How to Spend One Perfect Day in Montmartre, Paris

On my most recent trip to Paris, I decided to make Montmartre my home base.  I’d been to the Montmartre district of Paris before, but I had never stayed there, and I was interested in getting to know this neighborhood in more depth.  I had lots of time to explore the typical tourist attractions, but I also had lots of time to explore the quiet backstreets, the locally-owned cafes and the charming little parks that you might miss if you’re only in Montmartre for a short period of time.

Following, you’ll find my guide to visiting Montmartre, designed to be followed in just one day.  It takes you to the most famous tourist attractions, as well as some locations that are off-the-beaten-path (including one recommended by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex herself!).  As I mention below, feel free to follow this guide at a leisurely pace, veering off course if something catches your eye or pausing for an Aperol Spritz at a cafe en route to your destination.  Just keep in mind that Montmartre is quite hilly, so wear good walking shoes and try to move in a generally downhill direction if possible.

Montmartre, Paris: Know Before You Go

Paris is divided into twenty neighborhoods, called arondissements, and Montmartre is the 18th (or 18°, or even 18ème). Situated on the north edge of the city center, the name Montmartre comes from Mons Maris, or Mount of Mars, and refers to the hill at the center of the neighborhood.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, artists flocked to Montmartre to set up their studios and collaborate with other creatives. This was when Montmartre developed its reputation as something of a bohemian enclave, as depicted in movies like the infamous Moulin Rouge or the classic Can-Can.

Today, Montmartre is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Paris for tourists to visit. That means the streets can be crowded, attractions may have queues and restaurants may require reservations, but all you have to do is wander a few streets away from the main thoroughfares to discover the quieter, more authentic side of Montmartre.

Things to Do in Montmartre, Paris

If you’ve only got one day to visit Montmartre, don’t worry!  You can see all of the attractions noted below in just one day (including stops for food) and you’ll still have time to visit one or two museums. Just make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes, since Montmartre is hilly and you’ll be doing a lot of walking as you explore this charming neighborhood.

You can start this walking tour at the lower funicular station, near the Anvers metro station. From there, you can take the funicular up to the basilica or walk up the “mont” yourself!  Visiting the attractions in the order I’ve listed reduces time spent backtracking and retracing your steps, but don’t hesitate to wander off-course when you spot a pretty street and want to explore!

Sacré Coeur Basilica

Montmartre is named after the hill in the center of this Paris district, and atop the hill you’ll find one of the city’s most iconic landmarks: The Basilique du Sacré-Cœur (Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris). A relatively new church, construction on Sacré Coeur started in 1875 and continued for almost fifty years.  Its stark white exterior has long drawn criticism, but its beautiful ornate interior is much less controversial.

The basilica is open daily from 6:30 am to 10:30 pm.  It’s free to enter the basilica itself, but you have to pay an additional €6 (prices vary) to climb the 300 stairs to the top of the dome.  It’s definitely worth buying a dome ticket if it’s a clear day with blue skies, but if it’s grey, cloudy or rainy you won’t be able to see anything from the top.  If you’re in Montmartre on Sunday, the church’s organ plays at 11:00, 16:00, 18:00 and 22:00.

Place du Tertre

You can feel the rich artistic history in Montmartre’s Place du Tertre.  This square, just a few blocks from Sacré Coeur, is packed with artists painting (and selling!) evocative scenes of Paris. Space here comes at a premium: artists wait many years to be granted access to a one-square-meter space, which they must share with another artist on alternating days.

It’s said that the word “bistro” was invented here, at La Mère Catherine, which is the oldest restaurant on the square.  Legend has it that in 1814, during the Battle of Paris, Russian soldiers were demanding their drinks quickly (“bystro” in Russian). The phrase took off and soon other restaurants started using the word to indicate they offered quick service.

Villa Leandre

You’ll think you crossed the English Channel when you stroll down this charming little street inspired by typical British row houses. Around here, having a semi-detached home is a luxury, making these some of Paris’ most exclusive, and expensive, addresses. Remember that these are real people’s homes, so be quiet while you’re exploring (and definitely don’t go onto anyone’s private property!).

La Mur des Je T’aime (The Wall of Love)

Located inside the Square Jehan-Rictus in Montmartre, La Mur des Je T’aime is a collaboration between a local calligrapher and artist. Together, they captured the words “I Love You” in 250 languages, then wrote them 311 times (total, not each!) on this lava-tiled wall.  Entrance to the square is free, but confirm the opening hours here if you’re planning to visit very early or late.

Vineyards of Montmartre

The only wine that is made in Paris is made in Montmartre. Unfortunately, some say it’s also the worst wine in France. Still, it’s fun to see these ancient vineyards in the heart of Montmartre.

