10 Best Things to Do and See in Marseille
Exploring Marseille on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Marseille, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Marseille. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde
Perched on the hill overlooking Marseille, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde offers remarkable panoramic views of the city, the Old Port, and the sea. This iconic landmark draws visitors both for its Roman-Byzantine architecture and for its peaceful atmosphere and strong spiritual significance. Inside, you will discover beautifully decorated spaces, ex-votos, and a sense of quiet reflection. From the esplanade, the view stretches across Marseille’s neighborhoods and the coastline, making this basilica a must-see for understanding the identity of the Phocaean city.
2. Mucem – Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations
In Marseille, the Mucem, the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations, offers a fascinating journey into the cultures of the Mediterranean basin and their exchanges with Europe. In this iconic landmark, visitors can explore exhibitions combining collection pieces, artworks, testimonies and contemporary installations, around themes such as societies, traditions, beliefs and migration. Its remarkable architecture and spaces opening onto the sea are also part of the experience, making for a visit that is cultural, immersive and distinctly Marseille.
3. Calanques National Park
Calanques National Park showcases one of the most distinctive landscapes on the Marseille coastline, with limestone cliffs, secluded coves and bright blue sea. Between Marseille and Cassis, it forms a remarkable natural setting dominated by white rock, dotted with pine forests, scrubland and small harbours. The park is home to Mediterranean flora and fauna adapted to a dry, exposed environment, as well as protected marine habitats. It is also a place close to the city, valued for its scenery and heritage.
4. Longchamp Palace
Palais Longchamp is one of the most remarkable monumental complexes in Marseille. Set in a vast park, it attracts visitors with its elegant architecture, colonnades, and impressive fountain display. You can also discover cultural spaces there, including museums, as well as pleasant gardens for a stroll. The site offers a lovely balance of heritage, greenery, and viewpoints, making it a popular stop to admire an iconic landmark of the city and enjoy a visit that is both pleasant and accessible.
5. Major Cathedral
Facing the Old Port and just a short walk from the Panier district, La Major Cathedral is one of Marseille’s most remarkable landmarks. Its imposing architecture combines neo-Byzantine style with large expanses of pale stone, giving it an instantly recognizable silhouette. Inside, visitors discover a vast nave, refined decor, and a solemn atmosphere that is perfect for both sightseeing and quiet reflection. From the surrounding area, the views over the seafront and the port add even more appeal to this iconic site.
6. Borély Park
Borély Park is one of Marseille’s major green spaces, prized for its wide lawns, shaded paths, and peaceful atmosphere close to the sea. Visitors can enjoy well-kept gardens, walking areas, places to relax, and a rich variety of plant life that makes it a pleasant stop in any season. The park attracts families, walkers, runners, and urban nature lovers alike, offering the ideal setting for a break in the heart of the Phocaean city.
7. The Little Trains of Marseille
The Little Trains of Marseille offer an easy way to discover part of the city from Quai du Port, right next to the Old Port. The attraction is best known for its little train tours through Marseille’s iconic areas, giving visitors a glimpse of the hills, city views, and seafront atmosphere. It combines a sightseeing ride with a visit to one of the city’s most representative areas.
8. Museum of Illusions Marseille
The Museum of Illusions Marseille offers a fun and surprising visit centered on perception and visual effects. Visitors can discover interactive installations, optical illusions, deceptive perspectives and spaces designed to challenge the senses. Each room invites you to observe, touch and take photos while learning how the brain interprets images. Suitable for families and curious visitors alike, this museum offers an entertaining, immersive experience in the heart of Marseille, perfect for marveling while questioning what you think you see.
9. Cosquer Mediterranean
Cosquer Méditerranée is a visitor attraction in Marseille that lets you discover the famous Cosquer Cave through an immersive reconstruction. Visitors explore reproductions and multimedia displays that bring prehistoric paintings and engravings back to life, along with the marine and underground world connected to this exceptional site. The tour offers an educational and spectacular way to experience this fragile heritage, presenting the artworks, their context, and the challenges involved in preserving them. It is a unique experience for understanding cave art and the ancient history of the Mediterranean.
10. Porte d’Aix
The Porte d’Aix is an iconic landmark in Marseille, located at the northern entrance to the city center, near the Joliette district. This monumental triumphal arch stands out with its imposing proportions and decorative sculptures, which give it a solemn appearance. When visiting it, you also enjoy a lively passage between the historic neighborhoods and the city’s more modern areas. It is an interesting stop to admire Marseille’s urban architecture and feel the atmosphere of a crossroads rich in symbolism.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
