Location: Marseille
Top Things to do in Marseille
Countries
The 10 Best Things to do in Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur
Travelers visit the port city of Marseille, the third largest city in France, for the meeting of style and history. The bay, flanked by Fort Saint-Nicolas, and Fort Saint-Jean shelters the Castle of If, from Count of Monte Cristo fame. Watched over by the basilica Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, the city's pedestrian zones and shopping areas (including the colorful French-African quarter) mix with historical sites.Travelers looking for a fun time go to the OK Corral, a cowboy theme amusement park.
Restaurants in Marseille
1. Parc National des Calanques
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,949 reviews
Reviewed By milgil24 - Sydney, Australia
The stunning natural beauty of the Calanques along the South Coast of France is a must do. We went on a boat tour which departed from Marseille (booked through Airbnb experience) which was amazing, but there are so many ways to visit this national park.
2. Chateau d'If
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,725 reviews
This famous fortress, standing on a rocky island off the coast of Marseille, was immortalised by Alexandre Dumas in The Count of Monte Cristo as the prison where the novel’s hero, Edmond Dantes, was incarcerated before ultimately escaping. The castle was built by Francois I in 1524 and over the centuries it gained a fearsome reputation as many opponents of royal power were jailed and died in the fortress. The Castle of If has been perfectly preserved and is one of the most impressive historical sites on the Mediterranean coastline. Open: > 15th May to 20th September: from 9.30 a.m. to 6.15 p.m. > 21st September to 14th May: from 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. The last visit depends on the timetable of boats, information at the tourist information center, on our website monuments-nationaux.fr or on Frioul If express. Closed: > Mondays from 21st September to 14th May. > 1st January, 25th December and subject to bad weather. Admission fees: Adults : 5,50 €; Concessions (18 to 25) = 4 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups.
Reviewed By tanyac179 - Surrey, United Kingdom
We opted for this trip as part of our Marseille tourist pass. Enjoyable boat ride (great views on boat) in lovely warm weather and you can spend as much time as you like walking around. Fascinating history - there is no lift & area is uneven which was a little bit difficult for our elderly relatives but we had plenty of time to explore which helped. Walk up is steep in parts too. Nice cafe with wonderful view and prices not too bad - we just had drinks & ice cream.
3. The Panier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,447 reviews
Reviewed By Ilmar1 - Perth, Australia
The one unique thing about this area which makes it worth visiting is the quality of the street art (or graffiti) which adds a very colourful dimension to the narrow streets. Virtually nothing was open when we visited except a few shops selling mass produced souvenirs, so there was nothing to do but take photos. I was told this was because it was no longer tourist season (which explained the almost deserted streets) and the december rush had yet to begin. Take an hour to walk slowly around and admire the views. It is worth it.
4. Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13,186 reviews
Reviewed By JenLovesTrains - Bad Hindelang, Germany
It’s a steep climb up to the basilica with stations of the cross along the way. Well worth it for the views over all of Marseille. It looked as though a little tourist train goes though if you don’t want to do the walk. The basilica itself is beautifully decorated with mosaics and full of a variety of thankful donations, including ship and plane models hanging from the ceiling, medals, paintings and many many marble plaques. We enjoyed reading those! People’s thanks range from being saved from submarine bombardment in the war through being healed of an ulcer to passing an exam. There’s also a crypt, gift shop, restaurant and museum but we didn’t go to the restaurant or museum. They crypt is full of votive candles and the gift shop is crowded but has a good selection of postcards.
5. Cite Radieuse Le Corbusier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 879 reviews
Reviewed By chickandbeast - Southgate, Canada
Cite Radieuse Le Corbusier is part of everyday existence but architecture lovers celebrate it as a piece of art of a building designed by architect Le Corbusier.
6. Palais Longchamp
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,272 reviews
Reviewed By 750dimitrisl - Sydney, Australia
Palais Longchamp is a beautiful building in a lovely park. It was constructed in the 19th century as a way of celebrating the construction of a canal that carried water to the city from the Durance River. This also explains all the lovely water and other features which are part of the whole works. There are many sculptures which bear a symbolic meaning relevant to the water works. For example the three female figures at the top of the fountain represent the river, fruit and fertility. The building also houses two museums, the Musée des Beaux-Arts, and the Museum d'Histoire Naturelle. The garden is also very nice and a lovely place to walk and relax. We came here by train, or the Metro, but there are other forms of transport as well. A visit is highly recommended.
7. Mucem
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,753 reviews
The MuCEM is a museum of 21st-century civilizations, principally concerned with comparing all aspects of the cultures of the Mediterranean, with Europe and the other continents that border the Mediterranean occupying a major place. It will offer a fresh look at the cultures of the Mediterranean.
Reviewed By Cmuringi - Nimes, France
A great building that gives you magnifique views especially on the connecting bridges,its alos used ofr expo thus has a lot new things to be discovered during the expos! Its location is really idead overlooking the old port and Palais de pharaoh. Do not miss this!
8. Vallon des Auffes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,404 reviews
Reviewed By charlesbH4893MP - Toronto, Canada
We visited here in May 2019 when we were researching our upcoming book "Flavour with Benefits: France". The harbour has a few cafes and restaurants that are very good including Chez Fonfon. Have fun!
9. Le Vieux Port
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,051 reviews
Reviewed By annamariamQ7237DG - Salerno, Italy
Unmissable! The best or one of the best place in Marseille. Wonderful view, fantastic food, one of the best bouillabaisse, place where you can take the boats to different Marseille beaches!
10. Ile de frioul
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 426 reviews
Reviewed By vl59 - Modiin, Israel
We spent here about 4 hours: a walk of 2-2.5 hours on the very nice beach (so called calaques - narrow bays, an hour in cafe with unforgetable view an a "carafe" of rose wine, nice marina... High recommended
