- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
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Why Visit Marseille
Marseille, France's oldest city, was founded by Greek sailors in 600 BC. Its history is visible in the ancient Vieux-Port and Le Panier district. The cityscape is a blend of Roman ruins, Haussmannian boulevards, and modern marvels like Le Corbusier's Cité Radieuse. The original Greek port's remains can still be seen at the Jardin des Vestiges, offering a quiet glimpse into the past for those visiting Marseille.
The Calanques National Park, one of the top attractions in Marseille, offers over 21000 acres of rugged limestone cliffs and hidden coves. Activities range from hiking coastal trails to kayaking in turquoise waters. The nearby Frioul archipelago features a unique microclimate and endemic flora, a detail often missed by visitors. Its unique geology makes it a prime spot for both adventure and serene exploration.
Wondering what is Marseille famous for in terms of cuisine? The city's culinary heart is bouillabaisse, a fish stew with strict rules on its ingredients. Explore the Marché de Noailles for spices and try panisse, a popular street food made from chickpea flour. For a local drink, sample Pastis, an anise aperitif. Don't miss the navette biscuits, whose secret recipe is tied to Saint-Victor Abbey.
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- MarseilleFrance
- MarseilleFrance
- MarseilleFrance
Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octmild, fewer crowds
- Jul-Aughot & busy
- Wintermild, occasional rain
- #ComfortableShoes
- #Sunscreen
- #LightLayers
- #PowerAdapterTypeC
- #ReusableWaterBottle
- 3-5 days for highlights
- 6-7 with beaches & day trips
- Euro (€)
- French
- Limited English in rural areas
- #OldPort
- #NotreDameDeLaGarde
- #ChateauDIf
- #LePanier
- #CalanquesNationalPark
- #MuCEM
- Taste bouillabaisse
- Stroll through Le Panier
- Visit Calanques
- Explore local markets
- Catch sunset at Notre-Dame de la Garde
Recommended Hotels in Marseille by Experience
Things to do in Marseille
Discover
Discover what to see in Marseille, from the historic Vieux-Port to the stunning Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde. Explore the MuCEM for Mediterranean history and admire the dramatic limestone cliffs of the Calanques National Park just outside the city.
Experience
Hike or kayak in the Calanques, browse the Noailles Market for spices and local goods, or catch a performance at the Opéra de Marseille. Enjoy seasonal events like the Fête de la Musique in summer or sample the famous bouillabaisse fish stew.
Vieux-Port (Old Port)
Historic harbor, the city's vibrant heart since antiquity.
Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde
Neo-Byzantine basilica with panoramic city and sea views.
Calanques National Park
Natural park with limestone cliffs for hiking and swimming.
Le Panier (Old Town)
Oldest district with narrow streets, artisan shops, cafes.
MuCEM
Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations.
Château d'If
16th-century fortress and prison on an island.
Noailles Market (Marché des Capucins)
Bustling market with North African and local produce.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
To get to Marseille, fly into Marseille Provence Airport (MRS). A direct Marseille shuttle bus connects the airport to city center (Gare Saint-Charles) in 25 mins for ~€10. A train to Marseille via high-speed TGV is another option into the same station.
Getting Around
The RTM network covers public transport in Marseille with 2 metro lines, 3 tram routes, and buses. Buy single tickets or a multi-day pass for convenience. A fun, historic Ferry Boat crosses the Old Port (Vieux-Port) and is a unique way to travel.
Local Essentials
Driving in Marseille can be difficult; narrow streets and limited parking make a car rental better for exploring Provence. Be vigilant with your belongings around tourist hubs. Most vendors accept cards, but keep some cash for bakeries or small markets.
Where to Stay in Marseille
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore traditional food in Marseille. Taste authentic bouillabaisse, a rich fish stew, or navette biscuits. Locals embrace the apéritif, a pre-dinner ritual with Pastis. It's the best way to eat like a true Marseillais.
Enjoy
This Marseille food and drink guide maps the best spots. Eat at Le Miramar for its iconic bouillabaisse, reserve ahead. Sip at La Caravelle for jazzy vibes, grab balcony seats. Visit Brasserie du Port Om Cafe for bustling views.
AM par Alexandre Mazzia
Innovative, multi-course tasting menus. Book months ahead.
Le Miramar
The gold standard for authentic bouillabaisse. A classic.
Chez Fonfon
Bouillabaisse in a charming fishing port. A scenic spot.
La Cantinetta
Popular Italian dishes in the lively Cours Julien district.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Marseille's heritage through its authentic events. Experience the Fête du Panier in June with street shows in the oldest district. Witness the Fête de la Saint-Jean bonfires or the traditional Chandeleur procession to Saint-Victor Abbey.
Enjoy
Discover must-see modern Marseille attractions. The city thrives with contemporary performances at Festival de Marseille, a global stage for dance and theater. Enjoy electronic and rap music at Marsatac or French-language songs at Avec le Temps.
Festival de Marseille
June/July festival of dance, theater, music & art.
Marsatac Festival
June music festival with rap and electronic beats in Parc Borély.
Bastille Day
July 14th national holiday with military parades and fireworks.
FIDMarseille
International film festival in July for independent cinema.
Fête du Panier
Neighborhood festival in June with concerts & local crafts.
Art-O-Rama
International contemporary art fair held at the end of August.
La Chandeleur (Candlemas)
Religious procession and tasting of navette biscuits in Feb.
A City Full of Life
Marseille is a great port city with a raw, authentic feel. The Vieux Port is always bustling with activity, from fishermen selling their catch to people just relaxing. It's got a ton of history without feeling like a museum. Just a solid place to explore.
Cool Neighborhoods and Art
The creative side of the city was a real highlight. The Cours Julien neighborhood is packed with incredible street art and unique independent shops. It's a great place to wander for an afternoon and grab a coffee. A totally different feel from the port area.
Stunning Natural Scenery
Marseille is an amazing spot for nature lovers. The access to Calanques National Park is incredible. We went for a hike and the views of the cliffs and clear water were breathtaking. It's so cool to have that kind of wild landscape right next to the city.
Historic and Delicious
I loved exploring the old Le Panier district. Its narrow, hilly streets are full of little artisan boutiques and pretty squares. We found a great little place for lunch and tried some fresh panisse. Such a beautiful area to just get lost in for a few hours.
Great Coastal Walk
The walk along the Corniche Kennedy was just beautiful, even in winter. The sea views are fantastic and you can see the Frioul islands in the distance. It felt so good to get some fresh sea air. A really scenic and relaxing part of our city break.
Amazing City Views
The view from Notre-Dame de la Garde is a must-see. It gives you a complete perspective of the city, the port, and the sea. The basilica itself is also really beautiful inside. It's a bit of a climb but you can also take the little tourist train up.