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Things to do in Montmartre is one way to approach this area of the 18th arrondissement in Paris. With a list in hand of things to check off, climb one of the many staircases and get familiar with this bohemian district.
But don’t forget the most critical element of a visit to Montmartre Paris.
It’s not about the list.
It’s about breathing in the vibe that comes with this neighbourhood, Montmartre in Paris. Notice the wisteria and roses draping over stone houses. Stop and marvel at the uneven, ancient cobblestones underfoot. Sit on a bench and recall that the likes of artists such as Picasso, Renoir and Toulouse-Lautrec once strolled along these very streets and sat in the cafés.
Play peek-a-boo with the Eiffel Tower.
Harness your inner “flâneur/ flâneuse” or wanderer. To “flâner” (pronounced: flan-ay) is to embrace a way of walking through Paris – to see and be seen and to observe local life. Meander solo in the City of Light or with a friend but what better place to stroll than this village, Montmartre in Paris.
Top Things To Do In Montmartre, Paris
1. Go Early Morning Exploring In Montmartre Paris
Montmartre in Paris buzzes during the day. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Paris and it is easy to see why. Cobbled streets, historic buildings, Place du Tertre where the artists paint, views of the city and the shining white basilica. Go early.
Parisians will be out with their dogs, jogging up and down endless stairs, chatting at corners and the artists are setting up before the crowds roll in. You might even have Montmartre Paris all to yourself!
Planning Tips For Your Trip to Paris
Book your airline tickets with my favourite platform, Skyscanner.
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Reserve train tickets for further travels in Europe with Trainline (my go-to)
Where To Stay In Paris:
Check out these 13 Affordable Hotels in Paris
These Montmartre hotels will have you staying right in this fabulous area. This boutique hotel is located on a quiet street in Montmartre, this tucked-away former mansion is delightful and at least stop by for tea in the garden.
This apartment is at the foot of Montmartre in South Pigalle (a great location) and this elegant apartment has great views over Paris.
How About An Eiffel Tower View? This 3-star Hotel has excellent reviews.
The Marais is another top place to stay. Trendy and close to many attractions. Read my article on 11 Best Boutique Hotels in the Marais.
2. Admire Sacré-Coeur
Métro: Anvers
Montmartre neighbourhood’s crowning glory is the Sacré-Coeur basilica. Gleaming white, it stands like a sentinel over Paris. Sacré-Coeur, in itself, is an experience and one that millions of visitors take part in each year. Walk up all the steps past picnickers on the lawn, buskers and the everpresent scammers. Turn and take in the panoramic views over Paris.
Enter Sacré-Coeur and marvel at the domes from within. Golden mosaics and angelic statues look down from above.
Don’t forget to climb to the top of the dome for marvellous views over Paris. It is a tight climb up the spiral staircase with over 200 stairs but seeing for miles is more than worth it!
And lastly, admire Sacré-Coeur from all her angles!
Here are some of the most popular guided tours of Paris? In this walking tour of Montmartre, you’ll see secret spots and this one-hour Seine River cruise is unforgettable. The evening cruise on the Seine is also remarkable. A timed entrance to the Louvre will save a lot of time as does this skip the line entrance to the Arc de Triomphe. Versailles is a great day trip from Paris. This ticket gives you access to the Palace, and Gardens with an audio guide.
In Montmartre, why not spend an evening at the iconic Moulin Rouge Cabaret?
3. Have A Portrait Drawn In Place du Tertre
A visit to Montmartre Paris is not complete without stopping by lively Place du Tertre. Artists, who can wait up to ten years to get a coveted spot here, chat by their easels’ blank canvasses ready for whoever comes their way. It’s easy to while away some time here and be mesmerized by artists generating portraits on the spot. Pull up a chair, perhaps it’s your day for a caricature or sketch.
TIP: This spot in Montmartre’s neighbourhood is very popular – watch out for pickpockets.
Read More: 25 Essential Paris Travel Tips and 21 Stunning Streets in Paris that you’ll just love!
