Marseille, a city with many facets, offers a unique experience for students, young professionals, and visitors looking for urban adventure. Our guide reveals the must-see places and experiences you can’t miss during your stay. Get ready to discover:
- The rich historical and cultural heritage
- Iconic neighborhoods with authentic charm
- Breathtaking natural spaces
- The vibrant and alternative arts scene
- The diversity of local cuisine
Whether you’re staying in coliving for a few months or on a quick visit, dive into the soul of Marseille with our complete guide!
The historic heart of Marseille
Start your exploration of Marseille in its historic heart. Its streets preserve and tell part of its 2,600-year-old history.
The Old Port: The maritime soul of the city
If there’s one place to begin your visit, it’s the Old Port. A symbol of the Phocaean city, it marks the foundation of Massalia by Greek sailors. Located in the 1st arrondissement, the Old Port welcomes you daily with its constant activity and colorful boats moored on both sides of the harbor. Strolling along the quays, you can watch fishermen sell their catch of the day at the morning fish market. There’s no shortage of restaurants and cafés. Enjoy a lunch break or a coffee on the terrace. The sun almost always shines in Marseille. Another must-see in the Old Port is Norman Foster’s mirrored pavilion. Whether you’ve seen it online or in person, this artwork reflects the bustling life of the port, positioned opposite the Old Port and its sailboats. Just a bit further, you’ll find the MUCEM: the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations. A must-visit!
The Panier district: A charming labyrinth of history
A few steps away lies Marseille’s oldest district: the Panier. This authentic little corner is an open-air museum. With its colorful facades adorned with street art, you’ll feel transported, far from the city’s hustle and bustle. However, exploring the Panier comes at a price: wandering through its maze of steep streets and climbing its many stairways. This village within the city, the birthplace of Marseille, is full of hidden treasures. Its artist workshops, small cafés, designer boutiques, and art galleries will mark your path. The district once had a bad reputation, plagued by poverty and drug trafficking, but that has fortunately changed today. You’ll find many cultural sites like the Hôtel Dieu or the iconic Place des Moulins. Fun fact: the district also inspired the sets of the iconic French series Plus Belle La Vie.
Cultural must-sees
If you want to make your cultural trip to Marseille truly complete, you MUST visit these iconic landmarks.
The MuCEM: A bridge between past and present
As mentioned earlier, if there’s one unique place you shouldn’t forget, it’s the MuCEM. The Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations is a must-see. This lace-like concrete cube, designed by architect Rudy Ricciotti in 2013 on the site of the former J4 port dock, houses exhibitions that are as fascinating as they are varied. All the exhibits share a common theme: they highlight Mediterranean cultures and their legacies, displayed across the building’s two exhibition levels. The MuCEM actually spans 3 sites: the J4 building, with its 3,600 m² of temporary and permanent exhibitions, the Fort Saint-Jean, which is connected by a footbridge, and the Conservation and Resource Center located in the Belle de Mai district. Together, these locations make the MuCEM a center for reflection on Mediterranean civilizations and history. Various conferences, workshops, and even evening events are regularly held here.
Notre-Dame de la Garde: The guardian of Marseille
Perched on the highest hill in Marseille, let’s talk about the city’s most visited monument: the famous Notre-Dame de la Garde. Affectionately nicknamed “La Bonne Mère” (the Good Mother) by locals, it has watched over the city since the 19th century. This Romanesque-Byzantine basilica sits at an altitude of 147 meters, offering you an exceptional panoramic view of the city and the sea. Its exterior architecture, made of stone and marble, is impressive, but the interior is just as grand. With unparalleled decorative richness, it features 1,200 m² of colorful and gilded mosaics, reminiscent of its Byzantine origins and splendor. Magnificent. Inside, you’ll also find a nave over 32 meters high, an altar, a silver statue of the Virgin, numerous ex-votos—touching tokens of popular faith—and a crypt.
Nature and outdoor adventures in Marseille
Exploring the city center has worn you out. Isn’t it time to escape into nature for a while?
The Calanques: A paradise between land and sea
Narrow, deep coves with turquoise waters, the Calanques are a natural wonder just outside Marseille. These Mediterranean fjords, framed by towering limestone cliffs, are a paradise for hikers and swimming enthusiasts. The region boasts 26 calanques, 25 of which are within Marseille, forming the Calanques National Park. Popular with tourists and locals alike for activities ranging from a challenging hike to the Calanque d’En-Vau to a more relaxed stroll at Sormiou, the Calanques are home to an incredible biodiversity. More than 140 plant and animal species coexist in this natural haven, not to mention the rich marine life. The Calanques are spectacular but also protected. Due to their popularity and the high risk of wildfires, access is restricted during the summer season, and some, like the Calanque de Sugiton, require a reservation.
The Frioul islands and Château d'If: Island getaway
Remember our first must-see, the Old Port? We head back there to catch a boat to our next natural escape. After just a 20-minute boat ride, the Frioul Archipelago offers a complete change of scenery. Made up of 4 main islands—Pomègues, If, Tiboulen, and Ratonneau—the Frioul Islands remain largely untamed. The boats dock at Ratonneau, where you’ll discover secret coves with crystal-clear waters, coastal paths, and nearly deserted beaches—perfect for a peaceful day away from the urban hustle. If you plan to spend a day or evening on Ratonneau, there’s a small port with a few restaurants. But let’s not forget the main attraction of the archipelago: Château d’If.
