10 Best Things to do in Marseille: Calanques, Old Port & More
Marseille is a city that reveals itself slowly, blending historic streets, salty sea air, and dramatic Mediterranean scenery into something that feels raw, vibrant, and unmistakably real. I’ve visited twice now, once 10 years ago and now for a friend’s wedding who grew up here (showing me some cool insider spots!). It’s a little gritty and rough around the edges, but that’s exactly what gives Marseille its character, from the lively Old Port and colourful neighbourhoods to turquoise coves, coastal walks, and sunset apéros by the water. There is so much to do here, I would recommend staying at least 3 nights! I have a detailed Marseille Travel Guide here for key trip planning info like best time to visit, transportation and more. Read on for my personal 10 best things to do in Marseille 🙂
Last Updated: January 2026
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1. Take a Boat Tour or Go for a Hike in Calanques National Park
Calanques National Park is one of Marseille’s biggest highlights, known for its dramatic white limestone cliffs and unreal shades of turquoise water just outside the city. Whether you explore by boat or on foot, it’s a must-do and easily one of the most memorable experiences in Marseille.
Boat tours depart directly from the Old Port (Vieux-Port) and are the easiest way to see multiple calanques in one outing. Tours range from budget sightseeing cruises starting around €25 to private boats costing €400+, with some options offering swimming stops in sheltered coves. We booked with one of the bigger operators to keep costs down. While it was a great way to see the Calanques, it didn’t include any swimming stops, which was a bit of a downside. If I were to do it again, my top choice would be a half-day catamaran tour with Blue Evasion, it allows time to swim in the Calanques, offers a calmer, more relaxed ride, and is still reasonably priced at around €79. Some tours even include paddleboarding. If that style isn’t for you, there are plenty of other operators departing from Marseille, but booking a few days in advance is highly recommended, especially in summer. Booking a few days in advance is strongly recommended in peak season.
For a more active experience, hiking in the Calanques brings you up close to the rugged landscape. Trails are well marked, but you’ll want proper footwear, plenty of water, a bathing suit and sun protection. During summer, hiking access may be restricted due to fire risk, so always check conditions before heading out.
Why it’s worth it: Calanques National Park is the perfect escape from Marseille’s gritty city energy, offering breathtaking coastal scenery, crystal-clear water, and a chance to reconnect with nature just minutes from the Old Port. Plus! You can swim off a boat in the Mediterranean Sea without having to own a yacht. 😉
2. Spend the day at the beach 🌴🌞
There are a lot of beaches in (and around Marseille)! To make it easier for you to decide which one to spend your beach day at, I have ranked them for you in my opinion and why. Check out my Marseille Guide for information about weather and rainfall by month.
- Calanques (Sugiton, Morgiou, En-Vau) – Dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear turquoise water; requires a hike or boat access but easily the most stunning option if you can find out a way to get there! It is mostly rocky and rugged, with very small sand patches.
- Prado Beaches (Plages du Prado) – Long stretches of shoreline, swimmable water, and a lively atmosphere. We spent most of our beach time here and really enjoyed it. The beach here is mostly sandy mixed with small rocks. Lots of restaurants and facilities nearby.
- Plage Borély – Slightly calmer and cleaner than Prado, popular with locals, with good facilities. This was a great spot to enjoy a little more peace and quiet than Prado, while still getting a sandy beach.
- Plage de la Pointe Rouge – Relaxed, suburban vibe with nice swimming; less dramatic scenery but perfect for a longer beach day. A mix of sand and small rocks.
- Plage du Prophète – Smaller, sheltered, sandy, and family-friendly; pleasant but not as scenic as Prado or the Calanques.
- Plage des Catalans – Closest to the Old Port and very convenient, sandy, though often crowded because it is a very small strip, and less picturesque.
- Frioul Islands Beaches – Clear water and fewer crowds; rocky and requires a ferry, best for a combined island day trip.
Why it’s worth it: You’re in the South of France – of course you need to visit a beach!
3. Explore the Cours Julien Neighbourhood
We absolutely loved Cours Julien! We spent so many evenings wandering the streets and grabbing dinner here, and the vibe is just electric. The restaurants are fantastic, the famous steps (Escaliers du Cours Julien) are packed with people chatting, smoking, playing music and vibing early in the evening, and it’s such a fun spot to hop between bars. The main square is magical at night, with patios glowing under twinkly lights and a big fountain in the centre setting the mood. During the day, explore the quirky boutiques, vintage shops, and street art that make the neighbourhood so unique. One night, we even stumbled on a pop-up fashion show, with models strutting down a red carpet rolled out on the cobblestones between restaurant patios, completely unexpected and unforgettable. Honestly, Cours Julien is the kind of place that makes you want to wander endlessly and just soak up the energy of Marseille.
