MARSEILLE – ULTIMATE GUIDE
Are you going to Marseille in France and you need help with planning your trip? You’ve come to the right place!
Recently, Marseille has become one of the hottest destinations for a city break not just in France, but in Europe. This is perhaps surprising given its long-standing reputation as a tough port town.
Together with Radisson Blu Hotel, Marseille Vieux Port we explored the city to find the best places to visit.
This complete and up-to-date guide will lead you straight to the best restaurants & bars as well as things to do, and all the logistics necessary to make this an unforgettable experience.
So let’s not waste any more time and go straight into planning your perfect holiday!
*This post has been sponsored by Radisson Blu
What you need to know before you go
Before you visit Marseille, here are some top tips so you have the smoothest trip possible:
- Get a Marseille CityPass to save plenty of money on the best sights and public transport. They’re available for one, two, or three days.
- Always have some cash with you. Lots of small businesses don’t take cards.
- Book restaurants in advance, especially the trendy ones.
- Marseille is much cleaner and safer than it used to be. However, like any big city it still has its share of crime. Therefore, beware of pickpockets in crowded areas such as the Vieux Port or on the beaches, and take care when walking home late at night, especially in the areas around the station.
- Taxis are plentiful and Marseille has Uber – perfect for journeys in the small hours.
- The tap water is perfectly safe to drink meaning you can ditch single-use plastic with a refillable bottle. Asking for ‘une carafe d’eau’ at the restaurant will get you complimentary tap water.
Lastly, Don’t trust restaurants with a ‘menu touristique’. You’ll normally get overpriced, subpar food in these places. See our list below for the best places to eat and drink!
Is Marseille worth visiting?
Recently, Marseille has become one of the hottest destinations for a city break not just in France, but in Europe. Why?
It has charming city neighborhoods, sandy beaches and a stunning national park on its doorstep, amazing cuisine fusing French and North African flavors, and culture in spades. And, after plenty of investment, including hundreds of millions from when it was 2013 European city of culture, Marseille is as tourist-friendly as any other city in France.
Moreover, it has retained its grit and character, making it more interesting than other destinations. However, where do you begin in this treasure trove of a city? Firstly, you can ensure an unforgettable stay by booking a room at the Radisson Blu Hotel Marseille in the Vieux Port.
As for the rest, read on!
How to get to Marseille
As one of the biggest cities in the South of France, Marseille has great travel connections. There are direct flights to its airport from all over Europe. It is also easily accessible by car which is good news if you’re planning a road trip around the South! However, for the greenest, smoothest trip we’d recommend getting there by train. It may take a bit longer, but it is much more comfortable and avoids many of the stresses of flying. Furthermore, with only one change you can get a train to Marseille from London, Barcelona, or Milan!
Getting around the city
Marseille is not a huge city. Therefore, most places are easy to reach on foot. Wandering around neighborhoods like Le Panier is also going to lead to amazing discoveries!
However, there’s also a good public transport system including frequent buses and two metro lines running north-south and east-west. These are useful for visiting further-flung sites like Le Corbusier’s Cité Radieuse.
A car won’t be that useful and may end up causing stress in the bustling city center. However, it’s a good option if you want to explore some of the gorgeous countryside around the city, including Calanques National Park. There are plenty of rental options on the outskirts of town.
Best Time to Visit
Go to Marseille in the off-season for the best experience possible. Mostly, people will visit Marseille in July and August. However, going during this period means you’ll have to contend with crowds and higher prices. Also, Marseille gets hot with average high temperatures in the low thirties in July and August.
So, for the most comfortable, enjoyable trip possible, we’d recommend you go in the late spring or early autumn. Temperatures start to rise in May and stay balmy until early October. You’ll also have a cheaper, more pleasant time with fewer tourists around.
How many days to spend?
Three nights in Marseille should give you plenty of time to see the sights, visit the city’s best neighborhoods, and soak up the culture. However, if you want to explore Calanques National Park we’d recommend four nights; you’ll want to spend at least a day there as it is vast and beautiful!
