by, so you can easily get around the city.

→ Check for availabilities & rates on Booking.com or Agoda

Budget: Regyn’s Montmartre

The Regyn’s Montmartre Hotel is a great place to stay when visiting Paris. It’s centrally located right by the Place des Abbesses, and some of the rooms have stunning views of the Sacre Coeur or the Eiffel Tower. The metro is right in front of the hotel, so it’s easy to get around and explore the rest of Paris. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the rooms are clean and comfortable.

Midrange: Hotel Basss

The Hotel Bass is a great place to stay when visiting Paris. It’s located on beautiful Rue Lepic, a central road a little off the buzz but surrounded by many cute cafés and restaurants. The Sacre Coeur is 10 minutes away, and the Metro station Abbesses is only 200 m away.

Upscale: Terrass” Hotel

The Terrass” Hotel in Paris is a great 4-star hotel with fantastic views of the Eiffel Tower . The hotel is elegant and has a rooftop terrace where you can enjoy the views even more. The hotel is also conveniently located near many attractions and restaurants. I definitely recommend staying here if you’re looking for a great place to stay in Paris!

Luxury: Hôtel Particulier Montmartre 

The Hôtel Particulier Montmartre is a charming luxury hotel located in a beautiful garden in the heart of Montmartre. The hotel has a restaurant and bar with a good cocktail menu. The Hotel’s garden is a great place to relax after a day of sightseeing and enjoy the calm. The rooms are spacious and airy, and the staff is friendly and helpful. Overall, the Hôtel Particulier Montmartre is a great choice for a relaxing and sumptuous stay in Paris.

Are you staying longer in the area and need a home base? Check out Perfectly Paris!  Gail is renting out beautiful apartments – starting at 3 months!

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FAQ: Things to do in Montmartre

Montmartre is known for its artistic history, the Basilica Sacre Coeur, and its unique flair as a result of cobbled stone alleys, stunning views and street artists.

Yes, Montmartre gives you one of the nicest views of the Eiffel Tower.

Yes, the weekends and afternoons are usually very crowded. If you want to avoid the crowds, visit Montmartre as early as possible.

Allow at least 2 hours for your Montmartre visit. If you sit down for a drink, visit a museum and the Sacre Coeur, plan in 4h.

PS: Check out these posts, they will help you plan your trip to Paris

• 20 Arrondissements in Paris (Quick Guide + Map)
• Paris hidden gems: 80+ well kept secrets you shouldn’t miss
• What NOT to do in Paris -23 (costly) Paris Mistakes you need to avoid!
• Your Perfect 2 Days in Paris! Itinerary & Insider Tips
• 5 ways to get from Charles de Gaulle airport to Paris – THE complete guide!
• Scams in Paris! How to avoid the most common cons

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Home > Paris Hidden Gems > Our Secret Map of Montmartre, Paris

Our Secret Map of Montmartre, Paris

In many aspects, Montmartre, Paris , is still a neighborhood stepped back in time. This charming village was annexed to the French Capital only in 1860.

Previously, in the 18th century, Montmartre was a holiday resort for the wealthy bourgeois. Then it became the epicenter for new Bohemian artists until the beginning of the twentieth century.

While the Haut de Butte (upper Montmartre) remained quite rural, the Bas Montmartre (lower Montmartre) unleashed the crazy interloped nights of the most famous Parisian cabarets .

Now entirely devoted to the entertainment of tourists, Montmartre has nevertheless managed to maintain a certain authenticity thanks to the preservation of its village buildings and some traditions and festivals.

If you visit Paris Montmartre for the first time, our self-guided Stories of Old Montmartre Walking Tour is a good start. But to fully appreciate the Butte (the ‘hill’ for the locals), go off the beaten path. Below, our Secret map of Montmartre Paris , with our favorite places to see in Montmartre and some Montmartre hidden gems to truly discover the soul of this iconic neighborhood in Paris.

Montmartre Practical Information

How to get to montmartre, paris.

Two metro lines operate within Montmartre Hill, lines 12 (green) and 2 (blue).

Montmartre is a hilly neighborhood with many staircases and cobbled streets. If you want to get to Montmartre from the airport and have a lot of luggage, we recommend booking a private, door-to-door transfer service like Welcome .

Where to Eat & Sleep in Paris Montmartre?

Our Secret Montmartre Map

Visit some beautiful hidden gems in Montmartre with the help of this secret Montmartre map. This Montmartre Paris map is not a walking tour of Montmartre, but the points on the map are listed to optimize walking distances.

Click here to view this map on Google

1. La Montmartroise

The first point of this map of Montmartre is La Montmartroise , in Square Carpeaux. This is a statue by Théophile Camel (1863-1911), an artist of the Butte Montmartre who was largely inspired in his work by anonymous people who crossed in the street.

The Montmartroise is one of those allegorical figures of popular Paris set up across the city at the start of the 20th century, before the First World War. Dressed in the fashion of the 1900s, with a simple hairstyle, a marked waist, and stole on the shoulders, La Montmartroise is the kind of young lady that we could meet in the Montmartre of the 1900s.

In the sculpture’s composition, we can see some symbols of the neighborhood like a drum, a mill half-erased by time, a painter’s palette, and its brushes.

2. Eternal Locals

The Montmartre Cemetery (20 Avenue Rachel) is the third biggest cemetery in Paris, after Père Lachaise and Montparnasse cemeteries. It opened its doors in 1825, and it looks pretty much like Père Lachaise but with the particularity of being crossed by the metallic bridge of Caulaincourt, built in 1888.

Montmartre’s cemetery definitely has a much more local feeling than the Père Lachaise, with many trees (maple, chestnut, lime, and cedar trees) and a few tourists. Some world celebrities and Montmartre artists chose to rest forever in this neighborhood particularly dear to them and today you can pay your respects to people like the singer Dalida, Alexandre Dumas (son), Degas, Stendhal, François Truffaut, Rose Alphonsine Plessis (la Dame aux Camélias), or La Goulue (cabaret dancer and model for Toulouse Lautrec).

3. Mediterranean Colors in Montmartre

There are still many secret spots, hidden gems in Montmartre; you just need to know where to look. Now we are in Pigalle , along the busy Boulevard de Clichy with its gloomy souvenir shops, neon lights, sex shops, and surrounded by a constant stream of tourists and dubious fauna attracted by naughty establishments.

On number 48, the boulevard opens up on a pretty Parisian street named the Cité du Midi , a verdant dead end only a few meters long.

The Cité du Midi is a picturesque street – barely discernible from the boulevard – , the succession of a few old houses in pastel colors, workshops, and an abundance of plants. It is also home to the former Baths of Pigalle .

La Cité du Midi is a beautiful reminiscent of the south of France and a bubble of peace in the crazy Bas de Montmartre.

4. The Locals’ Backstage

Pigalle is also the headquarters of the iconic cabaret Moulin Rouge , featuring the famous cancan dance and more. Hidden behind its wings, there’s the Bar à Bulles (4bis Cité Veron), a timeless place nestled in the Cité Veron perfect for a cold tea in a warm afternoon of June.

A true Parisian lull, this rooftop bar-terrace is populated with Japanese maples and plunges us into an intimate bubble of peace all year round. On weekends, don’t miss their fantastic brunch served on the terrace or inside the bar.

5. La Boutique des Anges

If you are following the points of this Secret Montmartre map, now it is time to climb the Butte. Montmartre is the kind of place where locals can still find small bookshops, thrift shops, and cute gift shops. Here, even the angels have their own address; L a Boutique des Anges shop is entirely dedicated to them!

Jewelry, home accessories, lamps, trinkets, cards, bookstore, candles, and even hand-made creations, fall for this little paradise on earth. Address: 2 rue Yvonne le Tac.

6. Medieval Remains and Medicinal Plants

The Jardin des Abbesses (10, Place des Abbesses) is one of the most secret places to see in Montmartre, often protected by a padlocked gate.

In medieval times, this site was occupied by an abbey of nuns (hence the name) who inhabited this place until the French Revolution when the abbey was destroyed, and the last abbess ended up under the guillotine. The old woman, deaf and blind, was condemned for having conspired ‘secretly and blindly.’ Not bad, right?

The garden tries to recreate the atmosphere of a medieval cloister, with a well in the center and surrounded by medicinal plants, well known for their healing properties.

Access to this garden is often restricted, and you need to be very lucky to find it open when you pass by, but it is worth a try!

7. Le Studio 28

Described by Jean Cocteau as the ‘cinema of masterpieces, and the masterpiece of cinemas,’ Le Studio 28 opened in 1928 as Paris’ first avant-garde cinema, and it was a favorite meeting place of surrealists like Luis Buñuel, Salvador Dalí, Abel Gance, and Jean Cocteau.

Classified ‘Art & Essay,’ this neighborhood cinema is the oldest Parisian cinema still in operation, which offers a mix of independent and big-budget European and American films today.

Run by the family Roulleau since 1948, its owners haven’t stopped to entertain and innovate. They started programming different films in the same week and proposed a preview every Tuesday, which welcomed the biggest cinema stars over the years. In 1969 Le Studio 28 was the first to create a loyalty card.

Studio 28 is more than a cinema; it’s a real place of life in Montmartre. There’s also a bar and a winter garden for drinks (with or without the movies). Address: 10 Rue Tholozé

8. Chez Plumeau

The bistro Chez Plumeau is located on Place du Calvaire, a stone’s throw from Espace Dalí and a bit away from the perpetual hustle and bustle of Montmartre.

Place du Calvaire is a pretty square, quiet, picturesque, and with a great view of the Eiffel Tower. The stairway – rue du Calvaire is very picturesque too.

Chez Plumeau replaced the former Auberge du Coucou , a famous cabaret much loved by the Montmartre artists in the 1950s. Today it offers decent French food and one of the most beautiful terraces in Montmartre.

Have lunch or just a drink in the shade of a graceful hundred-year-old wisteria. This terrace is delightful in the summer but also in winter when it is covered and heated. Inside, old stones, light brown paneling, and dark wood furniture give the place a warm Savoyard chalet atmosphere.

UPDATE: the centenary wisteria was cut : -((

9. Dear Freedom

The Square Nadar pays homage to the photographer Félix Tournachon (1820-1910), nicknamed Nadar, pioneer of photography in France and the world. This is a quiet, beautiful square, the seat of one of Montmartre’s reservoirs built in the Neo-Byzantine style of the Sacré-Coeur. There are sophoras, oaks, and trees from Judea too.

The statue on the square represents the knight Jean-François de la Barre , a native of Abbeville near Amiens. The knight was very interested in the philosophy of Voltaire and the Enlightenment in general and frequented the anti-religious and protest circles of Abbeville. The Chevalier de la Barre was beheaded and burned in 1766 for refusing to take off his hat when a religious procession passed.

There’s a long story behind this process which would deserve a whole article that involves Voltaire and a country amid the war against the Enlightenment philosophers and the Encyclopedists. However, everybody agrees on the disproportion between the offense and the punishment executed.

Poor Chevalier de la Barre had to wait until the French Revolution to see his memory rehabilitated. Today, many streets and statues in France bear in mind this tragic judicial episode. The statue at Square Nadar represents him looking towards the Sacré-Cœur Basilica . And, of course, he has his hat on…

10. The Oldest Street of Montmartre

Rue Saint Rustique is the highest point on this map of Montmartre Paris. Rue Saint Rustique is not only remarkable for its beauty, but it is also the oldest street on the Butte! The street has existed since the Middle Ages, although at that time it was only a simple dirt road, marking the border between the seigneuries of Saint-Denis and Montmartre.

Immortalized by many artists, Rue Saint Rustique remains one of the most picturesque and authentic Montmartre streets, with a fantastic view over the Sacré Coeur. Despite being in the heart of Montmartre, parallel to busy Rue Norvins, this is the kind of quiet street that locals take to avoid the herds of tourists.

Rue Saint Rustique – 110 m long and 2.60 m wide – was the first street in Paris to officially become a pedestrian street in 1973.

On 18 Rue Saint Rustique, we find La Bonne Franquette . Formerly known as Aux Billards en Bois, the establishment was the meeting place for the Impressionists. Its garden served as a model for Van Gogh for his painting ‘La Guinguette,’ exhibited at the Louvre Museum. It is said that Charles Aznavour lived in the building, in a small apartment on the first floor.

11. Rue Maurice Utrillo

Rue Maurice Utrillo is our favorite stairway-street in Paris, with its colored houses and its great perspective of the Sacré Coeur, perched right above it.

In 1963, this stairway street, previously part of Rue Muller, took the name of the painter Maurice Utrillo , who illustrated Montmartre (and this street) so well.

At the foot of the stairway, rue Paul Albert, there’s l’Eté en Pente Douce , a restaurant with a lively terrace perfect for eating outside when the weather is nice. This restaurant replaced a 19th-century boulangerie, and it has kept the original painted glass ceilings.

At the top of the stairway, there was a popular restaurant – La Savoyarde – from which Maurice Utrillo painted different perspectives of this street that later will bear his name.

Rue Utrillo ends there. You just have to cross rue Lamarck, climb a final staircase, and reach the parvis of the Basilica, from where you will discover the swell of the roofs of Paris.

12. Montmartre’s Milky Way

‘I can never decide whether Paris is more beautiful by day or by night…’ says Marion Cotillard, while descending the stairway on Rue de Chevalier de la Barre, in Woody Allen’s movie ‘Midnight in Paris.’

The truth is that Paris is beautiful at all times, but at night, Paris can also be magical.

The stairway on Rue du Chevalier de la Barre offers a great perspective of the Sacré Coeur, perched right above it. But the stairway’s most fascinating secret comes to light after dark.

Each evening, as night falls, the stairway gets illuminated by hundreds of blue and white stars (little light spots), engraved in the slope of the hill. The left side represents the star constellations seen in the Parisian sky on January 1 st . The right side portrays the position of the stars, as seen on July 1 st .

The creator of this ‘milky way’ is the cinematographer and Montmartrois Henri Alekan – who did not choose the location by chance:  ‘When you look at the Rue du Chevalier de la Barre from below, you see the starry slopes, inclined at thirty degrees. Your gaze is then inevitably brought up. You take in the dome of The Sacré Coeur, and, ultimately, your eyes reach the sky. Then they slowly ebb back to the ground and to the stairway, which in turn, becomes heaven’.

Don’t miss your chance to walk ‘between heaven and sky’ during one of the warm summer nights in Paris Montmartre.

13. A Picnic with a View

If you are following the points of our Secret Montmartre map, here’s the perfect chance for a break. The quiet Parc de la Turlure is one of the locals’ favorite green spaces in Montmartre, offering its visitors a breathtaking view of the Sacré Coeur and the Montmartre district. It is located at the corner of rue de la Bonne and rue du Chevalier de la Barre, and it is one of the best spots for a picnic in Paris with a view.

The name comes from that of the 13th windmill of Montmartre, le moulin de la Turlure , built in 1770. The windmill was mined by quarrying – this was the fate of many mills in Montmartre, weakened by quarries when they did not swallow them up – and it was finally destroyed in 1827.

Then, between 1853 and 1860, the site was occupied by a guinguette called the Solferino tower.

The park is officially called Square Bleustein-Blanchet (that’s the name that you will find on maps and GPS), but the locals still talk about the Parc de la Turlure.

14. Saint-Vincent Cemetery

Le Cimitière Saint-Vincent is the second cemetery of Montmartre and the most Montmartrois of all, with a very special atmosphere. It opened in 1831 to replace the old Calvaire Cemetery, which was insufficient for the local population. Dedicated to Saint Vincent, the saint patron of the winegrowers, it is located a stone’s throw from the vineyards of Montmartre.

Despite being a lovely place, Saint-Vincent Cemetery has a few visitors. Most of the time, these visitors arrive here by chance.

Reserved for perpetual concessions, it is undoubtedly the most local of the Butte cemeteries since most of the people buried there have marked the neighborhood’s history. There are around 900 tombs of illustrious Montmartre families (Picard, Tourlaque, Labat, Muller, Roussard, etc.) and numerous artists who lived in Montmartre.

Perhaps the most famous artist buried here is Maurice Utrillo , born and raised in Montmartre. Behind the wall, there’s rue des Saules, the Le Lapin Agile Cabaret, the vines, and the pink house… so many places painted by the man who rests under this (quite sinister) marble forever.

15. Château des Lys

The last point of this secret map of Montmartre Paris is not really a castle, but the name of a libertine club with a more interesting past.

These are the remains of the 18th-century Clignancourt porcelain factory , a listed historical monument since 1965. The turret was used as a mill, and its grinding wheel reduced quartz, kaolin, and other ingredients necessary for the manufacture of porcelain paste. The first pieces produced had the mark of a blue or red stylized windmill (a symbol of Montmartre).

This curious turret has been immortalized on numerous occasions by painter Maurice Utrillo between 1911 and 1954. Address: 63 rue du Mont Saint-Cenis

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Quirky parisian explorers with a preference for lesser-known sights, we are continuously looking for new ideas and tips to bring you the best of the city of light read more about us ., i am elisa, the travel blogger behind world in paris. quirky explorer with a preference for the local side of my city and its lesser-known sights, i am continuously looking for new ideas to enjoy the best of paris & around . do you want to go beyond the louvre museum or the eiffel tower keep clicking for first-hand information & my best tips learn more.

Plan Your Visit to the Charming Paris Neighborhood of Montmartre

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

The Best Things to Do

What to eat and drink, where to stay, location and how to get there, getting around, money saving tips.

One of Paris's most charming, mythical, and quirky places to wander, the Montmartre neighborhood crowns the city, perched on a hill overlooking the rest of the city. It oozes poetry and charm: Come here for winding cobblestone paths, ivy hanging from wooden window panes, views of the majestic Sacré Coeur from cafe windows, and local shops selling cured meats or delicious pastries and breads. Shop for quirky, handmade clothes and jewelry, visit museums, or simply brave the snaking, often precipitously hilly streets until you reach the top.

