10 Best Things to Do in Montmartre

La Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre, or the Sacré-Cœur as it’s more commonly known by locals, towers over the neighbourhood. This white, domed church is a stunning example of Romanesque-Byzantine architecture, and the interior is just as spectacular as the outside. The colorful Apse Mosaic measures around 475 square meters and the Grand Organ is an imposing sight at 17 meters high.

You can take some fantastic photos of this iconic basilica, and if you’re feeling energetic, you can climb the 300 steps to the dome for amazing panoramic views of Paris. Admission is free, but there are no guided tours (to maintain silence for prayer). However, you can buy a guidebook in the small shop here.

Place du Tertre is just a few minutes’ walk from the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. This lively square is full of bars, restaurants and souvenir shops, and is known for its artistic scene. This area was formerly home to legendary painters such as Picasso and Modigliani, and nowadays you’ll find the colorful square full of artists sitting at their easels.

You can have your portrait done or browse through the wide selection of artwork on sale. A popular activity here is people-watching and admiring the artists at work. The square is bustling from dawn to dusk, and locals and tourists alike come here to sit outside a cafe with a glass of wine and soak up the fantastic atmosphere.

The Musée de Montmartre is a beautiful, old building on a cobbled street, just a short walk from Place du Tertre. This delightful museum showcases the history of this lively neighbourhood. You’ll discover the impact that French painters, such as Suzanne Valadon and Maurice Utrillo, had on shaping the community here. There are colorful exhibits of legendary French cancan and cabaret clubs too.

One of the most famous residents of this house-turned-museum was Auguste Renoir, who lived here in the late 19th century. You can also visit Les Jardins Renoir (Renoir Gardens) using your museum ticket. Stroll through the lush, green gardens before stopping at Café Renoir for a pause to admire the calm and beauty.

Place Dalida is a charming, cobbled square in the heart of Montmartre. If you follow rue Girardon to the intersection with rue de l’Abreuvoir, you’ll see a magnificent statue here dedicated to the singer, Dalida. This iconic entertainer lived in Montmartre and was buried in the cemetery here. Legend says that if you rub the golden breasts of this statue, you’ll have good luck in life.

This leafy square is also known for its fantastic views looking up toward the hill of Montmartre. Visitors come here to take beautiful photos of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica looking up from rue de l’Abreuvoir. The white-domed church set against a bright blue sky is a spectacular sight.

Clos Montmartre is a hidden gem of a vineyard tucked away behind the Place du Tertre and the Musée de Montmartre. Here, you’ll find around 30 different varieties of wine, and 1,500 bottles are produced every year. This is the only remaining vineyard in the capital city. It’s a beautiful patch of greenery set against some impressive architecture in the surrounding houses and boutiques.

If you love walking and enjoying unique scenery in the heart of a huge city, this is a wonderful place to visit. The vineyard is managed by La Commanderie du Clos Montmartre who organize visits, mostly in autumn. You can still walk around the exterior all year round though.

Dali Paris is an elegant gallery-museum located in the heart of Montmartre, not far from where Salvador Dali lived for a short while on rue Bécquerel. Here, you’ll find over 300 works of art by the surrealist artist, including magnificent paintings, sculptures and etchings.

This is a great place for art lovers to visit, but it’s also fascinating for those who just want to learn more about Dali or surrealist art. You’ll discover the life of Salvador Dali here, as well as an explanation of the symbols commonly used in his masterpieces, such as angels, elephants and snails. There are also temporary exhibitions that showcase surrealist art and the techniques used.

Le Consulat is a cafe-restaurant just a short walk from the Sacré-Coeur. This tall, narrow building sits at the junction of old, cobbled streets and dates back to the early 19th century. It was a popular meeting place for renowned writers and artists, including Picasso, Van Gogh and Monet. Today, it attracts visitors from all over the world who come to take photos of this iconic building.

There are lots of shops here, so you can browse the boutiques then stop at Le Consulat for lunch. Or perhaps you’d prefer to just grab a coffee and sit on the terrace watching the world go by with the locals. Le Consulat is highly popular, so you’ll need to arrive early for a good table.

Le Mur des Je t’aime is a magnificent declaration of love in a city known for romance and passion. This ‘Wall of Love’ is in Jehan Rictus Square, a beautiful park next to the Abbesses metro station. The dark blue wall is about 40 square meters of over 600 tiles, declaring “I love you” in 250 languages. It’s a striking piece of modern art and very original.

Here, you can spend a while trying to see how many of the languages you recognize, or have your photo taken in front of the wall with your loved one, before heading off for a romantic stroll through the pretty park.

Le Passe-Muraille is an intriguing and lifelike sculpture in the heart of Montmartre. This sculpture of a man caught midway trying to pass through a wall is based on a character in one of Marcel Aymé’s novels. This French writer lived here for over 40 years, so it’s fitting that this statue lies in the street named after him.

Nearby, you’ll find rue de l’Abreuvoir just a couple of minutes’ walk from here. This charming, cobbled street with its narrow sidewalks is often described as one of the loveliest in the neighbourhood. Visitors come here to take photos of the magnificent houses and buildings, as well as the imposing domes of the Sacré-Coeur towering over the street.

Moulin Rouge lies on the outskirts of Montmartre. This iconic cabaret opened its doors in the late 19th century and has been entertaining Parisians and tourists with its dazzling sets and spectacular shows ever since. Instantly recognizable with its bright red signage and windmill on the outside of the building, you’ll love the Belle Epoque-style décor and the electric ambience.

You can take in a matinée or evening show here, and you can also choose to combine the entertainment with a meal. The food is typically French and highly rated. If you’re in Montmartre during the vacation season, be sure to check out the special festive shows here which are extremely popular and very exciting.