Is Moulin Rouge Worth It? An Honest Review
If you’re headed to Paris, you may be wondering is Moulin Rouge worth it?
As someone who has spent a lot of time in Paris and has attended a few of the different Paris cabaret shows, I think Moulin Rouge is 100% worth it. It’s a great night out in Paris, and the show was entertaining and fun.
However, there are both pros and cons of going to Moulin Rouge. While the show is iconic, it can also be expensive and a bit on the touristy side.
So, in this post I’ve compiled a list of the pros and cons to help you decide if going to Moulin Rouge is worth it for you.
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✨ Check Ticket Prices & Show Availability for Moulin Rouge
A Brief History of Moulin Rouge
The Moulin Rouge began in 1889, in the artsy, bohemian neighborhood of Montmartre. Its best known as the birthplace of the famous Can-can dance, and served as an inspiration for other cabarets to form across Europe. Today, it is the most popular cabaret in Paris.
Pros of Moulin Rouge in Paris
Below, you’ll find some reasons why going to Moulin Rouge in Paris is definitely worth it.
✅ Iconic – The Most Famous Cabaret in Paris
In terms of Parisian cabarets, Moulin Rouge is the most famous and iconic. The show began in 1889 in the artists corner of Paris – Montmartre.
One aspect that made this cabaret so famous is that it blurred social lines by putting women front and center of a show in a sexy, fun way. Keep in mind, this was during a time where strict traditional values were the norm – and Moulin Rouge pushed the limits on this.
While I personally have enjoyed the other cabarets in Paris (such as Crazy Horse, Le Lido, and Paradis Latin) I think Moulin Rouge is the best choice if you want to see a classic Parisian cabaret with iconic dances like the Can-can.
✅ Famous French Can-can Dance
The Can-can is a famous dance that originated at Paris music halls in the 1840s and has become an iconic cabaret dance in France.
The dance includes fast-paced music, high kicks, and swirling skirts. Its lively, fun, and very high energy, and is a highlight of the Moulin Rouge show.
Of course, the show includes more than just the Can-can dance, and you will see a variety of other acrobatic style acts in addition to dance numbers.
✅ Talented Dancers & Dazzling Costumes
The incredible talent of the dancers along with the variety of dazzling costumes really make the show.
Dancers in the Moulin Rouge show impressive skills when it comes to balance, flexibility, acrobatic ability, and rhythm. Plus, they keep the show high-energy and fun which makes it a great time.
The costumes are also incredible – with plenty of feathers, sparkle, and glam to really give off that wow factor.
✅ Beautiful & Historic Venue
The Moulin Rouge show in Paris is also famous for its venue, which is an 850 seat music hall.
On the exterior, there is the iconic Red Windmill which has become one of the famous landmarks in Paris. In fact, the name “Moulin Rouge” translates to Red Windmill in English.
On the inside, the venue is elegant and is very much reminiscent of the Belle Epoque era in Paris.
✅ Great for a Date Night in Paris
If you are traveling to Paris as a couple than Moulin Rouge is a great option for a fun date night in Paris. Its also a great option if you are visiting Paris with friends or even as a solo traveler.
For the perfect date night: I recommend exploring the beautiful neighborhood of Montmartre, having dinner at Pink Mamma Paris (its a local favorite, so make a reservation in advance), then heading to either the 9pm or 11pm Moulin Rouge Show.
✨ Check Ticket Prices for Moulin Rouge Here
Cons of Moulin Rouge in Paris
While I think Moulin Rouge is worth it, it may not be for everyone. Below, you’ll find the biggest cons and reasons why going to Moulin Rouge may not be worth it for you.
🚫 Expensive
Moulin Rouge and the other Parisian Cabarets are not a budget-friendly activity. Tickets vary based on the date and time of the show – but are almost always 100 € or more per person.
In my opinion, the cost is worth it because I enjoy going to shows and don’t mind a splurge here and there while traveling, but this isn’t the case for everyone.
