Your Ultimate Guide to What to Do in Marseille

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• Leave Your Heart in the Oldest Quarter
• Get Sun Kissed at the Local Beach
• Play Pétanque!
• Create Soap
• See the Château d’If
• Enjoy the Feast for the Senses – the Local Markets
• Go out at Night
• Explore the MuCEM
• Try Marseille’s Famous Seafood
• Finally…

It seems like France’s second-biggest city has a very special reputation. On the one hand, Marseille became part of the country later than the rest of the areas, making it a kind of outsider. On the other – the buzzing cultural scene, access to Mother Nature, and long running history make Paris’s southern cousin the go-to place for a wonderfully varied break. Discover the sun-kissed city and find out the best things to do in Marseille we’ve handpicked for you!

Leave Your Heart in the Oldest Quarter

It was when colonists from ancient Greece came to the harbor of Massalia that they decided to make one of its hills their settlement. Today, Le Panier is a grandiose attraction and one of the top places to visit in Marseille. With the help of spray cans, street artists turned this warren-like area into a colorful haven that, together with potted plants, welcomes tourists tired of concrete jungles. Lose yourself in the streets adorned with flowers, admire old façades, and get hypnotized by gorgeous frescos. Enjoy your “apéro” in the very heart of Rue du Petit Puits and have a yummy dinner with an incredible view over the church “la Bonne Mère.”

Get Sun Kissed at the Local Beach

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At Enjoy The Wood, we all are sun-and-beach addicts. If you’re from the same camp, Marseille’s beaches are perfect sea and coast beaches in the Calanques ct. The top things to do in Marseilles beach paradise include visiting a lively beach close to the city center known as Plage des Catalans. It’s 100% every traveler’s favorite place in the “cité phocéenne.” Plus, check out Calanques National Park, where swimmers and hikers can’t get enough of turquoise waters and secluded coves. Put Prado Beaches on your to-visit list, especially if you wonder what to do in Marseille with kids. It’s an ideal location for families and welcomes them with wide amenities and spaces.

Play Pétanque!

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As for the unique things to do in Marseille (or in the south of France in general), consider playing the most famous local game. If possible, participate in a friendly competition, ask locals questions about the rules, and share some snacks and eXpresso (hear them pronounce it that way!) together. Sooner than you know, you’ll learn to play a famous French ball game and, who knows, maybe even practice some at home.

Create Soap

Savon de Marseille is one of the unique things you can find in the city that is snuggled deep in the heart of Provence along the Mediterranean Sea. Create your own soap masterpiece at the Musée du Savon in the Vieux Port, and make sure your children take part in the process. They’ll personalize their soap bars to make something unique. Plus, you’re welcome to visit the soap workshop on Cours Julien to learn more about the soap artwork.

See the Château d’If

What is Marseille best known for? Football and… Château d’If, of course! Famous for being a setting for the world known book “The Count of Monte Cristo,” Château d’If is the place you can’t miss! This must-visit fortress is located on a small island that tourists can reach with the help of a ferry. After a short ride, you’ll access the fortress that turned into a prison centuries ago. Check out the cells where prisoners had to spend their days and enjoy the splendid views of the coastline.

Enjoy the Feast for the Senses – the Local Markets

At Enjoy Travel, we know very well that it doesn’t really matter where you travel, sooner or later, the time to purchase souvenirs comes. What to buy in Marseille? Set off to Marseille’s bustling markets to get some fresh products and spices. Tourists from all over the globe head to Marché des Capucins to buy products with a strong North African flair. Or walk in the crowds of the Fish Market at the Vieux-Port. Be among the first to get some fresh catch of the day! At the same time, Noailles Market is at your service if you’re on the lookout for exotic foods and goods.

Go out at Night

When the sun goes down and kids go to bed, the city comes alive with gazillions of nightlife options. It’s Plage du Prado that welcomes you with a wide variety of beachfront clubs. Besides, there are many trendy bars open in the Cours Julien district. Basically, every district can boast of a place to dance to a piece of nice music. Head to BACK to BAC for excellent customer service and affordable (extra-delicious!) drinks. At Carry Nation, nightclubbers have some great fun in a relaxed ambiance. All in all, parties, clubs, bars, outdoor festivals, and many other events are at your service in a vibrant Marseille nightlife scene.

Explore the MuCEM

If you’re into history, the MuCEM – the best museum in Marseille – welcomes you! Dive into the secrets of Mediterranean history and ancient civilizations, as well as how the region developed throughout the centuries. In addition to multiple exhibitions (captivating for both – kids and adults!), the museum offers mini-lectures and films that help get a better understanding of the local culture.

Try Marseille’s Famous Seafood

No trip to the South of France is complete without heading to the local restaurant for the delicious fish stew, which is a traditional delicacy in Provence. A lot of local restaurants in the Vieux Port area offer authentic versions of the fish stew that food lovers can’t (and shouldn’t!) miss. In addition to the fish stew, don’t miss a chance to enjoy the local specialties known as panisse and aioli. In addition to a unique taste, these local dishes guarantee an exclusive cultural experience that is equally important for a globe-trotter.

Finally…

One of the points of the list on what to do in Marseille obviously goes about…people. Be ready to get a hug from the flower shop seller after he finds out you once visited his hometown. Enjoy warm, quick talks with the baristas and other people that you may encounter here and there. It’s probably Marseille’s uniqueness in France that makes this city worth exploring and pining on the regional maps once the adventure is over and you come back home.