Really want to explore secret Paris? There are over 60 secret spots in my eBook, Paris for the Curious Stroller.
4. Visit Saint Pierre de Montmartre
Métro: Lamarck-Caulaincourt
The back of Saint-Pierre de Montmartre, the oldest church in Montmartre, is visible from Sacré-Coeur. Dating from the beginning of the 12th century, Saint Pierre de Montmartre is one of the oldest churches in all of Paris. For more than 600 years it was a centre of pilgrimage acting as both a parish church and part of the Abbey of the Benedictine Sisters of Montmartre. It is the only vestige of the ancient abbey that exists today.
Standing at the front of the church look left to see Paris’s oldest cemetery, the Cimetière du Calvaire. It only opens its bronze door to the public once a year, on November 1st. Peek through the gorgeous door and glimpse the tombs of illustrious citizens that lived centuries ago in Montmartre Paris.
5. Pull Up A Chair At Le Consulat
This coffee house and restaurant stand as a symbol of the old Montmartre neighbourhood. The building is one of the oldest houses on the Butte. Renowned artists such as Picasso, Sisley, Van Gogh, Toulouse- Lautrec and Monet all gathered here. Can you imagine?!
Nowadays, Le Consulat, although an Instagram favourite, continues to inspire artists. Go early in the morning to avoid crowds and get a table. Don’t go too early, like I did, as it doesn’t open until 11 am.
Itinerary Alert: Spend 7 days in Provence, France kayaking, hiking, visiting lavender fields and towns that exude Provençal charm.
6. Marvel At La Maison Rose
The Pink House
This iconic Montmartre house is a stunner. Situated at the corner of Rue Aubrevoir and Rue des Saules, La Maison Rose, in Montmartre Paris, has been serving coffee for over 100 years. This historic building has seen Picasso, Camus and other greats gather. The plaque on the side of Le Consulat indicates that the artist Maurice Utrillo was born here.
7. Eye The Vines At The Clos de Montmartre
Montmartre Vineyard
Métro: Lamarck-Caulaincourt
The Clos de Montmartre has been in operation since the 12th century when nuns and monks were in charge of making wine. Every year, the Montmartre vineyard produces a small amount of wine that is auctioned off for charity. Mark your calendar for the yearly wine festival in October.
Out early one summer day exploring Montmartre Paris in my “flâneuse” mode I noticed the gate to the vineyard ajar. I asked the gardener if I could step in and take a few pictures unencumbered by the fence. And just like that, I was in the secret vineyard in the Montmartre area of Paris.
8. Visit Jardin Sauvage Saint-Vincent
Saint-Vincent Wild Garden
Métro: Lamarck-Caulaincourt
Right beside the Montmartre vineyard is the only protected wild garden in Paris. Since 1985 it has been left alone to grow with unfettered abandon. Birds and natural plants apparently thrive. It is closed to the public except by guided tour on the first Sunday of every month at 10:30 and the third Wednesday at 14:30.
Read more: Make sure you visit these 25 Hidden Gems in Paris.
9. Attend A Cabaret At The Lapin Agile
Métro: Lamarck-Caulaincourt
Montmartre in Paris was known for its cabarets by the end of the 19th century. Au Lapin Agile Cabaret has been a popular cabaret since 1860 and still to this day entertains guests with music and singing. Be prepared to sing along with some old French favourites if you can get a ticket.
There’s that white rabbit jumping out of the pot holding a bottle of wine! Originally painted by André Gill in 1875, the rabbit (le lapin) and the name are still going strong today.
10. Drop By Le Musée de Montmartre
Métro: Lamarck-Caulaincourt
This museum, housed in one of the oldest houses in Montmartre, is a place where artists including Utrillo and Renoir, once lived. The garden holds a version of the swing, where Renoir painted his famous painting “Le Balancoire.”
Read More: Love museums? Here is a guide to 15 museums in Paris. Get your Paris Museum Pass for 2,4 or 6 days here.
