12 beautiful places to go in Marseille, France (2024 guide)
Marseille isn’t your polished postcard city – it’s France’s oldest, and a little rough around the edges, city. Sun-drenched stone buildings, a busy port that smells faintly of salt and diesel, and pretty architecture that could do with a pressure washing.
In this guide, we’ll show you our favourite places to go in Marseille – from panoramic viewpoints and fishing coves to neighbourhoods bursting with street art. You’ll find where to stay, when to go, and how to make the most of your visit.
We loved Marseille, but we’ve found that it can be a Marmite city – some love it, some not so much. While it’s developed a lot in the past few years, it’s dirtier and more rundown than other cities in France. But – that’s what we loved about it, and its contrast to clean and shiny Lyon which we’d just left.
Practical tips for visiting Marseille
How long should you stay in Marseille?
A minimum stay of three to four days in Marseille is ideal. This gives you long enough to explore the main attractions like the Notre-Dame de la Garde, the Vieux Port, and Le Panier Quarter while not feeling too rushed and with enough time to wander round some of it’s neighbourhoods.
If you’re planning day trips to nearby spots like the Calanques National Park or Cassis, consider extending your stay to five or six days.
Marseille has a lot to offer, and while a shorter visit will cover the basics, a few extra days will help you appreciate it.
If you’re short on time, two full days can still work – focus on Le Panier, the Vieux Port, and a sunset visit to Notre-Dame de la Garde.
Where should you stay in Marseille?
Choosing where to stay in Marseille really depends on the vibe you want – each neighbourhood has its own rhythm.
If you want to stay in the heart of Marseille, the Vieux Port area is the best choice. This area is full of life, with easy access to restaurants, bars, and major attractions like the Notre-Dame de la Garde and the Quai des Belges. We stayed a few streets back from it, near Estrangin metro station, which was perfect for us.
Also consider staying in Le Panier Quarter, Marseille’s oldest neighbourhood. The neighbourhood has a lot of character and it’s full of quaint guest houses on narrow streets.
Alternatively, the lively Cours Julien area, known for its street art and vibrant atmosphere, has a more bohemian vibe and has plenty of bars and restaurants.
Or, for somewhere quieter, check out Endoume or Les Goudes. Both have a more local feel and easy access to the coast.
How do you get to Marseille?
Marseille is well-connected by air, rail, and road.
The Marseille Provence Airport is about 30 minutes by bus or taxi from the city centre (take the 91 bus to Marseille Saint Charles train station. You can buy tickets online or at the airport). If you’re landing late, note that the airport bus doesn’t run 24 hours – in that case, consider booking a transfer ahead of time. We use Welcome Pickups as we’ve always found them the cheapest and most reliable.
Marseille’s Saint-Charles train station offers direct connections to major cities in France, such as Paris, Lyon, and Nice, as well as international connections to Italy and Spain.
Once you arrive, the best way to explore the city is on foot or by using Marseille’s public transport system, including buses, trams, and the metro.
When should you go to Marseille?
The best time to visit Marseille is from May to October, when the weather is warm and sunny, perfect for exploring the city and enjoying the Mediterranean coastline.
July and August are the peak tourist months and they become pretty busy, and with higher prices.
If you prefer it to be a bit quieter, consider visiting in May, June, September, or October, when the weather is still pleasant but the city is less crowded.
Winter can be a quieter time to visit, and while the temperatures are cooler, it’s still mild compared to a lot of Europe. Marseille’s attractions and museums will be a lot quieter, but you might find some attractions, like boat tours to the Calanques, have limited availability.
What are the best places to go in Marseille?
Notre-Dame de la Garde
You can’t miss this church – it’s on top of the biggest hill in the city, visible from almost anywhere. We walked up from our Airbnb one morning; when you get to roughly the bottom of the hill, it’s a steep 20–30 minutes climb, so wear trainers and bring water. There’s also a bus (bus 60 goes from the Old Port) if you’d rather skip the climb.
Once you reach the top, the views are unreal. You can see the entire sweep of the city, the harbour, and even the Calanques in the distance. Inside, the basilica is covered with ship models and old plaques left by sailors, which they believed would give them protection at sea.
It’s free to go in and worth doing early in the day before the crowds arrive. The gift shop has cold drinks if you forget water, and there’s a shaded area on one side to sit for a bit before heading back down.
It gets pretty busy with a lot of tour coaches, so we recommend visiting early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds.
Why go? Panoramic views of the city.
How long? 2 hours.
