Welcome to one of the most vibrant and colorful cities in France: Marseille! This bustling port city on the Mediterranean coast is steeped in history, rich in cultural treasures and breathtaking landscapes.
With so much to see and do in just 2 days, we’ve compiled a list of must-see sites that will take you from the iconic Old port to the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral.
So buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable trip through the famous sites of Marseille!
Highlights of Day 1: Vieux Port and La Canebière
Explore the Vieux Port on the first day of your Marseille adventure.
This is the city’s historic port, filled with seafood restaurants and cafes. Stroll along La Canebière, the town’s main street, for shopping and people-watching.
Head to Notre Dame de Paris, the iconic cathedral overlooking Marseille. You can take the cable car to the top for panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea.
Highlights of Day 2: Notre Dame de la Garde and more
On the second day of our tour, we started with a visit to Notre Dame de la Garde, a historic cathedral overlooking the city of Marseille.
After admiring the view from the top of the church, we headed to the Old Port, where we spent some time exploring the market and having lunch.
In the afternoon, we visited other historical sites in Marseille, including the Palais Longchamp and the MuCEM, before ending our day with a sunset cruise around the port.
Where to stay in Marseille
Depending on your budget and your preferences, there are many places to stay in Marseille.
If you are looking for a luxury hotel with all amenities, the Vieux Port district is an excellent choice. For something more affordable, there are plenty of hotels and Airbnbs downtown.
There are also several resorts along the coast if you are looking for a beach vacation.
No matter where you live, you can enjoy all that Marseille has to offer. The city is full of history and culture, and there is so much to see and do.
Whether you want to explore the city’s museums and monuments or enjoy the outdoors under the Mediterranean sun, you will find something to keep you busy during your stay in Marseille.
Must-try dishes in Marseille
There are many must-try dishes in Marseille, from fresh seafood to traditional bouillabaisse.
Here are some highlights:
Seafood: Marseille is famous for its fresh seafood, and there are plenty of places to enjoy it. For a light meal, head to one of the many waterside restaurants and sample oysters or mussels. For something a little more refined, try La Criée, a Michelin-starred restaurant specializing in seafood.
Bouillabaisse: This is a Marseille specialty not to be missed. It is a fish soup usually made with different kinds of fish (often including blackfish), potatoes, tomatoes, garlic, and saffron.
It is usually served with rouille (a type of garlic mayonnaise) and croutons.
Pissaladière: Another Marseille specialty is an onion tart usually garnished with olives and anchovies. It is often served as a starter or light main course.
Socca: These are chickpea pancakes that are popular as a street snack. It’s usually simple, but you can also have vegetables or cheese on top.
Calisson d’Aix: These almond-flavored candies are a specialty of Aix-en-Provence (a city near Marseille) but can be found throughout the city.
Shopping in Marseille
For shopping in Marseille, the Old Port is the ideal starting point. This historic harbor area is home to many charming shops and boutiques, as well as some of the best seafood restaurants in town.
Notre Dame de la Garde is another great place to shop, especially if you’re looking for souvenirs or local handicrafts. This perched cathedral is also one of the best places in the city to enjoy the panoramic view of Marseille.
Nightlife in Marseille
Nightlife in Marseille is not lacking. The old port is a good starting point, and there are plenty of bars and restaurants along the coast.
For a more luxurious experience, head to Jardin des Vestiges, which has several trendy bars and clubs.
If you’re looking for something truly unique, head to Cabaret Aléatoire, a cutting-edge performance space that hosts everything from live music to poetry readings.
Whatever your interests, you’re sure to find enjoyment in Marseille’s bustling nightlife.
Off the beaten track What to do in Marseille
Although Marseille is often overshadowed by Paris in the minds of travelers, it is a city with a unique charm. If you find yourself in this historic Mediterranean port city, be sure to visit some sites off the beaten path.
Begin your discovery at the Vieux Port, an ancient port that has been the center of Marseille life for centuries. Stroll along the pier and breathe in the fresh ocean air.
From there, head to Notre Dame de la Garde, a huge cathedral with stunning views of the city and sea below.
Then venture into the many hidden streets and courtyards of Marseille. Every corner of the city is full of surprises to discover.
Be sure to try some local specialties such as bouillabaisse, a fish stew originating from Marseille.
With so much to see and do, you are sure to have an unforgettable time in Marseille!
Conclusion
We hope this article will help you plan the perfect two day stay in Marseille.
From beautiful beaches to vibrant nightlife and unforgettable historical sites, this beautiful city has something for everyone.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing vacation or an adventurous trip, Marseille is sure to have something to make your stay truly memorable.
So pack your bags today and start planning your own trip!
