Wanting to explore the cultural city of Marseille but worried it’s not a budget-friendly travel destination? Think traveling to the south of France will break the bank? Fear not! With a bit of savvy planning, you can experience the best that Marseille has to offer on a budget.
Marseille, the oldest city in France, is a melting pot of history, art, and Mediterranean charm. With its bustling port, historic landmarks, and stunning natural beauty, it offers the perfect blend of exploration and relaxation.
Even better, there are several affordable attractions and activities for you to discover. Here is a budget-friendly 3-day travel itinerary for Marseille to help you make the most of your trip.
P.S. At the time of posting, it is one week before we arrive in Marseille. The following is not only a budget-friendly travel itinerary, but also the itinerary we planned for ourselves. So follow along and come travel with us to Marseille!
How Much Time to Spend in Marseille
Most people suggest 2 to 3 days for exploring Marseille. Depending on your interests, you may want to extend or shorten your stay. If you want to stick to the city, you can easily get away with only spending 1 or 2 days. To explore beyond the city and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding areas, 3 or more days is ideal.
The plan we outline below focuses more on city exploration with added bonuses for nature lovers.
Day 0: Arrival
How to get to Marseille depends on where you are coming from. Many people travel by train from other parts of the country or Europe. This is a great and cost-effective way to travel. Trains run fairly regularly, reach many destinations, are accessible, and easy to navigate.
However, arriving by train may not be an option for you. For example, as we arrive from across an ocean, we are flying in. The airport is not directly in Marseille, but there are several options to get you to the town center.
The most affordable options are either a bus taking you right to the city. Or, a shuttle to a train. The journey takes anywhere from half an hour to an hour, depending on which mode you choose and what time.
You can also take a taxi or an Uber, but these will cost you more. As mentioned, the most affordable options are bus or train.
Our 2024 Trip:
We arrive in the evening for our upcoming trip. Arriving in the evening to the Marseille Provence airport doesn’t seem to be ideal from what we have researched. Options are limited due to reduced train frequency. Travelling by train is faster than bus, but may not be possible for us. Our current plan is to hop on the bus and hope for the best.
We will let you know how it goes in a future post detailing our actual Marseille travel experience.
Day 1: Dive into Marseille’s History
Morning Priorities
First things first: croissants and coffee. Plan to eat more croissants and baguettes in a 3 day span than you may in your lifetime. That’s what I am going to do. How could I not? It’s like going to New York and not getting a bagel or slice of pizza. Visiting Canada and not getting poutine. England without tea or scones. Make the most of your Marseille budget-friendly travel and eat the baked goods.
Walking Tour
As with most of our city explorations, we begin with a walking tour.
Walking Tours are a great way to introduce and orient yourself to a new city. There are plenty of free or paid options to suit every budget. We tend to go with the free tours. They are normally run by fellow travelers who have fallen in love with the destination. There’s generally a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere to them as well. Keep in mind free tours run off of tips so it’s not completely free but more a pay-as-you-feel-it’s-worth situation.
One of the many tour offerings with GuruWalks is a great option when traveling Marseille on a budget. There are several options highlighting different attractions and historical events depending on your interests.
Vieux Port
Marseille’s bustling Old Port is the perfect place to start your day. At the center of the city, it’s one of the most picturesque places and is home to many important attractions and sights. Soak in the lively atmosphere, people watch locals and fishermen going about their days, and enjoy the stunning views.
Explore Fort Saint-Jean and the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations (MuCEM). Fort Saint-Jean is a historic site offering stunning views and detailing the history of the port. There is plenty to enjoy without ever even going inside these and other buildings.
There are several attractions in and around Vieux Port. We detail many of them in Is Marseille Worth Visiting? Top Reasons Why You Should Visit.
Le Panier
Spend the afternoon wandering the cobblestone streets of Le Panier. This is Marseille’s oldest and most cultural neighborhood. The streets are brightly colored with vibrant murals throughout. There are charming cafés and restaurants throughout. It’s the perfect opportunity to try panisse, fries made from chickpea flour.
Visit Jardin des Vestiges and Port Antique, an archaeological site showcasing ancient Roman ruins.
Cathédrale de La Major
Do not miss the nearby Cathédrale de La Major. This Roman-Byzantine style cathedral is a beautiful contrast with the modern buildings. It’s said it was designed to echo the city’s multicultural reputation.
In the evening, take a stroll along Quai de Rive Neuve admiring the city lights and waterfront.
Day 2: Notable Attractions & Cultural Immersion
Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde
The Notre Dame de la Garde is Marseille’s iconic basilica. Perched on top of a hill, it offers panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean sea. It’s architecturally stunning in its intricate design and serves as a symbol of the city.
There is a train that goes to it. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous and active, as we often are, you can walk. Just know your legs will be burning as it is a climb.
