Why You Should Spend a Day or Two in Marseille After Your Cruise

Why Cruisers and Travelers Should Stay a While in Marseille, France’s Second-Largest City

From graffiti-lined alleyways and coastal coves to Michelin-starred dining and vibrant nightlife, Marseille offers far more than just a port call.

For cruise passengers disembarking at Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal, or travelers connecting through France’s dynamic south coast, it’s worth extending your stay. Marseille, the country’s second-largest city, delivers a thrilling mix of urban vibrance and Mediterranean calm, ideal for adventurers, food lovers, and culture seekers alike.

Whether you’ve got just one day or an extended layover, this port city invites you to linger longer, blending the salt-kissed serenity of its coastal coves with the grit and glamour of its historic neighborhoods and evolving food scene.

Marseille at a Glance: Quick Orientation

Cruise ships dock roughly 4.5 miles north of the city center at Môle Léon Gourret. A free shuttle runs every 20 minutes to Joliette, a key launching point for walking, metro, or bus access. Taxis and Ubers take about 15 minutes to reach the heart of town. If you’re arriving by train at St. Charles Station, metro line one brings you directly to Vieux Port, Marseille’s historic harbor.

What to Do With One Day in Marseille

Morning: Le Panier & Local Flavor

Begin your day in Le Panier, Marseille’s oldest district. Cobblestone alleys wind past colorful street art, pastel façades, and charming boutiques. Grab a coffee and pastry at Dutch Café or Coffee and Bakery before browsing locally made Marseille soaps, ceramics, and prints at shops like 72% Pétanque and Trois Fenêtres.

Midday: Iconic Moitié-Moitié Pizza by the Sea

Sample Marseille’s most beloved snack — the moitié-moitié pizza, half cheese, half tomato, anchovies, and olives. L’Eau à la Bouche and Coquille are two excellent picks, with options to take your slice seaside at Malmousque, a rocky cove popular with locals for a quick swim.

Afternoon: Dip Into the Mediterranean

For a sun-and-sea break, head to Catalans Beach (25 minutes on foot from the Old Port, or 10 minutes via Bus 83). If time allows, explore Prophet’s Beach further south — a quieter bay with more local charm. Cap it off with yuzu sorbet from Le Glacier de la Corniche before heading back toward the cruise terminal or your hotel.

Two Days in Marseille? Dive Deeper

Day Two Morning: Hike or Swim the Calanques

Explore the Calanques National Park, 45 minutes south of the city, where limestone cliffs plunge into turquoise inlets. Hike to hidden bays for a morning swim or stroll the fishing village of Les Goudes, where scenic trails meet tranquil coves like Anse de la Maronaise.

Midday: Lunch on the Rocks at Tuba Club

Don’t miss Tuba Club, a chic restaurant perched directly on seaside rocks. It’s a favorite for seafood small plates, sun-drenched ambiance, and Mediterranean views. For a more relaxed vibe, try the Bikini rooftop bar, offering light bites and cocktails.

Afternoon: Culture and Coastline

Back in the city, visit Mucem (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations), housed in a striking cube of black latticework next to Fort St-Jean. Exhibits span from ancient artifacts to avant-garde fashion, all with panoramic sea views.

Where to Eat and Drink

Marseille’s food scene is a dynamic blend of street eats and fine dining. Try lunch at Placette, where you might find red lentil “meatballs” and grilled asparagus with bottarga, or head to Le Plongeon for seasonal Mediterranean plates. For sunset apéro, join the locals at Café de L’Abbaye with a glass of pastis and a plate of chickpea fries, or sip a low-alcohol cocktail on the rooftop of Les Bords de Mer.

Where to Stay in Marseille

• Maisons du Monde Hôtel & Suites: Stylishly decorated and located right by the Old Port.

• Maison Juste: A minimalist Airbnb-style hotel with digital check-in and communal lounges.

• Les Bords de Mer: A boutique hotel perched on the coast where every room has a sea-facing balcony.

Extend Your Stay: Côte Bleue & Aix-en-Provence

With an extra day or two, take a train 40 minutes northwest to the Côte Bleue. Swim in the sapphire waters of Calanque de Niolon or walk to the more secluded Calanque du Jonquier. For lunch, La Pergola or Auberge du Mérou serve local seafood with sea views.

Alternatively, head northeast to Aix-en-Provence, a historic town filled with Roman architecture, leafy boulevards, and upscale shopping. Visit the Hôtel de Caumont for a refined museum experience, or stock up on Provençal treats at Les Épicurieuses.

Why Stay Longer?

Marseille is more than a cruise stop. It's a living mosaic of North African influences, French Riviera elegance, and coastal adventure — a city where you can wander from street murals to sea swims and Michelin plates to pizza trucks in the span of an afternoon.

So if your itinerary includes Marseille, consider lingering a little longer. From Calanques cliffs to rooftop cocktails, this Mediterranean gem is full of reasons to stay.

Stay tuned to The Horizons Times for more global city guides, coastal escapes, and travel inspiration for your next voyage.