Marseille

Written by Camille Laurent, Celine Fournier, Marcus Kayode, Sebastien Simon
30/08/2025
View of Marseille harbor featuring a speedboat and historic buildings on a sunny day, capturing the essence of Mediterranean coastal living.
alex ohan, Pexels

Marseille presents a dynamic blend of ancient history, Mediterranean charm, and contemporary culture, drawing visitors to its bustling Old Port, historic neighborhoods, and remarkable natural parks.

The Old Port (Vieux Port) is a central gathering place with numerous cafes and restaurants. Le Panier and Le Cours Julien offer a lively atmosphere with bars, cafes, and street art, ideal for mingling with other travelers. Beaches like Plage des Catalans and Plage du Prophète are popular for socializing and evening aperitifs, and hostels frequently organize social events like pub crawls.

Top 5 Things to do in Marseille

Activities range from exploring ancient neighborhoods and cultural institutions to embarking on boat trips to breathtaking natural parks.

1. Wander the Historic Vieux Port

Begin your journey at the Vieux Port, the bustling historical heart of Marseille. Observe local life as fishermen sell their fresh catch at the morning fish market. Stroll along the quays, soak in the vibrant atmosphere, and find a charming cafe to enjoy the Mediterranean ambiance. You can also take a short ferry ride across the harbor to view the port from a different perspective, a tradition that offers a unique vantage point.

Cost: Free to explore. A short ferry ride across the harbor is very inexpensive, typically under €1.

Transport: The Vieux Port is centrally located and easily accessible on foot from many parts of the city. Public transport, including metro, tram, and bus lines, serves the area. A single public transport ticket costs €1.70.

2. Visit Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica

Ascend to the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, an iconic Neo-Romanesque and Neo-Byzantine basilica perched atop the city's highest natural point. The basilica, affectionately known as 'La Bonne Mère' (The Good Mother), offers unparalleled 360-degree panoramic views of Marseille, its islands, and the vast Mediterranean Sea. Exploring its intricate interior and exterior architecture is a rewarding experience.

Cost: Entry to the basilica is free.

Transport: You can reach the basilica via a scenic, albeit steep, walk, or by taking public bus number 60 directly from the Vieux Port. A single public transport ticket costs €1.70.

3. Explore Le Panier, Marseille's Oldest Quarter

Lose yourself in the enchanting labyrinth of Le Panier, Marseille's oldest neighborhood. Its narrow, winding streets are rich with history, colorful street art, and independent artisan shops. This district has maintained its unique charm, inviting you to wander, discover hidden squares, and appreciate the blend of ancient Greek foundations and contemporary artistic expression. Local guides offer walking tours to delve deeper into its stories.

Cost: Free to explore independently. Guided walking tours typically cost between $40 and $60 (€37-€55 approximately) per person.

Transport: Le Panier is situated just behind the Vieux Port, making it easily accessible on foot.

4. Immerse in Culture at MuCEM

Discover the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations (MuCEM), an architectural marvel located at the entrance to the Vieux Port. Its stunning contemporary design houses exhibitions dedicated to the history and diverse cultures of the Mediterranean basin. The museum connects to the historic Fort Saint-Jean via a graceful suspended walkway, allowing for a seamless transition between ancient heritage and modern cultural insights.

Cost: Admission starts from €9.70 to €11 for permanent and temporary exhibitions. Entry is free for visitors under 18 years old and on the first Sunday of each month.

Transport: Located on the waterfront at the Vieux Port, MuCEM is easily reachable on foot from the city center.

5. Discover the Calanques National Park

Embark on an adventure to the breathtaking Calanques National Park, a protected area of white limestone cliffs, hidden coves, and turquoise waters between Marseille and Cassis. This natural wonder offers incredible opportunities for boat trips, swimming, snorkeling, and hiking. A boat excursion provides the best perspective of these dramatic fjords, allowing access to secluded spots for swimming in crystal-clear Mediterranean waters.

Cost: Group boat tours start from approximately €59-€79 per person, often including stops for swimming and snorkeling. Hiking is free. Kayak rentals are available, or you can join guided kayaking tours. Private boat hires are also an option for a more personalized experience, though at a significantly higher cost.

Transport: Many boat tours depart directly from Marseille's Vieux Port. To access hiking trails or specific calanques by public transport, local buses are available (e.g., bus 20 or 21 from Castellane metro station towards Luminy for trail access). A single public transport ticket costs €1.70 or a day pass is €5.20.

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