This 16th-century fortress served as a prison for over 400 years. It’s famously known as the place where Edmond Dantès, the hero of Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo, was imprisoned. Now a classified historical monument, the château can be toured in about two hours, including its interiors, exteriors, and the ramparts, which offer breathtaking views of the Bay of Marseille.
Trendy and alternative neighborhoods
Back on the mainland after a well-deserved beach break, we head to the heart of Marseille to explore some of its most distinctive neighborhoods.
Cours Julien: Street art and bohemian vibes
Just north of the Old Port lies Marseille’s ultimate hipster neighborhood, Cours Julien. Undoubtedly the most colorful part of the city, here every wall is a canvas for local and international street artists who bring life to the walls and stairways with spectacular murals. Once home to the city’s wholesale fruit and vegetable market, Cours Julien is now one of the trendiest and liveliest districts in Marseille. Unique vintage shops, art galleries, vegan cafés, trendy bars, and concert venues abound. If you’re into bohemian vibes and love to explore, Cours Julien is the place for you.
La Friche la Belle de Mai: Alternative culture and innovation
Head to the Belle de Mai neighborhood, just a stone’s throw from the Saint-Charles train station, to discover one of Marseille’s cultural gems. Located in a former Seita tobacco factory turned into a buzzing cultural and sporting hub, La Friche la Belle de Mai is a local favorite. Its 45,000 m² house exhibition spaces, artist workshops, performance halls, as well as the MuCEM’s Conservation and Resource Center, the Goethe Institute, and studios, which were even used to film the series Plus Belle La Vie (yes, it comes up again). The space is alive year-round with designer markets, music festivals, and restaurants making it their home.
Marseille's gastronomy and lifestyle
When it comes to restaurants and food, gastronomy is a tradition in Marseille! Let us introduce you to the city’s must-try experiences.
Markets: A burst of mediterranean flavors
If you want to taste the true essence of Marseille, there’s nothing like visiting its vibrant markets. In the Phocaean city, you have plenty of choices. The Capucins Market and the Farmer’s Market at Cours Julien offer a feast of Mediterranean scents and flavors. With local produce, spices, olives, and aromatic herbs, these markets take you on a culinary journey through Provence’s villages. If you’re seeking the energy and spirit of Marseille, head to the Castellane Market in the 6th arrondissement, one of the city’s largest and most popular markets. Somewhere between a market and a food court (because, let’s be honest, it’s basically a food court), you’ll find the Grandes Halles Market. A dozen artisans and producers have set up shop in the former arsenal, offering charcuterie, wine, bread, and spices in a lively and high-quality setting.
Local specialties: Much more than just bouillabaisse
While bouillabaisse is undeniably Marseille’s culinary emblem, the city boasts many other specialties worth trying. Prefer savory dishes? Between panisse, a chickpea flour fritter, pieds et paquets, a dish made from lamb’s feet and stuffed tripe simmered in a tomato sauce (it tastes much better than it sounds!), or supions, small squid cooked with garlic, you’re in for a treat! Prefer sweet? Navettes, small boat-shaped biscuits flavored with orange blossom, and chichis frégis, long, sweet fried dough similar to churros, will satisfy your cravings! To enjoy the best of Marseille’s sunny cuisine, we recommend booking a table at Quartier Libre, Pain à l’Ail, or Clan des Cigales. These iconic restaurants put a modern twist on Provençal classics with great flair.
Practical tips for your stay
Getting around Marseille: Tips and recommendations
Marseille is a pleasant city to explore. With plenty of bike paths, you can easily get around by bike or scooter while enjoying the city’s landscapes and sea breeze. Marseille’s seaside location means you can hop on one of its maritime shuttles. For just €0.50, you can take the ferry boat across the Old Port. If you need to travel longer distances, opt for the metro. With its two lines, it’s the fastest option, and a ticket costs only €1.50. The city also offers a Transpass card, valid on buses, trams, and the metro for €37 per month. If you’re only in town for a few days, Citypass options are available for 24, 48, and 72 hours.
Where to stay? The best neighborhoods for your profile
Marseille has neighborhoods as eclectic as they come. If you’re into urban art and trendy vibes, Cours Julien is perfect for you. If you prefer a sea view and have a comfortable budget, then Rouet is the ideal spot.
As for accommodation, it depends on how long you plan to stay. If it’s just for the weekend, opt for a hotel or Airbnb—it’s the most practical choice. However, if you’re staying for several weeks or months, have you considered coliving? Somewhere between Airbnb and a shared apartment, coliving is perfect for those in transition. Whether you’re in town for an internship, apprenticeship, or starting your new professional life, coliving offers community living with everything already taken care of—furniture, décor, internet—so you can focus solely on discovering Marseille. Coliving is also the easiest way to meet new people.
So why wait? Discover our available coliving rooms in Marseille!
Marseille has it all! Don’t hesitate to explore the city, as it’s full of culinary, architectural, and cultural treasures—not to mention those unforgettable moments, like watching the sunset.
