Check out the top 27 best things to do in Marseille and get to know the city in all its gritty and sunlit glory. This guide cuts through the noise and gets straight to the spots, flavors, and views that make Marseille worth the trip.
Marseille is the kind of place that doesn’t try to impress you until it does. It’s bold, a little chaotic, and completely unforgettable. There are ancient landmarks next to street art, fish markets by the sea, and hiking trails right where the city ends. And with the largest selection of tours and tickets in Marseille, you’ve got more than enough ways to dive in.
There’s no single way to explore it. But with fully customizable Marseille travel packages, it’s easy to build a trip that actually fits how you want to travel.
Getting here is easy, too. There are direct flights to Marseille from cities all over Europe. Once you land, renting a car in Marseille is a smart move if you want to catch the sunset in Les Goudes or take a day trip to Cassis.
This guide to the top 27 best things to do in Marseille will help you zero in on what’s worth your time and maybe even surprise you along the way.
Best Ways to Experience Marseille
Marseille offers a wide mix of activities that make it easy to explore the city your way.
Walking tours in Marseille are a great introduction to its historic neighborhoods. Meanwhile, hiking tours in Marseille take you beyond the city streets, offering panoramic views, coastal trails, and a closer look at the region’s rugged Mediterranean landscape.
Food and drink experiences in Marseille highlight the city’s character through local markets, seafood spots, and Provencal recipes passed down through generations. The culinary scene blends North African, Mediterranean, and Southern French flavors into something uniquely its own.
If you're arriving by cruise, Marseille shore excursions are tailored to help you make the most of your time on land. The city’s beaches, markets, and open-air museums are easy to reach, making it one of Southern France's more walkable and sustainable travel destinations.
There are also unique things to do in Marseille, like touring a traditional Savon de Marseille soap factory, where olive oil and seawater become something iconic.
For those with more time, Marseille excursions to Cassis, Arles, or the Camargue highlight the variety of things to do around the city. You’ll also find fun things to do locally, from rooftop bars tucked into old warehouses to casual seaside hikes.
However you want to experience the city, there’s something here that fits.
27 Best Things To Do in Marseille
For years, Marseille flew under the radar while travelers flocked to the Riviera. But things have changed.
Since being named the European Capital of Culture in 2013, travel and tourism in Marseille have grown steadily, drawing millions each year. The city was awarded the title by the Council of Ministers of the European Union, following a competitive selection process overseen by the European Commission.
Today, Marseille is one of the most visited cities in France, known for its layered history, multicultural energy, and dramatic coastline. From the Vieux-Port to the Calanques, Marseille has found its stride, and the world is finally paying attention.
Here are the top 27 best things to do in Marseille, from timeless landmarks to local favorites worth the detour.
27. Try Bouillabaisse and Sip Pastis
You haven’t really experienced Marseille until you've tried bouillabaisse, a seafood stew bursting with local flavors. Initially a humble fisherman's meal using unsold fish, today it showcases premium ingredients like fresh rascasse, monkfish, and saffron.
Slather some spicy rouille on crusty bread and soak it all in. The flavor practically says, "Welcome to Marseille."
Don’t miss pairing it with pastis, Marseille’s iconic licorice-flavored aperitif introduced back in the 1930s. Join a guided Marseille food and wine tour to savor this authentic culinary combo and discover why it tops every local’s list of must-do activities.
26. Tour a Savon de Marseille Factory
If you thought soap couldn’t be exciting, Marseille will change your mind. The city’s been crafting its legendary Savon de Marseille soap for over 600 years, originally championed by Louis XIV for being gentle enough for royals yet tough enough for sailors.
Peek inside an authentic factory where craftsmen stir giant cauldrons and hand-cut each soap bar, giving you that genuine "made in Marseille" vibe. Snagging a few bars is basically required. They’re hypoallergenic, smell amazing, and make seriously thoughtful souvenirs.
25. Set Out on a Day Trip to Arles and the Camargue
While exploring the top things to do in Marseille, it’s worth including a journey beyond the city itself. Day trips from Marseille don’t get more rewarding than a visit to Arles and the Camargue, two destinations that highlight the region’s cultural and environmental richness.
Arles delivers a striking mix of Roman heritage and artistic legacy. Its ancient amphitheater once hosted gladiator games and still stands as one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in France. The town also inspired Vincent van Gogh, who painted some of his most iconic works here.
