Notre-Dame Cathedral
9.2Friend Score / 10#1 of 20 Attractions in Paris
Known fornotre-damecathedralgothic architecturefree entry
Fully restored and reopened since December 2024, and it's breathtaking, cleaner and brighter than most people alive have ever seen it. Entry is free. A friend absolutely sends you. Caveat: reserve a free timed slot online or expect a long queue, and it's genuinely mobbed.
Key facts
| Hours | Mon–Fri 07:50–19:00 Thu–Thu 07:50–22:00 Sat–Sun 08:15–19:30 |
|---|---|
| Price | free |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Cité (M4) or Saint-Michel (M4, RER B/C) |
| Time needed | 45 minutes to 1 hour inside |
| Best time to go | Early morning right at opening, or Thursday evening when it stays open late |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Friend Score
9.2/10- Value9.0
- iconic9.5
- Freshness9.1
- Crowd level3.0
- Authenticity8.5
- Accessibility8.5
Frequently asked questions
- Is there a dress code?
- It's an active place of worship, so cover shoulders and avoid very short shorts as a courtesy. There's no strict enforcement, but dress respectfully, especially during Mass.
- How do reservations work?
- You can book a free timed slot on the official site the day before or same day, which is strongly recommended April through October. Walk-ins are still accepted, but expect a much longer wait without a booking.
- What's the best time to visit?
- Right at opening (7:50am on weekdays) or the Thursday late evening, when crowds thin and light through the restored windows is gorgeous. Avoid midday weekends if you can.
- Is Notre-Dame open again after the fire?
- Yes. It reopened to the public on December 7, 2024 after a five-and-a-half-year restoration, and in 2026 it's a fully functioning cathedral, not a building site. The cleaned stone and restored interior are stunning.
- Can I climb the towers?
- The tower climb reopened separately from the main cathedral and is ticketed through the Centre des monuments nationaux, not free like the nave. Book that ahead too, as spots are limited.
- How long is the wait without a reservation?
- It varies wildly, but midday queues can stretch well over an hour in peak season. Turn up right at opening or reserve a slot to skip most of it.
- Do I have to pay to get in?
- No, entry to the cathedral is completely free. Anyone selling you a 'Notre-Dame ticket' or 'skip-the-line entry' is running a scam, only free reservations exist, and only through notredamedeparis.fr.
- Can I attend Mass?
- Yes, regular services have resumed and are open to all, separate from tourist visiting hours. Check the cathedral's schedule online, and note that visiting is limited during services.
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Where to stay near Notre-Dame Cathedral
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