Once at the summit, you can enjoy  spectacular panoramic views of Paris : These make the thigh-busting walk up the hill completely worth it. Of course, if you prefer to take the funicular at some point up to the very top, no one will fault you!

There are so many great places to explore in this neighborhood that it would prove tough to cover all of them. Here are just a few of our picks. See our guide to the 18th arrondissement for more ideas on where to head in the area. 

• Catch a Show at the Moulin Rouge : When this now world-renowned cabaret first opened in 1889 and introduced the French can-can, it was little more than a seedy joint for courtesans to entertain their male clients. Painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec was a regular patron, and later produced a series of famous illustrations of the Moulin Rouge and its iconic red windmill. Now, the dance hall is more of a tourist attraction, offering nightly shows at some of the steepest prices in town. Metro Station: Blanche.
• See the Works of Salvador Dalí : This permanent exhibition hall, situated near the ultra-touristy Place du Tertre and its eager open-air artists, is entirely devoted to eccentric Spanish artist Salvador Dalí. Home to 300 of his most compelling works, from paintings to sculpture to rudimentary sketches, the gallery holds the largest collection of the artist’s work in France, though the Dali Theatre and Museum in Catalonia holds most of the zanily mustached artist's prized oeuvres. Metro Station: Abbesses.
• Visit the Resting Places of Famous Parisians: Sitting west of the area's hilly heights, near Rue Caulaincourt, the breathtaking 25-acre Montmartre Cemetery is in the hollow of a former quarry on Avenue Rachel. Famous artists who lived and worked in the area are buried here, such as French painter and sculptor Edgar Degas, Heinrich Heine, Gustave Moreau, and filmmaker François Truffaut (of "Jules and Jim" fame). If you're feeling overwhelmed by the hordes of tourists in some of the area's busier stretches, stop here for a bit of peace and tranquility. Animal lovers will appreciate this detail: a pack of feral (but tame) cats live among the graves and can often be seen stretched out trying to get a bit of sun, or pawing at sparrows.  Metro Station: Blanche.
• Stroll Down Rue des Martyrs : Although this street technically leads out of Montmartre proper, its offerings in terms of clothing, food, and gifts should be part of any visit to the area. The sloping avenue is the essence of the French “bobo” lifestyle—bourgeois bohemian. Take your pick between fresh flowers and fish, cured meats and cheeses, upscale Parisian bakeries  (Montmartre has some of the city's very best), secondhand clothing, and bookshops piled high with the latest reads. If you want to feel like a local for a day, hit this area on a Sunday, when locals meander the area for hours. Make sure to save room for carrot cake at the unfussy, laid-back Rose Bakery (at number 46), a favorite of the anglophone foodie community. Metro Station: Pigalle

For more great strolls and street finds, check out our guide to the Best Permanent Market Streets in Paris .

Like the rest of Paris, Montmartre is full of must-try restaurants and cafes , and visiting all of them in a single trip is nearly impossible. For more ideas and recommendations, check out our guide to the best restaurants in Montmartre .

• Café des Deux Moulins : This once somewhat ordinary French café was made instantly famous after its appearance in the film "Amelie". Now, you may be hard-pressed to get a table here on a Saturday night. However, the afternoons are a great time to stop in for a coffee, and if you’re up for wine, the selection is really quite nice. Plus, you’ll never have so much fun going into a Paris restroom, where a glass cabinet holds a garden gnome and other film memorabilia. Metro Station: Blanche.
• La Fourmi : If you’re looking for a true neighborhood bar, La Fourmi—literally translating to “The Ant”—offers an undeniably authentic Montmartre/Pigalle experience. This spot is perfect for getting a morning or afternoon coffee when the place is nearly empty, or a light meal and drinks in the evening hours. Offerings include large salads and open-faced sandwiches ("tartines"). If you do come after 9 p.m., however, be prepared to fight for a table with the locals. Metro Station: Pigalle

Staying in Montmartre is a good choice. The quarter is a bit separate from the rest of Paris, being set on a hilltop, giving it a real home base feeling, not to mention its timeless charm. The cobbled streets and bohemian vibes make it a cozy neighborhood to post up.

• Maison Souquet : Located opposite the Moulin Rouge, this five-star boutique hotel has an elite elegance that carries all the way to the 20 rooms and suites. A reminder of the building's former life as a brothel, each room is named for famous courtesans. Amenities include Hermès toiletries, a private bar, and private spa access. Breakfast is served daily in the garden.
• Hôtel Regyn's Montmartre : Hôtel Regyn's Montmartre is a more affordable, yet still solid option. It's located atop Place des Abbesses, lending amazing views. Breakfast is complimentary, and the concierge desk is open 24/7.
• Déclic Hotel : Déclic Hotel is a photography-themed hotel. The 27 guest rooms are each decorated with distinctive photographs, including one that is adorned with Polaroid snaps. It's a 15-minute walk to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris.

Alexander Spatari / Getty Images

Montmartre is located on the city's right bank in the 18th arrondissement, just south of the periphery leading into the northern suburbs, and north of the Pigalle area, which is infamous for its red-light district.

To reach the area, the easiest solution is to hop on lines 2 or 12 of the Paris metro and get off at any of the following stops: Anvers, Pigalle, Blanche (line 2), Lamarck-Caulaincourt or Abbesses (line 12).

Rue des Martyrs, rue Lamarck, rue Caulaincourt, and rue des Abbesses are the best thoroughfares to stroll. Also make sure to walk around the tiny, charming streets behind Sacre Coeur, which retain a distinctively village-like quality, including Rue des Saules, where Paris' only remaining vineyard can be found. It was planted in 1930, and the vines' Clos Montmartre wine is enjoyed every fall during the wine harvest festival. At Rue Ravignan, Pablo Picasso's primary studio, "Le Bateau Lavoir," sits at the corner of place Emile-Goudeau. 

• Do free activities: Montmartre has many offerings at no cost: simple, breathtaking sightseeing. View artists' work in the round Place du Tertre, rimmed with shops and cafés. Or, find solace in the Montmartre Cemetery, the third-largest in Paris, after Montparnasse and Père Lachaise.
• Picnic: Dining out in Paris is very expensive. Why not gather a baguette, some cheese, fruit, and a bottle of wine for lunch with a view at Montmartre instead?
• Get Moulin Rouge tickets for a little less: The French cancan show is iconic, but you can find deals if you plan ahead: The cheapest day to get tickets is Tuesday, and the 11 p.m. show is usually cheaper than the 9 p.m. performance.

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Secret Montmartre: a free self-guided Montmartre walking tour

April 12, 2018 by Karen Turner 14 Comments

Planning your visit to Montmartre and tired of the crowds of Paris?  This guide to one of Paris’ most famous arrondissements covers secret locations that you won’t read about on most other travel blogs with a complete self-guided walking tour of Montmartre with map.

I lived only a stone’s throw away from Montmartre during my part of my time in Paris, so I often wandered up to Pigalle and Montmartre.  In this guide to Montmartre, I cover the history as well as the little villages/streets that make Montmartre truly special. The walking tour of Montmartre should take about 2  hours. The total distance covered is 4 kilometers (2.5 miles).

Warning : Not all of these locations are public property, so ask permission before you go inside.  Enter at your own risk. (I will warn you when you can’t fully enter, so don’t worry!) 

Pickpockets are an issue near Sacre Coeur and the Moulin Rouge. I’ve tried to route you away from the most touristic parts of Montmartre, but some bits are unavoidable. Click for tips on avoiding pickpockets in Paris.

You’ll find a map of this Montmartre walking tour at the bottom with step by step directions that you can print (or save on your phone).

• 0.1 A brief history of Montmartre before the walking tour
• 0.2 Your self guided walking tour of Montmartre
• 0.3 Start off at Pigalle
• 0.4 Cité du Midi
• 0.5 Villa des Platanes
• 0.6 Moulin Rouge
• 0.7 Cité Véron
• 0.8 Café des Deux Moulins
• 0.9 Maison de Van Gogh
• 0.10 45 Rue Lepic
• 0.11 Rue Durantin
• 0.12 Bateau Lavoire
• 0.13 Rue d’Orchampt
• 0.14 Le Moulin de la Galette
• 0.15 Villa Léandre
• 0.16 Place Dalida
• 0.17 Rue de l’Abreuvoir
• 0.18 La Maison Rose
• 0.19 Clos Montmartre
• 0.20 Rue de la Bonne
• 0.21 Sacre Coeur
• 0.22.1 Optional: Biscuiterie de Montmartre for macarons
• 0.23 Le mur des je t’aime
• 0.24 End: Abbesses Metro
• 0.25.1 Click for the downloadable PDF directions of the MontmartreWalkingTour.
• 1.0.1 Anything else that you’d add? Feedback on this walking tour/route appreciated!

A brief history of Montmartre before the walking tour

The name of Montmartre was named for the namesake hill from Roman times (Mount Mars). In the medieval ages, most of Montmartre was an abbey, however this abbey was destroyed during the French Revolution. For many years, this area was distinct from Paris, only a commune on the outskirts.

During the time of the impressionists, Montmartre gained a reputation for cafes, dance halls, and cabarets, which attracted many artists to the area.  This included Vincent Van Gogh, a favorite painter of mine whose roots I traced in Belgium , and Picasso. If you can imagine many windmills in Montmartre, there were dozens in Van Gogh’s time.

The Belle Époque ended and many of the artists who came to the former village for cheap rent ended up being pushed out.  Despite many tourists and increasing housing prices in this arrondissement, Montmartre still has some working artist studios remaining.

This walking tour will bring you to one of these hidden art studios if you’re lucky enough to get inside. (Art is one of my favorite mementos from traveling although I’ve only recently started collecting it.)  Montparnasse proved to be the next bohemian area in Paris.

Your self guided walking tour of Montmartre

This walking tour is intended for people who are fine with uphill/downhill walks as well as stairs. Without stopping, the total walking tour should take about one hour, so give yourself two hours if you intend to enjoy your morning or afternoon in Montmartre.

The distance covered on the walking tour is 4 kilometers or 2.5 miles.  Be sure to reward yourself with French macrons at a bakery after your long walk.

Start off at Pigalle

Pigalle is rapidly changing from its slightly sketchy past as the home of the red-light district in Paris.  (We’ll discuss this another day!).  However, start your journey at the Pigalle Metro station, along lines 2 and 12.

Cité du Midi

From here, you’ll need to cross the road towards Cité du Midi, which was made famous in the namesake film (“Cité du Midi”).  Down this street, you’ll find a charming street filled with ivy away from the loud crowds and tourists in Paris.

Here, you’ll find white-washed doors with a hint of exclusivity.  Similarly, you’ll find the former Pigalle Baths as well as the former Pigalle Theatre.  At the time that I visited, a gate was about to be constructed near the back area, so be sure to appreciate this stunning little village of Paris before it’s closed off to the public.

Villa des Platanes

This private villa constructed in 1896 is a blend of architecture styles. Although the imposing gate keeps most curious passerby’s out, my friend Emily and I were lucky enough to be invited in by a resident. 

Outsiders are not allowed inside Villa des Platanes, so you’ll have to make do with viewing it from the exterior unless a resident invites you in.  My photos might be the closest that you get to entering, but it’s still beautiful through the fence.

Moulin Rouge

How can you miss the The Moulin Rouge? I personally think that it’s best seen at night or around dusk. The Moulin Rouge is the birthplace of the can-can dance and you can still go to (touristy) shows at the Moulin Rouge. You’ll be away from the crowds soon, but keep an eye on your stuff here.

This narrow street has been perfectly preserved from the 1920s, which you can find from its iconic post marking the entrance.  This was the home of Montmartre’s longtime mayor and its greenery is a breath of fresh air compared to the rest of Paris.

Towards the end of the alley, you’ll find a stunning 1920s house stuck in time although it might not be viewable once the gate goes up again.

Café des Deux Moulins

Any  Amélie fans here? This iconic cafe was her place of work in the film.  You can still sit in this cozy French cafe, which has a poster of Audrey Tautou in case you forgot which movie that I’m talking about.  I’m a sucker for movie locations, so I had to pass by here.

Maison de Van Gogh

As a Van Gogh fan, I had to pass this landmark, which was Van Gogh’s home in Paris.  Vincent Van Gogh and his brother Theo lived on the fourth floor of this building (42 Rue Lepic). 

Van Gogh painted on the streets of Montmartre for two years using this home as his home base until he moved to the South of France.  You cannot enter unless you’re having a function, but you can admire its exterior at least.

45 Rue Lepic

This functional studio is one of the few artist studios in Montmartre that you can still enter today.  During weekdays (typically between 9-5pm), you’ll be able to enter this partially-open covered passage that still is home to artisans.

Please be quiet and polite as it’s a privilege for the public to enter this area and this policy might change if people are inconsiderate.  For those looking for a true masterpiece to bring home, consider stopping by the studio of Véronique Darcon Cazes , a famous French artist who produces stunning mosaics.

Rue Durantin

I just enjoy walking down this cute street. Although I have never gotten beyond the entry again, the “Cour aux Juifs”  is viewable from number 40’s entry gate.

Bateau Lavoire

This building was once used as Picasso’s studio.  It’s not open to the public, however it’s still rented to artists and writers from all the over the world for minimal rent.   The original building is not there, but you’ll know you found it if you find the green doors.

Rue d’Orchampt

For graffiti, you’ll want to walk down this short street to admire the local and foreign graffiti artists who have left their mark.  Although it’s illegal to do so, this is one of the most coveted streets in Paris and you’ll likely see completely different street art than what I saw. 

Look for the iconic Space Invaders graffiti that you’ll spot all around Paris, made by a French graffiti artist.

Le Moulin de la Galette

Le Moulin de la Galette is certainly a tourist attraction, however it’s worth stopping to see one of the last remaining windmills in Montmartre. At one time, Montmartre was covered in windmills as they were commonly used to grind materials. 

This windmill, a favorite of Vincent Van Gogh, was used for grinding flour. The owners of the windmill created a brown bread (Galette) that was so popular that the windmill got its name from it. The building underneath has had many purposes over the years, however it’s now a restaurant.

Villa Léandre

From here, make a left onto Avenue Junot prior to making another left to reach Villa Léandre, which is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful streets of Paris. 

There used to be a mill here, however this street built in the 1920s is one of Paris’ most exclusive streets where the homes sell in the millions.  The houses have colorful accents and raised roofs.  (I’m kicking myself for not getting a good photo. Thank you to Lucie for this beautiful photo!)

Place Dalida

This stunning location, named for the famous singer is one of the best viewpoints in Paris of Montmartre.  Say hit to the bust of Dalida and continue up the stunning Rue de l’Abreuvoir, one of the most beautiful streets in Paris.  Some say that Paris in the rain is enchanting, but you can judge for yourself if you prefer it in the rain compared to a clear night right after a downpour.

Rue de l’Abreuvoir

This winding street was named for the water trough that used to exist at 15 Girardon Street.  It’s definitely a lovely street to walk along. Even my husband wandered off to admire the details on the ornate buildings.

La Maison Rose

The house was purchased in the early 1900s by Germaine Gargallo, the wife of a well known painter.  The house become a famous gathering place for artists.  However, it truly became famous after painter Utrillo created a painting of it.  It’s lovely to view and photograph from the exterior.

Clos Montmartre

Ever since the Romans conquered Paris, there has been a vineyard in Montmartre and it is the oldest vineyard in Paris.  Now sponsored by the city government, the vineyard at Clos Montmartre creates a small number of bottles per year that are sold for charity.  (Tours are free although you must pay for a tasting.) It’s just really cool to see a vineyard in the middle of the city.

Rue de la Bonne

For the best views of Sacre Coeur without the crowds, walk around the other side of Rue de la Bonne for epic views of the Sacre Coeur. Despite the crowds near the front of Sacre Coeur, there’s almost nobody else here.

Sacre Coeur

Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, Sacre Coeur, is one of the most famous churches in Paris. Built in the late 1800s, this impressive church is actually best seen from quite a bit below as the crowds and height make it difficult to get the perfect photo. 

This is one of the best spots in Paris to sit to enjoy the sunset over the city although I caution to be aware of your stuff as it’s also a favorite of pickpockets.  You can climb the tower for the highest views in Paris!

Place du Tertre

Place du Tertre is quite touristy, but if you love watching street artists work, this is one of the best places to sit outside.  After seeing a real atelier, this might not appeal to you,. 

The alleyways around here are particularly pretty (especially once you get far away from the Starbucks).  I’ve not included a photo of the main square, but you can find some gorgeous alleyways and stairways off of it.

Optional: Biscuiterie de Montmartre for macarons

If you’re feeling a bit hungry at the end of this walking tour of Montmartre, consider stopping off at this well-known bakery in Montmartre for macarons. (You’re almost done!)  You’ll find many cafes in the areas as well as picturesque stairways.

Le mur des je t’aime

This world-famous mural of love written in many languages is a favorite among instagrammers and couples in love.

End: Abbesses Metro

Your little tour of Montmartre ends at one of the cutest Paris metro entrances (in my opinion). The entrance is one of the only remaining glass covered Guimard original Metro entrances in Paris.  Abbesses is the deepest metro station in Paris and part of line 12. Expect stairs.

Map of the self-guided walking tour of Montmartre

Click for the downloadable PDF directions of the MontmartreWalkingTour .

Have you been to montmartre, anything else that you’d add feedback on this walking tour/route appreciated.

Click for a walking tour of the Paris covered passages,  my guide to the 14th arrondissement , tips for visiting France on a budget , an one day itinerary for off the beaten path Paris , and tips for avoiding pickpockets in Paris .

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About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

Reader Interactions

April 14, 2018 at 3:32 am

You found some of the cutest spots! I am so sad I missed these spots when I went last summer, Great post!

