Where to go in Marseille? 13 Famous & best places to visit in Marseille

Discover 13 tourist attractions in Marseille – the enchanting Mediterranean coastal city. The natural beauty, art and history will make you dream and forget the way back.

Marseille is not only the most vibrant seaport in France but also a vivid picture of light, wind and endless green. Under the bright yellow sunshine, you will encounter artistic street corners, ancient hills and poetic coastlines. If you are looking for a journey that is both liberal and French, Marseille will take you on a journey between reality and dreams – where time seems to stop and emotions surge.

Joining us to find out the 13 famous tourist attractions and best places to visit in Marseille most loved by travel enthusiasts!

Best places to visit in Marseille: Vieux-Port – The Bustling Heart of Marseille

• Location: Vieux-Port de Marseille, 13001 Marseille, France

Located at the end of the Canebière avenue, Vieux-Port is a vibrant symbol of Marseille, blending history and modernity. This port has been a bustling commercial center since ancient times and is now a must-see destination for tourists. Strolling along the port, you will come across a series of cafes, seafood restaurants and a bustling fresh fish market every morning.

This is also the ideal place to enjoy a traditional bouillabaisse while watching the sunset over the sparkling water. Vieux-Port is also the starting point for many city tours and boat trips to the Calanques or Château d’If. Centrally located and easily accessible by metro or bus, Vieux-Port is the ideal place to start your exploration of Marseille.

Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica

• Location: Rue Fort du Sanctuaire, 13006 Marseille, France

Located on the highest hill in Marseille, about 160 meters above sea level, Notre-Dame de la Garde is the spiritual “lighthouse” of the city. Built in the 19th century, the church is notable for its Roman-Byzantine architecture and the gilded bronze statue of the Virgin Mary on top of the bell tower.

From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city, the port and the Frioul archipelago. The church is open daily from 7am to 6pm, with the car park closing at 6:15pm. Visitors can get here by bus line 60, a small tourist boat or a 20-minute walk from the Vieux-Port. The church is open daily from 7am to 6pm, with the car park closing at 6:15pm. You can get there by bus 60, a small tourist boat or a 20-minute walk from Vieux-Port.

Calanques National Park

• Address: 141 Avenue du Prado, Bâtiment A, 13008 Marseille, France

Tucked between Marseille and the town of Cassis, the Calanques National Park is a nature lover’s dream for sea, rock and sky lovers. Covering over 520 km², of which 85 km² is land, it is the only national park in Europe that combines limestone mountains, dense forests and deep blue ocean. The Calanques is open all year round and is free to visit, although some areas may be restricted during the summer (June–September) due to the risk of forest fires.

From the center of Marseille, just take bus number 21 to Luminy, then walk through the green pine forest to reach the famous Sormiou or En-Vau bay. Exciting activities include trekking through the white cliffs, kayaking to explore the fjord, or simply lying under the Mediterranean sun, enjoying the fresh air of an untouched paradise.

Museum of Mediterranean Cultures MuCEM

• Address: 1 Esp. J4, 13002 Marseille, France

Right at the gateway to the ancient port of Vieux-Port, MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Cultures) appears as a block of contemporary art against the blue sky of Marseille. Designed by architect Rudy Ricciotti, the museum stands out with its unique charcoal-gray mesh concrete shell, stretching enchantingly out to the shore. It preserves the rich heritage of Mediterranean coastal civilizations, from ancient Egypt to the contemporary Islamic world.

Inside is a vibrant exhibition space, combining modern technology and natural light with sophistication. MuCEM is open all year round, with visiting hours varying according to the season (from 10:00 to 20:00 in the summer) and an entrance fee of 11€ (~322,377 VND). Take the M1 metro line to Vieux-Port station and walk 10 minutes along the waterfront, and your journey of art and history will begin.

Explore Local Life at the Marché de Noailles

• Location: Bd d’Athènes, 13001 Marseille, France

Marché de Noailles is not an ordinary market, but a place that stimulates all the senses with the aroma of curry, the vibrant colors of tropical fruits and the bustling sounds of vendors. Walking in Noailles is like being lost in a miniature world of North Africa, the Middle East and Asia in the heart of Europe.

The market is open from 8am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday, offering an authentic taste of local life. Take the M1 metro to Noailles station, where the market is located. Every step opens up a vibrant color palette, making visitors unable to help but be immersed in the unique harmony of Marseille.

