After years of meticulous restoration, the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris reopened to the public in December 2024.
If you’re planning a trip, knowing the best tips for visiting Notre Dame Cathedral can make your experience smooth and memorable.
From securing tickets to choosing the right time of day, these practical tips ensure you make the most of your visit to this architectural marvel.
Get your reservations done well in advance
Securing tickets should be a priority if you plan to visit Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
- Admission to the main floor is free, but reservations are mandatory to manage the 3,000-person capacity limit.
- You must book your spot through the Notre Dame de Paris app (available on Apple and Android) or the official online reservation system.
- Reservations open two days in advance at midnight (Paris time).
Due to high demand, especially during the initial reopening phase, we recommend queuing online 30 minutes before reservations open.
Starting December 16th, you can join a physical queue outside without a reservation, but it’s not advisable. The wait time will be extremely long (at least 2–3 hours) with no assurance of entry.
Get more details for tickets and reservations.
Choose the best time to visit
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If you want to make the most of your visit to Notre Dame Cathedral, arriving early is key.
The cathedral opens at 7.45 am, so getting there by 7.30 am means you’ll skip the long queues and have a peaceful start to your day.
- Mornings provide unobstructed views and better photo opportunities in soft light.
- Weekdays are quieter than weekends.
- Visiting during the off-season (late autumn or early spring) means cooler weather and fewer tourists.
Follow the dress code
Respecting the dress code not only allows for a smooth entry but also shows appreciation for the sacredness of this iconic site.
Wear modest attire suitable for a place of worship and remove hats.
Choose clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Sleeveless tops, tank tops, and shorts above the knee may be considered inappropriate.
Women can carry a lightweight scarf to cover their shoulders if needed.
While there is no specific rule for footwear, closed-toe shoes or sandals are ideal. Avoid noisy or flashy footwear that might disrupt the solemn atmosphere.
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Allocate enough time
Allocate at least two to three hours for your visit to Notre Dame Cathedral to ensure you don’t feel rushed and can enjoy everything it offers.
The interiors alone, with their intricate Gothic details and stunning stained-glass windows, require 45 minutes to an hour to appreciate fully.
If you plan to climb the towers, you’ll need additional time, as there might be waiting periods, even early in the morning.
Rushing could mean missing iconic details like the gargoyles or historical artifacts.
Nearby attractions, such as Sainte-Chapelle or a stroll along Île de la Cité, are well worth exploring, making your visit even more rewarding when planned thoughtfully.
How to pronounce Notre Dame Cathedral?
French Pronunciation (Paris) – noh-truh dahm!
“Notre” sounds like noh-truh (soft ‘r’), and “Dame” is pronounced like dahm (rhymes with “calm”).
Get amazing photographs
For memorable views of Notre Dame from all angles and some great photo opportunities, begin your walk on the Left Bank at Pont au Double.
Stroll along Quai de Montebello, then turn left to cross Pont de l’Archevêché. After crossing, turn left again to walk up Cloître-Notre-Dame. Finally, take another left to arrive at the Parvis in front of Notre Dame.
This route forms a complete loop, offering picturesque perspectives of the cathedral, and can just as easily be done in reverse for a similar experience.
A tip for someone with kids: If you’re visiting Notre Dame with a child, avoid bringing a stroller. The cathedral gets very crowded, and the limited space in the aisles and chapels makes it challenging to navigate with bulky items. Instead, consider using a baby carrier or traveling light to ensure a smoother experience for you and your little one.
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Visit the treasury
Make sure to include a visit to the Treasury in your Notre Dame itinerary!
It is open from 9.30 am to 6 pm Monday to Saturday and 1 pm to 5.30 pm on Sundays, with the last entry 30 minutes before closing.
The Treasury offers a fascinating look at religious artifacts and historical treasures that are an integral part of the cathedral’s history.
Tickets are €10 per person. It must be obtained in person at the Treasury reception desk, as there is no online booking option.
Attend concerts and events
Starting January 2025, the Notre Dame Choir will perform weekly concerts every Tuesday evening at 8.30 pm.
Tickets, priced between €25 to €40 for adults and €15 for children, can be booked on the choir’s official website.
These concerts offer a blend of history and artistry in a breathtaking setting.
Additionally, enjoy free organ recitals every Sunday at 4 pm, perfect for an afternoon of classical music.
Learn how to book concert tickets.
