FREE THINGS TO DO IN Marseille

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 19^th 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 from the busy city and to enjoy some much-needed family time in the fresh air.

Years ago, there used to be a zoo inside Parc Longchamp, but that’s since been replaced with a plethora of fake animals that are housed inside the cages that used to home real animals such as tigers and lions.

Address: Boulevard Jardin Zoologique, 13004 Marseille, France

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 hundreds of steps so it’s probably not something you want to do with young children in tow.

However, it’s definitely worth it for the views alone if you can justify the arduous climb to the top!

Address: Rue Fort du Sanctuaire, 13281 Marseille, France

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 it offers free of charge if you don’t want to spend a lot of money.

Arguably one of the best things about the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations is that you can head to its rooftop for free views of the bay and the old district of Marseille, Le Panier.

Address: 1 Espl. J4, 13002 Marseille, France

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 you’re on holiday, then you can still enjoy walking around the park, seeing the huge mansion and soaking up its lovely atmosphere.

For a more alternative, yet still free way to see Parc Borély, you can hire a city bike for half an hour completely free of charge (just be mindful that you will be charged after the first 30 minutes).

Address: Avenue du Parc Borély, 13008 Marseille, France

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 with children but is an ideal activity if you want to enjoy some truly amazing hiking and swimming opportunities while in Marseille.

The Calanques are a great place in Marseille to enjoy a picnic, take a refreshing dip in the water and admire the spectacular scenery around you.

Address: Morgiou | Calanques de marseille, 13009 Marseille, France

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 Capucins; simply just being there will give you a taste of wild and exotic treats and trinkets that aren’t common within Europe or America.

The African influence on the market is clear to see and it makes for one of the most intriguing and best free attractions in Marseille.

Address: Place des Capucins, 33800 Bordeaux, France

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 impromptu Instagram photoshoot if you’re in the area.

You’ll also find plenty of buskers within Cours Julien’s streets so it’s definitely an all-round entertaining and fun place to be in the city!

While you can definitely visit with kids, the whole neighbourhood definitely has a more backpacker feel to it.

Address: Cours Julien, Marseille, France

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 to the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations, so you can easily spend half the day visiting these two top free attractions in Marseille.

Fort Saint-Jean is also home to numerous small tunnels which young children are sure to enjoy climbing through and pretending they’re in ancient times!

Address: Prom. Louis Brauquier, 13002 Marseille, France

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 skills at the skate park, to watching the sunset from one of the rooftops, to simply just enjoying the vibrant and energetic atmosphere, Friche Belle de Mai is a great place to hang out in Marseille.

Bring your own food and drink and soak up the atmosphere that Friche Belle de Mai offers; it’s a truly lovely place within the city!

Address: 41 Rue Jobin, 13003 Marseille, France

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 Old Port where locals barter to purchase the best choice of fish.

If a fishy breakfast isn’t really your thing, then you can just sit along the edge of the harbour and enjoy people-watching for a couple of hours and taking everything in.

Address: Quai des Bleges, 13002 Marseille, France