The Montmartre District of Paris: Best Hotels & Neighborhood Guide

From Amélie to Moulin Rouge, Montmartre’s picturesque streets have represented Paris to international audiences for years. And with its storied history, it’s not surprising. But while Montmartre is an incredible part of Paris, it’s also its own unique district. You won’t find the huge boulevards of the 8th arrondissement here!

A group of my close friends lived in Montmartre while we were studying abroad. And so, I’ve spent days wandering its hilly slopes and discovering its hidden green places. Once known as the bohemian center of Paris, Montmartre still has that “village within a city” feel that made it famous. And the charm that drew turn-of-the-century artists here.

It has gotten pricier since the days of the post-Impressionist painters, of course! But Montmartre’s hotels have a ton to offer. My top pick, the Hôtel des Arts Montmartre, is a chic and perfectly located hotel near the Sacre-Coeur Basilica. Off the main roads, its quiet surroundings will make you forget you’re in a city at all!

 For those looking for luxury, the luxe décor and attentive staff at the Hôtel Particulier Montmartre will be right up your alley. On the other end of the pricing scale, the Hotel de Flore has clean, basic rooms that can fall well under 200 euros in the off-season.

Curious about whether Montmartre’s the right Parisian neighborhood for you? Here’s what you should know!

Meet Montmartre: Paris’s Best District for Returning Visitors

❤️ Why We Love Montmartre: From the views at the top of the hill to its winding, cobblestoned streets, Montmartre is packed with charm. There’s a reason so many couples have put love locks on the gates around Sacré-Coeur Basilica. The neighborhood really does have an old-time Paris, romantic feel to it.

But culture also abounds here. You’ll find a gorgeous hidden gem in the Musée de Montmartre art museum. Be sure to check out its incredible grounds. You’ll also find a museum dedicated to the artist Dalí and the square where Picasso once had his studio.

Shopping of all kinds is also everywhere in Montmartre. More than in any other Paris neighborhood, the shops and markets here are incredibly eclectic. From rubber ducks to antique maps, you may not be looking for a particular item. But chances are, you’ll end up with a perfect Parisian souvenir!

🧑‍🤝‍🧑Who This Neighborhood Is For: In the 18th arrondissement, Montmartre is far from the city center. (Paris is organized into 20 arrondissements, arranged like a snail, with the 1st in the center.) Because of that, Montmartre is great to visit if you’ve been to Paris before and seen the major sites.

It’s not a dealbreaker if it’s your first time in Paris, though! Local public transport is fairly quick, and you can get to the Louvre in around half an hour. However, this is definitely a neighborhood to explore to see another side of the city, away from the “main” attractions closer to the river.

Some of the best things to do in Paris are here, as well. From the Sacre-Coeur Basilica dominating the hill to the artists at the Place du Tertre, you won’t get bored.

Montmartre is incredibly hilly and has lots of outdoor staircases and uneven cobblestone paths. It’s not the best choice if you have mobility issues. Public transport can be spotty, with just a few major hubs. And the streets are narrow and often one-way, making driving difficult. In other words, if you like walking, Montmartre is for you!

📍Areas in Montmartre: Like the Marais, Montmartre isn’t an official arrondissement or quartier within the city of Paris. Instead, it’s a neighborhood in the south-central areas of the 18th arrondissement. 

However, there are definitely neighborhoods within this neighborhood, each with their own energy! I’ve separated them by their major monuments or streets. From the center of Montmartre moving counterclockwise, you’ll find:

• Place des Abbesses
• Sacré-Coeur Basilica
• Rue de l’Abreuvoir
• Rue Lepic

🚲 Getting Around Montmartre: Getting around Montmartre isn’t exactly the same as getting around Paris more generally. Yes, there are Métro stations here. You’ll find that the most central one, Abbesses, has a huge number of stairs. But it also offers an elevator for an easier ride to the top.

Other stations, such as Lamarck-Caulincourt and Pigalle, are at the edges of the district and can be useful hubs. Buses are scarcer within Montmartre itself than in the center of the city, given the street width. Taxis and rideshares can also be harder to come by here.

One of my favorite things about Montmartre is its funicular. This outdoor “elevator” takes you up to Sacré-Coeur and provides great views. It’s not just fun on its own – it’s also supremely practical when you’re staying in the area.

And, of course, if you like walking and your calves are ready for a workout, navigating Montmartre can actually be a lot of fun!

Sound like your cup of tea? Take a look at my favorite hotels in Montmartre.

Best Places to Stay in Montmartre

If you only have time for a quick glance, these are my top hotel picks: 

• 🏆 Best Overall Hotel – Hôtel des Arts Montmartre
• 📍 Best Location – Hotel Litteraire Marcel Ayme
•  💎 Best Luxury Hotel – Hôtel Particulier Montmartre
•  👨‍👩‍👦 Best for Families – Edgar Suites
•  🔔 Best Boutique – Hôtel Manolita Paris
•  💆🏻‍♀️ Best Hotel with Spa – Maison Souquet
•  🛏️ Best Budget – Hotel de Flore
•  🖼️Best Décor – La Bohème Montmartre

Of course, a hotel can be incredible on the inside but still be the wrong fit for you because of its location. With that in mind, read on for more about where to stay and what to do in different Montmartre areas.