April 14, 2018 at 5:34 am

Haven’t been to Montmartre yet but definitely taking advice from your walking tour the next time I’m in France! I notice there’s barely any people in your photos, which would make a lovely environment for taking in all the details in the surroundings =)

April 14, 2018 at 10:20 am

I wish I had this guide when I stayed in Montmartre during my trip to Paris last winter. I LOVED the area. Stumbled upon a great view of the Eiffel Tower up the road from Sacre Coeur. Great memories <3

April 14, 2018 at 11:36 am

Thanks for such a wonderfully detailed guide! There’s so much to know about this beautiful corner of France. You’ve captured this area stunningly in your words and pictures!

April 14, 2018 at 12:46 pm

Love this guide! I really liked Montmartre but hardly had any time to explore it when I was there so this is perfect for when I get back to Paris! Love all your walking tour guides. 🙂

April 14, 2018 at 1:33 pm

I think my last comment didnt go thru 🙁 I love Paris and pretty much want to go right now after reading this. This is the best way to see a city!

April 14, 2018 at 5:16 pm

I love self-guided walking tours! It’s my favourite way to experience a city. Thanks for sharing your secret places to check out 🙂 Montmartre looks so charming indeed.

April 19, 2018 at 5:41 am

Merci Beaucoup for this detailed guide. We’re visiting Paris in May. Looking forward to exploring Montmartre.

May 15, 2018 at 12:50 am

After literally hours of Pinterest searching over time. Found your so perfect for us guide to Montmartre. Staying there 10 days from May 29 on Rue Orsel. All other guides are tourist destinations. We want to wander, be delighted and enjoy just being there. Not my first trip. Thank for this inspiring walking guide. Will be taking it and reporting back when we return to Canada. Cheers.

May 15, 2018 at 6:02 pm

Hi Angela, Thank you so much for your kind comment and glad that you found what you were looking for! I really hope you enjoy it and please let me know if you have any feedback, so I can tweak it if needed.

Best, Karen

July 6, 2019 at 8:26 am

We did this tour in reverse with the family. Staring around 7pm on a warm sunny evening, we stopped and ate at Le Moulin de la Galette and watched the sun go down. Finished at Moulin Rouge around midnight. For two artist who have only read about these places, it was a real treat and your guide made for one of our most memorable nights in Paris. Thank you!

July 30, 2019 at 7:38 pm

I was there in August 2018 and did the off the beaten path self walking tour. I was rewarded with some of the nicest spots in Paris. Highly recommended to every one who don’t like the crowds and touristy spots. I got off the Lamarck Metro station and made my way down Montmarte. It was an amazing day.

February 11, 2020 at 12:18 am

This is such an amazing list. Thank you for sharing!!

May 3, 2022 at 5:08 pm

This was such a great tour to take! I also appreciate that if you follow the order you don’t have to climb many stairs, haha. I really enjoyed this, thank you for sharing! 🙂

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Your Complete Guide to Montmartre in Paris

There’s something about Montmartre. 

Located in the northern part of Paris, in the 18 th arrondissement, Montmartre is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful districts in Paris. It is also known as one of Paris’ most charming and romantic neighborhoods. 

Montmartre may no longer be what it once was and its original ambience might have a bit changed, but its bohemian spirit is still alive. Sure, it is one of the most visited districts in Paris; and it can feel like a tourist trap if you aren’t prepared. But Montmartre isn’t just for tourists. Even though you will most likely be surrounded by many tourists at first (especially around the Sacré Coeur), this guide will help you discover another side of Montmartre. Roaming the cobbled backstreets of the district will have you feeling like you’re walking through a village.

Montmartre has been home ( and a refuge! ) to many artists, writers and poets: Van Gogh, Picasso, Renoir, Dali, Brel, Brassens, Aznavour, Dalida to name but a few. With its quaint cobbled streets, quirky houses and endless stairs, Montmartre possesses an irresistible ‘ je-ne-sais-quoi ’ that charms everybody. The neighborhood certainly lives up to its bohemian reputation. It has kept its own unique atmosphere; and that’s exactly the reason why it attracts millions of visitors from all around the world each year.

Whether you’re visiting Montmartre for the first time or the twentieth, here are the 24 very best things to see and do, plus tips on how to get there, essential things to know before you go, best time to visit, and where to eat. 

Table of Contents

What to see and what to do in Montmartre?

Montmartre Map

The Basilique du Sacré-Coeur (Sacré-Coeur Basilica)

Where? Main entrance: Esplanade du Sacré-Coeur, 75018 Paris.   

Access:  You can access the Basilica from Metro Station Anvers (Metro Line 2 ~ you’ll have to climb 270 steps to reach the Basilica) or from Metro Station Abbesses (Metro Line 12). You can also take the funicular (price of a metro ticket) or the little train (Petit Train de Montmartre) up to the Sacré-Coeur.

Price:  Entry to the Basilica is free for all. But if you want to visit the dome or the crypt, you must buy a ticket.

When?  Every day from 6am to 10:30pm. The dome is open every day from 8:30am to 8pm (May to September) and from 9am to 5pm (October to April). 

Sadly, no photography or filming is allowed inside the Basilica.

Perched at the very top of the hill of Montmartre (the highest point in Paris), 130 meters above the ground, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart (‘ Basilique du Sacré-Cœur ’ in French) is a beautiful Roman Catholic church watching over Paris. The magnificent white Basilica is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. 

The construction of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica came from a ‘National Vow’ initiated by two faithful followers (Alexandre Legentil and Hubert Rohault de Fleury) in 1870, after the defeat of France in the Franco-Prussian war. The Basilica was designed by Paul Abadie and its construction took around 40 years, from 1875 to 1914. Achieved in 1914 and consecrated in 1919 (after the World War I), the Sacré-Coeur Basilica is, since then, considered as the emblematic symbol of Montmartre. 

With its Romano-Byzantine architecture, the white Basilica, dominating the skyline, stands out from the other Gothic churches in Paris. If the Sacré-Coeur Basilica always looks brand new, it is due to its white travertine stones. The travertine stones come from the quarry of Château-Landon, Seine-et-Marne, and are known for exuding calcite and washing themselves in contact with rainwater.

The interior architecture of the Basilica is quite stunning. Inside the Sacré-Coeur, you’ll have the chance to admire the largest mosaic in France (and one of the largest in the world): the 475m2 ‘ Mosaic of Christ in Glory ’, representing the risen Christ with his golden heart surrounded by his Adorers. The Basilica also possesses another jewel: one of the heaviest bells in the world (weighing 19 tons), known as ‘ La Savoyarde ’.

Located on the left side of the Basilica, you’ll find the crypt of the Martyrium. The crypt possesses the tombs of Cardinals Guibert and Richard who laid the foundation stone of the Basilica, the heart of the faithful follower Alexandre Legentil who made the ‘vow’ to dedicate a church to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the foundation stone of the Basilica, the chapel of Saint-Peter and the treasures offered to the Basilica. 

Also located on the left side of the Basilica, you’ll find the main access to the dome. The dome is probably one of the best viewpoints of Paris. In fact, it is the second highest point in Paris after the Eiffel Tower and you’ll have to climb 300 steps to reach it. 

The Sacré-Coeur Basilica is the second most visited religious monument in Paris, after the Notre-Dame cathedral (of course, right now, it is the first as the Notre-Dame cathedral is currently under reconstruction). Although the Basilica is extremely touristy, coming here is well worth the visit. 

Important Note: Beware ~ There are men with (supposedly cheap) friendship bracelets at the bottom of the staircases of the Basilica who will try to grab your wrist and tie one of their bracelets on you. They will demand money for it. Please, ignore them and don’t let them approach you, nor touch you. If they approach you, don’t get intimidated and shout a firm ‘no’ to them if they insist. If you wish to avoid them completely, instead of using the main stairs, take the stairs on the western side of the Hill (Rue Foyatier) up to the Sacré-Coeur. Besides, it is a way nicer climb up to the Sacré-Coeur than the one from the Square Louise Michel.

Place du Tertre (The Artist Square)

Where? Place du Tertre is located just a few meters away from the Sacré-Coeur Basilica.

Access:  Abbesses station (Metro Line 12) or Anvers station (Metro Line 2).

Famous for its painters, portrait artists and restaurant terraces, La Place du Tertre, also known as ‘ the Artist Square ’, is the historic square of the ancient village of Montmartre and an absolute must-see when visiting the district. The word ‘ Tertre ’ means ‘ hillock ’ in French and ‘ Place ’ means ‘ Public square ’. 

There, you’ll find many local painters, portraitists and caricaturists working in the open air. This is the perfect opportunity to have your portrait drawn or painted (or why not a caricature!). 

I’ll be honest, the Artist Square has changed a bit over the past 15-20 years though. The artists were always in conflict with the restaurant owners; but now, it seems that restaurants are expanding their terraces more and more, taking advantage of the picturesque nature of this unique square. Tourists come to Place du Tertre to see the artists, not to go to a terrace. The seductive folklore of the Place du Tertre is, of course, still attractive, even though it is now fully dedicated to tourism. Especially in summer, this place can be very crowded.

Beware of some shops that are selling paintings ‘ Made in Place du Tertre ’, most of them (and I mean literally thousands of them) are, in fact, made in China (cheaper it is, more the chances are that it was made in China). Please do the artists a favor and maintain the tradition: if you wish to buy a painting, buy it directly from the artist of your choice at Place du Tertre. I did one portrait 12 years ago and I still have it; I can assure you that it is an amazing souvenir to keep. Do not hesitate to take your time and wander around the place to find your favorite artist.

Another important landmark in Place du Tertre is ‘ Chez la mère Catherine ’ . Founded in 1793, this restaurant is considered as the oldest bistro in Paris. The legend says it is there that the word Bistro was born. After Napoleon defeat, in 1814, Russians Cossacks were occupying France; some of the Russian soldiers came to ‘Chez la mère Catherine’ and bothered by the slow service, asked in Russian ‘ Bystro! Bystro! ’ meaning ‘ Fast! Fast! ’, hence the creation of the name ‘Bistro’. French linguists argued against this theory and proved that the word ‘bistrot’ came from the slang French ‘bistraud’, meaning ‘wine servant’ at the time. However, legend still stands at ‘Chez la mère Catherine’ and we love it! 

Place Dalida

Where? On the corner of Rue de l’Abreuvoir and Rue Girardon.

Access:  Lamarck – Caulaincourt station (Metro Line 12).

Located on the corner of the picturesque Rue de l’Abreuvoir and Rue Girardon, Place Dalida is a cute little square named after the iconic singer. In 1997, commemorating the 10 th anniversary of Dalida’s death, the city of Paris renamed this square ‘Place Dalida’ and installed a bronze bust of her at its center to pay homage to the star. The statue was sculpted by French artist Aslan.

Born in Cairo, Egypt, in 1933, Yolanda Cristina Gigliotti, better known as Dalida, made Montmartre her home when she bought a beautiful mansion located 11 bis Rue d’Orchampt in 1962. Dalida lived in this house until her death in 1987. She was an important figure of Montmartre and Dalida is etched in the collective memory of the Montmartre residents. 

Dalida recorded up to 700 songs in 9 different languages and sold more than 170 million albums. Sadly, she had a tormented life and a tragic destiny. Dalida died on May 3, 1987 by suicide.

Note: Place Dalida is featured in the popular Netflix series ‘Emily in Paris’.

Au Lapin Agile

Where? 22, rue des Saules, 75018 Paris.   

Access:  Lamarck-Caulaincourt station (Metro Line 12).

Price : 28€ (Show with a drink of your choice included) | Students under 26 years old: 20€. Beware: No credit card allowed (cash only).

When?  Tuesdays to Sundays from 9pm to 1am.

The illustrious cabaret ‘ Au Lapin Agile ’ is quite an institution in Montmartre. Right across the street from the Montmartre vineyard (Clos Montmartre), ‘Au Lapin Agile’ is the last 19 th century cabaret celebrating French music in Paris. It opened in 1860, and it is still in operation today. In fact, it didn’t change much since its debut. 

Formerly named ‘Au rendez-vous des voleurs’ (‘ At the meeting point of the thieves ’ in English), then ‘Au Cabaret des Assassins’, the house was originally a bar covered with portraits of murderers. The caricaturist André Gill painted the signboard with the famous rabbit on it, which eventually gave its current name to the Cabaret. People began to call the cabaret ‘At Gill’s Rabbit’ ( in French, Au Lapin à Gill) , and over time, it became ‘Au Lapin Agile’. This place is deeply connected with the history of Montmartre and attracted many artists (Picasso, Modigliani, Apollinaire, Toulouse Lautrec, Utrillo to name but a few). 

The most famous prank of the village happened here, at the ‘Lapin Agile’. Roland Dorgelès presented a painting ‘ Sunset over the Adriatic ’ supposedly made by an artist named ‘Boronali’, part of the new Excessivist movement, and it had great success. But, neither Boronali, nor the Excessivist movement existed. All of it was invented by Dorgelès. In reality, the painting was made by Lolo, the donkey of Frédé (the owner of the cabaret at that time), with a paintbrush attached to his tail. 

‘Au Lapin Agile’ is ‘the’ place to be for an authentic Parisian experience. There, you’ll find the old Montmartre vibe, the Paris of yesteryear everyone is looking for. 

Le Moulin de la Galette (The Last Windmills of Montmartre)

Where? 83, rue Lepic, 75018 Paris.   

Access:  Lamarck-Caulaincourt station (Metro Line 12) or Abbesses station (Metro Line 12).

It is quite something to see windmills in Paris. 

There are actually two windmills in Montmartre: the  windmill Radet ~ actual restaurant  Moulin de la Galette ~ (built in 1717), located at 83 rue Lepic, and the  windmill Blute-Fin (built in 1622), located at 75 rue Lepic (sadly not open to the public but you can still see it at a distance standing atop the hill). These windmills are the last two windmills of the 14 windmills that stood once on the Butte Montmartre. 

Originally used to grind flour, these two windmills soon became a  guinguette where people came to eat a millet galette (flat brown bread) with a glass of milk. Then, the glass of milk was replaced by a glass of wine and the  guinguette  became a cabaret. In 1834, the place was extended and became a popular and iconic open-air dancing hall with gardens. It is at the ‘Moulin de la Galette’ that Auguste Renoir made his famous painting ‘ Le Bal du Moulin de la Galette ’ in 1876 (now in Musée d’Orsay).

The windmill Radet was restored in 1978 but never used again. However, le Moulin de la Galette was transformed into a restaurant around 40 years ago. It was one of the favorite restaurants of Dalida. 

La Maison Rose

Where? 2 rue de l’Abreuvoir, 75018 Paris.   

Located on the corner of Rue de l’Abreuvoir and Rue des Saules, the picturesque ‘ Maison Rose ’ is one of the most beautiful houses in Montmartre. Maurice Utrillo quickly fell in love with this little pink house and painted it many times; one of his most famous paintings was ‘ La Petite Maison Rose ’ back in the 1900s; it made ‘La Maison Rose’ quite famous worldwide.

The pretty little pink house hasn’t changed much since its opening. 

In the 1900s, Laure Germaine Gargallo, one of Picasso’s muses, was the friend of many artists of Montmartre. Among all her suitors, she chose and married the painter Ramon Pichot Girones in 1905. Together, they bought this house on the corner of two cobbled streets in the heart of Montmartre. They painted the house in pink and transformed it into a modest restaurant in 1908. La Maison Rose was born. Throughout its history, the restaurant has welcomed many talented artists: Utrillo, Camus, Picasso, Edith Piaf, …

Clos Montmartre (The Vineyard of Paris)

Where? On the corner of Rue Saint-Vincent and Rue des Saules, right across the street from ‘Au Lapin Agile’. 

When?  In October during the Grape Harvest Festival.

Did you know that Montmartre possesses a secret vineyard and produces its own wine?

‘ Le Clos Montmartre ’ is one of the last vineyards in Paris and belongs to the City of Paris. 

The ancestral wine growing tradition exists since a long time in Paris. The vineyards of Montmartre date back to the Gallo Roman period, and reached its peak in the 18 th century. However, the Clos Montmartre only exists since 1933. It was initially created to save the land from urbanization; and today, its main purpose is to maintain the viticulture heritage of Montmartre.

Covering 1,556 m2, the Clos Montmartre manages to produce between 1,500 to 2,000 bottles every year coming from their 1,600 feet of vines. You can buy Clos Montmartre’s wine only in few places: at the Museum of Montmartre, at ‘la Maison des Epicuriens’ (rue Lamarck), on their website ‘ Comité des Fêtes de Montmartre ’ or at the restaurant ‘Le Négociant’ (Place Jean Gabin). 

Unfortunately, Le Clos Montmartre is closed to the public. However, every year, in October, there is a (fantastic) 5-day Grape Harvest Festival (‘ Fête des vendanges ’ in French) and the vineyard opens its door for the occasion.

Today, the Grape Harvest Festival of Montmartre is the 3 rd most popular event in Paris. Although there are so many specialties to taste and drink, it is a tradition to taste the wine of Montmartre at the Clos Montmartre (and of course, booking in advance is necessary to visit the Clos Montmartre). Sure, it won’t be the best wine you’ll taste in France but I am quite sure you’ll like the folklore linked to it.  

Museum of Montmartre

Where? 12, rue Cortot, 75018 Paris.   

Access : Lamarck-Caulaincourt station (Metro Line 12).

Price:  13€. Students under 26 years: 10€. Youth rate (from 10 to 17 years old): 7€. Free under 10 years old. You can access the Renoir gardens for 5€.

When?  Every day from 11am to 6pm (October to March) and from 10am to 7pm (April to September).

The small ‘ Museum of Montmartre ’ is located inside one of the oldest buildings in Montmartre. It was founded in 1960 but the building dates back to the 17 th century. The museum contains many paintings, drawings, posters, photographs and manuscripts depicting the story of Montmartre. 

The ‘Musée de Montmartre’ hosts a permanent collection retracing the history of Montmartre and its residents, and is located in the House of Bel Air (‘ Maison du Bel Air ’ in French). The temporary exhibitions are held in the ‘Hotel Demarne’. Besides the museum per se, you can also visit the former atelier-apartment of Suzanne Valadon. It is also at the Museum of Montmartre that you can find a scale model of Montmartre. 

