Marseille is the second-largest city in France, known for its cosmopolitan, multicultural and maritime atmosphere. This is a great city to visit in the South of France, as there are countless things to do in Marseille. Most of the attractions in the city are within easy walking distance of the historical port area, and many of the best things to see during your stay are completely free (making it a welcome break from some of the more upscale destinations along the French Riviera!).
I stayed in Marseille for a week and never got bored. However, I know that not everyone has the entire summer to linger in the South of France! So, I’ve broken down my favorite things to do in Marseille into a one-day itinerary, a two-day itinerary, and a list of suggestions for people who have more time in the city. Check out my guide to seeing the best of Marseille, and if you have any questions afterwards please let me know the comments at the bottom!
If You Have One Day in Marseille…
Whether you’re in port on a cruise ship, flying in or out of the Marseille airport, or following my one week in Provence itinerary, these are the best things to do in Marseille in just one day. They’re all located in the city center and are within easy walking distance of one another, so you don’t need to use public transportation or a taxi to see these Marseille tourist attractions in a day.
#1 – The Old Port (Vieux Port)
I was in Marseille for a week, and there wasn’t a single day that I didn’t spend time in the Old Port (Vieux Port) area. To me, this feels like the heart of Marseille, and it’s one place you absolutely can’t miss when you’re visiting.
One of the best things to do in the Old Port of Marseille is to sit down at one of the waterfront restaurants with a coffee, soda or beer, and just watch all of the people going by.
Three streets away you’ll find the Marseille History Museum, which explores the city’s history from it’s first Greek inhabitants (back in 600 BCE!) through to today. Nearby, a reconstruction of the Milo de Croton statue (the original is in the Louvre in Paris) is an icon to the city’s Greek history.
The old town area is also where you can catch the ferry to the Frioul Islands (see #16 below), catch the Little Tourist Train to the Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde (see #9 and #10 below), or start walking towards nearly all of the Marseille attractions on this list.
#2 – The New Cosquer Cave Museum
One of the newest and most interesting things to do in Marseille is just a short walk around the water’s edge from the Old Port.
Cosquer Méditerranée is an interactive museum that opened its doors in 2022. The actual Cosquer Cave was discovered in 1985 by an adventurous scuba diver. Located 37 meters below sea level, the cave is full of well-preserved prehistoric cave art. Here at Cosquer Méditerranée, museums visitors take a half-hour ride through a full-size reconstruction of the cave, learning about its discovery and the art it holds along the way.
I was one of the first visitors to experience Cosquer Méditerranée, and I’ve written a complete guide to visiting this new Marseille attraction. Make sure you book your tickets well in advance, as this unique experience sells out every day during the high season.
#3 – The Cathedral of Marseille
You’ll have a great view of Marseille’s main cathedral from the top-floor galleries in the Cosquer Méditerranée, so when you’ve finished riding through the cave simulation and looking at the exhibits, cross the plaza and head to the cathedral. Entrance is free!
A small church had stood on this site from the medieval era until the latter half of the nineteenth century, when the city decided that it needed a grand new cathedral. Construction took 50 years, and the new “La Major” cathedral was designed to rival other famous cathedrals such as St. Peter’s in Rome.
Both design elements and raw materials were imported from around Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, making the cathedral a quintessential representation of the diversity of Marseille.
#4 – Street Art in Le Panier
You can end your first day in Marseille by walking up the hill behind the cathedral and venturing into Le Panier (“The Basket”), the oldest and most historic district in Marseille. The tourist information office calls this neighborhood a living museum, and once you’re lost in its narrow cobblestone streets you’ll understand why!
The heart of Le Panier is La Vieille Charité, an 18th-century social housing project that is now a museum and cultural center. It hosts the Museum of Archeology, a Museum of Contemporary Art, temporary exhibits and research facilities. Across the street, the pedestrian plaza is bustling with bars and restaurants serving seafood, chickpea fritters and rosé wine.
Le Panier is known as a quirky, artsy district, and this is best reflected in its street art. The best way to learn about the art and artists in Le Panier is through a self-guided audio walking tour that you can do right from your own smartphone. Following a guided tour means you won’t miss any of the most jaw-dropping works (like the adorable octopus shown above!).
If You Have Two Days in Marseille…
Two days in Marseille is the perfect amount of time to finish seeing all of the main tourist attractions in the city. By staying overnight you have the chance to see the waterfront lit at night, and to get up early enough to witness authentic city life, before the cruise ships and day trippers arrive.