11. Wander In Cimetière St- Vincent
Métro: Lamarck-Caulaincourt
Not far from the Musée de Montmartre is the charming Cimetière St-Vincent. Wander and find the artist Utrillo’s resting place. He was born in the Montmartre neighbourhood and portrayed the area in many of his paintings. Unleash your inner “flâneuse” here. There are plenty of locals paying their respects or having a picnic in the shade. If you love wandering cemeteries, here’s how to visit the most famous Paris cemetery, Père Lachaise.
Read More: Ile de la Cité filled with iconic Paris landmarks. Here is my guide to Ile de la Cité.
Close by is Ile Saint-Louis, one of Paris’s oldest villages. Here is what not to miss on Ile Saint-Louis.
Not far from Ile Saint-Louis is the lively Marais neighbourhood. Here is a guide on what to see in Le Marais Paris.
And not far from le Marais is the 11th arrondissement of Paris. Here are 13 best things to do in the 11th arrondissement.
12. Gaze At Dalida
Métro: Lamarck-Caulaincourt
Dalida, a beloved French pop singer, lived in a beautiful home in Montmartre Paris. An internationally famous singer for over three decades, Dalida ended her life tragically in 1987. Her legend and her voice live on today. At Place Dalida, Dalida’s bust, revealed in 1997, is a tribute to her. Apparently, touching her breasts brings good luck.
13. Climb Staircases In Montmartre Paris
Be prepared to get your exercise in Montmartre Paris. Staircases abound! I love scooting down a steep staircase knowing that the croissant I devour will be worn right off when I return to the top of the Butte!
If staircases are not your thing, there is an electric bus called the Montmartrobus that crosses the hill. (See More Travel Info.. below for details)
14. Observe Parisian Life In Square Suzanne-Buisson
Métro: Abbesses
Square Suzanne Buisson in Montmartre in Paris is a favourite at any time of the day. At dawn, early risers lay on yoga mats and walkers stride across it. In the late afternoon I love to sit in full “flâneuse” mode and observe Parisians living their lives. Parents and caregivers chat and children are invested in their play against a chorus of clanking pétanque balls all under the watchful eye of Saint-Denis, the first Bishop and Martyr of Paris.
15. Ponder Le Passe-Muraille
Passer Through Walls
Métro: Lamarck-Caulaincourt
Wouldn’t it be marvellous to be able to walk through walls? Stone walls to be exact. This statue portrays the hero of the short story, Le Passe-Muraille, by Marcel Aymé. He woke up one day and suddenly walls were penetrable! Rub the statue’s hands if you want a little extra luck with your writing! Done – he is a leftie, after all!
Standing there one summer day, two young brothers came running up to see the statue. The older explained in earnest what this Passe-Muraille was all about. Parisians from a young age know their city and historic monuments.
16. Have A Coffee At Le Refuge
Métro: Lamarck-Caulaincourt
Scoot down the stairs from the Métro station Lamarck-Caulaincourt straight to Le Refuge, a classic French café. Or, if you are coming from the other side of the hill, climb the stairs, knowing there is coffee waiting at the top.
Read More: Here is a detailed guide to all the Paris arrondissements including the best things to do in each area.
Another favourite neighbourhood to explore in Paris is Saint-Germain des Prés. Don’t miss all the top things to do there.
Don’t miss these twenty-three top experiences in Paris.
17. Stroll In Le Cimetière Montmartre
Montmartre Cemetery
Métro: Place de Clichy
This cemetery in Montmartre Paris is not the little one (Cimetière St-Vincent) diagonal from the Montmartre vineyard. Rue Caulaincourt crosses right over the cemetery making it necessary to descend the staircase under the road. Voilà, there is all the cemetery exploring you could wish for at your fingertips.
Look for the writer Émile Zola, film director François Truffaut, pop singer Dalida and artist Edgar Dégas, whose family name on the tomb is spelt “de Gas.”
18. Find The Windmills In Montmartre Paris
Métro: Maison Blanche; Abbesses
The Moulin Rouge is the most famous and obvious of the Parisian windmills. But there are two other remaining wooden windmills in Montmartre.
