10 Best Things to Do in Marseille
Hi everyone and welcome to your ultimate guide to the best things to do in Marseilles, France’s sundrrenched Mediterranean port city where history, culture, and coastal beauty come together in one incredible destination. As the country’s oldest city, founded by the Greeks over 2,600 years ago, Marseilles is brimming with fascinating history, diverse neighborhoods, and a vibrant energy that feels distinctly different from anywhere else in France. Whether you’re here to stroll the bustling old port, climb up to a hilltop basilica for sweeping views, or taste the city’s famous Booya base by the sea. Marseilles offers a perfect mix of tradition and modernity. Add in the stunning natural landscapes of the Kanks, colorful markets, and lively street art scene, and you’ve got a city that captures the true spirit of the Mediterranean. So, let’s dive in and explore 10 unforgettable things to do in Marseilles, France. One, stroll around the old port, Vupor. The heart of Marseilles is its old port or Viewport, a bustling waterfront that has been the city’s hub for over two millennia. Here, fishing boats, fairies, and luxury yachts bob side by side while cafes and restaurants line the keys. In the morning, you can watch fishermen sell their fresh catch at the lively fish market. At night, the port transforms into a social hot spot with terraces full of people enjoying seafood dinners and drinks while the city lights reflect on the water. This is the perfect place to begin your Marseilles adventure. From here you can catch boat tours to the Kanks, wander into the historic neighborhoods nearby or simply sit with a coffee and soak up the atmosphere. The old port truly is the beating heart of the city. Two, climb to Basale Notream de Lagard. Towering high above Marseilles, the Baselik Notream de Lagard is the city’s most iconic landmark. Known to locals as Labon May, the good mother, this 19th century basilica is perched on a hill and visible from almost anywhere in the city. Inside you’ll find beautiful mosaics, model ships hung in gratitude by sailors, and a deep sense of spiritual importance. Outside, the panoramic views are simply breathtaking. You can see the old port, the city sprawled across the hills, and the sparkling Mediterranean stretching to the horizon. You can hike up to the basilica, take a tourist train, or hop on a bus. But however you get there, the view makes it one of the absolute must-do experiences in Marseilles. Three, explore Le Pier, the old town. Step back into history by wandering the narrow streets of Lupany, Marseilles’s oldest neighborhood. With its colorful facades, winding alleys, and street art murals, it’s a place that feels both ancient and vibrant. Originally home to Greek settlers, Le Pet has transformed over the centuries into a melting pot of cultures. Today, it’s filled with artisan workshops, cozy cafes, and small boutiques where you can pick up unique souvenirs. Don’t miss the VA Sharite, a former alms house turned cultural center with art exhibitions and a beautiful Baroque chapel at its heart. Exploring Le Pier is like peeling back the layers of Marseilles’s history while enjoying its modern creative energy. Four, take a boat trip to the Kanks National Park. For nature lovers, a trip to the Kanks National Park is an unforgettable experience. Just a short boat ride or hike from Marseilles. This series of rocky inlets and turquoise coes looks like something out of a postcard. You can hike the trails that wind through the limestone cliffs, go kayaking along the coast, or simply take a boat tour that glides past the dramatic scenery. Swimming in the crystal clearar waters is a must if you visit in summer. The contrast between Marseilles’s urban energy and the wild beauty of the Colon makes this one of the most memorable day trips from the city. Five. Visit Chateau fans of Alexandra Duma’s novel, The Count of Monte Cristo, will recognize Chateau, the fortress turned prison that inspired the legendary tale. Built in the 16th century on a small island just off Marseilles, the fortress once held political prisoners and remains one of the city’s most famous landmarks. You can reach Chateau Deaf by a short ferry ride from the old port. Once there, explore the prison cells, climb the towers, and take in the sweeping views of the city and sea. The atmosphere is both haunting and fascinating, offering a glimpse into Marseilles’s storied past. Six, browse the markets at Noai. If you want to experience Marseilles’s multicultural side, head to the Noile neighborhood. Just a short walk from the old port. Known as the belly of Marseilles, Noile is filled with markets that reflect the city’s North African and Mediterranean influences. Here you can browse stalls overflowing with spices, olives, fresh produce, and international delicacies. The sense of cumin, mint, and grilled meats fill the air, and the streets are alive with energy. Stop into a traditional bakery for flatbreads, or grab a seat at a small ery serving couscous or tajine. Noi is a true sensory experience and a reminder of Marseilles’s role as a cultural crossroads. Seven. Discover Museam, Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations. One of Marseilles’s most striking modern landmarks is the Musim, the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations. Opened in 2013, the museum is housed in a dramatic glass and steel structure connected to the historic Fort Sanjang by a sleek foot bridge. Inside you’ll find fascinating exhibits on Mediterranean culture, history, and society from ancient times to today. Even if museums aren’t usually your thing, the building itself is worth the visit. Its lattis-like design creates incredible shadows, and the rooftop terrace offers amazing views of the sea and city. Musam perfectly represents the blend of old and new that defines Marseilles. Eight. Taste authentic buoyabase. You can’t visit Marseilles without trying its most famous dish, buoyabase. This traditional fish stew was originally created by fishermen using the day’s unsellable catch, but today it’s considered a local delicacy. Made with a variety of fish, shellfish, and aromatic herbs. Booya base is served with a rich broth and accompanied by rua sauce on toasted bread. For the real experience, try it at a waterfront restaurant along the old port or in the Valon deve, a picturesque fishing harbor nearby. It’s a meal that captures the flavors of the Mediterranean and the spirit of Marseilles. Nine. Enjoy the Cornesh Kennedy. For a scenic drive or leisurely stroll, head to the Cornesh Kennedy, a coastal road that winds along the Mediterranean with stunning sea views. Along the way, you’ll pass beaches, rocky coes, and monuments dedicated to sailors and explorers. Stop at the Valon Deov, a charming little fishing port tucked beneath a bridge where colorful boats bob in the water and restaurants serve some of the best seafood in town. The Cornesh is especially beautiful at sunset when the light turns golden over the water. It’s the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the Mediterranean at its best. 10. Experience Marseilles’s street art and night life. Marseilles has a vibrant creative side and nowhere is it more visible than in its street art scene. Neighborhoods like Coror Julia are covered in colorful murals with walls, staircases and alleyways transformed into open air galleries. Kors Julianne is also a hub for night life with bars, clubs, and live music venues that stay lively late into the night. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed evening drink or an energetic dance floor, Marseilles has something for every mood. This modern artistic energy blends perfectly with the city’s historic roots, making nightife in Marseilles a unique and memorable experience. And there you have it. 10 amazing ways to experience the energy, history, and beauty of Marseilles, France. From wandering the old port and climbing up to Notradam de Lagar to exploring the Kellanc, tasting Booya Base and soaking in the creative street art scene, Marseilles offers a mix of experiences you won’t find anywhere else. It’s a city that’s gritty yet beautiful, historic yet modern, and always full of life. So, tell me in the comments which Marseilles adventure are you most excited to try. Don’t forget to like this video, subscribe to our channel, and hit the bell icon for more travel guides to amazing destinations around the world.
Hi everyone, and welcome to your ultimate guide to the best things to do in Marseille
1. Stroll Around the Old Port (Vieux-Port)
2. Climb to Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde
3. Explore Le Panier, the Old Town
4. Take a Boat Trip to the Calanques National Park
5. Visit Château d’If
6. Browse the Markets at Noailles
7. Discover MuCEM – Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations
8. Taste Authentic Bouillabaisse
9. Enjoy the Corniche Kennedy
10. Experience Marseille’s Street Art and Nightlife