Things to Do in Marseille

11 Best Things to Do in Marseille

What is Marseille Most Famous For?

The best things to do in Marseille will take you to old streets, castles, churches, and museums. The history of Marseille goes back to 600 BC, but is now home to famous bicycle races, soccer matches, and international sports events. France’s second-largest city, Marseille is located on the Mediterranean coast in the south and is blessed with a moderate climate, making it a popular travel destination all year round.

No visit to Marseille would be complete without trying the local specialties: Bouillabaisse paired with Pastis, a famous anise liquor, go perfectly the hot summer days, playing petanque under the trees of the Old Town. For a nice souvenir, Marseille is famous for its soap, “Savon de Marseille”.

What are the best things to do in Marseille?

1. Le Vieux Port

The historical district of Marseille

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Categoría: Parejas, Historia, Opciones económicas


Le Vieux Port is an old and immense harbor mostly used to shelter leisure boats and a few fishing boats. This is where most people start their first visit, casually strolling along dozens of cafes and restaurants, soaking in the atmosphere of Marseille.

This is where the ancient Greek settlement, Massalia, was founded, meaning this area has more than 2000 years of history. The Old Harbor is surrounded by historical buildings from 18th century and older. When you’re ready to go further afield, this is where you’ll catch a ferry to visit the famous Chateau d’If and to the Calanques. Mostrar más

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Le Vieux Port

2. Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde

A panoramic view of Marseille

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Categoría: Historia, Fotos, Opciones económicas


As soon as you approach the center of Marseille, you will spot the basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, majestically perched at the top of the highest hill. Built between 1853 and 1864 in the Neo-Byzantine style, this immense church is dominated by an impressive, gilded Madonna, standing high at the top of the belfry.

While the architecture is awe-inspiring, it’s the fantastic panorama over the city from the church terrace that makes this a must-visit. The basilica is easy to reach using one of the many local buses. Mostrar más


Ubicación: Rue Fort du Sanctuaire, 13281 Marseille, France

Horario: Daily from 7 am to 6.15 pm

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Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde

Rue Fort du Sanctuaire, 13281 Marseille, France

3. Cathedral of Saint Mary Major

One of the largest cathedrals in France

Cathedral of Saint Mary Major

Categoría: Historia, Fotos, Opciones económicas


Cathedral of Saint Mary Major, or Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-Majeure, is another important landmark in Marseille, and one of the largest cathedrals in France. It can welcome up to 3,000 people. Built in the Byzantine-Roman style with alternating green and white limestones, this Roman Catholic Cathedral resembles Florence’s Duomo.

It comprises 2 cathedrals, in reality, the “old” and the “new”. The “Old Major” part was originally built in the 4th century, making it a fascinating historical site, while the “New Major” was finished in 1893. Be sure to marvel at both parts while you’re there. Mostrar más


Ubicación: Place Albert Londres, 13002 Marseille, France

Horario: Daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm

Teléfono: +33 (0)7 72 15 60 10

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Cathedral of Saint Mary Major

Place Albert Londres, 13002 Marseille, France

foto por <a href="https://pixabay.com/en/museum-mucem-building-architecture-1985722/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">djedj</a> (<a href="https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">CC0</a>)  modificada

Categoría: Historia, Fotos


The Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations, or MuCEM as it’s locally called, is a museum built partly in the 12th-century Fort Saint Jean, and partly in a modern complex with an intricate design. Here, visitors can learn about the history of Mediterranean civilizations, but also discover the rich past of Marseille through thousands of photos, postcards, films, and exhibits.

One of the highlights is a 115m suspended bridge that connects the museum to the Fort Saint Jean. With spectacular views, this bridge is great for pictures of Marseille and its surroundings. Mostrar más


Ubicación: 7 Promenade Robert Laffont, 13002 Marseille, France

Horario: Wednesday–Monday from 10 am to 6 pm, closed on Tuesdays

Teléfono: +33 (0)4 84 35 13 13

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The Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations

7 Promenade Robert Laffont, 13002 Marseille, France

5. Château d’If

The fortress from which the Count of Monte Cristo escaped


Categoría: Familias, Historia, Fotos, Opciones económicas


The Château d’If overlooks the fortified island of the same name, just over 2 miles southwest of the port of Marseille. This 16th-century fortress was converted into an Alcatraz-style prison in the 18th century. It became famous in the 19th century for being the main setting of Alexandre Dumas’s novel, The Count of Monte Cristo.

