Marseille Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Vieux Port showing a marina and boating
Marseille featuring general coastal views, a bay or harbour and a coastal town
Vieux Port featuring boating, a marina and a coastal town
Marseille
Marseille

A stunning coastline, thriving café culture and 26 centuries of history makes this port city in the South of France the perfect year-round escape.

Welcome to Marseille, France’s oldest city, beloved for its history, art, architecture and café culture. Be sure to pack a camera, swimming costume and hiking boots as Marseille has beautiful historic attractions, sun-drenched city beaches and superb hiking along its dramatic Mediterranean coastline.

Start your day at the city’s bustling centre, the Vieux Port. Sample the coffee and brunches that local café owners have proudly perfected into an art form over the last century.

For some of the best sightseeing, take a stroll through the Panier, the city’s old town just north of the port. Explore the Vieille Charité museum, then visit the Hotêl de Ville to admire its magnificent Baroque-style exterior. Catch the Petit Train from the north side of the port to the magnificent Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica, where you’ll be rewarded with heavenly city views.

Visit the grand Opéra de Marseille and some of the many galleries and theatres around the bustling Canebière thoroughfare. While you are on the Canebière, stop by the tourism office to see what events and festivals are on in Marseille during your visit. In the Noailles district, experience the exotic in the bazaar-like atmosphere of the African markets.

Discover Marseille’s great outdoors by hiking or boating along the southern coastline through the exquisite limestone features of the Calanques National Park. Take a guided boat tour from the Vieux Port to Château d’If, a former prison island made famous in Alexandre Dumas' Count of Monte Cristo.Spend a lazy afternoon in Borély Park. Explore its grand chateau and its botanic garden, then head to nearby Prado Beach or Borély Beach and enjoy a drink by the sea at sunset.

Marseille’s best sights are within walking distance of the Vieux Port, and bus and boat routes run frequently from here to more distant attractions. Rail lines connect Marseille to just about everywhere in France, and to several rail hubs in Central Europe. Regular ferries link the city to Corsica, Sardinia and North Africa. Marseille Provence Airport is one of France’s busiest, and connects with most major European airports.

Where to stay in Marseille

Vieux Port featuring street scenes, a city and central business district

Old Port of Marseille

Old Port of Marseille is highly notable for its captivating waterfront views, and you might want to visit top sights like Hotel de Ville and Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations. See more of Marseille by jumping on the metro at Vieux-Port Station or Joliette Station.

Old Port of Marseille
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8th Arrondissement

4/5(13 area reviews)

Beaches, shopping and waterfront views highlight some notable features of 8th Arrondissement. Make a stop by Borely Beach or Prado Beach 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
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9th Arrondissement

4/5(1 area review)

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 Calanque d'En-Vau, and jump on the metro at Sainte-Marguerite Dromel Station to get around the city.

9th 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 Le Prado 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
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Les Goudes

Travellers like the parks in Les Goudes, and Calanques National Park is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Les Goudes
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6th Arrondissement

4/5(16 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Place Castellane while getting to know 6th Arrondissement, and be sure to check out the waterfront views. You can hop aboard the metro at Castellane Station or Estrangin Station to see more of the area.

6th Arrondissement
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
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Marseille. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a marina and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"Excellent stay right in the heart of Marseille. We stayed in the suites/apartment style room and it was the best of both worlds of a hotel and an apartment. You have cleaning service and all the space and amenities of a 1 bedroom apartment. The style was gorgeous and the space was perfect. Would ..."

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2025

Maisons du Monde Hôtel & Suites - Marseille Vieux Port
Mercure Marseille Centre Vieux Port

Mercure Marseille Centre Vieux Port

4 out of 5
1 Rue Neuve Saint Martin, Marseille, Bouches-du-Rhone
The price is Rp2.261.312 per night from 6 Sept to 7 Sept
Rp2.261.312
Rp2.610.687 total
6 Sept - 7 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Marseille. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (942 reviews)
"It was a perfect spot so long as you go only south at night."

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2025

Mercure Marseille Centre Vieux Port
InterContinental Marseille - Hotel Dieu by IHG

InterContinental Marseille - Hotel Dieu by IHG

5 out of 5
1 Place Daviel, Marseille, Bouches-du-Rhone
The price is Rp4.998.708 per night from 5 Sept to 6 Sept
Rp4.998.708
Rp5.662.398 total
5 Sept - 6 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Marseille. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9/10 Wonderful! (990 reviews)
Yes, yes, yes.
"Such a beautiful and majestic hotel. We loved every second. A perfect location for our family’s stay. I would definitely stay again."

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

InterContinental Marseille - Hotel Dieu by IHG
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 Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.4/10 Good! (2,275 reviews)
Best choice
"L'établissement est excellent… chambres spacieuses, le personnel est sympa… en gros on a passé un tres bon sejour"

Reviewed on 27 Jul 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 Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,256 reviews)
"Great food and place to stay."

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Staycity Aparthotels, Marseille, Centre Vieux Port
Appart Hotel Odalys City Marseille Le Dôme

Appart Hotel Odalys City Marseille Le Dôme

3 out of 5
27 Boulevard du Maréchal Juin, Marseille, Bouches-du-Rhone
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Marseille. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (596 reviews)
"Clean, convenience,safe parking available."

Reviewed on 9 May 2025

Appart Hotel Odalys City Marseille Le Dôme
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.

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