Where to stay in Marseille: the best areas for your trip

In short: for a first visit, stay around the Old Port (Vieux-Port). For charm, Le Panier; for nightlife, Cours Julien. For the sea, the Corniche and Endoume; for the calanques, the south of the city (Prado, Pointe-Rouge). Arriving by ferry or after a modern, practical base: La Joliette.

Understanding Marseille in two minutes

The heart of Marseille is the Old Port. To the north, Le Panier, the city’s oldest district, slopes down towards the Mucem and the modern La Joliette district, where ferries leave for Corsica and the Mediterranean. To the east, La Canebière leads to Saint-Charles station, perched on a hill. South of the port, Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde overlooks the city; beyond it, the Corniche runs along the sea to the Prado beaches, then on towards the calanques.

Two metro lines and three tram lines cover the centre; for the Corniche and the south, buses take over.

The right area for your trip

First visit: the Old Port

Around the Old Port, you are at the centre of everything: the morning fish market, boats to the Château d’If and the Frioul islands, restaurants, with Le Panier and the Mucem on foot. The metro (Vieux-Port station) reaches Saint-Charles station in minutes. There are plenty of hotels in every category.

For charm: Le Panier

Sloping lanes, colourful façades, workshops and little squares: Le Panier is the most picturesque area, a stone’s throw from the port. The streets are narrow, steep and hard to reach by car: travel light.

Nightlife and budget: Cours Julien and Notre-Dame-du-Mont

Street art, bars, music venues and restaurants from all over the world: Cours Julien is Marseille’s alternative district, ideal for solo travellers and groups of friends. Accommodation is often more affordable, and Notre-Dame-du-Mont metro station is right there.

By the sea: the Corniche and Endoume

Along the Corniche Kennedy, places often have sea views. The Vallon des Auffes, a tiny fishing harbour, and the Endoume area feel like a village. Further from the centre, you need a bus to reach the Old Port.

Beaches and calanques: Prado and Pointe-Rouge

To the south, the Prado beaches and the Pointe-Rouge area are the closest to the calanques (access to some areas is regulated in summer, see our guide Things to do in Marseille). Residential and quiet, this part of town suits families and beach holidays; a car or the bus helps you get around.

Modern and practical: La Joliette

Around Les Docks and the Mucem, La Joliette is new, well served by tram and metro, with modern hotels. Ideal if you are catching a ferry, but less lively at night than the Old Port.

Near Saint-Charles station

Handy for a train departure, but the immediate surroundings of the station are less pleasant at night. The Old Port, two metro stops away, is a better choice.

Getting to Marseille

Marseille Provence Airport is in Marignane, north-west of the city: a shuttle bus links the airport to Saint-Charles station. For timetables and fares, check the airport’s official website. If you would rather be met on arrival, a private transfer takes you straight to your accommodation.

Our booking tips

1. Book early for summer, especially near the sea.
2. Come without a car if you are staying in the city: traffic and parking are difficult. A car is only useful for Provence and the coast (Cassis, La Ciotat).
3. Read recent reviews about the street around the building, as in any big city.
4. Check for air conditioning: summers are hot.
5. Allow for the tourist tax, charged per person per night; the amount is shown when you book.

Once you’re there

To plan your days, see our guide Things to do in Marseille. The areas, practical information and useful services are on our Marseille page.