Visit Marseille in 2 days

Where to Stay in Marseille

For a two‑day visit, where you sleep shapes how much of Marseille you actually see. Staying centrally keeps you within easy walking distance of the harbour, cafés and narrow streets that give the city its character, and it cuts down time spent hopping between sights. Pick a spot that balances proximity to the main attractions you want to visit with quiet streets for a good night's rest—two days go fast, so location is your best time‑saving tool.

Marseille is organized around the Vieux‑Port and a ring of arrondissements that fan out from there. The central 1st, 2nd and 3rd arrondissements are compact and walkable, with a mix of historic lanes, markets and modern hubs. Streets rise toward hillier neighborhoods, so think about whether you prefer flat walks along the waterfront or don’t mind a short climb to authentic local streets. Public transport—metro, tram and buses—threads these central districts and makes longer hops straightforward.

If you want to be close to the sites you named, consider neighborhoods that put you near Hôtel Daviel, the dramatic waterfront and the civic heart around Mairie 2/3. Staying between the Vieux‑Port and the 2nd/3rd arrondissements gives you quick access to the port, the old town of Le Panier and lively squares around Cours Julien, while a base slightly east toward La Joliette keeps you handy for ferries and the modern harbourfront. Each of these areas has its own vibe: historic and touristy by the port, bohemian around Cours Julien, more contemporary near La Joliette.

Transport-wise, prioritize a place near a metro or tram stop if you plan any far‑flung visits, but for two days most highlights are reachable on foot from a central base. Ferries to the islands leave from the Old Port and are a short walk from many central hotels. Remember that taxis and rideshares are plentiful but often slower at peak times, so a central, walkable location is usually quicker and more relaxing.

Finally, be reassured that short stays benefit from pragmatic choices: aim for accommodation on quieter side streets, check for essentials like air conditioning in summer and an elevator if stairs are a concern, and don’t worry about being perfect—Marseille’s compact center means you’ll be out exploring most of the time. With the right central neighborhood, two days will feel comfortably full rather than rushed.

Getting Around Marseille

Marseille is surprisingly friendly for visitors — the network is compact and easy to read, and once you get the rhythm it feels like second nature. The city's public transport is run by RTM and built around a handful of busy hubs, so you quickly learn where to change. The metro zips under the centre, tram lines cut through neighbourhoods, an extensive bus network reaches the hills, and short ferry hops across the Vieux-Port add a scenic option. Even if your French is rusty, clear maps at stations and friendly drivers make hopping between sites straightforward 🚇.

A practical tip about tickets: buy single tickets or a multi-ride carnet at station machines, kiosks, or via the RTM app. You must validate your ticket before or as you board—inspectors do ride. For most short visits a carnet (a bundle of journeys) or a day pass is the best value; a single fare is inexpensive (roughly €1.70), while day passes let you use metro, tram, bus and ferries freely for the day. Keep your paper or digital ticket handy, and always check opening times for ticket offices if you prefer a human touch 🎫.

Google Maps is a traveler’s best friend in Marseille: it shows realtime departures, walking connections, and the fastest combination of metro, tram and bus. Type in your destination and choose the transit icon to see platform names and transfer points. I always toggle to “depart at” or “arrive by” when planning early-morning museum runs or late dinners, and I glance at the first/last service times so I’m never stranded.

To save money, walk when neighborhoods are close — Marseille’s centre is wonderfully walkable — and combine walking with one short transit hop when needed. Use a carnet if you’ll make several single trips, grab a 24-hour pass for a packed sightseeing day, and consider the Marseille City Pass if you’re visiting many attractions (it sometimes bundles transport). Avoid taxis for short hops unless you’re in a hurry — public transit plus a brisk stroll usually wins.

On my first trip I navigated from Hôtel Daviel to Mairie 2/3 without drama: we walked to the Vieux-Port hub, validated a ticket, took a quick metro/tram link and hopped off near the mairie — about a 5–10 minute ride that felt faster than hunting parking. Later we strolled along the waterfront and either walked or took a short bus to reach the Arsenal des galères, enjoying those sea views the whole way. With a map, a validated ticket and a little curiosity, you’ll find Marseille’s transit both efficient and charming 🗺️.

What to Pack for Marseille

Marseille is a city of sea air, steep streets and a lively Old Port — perfect for a short 48-hour trip where you’ll be eating, wandering and soaking in views more than visiting indoor sites. I’ve learned packing light but smart here: small choices (shoes, bag, chargers) make long days easier. Below are the essentials I always bring and exactly why each one saved me on a quick city break.

1. Comfortable walking shoes (required): I wore my Ecco Soft 7 sneakers and walked over 15 miles in two days exploring Le Panier and the Corniche. Marseille’s cobbles and unexpected stairways will test flimsy soles — solid city shoes (Ecco, New Balance 574, or Adidas Ultraboost) protect your feet and kept me comfortable even after 10+ hours out.

2. Cross-body bag: A small, zippered cross-body (anti-theft style) saved me when a pickpocket brushed past on the Vieux-Port. I keep my passport and phone in the inner zip and felt relaxed navigating crowded ferries and markets. Why: hands-free comfort and extra security in a busy port city where crowds and quick hands are common.

3. Weather-appropriate clothing for Marseille: Think layers: a light sweater, a breathable tee and a windproof layer. I once started a morning with a cool 16°C breeze and ended midday at 24°C on the waterfront — layering meant I stayed comfortable without lugging a suitcase. Pack one smart outfit for a nicer dinner; locals lean casual-chic.

4. Power adapter (Type C/E/F): French outlets use Type C/E/F plugs — don’t be the person borrowing chargers. I forgot one once and ended up buying an expensive adapter at the airport. Why: you’ll need it for phone, camera and any small electronics after a full day of photos and maps.

5. Power bank: I carried a 10,000 mAh power bank and topped up my phone twice during a long day of navigation and photo-taking. Your phone becomes your map, translator and reservation tool — a mid-day dead battery can ruin plans. Choose one that can give ~1–2 full charges.

6. Optional — sunscreen or lightweight rain jacket: Depending on season, either matters. In summer, sunscreen and a wide-brim hat saved me from a 4-hour sunny stroll along the harbor; in spring/autumn, a compact rain jacket (I pack one that folds into its pocket) rescued me from an unexpected shower. Small, but game-changing.