Le Panier Quarter
Le Panier is Marseille’s oldest neighbourhood, filled with narrow streets, colourful buildings, and various shops. It’s where the city began, back when it was a Greek colony called Massalia.
It had a completely different feel to the rest of Marseille, and we loved its quaint streets and alleys.
One of the highlights is La Vieille Charité, a 17th-century building that used to be an almshouse. Nowadays it’s home to museums, exhibitions, and a café in its peaceful courtyard. It’s worth going inside just to see the architecture – a perfect oval courtyard framed by arcades.
You’ll find plenty of small galleries, street art, and local workshops around the area, so don’t rush. Go mid-morning when it’s lively but not too hot, and stop for a coffee in one of the shaded squares.
If you want to find out a bit more about the area then it’s worth taking a walking tour. This one takes in La Panier as well as a few surrounding areas, and ends with an Aperitif in a gorgeous location.
Don’t forget to stop at a local café for a coffee or pastis, the local anise-flavoured spirit (warning: its pretty strong, so perhaps have one to share before committing to a round!).
Why go? Historic centre, street art, cultural exploration.
How long? 3 hours.
Vieux Port (Old Port)
When you arrive in Marseille, one of the first places you’ll likely find yourself is the Old Port. It’s the heart of the city, historically, socially, geographically. The port has been a trading hub since the Greek settlers founded Massalia and ever since has been central to the life of Marseille.
It’s surrounded by cafes, bars, and seafood restaurants, which are great for lunch but also drinking into the evening. It is quite touristy, so if eating you might want to go a street or two back, where prices are slightly better.
Stroll along the Quai des Belges, where you can see fishermen selling their catch at the daily fish market, or take a boat tour to explore the coastline.
Fort Saint-Jean and the MuCEM, Marseille’s huge museum dedicated to the Mediterranean, are found in the Vieux Port area. If you visit in the morning, grab a croissant and coffee at one of the port cafés – it’s one of the best people-watching spots in the city.
Also take the Ligne du Ferry boat – perhaps one of the lesser needed boat routes, but lovely nonetheless.
Why go? For the atmosphere and to eat or drink while looking over the boats.
How long? 2-3 hours.
Château d’If
If you want a little escape from the city, hop on a short ferry from the Old Port and visit Château d’If. It sits on a small island just off Marseille and was built in the 16th century as a fortress, and then became a prison. It was then immortalised by Alexandre Dumas in The Count of Monte Cristo.
Once you’re on the island, you’ll walk around the fortress walls, peek into the old cells (though they’re less dramatic than the novel version) and get really good views of the harbour and sea.
Tip: Book your ferry ahead in busy season to avoid queuing. The entrance fee is about €7 for adults, and it’s closed on Mondays. It may close in bad weather because the crossing becomes unsafe. Ferries also stop at Île Frioul, a nice extra stop if you have time.
Why go? Literary history, a boat trip, and more great views.
How long? 2-3 hours including the ferry crossing.
Calanques National Park
If you only do one thing outside the city, make it the Calanques. The Calanques are rocky inlets between Marseille and Cassis and are perfect for hiking, rock climbing, or just relaxing by the sea. They’re like something out of another world, with steep limestone cliffs, turquoise water, and hidden coves you reach either on foot or by boat.
You can hike to spots like Sormiou or En-Vau if you’re up for a challenge, or take a boat tour if you’d rather sit back and enjoy the view. Either way, it’s spectacular. Just be aware that in summer some trails close due to fire risk, so always check before you go.
The best months are spring and early autumn when it’s warm but not scorching. Take plenty of water and wear proper shoes.
Getting there via public transport is possible but a bit convoluted, so do your research first. Or, consider an organised tour.
Why go? Natural beauty, hiking, water activities.
How long? Half-day to full day.
Cours Julien
The Cours Julien area is Marseille’s bohemian quarter. It’s full of street art, bars, record shops and cafes.
During the day, explore various shops selling everything from vintage clothes to handmade jewellery. In the evening, it’s famous for it’s nightlife and you can relax at a table outside the bars or listen to live music.
The La Belle de Mai area has a more industrial, alternative feel with studios and creative spaces tucked into old warehouses. You might stumble across an exhibition or performance if you’re lucky.
Don’t miss the colourful murals that cover many of the buildings here. Sunday mornings are quieter, making it a good time to take photos before the crowds roll in.
Why go? Street art, nightlife, shopping.
How long? 2-3 hours.
