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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 09 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Anna Brooke

This large hill in Pari’s 18th arrondissement may be overrun with visitors, but the village-like neighbourhood of Montmartre is also incredibly charming, with its cute houses, artists’ studios and steep stairways.

It’s known for its long artistic history – in the 18th and 19th centuries many artists lived and worked or had studios in Montmartre, leaving it a unique bohemian charm. Its other claim to fame is the sugary-white domed church of Sacre-Coeur, built in 1914 – the interior is a feast of glittering neo-Byzantine mosaics. It crowns Paris’s highest hill, and offers the best panoramic views of the city from atop its dome (open to visitors).

The main square – Place du Tertre – is horribly crowded with tourists and packed with pseudo-artists, but there are still authentic corners to be discovered in the side streets lower down the hill. For a more laid-back side of Montmartre, explore the cafés and shops along Rue des Abbesses, Rue Lepic and Rue des Trois-Frères.

Other attractions here include Montmartre Cemetery, the Montmartre Museum, and the Dalí Paris art space.

It’s a go-to for all tourists and first-timers, but the area still has charm and a wonderfully bohemian air.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 7+
When: All year around
Duration: 1 day

Getting there & doing it

Take the metro to Abbesses or Anvers, then walk or catch the funicular up the hill to the Sacré-Coeur. You don’t need a guided tour – just wander around and soak up the atmosphere.

For the best food, avoid the restaurants on Place du Tertre and instead head for classic brasserie La Mascotte on Rue des Abbesses.

When to do it

Montmartre is a huge tourist draw so there are always crowds, although first thing in the morning does tend to be quieter. Avoid weekend afternoons, or visit in the evenings, when old-fashioned, gas-lit street lamps and traditional bistros give the streets a pleasingly romantic atmosphere.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Secret Montmartre, smartphone audioguided tour

Secret Montmartre, smartphone audioguided tour

Paris

Discover the bohemian spirit that still floats over this old Parisian village with a guide in your pocket ! Now possible thanks to Rewind's ...

€10 | Rating 4.88 / 5 [18 ratings]

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Montmartre and Sacre Coeur Walking Tour in Paris

Montmartre and Sacre Coeur Walking Tour in Paris

Paris

Stroll through Paris' most bohemian neighborhood on a guided afternoon walk through Montmartre. You'll see where famous painters lived and w...

€25 | Rating 4.43 / 5 [409 ratings]

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Montmartre Walking Tour: Paris' Best Art, Culture and Food

Montmartre Walking Tour: Paris' Best Art, Culture and Food

Paris

Join your friendly English speaking guide for this 90 minute walking tour in Paris' most popular neighborhood. Your guide will share stories...

€36 | Rating 4.86 / 5 [825 ratings]

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Montmartre Street Art Tour with an Artist

Montmartre Street Art Tour with an Artist

Paris

Where art history meets Street Art! ​Because of its artistic history and beautiful church on top of the hill, Montmartre is called the most...

€36 | Rating 4.87 / 5 [70 ratings]

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Hotel Le Relais Montmartre

Paris, Ile-de-France, France[0.5 miles]

Homely country-cottage charm and welcoming calm in this 26-room boutique hotel, halfway between magical Montmartre and louche Pigalle.

Official star rating:

Hotel Bachaumont

Paris, Ile-de-France, France[2.3 miles]

A hip, Haussmann-style hotel is a fab base for anyone looking to mix sightseeing with shopping and nightlife. Uber-central, close to the Louvre, and with a brasserie and bars worth staying in for.

Official star rating:

Le Bristol Paris

Paris, Ile-de-France, France[2.5 miles]

A legendary Paris grande dame hotel and altar to old-school opulence, at the historical heart of the city. 

Official star rating:

Hotel Le Pradey

Paris, Ile-de-France, France[2.5 miles]

In a perfect Louvre-adjacent location, this witty, original boutique hotel pays homage to Parisian style.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Paris

Ile-de-France, France

Crammed with iconic buildings, world-class art and a culinary scene steeped in history, Paris is one of the world’s great capitals, overflowing with style, romance, and art de vivre. 

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Museum of Decorative Arts

Paris, Ile-de-France, France[2.6 miles]

The largest museum of decorative arts in continental Europe, home to an inspirational and diverse collection of 1M+ items of furniture, ceramics, jewellery and more, dating from the Middle Ages through to the latest designers.

Best for ages: 18+ | £12

Louvre Museum

Paris, Ile-de-France, France[2.9 miles]

The world’s most visited museum, a treasure trove of art from around the world. Admire the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and many, many more…

Best for ages: 16+ | £15

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

A front view of the entrance to Dali museum. The museum name is displayed on a black shop banner and there is a squared window with artwork displayed
Experience

Dali Paris

Paris, Ile-de-France, France[0.1 miles]

This museum in the Montmartre neighbourhood is dedicated to the surrealist Salvador Dali, displaying over 300 of his works. Dali lived and painted in Paris for many years.

Best for ages: 18+ | £8

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Moulin Rouge

Paris, Ile-de-France, France[0.7 miles]

A long-running, extravagant, colourful cabaret featuring dancers and courtesans has been thrilling Parisian audiences since 1889. See the incomparable Can Can – the enigmatic dance that’s its greatest claim to fame.

Best for ages: 10+ | £74 | 2-4 hours

The front view of Stohrer on a street in Paris. The exterior of the shop is painted in navy with a dark blue parasol
Experience

Stohrer

Paris, Ile-de-France, France[2.4 miles]

The birthplace of the rum baba in the 18th century, the city’s oldest patisserie still wows with its gateaux (cake) today.

Best for ages: 4+ | Free

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internal view showing extraordinary stained glass windows
Experience

Sainte-Chapelle

Paris, Ile-de-France, France[3.5 miles]

Paris’ most exquisite Gothic monument was built by Louis IX in 1248 to house his collection of Passion relics, including Christ’s Crown of Thorns (now at Notre-Dame Cathedral). It has one of the most extensive 13th-century stained-glass collections anywhere in the world.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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