1. Vieux-Port (Old Port)

The historic harbor and heart of the city, surrounded by cafés and filled with fishing boats and luxury yachts.
Insider Tip: Skip the touristy restaurants along Quai des Belges and instead head to the north side of the port near Place Aux Huiles where locals enjoy fresh seafood at half the price.

2. Notre-Dame de la Garde

The iconic hilltop basilica offering 360-degree views of the city and Mediterranean from its Byzantine-style bell tower.
Insider Tip: Take bus #60 up and walk down via the hidden staircase path through Jardin de la Colline Puget for breathtaking views and photo opportunities most tourists never discover.

3. Le Panier District

The oldest neighborhood in Marseille with narrow winding streets, colorful buildings, artisan shops, and vibrant street art.
Insider Tip: Visit Place des Moulins, the highest point in the district, early morning when local artists set up their easels and the hidden square with its three restored windmills is peacefully empty.

4. MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations)

Award-winning modern museum connected to historic Fort Saint-Jean by a spectacular footbridge.
Insider Tip: The museum’s rooftop terrace café is free to access without a ticket and offers one of the best sunset views in the city, especially when accompanied by their house lavender lemonade.

5. Calanques National Park

Breathtaking limestone cliffs and turquoise coves forming a dramatic natural landscape between Marseille and Cassis.
Insider Tip: Calanque de Sugiton is less crowded than popular Calanque d’En Vau, but bring sturdy shoes and arrive before 9am as access is limited to 400 visitors per day in summer (reserve online).

6. Château d’If

The island fortress made famous in “The Count of Monte Cristo,” located in the Frioul archipelago just offshore.
Insider Tip: Combine your visit with Frioul Island where locals escape for swimming, and take the last boat back to see the golden sunset illuminate Marseille’s coastline from the water.

7. La Canebière

Marseille’s historic grand boulevard connecting the port to the Reform district, lined with shops and Haussmann architecture.
Insider Tip: Duck into Marché des Capucins just off the main street to savor North African specialties and impressive spice displays where local chefs source their ingredients.

8. Vallon des Auffes

Picturesque tiny fishing port tucked beneath the Corniche Kennedy road with traditional boats and authentic seafood restaurants.
Insider Tip: The unassuming Chez Jeannot pizzeria at the harbor entrance serves unexpectedly excellent food, but reserve ahead and ask for a table on their hidden terrace overlooking the boats.

9. Palais Longchamp

Monumental 19th-century complex housing the city’s art and natural history museums surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Insider Tip: The north side of the park features a hidden “cascade garden” with moss-covered grottos where locals relax under leafy plane trees away from tourists.

10. Les Docks Village

Renovated 19th-century warehouses transformed into a stylish shopping and dining destination near the port.
Insider Tip: Visit the rooftop of Dock B during Thursday after-work hours when young professionals gather for “apéro” drinks and local DJs spin music with harbor views most visitors never experience.