Montmartre is one of the most popular tourist spots in Paris. Perched on a hill in northern Paris, it boasts the most romantic view of the city from the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Montmartre has been associated with art, bohemian culture and vibrant nightlife. The hilltop neighborhood also has the enchanting village feel within a metropolis, dotted with cobblestone streets, artist studios, adorable cafes, historic architecture and cabarets.
Here’s your guide to discovering hidden gems in Montmartre, the charming boho district of Paris.
Table of Contents
Check out my other articles to plan your perfect trip to the City of Light!
- Start here >> Paris Itinerary for 4 days
- Then this >> Where to Stay in Paris First Time
- Should you buy Paris Pass or Paris Museum Pass?
- 10 Best Small Museums in Paris Without the Crowds
- Female Solo Travelers >> How to Take a Fabulous Solo Trip to Paris & 15 Things to Do Alone
- Shopping: 10 Trendy Travel Shoes for Paris
- Shopping: Best Shopping Guide in Le Marais
- Food: 25 Iconic French Desserts in Paris
- Food: 20 Best Casual Restaurants in Paris
- Paris Neighborhood Guide: Hidden Gems in Montmartre
- Paris Neighborhood Guide: 22 Amazing Things to Do in Le Marais
- 7 Most Beautiful Covered Passages in Paris
- Day Trip: How to Survive Overcrowded Palace of Versailles in Summer
- Day Trip: Best Paris Day Trip for Spring & Summer: Giverny Monet’s Gardens
- Weekend Trips from Paris by Train or Car
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A Guide to Montmartre: Bohemian District of Paris
How to get to Montmartre
There are two metro lines within Montmartre Hill: Line 2 (blue) and Line 12 (green).
- Pigalle (Line 2 & 12)
- Blanche (Line 2): near Moulin Rouge
- Anvers (Line 2): Close to funicular to Sacré-Cœur
- Abbesses (Line 12)
Insider Tip: Hop on a Petit Train de Montmartre (included in The Paris Pass). Enjoy a leisurely ride through the winding Montmartre all the way up to the top at the Sacré-Cœur from Moulin Rouge.
Montmartre Neighborhood
Montmartre is in the northern part of Paris in the 18th arrondissement. It is situated on a hill known as the Butte Montmartre, which is the highest point in the city.
The hilly neighborhood was initially a rural village outside the city walls of Paris. During the Belle Époque period (1871-1914), Montmartre became a hub for artists, writers and intellectuals, thanks to its bohemian atmosphere, affordable rents and thriving nightlife. It was home to renowned artists, such as Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Auguste Renoir, Dalida, Edgar Degas, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Amedeo Modigliani.
Montmartre was also known for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment venues. The famous Moulin Rouge, a cabaret since 1889, became a symbol of the neighborhood’s spirit. It showcased lively cancan dances and extravagant shows.
Today, Montmartre retains its unique charm with its narrow cobblestone streets, quaint shops, bustling squares, and vibrant artistic scene. It continues to inspire artists, attract visitors from around the world, and provide a glimpse into the cultural and historical legacy of Paris.
Insider Tip:
Bring comfortable walking shoes as Montmartre is super hilly.
Is Montmartre a good place to stay?
Montmartre is a great neighborhood to stay in if you want a fantastic view and nightlife. Montmartre Hill is the city’s highest point, offering incredibly romantic views over Paris. The artistic vibe is also a huge appeal. And you will enjoy the vibrant nightlife.
But Montmartre might not be for everyone. The area is further away in the north from the city center. For example, traveling to the Left Bank (Latin Quarter or Saint-Germain-des-près) takes a while, despite Paris Metro being well connected.
Montmartre has nice pockets of pretty streets and quiet residential areas. However, be aware that it can be rowdy at night with bars and the red light district (close to Pigalle).
Where to Stay in Paris?
Paris has 20 arrondissements with distinctive pockets of neighborhoods. While Paris is gorgeous, some areas are better than others for tourists to stay. Here’s your guide to 10 Best Areas in Paris for all travel styles and budgets.
Is Montmartre safe at night?
Generally speaking, Paris is acceptable in terms of safety. I never felt threatened in the Montmartre neighborhood. Since it is a lively area day and night, you see people outside on the streets. I randomly thought, though, if I have to run in the hilly area, I don’t know how far I can get before running out of breath.
Keep in mind that touristy places like Sacre-Coeur are popular scam sites targeting tourists. Obviously, there will be petty crimes like pickpocketing wherever tourists are, so you should watch out for that. With the lively nightlife, you may run into rowdy and drunk people.
Best Hotels in Montmartre
- Stay at Maison Souquet (5*) for the unique Belle Époque luxury style.
- Opt for Terrass Hôtel (4*) for the picturesque skyline from the rooftop bar.