#5 – Breakfast in the Noailles Market
Marseille is a culturally and ethnically diverse city, and once of the best places to see this intermingling of cultures is at the Marché de Noailles, or Noailles Market, just a few blocks away from the Old Port area. Sometimes called the Marché des Capucins, this area consists of both storefronts and street vendors selling everything from fruits and vegetables to clothing to spices to household items.
Many of the vendors here are from North Africa, as Marseille is home to about 150,000 immigrants from that region. The restaurants and cafes here serve sweet and savory dishes from North Africa, which is best enjoyed with a glass of sweet mint tea.
#6 – The Public Ferry Across the Old Port
After breakfast, return to the waterfront and walk halfway along the south side of the Vieux Port to find one of my favorite things to do in Marseille: the harbour ferry!
This little boat is part of Marseille’s public transportation network, so you don’t have to pay for the trip if you already have a daily, weekly or monthly transit pass. Otherwise, it costs €0.50 (yes, just fifty cents!) to cross the Old Port from Place aux Huiles to La Mairie.
The ferry runs every day (except May 1st), weather permitting, at ten-minute intervals. The first sailing is around 7:30 am and the last is about 8:30 pm. The route is served by two boats. The classic ferry has been in operation since 1952, while the newer solar-powered boat (shown in my photo) began service in 2010.
#7 & #8 – MUCEM (The Museum of Civilizations of Europe & the Mediterranean) and Fort St.-Jean
Although these two Marseille attractions are on opposite sides of the water, they’re connected by an exciting suspended footbridge, as you can see above!
If you’re walking over from the ferry terminal in the Old Port, you’ll first arrive at Fort Saint-Jean. This 17th-century fortification was built by Louis XIV to protect the city and appease the locals, who he believed were desperate for a fancy fortress.
It’s free to enter Fort St.-Jean and to explore its outdoor areas including the walkways, the rooftop gardens and various panoramic viewing points.
From here, you can cross the pedestrian bridge to MUCEM, or the Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean. In high season you’ll want to book your skip-the-line tickets in advance, as this museum can get very busy.
Inside the modern “J4” building you’ll find exhibits about the cultures of the Mediterranean region – don’t be afraid to use the free map or ask a staff member for assistance, as the labyrinthine design of the building makes it easy to miss some of the coolest displays if you’re not careful!
#9 – Take a Sightseeing Bus or Train
Don’t believe Google Maps when it tells you that you can walk up to Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, Marseille’s famous hilltop church, in twenty minutes. This is a steep uphill walk that will take more like an hour, if you’re in good shape!
Instead of huffing and puffing your way up the hill, I recommend returning to the Old Port area and hopping on board Route #1 of Marseille’s Little Tourist Train or one of the city’s double-decker sightseeing buses.
Both the tourist train and the sightseeing bus take you along the port to the seaside road called Corniche Kennedy, which has amazing views of the Mediterranean. You’ll also pass Napoleon’s Palais du Pharo and the fortified Saint-Victor Abbey en route.
Note that once you reach the church, you must get off the train for at least thirty minutes. This gives you time to see the church, and allows those who have already visited to return to the city center. Don’t lose your ticket for the return trip! If you go by bus, you can choose to get off to visit the church (recommended) or stay on board to continue the tour.
#10 – Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde Church
The symbol of Marseille is Notre Dame de la Garde, referred to lovingly as “la Bonne Mere” (“The Good Mother”). There has been a church here for more than 800 years, and for centuries it has been a popular pilgrimage site.
If you imagine France in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, you can understand the importance of this location, with its 360° views of the city and the sea. There was no better spot for God, or the French military, to watch over the city and protect the citizens from any incoming threats.
The basilica that you can visit (for free!) today dates back to the 1850s, when it was expanded to accommodate the large number of pilgrims who flocked to the hill. The Roman-Byzantine design features red and white marble, and sparkling gold mosaics. And that statue of the Virgin Mary on top? It weighs almost ten tonnes!
#11 – Dinner and Drinks on Cours Julien
You have to walk up a steep (but short!) hill to reach Cours Julien, but it’s worth it! This is Marseille’s trendiest street, and it’s where you’ll find many of the city’s most innovative culinary experiences.
If you arrive a bit before dinner you’ll have enough time to check out the street art, browse through some vintage clothing shops and watch the locals playing boules with a view at the Boulodrome Carli.