Just beyond Arles, the Camargue feels completely different. This protected wetland is known for its salt flats, bright pink flamingos, black bulls, and semi-wild white horses.
The landscape is unlike anywhere else in southern France. A private guided Arles and Camargue tour from Marseille makes it easy to explore both in one day, with expert insight and seamless transport between stops.
24. Visit Cassis and Cap Canaille Cliffs
Picture-perfect Cassis is Marseille’s stylish neighbor. This coastal town is loaded with charm, little cafes, and white wines you won’t find at home.
Just above it, Cap Canaille cliffs rise dramatically, making them the highest sea cliffs in France (seriously, the views are jaw-dropping). Hop on a guided Marseille and Cassis tour to ditch the parking hassle and focus on soaking up that sweet Mediterranean vibe.
23. Explore Aix-en-Provence’s Charm
Just a short drive from Marseille, Aix-en-Provence feels like stepping into a chic Provencal postcard. Known as the birthplace of artist Paul Cézanne, Aix charms visitors with tree-lined boulevards, bustling markets fragrant with lavender, and inviting cafes.
Famously dubbed the "City of a Thousand Fountains," it offers a relaxed, elegant contrast to Marseille's lively buzz. A guided Aix-en-Provence tour from Marseille is a great way to explore the town with the insight of a local expert.
22. Explore Marseille’s Vibrant Markets
If you want the real pulse of Marseille, hit up the vibrant markets like Noailles. Here, mountains of aromatic spices, fresh seafood, and sizzling street snacks create a feast for your senses.
A guided walking tour of Noailles takes you behind the scenes, sharing fascinating stories of local vendors and hidden culinary gems that only insiders know. You'll leave with a full belly and a deeper appreciation for Marseille’s multicultural heritage.
21. Drive to Les Goudes at Sunset
Sunset in Les Goudes feels like Marseille’s reward for anyone willing to go a little farther. Past the main city and into the edge of the Massif des Calanques, this tiny fishing village wraps around the rocky coast with quiet charm and spectacular views.
The views get better by the mile, especially as the sky turns amber. To make the most of it, renting a car in Marseille is your best bet, giving you the freedom to time it right. It’s one of the top things to do in Marseille when you want to escape the crowds and chase the light.
20. Snack and Stroll Through L’Estaque
Art lovers and foodies alike adore L’Estaque, a harbor neighborhood famous for inspiring masters like Cézanne and Renoir. Today, it’s equally famous for its irresistible street foods like crispy panisses (golden, savory chickpea flour fries) and sugar-coated chichis fregis (sweet fried dough often enjoyed along the coast).
Stroll along the waterfront, snack in hand, taking in stunning views of Marseille’s scenic bay. For something casual, affordable, and rooted in local tradition, this is one of the best stops to include in a 5-day city break in Marseille. It’s simple, flavorful, and full of character.
19. Hang Out at La Friche Art Space
La Friche la Belle de Mai is where Marseille gets creative. Housed in an old tobacco factory, it’s now home to street art, open-air concerts, rooftop bars, and rotating exhibits. The space feels raw and industrial, but that’s the charm. Skip the polished galleries and come here instead to see what the city is actually making.
If you’re in town for a 3-day weekend getaway in Marseille, this is the kind of place that gives you a real taste of the city’s creative pulse. Among the most dynamic things to do in Marseille, La Friche captures the city’s underground energy with space to explore, drink, dance, and sprawl out above the skyline.
18. Visit Le Corbusier’s Cite Radieuse
If you're into architecture, this one's non-negotiable. Cite Radieuse is one of Le Corbusier’s most iconic creations. Completed in 1952, it was his bold attempt to build a self-contained "vertical village" where people could live, shop, and gather in one place.
Even decades later, it still feels futuristic. It’s part housing block, part artistic landmark, and stepping inside feels like walking through a Brutalist time capsule.
Between the rooftop views and design details, it’s one of the more unexpected things to do in Marseille. It’s a quick visit and a must while on a 3-day road trip in Marseille.
17. Watch the Sunset From Palais du Pharo
If there's one place to watch the sunset in Marseille, it's Palais du Pharo. Built in the 1850s for Napoleon III (who ironically never stayed there), it boasts unbeatable views across Marseille’s Vieux Port, Fort Saint-Jean, and the shimmering Mediterranean.