- Go to Mom’Art Hotel (4*) if you like an affordable, family-run boutique hotel.
- Hotel 29 Lepic (3*) is a comfortable chic hotel near Moulin Rouge.
Best Guided Walking Tours in Montmartre
On my first visit to Paris, I visited Montmartre on a self-guided walking tour. Then, I went on a small group tour this year. In retrospect, I should have done it the other way around. When joining the tour, I learned that I missed out on a lot of hidden spots and secrets I wish I had known earlier.
You can do a self-guided walking tour of Montmartre. However, based on my experience, I recommend joining a tour if this is your first time. I assure you that you will learn a lot more.
>> Montmartre Wine, Cheese & Pastry Guided Walking Tour: I joined this small-group tour to follow the foodie trail. But this tour is more than just a food tour. You will discover many hidden gems of Montmartre, which are mentioned in this article.
>> Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur Semi-Private Tour: Discover the picturesque Montmartre on this 2.5-hour walking tour. The tour is intimate, with 8 people max.
>> Montmartre Walking Tour: Experience Montmartre’s rich history and culture with this group tour. It takes you to many of the hidden spots mentioned in this article.
>> The Paris Pass also includes a Montmartre Walking tour (and Petit Train de Montmartre).
>> Read My Detailed Guide for The Paris Pass and Paris Museum Pass Comparison
The Paris Pass
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Hidden Gems in Montmartre
Montmartre offers a rich blend of history, artistic heritage and bohemian charm. Remember to take your time while exploring Montmartre, as the neighborhood’s winding streets and hidden corners are full of surprises waiting to be discovered.
#1. Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Although far from hidden, let’s first talk about the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. It is not only the crown jewel of Montmartre but also holds the keys to the following two references in this list.
This Roman Catholic Church was constructed in 1875 and continued for 40 years. The Roman-Byzantine church was designed by architect Paul Abadie and built as a symbol of national unity to memorialize the victims of the Franco-Prussian War.
Visitors are welcome to enter the church. Take your time to admire the beautiful architecture, mosaics and stained-glass windows.
This stunning white-dome church sits at the top of a hill, commanding presence. It offers spectacular views of the city. Sit on the stairs to enjoy the breathtaking vistas.
Hours: 6:30 am – 10:30 pm
Location: [Open Google Map]
#2. Sacré-Cœur Dome
Did you know you can climb the dome at the Sacré-Cœur Basilica? I completely missed it on my first visit!!
When you enter the basilica gates, go to the left side in the back. You can purchase a ticket there and enter the spiral stairs. There is no elevator, so you will have to climb 300 steps in a very narrow tower. It is an intensive workout, and there will be pressure to continue without a break if people are behind you. But the view is AMAZING!
You can circle to enjoy the 360-degree panoramic view. The breeze helps you cool off. And the picturesque view is…just so worth it!
Admission: €7
Hours: 10:30 am – 8:30 pm
Location: [Open Google Map]
#3. Saint-Pierre de Montmartre Church
Right next door to Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Saint-Pierre de Montmartre Church is often missed, although it is the second oldest surviving church in Paris. Admire its Romanesque architecture and serene interior, which offers a peaceful respite from the bustling streets of Montmartre.
It is a charming church with a fascinating story. Saint-Denis, the first bishop of Paris, was martyred for his faith by decapitation. But the legend has it, he got right back up on his feet and carried his head about two Gallic miles to his burial site. Saint-Pierre de Montmartre Church was built in the location where he stopped.
Hours: 9 am – 12 pm, 3-6 pm. Closed on Mondays.
Location: [Open Google Map]
Image by Jeff Frenette via Unsplash
#4. Rue de l’Abreuvoir
Rue de l’Abreuvoir is one of the oldest and most historic streets in the city. But it is better known as one of the prettiest streets in Paris.
On one end of Rue de l’Abreuvoir stands the statue of Dalida (#6). At the other end is La Maison Rose (#7). The cobblestone lane winds along the hill, lined with colorful buildings. Indeed, it does have picturesque charm.
Location: [Open Google Map]
#5. Maison de Dalida
Dalida is an Egyptian-born French singer and actress. She is one of the most celebrated French singers ever. And she had a house in Montmartre. Unfortunately, she commits suicide in this fancy 4-story townhouse. You cannot enter but can see the building from outside.
Location: [Open Google Map]
#6. Bust of Dalida
You will find a bust of Dalida on the corner of the Rue de l’Abreuvoir. The bronze statue was created to mark the tenth anniversary of her death. People touch her breasts – as you can see – for good luck.
Location: [Open Google Map]
#7. La Maison Rose
As featured in Emily in Paris, the eye-catching pink house is a popular photo site. But this Instagram-famed house is a historic restaurant frequented by Pablo Picasso and Albert Camus.
