Marseille cruise port guide: What to see, do & eat in France’s oldest city

Marseille, France’s oldest city and a vibrant Mediterranean hub along the world-famous Cote d’azur, offers a heady blend of history, culture, and cuisine. From its bustling Old Port to the iconic Notre-Dame de la Garde, there’s plenty to explore within a day ashore. Here’s what not to miss.

Cruise ships dock at the Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal, located about five miles from the city centre. While the distance and industrial surroundings mean walking is best avoided, several easy transportation options are available.

A free port shuttle service operates on cruise days every 20 minutes between 9:00AM and 5:00PM, taking passengers from the cruise terminal to the Joliette area – Marseille’s old maritime district – near the city centre.

If you want to travel outside of 9am-5pm, bus lines 35 and 36 connect the cruise port to the city centre. Bus 35 takes you to Place de la Joliette, while Bus 36 goes to Bougainville underground station, from which you can continue on to the city centre.

Plenty of taxis are also on hand at the cruise terminal, and for a one-way trip to the popular Le Vieux Port area typically costs between €20 and €25.

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Marseille is a city that wears its grit and grandeur in equal measure. As you make your way into the heart of France’s oldest city (it was founded around 600BC by Greek settlers from Phocaea), begin at the Vieux-Port. A lively old port – Le Vieux Port literally translates as ‘old port’ – where fishing boats and glamorous yachts bob side by side, this has been the city’s beating heart for thousands of years and is still where locals gather for coffee, seafood, and people-watching. 

From here, it’s an easy stroll into Le Panier, the city’s oldest quarter and a charming maze of pastel-hued buildings, street art, hidden squares, and artisan boutiques.

To get your bearings – and some of the best views in southern France – make your way uphill to the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde. Teetering above the city, this 19th-century Catholic basilica offers sweeping vistas of Marseille’s terracotta rooftops, limestone coastline, and the glistening Mediterranean sea beyond. 

The strikingly modern MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations) is worth a visit even if museums are not your usual go-to – not just for its exhibitions but to ogle at the building itself, which juts dramatically out into the sea.

If you’ve got time for a quick adventure offshore, hop on a boat from the Le Vieux Port to Château d’If, the island fortress immortalised in the 2002 classic, The Count of Monte Cristo. The journey only takes 20 minutes, and the views back towards Marseille are seriously stunning.

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Marseille’s culinary scene is as bold and sun-soaked as its streets, and, being right on the coast, it’s a seafood hotspot.

The city’s most famous dish, bouillabaisse, is not your average fish stew – it’s a rich, saffron-infused spectacle best enjoyed by the sea. For an authentic taste, head to Chez Fonfon, tucked in the tiny port of Vallon des Auffes. It’s a proper Marseille institution and the kind of place where you linger over your lunch, however, it can be busy. If you have the energy for a bit more of a journey, head to Grand Bar des Goudes for fewer crowds, incredible port views and a mouth-watering version of the dish. 

For something a little less formal, wander into one of the many cafés around Le Vieux Port or Le Panier and try panisse – a golden chickpea fritter that’s making its way onto the UK Small Plates scene, but of course best sampled in its source region. With a soft centre and crisp edges, this is best eaten hot and sprinkled with salt.  

For a tasty, light(ish) lunch, pick up a flaky pissaladière studded with olives and anchovies – essentially Southern France’s answer to a pizza – from a local bakery.

No Marseille visit would be complete without a glass of pastis, an anise-flavoured aperitif that’s a local favourite. Pretty much every bar and restaurant has it, and it’s best enjoyed while basking on a terrace as the sun dips. 

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How do I get from the Marseille cruise port to the city centre?

Utilise the free shuttle service operating on cruise days, take public buses 35 or 36, or hire a taxi for a direct route.

Is there a free shuttle from Marseille cruise port?

Yes, a complimentary shuttle runs every 20 minutes on cruise days, connecting the cruise terminal to the Joliette area near the city centre.

Is Marseille walkable from the cruise port?

Walking is not recommended due to the distance (five miles) and industrial surroundings. Instead, opt for the shuttle, public transport, or a taxi.

Is Marseille safe?

Like any major city, Marseille has both well-trodden tourist areas and districts that require more caution. The main attractions such as the Le Vieux Port, Le Panier, and Notre-Dame de la Garde are safe during the day and well-patrolled. As with any destination, it’s wise to stay aware of your surroundings, avoid flashing valuables, and be cautious in quieter areas after dark. Pickpocketing can happen busy spots, so keep an eye on your belongings, particularly on public transport and in crowded markets.

Is Marseille expensive? 

Compared to other French cities like Paris or Nice, Marseille is considerably more affordable, especially when it comes to dining and accommodation. You’ll find everything from upscale seafood restaurants to family-run bistros and casual street food that won’t break the bank, as well as local markets like Marché des Capucins offering fresh produce and snacks at great prices. 

Public transport is also budget-friendly, with a ride on the metro costing as little as €1.60.  That said, costs can inflate in touristy areas, so shopping and dining a little further from Le Vieux Port generally means better value.

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