What to do in Marseille
You could find enough for a week to do in Marseille but realistically you will only be able to do a few things, so we have listed our favourites below:
1. Vallon des Auffes
Just west of the Vieux Port is the gorgeous fishing outpost of Vallon des Auffes. While it might not be as busy as it once was, there’s still plenty of picturesque architecture here, including an impressive, 60m-tall stone bridge spanning the port. It’s a great, central spot for a quick dip in the Med – although be aware the bathing spots are not watched by lifeguards. As well as taking a dip, it’s a great place to soak up the atmosphere and take in some great views. There are also cute boutiques, hip bars, and delicious restaurants aplenty.
INSIDER INFO: One of our favorite restaurants is Pizzeria Jeannot, which serves one of the best pizzas you’ll find outside Naples!
2. Tuba
Just south of the city, in the charming old fishing village of Les Goudes, is the super-chic beach club Tuba. Its main restaurant has one of the best settings you’re likely to find in the city, on the rocky shore of the Mediterranean. However, it would be worth visiting for the food alone. It has a limited menu of fresh, local seafood cooked in simple but delicious ways.
This incredible Mediterranean produce is served with mouth-watering Japanese ingredients like ponzu and yuzu which makes an unforgettable combination.
They also have great wines and cocktails. Tuba also has a small-plate restaurant called Bikini. This offers delicious Mediterranean tapas on a sun-soaked terrace. Their natural wine and vermouth selections are superb.
INSIDER INFO: You get gorgeous sunsets from here. However, if you want to visit you’ll have to book well in advance as they are hugely popular.
3. Old Port
The Vieux Port (‘Old Port’ in French) has been the heart of Marseille since the Ancient Greeks first founded a colony there thousands of years ago. Therefore, you can bet there’s lots of history and beautiful old architecture here, like the Saint-Ferréol church! However, there are amazing, recent additions to the area too, including a space-age mirror pavilion from architect Norman Foster, and the Museum of European and Mediterranean Culture. Don’t miss a trip on the 130-year-old ferry boat either!
INSIDER INFO: Don’t miss a trip on the 130-year-old ferry boat either!!
4. National Park of Calanques
This beautiful National Park just south of the city is unmissable for nature lovers. A calanque is a kind of limestone fjord or cove found only along the Mediterranean coast. The natural scenery is stunning, and the pebble and sand beaches are ideal for a dip or sunbathing. Otherwise, explore the hiking trails inland or try your hand at watersports such as kayaking or scuba diving.
There are also boat trips that will let you see the magnificent beauty the seabeds have to offer from urchins to anemones, to the odd octopus. We’d recommend taking public transport there – look up buses 20, 22, and 23 – before hiking to the calanque you want to see.
INSIDER INFO:
Just bring comfortable footwear, sunscreen, and plenty of water! Otherwise, the app Mes Calanques will give you all the information and advice you need for your visit.
5. La Baie des Singes
While this place is about a forty-minute taxi ride south of the city, it’s well worth the journey. At its heart is an amazing restaurant named after the bay with seafood – caught by line daily – that is as fresh and delicious as it gets.
This restaurant also has one of the best views of the sea around, framed by dramatic, rocky cliffs. However, it’s worth going anyway for gorgeous, secluded beaches in small ‘calanques’ or coves once used by smugglers. Children helping these smugglers were told to be ‘quiet as monkeys’ hence the bay’s name.
INSIDER INFO: This is an ideal destination for lunchtime or to take in a stunning sunset – just reserve a table at the restaurant well in advance!
6. Museum of European & Mediterranean Civilisations (MUCEM)
This incredible modern building has an equally impressive spot at the entrance to Marseille’s Vieux Port. However, you shouldn’t miss the chance to go inside. With a mix of both permanent and temporary exhibits dedicated to Mediterranean culture and history, it’s always a fascinating visit.