Once a year, the grapes are harvested by volunteers and taken to the basement of the 18° City Hall, which is home to a secret winery (and possibly all those permits the artists are waiting for!).

To be absolutely clear, the wine is famously bad, and because it’s priced at €50 you buy it to support local charities, not to enjoy. The vineyards are closed to the public for 355 days a year, but there are lots of vantage points around the vines.

(At the time of my visit they were filming a movie on the streets around the vineyard, hence the “soldiers”!)

Windmills of Montmartre

There used to be about 300 windmills in Paris, as they were used to mill flour (for baguettes) and to press grapes (for vin). The majority of Paris’ windmills were located in Montmartre, as the hilltop location easily captured the passing breeze. Today, two of the Montmartre windmills remain standing: Moulin de la Galette (dating back to 1662) and Moulin du Radet (dating back to 1717). Confusingly, the restaurant located inside Moulin du Radet is named Moulin de la Galette.

The Moulin Rouge

The world’s most famous cabaret is located in Montmartre. The Moulin Rouge, or Red Windmill, was founded in 1889 as Paris’ most exciting music hall, where people from all social classes could cavort in extravagant, opulent, indulgent surroundings. It’s survived fires, wars and creative differences over the past 130 years to remain one of the most popular attractions in all of Paris.

Currently, the Moulin Rouge is showing a production entitled Féerie, which has been running since 1999 (fun fact: due to superstition, all of the shows here start with the letter “F”).  Although they operate occasional matinee shows, most of the productions here take place in the evening, with tickets starting around €90 (double that if you want dinner included). Buy your Moulin Rouge tickets well in advance, as shows consistently sell out!

Note: Montmartre has another famous cabaret, Le Lapin Agile, located about a kilometer from The Moulin Rouge. Things are more informal here, with entrance set at €35 (including a drink) and the entertainment operating continuously all night, so you can pop in for an hour or two, have a drink, and then leave.

Montmartre Cemetery

Paris’ third-largest cemetery is located here in Montmartre. This is an interesting cemetery to visit not only for its evocative atmosphere but also for the The Pont de Caulaincourt, a 160-meter steel bridge that crosses the cemetery. This is considered to be a “secret” destination in Paris due to the hidden entrance, tucked away on Avenue Rachel (about two blocks down the street from the Moulin Rouge).

Names you might recognize?  Artist Edgar Degas, actress Jeanne Moreau, physicist and pendulum fan Leon Foucault, filmmaker Francois Truffaut and (same-named son of the) writer Alexandre Dumas.

Prefer a Guided Tour of Montmartre?

This popular guided walking tour of Montmartre brings you to many of the Montmartre sights I’ve listed above, in just two and a half hours.  It usually departs three times daily, so if you’re short on time you can see the highlights of Montmartre in just a morning or afternoon.

Montmartre Museums

Unfortunately, with just one day in Montmartre you’ll have to narrow your museum visits down to just one or two. Museums tend to be closed one day per week (usually Monday or Tuesday) so confirm opening times before you plan your day in Montmartre.

At the time of publication, none of the museums in Montmartre participated in the Paris Museum Pass program.

Musée de Montmartre

By far the most popular museum in Montmartre, the Museum of Montmartre is home to an impressive collection of works created by the artists who once inhabited the surrounded neighborhood. However, the real focus is on the history of Montmartre and its transformation from farming village to Parisian hotspot. Renoir lived here for two years, and the museum has dedicated their pretty gardens to his memory (to enter the gardens without a museum visit, the fee is €5).

Tickets cost €14 for adults and should be booked in advance, online, through the museum’s official website.  Café Renoir, in the gardens, opens seasonally to serve a menu of drinks and light meals. It’s a lovely place for a quiet brunch or lunch in Montmartre.

Le Musée de la Vie Romantique

Housed in a fetching 19th-century hôtel particulier, Le Musée de la Vie Romantique (Museum of Romantic Life) whisks guests back in time to the era of Romanticism in Montmartre in Paris.  Exhibits include furnishings, paintings and jewelry, all placed carefully around rooms that once hosted many of Paris’ great intellectuals. In the summer the museum operates a quaint tea house in the front courtyard. Admission to the permanent collections is free, but temporary exhibits do required paid tickets.

The Halle Saint Pierre

Here, near the base of the Montmartre Funicular, a quaint museum in a Les Halles-inspired building showcases a small collection of Naive Art, along with rotating temporary exhibits focused on modern art.  There’s also a pretty coffee shop and bookshop onsite.

