Its important port and the cultural wealth left by all those who have passed through it over the years make this city in the south of France a much more than interesting destination. Its bad reputation is now history and if you don't believe me, just keep reading, because below we are going to tell you the best 20 things to see and do in Marseille .
Marseille is not only the oldest city in France, but also one of the most vibrant in the Mediterranean. Founded in 600 BC by Greek sailors from Phocaea, it began as a small trading port and quickly became a key point for trade with Rome, Africa and the Near East.
Over the centuries, it has gone through all kinds of ups and downs: invasions, epidemics and wars, but it has always managed to reinvent itself. During the French Revolution, for example, the people of Marseillaise brought their energy to Paris and their revolutionary song ended up becoming La Marseillaise , the national anthem of France.
Already in the 19th and 20th centuries, with industrialisation and immigration, Marseille became a true melting pot of cultures. Today, it remains a city of character, with a lively port, lively neighbourhoods and a unique blend of history and modernity.
The best thigs to see in Marseille
Dirty, ugly, dangerous… these are the words that have been associated with Marseille over the years. Don’t be put off by these words, because despite its flaws, this city is colourful, cheerful, full of life, with a strong personality and delicious cuisine… something like the Naples of France .
Ready to find out? Let's go!
1. Old Port of Marseille
The real heart of Marseille is the Old Port , and it remains in great shape, even though it has been beating intensely since the Greeks founded the city in this very spot more than 2,000 years ago. Mornings of fish trading, the bustle of boats, tourists and locals, souvenir shops, cafés, restaurants and of course the magic of the sunsets. It seems that everything begins and ends here. Don't miss this very important part of the city!
2. The Cart
An inseparable companion of the Old Port is the Le Panier neighbourhood . After decades of neglect and being considered one of the most dangerous places in Europe, Le Panier has been given a facelift, turning it into one of the most suggestive places in the whole city. And most importantly, it hasn't lost its essence. Clothes hanging from the windows, old people sitting on the doorsteps of their houses chatting, alternative venues, craft workshops, urban art everywhere... Getting lost in the streets of this neighbourhood of fishermen and immigrants is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Marseille.
3. The Old Charity
Don't leave the Le Panier district without first visiting La Vieille Charité . This beautiful architectural complex was created in 1640 to accommodate the city's beggars and destitute people. Today it is a multidisciplinary centre, home to various museums. Check out their website for more information about the place and the exhibitions you can find there.
4. Fort Saint-Jean and Fort Saint-Nicolas
Acting as guardians of the Old Port, two fortresses stand at either end: Fort Saint-Jean and Fort Saint-Nicolas . These two forts were built in response to a revolt against the local governor rather than as a defensive function. This is demonstrated by the fact that their cannons were pointed towards the city and not out to sea. Come and see them and learn a little more about the history of this remarkable part of the city.
5. MuCEM
A 130-metre walkway connects Fort Saint-Jean to the MuCEM . This ultra-modern museum opened its doors in 2013 when Marseille was named European Capital of Culture. It is a museum dedicated to the anthropological heritage of the European and Mediterranean region, but also a meeting place, created for debate and the exchange of opinions. Inside you can also see presentations and temporary exhibitions on important social themes. Admission to the museum costs €9.50 (free with the Marseille City Pass ) and includes access to Fort Saint-Jean. All information about the museum can be found here: www.mucem.org
6. Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore
Near the MuCEM you will find the imposing Cathedral of Saint Mary Major , known among the Marseillais as La Major . This impressive Romanesque-Byzantine style building is one of the must-see places on a visit to Marseille. If its exterior is surprising, you cannot miss the elaborate mosaics that you will find inside. Check the opening times here .
7. St. Victor's Abbey
Founded in the 5th century, the Abbey of Saint Victor is one of the oldest buildings in the city. Famous for the mass celebrations of Candlemas, which attract between 60,000 and 80,000 people every year, it houses a number of interesting sarcophagi, chapels and epitaphs. The place is worth a visit… don't miss it! All the information here .
From the Abbey of Saint Victor your steps (or perhaps your nose!) will take you to Four des Navettes , the oldest bakery in the city. Here you can try the peculiar flavour of navettes , one of the most famous pastries in Marseille. Shaped like a boat (don't forget where we are and the importance of the sea in this city), they have a crunchy texture and a subtle orange blossom aroma. Some love them and others hate them, so you'll have no choice but to try them to find out which side you belong to 😉
9. In case you hadn’t realised by now, Marseille soap originated in… ta-da, ta-da… Marseille! Jokes aside, the star product of this part of France was first marketed no less than 600 years ago. In the Saint-Victor neighbourhood you will find a few shops dedicated to its production and sale. Don’t miss the opportunity to take home a useful and fragrant souvenir of the city… And if you want to know more about its origins, in the Old Port you can visit a museum dedicated to Marseille soap .
10. Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica, one of the best things to see in Marseille
The Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde overlooks Marseille from its privileged position. Visit this basilica, one of the most important religious buildings in the whole country, and enjoy the wonderful views of the city from there. You can get there on foot, but don't worry, if moving your legs is not your thing, there is a bus from the Old Port that goes up, or you can take the tourist train (free with the Marseille City Pass ) and just go with the flow ;). If you want to know more about Notre Dame de la Garde and its surroundings, book this tour with a guide in Spanish
11. The Corniche
A perfect place to relax and breathe fresh air is La Corniche . This panoramic 5-kilometre promenade was started in 1848 in response to the high unemployment rate in the area, thus providing employment for around 8,000 people during the construction period.
12. Port of Vallon des Auffes
While you're on the Corniche, don't miss the chance to visit the small fishing port of Vallon des Auffes . In the 18th century, an Italian fisherman came to this place, built a handful of small huts and made it his home. The port can accommodate around 50 traditional fishing boats, which you can still find today. A great opportunity to see a part of the coast that has remained virtually unchanged over the years.
Are you visiting Marseille for just one day on a cruise stop ? Then the best thing to do is sign up for a guided tour in Spanish for cruise passengers so you can see the most important parts of the city without wasting time. Or why not, opt for the tourist bus
13. The Radiant City of Marseille
Although it is a little far from the centre, it is worth visiting the L'Unité d'Habitation de Marseille , one of the most surprising places in the city. This building, known as “ The Radiant City ”, was built between 1947 and 1952 and is one of the most famous works of the architect Le Corbusier. Perhaps the concrete mass doesn't mean anything to you when you look at it from the outside, but inside it hides a whole world: 337 apartments spread over 12 floors, including shops, sports, educational and health areas, and even a hotel. There is also a communal terrace on the roof with an athletics track and a small pond. Visiting this unique building is one of the best things to do in Marseille. More info here .
14. Try a bouillabaisse
Let your steps lead you back to the vibrant Old Port, where you'll find some of the best fish restaurants in the city. And you can't leave Marseille without trying its local delicacies, such as the famous Bouillabaisse , a soup of whole cooked fish with potatoes and tomatoes.
15. Best museums in Marseille
The extravagant Palais Longchamp houses two of Marseille's most important museums, as well as a huge and beautiful park. Opened in 1869, and renovated to mark Marseille's European Capital of Culture, the palace commemorates the arrival of water from the Durance Canal into the city. Occupying the right wing of the monument, the Museum of Natural History houses an impressive collection of animals, plants, minerals and rocks. On the opposite side is the Museum of Fine Arts . Whether you like art and natural history or not, this place is worth a visit. Both are included in the Marseille City Pass .
16. Beaches of Marseille
If you're travelling to Marseille in the summer months, grab your swimsuit, towel and visit one of the city's beaches , which are right on the doorstep of the Côte d'Azur. The most central and important is Plage des Catalans , but perhaps not the best for relaxing and resting. Plage du Prado is another of the most popular beaches, easily accessible by car or bus from any part of central Marseille.
17. Les Calanques National Park, top excursion from Marseille
Do you have time left and are you still in the mood for beaches with turquoise waters and breathtaking landscapes? Then you have to visit Les Calanques . This National Park attracts thousands of tourists every year, with its spectacular 20 kilometres of coastline. The impressive cliffs hide among their fissures an endless number of small and beautiful coves, although most of them are difficult to access. Believe me, the effort will be worth it, visiting Les Calanques is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Marseille. A good idea is to enjoy these beautiful places on a hiking route with a guide in Spanish, you can book here .
18. Noailles Market
African products, spices, fruits, vegetables… the smells and flavours you will experience at the permanent market in Noailles will transport you to somewhere in North Africa. The Rue du Marché-des-Capucins is the main street around which this market grows. Good prices and quality products… don’t miss it!
19. Castle of If
On a small island in front of the city of Marseille, you will find the Château d'If . If you have read the famous novel by Alexandre Dumas “The Count of Monte Cristo” you will know exactly what place I am talking about. If you have not heard of it, you will not find a better excuse to visit this fortification, which was built between 1527 and 1529 to watch over Marseille, or as Francis I justified its construction, to protect the city from possible attacks by sea. In the 17th century it began to be used as a state prison for opponents and enemies of power, and today it is a major tourist attraction. Entrance fee: €6, ferries leave from the Old Port. More information here: www.chateau-if.fr
20. Enjoy a nice sunset
To say goodbye to Marseille, there is nothing better than enjoying its wonderful, colourful sunsets. The Corniche, the Notre Dame de la Garde basilica, Les Calanques National Park, the Porte de L'Orient... there are a good number of places to enjoy this magical moment, you just have to choose your favourite.
Map with everything to see and do in Marseille
Here is a map with all the places to visit on your trip to Marseille:
And here are the best 20 things to see and do in Marseille , we hope you feel like visiting it and enjoying everything it has to offer 🙂
