When is the best time to visit Sacre Coeur

I was there in the afternoon, maybe around 3:00, and it was crowded but not bad. The view is amazing anytime that you go. You can see almost the whole city. Keep a hand on your bag and be mindful of pickpockets. We didn't have a problem but I always assume they're working the crowd in touristy places. There were a number of men with friendship bracelets so watch out for them and don't let them approach you. Try not to worry so much about pickpockets. Be aware of your surroundings and you should be okay. And wear a moneybelt!

Don't just stay on the steps, climb up in the dome for a stunning view of Paris. You may even be alone as most of the crowd just stands on the steps.

I've only been there in the middle of the day which IMO wouldn't be optimal. The view from the steps is perhaps the best feature of this site, and I'd think would be more attractive early or late in the day. My own choice, other things being equal, would be early AM for the smaller crowd. But if you want to see the inside of the church and all the action around Place du Tertre you might prefer late afternoon or sunset. All depending on weather of course.

is it before 10am the best (less thieves & scam)? or should we go earlier? will there be many thieves around the area around sunset? thanks
Jenny

"The morning is best. Most of the petty thieves from Pigalle are still passed out." This may be a rare moment when I agree with Ralph, although my answer would actually be "never." But if you do go, don't worry about theives - pickpockets really - as long as you have your moneybelt. It just that with the crowds and distractions from street performers, pickpockets do a hefty business there.

We have been there in the morning, before 10am. We have been there mid day, around 3pm. We have been there at sunset, around 8:30pm. We have been there at night, around 10pm. Sacre Coeur is Sacre Coeur, they are all the same. there is no best time for this place.
just depends on what you want to see.

I agree with Jo, climb the dome, well worth it, seems like very few put forth the effort to climb it. We chose mid morning and we were almost alone the entire time.

I now consider the Sacre Couer to be a 'we need to see it every time we're in Paris' areas. And don't stay on the ground... CLIMB UP! The walk to the top is a MUST! Don't pay to see the catacombs... what a dissapointment... what you're paying to see is the basement! But the climb up and down is so much fun, the 360 view is spectacular and you really appreciate how enormous Paris really is, and on the way back down there is a gargoyle who you have to get out of his way or he'll bite your leg...lots of good fun photo opps here! Oh, and while you're inside the chapel, listen for who we call the "sprinkler people." Every time a person takes a photo or opens their mouth to speak, there are staff right there to loudly proclaim "Tsk Tsk Tsk, Monsieur, silence s'il vous plait!" drowning out your quiet conversation. We had to leave because our uncontrolled giggling over these hypocritical staff's directions really got to us! And follow the tourists over to the shops and cafes just to the west... fun and great photo opps here too!