Best hotels & accommodations in Marseille

About Marseille

Marseille is an extravagant cosmopolitan port city and is also the second-largest city in France. Marseille’s heritage dates back to classical Greece and blends grit and grandeur perfectly. The unusual location on the border of southern France and Northern Africa adds so much to its value. It is a cultural melting pot, which offers delicious food and splendid French architecture. In 2013, it was termed as the European Capital of Culture, and since then it has flowered in cultural confidence.

There was a time when Marseille was viewed as somewhat unclean and unsafe and missed the gloss of Cannes or St. Tropez. But, now it is one of those cities that attracts thousands of tourists every year. Marseille is a wonderful European city trip since there is so much to do in the city, from history and arts to climbing and beach sunbathing. Marseille’s dynamic and vibrant history, as well as its steep topography of gritty alleyways and whitewashed houses that fall down to the yacht-filled waterways, add to its attractiveness. It has the second-highest number of museums in the country. This amazing port city rises above the Côte d’Azur’s sandy shores, and you can enjoy the artsy, old-world appeal of its opera theater and other museums and galleries.

Marseilles’ summers, like those of other Mediterranean cities, are hot, sunny, and dry, while its winters are just temperate enough to keep outdoor cafés open all year. A visit to Marseilles in the spring provides unrivaled access to the city’s spectacular floral displays, as well as days filled with fresh breezes from the bay. Explore the Noailles neighborhood’s various stores and vibrant markets.

The city’s lovely shoreline and historic buildings give Marseille a distinct feel. Marseille’s bustling Vieux Harbor (old port) is lined with yachts and pleasure boats. The ancient Le Panier neighborhood, the city’s oldest portion, is only uphill.

The République sector, with its fashionable stores and Haussmannian architecture, makes it one of those sights that you can’t miss. The Joliette area, which is home to Marseille’s totemic Cathédrale de Marseille Notre Dame de la Major, is also worth seeing. The eclectic nightlife, intriguing restaurants, entertaining theaters, interesting museums, and even an international soccer stadium abound in modern Marseille.

Moreover, enjoy the tranquility of the Basilique de Notre-Dame de la Garde, which is the city’s 150-year-old church. Stroll through the cobblestone streets, before heading over to the Old Port for a nightcap at one of Marseille’s many restaurants and cafés. When you pay a visit the Chateau d’If, a 16th-century island jail that served as the backdrop for The Count of Monte Cristo, the Mediterranean’s version of Alcatraz.

Don’t miss the comforts of Le Café de la Plage, a seaside pub that specializes in fruity cocktails. You can watch surfers ride the waves from here. Make sure you explore the entire Marseilles’ Porte d’Aix or Arc de Triomphe. When talking about the delicacies of Marseille, bouillabaisse, the house specialty can’t be missed. Chez Michel, a nautical-themed restaurant serves this delicacy.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or revisiting, we hope this guide helps you get the most out of your visit to Marseille. Please do read our guide on where to stay in Marseille, so you get an even better idea about the city.

If you like our list of best places to stay in Marseille, then you should also check out our selection of recommended hotels in Paris or the best hotels in Milan.