Even if you don’t attend to visit a museum during your visit in Montmartre, it is worth to know that you can walk into the ‘ Jardins Renoir ’ (Renoir gardens) for only 5 euros. The view over the Clos Montmartre vineyard is just amazing from there. The ‘Jardins Renoir’ are 3 gardens dedicated to the famous painter Auguste Renoir. In 1876, Auguste Renoir made the beautiful painting ‘ La  balançoire ’ (‘The Swing’) right in this exact garden and you can even sit on a swing that is the exact replica of the one in the painting. 

The Wall of Love (Mur des ‘Je t’aime’) 

Where? Square Jehan Rictus, Place des Abbesses, 75018 Paris.  

Access:  Abbesses station (Metro Line 12).

Price:  Free.

The Wall of Love (Mur des ‘ Je t’aime ’ in French), located in the Square Jehan Rictus near the metro Abbesses, is a wall dedicated to love. 

Created in 2000 by Frederic Baron and Claire Kito, the 40-square meter mural is composed of 612 tiles of enameled lava. The mural displays 311 ways to write ‘I love you’ in 250 different languages. We, of course, found it in Nepali! The little red splashes on the wall represent the pieces of a broken heart. 

Come and find love in your own language!

Le Passe-Muraille (Walker Through Walls)

Where? Place Marcel Aymé, 75018 Paris.   

Le Passe-Muraille is a statue stuck in a wall and is located Place Marcel Aymé.

The sculpture was inspired by Marcel Aymé’s book “ Le Passe-Muraille ” and represents the fictional character Léon Dutilleul who had the power to walk through walls but ended up stuck into one after abusing his power.

The statue was made in 1989 by sculptor Jean Marais and is dedicated to the writer Marcel Aymé, who was a resident of Montmartre. The statue represents the writer Marcel Aymé himself in the role of Léon Dutilleul.

Café des Deux Moulins (Amélie Poulain)

Where? 15, rue Lepic, 75018 Paris.   

Access:  Blanche station (Metro Line 2) or Abbesses station (Metro Line 12).

Before visiting Montmartre, you might want to watch ‘ Le Fabuleux destin d’Amélie Poulain ’. The 2001 French movie is great and its main location is the Montmartre district. In the movie, Amelie works at ‘ Le Café des Deux Moulins ’. The café became quite a tourist attraction, but has managed to stay very authentic somehow.

Although there are some bad reviews on Internet regarding the service, I went there few times (including one time pregnant asking a slight change (or two) in the menu), and the staff was always helpful and super friendly. Besides, the food is quite good and prices are very reasonable. Give it a try, at least for a coffee!

Marché Saint-Pierre, the Fabric Market of Paris

Where? Around Place Saint-Pierre: rue d’Orsel, rue Charles-Nodier, rue Livingstone, rue Seveste, rue Pierre-Picard, 75018 Paris.

Access:  Anvers station (Metro Line 2) and Barbes Rochechouart station (Metro Lines 2 and 4).

The Marché Saint-Pierre (Saint-Pierre Market) is the largest fabric market in Paris. It is the perfect place to buy fabric for creating your own clothes. Any fabric you could possibly want, you can find it here. The biggest (and most popular) stores are Reine, Dreyfus and Moline. Many people (Parisians and tourists, professional designers and amateurs) walk the streets of the Saint-Pierre Market every day. Here, you’ll find everything you need to create your own design.

Tips: If you plan to buy some fabrics here, take a peek in the haberdashery Saint-Pierre behind Dreyfus. 

Halle Saint-Pierre (Museum of Naïve Art – Max Fourny)

Where? 2, rue Ronsard, 75018 Paris.   

Price:  9€ (to access the temporary exhibitions). But you can go to the nice coffee shop without paying the entry fee.

When?  Mondays to Fridays from 11am to 6pm, Saturday from 11am to 7pm and Sundays 12pm to 6pm.

The  Halle Saint-Pierre is known for housing the Museum of Naïve Art (Museum of Primitive Art and Outsider Art), one of the most bizarre museums in Paris. Former covered market built in 1868, the Museum opened its doors in 1986.

The Museum has a permanent collection but also hosts temporary exhibitions. The Halle Saint-Pierre isn’t only a museum; it also has a gallery, a library, an auditorium and a coffee shop.  

Dalí Paris (Dalí Museum)

Where? 11, rue Poulbot, 75018 Paris.   

Access:  Abbesses station (Metro Line 12) or Lamarck-Caulaincourt station (Metro Line 12).

Price:  12€. Reduced price: 9€ (under 26 years-old). Free under 8 years old.

When?  Wednesday to Sunday from 11am to 5:30pm.

I am a pretty huge fan of Salvador Dalí. I have previously visited the Dali museum in Figueres and also his house in Portlligat, both located in Spain. Of course, I have also visited the  museum dedicated to Salvador Dalí in Montmartre . And as usual, I loved it!

Founded by Art collector Beniamino Levi 1991, the museum displays over 300 artworks of the Spanish surrealist artist Salvador Dali from paintings to sculptures and engravings. It is the largest private collection dedicated to Salvador Dalí.

There are Dalí artworks for sale in the gallery next door (you’ll pass through it before exiting the museum).

Place Emile Goudeau and Bateau-Lavoir

Where? 13 place Emile Goudeau, 75018 Paris.   

Access:  Abbesses station (Metro Line 12).

Located on the charming square ‘Place Emile Goudeau’, ‘ Bateau-Lavoir ’ is a building that houses workspaces for young artists. 

Bateau-Lavoir was originally a piano factory. But in 1889, the owner decided to divide the building into a dozen of small artist workshops. Bateau-Lavoir soon became the residence of many famous artists and writers: Paul Gauguin, Pablo Picasso, Modigliani, Max Jacob, Henri Matisse, Guillaume Apollinaire, Renoir and many others. It is there that Picasso made his famous painting ‘Les Demoiselles d’Avignon’ in 1907.

‘Bateau-Lavoir’ was the nickname given by Max Jacob. It means ‘ Laundry Boat ’ in French. With its small studios distributed along a long narrow corridor, the interior of the building looked like a boat, and there was only one water point (‘ Lavoir ’ means ‘wash house’ in French).

A fire completely destroyed the building in 1970; only the façade survived the accident. The Bateau-Lavoir was totally rebuilt in 1978. There is not much to see in Bateau-Lavoir (the building is not open to the public) except the window display and the pretty Square Emile Goudeau; but if you are an art lover or history buff like me, it is worth stopping by and remembering the important role this place played in the art history.

Avenue Junot, La Villa Léandre & Le Rocher de la sorcière (The Witch’s Rock)

Where? Avenue Junot & Villa Léandre, 75018 Paris.  

Access?  Lamarck-Caulaincourt station (Metro Line 12).

There is the Montmartre of tourists who stay around the Sacré-Coeur and Place du Tertre, and there is the ‘Montmartre of the Montmartrois’ (the residents of Montmartre don’t call themselves Parisians but Montmartrois). Trust me, you also want to wander the backstreets.

‘Avenue Junot’ is one of the most expensive avenues in Paris. This discreet avenue isn’t very touristic. Nevertheless, Avenue Junot offers many surprises: 

— Le Club Lepic Abbesses Pétanque (CLAP): a hidden place where you can play ‘pétanque’ (les boules) with locals (French style) in a very (French) countryside atmosphere.

— Located at 23, Avenue Junot, the most secret Parisian Hotel of Montmartre ‘ Hotel Particulier Montmartre ’ opened since 2007. Former residence of the Hermes family, the Hotel has only 5 Suites and is known to be quite exclusive. Many celebrities (such as Brad Pitt, Kristen Stewart, …) prefer the discretion of this romantic refuge to a Palace. 

— Did you know that there is a witch’s rock in Montmartre? This one is totally off-the-beaten-track. Hidden behind a fence in a private passageway between 23, avenue Junot and 65, Rue Lepic, the witch’s rock is one of the last vestiges of the Maquis de Montmartre (former ghetto of Montmartre). Many of the habitants thought for a long time that it was a meteorite that felt here to protect the home of a witch ( in fact, it is an ancient disused fountain and the rock is nothing but fake! ). The passage isn’t accessible to the public. However, there is a way to still witness the Witch’s rock. You can now eat (or have a tea) at the restaurant of the ‘Hotel Particulier Montmartre’, and from there, you can access the passageway to see the rock.

— ‘ Marcel ’, the trendiest restaurant in Montmartre! 

Accessible from Avenue Junot between the 23 and 27, the picturesque ‘Villa Léandre’ is really an atypical street. Built in 1926, it is the most charming impasse of Montmartre. Here, you’ll find British-style houses with small cute front yards. Do not miss the No.10, a nod to the residence of the Britain’s Prime Minister, 10 Downing Street in London.

Rue Durantin & La Cour aux Juifs

Access:  Abbesses station (Metro Line 12) or Lamarck-Caulaincourt station (Metro Line 12).

Rue Durantin is a street that is quite well-known by the locals, not much by the tourists though. However, it is a street that is worth to wander through, at least for its stunning architecture. 

It is in this street that Delacroix had his atelier (at No.20) in 1907. It is also from here that you can join Rue Lepic and see the old Moulin de la Galette (Blute-Fin). Located at No.40 Rue Durantin, you’ll find one of the most beautiful courtyards in Paris. Dating back from the Restoration period, it is known as ‘La Cour aux Juifs’, and has always been a favorite location for filmmakers.

Allée des Brouillards & Château des Brouillards

L’Allée des Brouillards is quite an unusual street. 

Nestled between Place Dalida and Place Casadesus, the unique Allée des Brouillards (meaning ‘Mist Alley’) has still kept a special ‘je-ne-sais-quoi’ mystery. Many renowned artists lived in the pavilions of the Allée des Brouillards: Kees van Dongen, Poulbot, Renoir, …

In the 18 th century, the windmill and the farm located on Allée des Brouillards were bought by the lawyer Legrand-Ducampjean who built a Villa, nicknamed Château des Brouillards. 

The Steep Staircases of Montmartre

Where? Everywhere.

Montmartre is no stranger to hills. It is the highest point in Paris. No wonder there are staircases everywhere in Montmartre! We love them as much as we hate them ( Thanks Krishna for carrying the stroller! Truly! ).

Stairways are as much important as the other cultural landmarks. It is part of the picturesque Montmartre. And, you won’t be able to avoid them anyway! So be ready to enjoy them.

Square Suzanne Buisson & the Legend of Saint-Denis

Located near the Château des Brouillards, the Square Suzanne Buisson, named after the French political activist Suzanne Buisson, is popular for its beheaded statue of Saint-Denis holding his own head in his hands. 

Saint-Denis is known as the most famous cephalophore ( a saint who is depicted carrying his own head ) in Christianity. Saint-Denis was a Christian martyr and the first Bishop of Paris. It is said that after being decapitated, Saint-Denis took his head and walked kilometers; it is supposedly here, on the fountain where the statue is standing, that Saint-Denis stopped to clean his head.

Montmartre Cemetery and the Cat School 

Where? 20, avenue Rachel, 75018 Paris.   

Access:  La Fourche station (Metro Line 13), Blanche station (Metro line 2) or Lamarck-Caulaincourt station (Metro Line 12).

When?  Every day from 8am to 6pm.

The Cemetery of Montmartre is a peaceful and beautiful place located in the heart of Montmartre. Known as the Cemetery of the Artists, it is the second largest cemetery in Paris.

One of the most unique tombs you’ll see is, without doubt, the one belonging to Michel Berger, France Gall and their daughter Pauline Hamburger. Another famous grave is the (quite impressive) tomb of Dalida.

The Cemetery of Montmartre, besides being the resting place of many French personalities (Zola, Stendhal, Jeanne Moreau, Alexandre Dumas…) is where you can find one of the most unusual associations in Paris: the ‘Cat School’, created in 1978, to save and protect the stray cats. 

Moulin Rouge 

Where? 82, boulevard de Clichy, 75018 Paris.    

Access:  Blanche station (Metro line 2).

A trip to Montmartre won’t be complete without visiting the nearby Red-Light district, Pigalle. Of all the attractions in Pigalle, Moulin Rouge is surely the one who truly symbolizes the soul of the district.

Created in 1889,  Moulin Rouge is the most famous cabaret in France, if not in the world. It is principally known as the birthplace of the French Cancan. 

The ‘ Féerie show ’ is performed every day, 365 days a year, since 1999, and tickets always sells out instantly. The Moulin Rouge offers 2 cabaret shows per night: one at 9pm and one at 11pm. It is also possible to book a dinner there at 7pm followed with a 9pm show. The cabaret is purely French and before booking, you have to know that the shows in Moulin Rouge involve many topless dancers. Despite that, the shows are sophisticated and spectacular. A show at the Moulin Rouge is always described as an amazing and unique experience. 

Please note that photos and videos are not allowed inside.

Even if you do not attend a show, it is still worth it to stop by for capturing the view of the legendary Red Windmill.

Musée de la vie romantiqu e

Where? 16, rue Chaptal, in the 9 th arrondissement.

Access:  Blanche station (Metro Line 2) or Pigalle station (Metro Lines 2 and 12).

Price:  Free. But when there are temporary exhibitions, an entrance fee is charged.  

When?  Tuesdays to Sundays from 10am to 6pm.

Paris. The City of Love. The City of Romance. I couldn’t write about Montmartre without mentioning the charming ‘ Musée de la Vie Romantique ’ (The Museum of Romantic Life).

Located in the heart of the Pigalle district, the ‘Musée de la Vie Romantique’ was the residence of Dutch painter Ary Scheffer (1795-1858). In 1956, the house was sold to the State and in 1982, it became a museum. Many illustrious personalities, including Dickens, George Sand, Delacroix and Chopin, were regularly invited to Scheffer’s parties in his house.

The museum is divided into 2 parts: the ground floor is dedicated to writer George Sand and the 2nd floor to Scheffer’s paintings and works of other contemporary artists, all from the Romantic period.

The museum is free of charge (except if there is a temporary exhibition).

After your visit to the museum, spend some time in the romantic style garden and its lovely ‘Café du Musée de la Vie Romantique’. 

The Sinking House of Montmartre

Where? The view can be captured on the way up to the Sacré Coeur near the top on your right side when you are climbing the stairs. 

This photo spot is pretty famous on Instagram!

The Sinking house is only a photographic illusion and the camera trick is, in fact, quite simple. Nothing extraordinary as this is mainly for the photo shoot.

Book your best Montmartre experience now

How to get to Montmartre?

The best way to reach Montmartre is by metro. You can access Montmartre from the Metro Station Anvers (Metro Line 2) but be prepared to climb 270 steps to reach the Basilica; or from the Metro Station Abbesses (Metro Line 12). You can also access the Basilica by taking the funicular (price of a metro ticket) or by taking the little train (Petit Train de Montmartre). If you want to begin your visit around Pigalle or Rue Lepic, Metro Station Blanche (Metro Line 2) is a good starting point.

If you’d like to use the metro occasionally during your stay, and if you are 2 travelers, it is more cost-effective to take a carnet with 10 tickets (5 tickets each) as it only costs 14.90€. If you are using the metro several times, taking the weekly pass ‘Forfait Navigo Semaine’ (22.80€ + 5€ for the card) is the most convenient (and cheapest) way to travel without hassle. The use of public transportation is unlimited in all zones and you can use the Metro, but also the RER, bus, train and tramway within those zones. 

The Paris PassLib (available for 1, 2, 3 or 5 days) is really the best cost-effective option if you wish to visit many museums and monuments in Paris. Plus, with this Pass, you’ll get unlimited public transportation (zones 1 to 3), access to sightseeing buses and a river cruise. 

Note there are left-luggage facilities near many metro stations, where you can leave your bags in a locker while you visit Paris. Check out these two websites for more info:

Things to know before visiting Montmartre

Beware of scams & how to avoid them.

Unfortunately, as Montmartre’s popularity continues to increase, so do tourist scams and pickpockets.

The most common scam in Montmartre is the friendship bracelet scam. There are men with (supposedly cheap) friendship bracelets at the bottom of the staircases of the Basilica who will try to grab your wrist and tie one of their bracelets on you. They will demand money for it. Please, ignore them and don’t let them approach you, nor touch you. If they approach you, don’t get intimidated and shout a firm ‘no’ to them if they insist. If you wish to avoid them completely, instead of using the main stairs, take the stairs on the western side of the Hill (Rue Foyatier) up to the Sacré-Coeur.  Besides, it is a way nicer climb up to the Sacré-Coeur than the one from the Square Louise Michel.

Unfortunately, there are also other scams there. Among them, there is the ‘fake petition scam’. Young girls will ask you to sign a petition for some charity. Whether you sign or you refuse, they’ll manage to engage with you and somehow distract you while others are robbing you. 

There are also many pickpockets in Montmartre, particularly near the metro Anvers, Pigalle and Abbesses. Always keep your phone and valuables tucked closely to you. Do not leave your purse or bag open. 

This shouldn’t discourage you to visit the wonderful village of Montmartre. Just take your precautions before you go. Better safe than sorry, as they say.

Free walking tours

There are amazing free Montmartre walking tours available with locals, like this one with  Discover Walks . Although free, the tours are really worth it and people usually tip around 12€ for this tour.

Be prepared to climb (a lot of!) steep streets and staircases

Montmartre is a hill and the highest point in Paris. So be prepared to walk on steep cobble streets and climb a lot of staircases. Bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes.

Go there early in the morning

Montmartre is one of the most visited areas in Paris; it is no surprise that the district is always crowded! To avoid the crowds, favor early mornings. Try to avoid weekends.

Explore the backstreets and don’t be afraid to get lost

Take your time to wander the back streets. Spent at least one hour exploring in search of hidden gems. Without phone, map, nor guidebook. Don’t be afraid to go off-the-beaten-path, don’t be afraid to get lost, you never know what great places, things or experiences you might stumble upon.

