Back to ExplorePlan a trip
Marseille, France

Destination Guide

Marseille

France

Best things to do in Marseille

25 curated attractions in Marseille, France. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

May - September

Average temp

15°C/59°F

Budget

Mid-range

Safety

Take care

About Marseille

Marseille is France's largest port city, historically shaped by its status as a gateway to the Mediterranean. This means a rich blend of cultures comes through the Old Port, with fish markets and cafés lining the waterfront. From there, the city expands into the historic district of Le Panier, the Parc Borély, and the famous Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica that towers over it all. People come for the bouillabaisse, a local seafood dish that has sparked debates over the 'correct' recipe. The nearby Calanques National Park offers dramatic coastal scenery, and the Musée des Civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée reflects the city's diverse heritage. Despite its rough edges, Marseille's charm lies in the contrast of its gritty neighborhoods and beautiful coastline.

Who it's for

This city suits those with an appetite for history and culture, especially if they enjoy lively dining scenes. However, visitors seeking pristine beaches or polished urban landscapes might find themselves put off by the area's rawness and the occasional lingering scent of fish.

Getting around

Public transport: Good

  • The city centre is walkable, with major sights within a thirty-minute stroll
  • Public transport is reliable, with trams and buses covering most areas well
  • The train station is conveniently located close to the Old Port
  • Expect to climb some hills if you're visiting Notre-Dame de la Garde
La Vieille Charité (Old Charity)

La Vieille Charité (Old Charity)

History museums
Parc Borély (Borély Park)

Parc Borély (Borély Park)

City parks
Musée d'Histoire de Marseille (Marseille History Museum)

Musée d'Histoire de Marseille (Marseille History Museum)

History museums
La Cité Radieuse (Unité d'Habitation)

La Cité Radieuse (Unité d'Habitation)

Modern architecture & skyscrapers
Vieux-Port

Vieux-Port

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Marseille Cathedral

Marseille Cathedral

Churches & cathedrals
Plage du Prado

Plage du Prado

Beaches
Château d'If (If Castle)

Château d'If (If Castle)

Forts & citadels
Fort Saint-Jean

Fort Saint-Jean

Forts & citadels
Les Docks Village

Les Docks Village

Shopping streets & districts
Abbaye Saint-Victor (Saint-Victor Abbey)

Abbaye Saint-Victor (Saint-Victor Abbey)

Monasteries
Vallon des Auffes

Vallon des Auffes

Traditional villages
Palais Longchamp (Longchamp Palace)

Palais Longchamp (Longchamp Palace)

Castles & palaces
Calanque de Sugiton

Calanque de Sugiton

Natural Wonders
Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde (Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica)

Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde (Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica)

Churches & cathedrals
Calanques National Park

Calanques National Park

National parks & nature reserves
La Corniche (Scenic Road)

La Corniche (Scenic Road)

Coastal walks & sea cliffs
Maison Empereur

Maison Empereur

Shopping and Markets
Piscine des Auffes

Piscine des Auffes

Cultural
Plage de Maldormé

Plage de Maldormé

Beach
Cours Julien

Cours Julien

Food and Drink Destinations
Le Panier (Historic District)

Le Panier (Historic District)

Old towns & historic quarters
La Friche Belle de Mai

La Friche Belle de Mai

Street art districts
Musée des Civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée (MuCEM)

Musée des Civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée (MuCEM)

History museums
Les Terrasses du Port (Shopping Center with Views)

Les Terrasses du Port (Shopping Center with Views)

Malls & department stores

Where to eat in Marseille

The places worth planning a meal around.

Oh Faon!

Oh Faon!

Mediterranean · $$

★ 4.8 · 1,285 reviews

Hododa

Hododa

Mediterranean-Japanese Fusion · $$

★ 4.9 · 1,219 reviews

Mariposas

Mariposas

Mediterranean · $$

★ 4.5 · 932 reviews

L'Ecaillerie

L'Ecaillerie

French Seafood · $$

★ 4.6 · 738 reviews

Poissonnerie Kennedy

Poissonnerie Kennedy

Mediterranean Seafood · $30–$50

★ 4.3 · 476 reviews

Jogging

Jogging

Mediterranean · $$

★ 4.5 · 170 reviews

Travel Tools

Check visa for FranceEstimate costs for MarseilleCompare Marseille with another cityPacking list for Marseille

AI Travel Planner

Planning a trip to Marseille?

Get a personalized itinerary built around your travel personality — with optimized routes, hidden gems, and insider tips.

Take the quiz — it's free →