Getting there is a pleasant mini-adventure for the whole family. It’s a well-preserved historic castle from which you get beautiful views of Marseille. A restaurant with an outdoor terrace offers a delightful place for lunch. Mostrar más


Ubicación: Embarcadère Frioul If, 1 Quai de la Fraternité, 13001 Marseille, France

Horario: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm (open till 6 pm in April–September)

Teléfono: +33 (0)6 03 06 25 26

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Château d'If

Embarcadère Frioul If, 1 Quai de la Fraternité, 13001 Marseille, France

6. Fort Saint-Jean

The ramparts of a medieval military fortress


Categoría: Familias, Historia


Fort Saint-Jean is a historic fortification that dates to 1660 and connects to a historical district and the first French national museum outside of Paris. Here you can walk the parapets that overlook the city and ocean and explore the structure that protected the city from invasion during the Middle Ages. It later served as a military outpost and barracks up through the 20th century and played a critical role in World War II.

With easy access to the neighboring Le Panier historic district and the old harbor, it’s an enchanting place to walk in the footsteps of history. Mostrar más


Ubicación: Prom. Robert Laffont, 13002 Marseille, France

Horario: Wednesday–Monday from 9 am to 6 pm (closed on Tuesdays)

Teléfono: +33 (0)4 84 35 13 13

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Fort Saint-Jean

Prom. Robert Laffont, 13002 Marseille, France

7. Beaches of Marseille

Idyllic beaches across the city


Categoría: Familias, Fotos, Opciones económicas


Marseille is an ideal destination for beachgoers looking for sun, sand, and sparkling waters. Calanque d’En Vau is not easy to reach. You’ll need to hike 1-2 hours through jagged cliffs, but the unspoilt beach, crystal-clear water, and dramatic cliffside scenery make it all worthwhile. Be sure to wear hiking boots and bring all the food and beverages you need for the day.

Plage des Catalans is a much easier beach to reach. You can walk there from the Pharo neighborhood. Its location in the center of Marseille means it’s close to amenities and is fantastic for people-watching and quick cool-offs in summer. Another slice of beach heaven is Sainte Croix Beach, west of Marseille. The idyllic setting with warming, calm turquoise waters makes it a pleasure for families with children. Mostrar más

8. Le Panier

An old neighborhood of Marseille

foto por <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Le_Panier.JPG" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Guiguilacagouille</a> (<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">CC BY-SA 3.0</a>)  modificada

Categoría: Parejas, Historia, Fotos, Opciones económicas


Le Panier is a very attractive neighborhood of Marseille found in the north of the Old Port district. It has been inhabited for more than 2000 years. Once considered the poorest part of town, it has recently become trendy, with a lot of typical small shops and cafes.

Le Panier is a good place to wander around for a half a day and take photos of the small alleys and stone stairways lined by ocher stone houses. It’s a colorful, vibrant area, home to many artists. Street art even lines the walls.

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Le Panier

9. Palais Longchamp

An impressive complex of museums and gardens

Palais Longchamp

Categoría: Parejas, Familias, Historia, Fotos


Palais Longchamp is an impressive monument built in 1869, best known for its magnificent fountain, water features, and colonnades. The Palace is worth visiting on its own but is also a chance to explore 2 of the most important museums of Marseille: the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Museum of Natural History.

Behind the Palais, don’t miss the Parc Longchamp, a beautiful “Garden a la Française” that used to be a zoo. You can easily reach it by tramway or Metro. Mostrar más


Ubicación: Boulevard Jardin Zoologique, 13004 Marseille, France

Horario: Daily from 8 am to 6.45 pm

Teléfono: +33 (0)4 91 55 25 51

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Palais Longchamp

Boulevard Jardin Zoologique, 13004 Marseille, France

10. La Canebière

The main shopping avenue in Marseille

foto por <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Marseille_1210.JPG" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Martin Stiburek</a> (<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">CC BY-SA 4.0</a>)  modificada

Categoría: Compras, Gastronomía


This famous avenue is the wealthy shopping heart of Marseille. It’s sometimes compared to The Champs Elysees in Paris, where luxury brands alternate with cafes and restaurants.

This wide street starts from Le Vieux Port and stretches all the way to the Capucin neighborhood. La Canebiere is not as glamorous as it used to be but is still one of the most important streets of Marseille and was featured in the movie French Connection 2. Meander down the tree-lined streets and shop until your hands are full with bags before stopping for a delicious meal. Mostrar más

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La Canebière

11. Calanques National Park

A scenic natural environment

Calanques National Park in Marseille

Categoría: Parejas, Fotos, Aventura


The Calanques are a set of scenic white limestone cliffs in the southern and eastern parts of Marseille, on the way to nearby Cassis town. The superb panoramic views, beaches, and clear blue water of the creeks hiding between high cliffs are worth a day trip.

The Calanques are accessible both by land and sea from the Old Harbor, and the best time to visit them is obviously summer. Kayaking and bicycle tours are easy to find if you prefer an active and eco-friendlier visit to this national park. The Corniche des Crêtes and Cap Canaille offer the most spectacular views. Mostrar más


Ubicación: Bât A4, Parc Valad, Impasse Paradou, 13009 Marseille, France

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Calanques National Park

Bât A4, Parc Valad, Impasse Paradou, 13009 Marseille, France

Paul Smith
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