Montmartre Neighborhood Paris 2026: Guide to the Bohemian Painters' Quarter

Montmartre is one of the most charming neighborhoods in Paris.

With its hilly cobblestone streets and uninhibited bohemian atmosphere, Montmartre it attracted artists such as Toulouse-Lautrec, Van Gogh, and Picasso during the Belle Époque.

This neighborhood was once a picturesque village with small farms, vineyards, and windmills, remaining independent until 1860, when it became one of the many district of Paris where it is worth staying.

There are few neighborhoods in the world with as much charm as this one. So if you're thinking the same as us, don't worry, los hotels in Montmartre no son tan costosos como otros.

In any case, we'll tell you why Montmartre is so special and bohemian. Let's go!

The painters of Montmartre

In the late 19th century Montmartre gained a bad reputation for the cabarets and brothels that opened in the area, but artists such as Monet, Dalí, Picasso, van Gogh, Renoir, and Degas moved here, drawn by a cheaper and more liberal cost of living, and built an artistic community that helped shape the spirit of what Montmartre is today.

What to see in Montmartre

Strolling through Montmartre is like traveling back in time.

The calles principales de Montmartre could be said to be the rue des Martyrs, rue Lamarck, rue Caulaincourt, and rue des Abbesses. But the most picturesque are those surrounding the Plaza de Tertre and the Sacré-Cœur.

Place du Tertre

The Place du Tertre o Plaza de Tertre is known as the "artists' square of Paris." For over 140 years, since the Belle Époque, Place du Tertre has been a haven for painters.

The artists, many of them graduates of prestigious fine arts schools, are each assigned a small one-square-meter space among the many stalls that divide the little square. Each stall is shared by two artists who work on alternating days.

To secure a spot at the Plaza de Tertre you must submit a portfolio showcasing your skills and add your name to a waiting list that can take up to a decade.

Only painting is permitted. Preferably Parisian landscapes, portraits, caricatures, and silhouettes.

Around the square you'll find numerous café terraces, souvenir shops, traditional restaurants, and a very lively atmosphere.

Sacré-Cœur – The Sacred Heart of Paris

At the very top of Montmartre stands the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, an iconic landmark of the city built in travertine stone in the Romano-Byzantine style.

The Sacre Coeur and its surroundings are well worth a visit, if only to take in the view of Paris from the Plaza Louise-Michel, located at the foot of the basilica.

Montmartre Vineyard

Behind Sacré-Cœur you'll find the street rue des Saules, home to Paris's oldest vineyard, Vignes du Clos Montmartre. It was planted in 1933 with mixed grape varieties from different regions.

Since 1934, every 2nd weekend of October, Montmartre celebrates its winemaking tradition and welcomes the new harvest from its vineyard with a traditional popular festival.

Moulin Rouge

In the lower part of Montmartre, where you'll find the squares Blanche and Pigalle (with their neon lights advertising shows and sex shops), the atmosphere is different. A little decadent, festive, and full of spectacle. This is where you'll find the famous Moulin Rouge.

The Moulin Rouge's "Féerie" show features 100 performers wearing 1,000 costumes of feathers, rhinestones, and sequins designed by Corrado Collabucci. It's an unforgettable show.

More interesting places to visit in Montmartre:

• At number 49 rue Gabrielle, you'll find the first Parisian apartment and studio of Picasso. Where he lived in 1900.

• At number 22 rue des Saules stands the Au Lapin Agile, one of the oldest cabarets in Paris.

• Also on rue des Saules you'll find a legendary restaurant, La Bonne Franquette. Artists such as Degas, Renoir, and Monet used to gather here. And it was in the garden of this very place that Vincent Van Gogh painted his famous work La Guinguette in 1886.

• At number 11 rue Poulbot, you'll find the Dalí Paris, a permanent exhibition of surrealist art by Salvador Dalí with an emphasis on sculptures and prints. Buy Dalí Paris Tickets.

• The Cementerio de Montmartre, at number 20 Avenue Rachel, is the resting place of figures such as Émile Zola and Degas. You can enjoy a peaceful stroll through its gardens.

• The well-known Muro Je t'aime, or Wall of Love, featuring the phrase "I love you" in 250 languages, is a popular meeting spot. You can visit it at Place Jehan-Rictus, near the Abbesses Metro station.

A great way to get to know the neighborhood without spending too much is by joining the Free Tour of Montmartre, one of the free tours in Paris with the best reviews and conducted entirely in Spanish.

A neighborhood straight out of the movies in Paris

Check out our Amélie tour to discover the neighborhood spots featured in the famous film.

Montmartre Funicular

Another distinctive feature of this Paris neighborhood is that it has a public transport service found only here: the Montmartre Funicular.

It is an automated transport system that takes you from the lower part of Montmartre all the way to the top, where you'll find the Sacré-Cœur and the Place du Tertre. Handy if you want (or need) to skip the nearly 200 steps to the summit.

If you decide to stay for a few days in this charming neighborhood, take a look at these  Hotels in Montmartre.

Tip: Paris Pass includes a walking tour of Montmartre.