Montmartre hill used to be dotted with windmills that ground flour and pressed grapes and Impressionist painters such as Utrillo, Renoir and Van Gogh immortalized the existence of these Parisian windmills.
Where are the wooden windmills that still exist in Montmartre Paris? One of the windmills is on private property and only visible in the winter or early spring. The other stands proudly above a restaurant, Le Moulin de la Galette at 83 rue Lepic. Did you see Renoir’s painting at the Musée d’Orsay entitled Le Bal de la Moulin de la Galette? It’s a throwback- you’re standing right where Renoir stood!
19. Examine The Mur Je T’Aime
Métro: Abbesses
Montmartre in Paris has another very popular stop, the beautiful Square Jehan-Rictus. Its famous “I love you” wall heralds those 3 coveted words in every language in the world. The white script against 511 indigo tiles is the creative expression of artists Frédéric Baron and Claire Kito. There are a lot of selfies happening in front of the wall! In true “flâneuse” style, sit for a while on a bench under a leafy tree and just observe.
20. Take Note Of The Métro Entrance At Abbesses
The Métro station at Abbesses, on line 12, is the deepest métro station in the city. Its entrance is seen in the movie Amélie and is unforgettable as it is designed in the Art Nouveau style by Henri Guimard. There are only two remaining glass-covered entrances to Paris métro stations and this one was not originally located here but moved to the Abbesses station in 1974.
So take the list to Montmartre in Paris, but don’t forget to take your time.
Make your own discoveries.
Wander down the far side of the hill.
“Flâner” a little.
Let me know how it feels.
Until next time,
More Travel Info…
Looking for all my travel tips about Paris? Right here is where you will find them all!
You might like the guides to Canal Saint-Martin, La Butte aux Cailles, Montparnasse, and the Eiffel Tower district- the 7th arrondissement.
What about visiting another village that sits on a hill? This one is in the 19th arrondissement? Here are 5 Great Reasons to Visit La Butte Bergeyre.
If you are looking for food suggestions, read about where to find the best croissants in Paris. There are also plenty of café suggestions for the Marais area in these two posts: Tips from a Local and 13 Restaurants in le Marais. And if you are exploring the area around Canal Saint-Martin, here are the best places to stop for a bite or to find the fixings for a picnic.
Before you go to Montmartre watch, maybe for the umpteenth time, the quirky and delightful French film, Amélie. You might even want to stop for a coffee at the café that shot to fame after the movie: Tabac des Deux Moulins.
Getting To The Montmartre Area of Paris: Montmartre is easily accessible by the Paris Métro. These 5 stations are the closest: Anvers (Line 2), Blanche (Line 2), Pigalle (Line 2 & 12), Abbesses ( Line 12) and Lamarck-Caulaincourt (Line 12, on the other side of the hill).
If you are not confident taking the Métro in Paris, read my post on how to ride the Métro like a pro!
The Funicular: I have mentioned all the staircases in Montmarte. There is also a funicular that will take you to Sacré-Coeur for the cost of a métro ticket. The closest Métro station to the funicular is Anvers.
The Montmartrobus: Find this electric bus at Place Pigalle by the Métro station Pigalle. It will take you up and around Montmartre, stopping at various highlights. Here is a map of the route. This route has been replaced by Bus 40. Here is a map of the Bus 40 route.
Scams: One of the most obvious places where scams occur in Paris is in front of Sacré-Coeur. Look out for the bracelet scam. I fell for it a few years back. I noticed in January 2022, that this scam is still going strong. Read my post here on scams to watch for in Paris. Be aware and hopefully you will avoid being scammed.
Note: Place du Tertre is well-known for pickpockets.
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We stayed at Pigalle when we were in Paris but didn’t get to explore Montmartre much. You post makes me regret about how much we missed. We went to the Sacre-coer in rain and well, that was it.
There’s always next time!
I love Montmartre! I’ve stayed in that neighborhood several times and it always calls me back.