Best time to visit Montmartre

 ‘ Paris is always a good idea ’, they say.

Winter is a great season to visit Montmartre, especially if it’s snowing. It is the perfect time to enjoy the really cute Christmas market of Montmartre, and a ‘vin chaud’ (mulled wine) of course. It is a magical experience to see Montmartre covered in snow. 

During the spring season, the weather is particularly pleasant. The flowers (especially cherry blossoms, magnolia, wisteria and tulips) are in bloom, and the streets are absolutely gorgeous.

Although many Parisians are on holidays in July and August, there are still many tourists visiting the city of love. But the atmosphere is very agreeable and in fact, more laidback in summer. The views from the Sacré-Coeur are also the best during the summertime. Unfortunately, many restaurants and shops are closed in August.

Autumn is my favorite season to visit Montmartre. Autumn sees generally less tourists and the weather is great. It is the best moment to visit Montmartre, enjoy local festivals and blend with locals. Besides, the colorful fall foliage of Montmartre is so stunning that it is worth the visit alone. 

Where to eat in Montmartre?

La Boîte aux Lettres 

Address: 108, Rue Lepic, 75018 Paris

For its authentic (local) atmosphere, its traditional French food and its special menu ‘ pour les indécis ’ (for the one who don’t know what to choose, the chef decides for you).

Le Coq Rico 

Address: 98, Rue Lepic, 75018 Paris

A legendary restaurant with the best roasted chickens of Paris. Besides it is a Michelin restaurant!

Le Jardin d’en face  

Address: 29, Rue des 3 Freres, 75018 Paris

For its very friendly staff, local laidback atmosphere and delicious food. Far away from the tourist traps!

Terrass’’  

Address: 12-14, Rue Joseph de Maistre, 75018 Paris

For its rooftop and amazing panoramic view over Paris. I highly recommend the dinner experience with the Eiffel Tower sparkling in the background.

Le refuge des Fondus

Address: 17, Rue des 3 Freres, 75018 Paris

If you love cheese and drinking wine in baby bottles! 

Le Poulbot 

Address: 3, Rue Poulbot, 75018 Paris 

For the atmosphere, the location and the tasty traditional French food. It is located in a very touristic street but has managed to keep its authentic local feel (even if it’s in the heart of Montmartre).

For more travel inspiration in Paris, follow my Instagram account:  https://www.instagram.com/paris_kathmandu/

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I have visited Montmartre but this article encouraged me to visit it again as I haven’t really visited all the places, next time I will follow your guide. Thank you very much for your detailed information about Montmartre.

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The Complete Guide to Montmartre Paris

If you’re visiting Paris then you’ll need to visit the wonderful Montmartre area of the city. Steeped in history, stunningly beautiful and with so much to see, it’s must-do during your trip to the city. From the famous white church (the Sacré-Cœur) to the Moulin Rouge, Montmartre is home to some of the city’s most iconic monuments and boy is it fun to explore.

Our guide is written by someone who actually lives in Paris and has done for the last 8 years. So read on to discover more about the incredible area of Montmartre!

Our guide is split into the following sections:

What is Montmartre and Where is it in Paris?

Practical information, what to do & see, where to eat & drink in montmartre, where to stay in montmartre, is montmartre paris safe at night, is it a good place to stay in paris, how to get there, montmartre wine festival.

Montmartre is an area in the 18th arrondissement, on the right bank and in the north of the city. It was once an ancient village outside of the city centre dating back to the 12th century where the Saint-Pierre church (which still stands today) was first founded by Louis VI. The old village survived the capital’s tumultuous years of change and finally became absorbed by the city in 1860.

Nowadays Montmartre is known for its artistic side with Renoir and Picasso having lived and worked in the area. It’s also home to the famous white domed Sacré-Cœur basilica on the top of the hill which looks down to the rest of the city. The lower section of Montmartre, Pigalle, is known for its night-life and fantastic bars.

The area itself has been, on the whole, untouched by years of change and the area has retained it’s old Parisian charm. The old, cobbled streets are lovely to walk around in and take in the sights of the ancient area. For me, it’s definitely one of the must-do areas of the city!

I’d recommend visiting Montmartre by foot – it’s the only way to really explore the area.

It’s also an area of the city with few metro stations but there is the Montmartrobus which loops down from Pigalle, up past the Sacré-Cœur to the Clignancourt square and back again. It’s a very small electric bus (that isn’t disability friendly) that was made especially for the small, narrow streets of Montmartre.

Note : The old village of Montmartre is on-top of a 128m high hill and getting by foot means climbing up many of the famous staircases of Montmartre. I’d advise to wear comfortable shoes and to bring a bottle of water!

Montmartre has so many things to see and do. It’s a charming old area of Paris which is perfect just to walk around and

Sacré-Cœur: The Sacré-Cœur Basilica is one of the most iconic monuments of Paris. Located right at the top of the hill, the white domed church is a must-visit. It’s free to enter the main church or you can pay to climb up to the top. The area infant of the church has uninterrupted views across the city.

Place du Tertre: The Place du Tertre is the old central square of the ancient village. Here’s where you’ll find the famous artists of Montmartre painting portraits & caricatures. There’s a limited amount of artists and their spots are highly sought after – they work is even judged by professionals to ensure that they’re good enough to be there

Wall of Love: The Wall of Love is a large wall contains the words ‘I love you’ 311 times in 250 languages. It’s located right next to the Abbessess metro station in Montmartre.

The Vineyard of Montmartre: A peculiarity of Montmartre is that is has the only vineyard in the city. On the smaller side, you unfortunately can’t go inside but you can walk around the outside. Located a stones throw from the Sacré-Cœur, it’s also next to the famous ‘pink restaurant’ and the Au Lapin Agile cabaret.

Check below to discover even more things to do in Montmartre:

12 Amazing Things to See & Do in Montmartre in Paris

Tip: If you love food and want to do discover Montmartre in one evening then I’d recommend you go on an evening food tour in Montmartre – click to read our unbiased review. You can also book tickets here directly.

Montmartre is home to some fantastic restaurants but there’s also a lot of tourist traps (especially around and below the Sacre-Cœur!). I’d avoid going to any restaurants with English menus and photos of the food outside.

For really good French food in Montmartre I’d recommend Le Réciproque , Chantoiseau or, on the cheaper side, Bouillon Pigalle . Click below to read more about these restaurants:

Guide to the Best Restaurants in Montmartre

Tip: Avoid eating in the famous Place du Tertre (the square next to the Sacre-Cœur. This square, although charming, is full of overpriced tourist traps that don’t serve particularly good food! (it is nice for a drink though)

If you’re wanting on the hunt for somewhere to drink in the area then you’re in luck, there are some of the best bars in the city in Montmartre! The majority are in the Pigalle area , on the footsteps of Montmartre. I’d recommend trying the Dirty Dick and Le Lipstick for some fantastic cocktails. Read more in our Best Bars in Montmartre guide below:

5 of the Best Bars in Montmartre

There are some fantastic hotels in Montmartre and we’ve picked 3 of our favourites.

• Terrass Hotel : This is a really nice 4* hotel located at the end of Rue des Abbesses. The hotel overlooks the incredible Montmartre Cemetery and also has a fantastic rooftop bar.
• Hôtel Des Arts : The Hôtel Des Arts is another beautiful 4* boutique hotel in the heart of Montmartre. The hotel’s in a stunning old Parisian building and they’ve kept the vintage Paris charm in their beautiful decor.
• Manolita: The Manolita is a 5* hotel which is perfectly located right next to the Moulin Rouge. Here you’ll be in the middle of the eclectic Pigalle neighbourhood which is perfect to explore Montmartre and the surrounding areas.

FAQ: Montmartre

Montmartre is generally a safe area but, just like the rest of the city, there are some spots you will want to careful in. The Pigalle area gets very lively at night and there can be some sketchy characters around. I’d advise to avoid the dimly lit areas and side streets.

Around the Sacré-Cœur and the Place du Tertre there will be some scammers so avoid individuals approaching you. Find out more on popular scams in Paris in our Is Paris Safe guide.

Yes! Montmartre generally has a very authentic Parisian feel despite the high density of tourists. It’s still very central and you can easily walk down the Seine and explore other areas of the city. I would say that, depending on where you’re staying, as it’s on a hill, you will be walking up and down a lot .

You can get to Montmartre by metro on Line 2 which serves the stations at the bottom of Montmartre ( Pigalle, Anvers and Blanche ). You can also skip a lot of the stair cases by taking Line 12 which goes to Abbesses – this is the most central metro station in Montmartre.

How to Get to Montmartre from the Eiffel Tower

Getting to the Montmartre from the Eiffel Tower isn’t the most straight forward and by public transport the quickest route takes around 40 minutes.

By Bus: The Bus 30 goes directly from the Eiffel Tower to Pigalle. It stops just opposite on the river side, on the Pont d’Iéna. Note that you’ll need to have a travel pass or you can buy a single one way ticket with cash. By Metro: You can take Line 6 from Bir-Hakeim and then change for Line 2 at Charles de Gaulle – Étoile . The walk to Bir-Hakeim takes around 10 minutes from the tower itself and then the metro ride takes around 20 minutes. You can get off either at Pigalle or Anvers and walk up.

Every year there’s a wine festival (the Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre ) which takes place in mid October. The festival celebrates the annual wine harvest from Montmartre’s vineyard and has become a huge event bringing in wine lovers from across the city. It’s on my favourite food and drink events in the year and it’s a must-do if you’re around in October! Click here to find out more about the festival.

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Montmartre is one of the most charming neighborhoods in Paris.

With its rolling hills of cobbled streets and uninhibited bohemian atmosphere, Montmartre attracted artists such as Toulouse-Lautrec, Van Gogh and Picasso during the Belle Époque.

This neighborhood was a picturesque town with small farms, vineyards, and windmills, independent until 1860, when it became an arrondissement of Paris .

In terms of accommodation , few neighborhoods have as much charm as this one. Because? We tell you, come on!

The Montmartre painters

At the end of the 19th century Montmartre became notorious for the cabarets and brothels that opened in the area, but artists such as Monet, Dalí, Picasso, van Gogh, Renoir and Degas moved here, attracted by a cheaper and more liberal cost of living, and they built an artistic community that helped shape the spirit of what Montmartre is today.

What to see in Montmartre

Walking through Montmartre is like traveling back in time.

The main streets of Montmartre could be said to be rue des Martyrs, rue Lamarck, rue Caulaincourt and rue des Abbesses. But the most picturesque are those that surround the Plaza de Tertre and the Sacre Coeur .

Place du Tertre

The Place du Tertre or Plaza de Tertre is the “artists’ square in Paris”. For more than 140 years, since the Belle Époque, the Place du Tertre has been a paradise for painters.

The artists, many of them graduates of prestigious schools of Fine Arts, are assigned a small space of one square meter from the many stalls that divide the small square. Each stall is used by two artists who work alternate days.

To get a place in the Plaza de Tertre you have to present a portfolio that shows your skills and sign up for a waiting list that can take up to a decade.

Only painting is allowed, preferably of Parisian landscapes, portraits, caricatures and silhouettes. Around the square you will find numerous terraced cafes, souvenir shops, traditional restaurants and a very lively atmosphere.

Sacre Coeur

Sacred heart.

In the highest part of Montmartre is the Basilica of the Sacred Heart , an emblematic monument of the city built in travertine and in the Roman Byzantine style.

The Sacre Coeur and its surroundings are worth a visit, if only to admire the view of Paris from the Place Louise-Michel , located at the foot of the basilica.

vineyards of Montmartre

Behind the Sacre Coeur you find the rue des Saules , where the oldest vineyard in Paris, Vignes du Clos Montmartre, is located . It was planted in 1933 with mixed grape varieties from different regions.

Since 1934, every second weekend in October, Montmartre celebrates its winemaking tradition and welcomes the arrival of the new harvest from its vineyard with a traditional popular festival.

Moulin Rouge

Blanche and Pigalle squares are located (with their neon lights announcing shows and sex shops), there is a different atmosphere, a bit decadent, of partying and spectacle, and it is here that the famous Moulin Rouge .

The Moulin Rouge’s “Féerie” show presents 100 performers in 1,000 costumes of feathers, beading and sequins designed by Corrado Collabucci. It is a memorable show.

More interesting places to visit in Montmartre:

• At 49 rue Gabrielle, you can find Picasso ‘s first Parisian apartment and studio . Where he lived in 1900.
• At 22 rue des Saules is Au Lapin Agile , one of the oldest cabarets in Paris.
• Also on rue des Saules you will find a mythical restaurant, La Bonne Franquette . Artists such as Degas, Renoir and Monet used to gather here. And it was in the garden of this place that Vincent Van Gogh painted his famous painting La Guinguette, in 1886.
• The Montmartre Museum is housed at 12 rue Cortot, in the Maison du Bel Air, the oldest house in the neighborhood. Where there was also a Renoir workshop , where the painter carried out his work Le Moulin de la Galette in 1876.
• At 11 rue Poulbot, you’ll find the Dalí Paris , a permanent exhibition of surrealist art by Salvador Dalí with an emphasis on sculptures and prints. Buy Dalí Paris tickets .
• The Montmartre Cemetery , at 20 Av. Rachel, is the resting place of the likes of Émile Zola and Degas. You can take a quiet walk through its gardens.
• The well-known Je t’aime Wall , or I Love You Wall, with the word “I love you” in 250 languages, is a popular meeting place. You can visit it in Jehan-Rictus Square, near Abbesses Station.

A good way to get in touch with the neighborhood without spending too much is by participating in the Montmartre Free Tour, one of the free tours in Paris with the best opinions and completely in Spanish.

Movie neighborhood   in Paris

Blockbuster films such as La vie en rose , Amelie and Midnight in Paris have also been shot in Montmartre .

Take a look at our Amélie tour to discover the places in the neighborhood that appear in the famous film.

Montmartre funicular

Another particularity of this neighborhood of Paris is that it has a public transport service that only works here: the Montmartre Funicular .

Sacré Coeur de Paris and the Place du Tertre are located . Useful if you want (or need) to save yourself the almost 200 steps to the top.

If you decide to live for a few days in this charming neighborhood, check out these Hotels in Montmartre .

Tip: The Paris Pass includes a walking tour of Montmartre.

More attractions in Paris

Keep planning your trip to Paris with these ideas

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Elegant district of Paris with a beautiful boulevard full of stores, famous historic cafes and a medieval church.

Orsay Museum

Exhibition of 19th century fine arts including impressionist art by artists such as Manet, Degas, Renoir, Cezanne and Monet.

Parks and Gardens of Paris

Spaces of relaxation and inspiration, scattered throughout the city. Visit the parks and gardens of Paris, find the nearest one in this list.

Palace of Versailles

A few minutes from the center of Paris is the Château de Versailles. A worthwhile excursion. You can buy your tickets here and find out how to get there.

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Montmartre Walking Tour

This post is a free and self-guided walking tour of Montmatre, one of Paris's most iconic neighborhoods, along with a map.

We also provide an audio tour version that is GPS-enabled to help guide you through the area. 

And lastly, we provide a comparison of the various live-guided Montmartre walking tours , including, free walks , food tours , and art walks.

The neighborhood is a popular destination for visitors from around the world who are eager to follow in the footsteps of artistic legends such as Dali, Degas, and Hemingway, among several others.

The Moulin Rouge and Sacre Coeur Cathedral are especially famous attractions that have been attracting visitors, and tour companies, to the neighborhood for decades.

Click the Montmartre walking tour map to enlarge it.

SELF-GUIDED TOUR OF MONTMATRE

This self-guided tour should take between 2 and 4 hours depending on how long you dwell at each stop. In reality, there's no more than 1 hour of walking.

The tour begins at Place Pigalle ( map ). Take the metro to Pigalle on line 2 or 12 and prepare to stroll in the footsteps of geniuses. The tour ends near where it starts.

We also offer our own, GPS-led audio tour , developed and narrated by one of our local tour guides, Christina.

Here is a sample of the tour.

Place Pigalle

Take the metro to Pigalle on line 2 or 12 and prepare to stroll in the footsteps of geniuses.

Exit the metro and you’ll find yourself in Place Pigalle on the Boulevard de Clichy ( map ).

Downhill you’ll head back into Paris and going across either east or west you’ll be walking around the Butte du Montmartre or the hill of the martyrs.

We’ll find out about the name later, but in the late 19 th Century this went from being the countryside outside of the city to the most radical artistic neighborhood in the world.

Looking down the hill you’ll see a nightclub called Folies Pigalle, this was once the café Nouvelle Athènes frequented by Van Gogh, Henri Matisse, and Degas where the latter painted his famous L’Absinthe (see picture).

Back then absinthe, a supposedly hallucinogenic drink made of anise, fennel, herbs, and wormwood, was all the rage but we’ll hear more about that later too.

By the 1940s, the bar had become a striptease club where the Nazis and later French Resistance fighters would relax.

Sex and the erotic have always been a big part of the Montmartre story. Looking around today you’ll see lots of clubs and sex shops along the Boulevard.

It can be quite seedy here at night, but as we head up the hill you’ll notice the atmosphere becomes much less bawdy.

The name Pigalle comes from the 18 th- Century painter, Jean Baptiste Pigalle, but American GIs arriving in Paris after its liberation by Free French forces found the same pleasures here and nicknamed the area Pig Alley!

Right now we’re going to head west along Pig Alley (the Boulevard de Clichy) keep downhill on your left and uphill on your right.

Le Chat Noir

(68 Boulevard de Clichy)

You are standing in front of the world’s first modern cabaret.

La Chat Noir is now most famous for stylish retro posters on a thousand student walls (see picture).

But this was the soul of Belle Époque Paris, a place where fashionable artists came to be entertained at their tables by raucous music hall entertainment.

The club opened in 1881 as the meeting place of Les Hyrdopathes a group of artists who preferred wine to water!

