Marseille is the second largest city in France and an essential destination for any traveler. This Marseille travel guide: top attractions and tips will offers you seven compelling reasons why this coastal city should be at the top of your list.
Known for its stunning architecture, delectable cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes, Marseille is a city that seamlessly blends its ancient roots, dating back to 600 BC, with a modern, cosmopolitan vibe.
The Old Port is the heart of Marseille, and mostly what it is known for in the last 2,600 years. It’s a lively energetic area, where the city’s maritime history comes to life. Whatever time of the day you visit, you will surely find it full of locals, tourists and fishermen selling their catch of the day.
The waterfront is lined with cafes, restaurants and markets. This makes it the perfect place to stroll around, and enjoy the culture and atmosphere around you. There is a lot to discover here.
We definitely suggest walking around and then enjoying some fresh seafood or just browsing the daily fish markets to see the amazing catch of the day. Also, at night the area is light up and there is often live music and street performers adding an extra touch to your holiday.
Tip:
If you’re interested in fishing or fish in general, make sure to visit early in the morning to catch the fish market in action. We especially loved it around sunset, where we saw stunning views over the harbor.
Make sure to also allocate some time to check out the streets nearby. Don’t forget to also take a look at the Fort Saint-Jean. This is a historic fortress at the entrance of the port.
Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde is a symbol of Marseille and a must-see attraction. It is located atop a hill overlooking the city. This beautiful basilica was built in the 19th century. It features a large golden statue of the Virgin Mary, known as “Bonne Mère” (Good mother in french).
It is believed thats she watches over the city and protects the locals and those visiting. Inside, this basilica is full of stunning mosaics and intricate artworks, reflecting Marseille’s religious and cultural heritage. The top highlight of this attraction, is the remarkable view from the top.
When at the top, you can witness the entire city stretching to the Mediterranean Sea. We highly recommend to do this at sunrise or sunset, when the light gives the city a magical golden glow.
Tip:
Entrance to the basilica is free. So we definitely suggest that you at least stop by. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as the walk to the top is steep and can be very tiring. However, there is a more comfortable way by taking the petit train. This is a small tourist train that offers a scenic route up to the basilica.
Also, if you are a photo enthusiast, it’s highly recommended that you go at sunrise or sunset for the best spectacular photos and for a more peaceful atmosphere.
If you’re up for an adventure, this is definitely the attraction that you must do. Calanques National Park is just a short distance from the city. It is one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in France.
This park is famous for its stunning limestone cliffs, which plunge into crystal-clear turquoise water. It is the ideal place for hiking, swimming and amazing boat tours. If you are a beginner hiker but still want to try it out, you don’t have to worry.
There are several trails, from easy walks to more challenging ones, offering a choice to every visitor. It is a definite visit if you want to escape the city for a day, and experience something that you have never seen before.
Don’t miss out on the amazing hidden beaches and coves that are on the way, which offer a refreshing swim in the summer heat.
Tip:
This is definitely something that you should do during your summer vacation. However, make sure you bring plenty of water, sunscreen and good shoes, especially if you plan to hike.
If you’re not interested in the sporting activities, we suggest taking a boat tour which allows you to see this stunning place from the water perspective. Many of the boat tours have stops at the best spots for swimming.
This attraction was certainly a favorite of ours, definitely leaving memories that will last a lifetime.
Marseille’s food has a blend of Mediterranean and North African influences. Due to its location, the city is known for its fresh caught seafood and rich flavors.
The most famous dish that you should try if you’re a seafood lover is Bouillabaisse. It is a hearty fish stew that originated in Marseille. This dish is a true taste of the sea and is traditionally served with a side of rouille which is a garlic and saffron sauce, and crusty bread. Other local favorites include Panisse (a chickpea fritter) and Navettes (sweet biscuits flavored with orange blossom).
This city also has several markets where you can sample local fresh ingredients. We suggest visiting Noailles Market, which is a vibrant spot where you can find fresh produce, spices, and pastries. Here we suggest to also buy some souvenirs, which can all be a unique and more useful than the typical ones.
Tip:
For a truly local experience, you should visit small, family-owned restaurants around the Old Port. This is not only recommended for this city, but for almost everywhere around the world, as they are usually the most authentic, most reasonably priced and usually also offer some cooking tips.
If you love cooking, consider joining a food tour or cooking class to learn more about Provençal cuisine and pick up some tips from local chefs.
Le Panier is Marseille’s oldest neighborhood. It is the typical and traditional old street filled with narrow streets, colorful buildings and artistic charms. Walking through this neighborhood feels like stepping back in time. There are several historical buildings, local art studios and unique shops selling handmade crafts. It is known for its Mediterranean vibes.
This neighborhood definitely has a bohemian feel and is a hub for artists and creators. It is also the home of several notable landmarks, for example La Vieille Charité. This is a former almshouse that now hosts exhibitions as well as cultural events.
The neighborhood’s vibrant street art and lively squares make it a perfect place to wander and discover. We highly recommend taking a relaxing stroll around, and discovering new cultures.
Tip:
Explore at your own pace and uncover hidden gems. You don’t have to plan beforehand exactly since some areas might interest you more than others, while there are some spots that you stumble upon unintentionally.
If you prefer more the quiet, and fewer crowds, we suggest visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon. If you like unique and quirky souvenirs, this would be the perfect place to buy some from the several local boutiques.
Château d’If is a fortress that was turned into a prison on an island off the coast. It is one of Marseille’s most interesting historical sites. It was made famous by Alexandre Dumas, after writing his novel “The Count of Monte Cristo”. It has a fascinating and somber history. Originally it was built in the 16th century, to protect the city from invaders.
However, later it became a prison for political and religious prisoners. Today, you can visit the island and tour around the fortress. Visitors will get to see where prisoners where held, who was held there and the reason they where imprisoned.
The views of Marseille from the sea, definitely adds to the experience. It is surely a memorable and unique trip, that you won’t have the chance to do very often in a lifetime.
Tip:
Ferries to Château d’If leave from the Old Port. However, we highly advise you to check the schedules in advance, as they are likely to be limited during the winter. If you want less crowds, try to visit on a weekday.
If you love taking photos, we definitely suggest that you bring your camera, as this would be the perfect place to take some amazing shots.
Marseille is known for its vibrant markets. This is the place where locals shop for fresh produce, spices, seafood and much more. The Noailles Market is one of the most popular. It is known as the “belly of Marseille.” This amazing market offers a mixture of Mediterranean and North African foods, giving visitors a taste of the city’s diverse culture.
Strolling through the different market stands is an experience in itself, with the aroma of spices and freshly baked goods around you. We definitely suggest picking up some local items from here and doing a picnic somewhere peaceful in the city. If you love to cook, you can also buy some fresh ingredients and cook a traditional French dish.
You should also use this as the opportunity to sample some local new dishes that you have never tried before.
Tip:
Make sure you arrive early in the morning, if you want to find the best selection of goods and have a quieter experience. Haggling is quite common in these types of markets. So we suggest you try it out and maybe get some great discounts.
Make sure to have some cash with you, as some vendors might not accept cards especially for small payments.
Marseille is a city that truly captures the essence of the Mediterranean, offering a mix of rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes. As highlighted in this Marseille travel guide: top attractions and tips, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant French city.
Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an outdoor enthusiast, Marseille delivers a unique and unforgettable experience. Don’t forget to explore our other guides on French cities like Paris, Angers, Nantes or La Rochelle and let us know which destination you’d like us to cover next!
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