Also, there’s a roof terrace with incredible views and a restaurant headed by a Michelin-starred chef. Finally, don’t miss a trip to the historic Fort Saint Jean which is linked to the center by a walkway.
INSIDER INFO: Check their website for more information on temporary exhibitions and prices – it’s always free on the first Sunday of the month!
7. Le Panier Neighbourhood
Le Panier is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Marseille, and probably the most photogenic. It has narrow, winding streets as charming as they are colorful. Full of bustling cafes and restaurants, boutiques, and artist’s studios, it’s the ideal place for breakfast or lunch, or to find a gift for a loved one – or yourself! Don’t miss a visit to the Vieille Charité, a magnificent old hospital that is now a museum dedicated to Marseille’s history.
INSIDER INFO: head to la rue du Petit Puits or la rue du Panier to grab a drink, enjoy a sea view, or soak up the last of the evening sun.
8. Gallery – Pavillon South Way
Founded in 2018, this hip gallery is next door to Marseille’s iconic football stadium. It specializes in contemporary art, and offers residencies to established and up-and-coming artists. With exhibitions that change often, it shows an incredible range of art in all manner of styles and media.
INSIDER INFO: Consult their website for more information about what’s on when you visit.
9. Palais Longchamp
Just east of the city center in a pretty park is the marvelous nineteenth-century water tower Palais Longchamp. Visit to learn more about the building’s fascinating history, to enjoy its stunning architecture, and for a relaxing stroll around its grounds. Don’t miss the museums of fine art and natural history in the wings of the Palais.
INSIDER INFO: You get an amazing view of the waterfall, fountain, and some of the town from the colonnades, making it the ideal backdrop at sunset.
10. La Cathédrale de La Major
No trip to Marseille is complete without a visit to marvel at this cathedral. La Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-Majeure (‘La Major’ to the locals) is one of the most magnificent buildings in the city. It is the only cathedral in France to have been constructed in the nineteenth century. It has a wonderful neo-Byzantine facade and beautiful mosaics decorating the interior.
INSIDER INFO: It’s open every day from 10 am, but check online before you go as there may be services or religious festivals going on.
Where to eat & drink in Marseille
Apart from Tuba and La Baie des Singes (mentioned above) there are many great restaurants and bars to choose from in Marseille. See below our other favourites:
Figure
Head to Figure for delicious small plates and great wine including lots of natural choices. This chic option at the foot of Notre Dame de la Garde is a great option for good weather with its long terrace. Inside, it is minimalist and chic. Reserve a spot online to avoid missing out!
INSIDER INFO: We loved Figure’s signature dish of parsley ham with smoked octopus!
Address: 90 bd Vauban, 13006 Marseille
Opening hours: 6pm-12am
Cecile Food Club
With its charming 60s decor, and its menu of delicious sandwiches and sweet treats, Cecile Food Club is ideal for breakfast or lunch. Head early in the day for a ‘breakfast sandwich’ US-style and a great coffee. Lunch options include gorgeous focaccias and options like pastrami. Otherwise, it’s a lovely spot for an early evening apero with a cool beer or glass of wine.
INSIDER INFO: Cecile doesn’t take reservations and is quite small inside, so is a better option for a takeaway bite by the sea – a stone’s throw away.
Address: 116 Corniche Kennedy, 13007 Marseille
Opening hours: 8 am-8:30 pm
Splendido
Eating at Splendido feels like you’ve wandered onto the set of a classic Italian movie. The food is just as colorful as the design and is delicious across the board. Splendido imports lots of its ingredients from Italy and otherwise uses local producers as much as possible. You can’t go wrong with a fresh pasta dish. Otherwise, check the menu on their website before you go as the options change monthly.
INSIDER INFO: Splendido is a big, lively restaurant, so you might want to go elsewhere if you’re after a quiet date night.