The doormen at the club dressed like the Pope’s Vatican Swiss Guard but their job was to stop priests and the military people from entering this bohemian and radical club.

The list of famous patrons is like a who’s who of modern art and culture; the musician Claude Debussy, the singer Aristide Bruant and painters like Henri Toulouse Lautrec.

Henri Toulouse Lautrec was a fascinating character. Born to a noble family with a history of inbreeding, Toulouse broke both legs when aged 14, and his legs ceased to grow, leaving him with an adult torso, a child’s legs, and hypertrophied genitals!

He became the center of the Montmartre social scene, a leading post-impressionist painter, and a legendary lover to many local prostitutes and models.

From this, he contracted syphilis, went crazy, and drank himself to death at the age of 36.

Today he’s probably best known for designing the posters and flyers for the most famous cabaret in the world.

You probably don’t need us to tell you the name of that cabaret, keep walking west on the Boulevard de Clichy, and on your right, you’ll spot a big red windmill!

Le Moulin Rouge

The original red windmill stood atop a low building here which marked the entrance to the cabaret where kings and paupers could mix and watch girls dancing the famous Can-Can dance.

That windmill burned down in a fire, but the club was rebuilt and continues to wow audiences.

The Can Can, where dancers kick up their legs one after the other, getting quicker and quicker, was originally danced by both sexes but women in the late nineteenth century wore open underclothes which would occasionally flash audiences as they danced.

Here at the Moulin Rouge, they found that the more the girls flashed the more customers kept returning, and over the years the underclothes got shorter and shorter as the club became more and more famous.

Baz Luhrmann’s film with Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor reignited interest in the club in 2001.

If you’ve seen the film John Leguizamo’s character is based on the painter Toulouse Lautrec.

The Moulin Rouge remains one of the main attractions in Paris with shows every night at 21:00 (9 pm) and 23:00 (11 pm).

Tickets start at 87€ per person , it’s not cheap but will certainly be an unforgettable evening.

For now, let’s head up into Montmartre. Turn back towards the Blanche Metro stop and then left up Rue Lepic.

Café des Deux Moulins

As you head up Rue Lepic, you’ll find this charming café-bar on the left-hand side - 15 Rue Lepic ( map )

Movie lovers will instantly recognize this as Amelie’s workplace from the famous 2001 French film; Amelie. The quirky love story is set around Paris but focuses heavily on Montmartre.

The cigarette machine from the film is missing but the Café’s bathroom remains identical to how it is in the raunchy movie scene!

Despite its fame, the Café des Deux Moulins is no more pricey than other cafés and restaurants in the area.

A top tip for saving money in Paris is to drink at the bar. You will pay a higher price for table service and an even higher price for sitting outside on the terrace.

Continue up Rue Lepic, you will get to what looks like a junction, but turn left and you’ll find that Rue Lepic continues curving its way up the hill.

Van Gogh’s House 

As Rue Lepic turns right uphill you’ll find a plaque on the wall at 54 Rue Lepic ( map ) commemorating Vincent Van Gogh’s time here.

This was the home of Theo Van Gogh, Vincent's brother, who worked for a local art dealer. Vincent showed up in 1886 penniless and moved in with his brother.

This began a 2-year stint in Paris. It's here where Vincent's studio was set up (well, it was his bedroom).

In Paris Van Gogh became interested in Japanese art, pointillism, and impressionism and was hanging out with artists like Toulouse Lautrec, Paul Gauguin, and Camille Pissarro and his art took a transformative turn in these days.

Financial success eluded him to this point. Ironically, Van Gogh's poverty led him to focus on painting inexpensive and readily available items, which is why many of his paintings of this era involve flowers.

This is also the period when he painted several versions of his self-portrait.

For more information on his time here in Paris, there is an excellent article , which was a source for this entry, as well as an online exhibit .

Le Moulin de la Galette

Stop on Rue Lepic at the corner with Rue Tholozé ( map ) for fantastic views down into Paris. Cast your eyes upwards and you’ll see the Moulin de la Galette.

A galette is a kind of wholemeal crepe that was a staple food of the poor of Montmartre and Paris at the turn of the 20 th Century.

The windmill here is the only original windmill remaining today, but back then, Montmartre was full of windmills. This one is famous for two reasons:

During the 1870 Prussian siege of Paris, the mill’s owners defended the area and the miller was nailed to the sails of the mill in punishment by Prussian soldiers.

On a happier note, the mill was famous as a café, cabaret, and meeting point for artists. Many painted scenes here, but most famously Pierre-August Renoir.

Renoir and the impressionists took art away from trying to capture purely accurate images. They preferred to show how things move and change over time as light changes from morning to evening.

Renoir’s Moulin de la Galette painting appears in the film Amelie for those who’ve seen it. 

Today the windmill is privately owned and you can’t go up there so we’ll continue around the corner on Rue Girardon.

Saint-Denis Statue

One block on, at 2B Impasse Girardon ( map ), you will find a small park, Square Suzanne Buisson, on the left of the Rue Girardon.

In the park, there’s a statue of the first Bishop of Paris, Saint-Denis.

Saint-Denis was beheaded here on the hill by the Romans in the 3 rd Century.

According to legend his corpse picked up his head and walked 10km to the point where the Cathedral of Saint-Denis now stands in the suburbs of Paris.

Every French king is buried at Saint-Denis and it’s great for a visit if you get the time.

Historically, the name Montmartre, the Hill of the Martyrs, has been attributed to this event.

However, most historians today think the hill was already known as Montmars, the hill of Mars, by the pagans before the advent of Christianity.

Buste Dalida

Exit the park the same way you entered and continue down Rue Girardon.

At the corner, where it turns to the right onto Rue L’Abreuvoir ( map ), you will see a small bust of the famous Egyptian-Italian-French singer Dalida.

Dalida had an incredibly successful career but tragic love life.

Her first fiancé shot himself, her husband shot himself, her friend jumped to his death from a Paris apartment and her final lover gassed himself in his Renault car.

All this became too much and Dalida overdosed on barbiturates in 1987 leaving a note saying; life has become unsupportable for me. Can you blame her?!

Rue L’Abreuvoir

This charming street was immortalized by the painter Maurice Utrillo. Utrillo was one of the few painters born in Montmarte.

His mother Suzanne Valadon was the first woman admitted to the society of fine arts and learned her art from the countless painters she’d modeled for as a young woman.

Her former house is now the Montmarte Museum just ahead at number 12 Rue Cortot.

When Valadon fell pregnant she didn’t know who the father was. According to one Montmartre resident at the time; “she went to Renoir, but he looked at the baby and said, ‘can't be mine, the color is terrible’!

So she went to Degas, who said, 'He can't be mine, the form is awful!'

Valadon then saw an artist named Miguel Utrillo and told him her woes. He told her to call the baby Utrillo: 'I would be glad to put my name to the work of either Renoir or Degas!”

La Maison Rose

On the corner with the Rue des Saules ( map ), you’ll see the Maison Rose, or pink house, where Utrillo and many other painters used to hang out.

Upstairs was once a brothel where Van Gogh is reported to have contracted syphilis.

Today it’s been cleaned up and is a lovely spot for a bite to eat! Honestly!

Au Lapin Agile

Turn left down Rue des Saules with the vineyard on your left and stop on the corner by the Lapin Agile ( map ).

This little cabaret started life as a hang-out for low-lives and criminals.

After the owner’s son was killed in an attempted robbery, the place was known as the Cabaret des Assassins.

But, fortunes changed when Andre Gill painted a new sign with a rabbit jumping out of a saucepan. People started to refer to the place as Gill’s Rabbit and this later changed to the Agile Rabbit.

At the turn of the 20 th Century the place was bought by Aristide Bruant to save it from closing and it became a favourite meeting place for struggling artists.

A young Picasso used to flirt with the waitresses and doodle their portraits on napkins in exchange for them letting him off the bill!

This is still a Cabaret today and well worth a visit for a more intimate and less bank-breaking French cabaret experience.

Le Jardin Sauvage

Turn right on Rue de Saint-Vicent and you’ll head past the old wild garden vineyards.

The wine they made here was Beaujolais, some of the first wines of the season and cheap wines for the people of Paris.

Unfortunately, the wine crops failed for several years in the late 19 th Century and this is where the tradition of drinking absinthe came from.

Once the wine stocks returned, many poor artists preferred to stick to absinthe as it was cheaper.

In order to get their customers back, many vineyards began spreading the idea that Absinth made drinkers go mad, hallucinate and commit all sorts of terrible crimes.

They also tried to get its sale prohibited. The legend they invented of hallucinogenic trips with the ‘green fairy’ persists to this day.

Le Sacré-Coeur

Continue uphill along Rue de Saint-Vicent. You’ll cross the path with the stairs heading up and down the hill.

The view down the hill is beautiful but we’ll continue uphill on the more gradual incline.

As the road bends to the right you’ll suddenly catch a view of the back of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica ( map ).

Le Sacré-Coeur Rear

The basilica was built to make up for what many saw as the moral corruption for which they blamed for the French defeat in the 1870-71 Franco-Prussian War

When Prussian troops took Paris in January 1871, the French Government and Army surrendered.

However, the working-class National Guard and the people of Paris refused to accept the surrender or the authority of the French Government and created an autonomous commune up here in Montmartre.

This was the first example of the working-class rule in the history of the world, but it only lasted a few months.

Barricade set up by Commune shown captured by French Army forces 

In May French troops attacked and destroyed the Commune in what became known as the Semaine Sanglante or bloody week

On both sides, terrible atrocities were committed and the Sacré-Coeur was seen as a way to atone for those sins.

Construction of the basilica began in 1875 but didn’t finish until during WWI, so it was only consecrated after the war in 1919.

Let’s head around the church to its right, at the front you’ll get the most spectacular view of Paris, prepare to have your breath taken.

View of Paris from Le Sacré-Coeur

Take all the time you need to drink in the incredible views of Paris. In the afternoons the steps will be packed with people listening to street musicians.

Once you’ve regained your breath, turn back to the basilica and you’ll see two statues of people on horseback.

Le Sacré-Coeur Front

The statue to the left is King Louis IX, the only king of France to be made a saint.

Louis brought in the right to a fair trial and banned medieval trials by torturous ordeals like walking over hot coals.

From his fights in the crusades, he brought back holy relics that you’ll find today in the Sainte-Chapelle in the centre of Paris.

The statue on the right is Joan of Arc. During France’s darkest hours when the English were conquering at will, Joan rallied the French armies and started their fightback.

She was captured and burned as a witch by the English ensuring her legend forever in history.

You can enter the Sacré Coeur free from 6 am – 10.30 pm. You have to pay to climb the dome and you’ll need strong legs to climb the 300+ steps!

Place du Tertre

Once you’ve checked out the church and got your breath back from the view turn right with the church at you back and head along Rue Azais.

Looking out towards Paris you’ll catch a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower, then turn uphill to the right. As the street bends left you’ll enter the Place du Tertre ( map ).

Place du Tertre on a rather slow day.

Today, as in years gone by, the square will be full of painters selling their art. If you’d like your own portrait they’ll be more than happy to paint you.

On the northern side of the square, the Mere Cathrine restaurant was the first Bistro in the world.

Russian soldiers at the end of the Napoleonic wars demanded their drinks quickly- Bystro in Russian, and the idea of a bistro or rapid service restaurant was born!

Salvador Dalí Museum Paris

Once you’re done in Place du Tertre, leave on the downhill corner, diagonally opposite to the side you entered.

At the end of the small street steps go downhill, do not take those, turn right on Place du Calvaire and you’ll come to the Espace Dalí Montmartre ( map ).

Salvador Dalí is today the most famous surrealist artist in history, which is ironic as the surrealists kicked him out of their movement!

Surrealism was a reaction to all the craziness of wars and destruction in the world.

A group of writers, poets, and painters led by Louis Bréton began to question whether the comforting world of our dreams was actually the real world and our crazy world just a nightmare.

To connect with the dream world, they tried to write and paint without thinking consciously.

This automatic writing, as they called it, can be fun to try and to read back to yourself, but generally reading the nonsense of someone else’s head isn’t too engaging.

Dalí’s painting seemed intended to provoke and he was kicked out of the movement for thinking too much about his work and more than anything for making too much money from it!

People are still making money from his work today , entrance costs €13  and is a must for fans of surrealism.

Bateau Lavoir

Continue on Rue Poulbot and turn left at the end on Rue Norvins then left on Rue Jean-Baptist Clément and right on Rue Ravignan into Place Emile Goudeau ( map ).

This hidden little square is named after the leader of Les Hydropathes, who we met right at the start of our tour.

On the right, as you enter downhill, you’ll find the Bateau Lavoir which is steeped in art history. Only the façade remains for the original building after a fire in the 1970s.

But, at the turn of the 20 th Century the creaky building would sway in the wind like the washing boats on the River Seine, hence its name- the washing boat.

The name was coined by Picasso’s life-long friend the writer Max Jacob.

The original Bateau Lavoir had many floors below going downhill towards the back, and when Picasso arrived in Paris in 1900 the place was packed with struggling artists.

Picasso had been painting in dark blue colors since his arrival in Paris when his best friend shot himself over unrequited love.

But living here Pablo met his first love, Fernande Olivier, and began painting in happy pink or rose colors, he then moved on to experiment with African masks and created the first-ever cubist painting here in 1907.

The impressionists had been moving away from 100% accurate depictions of their subjects.

But in Les Demoiselles d’Avignon (see picture) Picasso took the art rule book, ripped it up, and threw it out of the window, representing five ladies with hard angular blocks of color.

Avignon is in the South of France but most people now think this painting is of five prostitutes from the Carrer d’Avinyó in Barcelona where Picasso grew up.

Picasso and his friends were poor struggling artists but always to be found out and about in Montmartre.

If you’re on the Picasso trail, check out the Picasso Museum in le Marais .

Murs de j’taime – The love wall

Leave the square downhill on Rue Ravignan and turn on Rue de Abbesses to Place des Abbesses.

On the upper side of Place de Abbesses you’ll find a small park with I love you written in over 250 languages.

The wall was created by the artists Frédéric Baron and Claire Kito and is a must for lovers and honeymooning couples.

If you come back this way Abbesses is the nearest Metro stop ( map ) to the top of the hill but its spiral staircase is hard work for all but the fittest of visitors.

If you’re looking for a place to eat, there are many great restaurants for all budgets around here.

A personal favourite of ours is l’Annexe on Rue des Trois Frees or for something fun and different, the Refuge de Fondues on the same street where the wine is served in baby’s bottles!

Refuge de Fondues

Take Rue Yvonne le Tac and Rue Tardieu across the hill (neither up nor down) and you’ll arrive at a park with fantastic views back up to the Sacré-Coeur.

This is where Amelie calls her lover on the payphone and tells him to follow the blue arrows.

Hopefully, you’ve enjoyed our time in this most romantic of neighbourhoods.

If you’re done with Montmarte just head down Rue de Steinkerque to Place Anvers where you’ll find the Boulevard where we started and the Metro station Anvers to head off to your next Paris destination.

If you’d rather hang around longer and explore, just remember whichever way you go downhill on the Sacré-Coeur side of the hill, you’ll hit the big Boulevard where we started and where you’ll find a Metro station.

Related Posts:

• Île de la Cité and Latin Quarter Self Guided Tour
• Banks of the Seine Tour (The Last Rulers of France Tour): Self Guided Paris Tour
• Paris Transport Guide
• Things to Do in Paris

If you're interested in a different kind of experience, there is a self-guided exploration game in Montmartre which tasks you with solving a mystery as you're discovering the area.

GUIDED WALKING TOURS

There are 4 main companies leading live-guided walking tours of the Montmartre District, including one pay-what-you-wish tour.

If you're looking for a different kind of experience, there is a self-guided exploration game in Montmartre which gives you the opportunity to solve a mystery while discovering the area.

We also offer our own, GPS-led audio tour , developed and narrated by a local tour guide, which you can take it anytime you wish.

Disclosure:  We think you should consider  our free tours , but we have also provided other options. While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the  full text .

Discovery Walks

Discovery Walks offer a 90-minute tour of Montmartre, visiting the areas from Moulin Rouge to the Sacre Coeur Cathedral.

The tour is name-your-own-price, leaving you free to decide its worth or what you could afford at the end. Group sizes can exceed 20 people, but reviews don't support this as an issue.

Montmartre Tour: Moulin Rouge to Sacre Coeur

• Departs daily at 11:00 am, 14:30 (2.30 pm)
• Pay-What-You-Like
• Book this tour .

New Europe Tours

At €16 per person, this is a reasonably priced option for those looking to explore this artistic neighborhood.

Like with other tours, you will learn about the famous figures who frequented Montmartre throughout history before finishing at the Sacre Coeur Cathedral.

New Europe tends to be popular with backpackers, so expect a younger crowd and larger(ish) group sizes.

Montmartre District Tour 

• 2 hours 
• Departs daily at 11 am and 6 pm 
• €16 per person
• Get more information or to book .

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.

This company offers a variety of popular tours in Paris, including two outings that will take you through the neighborhood of Montmartre. 

Their main Montmartre tour is approximately 1 ½ hours in length and it covers several notable sites such as Moulin Rouge, the Wall of Love, Picasso's Studio, and many other historic locations.

Alternatively, you can also take their Paris in a Day tour and visit additional neighborhoods such as the Latin Quarter and notable attractions like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre museum.

Montmartre: Paris' Picture Perfect Village

• €15 per person
• Duration: 1 ½ hours
• Maximum of 20 guests.
• Includes stops at several notable locations.

Paris in a Day

• €165/Adults | €163/Students | €155/Children
• Spring/Summer Availability: Wed - Mon at 9 am
• Fall/Winter Availability: Mon, Wed, Sat at 9 am
• Duration: 9 hours
• Maximum of 15 guests.
• Includes admission to the Louvre.
• Includes admission to the Eiffel Tower.
• Includes Seine River cruise.

