On the shores of the Mediterranean, the city stands out for its port, historic buildings, and beaches. In this article we’ll show you things to do in Marseille in one or two days.
Set right on the Mediterranean coast, Marseille impresses from the moment you arrive at the train station, located on a hill. We came from Toulouse, and were welcomed by the sunset view from the long stairways descending into the old town.
In Marseille, there are clearly marked walking tourist routes, each with a different color. You’ll find maps that guide you through the different themed routes.
To visit Marseille in one day, we decided to follow the green route that climbs up to the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, and then continue along the red route, which goes through the old quarter around Cathédrale la Major. This way, we covered both sides of the Vieux-Port (Old Port).
📷 Book your Free Tour in Marseille here.
Things to do in Marseille in One Day
If you only have one day in Marseille, we recommend focusing on the old town, the Old Port, and climbing up to the Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica.
Here are the must-see places in Marseille.
1. Abbey of Saint Victor
The Abbey of Saint Victor dates back to the 5th century. It was once part of a monastery (dissolved during the French Revolution), and today only the church remains. We entered the church through the Isarn Tower.
From here you get stunning views of Marseille’s port and the opposite side of the city, including the Le Panier neighborhood and the Vieille Charité, with the Fort Saint Jean and Marseille Cathedral (Sainte-Marie-Majeure) in between.
2. Notre Dame de la Garde
The walk up to the basilica takes about 30 minutes from the old town. There are plenty of stairs, but the views are well worth it.
Notre Dame de la Garde features a 9-meter-high bronze statue that watches over the city from its highest point and protects sailors.
3. The Le Panier Neighborhood
This is the heart of the old quarter. Its charm lies in its narrow streets where you can wander aimlessly, occasionally stumbling upon small squares lined with café terraces. Very picturesque.
Although it may look a bit run-down and gritty, Le Panier has a lively daytime atmosphere and a bohemian vibe.
4. Marseille Cathedral (Sainte-Marie-Majeure)
The true highlight of this district is the Cathedral of Marseille, Sainte-Marie-Majeure, built in the mid-19th century. It was Napoleon Bonaparte himself who laid the first stone of this impressive church.
5. The Old Port (Vieux-Port)
The Old Port of Marseille is the city’s main meeting point. From here, boats depart on excursions along the French Riviera. It’s also full of terraces, bars, and fishermen selling the catch of the day. The Old Port is always buzzing with life.
A great plan is to take a sailing trip to see the French Riviera from the sea. Anytime is good, but sunset is magical.
Marseille in a Cruise Stop
You can easily visit all the highlights mentioned in just a few hours if you arrive by cruise to Marseille.
Keep in mind that the transfer from the port to the center takes around 30 minutes and can cost up to €30. A good alternative is booking a shore excursion tour that includes a guide and all transfers.
Things to do in Marseille in Two Days
If you have two days in Marseille, in addition to the must-sees for one day, we recommend adding the following:
6. Marseille Beaches
In our opinion, Marseille’s beaches are not the best on the French Riviera, but it’s worth strolling along the seaside area.
From the city center, take bus 83 (leaving from La Canebière, the city’s main street leading to the Old Port) to reach Marseille’s beaches.
Most beaches here are pebbled, but we found one sandy beach where we enjoyed some sunshine and a swim in the Mediterranean. The most popular beaches near the Old Port are Catalans and Prado.
7. Walking Along the Corniche
Beyond the beaches, one of the best things to do in Marseille any time of year is walking along the Corniche, a 3 km coastal route often called a balcony over the sea.
The walk stretches between Catalans and Prado beaches, with beautiful views of the sea and Frioul Islands. Along the way you’ll also see 19th-century houses, as well as plenty of cafés and restaurants with sea views.
Tip: there’s a bike lane along most of the Corniche. Once a month, the road is closed to cars on Sundays, making it much more pleasant for walking.
8. Palais Longchamp
Off the beaten path, you’ll find the Palais Longchamp, built to commemorate the construction of the so-called “Marseille Canal“, which diverted water from the Durance River to the city to solve severe water shortages at the time.
What else to do in Marseille?
My recommendation is to visit another places in Aix-en-Provence, for example:
- Boat trip around the Frioul Archipelago and the Île d’If, where you’ll find the 16th-century castle of the same name, made famous by Alexandre Dumas in his novel *The Count of Monte Cristo*.
- Avignon, the papal city, with its well-known bridge and the legend that surrounds it, plus Pont du Gard, Les Baux, and Châteauneuf du Pape.
- Arles, the city that inspired Van Gogh, plus Saint Rémy y Les Baux.
- Aix-en-Provence, a medieval city they explored with the help of an Argentinian guide.
Practical information for your trip to Marseille
How to get to Marseille?
Marseille Airport offers a wide range of connections both within France and to different European destinations.
📷 Book your transfer from Marseille Airport to the city center here and travel with peace of mind.
You can also reach Marseille by TGV train or by bus, although the latter means a longer journey.
Where to stay in Marseille?
There are many options for accommodation in Marseille. The downtown area can feel a little dark at night, but we didn’t find it unsafe.
Our recommended places to stay in Marseille:
- Hotel C2: set in a 19th-century private mansion, this boutique-style hotel features marble floors and unique details. Perfect for demanding travelers.
- Hostel Vertigo Vieux-Port: shared and private rooms close to the Old Port, ideal for young travelers or those on a budget. It also has a shared kitchen.
- Saint Ferréol: located in the city center and close to the main attractions in Marseille, this hotel is set in an old building but with renovated rooms. Good value for money.
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