At sunset, the entire city takes on a golden hue, creating the perfect backdrop for romantic photos or peaceful reflection.
Enhance your experience by joining a private electric bike tour of Marseille, conveniently timed to arrive just as the sky shifts colors. It’s a favorite among locals and easily one of the most scenic things to do in Marseille.
16. Explore Crypts at Saint-Victor Abbey
Beneath Marseille's ancient Saint-Victor Abbey lies a hidden gem: atmospheric crypts dating back nearly two millennia.
Step underground into softly illuminated tunnels where ancient tombs and worn stone corridors whisper stories of early Christianity. It’s a cool (literally!) retreat from Marseille’s summer heat and a fascinating step into history.
Joining a city sightseeing tour of Marseille makes it easy to see the crypts alongside other must-visit landmarks, easily making this one of the best historical things to do in Marseille.
15. Dive at the Musee Subaquatique
Marseille loves to surprise visitors, and its underwater sculpture museum (Musee Subaquatique) might be the most surreal experience yet. Just offshore near Plage des Catalans, divers can explore submerged artworks slowly merging with marine life, creating eerie yet beautiful scenes beneath the waves.
Whether you're planning a 10-day beach holiday in Marseille or looking for unique Marseille activities, diving at this underwater gallery is a peaceful escape where art meets nature just steps from the bustling city.
14. Catch a Match at the Velodrome
Nothing captures Marseille’s fiery spirit better than experiencing a live football match at the legendary Orange Velodrome stadium, home to Olympique de Marseille. Even if sports aren't typically your thing, the electric atmosphere of cheering fans and passionate chants is impossible to resist.
If there’s no game during your visit, you can still explore the arena on a Marseille OM stadium tour that takes you behind the scenes and into the locker rooms. It’s one of the most thrilling and authentic activities in Marseille for sports fans and curious visitors alike.
13. Swim at Marseille’s Urban Beaches
Few places blend city life and coastal charm as seamlessly as Marseille’s Prado beaches. Offering wide sandy stretches, gentle swimming waters, and buzzing local energy, these beaches are perfect for relaxing between sightseeing adventures.
The Prado beaches are a favorite spot for both families and locals, offering a genuine Marseille experience. Plan your beach outings with a 15-day beach vacation in Marseille, highlighting top seaside spots and hidden coastal gems around the city.
12. Stroll Palais Longchamp and Gardens
Elegant and lush, Palais Longchamp is one of the most beautiful landmarks in Marseille. Visiting this historic site regularly ranks among the best things to do in Marseille. Completed in 1869, its grand fountains were built to celebrate the arrival of fresh water, a moment so important it inspired the creation of this elaborate monument.
Behind the ornate facade, you’ll find peaceful gardens ideal for a walk or a quiet picnic. The complex also houses two excellent museums dedicated to art and natural history. The authentic tour of Marseille includes Palais Longchamp, providing valuable context and local insight along the way.
11. Ferry to Chateau d’If and Frioul
Stepping onto Chateau d’If feels like walking straight into Alexandre Dumas's famous novel, "The Count of Monte Cristo." This 16th-century fortress-turned-prison, sitting on top of a rugged island, offers haunting stories and spectacular sea views.
After exploring Chateau d’If’s legendary cells, sail over to the tranquil Frioul Islands to hike scenic trails or lounge on peaceful beaches away from the mainland bustle. You can take a regular boat tour from Marseille or choose a romantic Frioul Islands sunset cruise with dinner for a more memorable experience.
10. Walk or Ride Along the Corniche
The Corniche Kennedy is Marseille’s idea of a scenic drive, with extra style. This coastal road snakes along the Mediterranean, linking sun-drenched beaches, cozy fishing ports, and fancy villas perched above the water.
Originally built to give locals work during hard times in the 19th century, it’s now where the city unwinds. Think morning joggers, cyclists with sea views, and swimmers diving into secret coves.
You can stroll it at your own pace, or hop on a guided electric bike tour of Marseille to coast past all the best spots with the breeze in your face. It’s one of the top things to do in Marseille if you love a coastal view with a little history on the side.
9. Eat Seafood at Vallon des Auffes
Just below the Corniche, Vallon des Auffes is a small traditional fishing harbor that captures Marseille’s maritime roots in their most picturesque form. The name comes from the grass once used to make fishing gear, but these days, it’s all about fresh seafood and camera-worthy sunsets.