Why it’s worth it: It’s just one of those spots that just has a great vibe. Cours Julien is colourful, creative, and full of life, with street art, buzzing patios, and a fun, local atmosphere that lasts from day to night.
4. Visit Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde
Perched high above Marseille, Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde offers unbeatable panoramic views of the city and the sparkling Mediterranean beyond. The uphill walk from the Old Port takes about 20–30 minutes, but it’s worth every step. The hilltop setting, intricate mosaics, and iconic golden statue of the Virgin make it one of Marseille’s most iconic landmarks. Whether you go to admire the architecture, take photos, or just soak in the sweeping views, it’s a must-see for first-time visitors.
Why it’s worth it: You’ll get the best view in the entire city, hands down. It’s not too hard of a walk for a beautiful pay off. Plus you can try and spot the Old Port and Cours Julien neighbourhoods from above that you will also visit for a new perspective!
5. Take the ferry to the Frioul Islands and Château d’If
A visit to Château d’If and the Frioul Islands is one of the most iconic excursions from Marseille. Ferries depart regularly from the Old Port and take about 20–30 minutes to reach the islands. Round-trip tickets typically cost around €15–€20, and you can buy them directly at the ferry terminal. Once on the islands, you can explore the historic Château d’If, the fortress made famous by The Count of Monte Cristo, wander scenic trails with panoramic views of Marseille and the Mediterranean, swim in hidden coves, or relax on the small rocky beaches. Ferries run back to the Old Port throughout the day, making it easy to plan a half-day or full-day trip. It’s a perfect combination of history, nature, and stunning coastal scenery just minutes from the city.
Why it’s worth it: I always love a little day or half day trip from the home base I am in. Of course you should hop on another boat in the south of France! In under an hour, you go from busy city streets to clear blue water, rocky islands, and historic fortresses. It’s the perfect contrast to Marseille’s urban energy.
6. Wander the Vieux-Port (Old Port)
Wandering around Marseille’s Old Port is one of those simple-but-perfect city experiences you’ll probably end up doing more than once. Start by checking out the famous mirrored roof, L’Ombrière by Norman Foster, it’s fun, a little trippy, and a perfect selfie spot for you and your friends. From there, stroll along the water watching the fishing boats and yachts bob in the harbour, then grab a seat on a patio for a drink or a long lunch with front-row views of the port (this is peak Marseille energy). Careful for tourist trap restaurants here, I wouldn’t eat here unless you researched first or don’t care about food as much as I do 😂. For a full walk, I recommend doing the entire length of the port from Fort Saint-Jean near the MuCEM all the way to Palais du Pharo on the opposite end – you’ll get constant waterfront views, great people-watching, and a sense of how alive this area is at all hours. I’ll pin the start point at Fort Saint-Jean and the end point at Palais du Pharo on my map below so you can easily follow the route yourself and stop wherever looks good along the way!
Why it’s worth it: This is quite literally the heart of Marseille! Honestly, I’d be surprised if anyone visited the city without spending at least some time wandering around the Old Port. Boats, patios, sea air, and nonstop people-watching.
7. Explore La Friche la Belle de Mai
This one is a bit of a hidden gem and off the what the bloggers say “beaten path”, and it is very Marseille. Set inside a former tobacco factory (stay with me here), it’s been transformed into a massive cultural hub filled with art exhibitions, live music, open-air events, a skate park, food spots, a basketball court, a playground and rooftop bars with sweeping views over the city. Friggin cool right! The space feels raw and ever-changing, and you can easily spend a few hours wandering between installations, grabbing a drink, and seeing what’s happening that day.
We visited during Festival Bon Air, an electronic music festival hosted at La Friche that brings DJs, performances, and a fun, summery, ready-to-dance crowd into the space. The festival was held in June last year and is happening in May this year, so check online for the actual dates. I genuinely loved it – checkoing out art exhibits while wandering between stages, dancing, and that unmistakable Marseille energy. Being there felt like participating in the city rather than just observing it, and it ended up being one of the most fun and memorable things we did.
