Marseille, France: 25 Best Things to Do and See

When I told someone I was going to Marseille for a few days, I usually got terrified and disbelieving looks – “it’s dangerous there!” But the truth is completely different.

Marseille captivated me with its beauty, atmosphere, and friendliness. I had the opportunity to explore its magical streets, enjoy beautiful views, and I wasn’t scared at all. On the contrary, I felt safe and comfortable there the whole time (that is, when it wasn’t raining, because I happened to visit outside of the 300 sunny days they have there 😄).

Marseille is the oldest French city, the second largest in France, and is a pearl of the French coast. With over 2600 years of history, it offers a blend of culture, architecture, and Mediterranean atmosphere. Let’s look at 25 tips on what to see and do in Marseille. In this guide I will share with you Marseille, France: 25 Best Things to Do and See.

TL;DR

• Marseille is the second largest and oldest city in France, with a rich history dating back 2600 years.
• The best time to visit is spring (April-June) or autumn (September-October), when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer tourists.
• Ideal areas for accommodation are Vieux Port (e.g., B&B HOTEL Marseille Centre Vieux Port or Les Appartements du Vieux Port), Le Panier (historic district), La Joliette (more modern district), or around La Corniche (e.g., Les Cabanons de Fonfon).
• Top sights to see:
  • Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica with breathtaking city views
  • Vieux Port (Old Port) – the heart of the city with many restaurants
  • La Major Cathedral – a monumental building in Byzantine style
  • Calanques National Park – dramatic cliffs and turquoise coves
  • MuCEM – modern museum dedicated to Mediterranean civilizations
  • Château d’If – island fortress famous from The Count of Monte Cristo novel
• Safety: Avoid problematic northern suburbs and be careful of pickpockets in tourist areas.
• Transport: From the airport, you can get to the city center by L91 bus (€10) or train (€6.20). Public transport is well-organized with metro, trams, and buses.
• Day trip tips from Marseille: Cassis, Aix-en-Provence, Saint Tropez, Avignon, or a visit to the lavender fields in Provence.

When to Visit Marseille

Marseille boasts over 2900 hours of sunshine annually, yet some periods are more suitable for a visit than others:

• Spring (April–June): Ideal time to visit with pleasant temperatures between 16–23 °C, fewer tourists, and perfect conditions for exploring the city and surrounding natural beauty.
• Summer (July–August): Hottest in July and August, with temperatures reaching 28–31 °C. It’s the busiest tourist season, beaches are crowded, and accommodation prices are highest.
• Autumn (September–October): A very pleasant time to visit with temperatures around 21–26 °C, the sea is still warm enough for swimming, and tourist numbers gradually decrease.
• Winter (November–March): The coldest period with temperatures between 12–16 °C, fewer sunny days, but also fewer tourists and lower accommodation prices.

💡You might also be interested in: What to see and do in Avignon

Marseille Accommodation – where to Stay

To be close to all the action, the following neighborhoods are best for accommodation in Marseille:

Vieux Port (Old Port)

Staying near the Old Port is an ideal choice for a first visit to Marseille. You’ll be in the very center of all the action, with quick access to major sights, restaurants, and shops. Easy access to public transport is also an advantage. However, expect higher prices and evening hustle and bustle.

🏠 Our accommodation tips:

• Le Perchoir du Panier – stylish accommodation with port views,
• Les Appartements du Vieux Port – nice apartments in the heart of the action,
• B&B HOTEL Marseille Centre Vieux Port – affordable hotel in the city center.

Le Panier

Marseille’s oldest district with narrow streets, art galleries, and charming nooks. This bohemian area offers an authentic old town atmosphere with many cafes, small shops, and a pleasant vibe. It’s a great choice for those seeking character and history.

La Joliette

A modern district near the commercial port and La Major Cathedral. In recent years, it has undergone extensive renovation and offers modern accommodation, restaurants, and shopping opportunities. It’s ideal for those looking for a less touristy part of the city but still wanting to be close to the center.

Le Corniche (Coastal Area)

If you crave sea views and easy access to beaches, consider staying along the coastal promenade. These areas are quieter than the city center and offer beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea. From some places, you’ll have views of If Island and other islands in the bay.

🏠 Our accommodation tip: Les Cabanons de Fonfon – traditional houses right by the sea

How to get from Marseille Airport to the City Center?

From Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), you can reach the city center in several ways, namely:

• By bus – line L91, which runs every 10 minutes and takes approximately 30 minutes. A ticket costs €10 (€7 for students). The stop is right in front of the airport terminal, where there are also ticket machines. The bus will take you to Marseille’s main train station, from where connections run back to the airport.
• By train, where a ticket costs €6.20, but you first need to get to Vitrolles Aéroport station (by bus line 13 for €1.20).
• By taxi, which is the fastest but also the most expensive option (approx. €50-60). But maybe you’ll be lucky and get a ride from Daniel, the taxi driver from the movie Taxi, Taxi, which was filmed in Marseille. 😄

💡Read also: What to do in Paris

Marseille, France: 25 Best Things to Do and See

If your travels take you to Marseille, then I’ve put together 25 tips on what to see and do there, including tips for day trips in the surrounding area.

Vieux Port (Old Port)

Marseille’s ancient heart is home to hundreds of boats, from small fishing boats to luxury yachts. A morning stroll through the harbor will allow you to see fishermen selling fresh catches directly from their boats. Along the harbor, you’ll find dozens of restaurants and cafes with water views. The Old Port is the center of all activity and an ideal starting point for exploring the city.

Notre-Dame De La Garde Basilica

Nicknamed “La Bonne Mère” (The Good Mother), this imposing basilica stands on the highest point of the city and is the most visited monument in Marseille. Built in the Romanesque-Byzantine style in the 19th century, it offers a stunning interior decorated with golden mosaics, and the observation deck provides beautiful panoramic views of the entire city, port, and islands in the bay.

La Major Cathedral

Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-Majeure, known as La Major, is a majestic cathedral built in the Byzantine style between 1852 and 1893. With its height of 70 meters and length of 142 meters, it is one of the largest in France. The facade of white and green marble creates characteristic stripes, and the interior is equally impressive with its rich mosaics and vast spaces.

Calanques National Park

About 20 km from the center of Marseille begins one of France’s most beautiful national parks. The Calanques are limestone cliffs with narrow coves that create beautiful turquoise lagoons. The park offers breathtaking scenery, excellent opportunities for hiking, climbing, kayaking, and swimming in crystal clear water.

Le Panier

Marseille’s oldest district is a labyrinth of narrow, winding streets, colorful houses, art galleries, and small shops. It was originally home to Greek settlers who founded the city around 600 BC. As you wander through this bohemian quarter, you’ll discover cozy cafes, street art, and traditional Provençal shops.

Palais Du Pharo

This palace was built by Napoleon III for his wife Eugénie in 1858. It is located on a promontory above the Old Port and is surrounded by a beautiful park with breathtaking views of the sea and the city. Although the palace is now used as a conference center, its gardens are freely accessible to the public.

MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations)

This modern architectural gem opened in 2013, when Marseille was the European Capital of Culture. The museum focuses on the history and culture of the Mediterranean region, and its collections include over 1.8 million objects. The building itself is a masterpiece of modern architecture with a facade resembling delicate concrete lace.

💡TIP: You can access the building’s exterior even without a ticket, and it’s well worth it. You can sit on interesting loungers and enjoy the city views.

Fort Saint-Jean

This historic fortress was built in the 17th century during the reign of Louis XIV. It was originally intended to protect the port but later also served as a prison. Today, it is part of the MuCEM complex and offers visitors beautiful gardens and promenades with views of the Old Port and the Mediterranean Sea.

Palais Longchamp

This building was completed in 1869 to celebrate the completion of the canal that brought water to Marseille from the Durance River. The palace is an example of magnificent 19th-century architecture with an impressive fountain and colonnade. The palace houses two important museums – the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Natural History.

Château d’If

This fortress on a small island about 3.5 km from the Old Port was made famous by Alexandre Dumas in his novel The Count of Monte Cristo. It originally served as a defensive fortress, later becoming a feared prison. You can reach the island by boat from the Old Port and explore the prisoners’ cells, including the fictional cell of Edmond Dantès.

Frioul Islands

This archipelago, consisting primarily of the islands of Ratonneau and Pomègues, offers a peaceful alternative to the bustling city. The islands are characterized by their dry, almost desert-like landscape, turquoise coves, and wild beaches. On the islands, you’ll find remnants of historical objects, such as the 19th-century Caroline Hospital or various fortresses.

La Corniche Kennedy

This 5 km long coastal road offers magnificent views of the sea and islands. It is named after American President J. F. Kennedy and runs along the southern coast of the city. Along the Corniche, you’ll find a number of beaches and also the picturesque fishing port of Vallon des Auffes. The road is lined with palm trees and luxury homes.

