Travel across Marseille with an expert!

Since Marseille has a history that dates back to 600 BC, you can anticipate walking amid historic buildings, including castles, cathedrals, and museums. In more recent years,

Marseille’s location close to the mouth of the Rhone, the largest natural passageway connecting the Mediterranean and the regions to the north, has made it one of the most significant ports in France for a long time. This significance explains its size as the third largest urban area in France today.

Marseille, the sunniest main city in the country and one of the most well-liked tourism destinations all year round, is blessed with a temperate temperature.

Marseille has hosted numerous football games, bicycle races, and other international sporting events.

Jena Hovor

As a travel expert who specializes in France, I am constantly amazed by the beauty, culture, and diversity of this incredible country. From the vibrant city of Paris to the stunning beaches of the French Riviera, there is something for everyone in France.

Sections:

Places to visit Trip budget Best Hotels Your itinerary Cooking FAQ What we Offer

Must Visit

Tourist Attractions

Price: free

Rue Fort du Sanctuaire

7:00 – 18:00

Price: free

Calanques National Park

24/7

MuCEM (Museum of European & Mediterranean Civilizations)

Price: 11 EUR

1 Esp. J4

10:00 - 18:00

Price: free

Bd Jard. Zoologique

7:00 - 20:00

Attractions For Kids

Patinoire Palais Omnisports Marseille Grand-Est

Price: from 5,50 EUR

12 Bd Fernand Bonnefoy

(MN,FR) 12:00 - 14:00, (TR) 9:00 - 11:00, (SN) 10:00 - 12:00, 14:00 - 18:30

Price: from 23 EUR

Zone Commerciale Plan de Campagne

9:30 – 22:00

Price: from 6 EUR

4 Mnt Commandant de Robien

(TS, TR, FR) 12:00 - 18:00, (ST, SN) 10:00 - 19:00

Price: 5 EUR

147 Bd Barthélémy Abbadie

9:00 - 12:00, (WD) 9:00 - 12:00, 13:30 - 17:00

Airports and how to get to the city

Marseille Provence Airport

Marignane

In the French region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, 27 kilometers northwest of Marseille in the commune of Marignane, is the international airport known as Marseille Provence Airport. Gap to Arles and Toulon to Avignon are both in the area of the airport. You can rent a car in the airport area or prebook it in advance and pick it up upon arrival. The ride will take around 25 min.

Your first trip to Marseille

01

Your first trip to Marseille

The main goal is to see all of the major attractions.

3-4 days

02

Big family trip

The main goal is to visit all of the city's natural reserves and kid-friendly attractions.

3-4 days

03

All of the Marseille

The main goal is to explore all that Marseille has to offer.

5-7 days

Hidden gems

Marseille is a city full of hidden gems and unique experiences that are often overlooked by tourists. Here are some hidden gems in Marseille worth checking out:

Price: from 5 EUR

Friche Belle de Mai

41 Rue Jobin

7:00 – 23:00

Price: free

Port des Goudes

Rue Désiré Pelaprat

24/7

Price: free

Fort de Ratonneau

Île Ratonneau

24/7

Price: from 6 EUR

Cinéma Le Gyptis

136 Rue Loubon

first movie 11:00, last movie 19:30

Expert advices

Choosing accommodation in Marseille

Your choice of Marseille lodging can mean the difference between an amazing and terrifying vacation. Choose your neighborhood wisely. Around the train station, there are many inexpensive motels and hostels located along less pleasant streets. In the area of the Vieux Port or southwest along the coast, where calm sea views and the lap of the waves are prevalent, those looking for moderate accommodations will feel more at home.

Purchase a Marseille City Pass

Purchase a Marseille City Pass online or at the visitor center if you intend to see the majority of the major attractions. The pass, which is good for one to three days, includes access to museums, limitless use of public transportation, public bike rental, a guided city tour, and a cruise on the Château d’If. Do the math before purchasing a child’s pass because most museums already offer free entrance to visitors who are either under 18 or under 12 years old.