Marseille Cathedral (Cathédrale de la Major)
The Cathedral of La Major (Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-Majeure) looks bold and almost exotic compared to many French cathedrals. It was built between 1852 and 1893 and was meant to show the power of Marseille at that time.
It sits just across from the area of the port and MuCEM museum, so it’s easy to combine with other nearby visits. Outside is a large terrace, which has sea views and views of the Old Port.
Inside are beautiful mosaics and the crypt, which contains the remains of several bishops. Entry is free.
If you walk a few minutes downhill, you’ll reach Les Terrasses du Port – a shopping mall with an outdoor deck overlooking the harbour, which is great for a quick coffee break.
Why go? Architectural marvel, historical landmark, photography.
How long? 1-2 hours.
Palais Longchamp & Parc Longchamp
The Palais Longchamp is one of Marseille’s most beautiful buildings and houses the city’s Natural History Museum and Museum of Fine Arts.
It was built to celebrate the canal that finally brought water to the city, and the fountains and columns make it feel like a mini Versailles. The two wings house art and natural history museums, but the real joy is just walking around the grounds.
Wander round the ornate fountains, or explore the museums. Behind it is Parc Longchamp, a green space with the remains of the zoo scattered throughout. We found it to be a bit rundown when we visited, but it’s worth a quick wander around.
It’s a calm contrast to the busy city centre, and the view down the avenue from the steps of the palace is one of the prettiest in town. You can reach Palais Longchamp easily by metro (Line 1, stop Cinq Avenues Longchamp), or walk.
Why go? Museums, picturesque park, architectural beauty
How long? 20 minutes if seeing just Palais Longchamp, but 2-3 hours if going to the museums
Corniche Kennedy and Vallon des Auffes
Marseille’s Corniche Kennedy is one of the best coastal walks you can do without leaving the city, and one of the best free things to do in Marseille.
Halfway along you’ll find Vallon des Auffes, a small, picture-postcard fishing village just a short distance from the city centre. It’s centered around a small cove, lined with colourful fishing boats, quaint restaurants, and traditional fishermen’s houses. It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or a romantic dinner by the sea.
Come here to enjoy fresh seafood, including the local speciality, bouillabaisse. Don’t miss the beautiful view of the Sainte Marie Lighthouse and the harbour, especially at sunset.
It’s small, but part of the fun was the coastal walk to get there (follow the route on Google Maps).
Why go? Authentic charm, seafood, picturesque setting
How long? 1-2 hours
MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations)
If you want culture with views, go to MuCEM, the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations.
The MuCEM is Marseille’s newest national museum and an icon of modern Marseille. It sits at the entrance to the Vieux Port and is dedicated to the history and culture of the Mediterranean. It’s not just “old stuff from the past” but it also reflects migration, contemporary issues, and the sea-facing identity of Marseille.
It includes exhibits on everything from ancient civilisations to contemporary art, featuring works by Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
The architecture itself is something you’ll remember: the J4 building juts out into the sea, the mesh of concrete walls casts interesting shadows, and there’s a footbridge linking the museum to the historic Fort Saint-Jean.
The museum is closed Tuesdays. Adult tickets for the exhibitions are €9.50. If you’re on a budget but still want the architecture and views, you can walk around the outdoor areas and the fort gardens (which are free) and still get a lot out of it.
Head to the rooftop terrace for one of the best panoramic views in the city. It’s a nice area to wander round too, as it also contains Fort Saint-Jean which dates back to the 12th century.
Why go? Cultural exploration, contemporary art, panoramic views
How long? 2-3 hours
Day trips from Marseille
If you have more than three days in Marseille, these easy day trips are worth adding to your itinerary.
- Cassis: A charming coastal town known for its cliffs and calanques, ideal for a relaxing day by the sea or wine tasting.
- Aix-en-Provence: Explore the historic centre, enjoy the markets, and visit the atelier of painter Paul Cézanne.
- Les Baux-de-Provence: A beautiful medieval village perched on a hilltop, with stunning views and ancient ruins.
- Avignon: Visit the Pope’s Palace and the famous Pont d’Avignon, and explore the historic streets of this former papal city.
- Calanques de Cassis: A perfect spot for hiking, swimming, or taking a boat tour to explore the rugged coastline.
Where next?
Marseille might be rough around the edges, but that’s part of its magic.
Between its fishing coves, chaotic street art, and sunsets over the Old Port, there’s a lot to do whether you’re here for a weekend or a week.
🥐 Read our guide on all the best places to visit in the South of France
🥐 Plan your visit to Nice, another French gem on the Med
🥐 Or check out all our content on travelling to France.
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