Cité Radieuse – Le Corbusier’s Iconic Building

• Address: 280 Bd Michelet, 13008 Marseille, France

Located on the lush green boulevard Michelet, Cité Radieuse (Unité d’Habitation), is a vibrant Brutalist architectural manifesto, designed by Le Corbusier. With the idea of ​​a “vertical city” combining living, working and entertainment spaces, the building soars 56 meters into the sky, where 337 apartments are designed as a creative “living honeycomb”. Each space adheres to the “Modulor” philosophy – the golden ratio for people, light and nature in harmony.

On the roof, visitors will find an art gallery, a kindergarten, and a great view of the windy Mediterranean. Cité Radieuse is open daily, easily accessible by metro line M2 to Rond-Point du Prado station, then take bus number 21. This is not only a destination for architecture lovers, but also a place to touch the dream of a harmonious, sustainable and inspiring society.

Château d’If Fortress in “The Count of Monte Cristo”

• Address: Embarcadère Frioul If, 1 Quai de la Fraternité, 13001 Marseille, France

Located about 1.5 km off the coast of Marseille, Château d’If is an ancient fortress located on a small island in the Frioul archipelago. The structure was built in the 16th century for military purposes, and became famous worldwide thanks to the novel “The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas – where the character Edmond Dantès was imprisoned.

Coming here, you will be enchanted by the blue sea and sky, the towering stone walls and each windy cell. The ticket to visit Château d’If costs 7€, free for visitors under 26 years old, including a round-trip boat ticket from Vieux-Port. The fortress is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10am – 5pm (closed on Mondays and during rough seas). The boat ride to the island lasts about 20 minutes, bringing visitors to feel the harmony of nature and mysterious history.

The poetic Corniche Kennedy Seaside Road

• Location: Corniche du Président John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 13007 Marseille, France

Corniche Président John F. Kennedy is a coastal route of more than 3km long hugging the Bay of Marseille, likened to a “balcony overlooking the Mediterranean”. This place is a beautiful symphony between the deep blue sea, the rocky beach sparkling in the sun and ancient villas nestled behind the palm trees. Sunset on Corniche Kennedy is the most charming moment, when the sky is dyed yellow, the sea surface sparkles like silver.

Many roads have places to rest or go down to the sea to cool off in the summer. This is not only a walking path but also an ideal place to feel the slow, open and poetic pace of Marseille in every salty sea breeze.

Plage Des Catalans Beach

• Location: Plage des Catalans, 13007 Marseille, France

Only about 10 minutes walk from Vieux-Port, Plage des Catalans is the city’s most famous public beach – where people flock every summer. With a convenient location and fine golden sand, clear blue water, this is an ideal meeting place for visitors who want to sunbathe, swim or immerse themselves in the Mediterranean life in the heart of the city.

The beach is open to the public for free, however, in the summer (June to September), it is necessary to book a time slot in advance on the Marseille city website to control the number of visitors. Surrounded by bars, seafood restaurants and ice cream shops, serving visitors with all their needs for rest and dining. Plage des Catalans is not only an ideal place to relax but also a lively corner that fully reflects the sea-loving spirit of Marseille people – youthful, cheerful and full of laughter.

Le Panier Old Town of Art

• Address: 1A Rue du Petit Puits, 13002 Marseille, France

Panier is the colorful old soul of Marseille, making a strong impression with its winding alleys, small steps and brightly painted pastel houses. Strolling through each corner, visitors will feel like they are lost in an outdoor art exhibition with vibrant graffiti murals, romantic small cafes and traditional craft workshops. This is the oldest quarter of Marseille, located right behind the Vieux-Port, which can be easily explored on foot.

Le Panier is also a creative playground for artists, photographers and dreamers. Every corner of the wall, every flower balcony has its own story, quietly telling the past of the seaport. Come here in the cool morning or afternoon, leisurely amidst the rows of blue windows and the bustling sounds of local life, you will understand why this place always makes visitors’ hearts flutter.

Orange Vélodrome Stadium

• Address: 3 Boulevard Michelet, 13008 Marseille, France

The Orange Vélodrome Stadium is a living symbol of the passion, pride and sporting culture of the people of Marseille. This stadium is the “holy land” of the Olympique de Marseille club, which has been shaken by countless fiery matches and enthusiastic cheers. With a capacity of more than 67,000 seats, the Orange Vélodrome is the second largest stadium in France, located on Michelet Avenue, just 15 minutes by metro from the city center (line M2, Rond-Point du Prado station).

