Search Top Hotels in Arrondissements of Marseille

Marseille might be second to Paris as the biggest city in France, but it’s not second in anything else. Its main attraction is being a regional centre for entertainment. It houses various forms of showmanship exhibiting the city’s culture and history. One of the many things you can expect in Marseille are museums and opera houses. It is also best-known as the largest port in France, so boats and ships docking are not an unusual sight in the area.

How to Get There

There are direct flights to Marseille via Marseille Provence Airport. It houses the very first Burger King in France that was built in 1997. Apart from the shops and restaurants, there is a business centre for those who need to work in between their flights. Nearby airport hotels are also available for those who need to relax or rest comfortably before boarding their flights.

Going to the town proper is easier by getting the city pass if you are in the area for a short time, if you have a layover, or you have time to spare in between flights. It allows you to board the train and get into nearby towns in an all-inclusive package that also brings you to cultural and tourist services. Car rentals, taxis, buses, and trains are also available to get to the town proper.

Getting Around

Using public transport is the best way to get around Marseille. It is more convenient and much cheaper than renting cars because parking can be quite difficult and expensive. The public transport system is called Régie des Transports Métropolitains (RTM).

RTM consists of trams, subways, and an extensive line of buses. Depending on which area you’d like to go, the metro runs from 5 AM to 10:30 PM Monday to Thursday, and until 12:30 AM Friday to Sunday. Trams run from 5 AM to 1 AM daily.

Top Things to Do

Marseille is simpler than its neighbouring grand cities. What makes it beautiful are humble sightings and the experience of a buzzing city life paired with the peaceful locals. The easiest tourist attraction to visit is the Old Port. You can see it from afar lined with hundreds of yachts and boats. Most of these boats are there for pleasure as docking for business has been moved North of the city. Experience the old-time charm of getting freshly-caught fish being sold in the market place and seeing it go straight to your new favorite restaurant for lunch.

By the old port is also the magnificent Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde. This old church is a religious sanctuary that also offers a gorgeous view of the port. It has a huge staircase that would be a little exhausting to climb for some people but getting to the top is well worth it. Tourists also have the option of taking the train going up especially when it gets too hot in the summer.

For a more scenic view, tourists head to La Corniche to see the traditional fishing harbor, Vallon des Auffes. The panorama is best viewed from the long and winding balcony of La Corniche. Driving is an option but walking is preferred to appreciate the beauty of the area. Meanwhile, visiting the beautiful beaches is worth a try even though Marseille is not thought to be a “beach” city. You can also go to the Prado Seaside Park to see the beautiful showcase of clear blue and green waters with shimmering white rocks that completes its picturesque charm.

For a more modern experience, MuCEM is an urban museum in Marseille. Its breathtaking architecture is enough reason for tourists to flock to it. Inside, you will see art galleries and exhibitions that will suit all kinds of interests and tastes.

What to Eat

Anyone who’ll go to Marseille must try the Bouillabaisse, the most popular dish from the city. The really good Bouillabaisse should be ordered beforehand as it needs to be prepared and cooked to perfection. While a bit expensive, this does not discourage people from trying the best one in Marseille.

Chez Fonfon is one of the more popular restaurants to serve Bouillabaisse. As one of the oldest places to serve it, they have preserved the original recipe. The restaurant is near the port where you get the gorgeous view of the sea and the best catches from it, too. Another restaurant worth checking out is Chez Michel, a family-run restaurant in Marseille.

For a different take on magnificent local dishes, visit Une Table Au Sud. They alter menus according to season and offer the perfect view of Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica from their high ceilings interior. It may be quite expensive here as well but well worth your dime.

For a more casual night out, Le Café des Epices is a great option. It is a charming French bistro with lunch and dinner menus and a chef’s menu that changes nightly for a pleasant surprise to your palate. Get a picturesque experience straight out of a movie with their outdoor seating and gorgeous views. Meanwhile, in the case of cravings for bread and pastries, Torréfaction Noailles is a great option. Lined with local pastries and bread, they also serve coffee for the most perfect brunch experience.

Nightlife

The best way to experience the local nightlife is by visiting Marseille’s unofficial cultural headquarters at WAAW, short for What an Amazing World. You can have a casual night out with cocktails or dance all night until dawn. For a fancier and quieter night out, visit La Caravelle. This chic and small bar is located inside a hotel and plays live jazz on Fridays. It has a rustic charm to it and a great place to continue late-night dates or to hang out with friends.

If you’re looking for a more energetic vibe, visit La Dame du Mont. Happy hours supply craft beers and cocktails as well as anything from reggae, soul, rock, funk, and all kinds of music that makes you want to just relax and have a party.

Where to Stay

In Marseille, your mood can dictate your accommodations. If you want to be in the middle of the hustle and bustle, stay in the centre of the city. The ideal areas are in the middle of the Old Port and the Canebière where the markets open up early the bars rarely close.

For a little peace and quiet, stay in Longchamp or the Five Avenues. This is perfect for families with kids as you can stay in without getting your sleep disturbed. Staying in this area is more expensive as the neighbourhood is quiet posh than the other places in Marseille, but the extended sleep in may just be worth paying more.

If you are feeling a little bit more artistic, stay in La Plaine and Cours Julien. Artists often meet in cafes and people can walk in and participate in conversations. As such, this area has become quite a popular place to stay in Marseille. At night, you may opt to go to pubs and nightclubs where the artists frequent. Even with the young atmosphere, the place is still relatively quiet.

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