Dali Paris / Espace Dali

This is a private collection of more than 300 Salvador Dali works, with the majority being lithographs, prints and maquettes (artists’ preliminary models and sketches).  It comes recommended by Vogue, but since you won’t find many of Dali’s masterpieces here I’d say it’s only for the most devoted Dali fans.

Musée Jacquemart-André

Personally, I think it’s a stretch to say this museum is in Montmartre, but all the guidebooks do so I’ll go with it. Although this museum, located in the former residences of a wealthy art collector and his artist wife, does have a noteworthy collection, the real highlight here is the opportunity to explore a beautifully maintained nineteenth-century mansion, including the ornate State Apartments, the more casual informal apartments, and the stunning “winter garden”, where the owners once kept exotic indoor plants under the sparkling glass roof.

The Musée Jacquemart-André also claims that its tea room, located in the mansion’s former dining room, is the most beautiful tea room in Paris. You can have a meal or drink in the tea room without paying for a museum admission ticket.

Restaurants in Montmartre, Paris

I’m dividing this list up into the famous restaurants in Montmartre that you might know from movies, TV shows or Instagram, and then other restaurants in the area that worth considering for a meal.

Famous Restaurants in Montmartre

Cafe des Deux Moulins

Fans of Amelie will want to make a beeline to Cafe des Deux Moulins, where the film’s main character worked as a waitress.  Today, it’s as much a landmark as the Moulin Rouge, known not just for being a piece of cinema history but also for having Montmartre’s only classic diner-style interior and its late-night meal service, with hours often extending until 1:30 am.

La Maison Rose

This pretty pastel restaurant is known more for its rose-and-mint facade than its food, but it’s actually a solid culinary choice in Montmartre as well. With a menu focusing on seasonal, local and sustainable food, reservations (made online through their official site) are recommended for lunch and dinner.  There’s always a vegan dish, a fish dish and a meat dish on the menu, so you can trust that everyone will find something pleasing as they dine in this house that once hosted Picasso and Dali.

Le Consulat

Standing alone between two Montmartre streets, Le Consulat is one of Paris’ most famous cafes. In the past, this was a popular hangout for Toulouse-Lautrec and Monet. Today, visitors come to sample typical French dishes like onion soup, escargot and crepes. In the winter, make sure to order a steaming hot glass of their signature mulled wine.

Boris Lumé Boulangerie

I wasn’t sure if I should include this under famous restaurants or under other restaurants, but my friends who are parents to young(ish) children all say that in their houses, this is one very famous bakery. I’d never heard of the TV show ‘Miraculous Ladybug’, but apparently the star of this animated series has two parents who work in a typical Parisien bakery, which was modeled after this boulangerie in Montmartre. Lots of people visit every day to get their photo take in front, but I can personally vouch for the high quality of their baked goods too!

Other Restaurants in Montmartre

Montmartre is full of adorable little restaurants like the one in the photo above (I didn’t eat there, I just thought it was cute!).  If you head over more towards the Lamarck-Caulaincourt area, the restaurants are less busy, more popular with locals and more interesting (in my opinion).

Le Coq Rico

You may not know this, but before Megan wed Harry and became the Duchess of Sussex, she had a lifestyle blog called The Tig. Back then, she recommended Le Coq & Fils (formerly known as Le Coq Rico) as her favorite restaurant and date spot in Montmartre. This is the place to try classic French poultry dishes like gizzards, giblets, liver and terrine, and they also have small plates of vegetarian sides that be combined into a meal.

Fric-Frac

A cute sandwich shop with a location in Montmartre and a second along Canal Saint Martin.  They have classic French sandwiches like the croque-monsieur, as well as a vegetarian option and a vegan option. Sandwiches are served with salad, but you can also add on sides like fries (I saw a neighboring table order some and they looked great!).

Bleu Matin

If you sleep through your hotel breakfast, Bleu Matin is a great place to have a petit dejeuner before you go out exploring. Just a block from the Lamarck-Caulaincourt metro station, they have a number of different breakfast dishes, along with formules, or menus, including a variety of dishes.  I went for their formule with coffee, orange juice, a granola bowl and a croissant, and it was perfect!

La Fabbrica

If you’re craving pizza, this Neapolitan-style pizzeria has a range of thin-crust pizzas and lots of tables that spill out onto the sidewalk. It gets busy, so make a reservation a day or two in advance (especially at dinner).  They also have appetizers, pastas and even a kids’ menu, so it’s a good place if you’re dining with little ones.

Le Sagittaire

I had really wanted to have dinner at this charming little restaurant in Montmartre, but unfortunately I couldn’t fit it in as they were closed two nights a week (the two nights I was free!). They do an amazing tasting menu for €37 that includes an apertif, appetizer, main course, dessert and half bottle of wine.  As a vegetarian, I was pleased to see that they always offered a vegetarian option at each course, along with the traditional meat, fish and poultry dishes that France is so famous for.

