Marseille Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Vieux Port featuring boating and a marina
Marseille which includes city views, general coastal views and a bay or harbour
Vieux Port showing a marina, a coastal town and boating
Marseille
Marseille
Escape toFrance’s historic southern port city to experience its picture-perfectcoastline, cosmopolitan café culture and more than 26 centuries of history.

France’s reputation for food and hospitality collides with thousands ofyears of history, art and architecture in Marseille, France’s oldest city.Visit the southern city with your camera, swimmers and walking shoes in hand toexplore Marseille’s amazing historic sites, sunny beaches and the cliff-top hikingroutes that follow the Mediterranean coastline.

Wake up with a cup of coffee and breakfast at one of the local cafés thecity is famous for. Over the past century the city’s residents have devotedthemselves to developing their iconic café culture around the Vieux Port precinct.

Take a walk through the city’s old town, Panier, to see the major sightsof Marseille. Just north of the port you’llfind the Vieille Charité Museum and the Baroque-style Hotêl de Ville. Hop on board the Petit Train that runsfrom the old town to reach the towering NotreDame de la Garde Basilica, which boasts some of the best views ofMarseille.

Spend an afternoon atthe luxurious Opéra de Marseillebefore exploring the galleries, theatres and winding streets that characterisethe nearby Canebiére thoroughfare. Stop by the tourist office on the arcade todiscover the many cultural events taking place each week in Marseille. Ventureto the Noailles district to shop for oddities in the sprawling African markets.

The landscape surroundingMarseille shouldn’t be missed: there are many hikes, bike rides and boat tripsto embark on in the Calanques NationalPark. Sign up for a guided boat tour to see Château d’If, the former prisonisland that was immortalised in Alexandre Dumas’ famous film, Count of Monte Cristo. While away theafternoon in Borély Park as youexplore its beautiful chateau and surrounding botanic garden before you head toPrado Beach or Borély Beach to watch the sunset.

Marseille’s city centreis easily navigated on foot with most attractions located close to Vieux Port.From the port you can use the city’s public bus and boat routes to reachattractions outside the city. Arrive in Marseille via France’s extensivenetwork of high-speed trains or by ferry from Corsica, Sardinia and NorthernAfrica. Those coming from outside Europe will needto fly from a European hub to Marseille’s international airport, which is amongthe busiest in the nation.

Where to stay in Marseille

Default Image

9th Arrondissement

Well liked for its beaches and parks, 9th Arrondissement is worth a visit. Check out the variety of things to see and do like Calanque Sormiou and Massif des Calanques, and jump on the metro at Sainte-Marguerite Dromel Station to get around the city.

9th Arrondissement
Default Image

8th Arrondissement

3.5/5(2 area reviews)

Beaches, shopping and waterfront views highlight some notable features of 8th Arrondissement. Make a stop by Borely Park or Cité Radieuse Le Corbusier while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Rond-Point du Prado Station or Perier Metro Station to get around town.

8th Arrondissement
Prado Beach showing general coastal views and a sandy beach as well as a small group of people

Prado-Perier

Noted for its seaside views and waterfront views, there's plenty to explore in Prado-Perier. Top attractions like International Fair and Exhibition Center Marseille and Velodrome Stadium are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Rond-Point du Prado Station or Perier Metro Station to see more of the city.

Prado-Perier
Default Image

7th Arrondissement

4/5(3 area reviews)

The ample dining options and captivating waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to 7th Arrondissement. A stop by Old Port of Marseille or Vallon des Auffes might round out your trip.

7th Arrondissement
Default Image

2nd Arrondissement

3/5(5 area reviews)

Travellers choose 2nd Arrondissement for its captivating waterfront views. Hop aboard the metro at Joliette Station or Jules Guesde Station and check out top sights like Old Port of Marseille.

2nd Arrondissement
Default Image

Opéra

The ample dining options and captivating waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Opéra. A stop by Old Port of Marseille or La Canebiere might round out your trip.

