Things to do in Marseille

Why go to Marseille

• Calanques National Park

  Dramatic limestone fjords plunging into turquoise water, one of Europe's most jaw-dropping coastal hikes, right on the city's doorstep.

• Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde

  Marseille's gilded hilltop basilica offers panoramic 360° views over the entire city, coast, and islands for free.

• MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations)

  A striking waterfront museum inside a lace-like concrete cube, showcasing 5,000 years of Mediterranean history and culture.

• Le Vieux-Port (Old Port)

  The beating heart of Marseille, a vast working harbor ringed with fish markets, cafés, and a daily fishermen's auction at dawn.

• Château d'If

  The real-life island fortress prison that inspired The Count of Monte Cristo, reachable by a short ferry ride with sweeping sea views.

Good to know in Marseille

• Transit: The RTM metro, tram, and bus network covers the city well; a single ticket costs about $2 and a day pass around $6, buy at metro station machines to avoid line surcharges.
• Tipping: Tipping is not expected in France; rounding up or leaving a euro or two for good service at a restaurant is generous by local standards.
• Tap water: Tap water in Marseille is safe and good to drink, ask for 'une carafe d'eau' at restaurants for free table water instead of paying for bottled.
• Free-entry days: MuCEM is free every first Sunday of the month, and national museums across France offer free entry to all EU residents under 26 year-round.

Trip essentials