Address: 16-18 Rue de la République, 13001 Marseille
Opening hours: 12-2 pm, 6:45pm-11pm
Le Cafe de l’Abbaye
Le Cafe de l’Abbaye is one of our favorite spots for an apero near the Vieux Port with its terrace right in the afternoon sunshine. Come for a lively atmosphere, stylish vintage decor, and reasonably priced small plates and wine. They change their menu regularly but whatever you have is guaranteed to have fresh, delicious, Mediterranean flavors, and will be drizzled in gorgeous local olive oil.
INSIDER INFO: Le Cafe de l’Abbaye doesn’t take reservations so arrive early if you want to guarantee a spot!
Address: 3 Rue d’Endoume, 13007 Marseille
Opening hours: 9 am-10 pm (Sundays 4pm-10pm)
Zephyr Cafe
A stone’s throw from the Vieux Port, come to Zephyr for delicious breakfast, lunch, and brunch, and some great fresh coffee. With a long menu of options including hearty savory dishes and sweet treats, there’s something for everyone at Zephyr. Try a granola bowl, a ‘piggy bank’ sandwich, or a ‘big cookie’. There’s also a sunny terrace out front; indoors, the decor is contemporary and stylish with light wood and polished concrete floors.
INSIDER INFO: Eggs Benedict set us up perfectly for a day of exploring the city!
Address: 57 Rue Francis Davso, 13001 Marseille
Opening hours: 9 am-4 pm (closed Mondays)
Cafe La Muse
With a cheerful interior, and bustling terrace, and long opening hours, there’s something at Cafe La Muse for every time of day. Breakfast ranges from delicate pastries to homemade granola, to BLTs. A typical lunch might be roast beef with chimichurri sauce. Later in the evening, enjoy delicate small plates like shellfish with aioli or grilled cheese. Otherwise, stop by any time for a coffee or an apero!
INSIDER INFO: No reservations here so head before or after peak times to guarantee a spot!
Address: 2-6 Rue de Lodi, 13006 Marseille
Opening hours: 8 am-1:30 am (kitchen closes around 11 pm)
La Ciergerie
With local ingredients, Mediterranean flavors, and a boho interior, La Ciergerie makes a great dinner spot. It also serves delicious cocktails so you might not want to leave when you’ve finished your meal! Book a table inside to take in the restaurant’s gorgeous decor, or watch the world go by on the spacious terrace.
INSIDER INFO: Our favorite dish was grilled octopus served with a chili sauce and parmesan shavings – delicious!
Address: 8 Rue de Lodi, 13006 Marseille
Opening hours: 12 pm-2 pm, 7:30 pm-10 pm (closed Mondays)
Where to stay in Marseille
As we all know, choosing the right hotel can make the difference between a good holiday and an incredible one. Fortunately, you’re covered as the Radisson Blu Hotel, Marseille Vieux Port promises a comfortable, convenient, and stylish stay right in the heart of Marseille.
Firstly, locations don’t get much better than this. The hotel is in Marseille’s Vieux Port, giving you direct access to the best the city has to offer. Moreover, some of the rooms even boast views of the water!
Moreover, the design inside is as easy on the eyes as the scenery outside. Every single room has a minimalist, contemporary decor with cool color palettes, amenities such as coffee machines, and premium fixtures like marble sinks in the bathrooms. You’re also covered if you’re traveling with family or friends, as there are suites with multiple rooms available – some even have private terraces! Finally, all these rooms are great value for the quality you get.
Finally, enjoy access to amazing features such as a rooftop pool with a view of the town, a fitness center, and helpful services such as luggage storage. Otherwise, there’s a restaurant onsite serving brasserie classics, and a swish bar – perfect for a nightcap after a day’s sightseeing.
Final tips
Come and see for yourself why Marseille may be one of the most underrated towns in France!
Please consider the following points to make the most of your stay:
- Marseille is best to visit in late Spring or early Autumn. Avoid July and August if you can.
- Make sure to venture out of the city! National Park of Calanques as well as Tuba & La Baie des Singes restaurants are well worth the effort!
- Eat your way through the city, as it has some incredible restaurants. As per usual, book those in advance to avoid disappointments.
Enjoy,
Voyage Provocateur