A big no to driving in Marseille

Never even think about driving in Marseille. Driving is terrifying, and parking is a nightmare. Use public transportation, such as e-bikes and solar-powered boats, to go around. But if you want to visit surrounding areas and villages, a car is a must have.

Avoid restaurants with “menu touristique”

Marseille has its fair share of eateries catering to tourists with less sophisticated tastes, like in any tourist-friendly city. A “menu touristique” should be avoided at eateries. Instead, follow the locals to real restaurants with solely French-language menus and kitchens stocked with locally-sourced seasonal produce from farmers and craft producers.

Be extra careful with your belongings

Pickpockets generally seek out crowds. Be extra cautious in popular tourist sites, including the MuCEM and Vieux Port districts, the Basilica Notre Dame de Garde, the Cours Julien, and bustling street markets like Marché Capucins and Marché Place Jean Jaurès. Ride the shuttles to the airport and the metro with caution. Storing belongings in one of the free (staffed) beachside lockers is recommended when swimming on the Prado beaches.

I want more details

Recommended restaurants

Chez Etienne

43 Rue Lorette

This traditional Marseille restaurant is a local favorite and has been serving up seafood and fish dishes for over 80 years. The menu includes classic dishes like bouillabaisse, as well as a range of grilled fish and seafood platters as well as Italian pizza and pasta.

Le Coin Provençal

110 Quai du Port

Charming restaurant in the historic Panier district of Marseille. The restaurant specializes in traditional Provençal cuisine, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.

La Cantine de Lynn

3 rue Audemar Tibido

One of Marseille's top eateries, La Cantine de Lynn, delivers a variety of delicious dishes with food that is influenced by both French and Mediterranean cuisines.

AM par Alexandre Mazzia

9 rue Rocca

A modest yet distinctive restaurant called Restaurant AM par Alexandre Mazzia is situated in Marseille, in the south of France. Sequences make up the meal Mazzia provides. The sequences are combinations of foods that have the appearance of works of art and a flavor that is influenced by the chef's adolescence in the Congo.

Shopping malls

Les Terrasses du Port

9 Quai du Lazaret

In Marseille's second arrondissement, there is a commercial shopping complex called Terrasses du Port. 190 stores make up the retail model, which sells both domestic and foreign products.

La Galerie La Valentine & Centre commercial la Valentine

Rte de la Sablière

It is one of the largest and most prominent shopping centers in the world and is situated in Marseille, France. It has a lot of the most well-known Turkish and worldwide brands in addition to eateries and cafés that serve a variety of cuisines.

Les Docks Village

10 Pl. de la Joliette

In the center of La Joliette, a commercial area in Marseille, France, is the historic structure known as Les Docks de Marseille. There are 220 businesses housed in the building, totaling 3,500 workers. Inside are many business headquarters, regional offices, dining establishments, and services.

Centre Commercial Centre Bourse

17 Cr Belsunce

The Centre Bourse shopping mall will continue to grow in importance as a thoroughfare, gathering spot, and must-visit shopping destination in the second-largest city in France. It is situated at the intersection of the city center's pedestrian streets, adjacent to the Vieux Port and Canebière.

Shopping streets

Rue Saint-Ferréol

The pedestrian-only Rue Saint-Férréol has become a haven for shopaholics. It extends between Marseille's first and sixth districts, notably from Place Félix-Baret to La Canebière, and is often referred to as "St Fé." This area delineates the well-known golden shopping triangle.

Rue de Rome

One of the principal thoroughfares in the city center, Rue de Rome, runs for more than 1.2 kilometers across Marseille's first and sixth districts. When your hands are full with purchases, the lovely tram that runs the entire length of the street is a major plus!

Rue Paradis & Rue Grignan

The second-longest street in Marseille is Rue Paradis, which is the city's epicenter for upscale shopping. It crosses the first, sixth, and eighth arrondissements as it connects Place du Général-de-Gaulle to Avenue du Prado. Some of the most prominent labels and cutting-edge stores may be found within its 2,870 meters. Along the same route as well-known brands like Sandro, Lacoste, and Kenzo are emerging designers with intriguing items.

