Marseille is a truly beautiful port city in the south of France and has been a popular tourist destination for many years now.
While it might not be quite as popular as Paris or Monaco for example, it still exudes an incredible charm and is well worth adding to your travel bucket list.
If you’re thinking of planning a trip to Marseille but you’re not sure where to begin, check out our list of the 10 best free attractions in Marseille for inspiration!
You can also find the top-rated paid attractions in Marseille too!
Parc Longchamp is one of the best free attractions in Marseille if you’re looking to spend an hour or two wandering around the grand gardens.
Inside the park, you’ll also find the Palace Longchamp which was built in the 19th century to commemorate the abolishment of a huge cholera epidemic within Marseille.
Nowadays, the park is a place that’s ideal for the whole family to spend a few hours away...
Renowned as being the most iconic and most spectacular building in Marseille, the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde is definitely a place that you need on your travel itinerary while in the city.
The Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde sits at the highest point in the city, so not only is it a place well worth visiting to see its grand structure, but it also offers lush views over the city too.
The climb to the top takes you up...
Did you know that back in 2013, Marseille was voted as the European Capital of Culture
At this time, the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations was unveiled and has since become an important part of Marseille’s tourist industry.
While you do have to pay to visit the exhibits inside the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations, you are free to roam around inside the lobby and take a glimpse into what...
If you enjoy immersing yourself in the local cultures of a city whenever you travel somewhere new, and you like to imitate the behaviour of local residents, then a visit to Parc Borély is the perfect thing to add to your Marseille itinerary.
Parc Borély is a place in the city that’s incredibly popular with joggers, runners and all-round athletes.
However, if exercise isn’t really your thing when...
If you want to spend some time appreciating the natural beauty of Marseille, then a visit to Massif des Calanques is something that will be perfectly suited to you.
Known as one of the best free attractions in Marseille and indeed in the whole of France for their remarkable natural beauty, the Calanques are sea creeks that are great for hiking.
This free attraction in Marseille is best advised against if you’re travelling...
Open every day from Monday to Saturday, Marché Capucins is an awesome market in the city centre of Marseille that’s definitely well worth a visit.
Home to a plethora of herbs, spices and produce, Marché Capucins is just one of the places in Marseille that’s renowned for its African culture influence.
You don’t even need to have any intention of purchasing anything when you visit Marché...
Young travellers and backpackers will be better suited to a visit to Cours Julien; an up and coming neighbourhood in Marseille.
While it used to be a not-so-nice neighbourhood, Cours Julien is now a popular place with budget travellers looking for more affordable dining and alcohol options.
There’s also plenty of street art that don the walls of Cours Julien, so it’s the perfect place in the city to embark on an...
Fort Saint-Jean was built all the way back in 1660 so it’s safe to say that it’s home to a plethora of exciting historic facts and tales.
It’s certainly been through the run of the mill, having been occupied by the Germans and bombed by the Allies during WWII, but after undergoing impressive renovations, Fort Saint-Jean is now a fantastic historic site to visit in Marseille.
It’s situated just next door...
Friche Belle de Mai is a fun, free and lively community space within Marseille and is the place to be during the summer months as there are often numerous free festivals to enjoy.
If music and festival life isn’t your thing, or you’re just not visiting Marseille in the summer, you can still enjoy some of the fun attractions that Friche Belle de Mai offers.
From watching semi-professional skaters practice their...
Another one of the best free attractions in Marseille that offers plenty of culture and local involvement without you having to spend a penny is the area around the Old Port.
The Old Port of Marseille is a hip and lively hub within the city and is home to many restaurants, bars and cafés and is a place that’s a sure-fire hit with both tourists and locals.
Since 1909, there’s been a daily fish market in the...
Marseille Electric Bike Tour
Day Trip from Marseille: Avignon, Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Les Baux de Provence
Electric Bike Tour to the Calanques from Marseille
Historical Center Walking Tour of Marseille
Marseille Street Art Walking Tour
Brunch Calanques Day Cruise
There are many things you can do for free in Marseille like booking free entry into some Marseille museums, joining locals to do some free activities and others. This allows you to have fun and relax on a budget or save for further experiences on your trip.