Opéra
Maisons du Monde Hôtel & Suites - Marseille Vieux Port
Maisons du Monde Hôtel & Suites - Marseille Vieux Port
4 out of 5
43 Quai des Belges, Marseille, Bouches-du-Rhone
The price is AU$231 per night from 2 Mar to 3 Mar
AU$231
includes taxes & fees
2 Mar - 3 Mar
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Marseille. Enjoy free WiFi, a marina, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (979 reviews)
"Staff are fab. An issue came up with our room and they dealt with it quiclly and graciously"

Reviewed on 22 Feb. 2025

Maisons du Monde Hôtel & Suites - Marseille Vieux Port
Residhotel Grand Prado
Residhotel Grand Prado
3 out of 5
Allée Turcat Méry, 7 square des frères Ambrogiani, Marseille
The price is AU$91 per night from 23 Mar to 24 Mar
AU$91
includes taxes & fees
23 Mar - 24 Mar
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Marseille. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.4/10 Good! (2,075 reviews)
Super séjour!
"Séjour parfait. Studio simple mais très pratique et très correct . Cependant quelques carreaux cassés sur le sol de la terrasse mais rien d autre à signaler. Métro à 2 minutes, c est super!"

Reviewed on 20 Feb. 2025

Residhotel Grand Prado
Golden Tulip Marseille Euromed
Golden Tulip Marseille Euromed
4 out of 5
6 Place Henri Verneuil, Marseille
The price is AU$171 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
AU$171
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Marseille. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (975 reviews)
Excellent séjour
"Accueil chaleureux, propreté impeccable, chambres confortables, très jolies, et très calmes. Il manque juste une prise de courant dans la salle de bain."

Reviewed on 22 Feb. 2025

Golden Tulip Marseille Euromed
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Residhotel Grand Prado
Residhotel Grand Prado
3 out of 5
Allée Turcat Méry, 7 square des frères Ambrogiani, Marseille
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Marseille. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.4/10 Good! (2,075 reviews)
Super séjour!
"Séjour parfait. Studio simple mais très pratique et très correct . Cependant quelques carreaux cassés sur le sol de la terrasse mais rien d autre à signaler. Métro à 2 minutes, c est super!"

Reviewed on 20 Feb. 2025

Residhotel Grand Prado
Staycity Aparthotels, Marseille, Centre Vieux Port
Staycity Aparthotels, Marseille, Centre Vieux Port
3 out of 5
4 place Pierre Bertas, Marseille
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Marseille. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,123 reviews)
"The property was in a good location and had amenities that were helpful such as a laundry room. They also provided lemon water in the lobby each day which was a nice touch. Our room had a nice little outdoor balcony had we decided to use it more. Bed was OK but a little firm. Front desk staff were ..."

Reviewed on 27 Feb. 2025

Staycity Aparthotels, Marseille, Centre Vieux Port
Residhotel Vieux Port
Residhotel Vieux Port
3 out of 5
4 Rue Coutellerie, Marseille, Bouches-du-Rhone
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Marseille. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), daily housekeeping, and conference space. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
7.8/10 Good! (776 reviews)
"Good location, central but set back 1 street from the old port. Very easy access to the metro, tramway, and buses. Room was nice, had a fridge, microwave and cooker if you wanted to use them. AC didnt appear to be working however, and the bathroom was a bit dated. The hotel was undergoing renovations ..."

Reviewed on 26 Feb. 2025

Residhotel Vieux Port
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Marseille

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
10
5 - Excellent 32%
4 - Good
14
4 - Good 45%
3 - Okay
4
3 - Okay 13%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 10%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

2/5 - Disappointing

Prav

Marseille was not as nice as other parts of France. I personally wouldn't recommend it as there are other nice places. I felt unsafe at times especially in the evening.

4/5 - Good

T

Nice place to visit but would stay elsewhere.

4/5 - Good

Des

Bus system very good to get around to the sites. The port area and old port are lovely. Notre Dame de la Gatde overlooking the town is a must see.

4/5 - Good

PortLocal

Marseille is a bit rough around the edges, I didn’t always feel completely safe traveling on my own here. That said it is worth visiting. The port, basilica & the Calanques were beautiful places to visit.

5/5 - Excellent

Ron

Loved the port area, well set up for tourists. Hop on hop off bus was great.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Give Marseille a chance!

Cities near Marseille