Discover Marseille's Best on a Budget

Discover Marseille's vibrant culture without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

A visit to Marseille on a limited budget is still full of delightful experiences. From exploring the Vieux-Port and savoring local cuisine to wandering through historic neighborhoods like Le Panier, there is plenty to see without spending a fortune. Must-sees on a shoestring budget include the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, Calanques National Park, and the stunning views from the Marseille Cathedral.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Discovering the Old Port

  • Check into the Mama Shelter for hip budget digs near the Old Port
  • Explore the Old Port area and watch the fishermen bring in their catch
  • Visit the MUCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations)
  • Walk up to the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica for stunning views of the city and sea
  • Try Bouillabaisse, the traditional fish stew, at Chez Fonfon
Day 2

A Day in the Calanques

  • Take a boat tour of the Calanques, the stunning natural fjords outside the city
  • Choose a calanque for hiking and swimming, such as Sormiou or Morgiou
  • Admire the crystal-clear blue water and unique flora and fauna
  • Bring a picnic for lunch on the beach
  • Return to the city for dinner at La Cantinetta, a cozy Italian trattoria
Day 3

Art and Culture in Le Panier

  • Start with breakfast at La Maison Empereur, the oldest hardware store in France
  • Explore the winding streets and colorful buildings of Le Panier, the old town district
  • Visit the Vieille Charité, a stunning 17th-century former almshouse now housing museums and galleries
  • Check out the street art and murals decorating the walls
  • Enjoy dinner at Le Café des Épices, a trendy spot with delicious Mediterranean-inspired cuisine
Day 4

Beaches and Parks

  • Spend the morning at Plage des Catalans, the main city beach
  • Rent a paddleboard or kayak for a fun workout on the waves
  • Head to Parc Borély for a picnic lunch surrounded by greenery
  • Visit the Château Borély, a stunning 18th-century mansion turned museum
  • End the day with dinner and drinks at Le Bar de la Marine, a lively spot with views of the harbor.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

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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