Areas to Stay in Montmartre

Place des Abbesses

👉 Best Area For Attractions  | ✨ Best Place des Abbesses Hotels: Hôtel des Arts Montmartre • Léon Hotel •  Hotel Litteraire Marcel Ayme

In the south-central district of Montmartre, the Place des Abbesses is an incredibly vibrant, bustling area with tons to do. It makes a great base for seeing everything that Montmartre has to offer. I particularly love it because it’s far enough up the hill to feel separate from the “rest” of Paris. But it’s not so high that massive climbing is involved.

From musicians playing on the street to chic cafés, you won’t have trouble finding things to do in this area. Couples should go to the “Mur des je t’aime,” a wall with “I love you” written in many different languages. For art lovers, there’s the Dalí Museum and the Place Émile Goudeau, where Picasso had a studio.

My favorite overall hotel in the area, the Hôtel des Arts Montmartre, is here. Its central location is a huge part of its charm. Unlike a lot of Parisian hotels, though, it’s soundproofed, so the vibrant street life won’t keep you awake! Modern yet classic, the hotel also has surprisingly reasonable rates. Particularly in the off-season, look for rooms around or under 300 euros.

It’s no surprise that my “best location” award goes to the Hotel Litteraire Marcel Ayme here. Between the Places des Abbesses and the rue Lepic, this hotel offers the best of both worlds. You’ll get Abbess’s shopping and culture during the day, and Lepic’s nightlife. (Don’t worry, it’s also soundproofed!) It’s also just 10 minutes on foot from Sacré Coeur.

Pros of Staying in the Place des Abbesses Neighborhood:

• Central to many attractions
• Walkable to most of Montmartre
• Charming architecture
• Many stores and cafés

Cons of Staying in the Place des Abbesses Neighborhood:

• Crowded, especially on weekends
• Narrow streets with difficult driving
• Limited public transportation

Sacré-Coeur Basilica

👉 Best Area For Views | ✨ Best Sacré-Coeur Basilica Hotels:  La Bohème Montmartre • Appart’hôtel Odalys City • Edgar Suites 

To the east/northeast of Montmartre is the Sacré-Coeur Basilica and its surroundings, which include a huge, vibrant park. The basilica and its incredible views dominate this area — you can see almost all of Paris from this high up! And, even more fun, you can take the funicular to get here.

Be prepared for lots of other visitors. This is especially true at the nearby Place de Tertre. Host to artists, caricaturists, and others looking to sell their work, it can get very crowded. Keep an eye on your belongings in these areas.

The hilly, stair-lined streets around the basilica can be absolutely charming. Within them, you’ll find some great hotels. For longer-term stays and family visits, there’s the Edgar Suites. Offering apartments with many different bedrooms and bed types, it’s wonderful for larger groups.

And for old Parisian charm, check out La Bohème Montmartre, which has my vote for best décor in Montmartre! The Belle Époque touches don’t take away from the hotel’s modern comforts. And I’m in love with their luxurious wallpaper. One room even has an incredible skylight with views of Sacré-Coeur itself!

Pros of Staying in the Sacré-Coeur Basilica Neighborhood:

• Gorgeous views from many places
• Iconic buildings and attractions
• Many reasonable restaurants and bars

Cons of Staying in the Sacré-Coeur Basilica Neighborhood:

• Area around the cathedral can be dangerous
• Many visitors, especially on weekends
• Less residential than other areas
• Transportation and walking can be difficult on hills

Rue de l’Abreuvoir

👉 Best Area For Charm  | ✨ Best Rue de l’Abreuvoir Hotels:  Hôtel Particulier Montmartre • Hôtel BOHEM • Hotel de Flore

To the north and northwest of Montmartre, the area around the Rue de l’Abreuvoir is my favorite for peace, quiet, and charm. With lots of small green spaces, cobblestones, and gorgeous old buildings, you’ll love the scenery on this street. 

In terms of visitors, the area’s quieter than the Abbesses and Sacré-Coeur areas. There are fewer attractions here. Still, there are fun Easter-egg-type monuments to find in the neighborhood. Go hunting for the “Passe-Mureille!” Meanwhile, popular destinations are easily reachable on foot.

This area is home to the wonderful Hôtel Particulier Montmartre, my pick for the best luxury hotel in Montmartre. Expect attentive staff, richly decorated rooms and public areas, and garden views in many rooms. There’s a great restaurant, a fun bar, and even room service — definitely not guaranteed in Paris hotels!

The district surrounding the Rue de l’Abreuvoir doesn’t have to be pricey, though. You can get a room at the nearby Hotel de Flore for under 200 euros in the off-season. This simple yet efficient 3-star hotel has everything you need for a great stay in this lovely residential neighborhood.