Me too! In fact, I might be a tad obsessed with it!
Beautiful list. Ironically, we always played peek-a-boo with Sacré-Coeur when we were walking along the Seine. Montmartre looks like the perfect place to wander.
Sacré(e) Alison !!! Means, you’re the best !
Coucou Lolo, Je te remercie du fond du coeur. xx (petit à petit…)
I used to live around the corner from Montemartre and loved doing spring time Sunday walks on sunny days with crisp fresh air. The atmosphere around here is amazing and isn’t over tourist-ed like the other areas of the city. A charming piece of the city which I hope will never change.
I couldn’t agree more – it is such a special part of the city.
I love Montmartre and have visited several times, but there are many things on your list I’ve overlooked. Next trip to Paris, I plan on visiting every one of the items I’ve previously missed. PS Climbing the dome of Sacre Coeur is one of the best things to do anywhere in Europe for about six Euros!
Climbing the dome is a DEAL! It is such a wonderful area. I hope you enjoy the treasures I have highlighted!
Lovely article on a beautiful part of Paris. I’ve only spent a day in Montmartre and it was magical. I love all the staircases too, it’s part of the charm of the area. I didn’t know that Degas’ family name was actually spelt “de Gas”.
Those staircases make me feel so fit! No need for any Stairmaster!
We saw four of these! Sacre Coeur, Place de Tertre, Mur Je t’aime, and Abbesses Metro!!! What a great district indeed! But sorry I missed the rest.
Maybe next time you will have more time to further explore Montmartre!
I lived right next to Montmartre when I was in Paris, my hometown, so this brings a lot of memories… I used to take my little brother to play in the garden and watch the statue of Saint Denis, holding his head… I attended a wedding at St Pierre de Montmartre, had a babysitting gig in the building near the Passe Muraille and my best friend lived right next to Dalida’s house… The best thing about Montmartre is that is had kept its village feel and it’s actually pretty quiet when you move away from the Place du Tertre.
Oh… I love hearing about your childhood memories. Thank you for sharing them here. I think it is that delightful village feel in Montmartre that draws me back again and again.
I always see pics of Le Consulat on instagram and wondered where the heck this place was. Now I know and the history behind it. How cool that Picasso and even Van Gogh used to gather here! I’ll defintley get here early to avoid the crowds. I wonder how their coffee tastes 🙂
Now you know! It took me a while to find it! I bet the coffee is great.
We visited Montmartre a few years ago and just loved it. I wish we had more time though because you are right that a visit there is not all about the list. I would have loved to arrive via the front stairs (we arrived from the back) and coffee at La Maison Rose sounds wonderful!
Montmartre is a special neighbourhood to wander and throw out the list! Walking up towards Sacré-Coeur is magnificent. Next time!
I’ve only been to Montmartre once – I really enjoyed seeing Sacre Coeur and the Place du Tertre was trés fantastiqué! Completely agree with you though that the vibe, the essence, the heart of Montmartre…THAT is what is most important about this fantastic neighborhood. I can’t wait to go back and see it again!
Connecting to that essence is what makes a visit to Montmartre so special.
Oh, Passer through Walls is so cool! I would loved to have seen that when I visited a few months ago. Of course Notre Dame and Sacré-Coeur are my favorites, but your photos have added a few new things to my next time visit. 😉
I know…. the writer lived right on that square where his character is walking through the stone wall.
Absolutely LOVE this piece on Montmartre. I’m glad we saw so much of it and can’t wait to return!
It’s a special part of Paris!
Nice post! I wish I had this list before we made our trip there!
Thank you for this informative post. I worked off of your list to guide my daughter and I through Montmartre in July. I used your expression flâneur on multiple occasions because it just fits so well in Montmartre as well as Marais, Saint Germain, etc. Such a magical city.
Oh, I am so thrilled that you found my article helpful and that it guided you to the best of Montmartre! It is such a magical part of Paris. And, as you well know… being a “flaneuse” is the best way to soak up the vibe! Thank you for the feedback – much appreciated!