Fat Tire Tours

Though known around Europe for their fabulous bike tours, Fat Tire Bike Tours also lead walking tours!

Their Montmartre 2-hour walking tour is one of their most popular, as it visits all of the main attractions in this popular neighborhood.

This tour and Fat Tires as a company are both well-reviewed, averaging over 4 out of 5-stars on TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide ( read the reviews ).

This is the most expensive option in this section, but they also have the smallest group sizes and tend to attract a more mature clientele.

Paris: Montmartre 2-Hour Walking Tour

• Departs Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:00 am, and Sunday, Monday, and Thursday at 15:00 (3 pm)
• €25 per person
• Get more information or to book . 

SPECIALTY WALKING TOURS

Montmartre impressionist art walking tour with skip-the-line musee d'orsay ticket.

This 1.5-hour tour is perfect for art lovers who are interested in learning the colorful histories of artists such as Van Gogh, Degas, and Monet.

With your purchase, you also receive a skip-the-line ticket to the Musee d'Orsay ticket, which is a great bonus considering the huge crowds that this museum usually attracts. 

This tour is very well reviewed on TripAdvisor and Viator ( read the reviews ).

• Departs Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 10:30 am and 2 pm 
• From  €45 per person
• NOTE: This tour isn't currently available as of March 2024.

Meeting the French Tours 

Meeting the French Tours are known for their specialty tours of Paris and offer 2 tours of the Montmartre District:

• (1) Paris Movie Tour of Montmartre and
• (2) Paris Romance Walking Tour of Montmartre.

As specialty tours, they are significantly more expensive than the traditional guided tours listed above.

However, for film aficionados and diehard romantics, these tours are totally worth it!

On the Paris Movie Tour of Montmartre, you will learn about filming rights in Paris and why Montmartre is such a popular place for filming, in addition to visiting several major filming locations for world-famous films.

Paris Movie Tour of Montmartre

• Departs daily at 10 am or 5 pm
• From €85 per person
• More information or to book .

The Paris Romance Walking Tour of Montmartre visits Moulin de la Galette, the ‘I Love You Wall,’ Studio 28 and other famous love-struck sights, as well shares stories about Paris’ history and culture of love and romance. 

Paris Romance Walking Tour of Montmartre

• Departs daily at 2 pm or 4 pm 
• From €65 per person  

Paris is often considered one of the greatest culinary cities in the world... and with good reason!

And as a bustling neighborhood with an important history, Montmartre is one of the best places to dine.

This 3-hour culinary adventure will have you sampling homemade pies, cheese, charcuterie, and a glass of wine as your walk through the Montmartre District.

You will learn how these items are made, as well as how Parisien's shops traditionally prepare each dish every day.

Also, you will learn more about the culinary history of the neighborhood.

Food is included in the price of the tour. 

Montmartre Gourmet Tour

• Departs daily at 2:30 pm 
• From €95 per person

Culinary Tours of Paris 

Named after Ernest Hemingway's famous novel set in Paris, Montmartre Moveable Feast Tour is a culinary tour of one of Paris's most famous neighborhoods.

With Culinary Tours of Paris, you will visit 3 different restaurants, enjoying 1 course at each. In the first, you get to sample an appetizer or charcuterie and fromage.

After moving on to the second stop, you will be served the main course, before finally eating a dessert presented at the last stop.

Between restaurants, you are taken through the streets of Montmartre and told the history of the area.

The tour is approximately 3.5 hours and includes each meal with the cost of the ticket. 

Montmartre Moveable Feast Tour

• Departs Wednesday-Sunday at 11:45 am 
• € 110 per person

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Detailed map of Montmartre

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25 Best Things To Do In Montmartre Paris [Guide to Montmartre]

Planning to visit Montmartre and looking for what to do? This guide will give you the best things to do in Montmartre Paris plus practical tips to guide you!

Montmartre is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Paris and I’ve visited it more times than any other neighborhood in the city! Its artistic vibe, romantic feel, and cafe culture bring out the authentic nature of Paris.

Perfectly situated on a hill in the 18th arrondissement on the right bank of the Seine, Montmartre is one of the highest points in Paris offering stunning views of the city.

I’ve spent many evenings here watching the sunset over Paris and many leisurely afternoon strolls, and it never gets old.

Its pretty cobblestone tiny streets and small cafes make it feel like you’re walking in a romantic village yearning to be explored.

Whether you want to walk in the footsteps of famous French painters like Camille Pissarro , Auguste Renoir , and Toulouse-Lautrec  or those who fell in love with it and called it home like Pablo Picasso , or Vincent van Gogh , admire the famous basilica, or get a glimpse of the only remaining vineyard in Paris, there are so many things to do in Montmartre that it would take you even more than a day to get the bearings of this lovely neighborhood.

To help you discover all the famous and hidden jewels of this lovely area, I will be sharing with you all the best places to visit in Montmartre, where to stay, and tours to take to fully enjoy your time. Basically, a complete guide to Montmartre to make sure you don’t miss anything.

And at the end of the article, I will add a map of all the best places to see in Montmartre to make sure that you don’t miss any.

But before we look at what to do in Montmartre, there are some practical guides you’ll find helpful but if you already know them, you can scroll to the next section.

Practical Tips for Visiting Montmartre

Where is Montmartre in Paris

Montmartre is located in the 18th arrondissement of Paris. It is situated in the northern part of the city and on the right side of the Seine or the right bank as commonly known.

Best Time to Visit Montmartre

The best time to visit Montmartre is any day other than the weekend; well unless you’re just visiting Paris for a weekend , then you’ll have no choice.

The streets of Montmartre are usually crowded on the weekends which can be a bit too much in my opinion. Also, if you can, visit in the morning hours as many people tend to flock here from the afternoons till the evening hours.

If you can visit in the morning hours, then you’ll be able to enjoy the streets a bit more without the crowds. Of course, this also depends on the season. Summer and Spring will always have more crowds than winter or even fall .

How to Get to Montmartre

Getting to Montmartre is pretty easy regardless of where you are in Paris. The easiest way is by taking the Metro .

You can either take line M12 or M2 but where you stop exactly depends on where you want to start your visit.

On M12, you can either stop at the “main” Montmartre metro station at Abbesses station or at Lamarck Caulaincourt station  on the opposite side. If you’re visiting Montmartre for the first time, I recommend stopping at Abbesses station .

If you take M2, you can either stop at Blanche station which will put you next to Moulin Rouge, Place de Clichy , or Anvers Station . Regardless of the metro stop you take, you’ll be just a few minutes’ walk from the popular attractions of Montmartre.

Please note that the station you start your journey at may not have M12 or M2 but don’t worry about this as you can just switch lines until you land on either of them. The city mapper app will come in handy in guiding your route.

How to Get Around Montmartre

The best way to enjoy all the famous and hidden gems in Montmartre Paris is by walking.

However, for people who don’t want to walk for long or have reduced mobility, you can book the small tourist train of Montmartre to get you around. I will give more details about this tourist train later in the article.

Best Tours to Take in Montmartre

For people who don’t want to stress with planning, figuring out what to visit next, or those who want a deeper insight into the neighborhood, signing up for guided tours is the best way to see Montmartre. Below are some of the guided tours in Montmartre I highly recommend.

Montmartre Guided Walking Tour

This is probably the best tour if you want to see the major attractions of Montmartre. Starting at Moulin Rouge and going through the cute streets while taking you back in time with historical facts and history, this 2- 3 hours guided tour is the perfect tour if you don’t have a lot of time but want to see the highlights.

Cheese, Wine, and Pastry Montmartre Tour

If you’ve already visited the popular attractions and want to discover Montmartre through food, this guided tour is the perfect choice for you. This 3-hour foodie walking tour will take you on a journey to discover French pastries and taste various cheeses and wines while uncovering the history of Montmartre.

Where to Stay in Montmartre

If you’re still planning to visit Paris and have zeroed down on staying in Montmartre on your trip, here are some of the best hotels in Montmartre to consider.

Courtesy of Hotel 29 Lepic / Booking.com

Budget Hotel

Located on the famous street of Rue Lepic as given away by its name, Hotel 29 Lepic is a gold mine when it comes to budget accommodation in Montmartre. The rooms are designed in a simple yet modern way and it is just a few meters away from Moulin Rouge and Sacre Coeur. This hotel has all the basic amenities in the room, a minibar and if you’re lucky, you might get a room with a balcony to enjoy the views of Montmartre.

Mid-range Hotel

With a mid-range budget, you can’t go wrong at Hôtel des Arts Montmartre . This boutique hotel is not only classy but also decorated in bold colors to create a charming environment. Some rooms offer views of Montmartre and Paris roofs and it is less than 10 minutes away from Sacre Coeur on foot. Besides the amenities including a gym, this hotel serves a buffet breakfast every morning to start your day right.

Courtesy of Hôtel des Arts, Montmartre / Booking.com

Luxury Hotel

If luxury is the language you speak, then Maison Souquet understands your language. Housed in a Parisian townhouse, this luxury hotel features an indoor swimming pool, and a spa with a hammam, and is decorated in a unique way that screams luxury. The general ambiance of this place is cozy and romantic just like the Montmartre neighborhood it’s set in.

Apartment Rental

If you want to have that homey feel even when in Paris, then Odalys City Paris Montmartre is the perfect home away from home stay. This large studio apartment features a kitchenette if you want to make some quick meals, a dining area, and all the amenities you’ll need for a comfortable stay including an onsite spa and sauna. It’s set on a quiet street but also very close to all the action in Montmartre.

Where to Eat in Montmartre

Montmartre has a number of cafes and restaurants and it can be hard to choose one. To make your choice easier, here are some of the places to eat in Montmartre plus where to find them.

• Le Consulat: Great for lunch, dinner, or even a quick snack. Address: 18 Rue Norvins, 75018 Paris .
• Le Cabanon de la Butte: Serves French foods with a view. Address:  6 Rue Lamarck, 75018 Paris .
• La Boîte aux Lettres: Creative French meals. Address:  108 Rue Lepic, 75018 Paris .
• The Hardware Société: Great for breakfast. Address:  10 Rue Lamarck, 75018 Paris.
• Le Coq & Fils: For all your poulet (chicken) cravings. Address:  98 Rue Lepic, 75018 Paris .
• La Bossue: Great to pick up some delicious French pastries . Address: 9 Rue Joseph de Maistre, 75018 Paris.

Now that we’ve covered all the practical tips, here are the best things to do if you’re going on a Montmartre self-guided walking tour.

Best Things to Do in Montmartre Paris

Whether you’re spending a day in Montmartre or just an afternoon, here are the charming Montmartre attractions not to miss.

1. Visit Sacre Coeur

Sacre Coeur is probably the most famous attraction in Montmartre. Standing atop a hill clad in white with domes soaring through the skies, Sacre Coeur is one of the most beautiful churches in Paris .

While the exterior architecture is imposing, the interior is equally impressive. A step inside will treat you to the biggest Mosaic in France and a glimpse of one of the heaviest and largest bells in the world.

You can visit its crypt, admire its architectural details including the statues at the front, or wander around its well-maintained gardens, but the highlight of any visit is to climb up to its dome to get some of the most stunning views of Paris .

Please note that entrance is free but you’ll need to pay a few Euros to climb the dome.

You can also book this guided tour of Sacre Coeur if you prefer to go with a knowledgeable and friendly guide to learn more history about this landmark.

But before you go, be sure to check out these interesting facts about Sacre Coeur .

2. Snap a photo of the sinking house

Just right next to Sacre Coeur is the sinking house or the greatest illusion in Montmartre village.

When you look at the colorful building, it gives an illusion that it’s sinking, hence the nickname but in reality, it is just a camera trick.

While some people write it off, I believe it’s one of the cool things to do near Sacre Coeur.

3. Admire The Beauty Of Square Louise-Michel

One of the cutest squares in Montmartre is Square Louise-Michel. It is the square located beneath the Sacre Coeur.

It has a carousel, beautifully paved pathways, and benches to sit on. You’ll find lots of people picnicking here, particularly in the summer months. But the highlight is to enjoy a nice view of the Sacre Coeur.

4. Get A Rare View Of The Sacre Coeur From Square Marcel Bleustein Blanchet

Right before leaving the Sacre Coeur area, there is another place you should see known as, Square marcel bleustein blanchet !

It is just behind the basilica, and while most people stick to the front, I recommend going behind to see this little square.

It offers a quiet pace and a unique view of the Sacre Couer.

5. Say I love you at The “wall of Love” (Le Mur des Je t’aime)

There is no doubt that one of the Paris nicknames is the “city of love” and the “ wall of love ” truly brings it out.

Located in Jehan Rictus Garden Square, this 40 square metres (430 sq ft) wall depicts 311 “I love yous” written in 250 languages from all across the world.

You’ll be able to recognize common languages like English and French but there are also “smaller” languages you’ve probably never even heard of before.

6. Peep at the only remaining vineyard in Paris

Being a city known for wines, Paris once had a number of vineyards but as the city grew and became urbanized, most vineyards didn’t survive, but there is one that did.

And luckily for us, we can still get a glimpse of it. Known as Clos Montmartre , this vineyard is still functioning and it produces over 1000 bottles of wine every year.

And if you visit Paris in the fall , specifically in October, you can attend the fun annual harvest party organized at this vineyard.

7. Take Some Pictures at La Maison Rose

Also known as the Pink House, La Maison Rose has become a sensation among Instagrammers!

This pretty house on Rue de l’Abreuvoir is famous for having been frequented by artists like Pablo Picasso, and Suzanne Valadon, and French writers like Albert Camus, who used to come here to share ideas and drink coffee.

Hundreds of years later, it’s still famous, though not as an artist’s hub but as one of the best Instagrammable places in Paris . It’s also a working restaurant, so you can go there to grab lunch, dinner, or even brunch.

8. Stop at Place Dalida

While still on Rue de l’Abreuvoir, make a stop at Place Dalida at the end of the street. This place is famous because of the life-size sculpture of Dalida, commonly known as Buste de Dalida or Bust of Dalida.

If you don’t who she is, Dalida was (and still is) one of the most celebrated and famous French singers .

Though she lived a successful and glamorous life as a musician, she suffered a number of misfortunes in her personal life and suffered depression until she took her own life.

As a way of paying tribute to her, Paris City decided to name this area Place Dalida, and installed this sculpture. Today, so many people come here to pay homage to her.

9. Visit Square Suzanne Buisson

Just a few minutes walk from Place Dalida, you’ll find Square Suzanne Buisson .

Although lovely, the square is quite small, and the only reason you’re coming here is to see the statue of Saint-Denis who was the first bishop of Paris. 

It looks a little bit unusual, so to fully understand why it looks the way it does, you’ll need to know a little bit of history or legend for that matter.

Back in the 250s, St. Denis was sent to the region of Gaul, and since he converted many people to Christianity, the Romans were not happy about it.

So they decided to murder him as part of the Roman campaign to persecute Christians.

But with the guidance of the angels, St. Denis didn’t die instantly when he was beheaded.

He instead carried his head in his hands to the place he wanted to be buried – which is the current Basilica of Saint-Denis in the northern suburb of Paris. Hence the shape of this statue.

There is also a fountain that is believed to be miraculous. 

10. Shake hands with the man Walking Through a wall

Continuing with the theme of sculptures, one of the places to stop while exploring Montmartre is Le Passe-muraille along Rue Norvins.

The idea of a man walking through a wall was based on a character named Dutilleul (who realized that he had supernatural powers of walking through walls) from one of the novels of French novelist Marcel Aymé but it was Jean Marais who sculpted this artwork as a way of paying tribute to the novelist.

There is not much to do here other than taking a picture but knowing the history behind it before your visit will make it more interesting.

11. Explore art at the Montmartre museum

Musée de Montmartre , CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Commonly known as Musée de Montmartre , before it became the Montmartre Museum, it was once home to many famous artists like Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Émile Bernard, Suzanne Valadon, and many others.

In fact, this is where Pierre-Auguste Renoir painted Le Bal du Moulin de la Galette (Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette) and La Balançoire (The Swing) which went on to become some of the most famous French paintings .

The museum houses paintings, writings, and manuscripts that tell a story of Montmartre’s history.

After exploring the museum, step outside to see the beautiful garden known as Renoir’s Garden which offers views of the Montmartre vineyard, or grab a bite at the onsite cafe also known as Cafe Renoir.

With all the various things to see and artistic history in this place, visiting Musée de Montmartre is truly one of the best things to do in Montmartre.

To get access to the permanent and temporary exhibitions of the museum, the gardens, and the cafe, you’ll need to buy this Musée de Montmartre skip-the-line entry ticket .

12. Pay your respects at Montmartre cemetery

One of the rather unique quotes about Paris is that “Paris is the only city in the world where starving to death is still considered an art”.

Though dying in its own right is not art, cemeteries in Paris showcase art in the form of artistic gravestones and statues, and the Montmartre cemetery is no different.

Considered to be the third-largest cemetery in Paris after Montparnasse Cemetery and Père Lachaise Cemetery, the Montmartre cemetery is one of the unusual places to visit in Paris .

Like other big cemeteries, this one is also a final resting place for some of the famous people who lived in the neighborhood of Montmartre including Dalida , Edgar Degas , Théodore Chassériau , Alexandre Dumas fils , Émile Zola , and many others.

13. Visit Saint Vincent Cemetery

If you still want to visit another cemetery, add Saint Vincent Cemetery to your Montmartre bucket list.

It is however small and a little unknown compared to its counterpart, but worth a visit if you’re looking for hidden gems in Montmartre.

14. Dine at Le Consulat

One of the cafes in Montmartre that has become a household name is Le Consulat . It is actually regarded as one of the cutest cafes in Paris and it’s not hard to see why.

The colorful red and green colors plus its old charm make it Instagram-worthy, the history it harbors makes it intriguing, but the delicious meals it serves will make you want to pull a chair and dine.

Many famous artists like Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, and Van Gogh often met here to wind down and catch up.