You can have traditional French cuisine or grab a coffee. The cute pink house at the end of Rue de l’Abreuvoir and outdoor tables along the cobblestone streets make it very attractive to have you sit. But it does get crowded. If you only want to photograph the house, you may swing by on Monday or Tuesday when it is closed.
Hours: Wed – Fri: 12-10 pm | Sat & Sun: 11:30 am – 10 pm
Location: [Open Google Map]
#8. Vineyard of Montmartre: Vigne du Clos Montmartre
Peel your eyes open for the Clos Montmartre, a small vineyard tucked away on a gated slope near Le Maison Rose. It is easy to miss!
Montmartre used to have several vineyards on the hill. But today, Clos Montmartre is the only surviving vineyard in Paris that still produces 500 bottles a year. During the annual Fête des Vendanges (Harvest Festival), you can sample their wine in the fall. I was told that their wine is not something you would yearn for, but the vineyard does have some historic appeal.
Location: [Open Google Map]
#9. Le Bateau-Lavoir, Picasso’s Studio
Le Bateau-Lavoir is an iconic building known as the birthplace of modern art. Picasso used to live here and invented the cubist movement. Other renowned artists, such as Modigliani, were frequent here. The original building was destroyed, but the new building houses artist’s studios today to continue its legacy.
Location: [Open Google Map]
#10. Rue Lepic
Rue Lepic is a picturesque street known for its vibrant atmosphere and local shops. Explore the unique boutiques, bakeries, and food markets that capture the essence of Montmartre’s local life.
Location: [Open Google Map]
#11. Café des Deux Moulins
Pay a visit to Café des Deux Moulins, a cozy café made famous by the movie “Amélie.” Enjoy a cup of coffee or a meal while immersing yourself in the ambiance of this charming spot. Or, just take a look at it from the outside.
The name Café des Deux Moulins refers to two windmills in Montmartre (see #12 for details).
Location: [Open Google Map]
#12. The Windmills: Le Moulin de la Galette
Montmartre used to be farmland with several windmills. Only two windmills left today with the same name, Le Moulin de la Galette (how confusing!).
One turned into a restaurant that pays homage to Renoir’s famous painting, Bal du Moulin de la Galette (1876, housed at the Musée d’Orsay). Back in the day, working-class Parisians gathered to picnic and dance underneath the windmill on Sunday afternoons. (You won’t see the windmill in the painting, though.) If you’d like, you can enjoy a classic French lunch or dinner in the restaurant like the 19th-century Parisians.
The other one is hidden atop the hill. It is in a private garden without public access. But you can peep the turbine blade behind trees atop the hill.
Hours: 12-10 pm
Location: [Open Google Map]
#13. Le Mur des Je t’aime (Wall of Love)
Le mur des je t’aime (Wall of Love) is a blue mural with “I love you” written in many different languages. It is fun to find your own language. And you will see lots of people trying to take a photo close to their language.
Hours: 8 am – 5:30 pm
Location: [Open Google Map]
#14. Place du Tertre
Place du Tertre is another quintessential Montmartre site you should not miss. A lively square is filled with artists and street performers. And cafes and shops surround the square. This is the perfect place to soak up the bohemian vibes of Montmartre. You could have your portrait sketched by a local artist.
Location: [Open Google Map]
Good to Know: About 300 officially licensed artists work in this area. And there is a 10-year waiting list for new artists, wowza!
#15. The Montmartre Stairs
Montmartre is hilly…very hilly. If you choose to walk, it is fun to walk along the winding cobblestone streets. But you may also encounter stairs…lots of them!
John Wick 4 was filmed on one of these Montmartre stairs on Rue Foyatier. Spoiler Alert: John Wick had to be at the Sacré-Cœur for the final cowboy-style gunfight at dawn. He fights all the killers while climbing 222 steps. He almost made it, then rolled down to the bottom and had to restart his way up.
If you have real-life experience climbing it up (or just look at it), you will appreciate the fantastic fight scene even more and realize how well this portrayed John Wick’s determination.
Location: [Open Google Map]
Insider Tip: Hey, you are not John Wick. No judging if you opt for a funicular instead! Swipe the Navigo metro card to hop on a funicular. It goes straight to #1. Sacré-Cœur.
Image by PublicDomainPictures via Pixabay
#16. Montmartre Cemetery (Cimetière de Montmartre)
Pay a visit to the Montmartre Cemetery. This tranquil resting place is the final resting spot for many notable figures, including Dalida and Degas. It offers a peaceful ambiance and an opportunity to reflect on the area’s artistic heritage.
Hours: 8 am – 6 pm | Sat: 8:30 am – 6 pm | Sun: 9 am – 6 pm
Location: [Open Google Map]
#17. Vincent van Gogh Apartment
Vincent van Gogh spent two years in Paris (1888-1889) with his brother Theo. Like many artists who flocked to Montmartre for cheap rent, he also lived here on Rue Lepic.