For dinner, wander over to place de Notre Dame du Mont. The best restaurants here will post their daily menu on a chalkboard outside. Many of the dishes will be inspired by the local, seasonal produce that is available at the nearby street market. I had an amazing dinner at a restaurant called Matza, and also had a delicious vegan meal at the nearby plant-based restaurant called Mariposas.
In the summer, restaurants here are full every night, so make sure to reserve a table in advance if there’s somewhere you particularly want to eat.
If You Have 3+ Days in Marseille…
With three days in Marseille (or more!) you have time to visit some of the attractions that are further from the center, or to take some day trips from Marseille to the surrounding areas. Personally, I was in Marseille for eight days, and these are some of the things to do that I recommend for anyone who has a bit more time.
#12 – Cité Radieuse Architectural Monument by Le Corbusier
This was actually my favorite thing to do in Marseille!
La Cité Radieuse is a residential apartment building and community space that was designed by architecture Le Corbusier in the 1940s. It was immediately recognized for its architectural significance, as it heralded the triumph of Brutalism and changed the way people thought about community living spaces.
Today, people still live in La Cité Radieuse (the spacious, sunny apartments typically sell for at least half a million euros), and now that it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site they have opened several parts of the building to the public. You’ll need to sign in at the reception desk in the lobby, and the security guard will explain which floors of the building are open to the public.
Make sure to visit the floor with boutiques, art galleries and cafe, and also make sure to head to the rooftop for beautiful views of the city. Please don’t trespass – besides the fact that it’s rude, I also saw a family get kicked out for walking right past the “Do Not Enter” signs into the residents’ private pool area! (If you ask me, they got off lightly!)
#13 – Palais Longhamp & Its Museums
One of the most iconic landmarks in Marseille is something that most tourists never even see: Palais Longchamp. This monument has three parts: a central fountain and garden, and two wings housing two of the city’s most important museums. On the east side, you’ll find the Museum of Decorative Arts. On the west side, you’ll find Marseille’s Natural History Museum. Admission to the permanent exhibits in both museums is completely free, making this one of the best things to do in Marseille for families.
The easiest way to reach the Palais Longchamp is by tram, as it’s only five stops from the city center. Before you leave, make sure to visit the gardens behind the monument, as they are officially recognized as being among the most beautiful in the country.
#14 – Day Trip to Les Calanques
Many people come to Marseille with one goal in mind: to visit the Calanques National Park. A calanque is a narrow inlet bordered by steep limestone walls that can only be found along the Mediterranean Coast. In Calanques National Park, there are 26 of these beautiful, protected inlets.
The easiest way to visit the calanques is with a guided tour, since they are often far from the road, down long and steep hiking trails. You don’t want to risk getting lost, or running out of water. Two tours that I would recommend include:
- ⛵ Eco Boat Cruise to Calanques National Park – This small-group tour sets sail from Marseille’s Old Port, taking in the city’s highlights from the water, and then travels down the coast to one or more of the calanques (your exact stops will depend on weather conditions and boat traffic levels). You’ll have lots of time for swimming, and a lunch (with rosé wine!) is served on board.
- 🚴🏻♀️ Full-Day Electric Bike Trip from Marseille to the Calanques – To be honest, I’m not a huge cyclist, but I do love a leisurely electric bike tour! This tour includes 35 kilometers of cycling on electric bicycles with pedal assist. You’ll visit some of the most important tourist attractions in the city, a small fishing village and several beaches (including one swimming stop).
If you’re thinking of doing any adventuring in Calanques National independently, make sure to download the official Mes Calaques app several days before your planned visit. Available in English and French, this app provides updated information about trail closures (common in the summer heat, as a precaution against forest fires), traffic, parking, safety and recommended hiking routes. Typically, closures and other important notices are posted to the app around 6:00 pm for the following day.
#15 – Day Trip to Cassis
One of the most popular things to do in Marseille is to take a day trip to Cassis, a nearby town that is exactly what most visitors think of when they imagine the French Riviera. A small harbor welcomes sailboats, colorful cafes and restaurants look out over the water, and the beach is packed with sunbathers and swimmers enjoying the clean, refreshing water.
Cassis is about an hour from Marseille by bus, or forty minutes by car. While there is a train station in Cassis, it’s on the outskirts of town and it’s a forty-five minute walk from the city center (not ideal!).