You can either take that perfect Instagram shot or make a reservation to try some of the delicious French foods like Onion soup, escargots, Duck confit, etc.

15. Watch Painters or Get Painted at Place du Tertre

Place du Tertre is one of the most famous places to visit in Montmartre in Paris. For years, this square has been a gathering place for famous artists to sell their paintings, and fast forward to today, it’s still a hub for present-day artists.

You’ll find hundreds of artists painting various sceneries of Paris or portraits of people. You can stay a bit to admire their work, buy a few of the already painted pieces and if you’re up for it, get a portrait of yourself painted.

The square is lively almost all the time with vibrant cafes, restaurants, and bakeries! If you want to fully immerse yourself in the artistic side of the neighborhood, visiting “The Artist’s Square” is one of the best things to do in Montmartre.

16. Search for the Prettiest Streets in the Neighborhood

While there are so many pretty streets in Paris worth discovering, many of them are in the Montmartre neighborhood.

As you plan your Montmartre itinerary, be sure to add pretty streets like Rue Norvins which offers stunning views of Sacre Coeur, Rue De L’Abreuvoir , Rue Lepic , Rue Saint-Vincent , a charming and calm street, Rue Saint-Rustique which is believed to be the oldest road in Montmartre, and so many others.

Since Montmartre is best discovered on foot, you’ll definitely find yourself on one of these streets without even realizing it since they harbor some of the popular Montmartre sights.

17. See the Remaining Windmills in Paris

Before Montmartre became the bustling neighborhood we see today, it used to be covered in fields, and thus the a need for windmills to help grind flour and pressing grapes.

During the 17th century, Montmartre had close to 300 windmills but today, only 2 can be found.

Though collectively known as Moulin de la Galette , there are actually 2 windmills in this spot; Moulin Radet and Moulin de Blute-Fin. Moulin de la Galette can be found on Rue Lepic on top of a fancy French restaurant.

This windmill inspired a lot of paintings including the famous Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette by Renoir.

18. Tour Montmartre on The Little Tourist Train

Guilhem Vellut from Paris, France , CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Montmartre being a hilly place and full of stairs, it might not be easy for everyone to walk from one end to another, especially for people with reduced mobility.

But, this doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on the charms of Montmartre! Luckily for you, there is a small tourist train (also known as Le Petit Train de Montmartre ) that goes all around the neighborhood making stops at various points of interest.

This train ride also comes with live commentary so that you learn a bit more about the neighborhood and the places you’re visiting. You can find more about this Promotrain ride from the official website .

19. Make a Stop at Lapin Agile

Located next to the Montmartre vineyard, Lapin Agile is a colorful 19th-century building known for cabarets.

While Moulin Rouge, Lido de Paris, Paradis Latin, and Crazy Horse Paris are the most famous cabaret places in Paris, Lapin Agile is one of the lesser-known ones.

It still holds shows with a focus on old French songs and chansons of Paris where the entire audience can also join in.

However, even if you don’t want to watch any shows, I still find the building quite charming with its orange and green colors.

20. Watch a Cabaret at Moulin Rouge

One of the top things to do in Montmartre is to watch a cabaret! You just can’t go to Paris and miss out on an evening of fun.

While there are many cabaret places like I mentioned above Moulin Rouge wins them over by miles.

With talented can-can dancers exceptionally dressed in beautiful costumes, singers, and instrumentalists, a night at Moulin Rouge will be one you’ll never forget.

Since most of the activities we looked at are daytime activities, this is one of the things to do in Montmartre at night.

There are 2 different times for the show, one starting at 9:00 PM and the other one at 11:00 PM with the latter being a bit cheaper.

Since this show is popular among tourists and locals alike, you’d need to book way in advance to be assured of a spot. You can either book this show that comes with dinner or this one with just champagne which is slightly cheaper.

21. Visit the Musée de la Vie Romantique

Though not technically in Montmartre but rather at the foot of the neighborhood in the 9th arrondissement, Musée de la Vie Romantique is one of the free museums in Paris worth visiting.

The museum is set in a lovely house and houses objects from the Romantic era including house objects, paintings, and personal items from George Sand.

Access to the permanent collection is free making it one of the best free things to do around Montmartre.

The premises also have a lovely garden with a little cafe, so you can grab a coffee after your visit.

22. Look for filming locations for Amélie

One of the best French films ever made, Amélie stole the hearts of many. This rom-com was filmed in Montmartre and on top of showing how this lovely girl juggles life and falling in love, Paris lovers couldn’t avoid but drool over all the cute places featured in the movie.

If you were one of those, searching for Amélie filming locations is one of the cool things to do in Montmartre.

Café des Deux Moulins which was Amélie’s workplace in the movie is probably the most popular. Since now it’s touristy thanks to the movie, you may want to order a meal or coffee instead of just entering to take photos.

Other places include Funiculaire de Montmartre , Canal Saint-Martin , (though not in Montmartre, walking down the canal or people-watching is one of the fun things to do near Montmartre), Sacré-Coeur and of course, Rue Lepic .

23. Admire Sculptures at Espace Dalí

If you’re into sculptures and engravings, Espace Dalí or Dali Paris as sometimes known is one of the unique spots in Montmartre worth checking out.

The museum is dedicated to the works of Salvador Dalí, a famous Spanish surrealist artist. It consists of around 300 original sculptures and engravings by Dalí.

A visit to this place is sure to blow you away as you admire his techniques of sculpting life-size sculptures.

24. Visit Église Saint Pierre de Montmartre

Located right next to Sacre Coeur, Église Saint-Pierre de Montmartre is one of the oldest and still functioning churches in Paris.

Though most people just visit Sacre Coeur and move to other places, this is one of the non-touristy places to visit in Montmartre yet it’s still quite beautiful.

Step inside to admire its nave and detailed columns or take in its beauty on the exterior.

25. Sip on Cocktails with a View at Terrass’ Hotel

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Terrass’’ Hotel (@terrasshotel)

After a long day of exploring Montmartre, there is no better way to unwind than sipping on a cold cocktail with a view of the Eiffel Tower from the rooftop terrace of Terrass’ Hotel .

The rooftop is beautifully decorated for your comfort and is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 3:30 PM – 00:30 AM.

Whether it’s catching up with friends or watching the Eiffel Tower shimmer from a distance, you can be assured of a great evening at this place.

Related Post: Best Rooftop Bars in Paris

More Useful Tips For A Perfect Day in Montmartre

• Wear Comfortable walking shoes: Montmartre is a hilly place as you might know already, so there will be a lot of climbing especially around Sacre Coeur. Healed Boots or any kind of heels will be such a bad idea but your running shoes or sneakers will work well.
• Be aware of pickpockets or any other scams: Montmartre is very touristy, there is no going around that! And with huge crowds come canning people who prefer taking what is not theirs and Montmartre is no different. Keep your items safe at all times and wear your bag in front instead of behind.
• Don’t feel compelled to see everything: While there are so many things to do in Montmartre, sometimes it’s just impossible to see everything, especially if you’re visiting for a few hours. Prioritize and start with the must-sees (FOR YOU), and if you run out of time, it’s still ok. It’s better to actually enjoy the places you’re visiting instead of just rushing through everything with the goal of ticking them off your Paris bucket list .

Map of the Best Places to Visit in Montmartre

To make sure you locate all these places with ease, here is a map of all the things to do in Montmartre that I’ve talked about above.

How to Use this Map:  Just click on the Camera icon on the map above and the location will be displayed on the left side of the screen. You can choose to either “view on google maps” and save the location for later or click on the itinerary arrow to get directions on how to get there.

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Montmartre

There is no neighborhood in Paris that is as charming as Montmartre! With hundreds of years worth of art history, every turn in Montmartre is as impressive as the previous one.

Whether you choose to follow in the footsteps of the fallen artists, immerse yourself in the cafe culture, or just wander its pretty streets, the list of things to do in Montmartre is endless but I hope that you find this article useful as you plan to visit Montmartre.

But if you’ve already been to this beautiful village, share with me in the comments how you found it and what you liked (or not liked) about it.

Check out these posts to help you plan your trip to Paris

• Fun things to do in Paris on a Rainy day
• Famous Paintings in Paris
• Where to Find the Best Macarons in Paris
• Famous Paintings at the Louvre Museum
• Best Covered Passages of Paris
• Most beautiful neighborhoods of Paris
• Fun free things to do in Paris
• Famous Churches to Visit in Paris
• Best Museums in Paris
• Tips for Visiting the Eiffel Tower
• How to spend One day In Paris

Was this post on the best things to see in Montmartre helpful? Then please consider sharing it with others.

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Esther is the face and voice behind Dreams in Paris! She has always been obsessed with Paris even before she moved there. She has lived in Paris for a couple of years, and that obsession has not changed! That love for Paris, plus her passion for writing led to the birth of Dreams in Paris! She now shares all the practical tips and guides she’s picked along the way to help you plan a memorable trip to the city of love! You can learn more about her here !

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Montmartre Walking Tour: Self-Guided Walk of the 18th

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 23rd May 2023

Categories Paris , walking tour

Last Updated on 23rd May 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

Quirky architecture, rich history, and the fact that Montmartre has been a muse for artists, poets and writers alike for centuries make it the perfect spot to get lost in, perhaps even for a few hours. Here’s a Montmartre Walking tour ; a self-guided walk full of quirky activities and sites.

Montmartre. If there’s one arrondissement I could return to again, and again, it’s this time-warp in central Paris. The sights, the smells, and of course, all of the cobbled lanes come together to form a little piece of quirky France that’s best explored on foot.

Psst. If you’re planning to visit Paris, then we’ve created a gorgeous 100+ page eBook full of beautiful photos and insider tips by a local. Included you’ll find hidden gems, arrondissement guides, walking tours, suggested itineraries, and more. Find more information here.

Montmartre Walking Tour: Practical Advice, Tricks & Tips

Parvis du sacré coeur, sacré coeur, musee de montmartre, clos montmartre, la maison rose, rue l’abreuvoir, place dalida, moulin de la galette, picasso’s paris studio, le consulat café, place du tertre, le refuge des fondus, le mur des je t’aime, l’objet qui parle, enjoyed following this free and self-guided montmartre walking tour of the 18th arrondissement pin it now, read it again later:.

Before you head out on your Montmartre Walking Tour, there are certain things you should know. Firstly, make sure that you wear suitable walking shoes: this is one area of Paris where there really  are  plenty of cobbled lanes.

Though the walking time is just 26 minutes, allow yourself at least a couple of hours to ensure that you have enough time to see all the sites and attractions along the way (after all, there are plenty of museums, small streets, and eateries you may want to spend a while in along the way) .

If you’re considering stopping for lunch, and perhaps also an afternoon tea, then allocate yourself an entire half day of your time in Paris to complete this tour, especially if you’re planning to explore the museum.

Walking time: 26 minutes

Distance Covered: 2km

Places to see on this Montmartre walking tour

Begin your self-guided walking tour of Paris at the Parvis du Sacré-Coeur, the gateway to Montmartre. You can reach the Parvis du Sacré-Coeur via a number of different routes.

The nearest metro station is Anvers (line 2 blue) and you can walk up the numerous steps from the Carousel, up to the Sacré-Coeur. Just be sure to bring some water and snacks if it’s a hot day as it’s a pretty steep climb up!

If you approach the Basilica from this direction, you’ll pass the Sinking house of Montmartre along the way. Alternatively, you can reach the Parvis via the funiculaire de Montmartre (Montmartre funicular) . Opened in 1900, the journey lasts a minute and a half and costs the same as one metro ticket.

Once at the top, take a moment to admire the landscape, and the city of Paris sprawling out below you. This is your first glimpse of Montmartre and a portal into another time zone…

The iconic Basilica of the Sacré-Coeur has been a place of worship for thousands of years (during Roman times, it was even used as a pagan place of worship) . And, let’s face it, you predominantly visit Montmartre to catch at least a quick glimpse of the iconic Basilica.

Entry to the church is free, though no photographs are allowed inside (though I’m sure you’ll see plenty of people trying to take photos during your visit!). If you so wish, you can also pay a fee to go inside the interior top dome of the basilica to get an even better view of Paris from above.

Pretty in pink, and complete with a set of gardens dedicated to Renoir, Musée de Montmartre is the perfect introduction to life in Montmartre, and the culture which has grown up around the area.

Located at 8-14 Rue de Cortot, here you’ll find a selection of artworks by many a famous resident of the area, as well as a brief history of Montmartre itself.

Purchase your Musée de Montmartre ticket here.

If you really want to get an understanding of Montmartre, and the history of the area, then no Montmartre Walking Tour would be complete without a visit to the Clos Montmartre , one of the last working vineyards in the middle of Paris. Situated just to the rear of Musée de Montmartre, the vineyard produces just a few bottles of wine annually.

Incredibly famous since the rise of Instagram, La Maison Rose stands at the end of one of the prettiest roads in Paris and is surrounded by cobbled streets. The restaurant/ café is open daily for food and drinks and is pretty much as cute as you can imagine (from the photo) .

There has been a coffee shop at La Petite Maison Rose for well over a hundred years, and this small bar on the side of Montmartre was once a boarding house where writers would come to enjoy their lunchtime meals for a modest price.

Today you can still enjoy traditional French fare on the little chairs and tables outside of the Parisian café. However, you should note that the café gets incredibly busy and so be sure to head here mid-week and earlier in the day if possible!

The pretty little road of rue de l’Abreuvoir overlooks the Sacré-Coeur and some of the prettiest architecture Montmartre has to offer. Many of the houses are covered in ivy.

Rue de l’Abreuvoir also happens to be one of the best places to see Wisteria in the city come wisteria season in April/ May. The street takes its name from an ancient watering trough situated in its centre, and dates back all the way to the 14th-century.

Perhaps the prettiest square in Paris, Place Dalida is well worth a stroll around, and perhaps a quick stop to snap a photo or two. The square is named after the iconic singer Dalida, an Egyptian/ Italian who called Paris home during her most famous years.

Once upon a time, the hill of Montmartre and its surrounding countryside was home to a whole multitude of windmills. Though this is no longer the case, a few still survive to this day. Moulin de la Galette is a testament to the history of Montmartre, as well as its enduring culture.

Today, the Moulin (windmill) operates as a restaurant and is open on a daily basis for lunch and dinner. A windmill has stood here, in this spot, since at least the 17th-century.

As you will have already seen from your time at the Montmartre Museum, the area has inspired countless artists, writers, and poets for centuries. One of the most famous of these was Picasso, who spent a lot of time in Montmartre when he was starting out.

As a result, he set up shop in Montmartre, Le Bateau-Lavoir to be precise. Though much of the building was sadly destroyed by fire in the 1970s, the façade survived and the building was reconstructed.

Perhaps the cutest cafeé in Paris (if one coffee house is even allowed to claim that title) , Le Consulat is well worth a look when you’re in Montmartre. Situated at 18 Rue Norvins, this little café is overlooked by the Sacré-Coeur, a cobbled street and is the perfect place to stop off for a quick coffee. For exactly how to order a coffee in Paris, I’ve written a short guide here !

If you want to see where the artists spend their time in Paris nowadays, then you need to look no further than Place du Tertre. Filled with little artists’ stalls, here you’ll find painters painting  en plein air .

There’s even the chance to purchase some of their artworks (if you’re looking for a particularly unusual souvenir from France to bring home with you).

Surrounding the Place du Tertre square, you’ll find a large selection of cafés and shops selling ice cream, snacks, and larger meals- though I don’t recommend actually eating around here.

If you’re looking for traditional French cuisine, as well as a convivial dining experience, then Le Refuge Des Fondus is the place to head to. Enjoy wine, by the [baby] bottle- yes, the wine quite literally is served in baby bottles. Here, you’ll also find more fondu than you could possibly eat (and it’s oh so delicious!)

A wall dedicated to all things love, the wall has ‘ Je T’aime ‘, (or I love you for all my English speaking readers) in over 250 languages, with over 300 declarations of love listed in total!

Spend the penultimate stop on your Montmartre Walking Tour celebrating love, and stop to admire the wall for a short moment. The I love you wall is at the base of the Butte Montmartre and comprises 612 tiles of enamelled lava. All in all, it’s well worth a look!

Finish off your Montmartre walking tour by indulging in a typically Parisian- and more specifically Montmartre- pastime. That’s right, try vintage shopping  a la Parisienne  in L’Objet Qui Parle (the talking object). 

This vintage shop in Paris stocks quite literally everything; from drawings to ceramics, to the bizarre. It offers you the chance to purchase a particularly unique souvenir from your time in Montmartre, and Paris in general…

Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

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Wednesday 5th of February 2020

Hello! This is great post, thank you for it! I personally love Montmartre and looking forward to visit Paris and especially this place again very soon. If I follow your suggestion, it could be quite different experience than previously. I love your website, keep great work! Bye Renata

Wednesday 4th of September 2019

We enjoyed following your tour and seeing some of the sights of Montmartre. However please include that the Fondu shop is only open at night. A big disappointment for us hoping to enjoy its fare!

Oh Paris, My Paris -> 5 “Off-The-Beaten-Track” Things To Do & See In the City Of Love – Wheeling It

Tuesday 23rd of October 2018

[…] you get there is to go outside the tourist zones and explore around. The walking tour described in THIS post is an excellent place to start, but otherwise just let your artists nose lead […]

Fleming Leigh Ware

Friday 12th of October 2018

How long would you allow for this walking tour?

Paris: A Solo Traveller's Guide to Where To Stay and the Best Things To Do

Thursday 2nd of August 2018

[…] Montmartre meander. I followed this excellent Montmartre Walking Tour guide from fellow travel blogger, Solo Sophie. I saved the stops on my offline Google map. Some of them […]

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My name's Arthur Lookyanov, I'm a private tour guide, personal driver and photographer in Moscow, Russia. I work in my business and run my website Moscow-Driver.com from 2002. Read more about me and my services , check out testimonials of my former business and travel clients from all over the World, hit me up on Twitter or other social websites. I hope that you will like my photos as well.

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