20 Things to Do in Montmartre

20 Things to Do in Montmartre

Montmartre is a feast for the senses. It’s one of few districts in Paris where you can show up at 8am and be entertained right through until the evening.

This list of 20 things to do in Montmartre is but a fraction of what this village on the hill actually has to offer, and even these can’t all be done in a single day.

Choosing your top five and sticking to them is a great way to ensure a well rounded experience of the village, especially if you only have a short time in which to explore it. And remember: a visit to Montmartre requires a lot of walking, comfortable shoes are a must, as well as suitable sun protection in the summer.

Ready?

1. Visit the Halle Saint Pierre Gallery in Montmartre

The Halle Saint Pierre is the Art Brut gallery on the east side of the hill. It’s the only of its kind in Paris and in addition to the art works you’ll also be exposed to other independent exhibitions, performances and co-creative spaces.

The Halle Saint Pierre is also the home of the Max Fourny Museum of Native Art. Entrance into the Halle Saint Pierre is free!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday – 11am to 6pm

ADDRESS: 2 Rue Ronsard, 75018 Paris, France

METRO STATION: Anvers

2. Shop on Rue de Steinkerque in Montmartre

The Rue de Steinkerque is a quaint and lively little shopping street in the heart of Montmartre. You won’t find any gentrified stores or name brands here, these are kiosks run by locals — by the people, for the people.

Here you’ll find everything from Parisian souvenirs, kitsch t-shirts and collectable trinkets. On Saturday mornings there is a shopping frenzy as all the new clothing stock gets dropped outside each store and shoppers scramble for the best bargains.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Rue de Steinkerque, Montmartre, Paris

METRO STATION: Anvers

3. Get Sketched in the Place du Tertre in Montmartre

The Place du Tertre is also known as Paris’ artists’ square. It is where many of the great artists now deceased first started hanging out when they moved to Paris in chase of the dream; Renoir, Monet and Picasso amongst them.

Today, the square is filled each day with 150 independent artists who sketch and paint for excited tourists. You can commission works here or simply purchase one of the ready made pieces on display.

The square is lined with bistros and cafes, a great spot for lunch in Montmartre!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Place du Tertre, 75018 Paris, France

METRO STATION: Lamarck – Caulaincourt

4. Watch Cabaret at the Moulin Rouge in Montmartre

I doubt I have to say very much to contextualize this historic Parisian landmark.

The most famous cabaret house in the world calls Montmartre home. You’ll find the Moulin Rouge at the very bottom of the hill, where the district merges with Pigalle.

Shows run daily and ticket prices vary depending on the kind of experience you want. Of course simply viewing the theatre from the outside is sufficient as well, the iconic windmill sitting proudly as the crown.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Daily

ADDRESS: 82 Boulevard de Clichy, 75018 Paris, France

METRO STATION: Blanche

5. Walk Montmartre Hill From the Bottom Up in Montmartre

This is the best way to see a lot of Montmartre in a short space of time, and there are two ways in which to do it efficiently.

On would be a self guided tour where you follow the best possible walking route between the Moulin Rouge and the Sacre Coeur.

The next would be to hand over the reigns to a professional and join in on one of the many free guided walking tours that take place throughout Montmartre ever day.

The choice is yours.

6. Visit Renoir’s Old Home at the Montmartre Museum in Montmartre

Before it was a museum, the Musée de Montmartre was a residency for artists in Paris. Renoir lived here for about two years and some of his most famous works were created right in the gardens, which explains their apt naming ‘Jardins Renoir’.

Today the museum houses incredible works that showcase the development of Montmartre through the ages. You can enjoy tea and snacks in the Cafe Renoir as well.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday – 10am to 7pm

ADDRESS: 12 Rue Cortot, 75018 Paris, France

METRO STATION: Lamarck – Caulaincourt

7. See the Sacre Coeur in Montmartre

The grand church on the hill is what brings 99% of travelers into Montmartre daily.

The Sacre Coeur is one of Paris’ youngest and most beautiful creations. She’s at the top of Montmartre hill and you’ll catch glimpses of her from around the city if you keep an eye on the horizon.

Entrance into the church is free, but access to the top bell towers do require a fee.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Daily

ADDRESS: 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, France

METRO STATION: Château Rouge

8. Lunch at the Café des Deux Moulins in Montmartre

The blockbuster French film Amélie that made waves around the world after it’s release was, for the most part, set and filmed in Montmartre.

Over on the west side of the hill is the Café des Deux Moulins, where Amélie worked in the movie. It’s a diner style restaurant with as much quirk in real life as it had in the film. It’s a wonderful spot for brunch or lunch during your day in the village.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday – 7am to 1:30m

ADDRESS: 15 Rue Lepic, 75018 Paris, France

METRO STATION: Blanche

9. Spot Your Language on Le Mur des Je t’aime in Montmartre

The 1% of people who don’t come to Montmartre for the church, come for the I Love You Wall.

This is a massive art installation featuring the words I love you in over 250 languages and dialects from around the world. It’s grown significantly in popularity in a very short time, expect to wait your turn for a photograph in front of it. Can you find your home language?

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday – 8am to 9:30pm

ADDRESS: Square Jehan Rictus, Place des Abbesses, 75018 Paris, France

METRO STATION: Abbesses

10. See a Collection of Works at the Dali Museum in Montmartre

The Dali Museum of Montmartre is newly renovated and utterly fabulous. A brief yet accurate glimpse into the mind of the artist himself.