La Vieille Charité

This 17th-century Baroque complex was originally built as a hospice for the poor. The architecturally impressive building consists of four wings arranged around a courtyard with a chapel featuring a distinctive oval dome. Today, La Vieille Charité hosts several museums and galleries, including the Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology.

Fort Saint-Nicolas

This impressive fortress, located on the southern bank of the Old Port, is, along with Fort Saint-Jean, Marseille’s most significant defensive complex. It was built in the 17th century (1660–1668) and served to protect the governor from a potential uprising by local residents rather than to protect the city from external dangers.

Abbaye Saint-Victor

Saint Victor’s Abbey is one of the oldest Christian sites in Europe, founded in the 5th century. In the underground crypts, you can admire the oldest parts of the abbey, sarcophagi, and other historical artifacts. The abbey is also known for its Black Madonnas and the annual blessing of Navettes – traditional boat-shaped biscuits.

Porte d’Aix (Triumphal Arch)

This neoclassical triumphal arch was built between 1825 and 1832 as a tribute to Marseille’s victories and achievements. It is a smaller copy of Paris’s Arc de Triomphe and stands on Place Jules-Guesde, near the historic center.

Plage Des Catalans

The closest beach to the center of Marseille offers a sandy shore and gradual entry into the water, making it ideal for families with children. The beach is equipped with showers, toilets, and a lifeguard in summer. Due to its location just a 5-minute walk from the Le Pharo viewpoint and 15 minutes from the Old Port, it tends to be quite crowded in the summer months.

Museum of Marseille History (Musée d’Histoire De Marseille)

Located in the city center, this museum offers a complete overview of Marseille’s history from its founding as the Greek colony of Massalia to the present day. The museum is built around archaeological excavations of the ancient port and contains many remarkable artifacts, including remnants of a 3rd-century Roman merchant ship.

Cantini Museum (Musée Cantini)

Housed in an elegant 18th-century building in the heart of the city, this amazing museum of modern art boasts collections including works by prominent 20th-century artists such as Picasso, Braque, Dalí, and others. The museum is particularly known for its collection of Fauvist and Cubist art and regularly hosts temporary exhibitions by contemporary artists.

Cosquer Méditerranée

This unique museum, opened in 2022, offers a faithful replica of the underwater Cosquer Cave, located beneath the sea near Marseille, which contains prehistoric cave paintings dating back 27,000 years. In the museum, you can learn about the life of prehistoric civilizations that lived on the Mediterranean coast and admire replicas of these rare paintings, which are threatened by rising sea levels.

Monument Aux Morts De L “Armée D” Orient

This dignified and generous monument was built in 1927 to commemorate the soldiers who fell in the battles of World War I in North Africa and the Middle East. The monumental memorial stands on the Corniche Kennedy waterfront, about a 15-minute walk from the Le Pharo viewpoint, and offers beautiful views of the sea and Marseille’s western coast.

L’Ombrière Du Vieux Port

This modern structure, also known as the “Old Port Shade”, is an elegant canopy designed by architect Norman Foster. The underside of the canopy is covered with a reflective surface that creates a mirrored image of the activity below, providing both shade and a visually fascinating experience. The installation was completed in 2013, when Marseille was the European Capital of Culture.

Parc Borély

This magnificent park, one of the largest in the city, offers peace and greenery in the midst of bustling Marseille. The park is home to Château Borély, an elegant 18th-century castle that now serves as a museum of decorative arts and fashion. In the park, you’ll also find a botanical garden, a lake, children’s playgrounds, and it’s a popular spot for picnics and relaxation.

Basilique Du Sacré-Cœur

This basilica was completed in 1912 in the Romanesque-Byzantine architectural style. At first glance, it captivates with its distinctive domes and tall bell tower. The interior is equally impressive with magnificent mosaics, marble columns, and rich decoration. The basilica is located in the La Blancarde district and is an important spiritual center of Marseille.

Jardin Botanique E.M. Heckel

The botanical garden, named after Édouard-Marie Heckel, a prominent French botanist, offers a tranquil sanctuary with a rich collection of plants. The garden spans over 3 hectares and specializes in Mediterranean flora. You’ll also find interesting collections of medicinal and aromatic plants typical of Provence.

Day Trips from Marseille

Marseille is an excellent starting point for exploring the other beauties of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. Whether you have half a day or several days, it’s definitely worth taking one of these trips:

💡TIP: If you want to rent a car, try RentalCars.