Le Panier

Le Panier, in the second district, is the oldest neighborhood in the city and is sometimes referred to as the Montmartre of Marseilles. You can find painters, potters, sculptors, and other artisans in its winding pathways, all of whom are happy to welcome you inside their studios. Food artisans are not to be outdone, even though traditional Santons (nativity scenes), ceramics, knives, and olive wood products figure heavily.

Markets

Marché aux Poissons

2 Quai du Port

The most well-known market in Marseille is the fish market. It started in the old port in 1909 and has remained there ever since, every morning of the year, but arrive early to ensure that you get the fish you want. Hours of operation: everyday, 8am to 1pm

Marché du Prado

Av. du Prado

Another neighborhood market occupies the full side of the expansive Avenue du Prado (from Castellane metro station onward). Everything is sold there, including food, clothing, and home goods. Arrive early because it can be busy. Opening times are 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Marché de la Plaine

Pl. Jean Jaurès

The lower costs here are a result of the fact that this is where the locals shop. Since Place Jean Jaurès is the only level location in a hilly region, the locals refer to it as la plaine (literally, "the plain"). Opening times are 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Pl. du Marché des Capucins

One of the busiest, messiest, and most intriguing markets is the one in the heart of Marseille. Don't let the commotion frighten you; participate in it. It sells a wide variety of goods, including food and household supplies, but what makes it unique is the abundance of fresh herbs and spices, some of which are unusual for Northern European or American cuisines. Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Dangerous and recommended areas of the city

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

The northern districts of Marseille are without a doubt the areas to stay away from. True, but not just that. The 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th arrondissements are included when discussing Marseille’s northern districts.

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Unfortunately, additional districts must be added to these four. the 3rd arrondissement, particularly Bellevue City, or Felix Pyat, as it is known to Marseille residents.

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

The Vieux-Port area, where you can find the Marseille Opera House, the city hall, and many restaurants and cafes, is considered one of the safer areas in Marseille.

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

The La Plaine neighborhood is a trendy and lively area with many bars, cafes, and shops. It is also considered relatively safe

The Best Hotels

Hôtel Dieu Intercontinental

1 Pl. Daviel

Jena Hovor

This five-star hotel occupies a historic building that was once a hospital. I enjoyed the elegantly appointed room, with a view of the Vieux-Port. The hotel also has an amazing spa, fitness center, and rooftop pool.

Hôtel 96

96 avenue de la Soude

Jena Hovor

This three-star hotel is located on a rocky promontory overlooking the Mediterranean. The hotel has been run by the same family for three generations.

Mama Shelter Marseille

64 Rue de la Loubière

Jena Hovor

This design-forward hotel is located in a former office building near Cours Julien. I enjoyed the colorful and quirky room, with graffiti murals and vintage posters. The hotel also has an amazing restaurant, bar, and rooftop terrace with views of the city.

Recommended travel budget and how not to spend too much

For a couple in Marseille

Budget/day	Cost
Accommodation	115 EUR
Catering	70 EUR
Entertainment	80 EUR
Car rental	75 EUR

For 4 in Marseille

Budget/day	Cost
Accommodation	230 EUR
Meals	140 EUR
Entertainment	120 EUR
Car rental	75 EUR

Trip example

Day 1

Trip to Marseille

10:00 Arrive in Marseille and check into your hotel, the InterContinental Marseille.

11:00 Take a walking tour of the Old Port, one of Marseille's most iconic attractions.

12:00 Have lunch at a local restaurant, Chez Etienne, serving fresh seafood.

13:30 Visit the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, a beautiful hilltop basilica with stunning views of the city.

15:00 Take a scenic drive to the Calanques National Park and enjoy the breathtaking coastal views.

17:00 Return to your hotel and relax before dinner.

20:00 Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, Le Coin Provençal, serving traditional Provencal cuisine.