This is also a great museum to visit with children. The life-sized sculptures and bizarre, dream worlds on display keep them enthralled while you can appreciate the artworks yourself.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday – 10am to 6:30pm

ADDRESS: 11 Rue Poulbot, 75018 Paris, France

METRO STATION: Abbesses

11. Walk by the Vineyard in Montmartre

Yes, Montmartre even has its own vineyard. Unfortunately these grounds are not open to the public, but one can get a good look at the space from the outside streets.

The gardens at the Montmartre Museum also overlook the vineyard from above, which is where you’ll find the best view.

Every year in October there is a grape harvest inside the vineyard which is followed by week long celebrations around the village.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Rue des Saules, 75018 Paris, France

METRO STATION: Lamarck – Caulaincourt

12. Have Tea at the Musée de la Vie Romantique in Montmartre

A gorgeous museum to visit if you have a hour or two to kill, otherwise the tea house on the Musée de la Vie Romantique grounds is a worthwhile place to enjoy a cup or two.

The museum is housed in an old mansion and reflects collected artworks, furniture and objects from the romantic era in Paris.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Tuesday TO Sunday – 10am to 6pm

ADDRESS: Alfama, Rua das, Escolas Gerais 34, 1100-213 Lisboa, Portugal

METRO STATION: Pigalle

13. Walk Through the Cemetery in Montmartre

The Montmartre Cemetery is one of four grand scale garden cemeteries situated on the four cardinal points of Paris. This is the one of the north, and it is a beautiful green covered space to take a stroll through.

You’ll also be able to spot the tombs of some recognizable people who used to call this village home — does Dalida ring a bell?

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday – 8am to 6pm

ADDRESS: 20 Avenue Rachel, 75018 Paris, France

METRO STATION: Fourche

14. Find Dalida’s Statue in Montmartre

In addition to Dalida’s grave at the cemetery, Montmartre has a square dedicated to her memory where there is a statue in her honor.

The statue is a life size representation of the singers head and bust, and has become quite the touristic landmark.

The statue was made by the same artist who sculpted the one on top of her grave back in the cemetery.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: 24 Hours

ADDRESS: Place Dalida, 75018 Paris, France

METRO STATION: Lamarck – Caulaincourt

15. See the Moulin de la Galette in Montmartre

There are two main “last remaining windmills” in Montmartre, though some people believe that the windmill atop the Moulin Rouge as well as one in Montmartre Cemetery should also be counted.

Nevertheless, Montmartre wouldn’t be what it is today without these structures. This particular one can be seen at any time of day from the street outside.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: 24 Hours

ADDRESS: 83 Rue Lepic, 75018 Paris, France

METRO STATION: Lamarck – Caulaincourt

16. Watch a Film at Studio 28 in Montmartre

Studio 28 is Montmartre’s own arthouse cinema. It gained massive popularity in the early 1900s when it screened Salvador Dali’s infamous film that was banned nationwide shortly after.

The cinema is open daily with alteration screening times and films. It’s also a very trendy spot to hang out for a drink or snack even if you’re not watching a movie.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Daily

ADDRESS: 10 Rue Tholozé, 75018 Paris, France

METRO STATION: Abbesses

17. Take a Photograph at La Maison Rose in Montmartre

This pretty pink cafe is one of Montmartre’s most photographed spots. It’s also the cafe where Picasso would hang out most frequently during his days in the village.

When I say pretty pink, I mean it. La Maison Rose’s entire building’s exterior is bright pink, you simply can’t miss it.

If you have time for brunch this is a wonderful cafe to eat in!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Wednesday TO Monday – Various Times

ADDRESS: 2 Rue de l’Abreuvoir, 75018 Paris, France

METRO STATION: Lamarck – Caulaincourt

18. Have a Drink at Le Très Particulier in Montmartre

Montmartre isn’t particularly known for its nightlife, but there are a few spots where one can enjoy a glass of wine and good conversation.

The Très Particulier is the hotel bar inside of the Hotel Particulier, a hidden gem in the suburban streets of the village.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday – 6pm to 12am

ADDRESS: Hôtel Particulier Montmartre, 23 Avenue Junot, 75018 Paris, France

METRO STATION: Lamarck – Caulaincourt

19. Have Another Drink at Lapin Agile in Montmartre

Since the Très Particulier closes at midnight, you can take the short walk to the nearby Lapin Agile — the oldest cabaret house in Paris.

Each evening there is a live musical performance by a troupe that goes on until 1am. Entrance is free so long as you purchase something from the bar. It’s extremely laid back compared to the previous bar.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Tuesday TO Sunday – 9pm to 1am

ADDRESS: 22 Rue des Saules, 75018 Paris, France

METRO STATION: Lamarck – Caulaincourt

20. Watch the Sunset Over Paris in Montmartre

Finally, kiss the day goodbye while watching the sun go down over Paris’ skyline.

Anywhere on the hill becomes a suitable spot from which to watch the sunset, but the steps outside of the Sacre Coeur remain the best possible view over the city. One can sit here for hours, watching the lights come up across Paris.

This is an equally great spot for watching sunrise over Paris as well!