Whether you’re grabbing dinner or lining up the perfect shot, this spot nails that Marseille magic. Go all in with a photo-focused walk with a local guide through Vallon des Auffes or cruise past on a half-day electric bike tour of Marseille’s scenic coastline. It’s definitely among the best things to do in Marseille for food, views, and local charm.
8. Explore Cours Julien’s Street Art
Cours Julien is where Marseille wears its creativity loud and proud. This neighborhood is part open-air gallery, part hangout zone packed with indie shops, local designers, and cafes that feel straight out of a mood board.
You can dig deeper with a guided street art and culture tour through Cours Julien or combine it with a delightful twist on a foodie Cours Julien walking tour. For anyone who loves urban culture, it’s one of the best things to do in Marseille.
7. Visit the La Major Cathedral
La Major is a cathedral and a statement piece. With bold stripes of white limestone and green marble, this 19th-century beauty sits right where Marseille meets the sea. Step inside and you're greeted with high arches, mosaic floors, and the kind of hushed awe that makes you slow down.
It’s a quick stop that leaves an impression, especially if you roll up on a relaxed sightseeing e-bike tour of Marseille. For anyone exploring the city’s spiritual side, visiting La Major is one of the top things to do in Marseille.
6. Time Travel at the Marseille History Museum
Le Musée d'Histoire de Marseille. Photo by Jean-Pierre Dalbéra from Paris, France, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Built above an actual archaeological site, the Marseille History Museum lets you stroll past ancient Greek walls, Roman roads, and pieces of medieval life. The exhibits bring everything together, so you’re not just looking at ruins. You’re connecting the dots across 2,600 years of history.
Explore it on a private guided tour of Marseille’s historical landmarks, which also includes Le Panier and the Old Port, and suddenly the city’s past starts feeling personal. It’s one of the best things to do in Marseille if you love a deep dive into history.
5. Explore MuCEM and Fort Saint-Jean
MuCEM is a visual stunner before you even walk through the door. Its modern lattice facade practically begs for a photo, and the exhibits inside dive deep into what makes Mediterranean culture so rich. Food, faith, trade, migration, it’s all here, told through art and artifacts.
Step outside and you’re on a footbridge leading to Fort Saint-Jean, a 17th-century fortress with unbeatable harbor views. Save time with the MuCEM Skip-the-Line Ticket With Le Panier Audio Tour, or get the full story on an Odyssey of Discovery walking tour. Together, these spots and experiences land high on any list of top things to do in Marseille.
4. Stroll the Old Port at Sunrise
The Old Port is pure Marseille. At sunrise, it’s even better. The light is soft, the boats are still, and fishermen are already setting up for the day. It’s been the city’s heart for centuries and still feels like the place where everything begins.
A local food tour through the Old Port’s best markets and eateries adds depth to a morning visit, blending history with a traditional breakfast along the waterfront. Easily one of the best things to do in Marseille for early risers and culture lovers.
3. Wander Le Panier’s Alleyways
Le Panier is the kind of place that rewards curiosity. Marseille’s oldest neighborhood is a maze of sun-drenched alleyways, painted shutters, and balconies dripping with laundry and life. There’s history on every corner, but it never feels stuck in the past. You’ll find ceramics shops, murals, and tiny cafes with serious personalities.
A Marseille highlights walking tour ties it all together, giving you the backstory as you explore the neighborhood that started it all. It’s hands-down one of the top things to do in Marseille if you want charm and history with your espresso.
2. Climb to Notre-Dame de la Garde
Notre-Dame de la Garde isn’t just perched above Marseille, it watches over it. Locals call it "La Bonne Mère," and it’s been a symbol of protection and pride for generations.
The climb is worth every step for the panoramic view alone, but the inside is just as special with its mosaics, votive offerings, and golden statue glowing in the sun.
See it as part of a bilingual guided tour in Marseille that gives you context, stories, and plenty of time to take it all in. It’s no surprise that paying a visit to the basilica is one of the best things to do in Marseille for breathtaking views and soul-stirring architecture.
1. Cruise or Hike in the Calanques
The Calanques feel like they belong on another planet. Jagged limestone cliffs, turquoise coves, and pine-scented trails make up a raw, wild landscape just minutes from the city.