So, if you are a backpacker or wanting to stick to a budget than give Moulin Rouge a pass. You can still see the iconic red windmill out front and maybe see a show on a future trip.
🚫 Sells Out – Need to Book Tickets in Advance
Another con of Moulin Rouge is that it sells out in advance (especially the 9pm show). This means you need to book tickets as soon as you can, which is difficult if you are planning a last minute trip to Paris or prefer to not have a set itinerary.
🚫 Seating
This may be slightly bias, because as an American, I’m used to having a lot of personal space (its a cultural difference).
While I didn’t find the seating to be terrible, I did feel like it was slightly crowded.
Especially because we also went to the Crazy Horse Cabaret during the same trip and the seating there was so spacious in comparison.
Note: Make sure you purchase tickets together with anyone you are attending the show with to ensure seats together.
🚫 Touristy
Moulin Rouge is touristy but not in a tourist-trap type of way. Is it an authentic thing that locals do on the weekends? No, of course it isn’t. However, it is a show with historical and cultural relevance (especially the famous Can-can dance).
Let me put it this way: when I was working in Paris and my husband was also there, one of my co-workers suggested that we go to Moulin Rouge for a fun date night. He then added that him and his wife had never been because they are locals, but that lots of people enjoy it. We went, we had fun.
Note: If you are looking for more local activities in Paris, check out my post on the Hidden Gems in Paris.
🚫 May Not be Family-Friendly
Moulin Rouge states that the show is for all ages, and children above the age of 6 years old are welcome to attend with an adult. It is also noted that the show does contain passages with nudity.
Personally, I think the show is artistic and tasteful, but I didn’t see many kids in the audience and I’m not sure it would be worth the cost to bring kids.
In my opinion, it would be totally okay to bring your kids if they are at an age where they would be comfortable with it and can sit quietly and you don’t mind the cost.
However, every child is different and it really comes down to your preference as a parent.
Other Options for Cabarets in Paris
If you aren’t sure about Moulin Rouge, here are some other Parisian cabarets that you may want to consider. Especially if you are planning a longer trip to Paris, I think attending either Moulin Rouge or one of these other Paris cabarets will be worth it.
Crazy Horse – A chic, sexy, & glamourous take on cabarets in a luxurious venue.
Paradis Latin – Historic cabaret in the Latin Quarter that has a variety of performances
La Nouvelle Eve – A traditional cabaret in Montmartre that is typically more affordable than Moulin Rouge.
Note: You may also hear about Le Lido and while this was a great cabaret in Paris it closed its doors permanently in 2022.
FAQ: Is Moulin Rouge Worth It?
Moulin Rouge is worth seeing to enjoy a fun night out in Paris. The cabaret show is historic and culturally relevant as it was the birthplace of the famous Can-can dance. Its also entertaining, with talented dancers and stunning costumes. However, Moulin Rouge can also be expensive and may not be the best choice for everyone.
Moulin Rouge is touristy, but it isn’t what I would consider a tourist trap. While the show is more for tourists than locals, it still has a lot of cultural and historic relevance. Plus, its a fun and entertaining way to spend a night out in Paris.
Moulin Rouge is famous as it was the birthplace of the Can-can dance, which is a high energy dance number involving fast-paced music, high line kicks, and swirling petticoat skirts. Moulin Rouge is also famous for its venue which features a Red Windmill that has become an iconic landmark of Paris.
So, Is Moulin Rouge Worth It?
As the most iconic cabaret in Paris, Moulin Rouge is absolutely worth it. The show is fun to watch from its dazzling costumes to its energetic dance numbers like the Can-can. While there are some cons to attending Moulin Rouge, such as the cost of tickets and it being slightly touristy, I think these cons are outweighed by the pros of going to one of the most famous cabarets in the world.
Planning a trip to Paris? Check out these luxury hotels in Montmartre or other safe places to stay in the French Capital.
