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
Marseilles is Europe's last major metropolis before Africa. It's a multicultural city full of contrasts, where every neighbourhood is a little piece of a grand urban and maritime history.

Unpack your bags and head straight to La Canebière, the shopping street renowned for its lively atmosphere by day and by night, to meet the locals, then head for the Vieux-Port (Old Port). There you can sample fried fish or a classic bouillabaisse while watching the buzzing fish market on the Quai de la Fraternité. Look up and admire the Notre-Dame de la Garde church, delightfully known by the nickname "la Bonne Mère" (the Good Mother). Having loomed over Marseilles for eight centuries, it seems to protect the city.

Continue your visit by strolling from one historic neighbourhood to another. Walking along the streets of the famous Panier area, you can't help but be tempted by the perfumed soaps, rare oils or colourful fabrics.

Along the seafront, you can walk along the Mediterranean via the port or the corniche up to l'Estaque, a traditional fishing village immortalised by Cézanne and Renoir. More sporty types can put on their trainers and head for the Calanques, the steep-walled inlets extending over 12 miles of coastline between Marseilles and Cassis.

Whether you're an art lover or simply curious, you'll find folk art treasures in the superb setting of the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations, MUCEM, which opened in 2013. Unless you'd rather explore the 800 works housed in the museum of contemporary art, or learn all about the history of the French national anthem at the Mémorial de la Marseillaise. You'll be spoiled for choice and this diversity, which is part of Marseilles' charm, means there is always something new!

Marseilles is served by Saint-Charles station and Marseilles Provence airport, and can be reached by car via the A7-A51, A55 and A50 motorways.

Have a look at Expedia's offers to find an all-in-one package, including transport, accommodation and car rental. It's the secret to fabulous holidays in Marseilles!

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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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
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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
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
The price is £138 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
£138
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,020 reviews)
"Wonderful boutique hotel right on Old Port in Marseille. Has a lift and central air. Included breakfast."

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

Maisons du Monde Hôtel & Suites - Marseille 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 £214 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
£214
3 Aug - 4 Aug
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! (991 reviews)
Great
"Great hotel and great location."

Reviewed on 24 Jul 2025

InterContinental Marseille - Hotel Dieu by IHG
Residhotel Grand Prado

Residhotel Grand Prado

3 out of 5
Allée Turcat Méry, 7 square des frères Ambrogiani, Marseille
The price is £63 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
£63
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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! (2,256 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
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! (2,256 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! (1,235 reviews)
Excellent.
"Very friendly and helpful staff. Good sized room perfect for a family stay. Good location for the port and central city. Good local food nearby."

Reviewed on 25 Jul 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! (593 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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