Marseilles on a Budget: 3-Day Adventure Guide

Discover the charm of Marseille without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Explore the bustling city of Marseille on a limited budget, with plenty of affordable options for accommodation, food, and transportation. Take a stroll through the colorful streets and discover local markets, historical landmarks and cultural museums. Don't miss the opportunity to try the famous Marseille fish soup, bouillabaisse, while enjoying the sunny weather and beautiful Mediterranean coastline.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Discovering Marseille's Old Port

  • Start your day with breakfast at Le Four des Navettes, the oldest bakery in Marseille
  • Visit the 17th-century Fort Saint-Jean and explore the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations (MuCEM)
  • Take a boat tour of the Old Port and marvel at the views of the city's colorful boats and charming buildings
  • Visit the bustling Marche des Capucins and sample some of the local seafood delicacies
  • End the day with a sunset drink at the rooftop bar of Hotel La Résidence du Vieux-Port, overlooking the Old Port.
Day 2

A Cultural Safari

  • Begin the day with a croissant and coffee at Café de la Major, located opposite the iconic Marseille Cathedral.
  • Take a walk to Le Panier, the city's historic neighbourhood, which is famous for its narrow streets and brightly painted facades.
  • Discover the vibrant street-art scene in La Plaine, an area known for its alternative culture and hip cafes.
  • Visit the Château d'If, a 16th-century fortress on an island just off the coast of Marseille that inspired Alexandre Dumas' novel The Count of Monte Cristo.
  • End the day with a show at the stunning Marseille Opera House.
Day 3

Beaches and Bouillabaisse

  • Catch a bus to the picturesque fishing village of Vallon des Auffes, which boasts some of the best seafood restaurants in the city.
  • Take a dip in the turquoise waters of Plage de la Pointe Rouge, one of Marseille's most beautiful beaches.
  • Visit Les Goudes, a charming fishing village located on the edge of the Calanques National Park, and hike along the stunning coastline.
  • Enjoy a traditional bouillabaisse, a hearty fish stew, at Chez Fonfon in the picturesque Vieux-Port.
  • End your stay in Marseille with a glass of wine at the rooftop bar Les Terrasses du Port, offering stunning views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea.
  • Accommodation: Stay at the Mama Shelter Marseille, a vibrant and quirky hotel located in the heart of the city, offering comfortable rooms at an affordable price.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Marseille, France by plane is to fly into Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) from major cities across Europe and North Africa. Airlines such as Air France, Ryanair, and EasyJet operate regular flights to Marseille.

Car

Travelers can drive to Marseille by renting a car or driving their own vehicle. Major highways such as the A7 and A55 connect Marseille to Lyon, Nice, and other cities in France. However, traffic in Marseille can be congested, so it's recommended to travel outside of rush hour.

Train

Travelers can take a train to Marseille from major cities across Europe, with the Marseille Saint-Charles train station serving as a major hub. The TGV offers connections to Paris, Lyon, Nice, and other cities in France, while the Eurostar offers connections to London.

Boat

Travelers can also reach Marseille by boat, with the Marseille Cruise Terminal serving as a popular port for cruise ships. Direct ferry services to Marseille are also available from cities such as Algiers, Tunis, and Corsica.

Bus

Taking a bus is a cost-effective way to get to Marseille. Eurolines and Flixbus operate regular services to Marseille from various cities across Europe. The bus station in Marseille is located at Gare routière Saint-Charles.

Destination

Marseille

Ah, Marseille. Where the sea meets the sky and the wine meets the mouth. You'll feel like a true Frenchman once you're lost in its charming streets and asking for directions in broken French.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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