Cassis (30-40 Minutes by Car)

This seaside town is a popular day trip from Marseille. Cassis offers a charming harbor lined with pastel-colored houses, sandy beaches, and, most notably, beautiful coves (calanques). The most famous are Calanque de Port Miou, Calanque de Port Pin, and Calanque d’En-Vau, all with crystal-clear turquoise water.

Aix-en-Provence (30 Minutes by Car)

Elegant and cultural, Aix-en-Provence is an ideal day trip destination. The city is known for its Baroque buildings, beautiful fountains, and as the birthplace of painter Paul Cézanne. Don’t miss:

• A stroll along Cours Mirabeau boulevard with its plane trees and cafes
• A visit to Saint-Sauveur Cathedral with Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque elements
• Cézanne’s studio (Atelier de Cézanne), preserved in its original state
• The Saturday market, one of the most beautiful in Provence

Avignon (1 Hour by Car)

The historic city of Avignon was the seat of the popes in the 14th century and still retains its magnificent atmosphere. The main sights include:

• Palais des Papes (Papal Palace) – the largest Gothic fortress in Europe
• Pont Saint-Bénézet – the famous bridge known from the song “Sur le Pont d’Avignon”
• Musée du Petit Palais with an impressive collection of medieval and Renaissance art
• The city walls surrounding the old town

Saint-Tropez (2 Hours by Car)

The famous resort of Saint-Tropez, once a small fishing village, is now synonymous with luxury, film, and beautiful beaches. Although further away than other excursion destinations, it’s worth a full-day trip, especially outside the main season (July-August) when it’s less crowded. In Saint-Tropez, you can:

• Walk along the Place des Lices harbor, where some of the world’s most luxurious yachts are moored
• Visit the 16th-century Citadel with magnificent views of the bay
• Relax on the legendary Pampelonne beach, which stretches for 5 km
• Visit the Musée de l’Annonciade with a significant collection of modern art
• Experience the authentic Provençal atmosphere at the traditional market on Place des Lices (Tuesday and Saturday mornings)
• See locations from the Gendarme of Saint-Tropez film series

Arles (1 Hour by Car)

The city of Arles is known for its well-preserved Roman monuments and its connection to the painter Vincent van Gogh, who spent more than a year here and created many of his most famous works. Visit:

• The Roman amphitheater, where bullfights and other events are still held today
• Les Alyscamps, a Roman necropolis that inspired both Van Gogh and Gauguin
• Fondation Vincent van Gogh, a museum dedicated to the painter’s work
• Saint-Trophime Cloister with its beautiful Romanesque portal

Lavender Fields in Provence (1-2 Hours by Car)

One of the most beautiful experiences in Provence is visiting the lavender fields, which bloom from late June to early August. The most famous areas are:

• Plateau de Valensole – the most photographed lavender fields in Provence
• Abbaye de Sénanque – a Cistercian monastery surrounded by lavender fields
• Luberon – a picturesque area with many charming villages and lavender fields

La Ciotat (30 Minutes by Car)

This friendly port city is known as the place where the Lumière brothers filmed one of the first movies in history. Here you’ll find:

• Beautiful beaches, including the popular Plage du Mugel
• Eden Théâtre, the oldest cinema in the world still in operation
• The beautiful cliffs of Bec de l’Aigle (Eagle’s Beak)
• A pleasant harbor with restaurants and cafes

What to Watch out for in Marseille (Marseille Crime)

Marseille has a reputation as one of the most dangerous cities in Europe, but in my opinion, that couldn’t be further from the truth (at least, as far as tourism is concerned). If you stay in the city center and follow basic safety rules, there’s nothing to worry about.

• Avoid problematic neighborhoods, such as the northern suburbs (Les Quartiers Nord), La Castellane, or La Belle de Mai, especially after dark.
• Beware of pickpockets in tourist areas, especially in the Old Port, main squares, the metro, and Saint Charles train station.
• Do not leave valuables in your vehicle and only park in guarded parking lots.
• Be cautious when using ATMs and always check for suspicious devices attached to them.
• Do not flaunt valuables, such as jewelry, expensive watches, or cameras, and do not carry your handbag on the side adjacent to the road.
• At night, stick to well-lit and busy streets, and ideally, travel in a group.

Most unpleasant situations involve petty crime, which can be prevented with caution. The city center and tourist areas are generally safe and monitored.

💡Read also: Colmar – The French Venice

FAQ