Best Intro to Marseille in 2 hours with a Local

Marseille , France

Best Intro to Marseille in 2 hours with a Local

Active

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Start your visit to Marseille with this 2-hour walk led by a Local. You’ll discover its highlights, hidden gems, taste a typical local product, and get practical tips. This is the best introduction to Marseille.

Get to see places like Palais de la Bourse and Cathédrale La Major, along with hidden corners of Marseille only known to locals that reveal the city’s everyday charm.

Enjoy a tasting of a typical local product, like Panisse, for a flavour of Marseille and its traditions. You'll also receive local insights on where to eat, drink, and how to get around, helping you explore with confidence and make the most of your time.

• Get the best intro to Marseille through its highlights and hidden gems
• Taste a typical local product and connect with Marseille's traditions
• Get local tips on where to eat, drink, and how to move around the city
• Make the most of your time with this 2-hour walking experience
• Enjoy the intimacy of a small group, with a maximum of 8 travellers

Available options

Saturday Deal - 120 min

Duration: 2 hours<br/>One start time, lower price

120 min - English Tour

Duration: 2 hours<br/>Small group experience

120 min - Private Tour

Duration: 2 hours<br/>Exclusively for you: Multiple language options available

120 min - French Tour

Duration: 2 hours<br/>Small group experience

What's included

Knowledgeable local host

Small group experience

Personalised recommendations

Local product tasting

Detailed itinerary

Marvel at the Palais de la Bourse, a historic trade hub showcasing Marseille's economic past, located on the bustling La Canebière.

Stop 2 Pass by

Visit Palais Longchamp, a grand monument with lush gardens, fountains, and museums, celebrating the arrival of canal water to Marseille.

Discover the majestic Cathedral of Marseille, a symbol of religious art with its intricate Byzantine-Roman style near the Old Port.

Explore MuCEM, a striking modern museum dedicated to the diverse cultural heritage of Europe and the Mediterranean.

Gain insights into local commerce at CCIAMP, housed in an iconic building that epitomizes Marseille's business landscape.

What's not included

Personal expenses

Available languages

Guide guide

EN FR

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This tour is hosted by an independent Local.

You will be part of a small group of up to 8 travellers.

The itinerary adapts to travellers' interests and walking pace.

The local product tasting may vary depending on the season, availability, and travellers' preferences.

Stops may vary depending on weather conditions.

Entry tickets for public transportation, museums and monuments are not included.

Not recommended for guests with impaired mobility

Meeting point

We will meet in front of the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations to begin our discovery walk through the city.

Important notes

Your Local Host will contact you as from 24 hours before the experience to confirm the meeting location and share any final details.

The itinerary and stops may vary depending on traveller preferences, walking pace, and weather conditions.

This is a walking tour of city highlights and does not include entry tickets for public transport, monuments, or attractions.

Please bring your booking confirmation to show your Local Host at the beginning of the experience.

Arrive 15 minutes early. The experience begins on time and, for organisational reasons, cannot be delayed.

All experiences are hosted by independent Locals who offer in-depth knowledge and authentic insights into their city. LocalBini connects travellers with Locals for unique, personalised city tours.

About Marseille

Marseille, the oldest city in France, is a vibrant port city known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning Mediterranean coastline. With its bustling Vieux Port, historic architecture, and nearby Calanques National Park, Marseille offers a unique blend of urban and natural attractions.

Top Attractions

Vieux Port (Old Port)

The heart of Marseille, the Vieux Port is a bustling harbor surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and shops. It's a great place to start your exploration of the city.

Historical 1-2 hours Free to explore

Calanques National Park

A stunning coastal park with turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and hidden beaches. Perfect for hiking, swimming, and kayaking.

Nature Half-day to full day Free entry

Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde

A iconic basilica offering panoramic views of Marseille. A symbol of the city and a must-visit for its architecture and views.

Religious 1-2 hours Free entry

MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations)

A modern museum exploring the history and culture of the Mediterranean region. The building itself is an architectural marvel.

Museum 2-3 hours €11 for full access

Château d'If

A historic fortress and prison, made famous by Alexandre Dumas' novel 'The Count of Monte Cristo'. Accessible only by boat.

Historical Half-day €10 for the boat and entry

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bouillabaisse

A traditional Provençal fish stew made with various types of fish and shellfish, served with rouille and toasted bread.

Dinner Contains seafood, gluten (in the bread)

Navettes

Small, orange-blossom flavored biscuits shaped like boats, a specialty of Marseille.

Snack Vegetarian, contains gluten

Tapenade

A spread made from olives, capers, and anchovies, typically served with bread or crackers.

Appetizer Vegetarian option available (without anchovies)

Popular Activities

Hiking in Calanques National Park Kayaking in the Mediterranean Scuba diving at the Riou Islands Sunbathing at Plage des Catalans Spa treatments at a luxury hotel Strolling along the Vieux Port Visiting museums and galleries Attending a performance at the Grand Théâtre de Marseille

Best Time to Visit

June to September

This is the best time to visit Marseille for beach activities and outdoor exploration. The weather is warm, and the city is lively with festivals and events.

20°C to 30°C 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: French
Widely spoken: English, Arabic, Italian
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Marseille is generally safe for tourists, but like any large city, it has its share of petty crime. Exercise caution, especially in crowded areas and at night.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps.
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night.

Getting there

By air

Marseille Provence Airport • 25 km from city center

By train

Marseille Saint-Charles

By bus

Gare Routière Saint-Charles

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient and easy to use, with two lines connecting key destinations.

Taxis

Available • Apps: G7, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Le Panier La Canebière Cours Julien

Day trips

Aix-en-Provence

30 km • Half-day to full day

A charming university town known for its elegant architecture, vibrant markets, and proximity to the Luberon region.

Cassis

25 km • Full day

A picturesque coastal town known for its stunning calanques, white cliffs, and vibrant port. Ideal for swimming, hiking, and boat tours.

Arles

80 km • Full day

A historic town with Roman ruins, medieval architecture, and a rich artistic heritage. Arles is known for its connections to Vincent van Gogh.

Festivals

Fête de la Musique • June 21 Marseille Jazz Festival • July Festival de Marseille • June to July

Pro tips

Visit the Calanques early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best light for photography.
Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Provençal dishes like bouillabaisse and tapenade.
Explore the city's street art scene in the Cours Julien and Panier neighborhoods.
Try local specialties like navettes, panisse, and socca at the markets and street food stalls.
Take a boat tour to the Château d'If for a unique perspective on the city and its history.