Marseille, France-5-day-itinerary
Marseille, France: A 5-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of the Old Port
- Morning: Arrive in Marseille and check-in at a hotel in the city center, such as Hotel Belle Vue or Alex Hotel.
- Lunch: Head to the Old Port (Vieux-Port) and grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants, such as Le Comptoir des Voyageurs or La Caravelle.
- Afternoon: Explore the Old Port, visit the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde (free admission), and take in the stunning views of the city.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Provençal dinner at La Kahena or Le Miramar.
Day 2: Calanques and Beaches
- Morning: Take a boat tour to the Calanques ( fjord-like inlets) from the Old Port (around €40 per person).
- Lunch: Stop at one of the beaches, such as Plage des Catalans or Plage du Prado, and grab some food from a beachside restaurant.
- Afternoon: Relax on the beach or explore the surrounding cliffs and scenic views.
- Evening: Enjoy fresh seafood at La Poissonnerie or Le Bistro des Calanques.
Day 3: History and Culture
- Morning: Visit the Musée d’Histoire de Marseille (Museum of Marseille’s History) to learn about the city’s rich history (around €6 per person).
- Lunch: Head to the Cours Julien district, known for its street art and alternative vibe, and grab lunch at a café or bistro.
- Afternoon: Explore the Vieille Charité museum complex, which houses several museums, including the Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology (around €6 per person).
- Evening: Enjoy a drink at Bar de la Marine or La Joliette, both located in the Old Port.
Day 4: Markets and Panoramic Views
- Morning: Visit the bustling Noailles Market (Marché des Noailles) for a taste of North African cuisine and to explore the various stalls.
- Lunch: Grab some food from a market stall or head back to the Old Port for lunch.
- Afternoon: Take the bus (line 60) or a taxi to the Parc de la Pointe Rouge, which offers panoramic views of the city.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at La Villa des Fleurs or Le Relais 50.
Day 5: Castellane and the Corniche
- Morning: Visit the Castellane neighborhood, known for its picturesque streets and historic architecture.
- Lunch: Head to the Corniche, a scenic coastal road, and stop at one of the many restaurants with stunning views, such as Le Relais de la Corniche.
- Afternoon: Explore the Anse de la Croisette beach or visit the Château d’If, a former fortress and prison (around €6 per person).
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at La Table du Géant or Le Bistrot des 13 Coins.
Transportation
- Marseille has an international airport, which is connected to the city center by bus (around €10 per person) or taxi (around €50).
- The city has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses and trams. You can buy tickets at newsstands or online.
- Taxis are also readily available.
Tips and Other Things to Know
- Marseille is known for its strong Mistral wind, so be prepared with layers and windproof clothing.
- The city has a rich cultural heritage, and many museums and historical sites offer free admission on certain days of the week or month. Be sure to check before visiting.
- Don’t forget to try some of the local specialties, such as Bouillabaisse (a hearty fish soup) or Tarte Provençale (a savory tart).
- Be mindful of pickpocketing in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
Other Places to Visit
- MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations)
- Fort Saint-Jean
- Palais Longchamp
- Jardin des Vestiges
Enjoy your trip to Marseille!