Where to Stay in Montmartre, Paris

Montmartre is an increasingly popular accommodation option in Paris, as many travelers take note of its affordable accommodation options, excellent transportation connections and vibrant arts and culture scene. Your euro goes a lot further at a Montmartre hotel than it would if you were staying, for example, near the Louvre or the Eiffel Tower, yet both attractions are an easy metro or bus trip away.

Hostels in Montmartre

If you’re on a budget, Montmartre has some of Paris’ most affordable hostels.  Several are run by the popular chain HipHopHostels, including Le Village Montmartre, which is known as one of Paris’ best party hostels, and Caulaincourt Square Hotel, a boutique hostel with a mix of private and dorm-style rooms. I booked a private room with private bathroom at Caulaincourt Square Hotel and loved the location (away from the tourist crowds, where smart locals stop for cocktails on their way home) and my private room with a view over the rooftops of Paris.

Hotels in Montmartre

If you would prefer a traditional hotel, Hotel des Arts Montmartre is an absolute gem. Located just a block away from charming Rue des Abbesses, the rooms here are tres chic, the staff are experts at helping first-time visitors to Paris and the price is extremely reasonable.

For an unforgettable Montmartre hotel experience, there are two stunningly unique properties in the area. The first, Maison Souquet, is the only five-star hotel in Montmartre. Located in a former “pleasure house” (use your imagination), Maison Souquet has twenty fantastical rooms with luscious, opulent furnishings. There is also a secret, celestial-themed swimming pool, a hammam and a beautiful cocktail bar.

Nearby, the Hôtel Monsieur Aristide is a playful, design-focused boutique hotel with twenty-five rooms surrounding a secret garden. Feel free to pick up one of the many musical instruments dotting the common areas (they’re not just decorations!) or to have a light meal at the on-site Mediterranean cafe.

Getting to Montmartre, Paris

It’s easy to get to Montmartre by public transportation.  Montmartre has several metro stations on Line 2 and Line 12.

Charles de Gaulle Airport to Montmartre

It’s easy to reach Montmartre directly from Charles de Gaulle airport.  You just have to hop on the RER B Train to Gare du Nord station, then transfer to the metro at the Chapelle station (look for the signs – it’s in the opposite direction of most of the other transfers!).

Take Line 2 in the direction of Porte Dauphine (Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny), and then it’s a two- to four-stop journey to Montmartre, depending on if your destination is on the east or west side of the district.

If you need to go further north, get off the Line 2 metro at Pigalle and transfer to Line 12 (direction Front Populaire).  This will take you up to the Abbesses and Lamarck-Caulaincourt stations.

The Eiffel Tower to Montmartre

Bus #30 travels directly from the Eiffel Tower to the Abbesses metro station, passing by the Arc de Triomphe en route.  It’s a pretty route, but it’s faster to use the metro.  Take Metro Line C from Champs de Mars Eiffel Tower to the Musee d’Orsay, then walk (above five minutes) to the Assemblee Nationale station and transfer to Line 12.

The Louvre to Montmartre

From The Louvre, take Metro Line 1 to Concorde and then transfer to Line 12.  Again, it’s slower to travel by bus, but #29 takes you directly from The Louvre to the Pigalles metro station, passing by lots of pretty sights along the way.

Getting Around Montmartre, Paris

The Montmartre Funicular

Montmartre is hilly, making its famous funicular a lifesaver for travelers on foot.  The Montmartre funicular operates daily from 6:00 am to 12:45 am, and is part of the public transit system (meaning your Navigo pass will cover your trip).  It saves you from having to walk up the 197 steps between the bottom of the hill and the Sacré Coeur basilica at the top.

MontmartroBus

Until a few years ago an electric bus nicknamed the “MontmartroBus” wiggled its way across Montmartre, taking in many of the district’s famous sights.  Today, that bus has been replaced by RATP Bus #40, which runs from the Le Peletier metro station to the Jules Joffrin station, weaving slowly through many of the streets of Montmartre.

Traveling north, the bus travels on the west side of the hill, while the southbound journey is to the east.  Today, the MontmartoBus on RATP Route #40 runs approximately every ten minutes, and a one-way trip takes thirty minutes.  For travelers with mobility limitations, this is a great way to see the atmosphere of Montmartre without walking.

Have you ever visited Montmartre?  What did you think about it?  Let me know in the comments!

If you’re planning your own trip to Paris, I recommend three things: packing one of the best Paris guidebooks, learning some French before you go, and getting a Paris Museum Pass to save money on museums.

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