Cassis is a convenient launch point for trips to Calanques National Park. The town operates an inexpensive public boat tour service, with large boats leaving about every thirty minutes all summer (there may be a short pause for lunch). Tours run for just under one hour, and while there isn’t time for swimming you’ll get a good look at several of the most famous calanques (including one that was voted the most beautiful beach in the world!).
If you want to swim in the calanques, the Tourist Information office near the port in Cassis can help you organize a private boat charter, or find a spot on a longer organized tour with swimming stops.
Other things to do in Cassis include strolling around the port, shopping at the street market and the local boutiques (I bought home a bottle of perfume from the niche perfumery L’Eau de Cassis) and popping into the municipal museum. If you’re more adventurous, there are lots of nearby hiking routes (use the Mes Calanques app noted above), kayak rentals and even scuba diving shops.
#16 – Day Trip to the Frioul Islands
The Frioul Islands are located four kilometers off the coast of Marseille. This archipelago is a great day trip from Marseille, both for beach lovers and for lovers of literature!
The main island that attracts visitors is Ratonneau, which is shown above. This island is about 2.5 kilometers long and 500 meters wide, and is famous for its pretty Saint-Estève Beach. The water at Saint-Estève is clean, clear and calm, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
In the summer, this beach is well-equipped with lifeguards, a restaurant, showers and toilets. You can walk there from the port in about thirty minutes, but it’s somewhat hilly and there’s no shade en route, so I’d recommend using the seasonal tourist “train”, which costs €5 for a return trip (don’t lost your return ticket!).
If you’re more into books than beaches, you’ll want to include a stop on the neighboring island that is home to the Château d’If. The fortified castle here was converted into a prison in 1540. Three hundred years later, the prison became famous in Alexander Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo, when the novel’s protagonist stages an elaborate escape. It costs €6 to visit the island, and you’ll need to stay with your guided tour group (tour times are scheduled to align with boat arrivals).
Access to the Frioul Islands is via ferry, which is part of Marseille’s public transit system. You must buy your tickets in advance if you’re traveling in the high season, as boats sell out every day in the summer. Buy your tickets online from the official site here.
#17 – Other Day Trips From Marseille
Marseille’s busy Saint Charles train station makes for easy day trips to other destinations in Provence and along the Côte d’Azur.
The easiest day trip from Marseille by train is definitely to nearby Aix-en-Provence, which can be reached in as a little as twelve minutes on a high-speed train. The elegant historic center of Aix is an easy walk from the train station, and if you can time your trip to land on a Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday, you’ll be able to see one of the most famous street markets in Provence.
Just past Aix-en-Provence you’ll find Avignon. Be careful when choosing a train from Marseille to Avignon, as the city’s high-speed train station is far from the city center. Book one of the slower trains that stops at the Avignon Centre, and you’ll be within easy walking distance of many of the best things to do in Avignon, like the Pope’s Palace and the pont d’Avignon.
There are other organized day trips from Marseille, some of which are designed specifically for cruise ship passengers while others are for tourists staying in the city for a few days. A few you might want to check out include:
- 🍷 Full-Day Wine Tour of the Luberon – Did you even come to France if you didn’t do a proper wine tasting? This small-group tour led by an expert guide takes you to three vineyards in the Luberon Valley. At each stop you’ll be able to sample up to six different wines and learn about what makes them unique. For lunch, you’ll have free time to explore the village of Lourmarin, where pretty cafes and restaurants spill out onto the cobblestone sidewalks.
- 🛍️ Villages and Markets of the Luberon – Provence is famous for its markets, and this tour will take you to the best market depending on the day of your departure. You could visit Gordes, Rousillon, Apt or L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, where your guide will showcase the region’s best products and artisanal products. On the drive back you’ll stop at the Fontaine de Vaucluse, a natural spring, and see the resurgence of the Sorgue river.
- ❤️ Tour the Villages of Sault, Roussillon and Gordes– This highly-rated tour only operates during lavender season. Your air-conditioned van will travel to Sault, the capital of the lavender industry, then continue to Roussillon (a terracotta-colored village colored by the local ochre) and Gordes (officially one of the most beautiful villages in France!).
- 🌾 Full-Day Tour of the Lavender Fields in Valensole – Another tour that operates exclusively in lavender season, this excursion takes you to the Valensole Plateau, France’s primary lavender-growing region, with ample stops for photos at the various lavender fields. On the way back you’ll stop at Moustiers Sainte Marie, a French village famous for its ornate ceramics.
I spent an entire summer exploring the South of France. Click here to read all of my guides to the region (plus a few tips for Paris and cities further north too!).
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