What to see in Marseille : tips and secrets revealed by a local
In this article, I will reveal the secret corners and hidden gems you can see in Marseille, this amazing and vibrant city. From a charming terrace with its spectacular views of the Vieux Port, to a clandestine cocktail bar that transports you back to the 1920s, to the stunning Frioul Islands and the mystical Cosquer Grotto. Each place promises unique and memorable experiences.
Read on and discover these little-known treasures that will make your visit to Marseille an unforgettable adventure!
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The Rooftop of the Hermes Hotel
If you are wondering what to see in Marseille and looking for unique places, here is a well-kept secret and spectacular place on one of its most exclusive terraces. This place offers unique views of the Vieux Port, which you will not find in any other corner of the city. So close, that it will give you the sensation of falling into the sea! But the magic begins when the sun begins to set and the sky is transformed into a palette of warm colors.
The Rooftop of the Hotel Hermes is the ideal place to spend a super nice time in Marseille. With its spectacular views of the Vieux Port, you can enjoy good drinks while breathing the authentic Marseille atmosphere. This exclusive corner offers the perfect atmosphere to relax and let yourself be carried away by the magic of the sunset, surrounded by the beauty and charm of the city.
📍2 Rue Bonneterie, Marseille
My advice : The bar opens at 6 pm. But you can buy your drinks at the reception before that time and go up to the rooftop. This way, you will have the privilege of securing a perfect place to watch the sunset with a drink in hand, enjoying an unforgettable moment.
Boutique-Museum of the Pétanque
In the heart of Marseille, there is a place that celebrates an essential aspect of French culture: pétanque. The Boutique-Museum de la Pétanque is a must for lovers of this traditional game, but also for those looking for a unique experience in the city.
Upon entering, you are immersed in a mini-museum that takes you through the history of ball games, from ancient times to the present day. Here you will find specimens of balls from all eras, along with a fascinating collection of posters and old advertising that show the evolution and importance of this game in society.
The museum also offers a detailed exhibition on the manufacturing stages of the balls, with continuous films and slides showing the meticulous process behind each ball. And for the more enthusiastic, there is a mini-game court where you can test your skills or try out your new balls.
📍4 Pl. des 13 Cantons, Marseille
UndARTground Concept Store: An artistic refuge in Marseille
Undart Ground is great. It’s a place that tourists often overlook, fusing contemporary art and urban culture in one fascinating space. It’s ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in Marseille’s vibrant art scene, offering posters, t-shirts, books, comics, cards and many other pieces that you’ll only find here.
📍21 Rue des Repenties, Marseille
The Hidden Restaurant, Onassis
This is an excellent restaurant, hidden behind a fishmonger’s shop, where, in addition to, of course, enjoying the best fish, you will also be immersed in the real Marseille atmosphere and interact with local people.
ℹ️ Call to reserve before you go : 06 44 84 93 91 91
📍245 Cor Président John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Brasserie Les Fenêtres with fabulous views
On the terrace of the Hôtel Dieu Intercontinental Marseille, you will find the Restaurant Les Fenêtres, a little known but spectacular corner. With a contemporary and chic decor, this brasserie extends to a grandiose outdoor terrace in summer, where you will eat in front of a breathtaking view of Marseille.
And as if that were not enough, chef Arnaud Davin proposes a modern and uninhibited Mediterranean cuisine. His “shared pleasures” are an ode to Mediterranean culture, combining the coexistence of the great tables of the south with the refinement of French cuisine. The menu highlights the best Mediterranean producers, reflecting a bold, refined and authentic cuisine.
Discover this place for an unforgettable culinary experience with unparalleled views.
📍1 Pl. Daviel, Marseille
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Visit the Frioul Islands
The Frioul Islands are a little-known treasure often overlooked by tourists, but they offer breathtaking, jaw-dropping landscapes and super fun adventures. This archipelago, made up of four islands, is located just off the coast of Marseille and is accessible by boat or as part of a catamaran excursion.
These islands are perfect for nature and history lovers. With their crystal-clear coves, rugged cliffs and trails to explore, the Frioul Islands offer an ideal setting for hiking, swimming, snorkeling and simply enjoying the natural beauty. In addition, here you will find the famous Château d’If, a historic fortress that inspired the novel “The Count of Monte Cristo”.
Marseille is a very popular destination. That’s why I strongly recommend you to book your activities and excursions in advance to ensure availability and enjoy a smooth adventure.
ℹ️ Boats depart every hour from 7 am to midnight.
You can buy tickets for the boat that takes you to the Frioul Islands, directly at the Port Vieux. You will have to queue at the ticket office and then to get on the boat. As I show you in the picture above. That’s why I always recommend you to buy the tickets online.
ℹ️Ticket price from 8,30 € 👉 Buy here your tickets online
Catamaran cruise in the Frioul archipelago in Marseille
For an unforgettable experience in Marseille, enjoy a catamaran cruise on the Frioul Archipelago. Start with a welcome coffee as you sail from the old port, admiring iconic monuments such as the Mucem and the Major Cathedral. Pass by the famous Château d’If before cruising around the archipelago and anchoring in a cove. Relax with an aperitif and buffet lunch accompanied by unlimited wine and soft drinks. Enjoy the turquoise water for paddleboarding, jet skiing or swimming. The day culminates with a return to the old port around 4 p.m., ensuring a seamless adventure compatible with the excursion schedules of the major cruise lines.
- Duration 6 hours approx.
- Departure at 10 h
✴️ Cancel up to 24 hours before the excursion.
ℹ️ Book now and pay later
▶️ From 229,90 € 👉 CLICK HERE TO MAKE YOUR RESERVATION
The River Ferry
If you want to cross from one side to the other of the Vieux-Port you can count on this ferry, whose route is the shortest in the world, and that will save you several meters of walking. The ticket price is only 0,50 € and leaves from one side to the other every 10 minutes.
✴️ You will also have views of the port from other angles than the conventional ones.
ATTENTION : You pay on the spot and only coins are accepted. Please make sure you have some coins on hand.
My Extra Bonus: The clandestine cocktail bar of Marseille
This is one of my favorites and I’ll save it for last.
In the heart of Marseille, hidden behind a souvenir store, is a cocktail bar that transports you back to the prohibition era of the 1920’s and you must come! This speakeasy, dedicated to cocktails, is filled with historical objects that narrate that fascinating era in American history.
This place is not only famous for its ambiance and décor, but also for its incredible selection of more than 300 references of rums and whiskeys from around the world. In 2023, it was ranked 382nd in the TOP 500 BARS worldwide, a proof of its excellence in the art of mixology. The expert bartenders are always ready to share their knowledge and passion for cocktails, offering an unforgettable experience to every visitor.
ℹ️ Open from 7:00 p.m.
✴️ THE SECRET MUST BE KEPT : Do you want to know where it is? Leave me a comment at the end of the article with your email, so I can give you the contact details. They will then send you an email with the address and password to the bar.
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Dear reader,
This article has been written by me, Diego, who has been living in France for a few years and traveling this beautiful country for many more! And it is inspired by my experiences and the tastes of me and my family.
I love to show you the charming villages of France and all there is to do here and I know that many times the organization of a trip can be complicated. That’s why, through my guides, I try to inspire you and help you in your planning.
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What do you think of my article ?
great site….where is the cocktail bar please?
Hi Andy, glad you liked the site! I’ve just sent you an email with the secret details. 😉❤️ Enjoy your visit!