You can hike through the national park and find your own secret beach, or hop on a boat and take in the coast from the water. Either way, it leaves a lasting impression.
A guided hike through Calanques National Park offers expert insight, while the Calanques and Cote Bleue Cruise brings the drama of the cliffs right up close.
For something more peaceful, the scenic hike from Luminy is a local favorite, with fewer crowds and unforgettable views. This adventure is one of the top things to do in Marseille for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Things To Do in Marseille in One Day
If you’ve only got one full day in Marseille, focus on a few key highlights that capture the city’s character.
Start at Palais Longchamp, where grand fountains and leafy gardens frame two of the city’s main museums. Then head to La Friche la Belle de Mai, a contemporary cultural hub set in a former tobacco factory. It’s bold, creative, and distinctly local.
In the afternoon, explore the waterfront near La Major Cathedral, then take a ride on Les Petits Trains de Marseille for a breezy look at the city’s layout.
Stop by MuCEM for a dose of Mediterranean history and architecture, and wind down in Le Panier, Marseille’s oldest neighborhood, filled with street art, artisan shops, and easygoing cafés perfect for dinner.
This plan works well within a 3-day Marseille city break itinerary, where arrival and departure days tend to be light, leaving just one full day to dive into the city.
Plan Your Marseille Trip
From coastal hikes and historic landmarks to fish stew and rooftop art spaces, Marseille makes it easy to build a trip that feels anything but ordinary. Whether you're here for one day or a full week, the energy of the city tends to linger long after you leave.
For more ideas and planning help, explore the Marseille travel guide, packed with tips on getting around, neighborhoods to know, and cultural quirks that add to the charm. The best time to visit Marseille covers weather, festivals, and crowd levels, so you can pick the moment that fits your vibe.
If you want a day-by-day plan, check out the top Marseille itineraries for ideas that fit everything into a smooth schedule. For a place to sleep it off, the top hotels and places to stay in Marseille narrow the options down to the ones worth bookmarking. No endless scrolling is required.
And to keep the inspiration going, the full list of top attractions in Marseille helps you skip the guesswork and focus on what’s actually worth seeing.
What are the key things to know before traveling to Marseille?
Before traveling to Marseille, it helps to know the city is large and hilly, with distinct neighborhoods worth exploring. Walking and public transport will get you most places, but the metro stops around 23:30, so plan ahead if you’ll be out late.
Focus your visit on central areas like Le Panier, the Old Port, and Cours Julien, which are lively and full of local color. Like any big city, stay aware of your surroundings, especially around train stations and crowded markets.
Many museums and restaurants close on Sundays and Mondays, so check hours in advance. If you plan to hike in the Calanques, bring proper shoes and check for summer access restrictions due to fire risk. Basic French is helpful, and booking restaurants or boat tours ahead is a good idea, especially in peak season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get helpful tips for exploring Marseille, from getting around the city to making the most of its top sights and experiences.
How do I arrange a transfer from Marseille Airport to the city?
The easiest way to get from Marseille Provence Airport to the city is by the airport shuttle bus. It runs every 15 to 20 minutes and takes about 25 minutes to reach Saint-Charles train station, where you can connect to local transport or walk to central neighborhoods. Taxis are available outside the terminal, and rideshare apps like Uber also operate in the area.
For a direct and private option, you can book a private transfer by car from Marseille Airport to the city or port. For a full round-trip solution, including pickup and drop-off at your hotel, round-trip airport and hotel transfers in Marseille are also available.
What are the best things to see in Marseille, France, on a short trip?
If you're planning a short trip to Marseille, some of the best places to see are Le Panier, the Old Port, MuCEM, and Notre-Dame de la Garde. These spots give you a good mix of local history, architecture, and views of the city and the sea.
With more time, you can also visit Palais Longchamp, spend time at the beach, or take a short trip to places like Cassis or La Friche la Belle de Mai. A 3-day Marseille city break is usually enough to enjoy the highlights at a comfortable pace.
What are the most popular day trips from Marseille?
Popular day trips from Marseille include Cassis, known for its scenic port, local wine, and access to the Calanques and Cap Canaille, one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs. Arles offers Roman ruins, a UNESCO-listed amphitheater, and Van Gogh history, all within one hour by train. The Camargue region is known for its wetlands, flamingos, wild white horses, and traditional salt marshes, best accessed via Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer or Aigues-Mortes.