Day 2

Trip to Marseille

9:00 Visit the Musée des Civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée, also known as MuCEM, a fascinating museum showcasing the history and culture of the Mediterranean region.

11:00 Take a stroll around the nearby Fort Saint-Jean and explore the surrounding park and gardens.

12:00 Have lunch at a local restaurant, AM par Alexandre Mazzia.

13:30 Visit Cours Julien, a vibrant neighborhood with colorful street art, quirky shops, and trendy cafes.

15:30 Take a walk along the Corniche Kennedy and enjoy the beautiful coastal views.

18:00 Return to your hotel and relax before dinner.

20:00 Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, La Cantine de Lynn, serving Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

Day 3

Trip to Marseille

9:00 Visit the Château d'If, a historic fortress located on a small island off the coast of Marseille.

11:00 Take a stroll around the Le Panier neighborhood, one of Marseille's oldest and most picturesque areas.

12:00 Have lunch at a local Michelin restaurant, Une Table au Sud, serving traditional Provencal cuisine.

13:30 Visit the Musée Cantini, a museum showcasing a wide range of contemporary art.

15:30 Take a scenic drive to the nearby town of Cassis and enjoy a leisurely walk along the harbor.

18:00 Return to your hotel and relax before dinner.

20:00 Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, L'Aromat, serving Provençal cuisine.

Public toilets

13004 Marseille, France Located in Palais Longchamp

Pl. Jean Jaurès, 13005 Marseille, France (24/7)

Rue Albert 1er, 13001 Marseille, France (24/7)

73-65 Cr Julien, 13006 Marseille, France (24/7)

City parking adresses

Pass. Pentecontore, 13002 Marseille, France

22 Rue Fort Notre Dame, 13007 Marseille, France

7 Rue Sylvabelle, 13006 Marseille, France

93 Bd National, 13003 Marseille, France

29 Rue Sainte, 13001 Marseille, France

16-22 Bd de Sainte-Marguerite, 13009 Marseille, France

Car-free areas

From July 2 until August 29, the city of Marseille pedestrianized a section of the “Vieux-Port” (Old Port) neighborhood starting at 10 a.m. daily.

Public transport in Marseille

Subway and Tramway

1 trip card: €1.50 (plus €0.10 the first time for the price of the reloadable card). The 1-trip card is good for 1 hour of connection but only 1 trip by metro.

2-trip card: €3 (+0.10 €) This card allows you to make two connecting trips throughout the RTM network.

10 trips card: €13.40 (+€0.10) This card allows you to travel 10 times in correspondence throughout the RTM network.

Group 4 people card: 4,80 € A card that includes 4 tickets for 4 people

24-hour XL pass: €5.20 A ticket is valid for 24 hours from the first validation on the RTM and Transmétropole networks.

XL 72-hour pass: €10.80 Ticket is valid on the RTM and Transmétropole networks for 72 hours after the first validation.

City Pass: (24€ for 24 hours, 31€ for 48 hours, and 39€ for 72 hours) Move around Marseille while enjoying tourist services. You can buy the CityPass at the Tourist Office, in the “CityPass” ATMs of the Old Port and Saint-Charles Station stations, and also at the Port ATM located at the entrance of the cruise ship terminal.

Most metro (subway) and tramway stations have ticket machines, and they are also sold elsewhere across the city. Before each ride, make sure to validate your metro and tram tickets or passes by putting them on the orange digital readers. You can make as many transfers as you’d like between tram and metro stations within their hour-long validity period. If you do not abide by these rules, you risk being fined.

Buses

The first bus, metro, or tramway ticket purchased at the terminal costs 1 €60. It is then rechargeable (don’t throw it away) and then decreases to 1€50.

This ticket allows you to benefit from one hour of connection (including round trip) throughout the RTM network. Please keep in mind that you are only allowed to use the metro once. This same ticket will cost you much more on a bus, 1€90, so don’t hesitate to take it at the terminals. The bollards are positioned inside the metros or at the stops of the tramway.