Why it’s worth it: This is Marseille at its most authentic – creative, a little rough around the edges, and full of life. La Friche offers a genuinely local experience that goes beyond sightseeing and lets you feel part of the city’s cultural pulse.
8. Walk, Bike, or Lime Scooter Along the Corniche Kennedy
For a breezy escape with constant sea views, you can’t beat the Corniche Kennedy and the adjacent sea path. Whether you’re strolling, cycling, or zipping along on a Lime scooter, the route gives you sweeping views of the Mediterranean, rocky cliffs, and the city’s coastline. The path is mostly flat and stretches for several kilometers, so you can make it as short or long as you like, it’s a perfect mix of light exercise, fresh air, and scenic vibes just outside the heart of the city. Take a stop at Vallon des Auffes, a tiny, picturesque fishing harbor tucked into the cliffs under a stone bridge that has some cool spots to eat/drink. A good starting point for a 30-40 minute walk would be starting at Plage des Catalans and then ending at Plage du Prophète. For a bike/scooter, I would keep going to Plage du Prado for a great ride that ends at a great beach! Check out my map below for pinned start/end points for this ride and a lot more!
Why it’s worth it: Breathe in the Mediterranean sea air while walking, biking, or scooting along cliffs and coastline — a quick, scenic escape from the city streets. The colour of the water along here is gorgeous!
9. Visit the MuCEM & Fort Saint-Jean
Even if you’re not a typical “museum person,” a visit to MuCEM and Fort Saint-Jean is a must in Marseille. The modern MuCEM building is a stunning piece of architecture perched right on the waterfront, with its lattice-like concrete façade, bridges, and terraces making it one of the city’s most photogenic spots.
Best of all, you can explore the outdoor terraces, walkways, and the connection to Fort Saint-Jean for free, taking in sweeping views of the Mediterranean, the Old Port, and the city skyline.
Once you’re ready, you can step inside to explore the galleries featuring fascinating exhibits on Mediterranean history, art, and culture. Fort Saint-Jean itself is also worth wandering through, the historic stone walls, small courtyards, and ramparts offer insight into Marseille’s past and add even more amazing photo opportunities. Whether you stay outside enjoying the architecture and panoramic views or venture inside for the exhibits, this combination gives you a mix of history, culture, and design, all in one scenic corner of the city.
Why it’s worth it: It’s cool and it’s free! Explore Marseille’s most photogenic waterfront spot: stunning modern architecture, historic fort walls, and panoramic sea views, with free terraces and walkways to enjoy even if you skip the museum exhibits.
10. Check Out Marseille’s Local Cultural Scene
When I travel, I always love seeing what’s happening locally so I can feel part of the city, not just breeze through ticking off sights. Marseille has a raw, artistic, creative energy so there’s usually something going on, from live music and street performances to festivals and cultural events. Below is a quick list to help you tap into the city’s local scene while you’re here! Check out my full Marseille Travel Guide to decide what season is best for your visit and more.
🎶 Live Music & Nightlife Spots:
• Hit up a summer pop up beach bar/club – Spots like L’îlot de la Corniche or Buvette du Roucas only open in the summer and have great views and summer energy!
• Le Molotov – One of Marseille’s best-loved venues for indie, rock, punk, and alternative shows.
• Espace Julien – A larger concert hall in Cours Julien hosting French and international artists.
• Baby Club – Legendary late-night spot for DJs and underground electronic music.
• La Dame Noir – Intimate bar with DJ sets, eclectic music, and a very Marseille crowd.
🎭 Festivals & Events:
• Marsatac Festival – A major electronic, hip-hop, and urban music festival usually held in June
• Le Bon Air Festival – A live music and arts festival held at Friche la Belle de Mai, a super cool outdoor/indoor space. Hosts around fifty diverse musical acts over one weekend!
• Fiesta des Suds – A fall festival celebrating Mediterranean and world music with concerts near the Old Port.
• Fête de la Musique (June 21) – Free live music almost everywhere in the whole country: streets, bars, plazas, and parks.
• Open-air events at Cours Julien – Pop-up fashion shows, art events, and performances happen regularly, especially in summer.
Why it’s worth it: This is one of the easiest ways to experience Marseille beyond all the usual stuff. There is so much more other than what I listed so while you’re in town check posters up around Cours Julien, ask locals, or research what’s on while you’re in town and try something different!
For more information to plan your trip to Marseille, check out my full Marseille Travel Guide here.
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