15 Essential Tips for Visiting Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris

Notre Dame is finally open again, but visiting it in 2025 isn’t as easy as walking in.

Many tourists are left confused or disappointed by reservation rules, crowd control, and long queues.

But a little planning can go a long way in making your visit stress-free and spectacular.

This guide gives you 15 smart tips that’ll help you skip the chaos and enjoy the magic of Notre Dame Cathedral like a seasoned traveler.

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

Areal view of Notre Dame De Paris

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.

Explore opening hours in detail.

Wear the right outfit to avoid issues

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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Know how much time you really need

Most visitors spend about two to three hours at Notre Dame, especially if they explore nearby landmarks as well.

Inside the cathedral, you’ll need at least 45 minutes to appreciate the nave, stained-glass windows, and side chapels.

Add another 30–45 minutes if you’re planning to visit the Treasury or the Archaeological Crypt.

Nearby attractions like Sainte-Chapelle and the Latin Quarter are also within walking distance, making it easy to extend your visit.

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”).

Capture breathtaking photos from every angle

Notre Dame De Paris Cathedral

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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Don’t skip the hidden gem: 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.

Catch a concert inside Notre Dame

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

Archaeological Crypt beneath Notre Dame
Image: Tripadvisor.com

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. 

Explore what’s around the cathedral

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.

Be ready for the bell tower reopening

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

Unlock more with a guided tour

Notre Dame De Paris, France

As of June 2025, guided tours of Notre Dame Cathedral are fully operational and highly recommended.

These tours now include restored areas like the main floor and the Treasury, offering deeper insight into the cathedral’s history and its post-fire reconstruction.

Many tours also provide reserved entry times, helping you skip long queues during peak hours.

If you want a smooth, informative experience without missing key highlights, a guided tour is your best option.

Book a guided tour

See Notre Dame beautifully lit at night

After dark, the cathedral takes on a magical glow thanks to carefully placed floodlights.

A walk along the Seine at this hour gives you a peaceful and romantic view that’s totally different from daytime visits.

For photographers, it’s a great time to try long-exposure shots.

The crowds are gone, the atmosphere is calm, and the building looks absolutely stunning under the stars.

Explore tips for visiting Notre Dame at night.

Pair your visit with a Seine cruise

Seine River Cruise and Notre Dame Cathedral
Image: Matteocolombo.com

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.

Choose the best way to reach Notre Dame

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.

Make your visit easier with the 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. 

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