Pros of Staying in the Rue de l’Abreuvoir Neighborhood:

• Charming and picturesque
• Many hidden gems
• Wide variety of excellent lodging

Cons of Staying in the Rue de l’Abreuvoir Neighborhood:

• Farther from central attractions
• Many hills can make walking difficult

Rue Lepic

👉 Best Area For Nightlife | ✨ Best Rue Lepic Hotels: Hôtel Manolita Paris • Maison Souquet • Le Relais Montmartre • Hotel Monsieur Aristide

The “Rue Lepic” area centers around this street in the west and southwest of Montmartre. Leading down the hill to the Pigalle area, it’s definitely vibrant at night! You’ll be near the Moulin Rouge, as well as tons of other bars and clubs. The closer you get to the bottom of the hill, the more adults-only the nightlife becomes.

But the nightlife isn’t the only thing defining this area! It’s home to the Montmartre Cemetery. Not as well known as Père Lachaise, this is still the final resting place of many famous names. Look for the dancer Nijinsky, the painter Degas, and the writer Zola.

And there are wonderful hotels in the area. My favorite boutique hotel in Montmartre, the Hôtel Manolita Paris, is here. For a 5-star hotel, it has incredible rates: 500-600 euros in the off-season. Luxurious on every level, expect super high-end fixtures like hot tubs, Japanese toilet seat warmers, and power blinds.

If you want your hotel to pamper you, a few blocks away, you’ll find another 5-star hotel: the Maison Souquet, located in a 19th-century townhouse. For a hotel with a spa in Montmartre, you can’t do better! You’ll get an hour of private access to the spa facilities, including the swimming pool and hammam, when you reserve. The hotel overall has an upmarket, refined, yet intimate feeling.

Pros of Staying in the Rue Lepic Neighborhood:

• Lots of bars and restaurants
• Great transportation access
• Vibrant, local vibe

Cons of Staying in the Rue Lepic Neighborhood:

• Can be near the bottom of the hill
• Can get rowdy on nights and weekends

Tips & Things to Know about Montmartre

#1 – Pick Your Area Carefully

Montmartre may seem like one destination. And it is! It’s just a destination with many areas. Depending on where you stay, the district can be residential, vibrant, partying, or full of visitors.

#2 – Beware of “Tourist Traps”

Montmartre has a ton of wonderful establishments and sites. But it also has a ton of souvenir shops offering the same cheap products you’ll find in a thousand other places. Focus on items and experiences that are unique to your visit and the sites that you see!

#3 – Stay Safe

As with any area that draws a lot of visitors, Montmartre can also attract pickpockets and scammers. Use a closed cross-body bag and don’t engage with anyone who approaches you on the street.

#4 – Remember the Hill!

Montmartre can require a surprising amount of athleticism to navigate on foot, as parts can be quite steep! Use Google Street View to take a look at how steep a given area is before planning to walk there if mobility is an issue.

#5 – Move Around the City

Montmartre is so charming that it can be easy to stay there for your whole trip. But don’t let it dominate your Paris stay! It’s fun to use the area as a base from which to explore the outer districts — and even central attractions — of the city.

#6 – Try the Funicular

Want great views? Don’t want to climb up hundreds of steps? The Funicular’s the place to go! It’s easy to use, convenient, and fun.

#7 – Target Off-Peak Hours

If you’re staying in Montmartre, particularly at the top, you’ll run into crowds. But you can minimize this by going to attractions when they first open or at other off-peak hours. Late morning and early afternoon are often the busiest times of day at Parisian attractions.

FAQs

Is Montmartre a nice area of Paris to stay?

Montmartre is a nice area of Paris to stay in if you’ve stayed in the city center before. If you haven’t, I’d recommend staying in one of the single-digit arrondissements for your first trip. Montmartre does make a great base for returning visitors and for day trips, though! 

What is Montmartre known for? 

Montmartre is known for being a “village within a city.” It’s famous for its steep hill, winding cobblestoned streets, and staircases. It’s also known for its history, as many famous artists and writers have lived here.

How far is Montmartre from the city center?

Montmartre is about half an hour by taxi or public transportation from the city center. This varies slightly depending on where in Montmartre you are and where you’re going in the city center, of course!

Is Montmartre safe?

Montmartre is fairly safe. Beware of pickpockets around popular sites like the Sacre-Coeur Basilica. Women traveling alone should avoid the Pigalle area late at night, particularly side streets.

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Thanks for exploring Montmartre with me! Curious about other Parisian neighborhoods? First, check out my complete guide to where to stay in Paris. Then, take a deeper dive into Paris’s quarters with my neighborhood guides:

• 1st Arrondissement
• 2nd Arrondissement
• 3rd Arrondissement
• 4th Arrondissement
• 5th Arrondissement
• 6th Arrondissement
• 7th Arrondissement
• 8th Arrondissement
• 11th Arrondissement
• 16th Arrondissement