Marseille on a Budget: 5 Days of Fun

Discover France's vibrant port city without breaking the bank in Marseille.

21 June 2023

Marseille, France is a beautiful city perfect for travelers on a limited budget. One can explore the vibrant port, ancient forts, and stunning Calanques for free. Cheap eats like socca and panisse are available on every corner, while budget-friendly accommodations like hostels are scattered throughout the city.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Getting Acquainted:

  • Arrive at the hip and budget-friendly Mama Shelter hotel
  • Wander through the historic district of Le Panier
  • Savor a traditional bouillabaisse soup at Chez Fonfon
  • Climb up to the Notre-Dame de la Garde for panoramic views of the city
  • Grab a craft beer at La Plaine district's Les Grandes Tables de la Friche
Day 2

Cultural Excursions:

  • Visit the old port and check out the boats and fish market
  • Stroll through the picturesque Vieux Port neighborhood
  • Explore the immersive exhibits at the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations
  • Seek out innovative street art in the vibrant Cours Julien area
  • Catch a show at the stunning Opéra de Marseille
Day 3

Seaworthy Adventures:

  • Go on a boat tour to the Calanques National Park, a scenic coastline dotted with coves and cliffs
  • Rent a kayak to paddle through the turquoise waters and see the abundant marine life up close
  • Sunbathe and swim at the Plage des Catalans beach
  • Stop by the Pharo Palace and Gardens for a pleasant walk with a sea view
  • Sample some fresh oysters at La Cave de Baille, a local bistro specializing in seafood
Day 4

Day Trips Out of Town:

  • Take a short train ride to the enchanting town of Cassis, with its colorful fishing port and charming pastel houses
  • Hike up Cap Canaille for breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and lush vineyards
  • Visit the neighboring Provencal city of Aix-en-Provence, famous for its Renaissance architecture and lively farmer's market
  • Relax in the soothing thermal baths of Salon-de-Provence's Thermes Sextius spa
  • Indulge in some delicious chocolate at Puyricard, a renowned artisanal chocolatier
Day 5

Farewell to Marseille:

  • Spend your last day browsing the trendy boutiques and vintage shops of Rue Sainte
  • Go on a tasting journey of the region's wines and olive oils at Le Carré des Caves
  • Visit the beautiful Palais Longchamp, home to the Museum of Natural History and Fine Arts
  • Grab some delicious street food at the colorful food market of Noailles
  • Head back to Mama Shelter for a final night of cozy comfort and a last drink at its rooftop bar with a vibrant city backdrop.

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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