by Chensiyuan (cropped) / CC BY-SA 4.0
France's Oldest City, Where Ancient Charm Meets Mediterranean Majesty
Table of Contents
A. About Marseille
Perched on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, Marseille pulsates with energy as France's second-largest city. Its picturesque natural harbor has served as a vital trade hub for centuries.
With its diverse population and melting pot of cultures, Marseille offers a remarkable culinary scene with its fresh seafood and Provencal flavors.
Since its designation as the European Capital of Culture in 2013, Marseille has experienced a remarkable resurgence, breathing new life into its historic streets and waterfront.
Visitors can explore the city's maritime heritage at the captivating Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations (MuCEM), or simply unwind on the sun-kissed beaches that fringe the city.
Whether wandering through narrow alleyways lined with colorful buildings in the Panier District or soaking in panoramic views from the Calanques National Park, Marseille promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler.
âž• The Good:
Marseille offers an array of captivating sights, most notably the grand Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde that watches over the city.
Nestled along the azure shores of the Mediterranean, Marseille's fantastic location beckons travelers with its harmonious blend of seaside serenity and urban vitality.
In addition, Marseille is renowned for its culinary prowess drawn from its multicultural heritage, where savory bouillabaisse and aromatic pastis evoke the essence of Provençal gastronomy.
Finally, Marseille offers a comprehensive public transport system, including a busy metro, extensive (often overcrowded) bus routes, and ferry services.
âž– The Not-So-Good:
Marseille has no major flaw.
While some parts of the city have been noticeably cleaned up (mainly around the Vieux Port, Le Panier area) other districts are still very rough on the edges.
B. Best Things to Do in Marseille in 2025 (Detailed List with Photos and Information)
In total, we count more than twenty sights in Marseille. The following sights contribute to a score of 6.00/10 in this most important category:
# Church Notre-Dame de la Garde 7
This iconic Marseille landmark, sitting at the city’s highest natural elevation spot, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea.
Its impressive 60m bell tower is crowned by a majestic (11.2 m / 37 ft) gilded statue of the Virgin Mary.
Basilica | Viewpoint Completed: 1897 | Style: Byzantine Revival
by Jan Drewes / CC BY-SA 2.5
# MuCEM and Fort St. Jean 6
Situated at the water's edge, MuCEM's (Museum of the Civilisations of Europe and the Mediterranean) modern design contrasts with the ancient Fort Saint-Jean, housing exhibits that narrate the Mediterranean's diverse civilizations.
Visitors explore artifacts, artworks, and multimedia installations, delving into the region's rich history and contemporary cultural challenges.
Museum Completed: 2013 | Architect: Rudy Ricciotti and Roland Carta
by Houss 2020 / CC BY-SA 4.0
# Old Port 5
Marseille's Vieux-Port pulsates with daily life, adorned with colorful boats and lined with bustling cafés and seafood restaurants.
by Holger Uwe Schmitt / CC BY-SA 4.0
# Le Panier (Old Town) 5
Marseille's oldest neighborhood, Le Panier, enchants with its labyrinthine streets, colorful facades, and artisanal charm.
by Holger Uwe Schmitt / CC BY-SA 4.0
# Cosquer Méditerranée 5
Opened to the public in 2022 within the futuristic confines of the Villa Méditerranée next to the MuCEM, the Cosquer Méditerranée houses a remarkable as-faithful-as-possible replica of the Cosquer cave, renowned for its 27,000 years old artworks.
Visitors embark on a 35-minute voyage through history aboard small vehicles, immersing themselves in the Paleolithic era while remaining within Marseille's harbor.
Cave Replica | Museum Completed: 2022 | ⚠️ Pre-booking ahead advised
# Cathedrale Sainte-Marie Majeure 5
Cathedrale Sainte-Marie Majeure, also known as La Major, stands as a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture, its imposing silhouette dominating the skyline of Marseille's historic quarter.
Its towering columns, domes, and rose windows evoke grandeur and reverence, symbolizing both faith and cultural heritage.
Roman Catholic Cathedral Completed: 1896 | Style: Romanesque (old cathedral), Romanesque-Byzantine Revival (new cathedral)
by Kent Wang / CC BY-SA 2.0
# Centre de la Vieille Charité Hospice 5
Tucked in Le Panier district, this 17th-century establishment boasts a remarkable architectural composition, featuring three tiers of arcaded galleries encircling a Baroque chapel.
Within the premises, visitors can explore two museums: The first floor houses the Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology 5, while the second floor is home to the Museum of Art of Africa, Oceania and Amerindia 5, along with spaces for rotating exhibitions.
Cultural Centre | Museum | Chapel
by Lars Textorius / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Château d'If 5
Accessible only by boat from the Old Port, Château d'If stands on a rugged island as a symbol of maritime history and literary intrigue.
Fortress Completed: 16th century
by Padrecardu / CC BY-SA 3.0
# CITÉ RADIEUSE LE CORBUSIER 4
At the end of the Second World War, faced with a shortage of housing, particularly social housing, the Minister of Reconstruction commissioned the construction of a housing unit in Marseille.
Le Corbusier proposed an experimental and innovative project. His intention was to radically renew traditional housing, in particular by increasing the volume of the buildings.
Historic Building | Residential Complex 🌎 World Heritage Site: since 2016 (along with 16 other works by Le Corbusier) | Completed: 1952
by Karmakolle / CC BY-SA 4.0
#10 | Palais Longchamp (Fine Arts Museum and Natural History Museum)4
The Palais Longchamp, a 19th-century architectural gem, comprises three primary sections: the west wing housing the Natural History Museum 4, the east wing accommodating the Fine Arts Museum 4, and the chateau d’eau, also known as the water castle with cascading fountains 4.
Fine Arts Museum Completed: 1801
by Vicuna R / CC BY-SA 2.0
C. Other Notable Sights and Attractions in Marseille
#11 | Abbaye Saint-Victor 4
From its humble origins as a medieval abbey to its transformation into a cultural center and museum, this architectural marvel invites visitors to wander through its labyrinthine corridors and contemplate the mysteries of existence.
by Michiel 1972 / CC BY-SA 3.0
#12 | Vallon des Auffes 4
Tucked away along the rugged coastline of Marseille's Corniche Kennedy, the Vallon des Auffes beckons travelers to immerse themselves in the timeless charm and maritime splendor of this picturesque fishing village.
Seaside City District | Fishing Village
by Arnaud 25 / CC BY-SA 4.0
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- Pharo Palace (Palace | Viewpoint) 4
- La Corniche (Corniche Kennedy) (Seaside Road) 4
- Musée d'Histoire de Marseille (City Museum) 4
- Musée Regards de Provence (Art Museum) 4
- Musée des Docks Romains (Archeology Museum) 4
- North African Market 4
- Stade VĂ©lodrome 4
- Chateau & Parc Borély (Palace and Park) 4
D. Best Day Trips and Excursions from Marseille
Parc national des Calanques 6
This protected area encompasses a stunning landscape of limestone cliffs, hidden coves, and azure waters, offering outdoor enthusiasts a haven for hiking, rock climbing, and snorkeling adventures.
National Park ca. 15 km from Marseille
by Pablo Sievert / CC BY-SA 4.0
E. Top 10 List of the Best Things to Do in Marseille (including close-by excursions)
To sum things up, these are the ten best sights we recommend to you when visiting Marseille for at least two entire days: