Things to do in Marseille

Best Things to do in Marseille

Planning a trip and wondering about the top things to do in Marseille? From historic landmarks to modern experiences, the city offers something for every traveller, making it a perfect getaway in 2026.

With over 367 activities in Marseille, there is plenty to explore. Visit some of the most popular tourist attractions in , including iconic sites, vibrant neighbourhoods and cultural hubs. Whether you’re exploring bustling markets, sampling local delicacies or relaxing at scenic spots, every corner has something new to discover.

With experiences starting at INR 287, it’s never been easier to plan your perfect trip. Make the most of your visit to Marseille in January and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Best Things to Do in Marseille for a Coastal French Escape

About Marseille

Marseille is France’s oldest city, where Mediterranean flair meets centuries of history. You’ll find lively neighbourhoods, bustling harbours, and narrow streets that lead to hidden squares and it’s a city that feels both historic and modern, with a rhythm shaped by food, art, and the sea.

You should know that some of the most popular Marseille tourist attractions include the Old Port, Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, and the colourful Le Panier district and families will enjoy the seaside parks, while couples can find quiet corners by the waterfront or cosy restaurants.

No matter the season, there are plenty of things to do in Marseille. From kayaking in the Calanques to food tours and wine tastings, the city gives you the variety to shape your trip just the way you like.

Unique Experiences

Guided Kayak Excursion in the Calanques

Kayaking through the turquoise waters of the Calanques is a highlight for travellers who love the outdoors and you’ll glide past limestone cliffs, discover quiet inlets, and paddle into caves that most visitors never reach. It’s active without being too demanding, making it ideal for beginners and families and if you’re after a mix of adventure and scenery, this is one of the best things to do in Marseille.

• Where: Calanques National Park
• Pricing: It starts from INR 5,800 per person
• Timing: Daily at 10:15 AM and 2:00 PM (3 hours approx.)
• When to Visit: May to September

Marseille French Pastries and Chocolate Tour

This sweet walking tour takes you into Marseille’s pastry shops and artisan chocolate boutiques. Along the way, you’ll learn the stories behind local recipes and sample treats fresh from the oven and it’s one of those experiences that combine culture with flavour, letting you taste a different side of the city. Perfect if you’re looking for things to do in Marseille this weekend that feel indulgent yet relaxed.

• Where: Central Marseille
• Pricing: It starts from INR 10,000 per person
• Timing: Daily at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM (2 hours approx.)
• When to Visit: Year-round

Côtes de Provence Wine Day Tour

If you want to combine Marseille with Provence’s countryside, this wine tour is a great choice. You’ll visit family-run vineyards, taste award-winning reds and rosés, and enjoy the slow pace of the region. The drive itself gives you rolling hills and lavender fields in season, so it’s as much about the journey as the wine. Among the top tourist attractions in Marseille for adults, it makes a perfect day away from the city.

• Where: Provence region, with pick-up in Marseille
• Pricing: It starts from INR 95,300 per group (up to 8)
• Timing: Daily at 9:00 AM (7 hours approx.)
• When to Visit: April to October

Top Attractions

Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde

This hilltop church is Marseille’s most famous landmark, offering sweeping views of the city and sea. Climbing up here is one of the must-try things to do in Marseille, whether for the religious detail inside or the panorama outside.

• Where: Rue Fort du Sanctuaire, Marseille
• Pricing: Free entry
• Timing: Daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• When to Visit: Early morning or sunset for fewer crowds and softer light

Old Port (Vieux-Port)

The Old Port is the city’s historic centre, filled with fishing boats, markets, and cafés along the quay. Spending time here is among the best things to do in Marseille and a natural stop if you’re exploring nearby museums or taking a boat trip.

• Where: Quai des Belges, central Marseille
• Pricing: Free to explore
• Timing: Open all day
• When to Visit: Mornings for markets, evenings for lively waterfront walks

Le Panier District

The oldest neighbourhood in Marseille is full of narrow alleys, colourful street art, and hidden squares and exploring Le Panier adds a different side to your list of things to do in Marseille, giving you history mixed with a creative local feel.

• Where: North of the Old Port, Marseille
• Pricing: Free to wander
• Timing: Open all day
• When to Visit: Daytime for shops and cafés; late afternoon for relaxed strolling

Sightseeing Tours

Vieux Port & Old City

Marseille’s Old Port has been its heart for centuries, and this tour helps you see why. You’ll walk along the waterfront, hear stories of the city’s trading history, and explore the colourful streets of Le Panier. From fishing boats to lively squares, it’s a clear look into local life. If you’re new here, this is one of the essential things to do in Marseille to understand its character.

• Where: Old Port, Marseille
• Pricing: It starts from INR 5,200 per person
• Timing: Daily at 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM (3 hours approx.)
• When to Visit: Year-round

Explore Marseille’s Art and Culture with a Local

This guided walk takes you into the city’s creative side, where street art sits alongside galleries and small cultural spaces and you’ll hear about local artists, see modern murals, and understand how Marseille’s diversity feeds its art. It feels less like sightseeing and more like being shown around by a friend. A solid pick among the fun things to do in Marseille if you’re curious about culture beyond museums.

• Where: Central Marseille
• Pricing: It starts from INR 10,400 per person
• Timing: Slots available 11:00 AM, 2:30 PM and 5:30 PM (1.5 hours approx.)
• When to Visit: All year

Day Trips

Hiking in the Calanques National Park

The Calanques are famous for their cliffs, pine trees, and bright blue water, and hiking them is unforgettable and these trails take you to lookouts where the views stretch for miles, while shaded paths bring quiet breaks. Your guide leads you to hidden corners, so you avoid the busiest routes. For nature lovers, this is easily one of the most unique things to do in Marseille for families.

• Where: Luminy entrance, Calanques National Park
• Pricing: It starts from INR 3,600 per person
• Timing: Daily at 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM (5 hours approx.)
• When to Visit: April to October

Arles, St-Rémy, and Les Baux-de-Provence Tour

This full-day trip shows off Provence’s charm, with Roman ruins in Arles, Van Gogh’s inspiration in St-Rémy, and a medieval fortress in Les Baux. It’s a tour that mixes history, art, and scenery in one go. The slower pace of the countryside is a contrast to Marseille’s energy, giving you two sides of the region in a single day. It’s among the top things to do in Marseille for anyone who wants variety.

• Where: Departures from Marseille
• Pricing: It starts from INR 95,300 per group (up to 8)
• Timing: Daily at 9:00 AM (8 hours approx.)
• When to Visit: March to October

Boat Tours

Catamaran Cruise in the Frioul Archipelago

This cruise gives you the chance to sail through the turquoise waters of the Frioul Islands, with stops for swimming and sunbathing. The catamaran is spacious, making it comfortable for couples, families, or groups of friends. Along the way, you’ll see rocky coastlines and hidden coves that feel far from the city. For many, it’s one of the most relaxing best things to do in Marseille during summer.

• Where: Frioul Archipelago, Marseille
• Pricing: It starts from INR 21,700 per person
• Timing: Daily at 9:45 AM (5 hours 45 minutes (approx.))
• When to Visit: June to September

Group of 10 boat cruise on Marine Park of the Blue Coast & Island

Sailing along the Calanques coastline gives you a whole new view of Marseille. You’ll pass towering limestone cliffs, small beaches, and clear water perfect for swimming stops. Evening cruises add a different mood with golden light on the cliffs. It’s one of the most memorable things to do in Marseille at night if you want scenery and calm in one experience.

• Where: Calanques National Park
• Pricing: It starts from INR 1,03,700 per group (up to 10)
• Timing: Daily at 9:00 AM (4 hours approx.)
• When to Visit: May to September

Getting Around

• Walking: Many central spots, like Le Panier and the Old Port, are close together. If your list of things to do in Marseille is centred here, walking is the easiest way to soak up the atmosphere.
• Metro and Trams: The network connects neighbourhoods quickly, useful if you’re mixing historic walks with modern Marseille tourist attractions further out.
• Buses: Buses cover areas the metro doesn’t, like routes toward the coast and Calanques. Handy when you’re fitting in a day of things to do in Marseille this weekend that require more reach.
• Taxis: They’re pricier but reliable at night, especially if you’re heading back after enjoying things to do in Marseille at night.
• Cycling: Flat stretches along the waterfront are ideal for bikes. Renting one makes for fun things to do in Marseille while keeping the pace relaxed.
• Car hire: If you’re planning trips to Provence or nearby beaches, a car gives you flexibility and saves time compared to waiting for public transport.

Traveller Tips

• Plan for the sun: Marseille has strong Mediterranean light. Sunglasses, water, and sunscreen will make your things to do in Marseille much more comfortable, especially in summer.
• Use mornings wisely: Head to the markets early if you can. Around the Old Port, stalls are already buzzing, fish laid out on ice, voices calling back and forth. Later in the day it gets crowded, but in the morning you can move slower and notice the details.
• Evenings are lively: Nights feel different. The harbour softens with lights reflecting on the water, and music drifts from cafés and small bars. A slow walk by the waterfront, or even just sitting with a drink, gives the city a warmer rhythm.
• Family-friendly stops: If you’re here with kids, places like Prado Beach or Parc Borély give you space to breathe. Sand to run on, shade under trees, and a break from the tighter streets near the centre.
• Check weekends for events: Weekends often surprise you. Pop-up events, small festivals, art exhibitions tucked into squares. If your timing is right, you stumble on things that aren’t in any guidebook.
• Step into neighbourhoods: Areas like Le Panier and Cours Julien give you art, food, and a sense of local life beyond the obvious sights.