Notre Dame Cathedral Tickets – Reserve, Visit, and Explore

Step inside one of the world’s most beloved cathedrals—soaring vaults, luminous rose windows, and eight centuries of history at the very heart of Île de la Cité. The good news: Notre-Dame Cathedral tickets are free. You just need to reserve your slot and arrive within your time window. Below is everything you need to know for a smooth, memorable visit.

Weekdays

7:45 am – 7:00 pm (till 10:00 pm on Thursday)

Weekends

8:15 am – 7:30 pm

Best time

8:00 am or 5:00 pm

Duration

~ 1 hour

Highlights

Main floor, Bell tower

Cathedral entry
Only if you like to explore at your own pace. Reserve online →
Reservation required
Interior guided tour
If you want to connect with centuries of history. See available tours →
Must experience
Notre Dame Cathedral front view with twin towers and main façade

Do you need tickets to enter Notre Dame Cathedral?

No. Notre Dame Cathedral tickets are not required to enter the main floor. Access to the cathedral is free for all visitors Free entry

However, due to high demand, a reservation is necessary to secure your time slot. Capacity is limited to approximately 3,000 visitors at a time.

How to reserve a time slot at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris?

Book a free time slot via the official app or website:

  • Tickets are released at midnight (Paris time) and can be booked up to two days in advance.
  • Dates beyond that appear greyed out.
  • Without a reservation, walk-in access is possible but waits may exceed 2–3 hours and entry isn’t guaranteed.

Pro Tip: Arrive between 4:00–5:00 pm or after 6:00 pm (7:00 pm on Thursdays) to improve your chances without pre-booking.

More about reservation system →

Where do you need to pay?

General entry is free, but you can take a guided tour → (highly recommended).

Inside/around the cathedral, some areas require separate tickets:

  • The Treasury€46 per person. Get tickets →
  • Bell Towers€16 per person (18+) and Free for children under age 18. Get tickets →
  • Archaeological Crypt€40 per person and Free for children under age 18. Get tickets →
Guide leading a walking tour outside Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris

Best guided tours of Notre Dame Paris

Initially, visitors could explore Notre Dame Cathedral only through self-guided visits. Now, group and guided tours have resumed, offering a deeper, story-rich experience led by expert guides.

From €25 Skip-the-line 1–2 hours Expect architecture insights, restoration stories, and secrets you won’t find on signs.
  • An in-depth look at architecture, history, and restoration work
  • 1 to 2-hour tours covering the cathedral’s interiors and exteriors
  • Skip-the-line entry with your guide
  • Expert commentary and local context

Notre-Dame Cathedral Interior & Exterior Guided Tour

Book this tour →

Introduction to Notre Dame with Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket

Book this tour →

Sainte-Chapelle, Conciergerie & Notre Dame Guided Tour

Book this tour →

Sainte-Chapelle Entry with Notre Dame Outdoor Tour

Book this tour →

Notre Dame Cathedral dress code

Notre Dame de Paris, a revered Gothic cathedral and active place of worship, does not enforce a strict dress code for visitors. However, dressing modestly is advised out of respect for its religious significance. See Dress Code →

Footwear tip: There’s no specific footwear code, but comfortable shoes are recommended—queues can be long and you’ll likely walk extensively inside and around the cathedral.
Notre Dame Cathedral illuminated at night viewed from the Seine

Visiting Notre Dame de Paris at night

The Notre Dame Cathedral has reopened for visitors (Dec 2024). Mon–Fri hours are 7:45 am–7:00 pm, with extended hours to 10:00 pm on Thursdays. Weekends run 8:15 am–7:30 pm.

Daytime is wonderful, but if you have time, experiencing Notre Dame at night is magical—the façade glows and the Île de la Cité feels serene.

Read the night guide →
Front view of Notre Dame Cathedral with visitors outside

Tips for Visiting Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame is open again, but 2025 visits aren’t as simple as walking in. Reservation rules, crowd control, and queues can surprise first-timers.

This guide shares 15 smart tips to help you skip the chaos and enjoy Notre Dame like a seasoned traveler.

Get the tips →

Notre Dame Opening Hours

Notre Dame Cathedral opening hours are 7:45 am – 7:00 pm from Monday to Friday, with extended hours on Thursday until 10:00 pm.

On Saturday & Sunday, the cathedral is open 8:15 am – 7:30 pm.

The last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
Full opening hours →

How to Reach Notre Dame

The cathedral sits in the heart of Paris on Île de la Cité, a small island in the Seine—making it easy to reach from anywhere in the city.

Near Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie, Notre Dame is well connected by metro, RER, buses, and even bike routes.

Getting there guide →

What’s inside Notre Dame

Notre Dame Cathedral is one of Paris’s most iconic landmarks. This Gothic masterpiece holds centuries of art and history within its walls. Discover which areas are accessible to visitors so you don’t miss a thing.

See what’s inside →

Notre Dame Bell Towers

Notre Dame’s bell towers rise above Paris, showcasing Gothic architecture and city views. Visit here to admire the Gothic architecture and views over Paris from the bell towers.

Bell towers update →

Attractions Near Notre Dame

In the historic heart of Paris—Île de la Cité—you’ll find Notre Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, and the Conciergerie. Explore this storied island where Paris began, packed with sights and old-world charm.

Explore nearby sights →

Frequently asked questions

Here are some questions tourists ask before booking their guided tour of Notre Dame, Paris.

Is it worth seeing Notre Dame?
Absolutely! Notre Dame is an architectural masterpiece and one of Paris’s most iconic landmarks. Its history, intricate design, and spiritual significance make it a must-see attraction.
How much does it cost to visit Notre Dame in Paris?
Visiting the main floor is free. The Treasury costs €12 per person. Entry to the archaeological crypt also requires a separate ticket, which can be purchased online or at the entrance.
Do I need tickets to visit Notre Dame?
Entry to the cathedral is free, but you must reserve a time slot in advance through the official reservation system or the Android and Apple app to avoid last-minute disappointments.
Why book Notre Dame Cathedral tickets in advance?
Booking ahead helps you skip long lines, secure your preferred time slot, and avoid disappointment during peak seasons.
Is there an admission fee to enter during mass?
No, attending mass is free and does not require a reservation. However, general visitor entry during mass hours is limited to ensure worshipers’ privacy.
How long does it take to visit Notre Dame?
A typical visit to the main floor takes around 30–45 minutes, excluding waiting times. If visiting the Treasury or crypt, plan for additional time.
Can I book a guided tour of Notre Dame?
Yes. Guided tours are fully available, and you can book them online to secure a spot and find good deals.
Are there any age restrictions for Notre Dame visitors?
No age restrictions apply to the main floor or crypt. Bell tower access (once reopened) may include age or height restrictions for safety.
Are audio guides or guidebooks available?
Yes. Guidebooks are available at the visitor services desk, and audio guides can be downloaded through the official app.
Is Notre Dame fully open after the restoration?
Yes, Notre Dame is fully open to visitors. All main areas, including the nave, Treasury, and bell towers, are accessible, and restoration work is expected to continue into 2026 and beyond.
What is the Archaeological Crypt, and why visit it?
The crypt beneath Notre Dame displays archaeological remains from Roman and medieval Paris—an excellent window into the city’s ancient history. Buy ticket →
Is the Bell Tower open to visitors?
Yes. The Bell Tower is open to visitors. Access has been restored, allowing visitors to experience the towers..