Tickets to the stadium range from 18€ (about 527,526 VND), open from 10am to 5pm every day of the week, except Monday. In addition to football, the stadium also hosts concerts, international events and extremely attractive behind-the-scenes tours. Whether you are a football fanatic or simply curious, a visit here is an experience not to be missed.

Palais Longchamp – Masterpiece of Architecture and Art

• Location: Boulevard Jardin Zoologique, 13004 Marseille, France

Palais Longchamp is also one of the destinations that #teamKlook cannot miss with its classical architecture and nature in harmony in every detail. Built in the 19th century to celebrate the water supply to the city, this work is now a magnificent symbol of Marseille, featuring a giant fountain, a lion statue, and two arches leading to the Museum of Fine Arts and Natural History.

Visitors travel to Palais Longchamp by tramway (Line T2 – Longchamp station). Entrance to the campus is free, the museum costs 6€ (~175,842 VND), open from 9am to 6pm daily (except Monday). This is an ideal destination for photography enthusiasts, art lovers, or those who simply want to immerse themselves in the peaceful setting of the Longchamp garden with its shady trees and fragrant flowers.

Cathedrale de la Major With Its Unique Architecture

• Location: Place de la Major, 13002 Marseille, France

Cathédrale de la Major is like a gem inlaid in the sky and sea of ​​Marseille, standing out with its unique Byzantine – Romanesque architecture never seen in any other church in France. With its unique white-gray striped dome, this church attracts eyes from afar and becomes more splendid than ever when the sunset falls on the sea.

Located between Le Panier and Joliette, Cathédrale de la Major is easily accessible by tramway T2 or on foot from Vieux-Port. Inside, the soaring ceilings, stained glass windows and large sanctuary space create a sense of awe and tranquility. The church is open free of charge from 10am to 7pm (Tuesday – Sunday). Here, you have the opportunity to admire a masterpiece of religious architecture, while feeling the intersection between faith, art and the vast ocean offshore.

Frequently Asked Questions When Traveling to Marseille

Is Marseille safe for tourists?

Marseille is generally safe for tourists, especially in the center and famous spots. However, you should avoid going alone at night in less crowded areas, and always be wary of pickpockets in crowded places.

Should you go trekking or boat tour in the Calanques?

If you love exercise and exploring nature, trekking is the ideal choice. Boat tours are suitable for those who want to fully admire the beauty of the Calanques from the sea, without losing energy. Both bring great experiences in their own way.

Do you need to buy tickets in advance to enter MuCEM?

You should buy MuCEM tickets in advance to save time queuing, especially during peak tourist season. Online tickets also often have combo deals, helping you explore this modern museum more conveniently.

What are the specialties of Marseille?

Marseille is famous for bouillabaisse (traditional seafood soup), tapenade (olive sauce), navette (orange biscuits) and fresh seafood. The cuisine here is Mediterranean, a delicate fusion of France and Provence.

Is there a city pass for independent travelers?

Marseille City Pass is a great choice for independent travelers. The card includes admission to museums, Calanques boat tours, public transport and many incentives at attractions, with flexible 24h, 48h or 72h packages.

Marseille is not only a bustling port city but also a vivid picture of the Mediterranean Sea, art, history and exquisite cuisine. With 13 outstanding tourist destinations, you will fully admire the ancient beauty mixed with modern features of one of the most charming destinations in the South of France.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Marseille you can refer to

• Marseille: Calanques 5-Hour Cruise and Lunch
• Marseille: Panoramic Tour of by Hop-On Hop-Off Colorbus
• Marseille: Mucem Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket
• Marseille: Côte Bleue Calanques Half-Day Kayak Tour
• Marseille CityPass: 24 Hours, 48 Hours or 72 Hours
• Marseille: Boat Tour with Stop on the Frioul Islands
• From Marseille: Full-Day Valensole Lavender Fields Tour
• Marseille to Calanques: Full-Day Electric Bike Trip
• Marseille City Pass
• Aix-en-Provence, Cassis, and Marseille Day Tour from Marseille
• Marseille Hop-On Hop-Off Colorbus Tour
• Aix-en-Provence, Marseille, and Cassis Small Group Day Tour from Paris
• City Sightseeing Tour of Marseille
• Château d’If Ticket in Marseille
• Marseille Segway Tour
• Olympique de Marseille – Orange Vélodrome Stadium Tour

Read more France guide here.