Look for a blue door. I love that seemingly-random buildings in Paris have a plaque indicating which famous figures used to live there. Still, it is easy to miss if you are not intentionally looking for it.
Location: [Open Google Map]
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#18. Salvador Dali Museums
Did you know Salvador Dali Museum exists in Montmartre? The Spain-born surrealist artist was expelled from the Madrid Academy and moved to Paris in 1929. He used to live at 7 Rue Becquerel up in Montmartre Hill. While it is a small museum, the permanent exhibit showcases Dali’s sculptures, paintings, furniture, and more. Some of which are reproduction and for sale (if you can afford it).
Admission: €14 [Book your tickets here.]
Hours: 10 am – 6:30 pm
Location: [Open Google Map]
#19. Moulin Rouge
The Moulin Rouge with the red windmill is one of the recognizable icons of Paris, and is synonymous with the bohemian spirit of Montmartre. It locates in the strip known as the red light district. Artists such as Toulouse Lautrec and Van Gogh were frequent patrons of Moulin Rouge.
As featured in films like Moulin Rouge and Midnight in Paris, the world-famous cabaret puts on a spectacular show filled with dazzling costumes, music and dance. The French Cancan is the show’s highlight dance, a famous 19th-century dance symbolizing women’s liberty.
I met many people who raved about the Moulin Rouge shows. They said the performances were entertaining, and the entire experience was unique and memorable. I heard that the food could have been better. The late-evening show without the dinner option might be a better deal.
Admission: Moulin Rouge Cabaret with Champagne (from €125), with Dinner (from €231)
Hours: 7pm, 9 pm & 11 pm
Location: [Open Google Map]
#20. Montmartre Museum
Montmartre Museum (Musée de Montmartre) is a heritage museum housed in a charming 17th-century house and garden where Renoir once worked. The museum showcases Montmartre’s history and artistic heritage with artworks, photographs and artifacts. Discover Montmartre’s cultural legacy.
Admission: €15 [Book your tickets here.]
Hours: 10 am – 7 pm
Location: [Open Google Map]
Where to Eat in Montmartre
Le Consulat
Le Consulat has an iconic façade recognizable by a cute 3-story building adorned with a red-and-green-stripe awning and red Paris terrace chairs. Located in the picturesque Place du Tertre, this 19th-century cafe serves traditional French fare, like French onion soup, escargots, and duck breast.
Touristy? Absolutely. But before all tourists, the historic cafe was frequented by artists and writers, such as Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet and Toulouse-Lautrec.
Hours: 12-7 pm | Sat & Sun 12-10:30 pm
Location: [Open Google Map]
Aux Merveilleux de Fred
Aux Merveilleux de Fred sits on a triangular corner house at the beginning of Rue Lepic. The chandelier-hanging patisserie offers a wide selection of pastries. But it is best known for melting-in-the-mouth meringues in various flavors, from citrus (summer limited), chocolate, sea salt caramel, strawberry, etc. You can also choose between mini and jumbo sizes.
Hours: 7:30 am – 8 pm
Location: [Open Google Map]
À La Mère de Famille
Also on Rue Lepic, À La Mère de Famille is one of the most traditional chocolate artisan shops in business since 1761. The chocolatier has many locations in Paris. It offers delicious patisseries, caramels and jellies. But the ganache in diverse flavors is a must-try!
Hours: 9:30 am – 8 pm (Sunday closes at 7:30 pm)
Location: [Open Google Map]
Les Choupettes de ChouChou
If you like desserts, you might be familiar with Choux pastries or chouquettes. But have you tried choupettes? Well, it is a chouquette filled with chantilly cream. It is one of those good+good=awesome desserts. The shop offers 5 flavors: original, chocolate, caramel, coffee and citrus. It will be hard to resist to try all of them.
Hours: 11 am – 7 pm (Closed on Mondays.)
Location: [Open Google Map]
Biscuiterie de Montmartre
Biscuiterie de Montmartre is in the smack middle of the touristy area. But don’t shy away from this bakery. Macarons, madeleines and coconut biscuits are all amazing! And its bright orange box makes their pastries a perfect edible gift or souvenir.
Hours: 10 am – 7:30 pm | Sun: 9:30 am – 7:30 pm
Location: [Open Google Map]
Carette
Carette is one of the iconic Parisian cafes, particularly famous for macaroons and hot chocolate. There are a few locations in Paris, including one in Place de Tertre. It is a much smaller space than the one in Trocadéro, but you can grab some macaroons and check out portraits drawn by artists.
Hours: 10 am – 8 pm
Location: [Open Google Map]
***
Montmartre is an enchanting village in Paris. Take the time to experience its unique charm and allow yourself to discover a side of Paris that is both historically significant and culturally vibrant!
Bon Voyage!
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