Visit the Archaeological Crypt
Explore the fascinating history of Paris by visiting the Archaeological Crypt beneath Notre Dame Cathedral.
Open daily except Mondays, the crypt showcases ancient ruins and exhibits detailing the city’s origins, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance, but for added convenience and value, consider a combo ticket.
This ticket allows access to the crypt and other attractions in the area, offering a seamless way to explore more of Paris’s rich heritage.
Combine your visit with nearby attractions
Make the most of your trip to Notre Dame by exploring nearby attractions on Île de la Cité and beyond.
A short walk from the cathedral is Sainte-Chapelle, renowned for its mesmerizing stained-glass windows, and the Conciergerie, a historic palace-turned-prison where Marie Antoinette was held.
Stroll through the charming Latin Quarter, known for its cobblestone streets, quaint cafés, and lively ambiance.
Don’t miss the Pont Neuf, Paris’s oldest bridge, offering gorgeous views of the Seine.
Get more details on nearby attractions.
Visiting the Bell Towers
Notre Dame Cathedral’s bell towers are expected to reopen in Summer 2025.
If you are planning a visit for this summer, note that while specific ticket details are yet to be announced, advance reservations will be required, with a limited capacity of 100 visitors at a time.
Prepare for a challenging climb of over 300 steps, but the breathtaking panoramic views of Paris and the chance to see the newly restored wooden framework, “The Forest,” make it worthwhile.
A new visitor route featuring exhibits and a unique double-helix staircase will enhance the experience.
Stay updated on ticketing and plan ahead for this iconic highlight.
Recommended read: Visiting the bell tower
Book a guided tour for a better experience
A guided tour of Notre Dame Cathedral, like the one combining Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie, unlocks secrets you’d otherwise walk right past.
Imagine admiring the stained-glass windows without realizing they tell stories from the Bible or seeing the gargoyles but missing their role as protectors of the cathedral.
Without a guide, you won’t hear about the cathedral’s survival through revolutions or its miraculous restoration after the fire.
Guided tours also save you from wandering aimlessly or wasting time in lines.
With a guide, every corner comes alive with history, turning your visit into a fascinating journey through time and art.
Book a guided tourVisit in the evening to see Notre Dame illuminated
For a completely different perspective of Notre Dame, plan an evening visit to witness its breathtaking illumination.
As the sun sets, the cathedral glows beautifully, highlighting its intricate Gothic details.
The sight of its towering spires and ornate façade against the night sky creates a magical atmosphere that photographers will cherish.
Walk along the Seine for the best views and enjoy a peaceful, crowd-free experience.
It’s a perfect way to cap off your day in Paris while seeing the iconic monument in a new light.
Explore tips for visiting Notre Dame at night.
Combine with a Seine River Cruise
Pair your visit to Notre Dame with a relaxing Seine River cruise for ravishing views of the cathedral from the water.
The river offers a unique vantage point, allowing you to admire the grandeur of Notre Dame’s façade and spires while drifting past other Paris landmarks.
Most cruises offer daytime, sunset, and evening options, so you can choose your preferred ambiance.
A cruise not only adds a romantic touch to your trip but also gives you a chance to rest and take in the beauty of Paris’s historic heart.
Explore ticket options:
1-Hour Seine Cruise starting at the Eiffel Tower
Plan your transportation
Getting to Notre Dame is easy with Paris’s efficient transportation system. Located on Île de la Cité, it is accessible via the Paris Metro.
The closest station is Cité (Line 4), just a short walk from the cathedral. Alternatively, Saint-Michel Notre-Dame (RER B or C) is another nearby stop.
If you prefer buses, lines 21, 38, 47, 63, and 96 serve the area.
For a scenic approach, consider a Seine River cruise that stops near Notre Dame.
Walking or cycling along the Seine is also a delightful option, with several bike rental stations nearby.
Explore transportation options in detail.
Use the Notre Dame app
Enhance your visit by downloading the official “Notre Dame de Paris” app available on iOS and Android.
The app provides up-to-date information about visiting hours, ticket availability, and upcoming events.
You can also use it to book free reservations for the main floor or paid tickets for concerts, the Treasury, and the crypt.
It includes a virtual guide, detailed visitor routes, and historical insights in multiple languages.
The app is designed to help you navigate the cathedral seamlessly, making it an essential tool for both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers. Download it in advance to plan your visit better.