Marseille-4-day-itinerary
Day 1: Monday
Morning
- 9:00 AM: Start the day at the iconic Vieux-Port (Old Port). Take a stroll along the bustling docks, admire the fishing boats, and enjoy the street performers.
- 10:00 AM: Visit the nearby Cathédrale de la Major (Major Cathedral), a beautiful Romanesque-style church with stunning views of the city.
Lunch
- Head to Le Comptoir du Port, a cozy bistro serving fresh seafood and Mediterranean specialties. Try their famous bouillabaisse!
Afternoon
- 1:30 PM: Explore the charming neighborhood of La Joliette, known for its beautiful 19th-century architecture, trendy boutiques, and street art.
- 3:00 PM: Visit the Musée des Arts Forains (Fairground Museum), a quirky museum showcasing a collection of carnival and fairground artifacts.
Evening
- 7:30 PM: Enjoy dinner at Le Petit Nice, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Savor their exquisite Provençal cuisine!
- 9:00 PM: End the evening with a stroll along the waterfront, taking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant city.
Day 2: Tuesday
Morning
- 9:30 AM: Visit the Château d’If, a 16th-century fortress made famous by Alexandre Dumas’s novel “The Count of Monte Cristo”. Take a guided tour to learn about its rich history.
- 11:00 AM: Head to the nearby Plage du Prado, one of Marseille’s most popular beaches. Relax and soak up some sun!
Lunch
- Stop by La Merenda, a cozy café serving delicious sandwiches, salads, and pastries. Try their famous pizza!
Afternoon
- 1:30 PM: Explore the historic neighborhood of Panier, known for its narrow streets, charming shops, and stunning views of the city.
- 3:00 PM: Visit the Musée d’Archéologie Méditerranéenne (Mediterranean Archaeological Museum), which showcases a collection of artifacts from ancient civilizations.
Evening
- 7:30 PM: Enjoy dinner at Le Garet, a restaurant offering traditional Provençal cuisine with a focus on local ingredients. Don’t forget to try their famous tarte provençale!
Day 3: Wednesday
Morning
- 9:00 AM: Visit the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, a stunning white church perched atop a hill, offering breathtaking views of the city and sea.
- 11:00 AM: Head to the nearby Jardin Botanique de Marseille, a beautiful botanical garden featuring a wide range of plant species.
Lunch
- Stop by Le Café des Arts, a charming café serving delicious sandwiches, salads, and pastries. Enjoy their outdoor seating area!
Afternoon
- 1:30 PM: Explore the trendy neighborhood of Les Charitès, known for its fashionable boutiques, art galleries, and street performers.
- 3:00 PM: Visit the Musée Regards de Provence (Regards of Provence Museum), which showcases a collection of artworks inspired by the region.
Evening
- 7:30 PM: Enjoy dinner at Le Relais de la Belle, a cozy bistro serving traditional Provençal cuisine with a focus on local ingredients. Don’t forget to try their famous ratatouille!
Day 4: Thursday
Morning
- 9:00 AM: Visit the Cours Julien, a charming pedestrian street lined with trendy boutiques, art galleries, and street performers.
- 11:00 AM: Head to the nearby Place des Moulins, a historic square featuring beautiful architecture and stunning views of the city.
Lunch
- Stop by Le Comptoir de la Cours, a cozy bistro serving delicious sandwiches, salads, and pastries. Enjoy their outdoor seating area!
Afternoon
- 1:30 PM: Explore the charming neighborhood of La Réformée, known for its beautiful 19th-century architecture, trendy boutiques, and street art.
- 3:00 PM: Visit the Musée Cantini (Cantini Museum), which showcases a collection of modern and contemporary artworks.
Evening
- 7:30 PM: Enjoy dinner at Le Petit Château, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering stunning views of the city. Savor their exquisite Provençal cuisine!
Accommodation
- Hotel Le Corbusier, a stylish hotel located in the heart of Marseille, with comfortable rooms and a cozy atmosphere.
- Appart’City Marseille, a modern apartment complex offering spacious apartments with kitchenettes.
Transportation
- Metro: The metro is an efficient way to get around the city. The most convenient lines for tourists are Line 2 (Vieux-Port to Réformée) and Line 1 (Réformée to Joliette).
- Bus: The bus network covers most areas of the city. You can use the online journey planner or ask at a tourist information center for help.
- Taxi: Taxis are widely available, but be aware that they can be more expensive than public transportation.
Tips and Essentials
- Language: French is the official language, but many locals speak English, especially in tourist areas. It’s always helpful to learn some basic French phrases, such as “bonjour” (hello), “merci” (thank you), and “excusez-moi” (excuse me).
- Currency: The Euro is the local currency.
- Weather: Marseille has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Be sure to pack accordingly.
- Safety: As with any city, be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.
Other things to know
- Sunday shopping: Many shops in Marseille close on Sundays.
- Free Wi-Fi: Many cafes and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi.
- Tipping: It’s customary to round up the bill or leave 5-10% as a tip.
Enjoy your stay in Marseille!