Palais Longchamp
Visit the stunning Palais Longchamp, a 19th-century palace home to the Museum of Fine Arts and the Natural History Museum. In addition to the opulent architecture, the gardens are not to be missed. They have been listed as one of the Notable Gardens of France by the French Ministry of Culture.
In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along La Corniche, a seaside promenade. Take in the spectacular surroundings as you pass small fishing ports and beaches, cross bridges, and frolic through parks and peninsulas. It also offers views of the Château d’If, an old island fortress.
Day 3: Wander the Streets & Neighborhoods
One of our favorite things to do while traveling is to wander. Just meander the streets, get lost in laneways, turn down random streets, and fully explore. It is one of the best hacks for budget-friendly travel and Marseille is no exception.
République Rue & La Joliette
Both of these are known for their impressive shopping. But what’s more important to us is the impressive architecture. The buildings lining the streets and housing the many boutiques are charming and captivating.
Rue de la République is known for its fashion, café terraces, and specialty restaurants. You will find well-known brands as well as small local shops.
To continue the architecture admiration or if you enjoy luxurious hotels, visit the Hôtel Dieu in the nearby Panier district.
Cours Julien
Continue your street exploration in the Cours Julien district. It’s a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood known for its bohemian charm, quirky boutiques, and lively nightlife. It’s also home to Marseille’s street art scene, another of our favorite things to see. Wander the streets and admire colorful murals and graffiti. Exploring these open-air galleries is a great budget-friendly way to see Marseille.
Noailles
Explore the narrow, cobbled alleys of Noailles, a bustling neighborhood with a busy daily market, Marché des Capucins. Here you can experience the sights, sounds, and aromas of Marseille. It is one of the liveliest places in Marseille and popular with locals. You will gain a sense of what Marseille used to be like, as many buildings have remained untouched for centuries.
Spend your final evening in Marseille re-visiting some of your favorite places. Or, soak in that last bit of Mediterranean sea at one of the nearby beaches.
Bonus: Nature Time & Day Trips
Marseille has more to explore than just the city alone. There are nearby parks, beaches, bays, and fishing villages to suit every interest.
Calanques National Park
Calanques National Park is a stunning natural reserve located along the Mediterranean coast near Marseille, France. It spans about 20 km of coastline and is the only European national park to include land, sea, and urban areas.
The defining feature of Calanques National Park is its series of deep, narrow inlets, known as calanques, formed by the erosion of limestone cliffs. You can spend time swimming in the pristine crystal-clear turquoise waters.
There is an extensive network of diverse hiking trails exploring a variety of landscapes. The park has a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including rare Mediterranean plants, seabirds, and even the occasional wild boar.
In addition to its natural beauty, Calanques National Park is also rich in cultural heritage. Archaeological sites are scattered throughout the park.
Beaches
If you need a break from city life, there are several beaches and bays near Marseille worth visiting. They range from soft sandy shores to rocky coves and more.
Plage des Catalans, one of Marseille’s most popular beaches, is within walking distance. This sandy beach is relatively small but offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Château d’If.
Plage du Prophète, one of the oldest beaches, is also a popular spot. It’s a smaller beach with two different sides. One is better for swimming and the other is more rocky.
Plage du Prado is more expansive, including several different sections, amenities and facilities. If you get tired of the beach you can relax in one of the nearby park spaces.
Frioul Islands
The Frioul archipelago is a group of four islands located off the Mediterranean coast of Marseille. The islands are known for their rugged terrain, rocky coastline, and pristine beaches. As well as their historical and archeological sites. One of the islands being the site of Château d’If, a fortress and previous prison.
You can enjoy a variety of activities, including swimming, snorkeling, and hiking.
Bonus: Markets
Another of our favorite things to do, yes we have many, is visit local markets. Visiting local markets offers a multi-sensory immersion into the heart and soul of a place. They provide a unique window into culture, cuisine, and daily life. And offer a feast for the senses, with colorful displays of fresh produce, aromatic spices, handmade crafts, and more.
Shopping at local markets also supports small-scale producers, artisans, and the local community.
Some of the top markets to visit in Marseille include:
- Marché de la Plaine
- Marché des Capucins (also known as Marché de Noailles)
- Marché du Prado
- Cours Julien Farmers’ Market
- Marché de la Criée (fish market)
Marseille may be known for its luxury yachts and upscale boutiques. At the same time being known as a grittier alternative to Paris. However you see Marseille, there is plenty to offer. Even better is that you can experience the best of Marseille’s culture, cuisine, and coastline without spending a fortune. Simply grab your walking shoes, pack snacks, and use this budget-friendly travel itinerary to guide your next adventure in Marseille!
Wondering what else to do in France? Check out How to Spend 5 Days in Paris: The Perfect Flexible Itinerary.