2 trips card at 3€10 (at the first purchase, then 3€)

10 trips card at 13€50 (then 13€40)

Group card for 4 people at 4€80

XL Pass 24h for 5€20 or XL Pass 72h for 10€80 (they allow unlimited travel not only on the network (excluding maritime shuttles), but also on the metropolitan network, allowing you to reach neighboring cities such as Sausset-les-Pins, Allauch, or Gémenos.

There are a few options for taking public transportation from Marseille-Provence Airport to the city center. Tickets for the approximately 25-minute bus ride from the airport to Marseille Saint-Charles train station can be purchased online.

Bus drivers on board will sell you tickets. Before each trip, make sure to validate your bus ticket or pass by putting it on the orange digital readers. You can make as many transfers between bus stations as you like within the hour it is valid after validation. If you do not abide by these rules, you risk being fined.

Taxi

Taxi rates were last set by the authorities in February 2017. Like all taxis in France, drivers use a taximeter to determine the distance traveled.

Base fare – €2.00

Price per kilometer (day) – €1.72

Price per kilometer (night) – €2.22

A taxi from the airport costs between €50 and €60 and takes 30 minutes to reach the city center.

Please keep in mind that there may be additional fees for traveling during bank holidays or carrying excess luggage. Keeping the driver waiting will result in an additional charge of €28.

Taxis in Marseille are easy to find, as they are everywhere. You can hail one on the street, walk to the nearest rank, or use an app to order your Marseille taxi.

Taxi ranks can be found at Marseille-Saint-Charles Railway Station and near the main attractions in the city center. It’s also possible to hail a cab on the street if there’s no rank within 50 meters.

You can also order an Uber taxi.

Base fare – €2

Cost per min – €0.3

Cost per km – €1.45

Minimum charge – €6

Cancellation fee – €6

Cooking & Testing

Labo & Gato Marseille

21 Rue de la République

от

Labo & Gato Marseille is a cooking school and pastry shop located in the heart of Marseille. The school offers a range of classes and workshops that focus on pastry and dessert making, as well as cooking classes that cover a variety of cuisines. The classes at Labo & Gato are taught by experienced chefs and pastry chefs, who share their expertise and techniques with students of all skill levels. The classes cover a wide range of topics, from basic pastry techniques to advanced cake decorating and chocolate making.

La Table

68 Rue Jean-Baptiste Michel

от

La Table in Plan-de-Cuques offers cooking classes of the traditional Provencal cuisine. In order to arrange a cooking class with the restaurant's chef you have to contact them or reserve a spot on their website. This is a great opportunity to learn more about Provençal cuisine and cooking techniques, as well as get an inside look at how a traditional Provençal restaurant operates.

Weeno

26 Rue Grignan

от

It is a wine bar and restaurant that offers wine tastings and masterclasses. Their wine tastings typically involve sampling a selection of wines from different regions, accompanied by small plates of food that complement the flavors of the wines. The tastings are led by knowledgeable sommeliers who can provide information about the wine and answer any questions you may have. Weeno also offers a variety of other wine-related events and activities, including food and wine pairings, cellar tours, and private tastings.

Domaine du Bagnol

12 Av. de Provence

от

It is a vineyard and winery located in the Cassis wine region of Provence, France, near Marseille. The estate produces white and rosé wines, and is particularly known for its Cassis Blanc, a dry white wine made from the Clairette, Marsanne, and Ugni Blanc grape varieties. The vineyard is situated on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, and benefits from the region's warm climate and the sea breeze. The estate is open to visitors for tastings and tours, and is a popular destination for wine lovers visiting the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

01

Is it worth renting a car when traveling to Marseille?

02

Is Marseille a good place to travel with kids?

03

What to do in Marseille if traveling with family?

04

What do I need to rent a car in France?

05

How much time should I devote to my visit to Marseille?

06

Where can I swim in Calanques National Park?

07

Where is the best place to shop for food in Marseille?