Where to stay in Marseille: best areas and neighborhoods

Overlooking the Mediterranean, Marseille is a mix of cultures and people that over the years have contributed to shaping its urban landscape. It has many different neighbourhoods, almost small villages in their own right, each characterized by its own unique atmosphere. The Vieux Port area is certainly the centre of the city, where most of the hotels, attractions and entertainment are concentrated, but there are many other neighbourhoods to consider.

Here is a handy guide on where to sleep in Marseille, the best neighbourhoods to base yourself in this multi-ethnic city in southern France.

Useful tips: the best neighbourhoods to stay in Marseille

In Marseille there are chic neighbourhoods right next to more "bohemian" neighbourhoods, small neighbourhoods and alleys a stone's throw from larger boulevards. Without a doubt the best area to stay is Vieux Port: central, quiet in the evening and well connected. The same goes for "La Canebière", an area that develops around the street of the same name. It is a little noisier but also suitable for families, especially the area known as Thiers, which is full of green spaces and elegant boulevards.

Aside from the centre, the neighbourhoods in the surrounding area can also satisfy the needs of every type of traveller. For example, La Joilette, L'Estaque and Roucas-Blanc are further from the centre but ideal for those on a budget, with all ammenities and excellent transport links. If you are travelling with children, you should definitely consider La Plage and L'Estaque, residential districts with numerous parks and beaches nearby. Finally, those in search of nightlife will not be disappointed either: all the central districts have numerous nightclubs and places to have fun all night!

• Recommended areas to stay on a budget: La Joliette, L'Estaque, Corniche-Roucas-Blanc
• Recommended areas for families with children: La Canebière-Thiers, La Plage-Prado, L'Estaque, Corniche-Roucas-Blanc
• Recommended areas for young people: Vieux Port, Rive Neuve, La Joliette, Le Panier
• Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Marseille. Check out our recommendations and make your reservation on Booking

Guide to the areas of Marseille

Marseille is divided into 16 municipal arrondissements, which are in turn divided into neighbourhoods (111 in total). The arrondissements are grouped two by two into sectors, and each of the 8 sectors has its own Council and Mayor, exactly as happens in Paris and Lyon.

The most interesting tourist arrondissements are 1, 2, 4, 6 and 7, where the main attractions of the city are concentrated.

Not recommended areas: certainly the northern districts. More specifically the arrondissements 13, 14, 15, Bellevue and Felix Pyat in the 3rd arrondissement; Air Bel in the 11th arrondissement and Hauts de Mazargues (Cayolle-la Soude) in the 9th arrondissement. These are suburban neighbourhoods with no particular attractions or places of interest.

Vieux Port

Definitely the best neighbourhood to stay. From here you can easily reach the main attractions on foot. Among these, you can admire Norman Foster's Ombrière, a sort of "artificial sky" of reflective stainless steel, which produces a mirror effect. It is the best place for sensational photographs! In the evening you can stroll peacefully, enjoy quality hotels, and choose from a wide range of restaurants and night clubs.

It is mostly pedestrianised area, that can be easily explored on foot following the Quai du Port and all the streets that branch off around the port; the presence of the metro station allows you to quickly reach other areas and the airport. From the docks there are also many boat tours that allow tourists to admire the city from the water or go to the Calanques area.

Here there are many accommodation options. For obvious reasons, despite the variety, it remains the most expensive area on average.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about €37,00 for low-cost accommodation to €200,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended Accommodation

Le Panier

Just north of the Old Port, bordered by the streets of Rue Caisserie and Rue de la Republique, is the old district of Le Panier, now considered very trendy and bohemian. Very charming and intimate, it consists of a maze of alleys overlooked by houses with coloured doors and windows, and high-level boutiques and art galleries. Wherever you turn your gaze you can admire murals: Le Panier is the kingdom of street-art. Here you will find important attractions, such as the Centre de la Vieille Charitée, a complex that houses two important museums: the Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology and the MAAOA (Museum of African, Oceanic and American Arts).
The area of the district can be understood as included in a triangle formed by the Quai du Port to the south, Rue de la République to the north-east and the La Joliette district to the west, with which it shares the MUCEM and the cathedral La Major. Rue de la Charité and Rue du Panier are the main streets, which open onto an infinite number of alleys.

It is an ideal district for young people: it still strongly maintains its multicultural trait, today most of the immigrants reside here, and due to its urban characteristic, so labyrinthine, it is not exactly the best to go in the evening with the children. However, being in the centre, the costs are obviously not exactly cheap, but staying here will allow you to move easily on foot, reaching Vieux Port in just 12 minutes (850 m).

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about €61,00 for low-cost accommodation to €405,00 for more expensive options - compare the best places to stay on booking

Recommended Accommodation

Rive Neuve

South of the Old Port is Rive Neuve, an exclusive district overlooking the port. This area, lined with neoclassical buildings, was called the "new shore" because in the past the shoals blocked this part of the port, but they were later removed and the docks were then redeveloped.

In the area, there are several attractions, such as the Abbey of Saint Victor and the Opéra de Marseille. Pushing towards the coast you can reach the city beach of Plage des Catalans. One of the main streets is Rue Sainte, which runs through the entire district from east to west.

From Rive Neuve, dominated by Garde hill, you can access the restaurants and nightclubs of the Arcenaulx district. It is an excellent area for those looking for fun and nightlife, it is also very central! From here, Vieux Port is just a 5-minute walk away! The prices are quite high.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about €23,00 for low-cost accommodation to €700,00 for more expensive options - compare the best places to stay on booking

Recommended Accommodation

La Joliette

Once abandoned, the former port and commercial waste area has been completely redeveloped and transformed into a trendy neighbourhood. In the old Docks there are shopping centres, bars, art galleries and boutiques. Many of these overlook Boulevard de Dunkerque and Quai de la Juliette, which cross the entire district from north to south. North of the Old Port, the centre is just a ten-minute walk away.

Here, you will also find some of the most important attractions of Marseille, such as the important MUCEM, the Museum of civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean, and the wonderful cathedral of the city, the Cathédrale La Major.

The area is the result of a rapid development. In a short time, La Joliette has been transformed into one of the liveliest and most sparkling areas of the city: residential buildings have sprung up, and it is home to the most popular shopping centre in Marseille, Terraces du Port where boutiques of French brands and international designer stores meet. In the same area you can stroll along the harbour, listen to concerts, go shopping and stay at affordable prices.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about €33,00 for low-cost accommodation to €200,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended Accommodation

La Canebière-Thiers

Neighbourhood that extends around the famous street of the same name La Canebière, which from Vieux-Port reaches the Church of the Reformed. It is ideal for those who want to stay in the heart of the city, near the port and the main shopping and entertainment venues. There are not many attractions here, but it is a strategic area to move easily throughout the city and the Old Port is only a short walk away.

The area is always very lively, thanks to the presence of cafes, shops, restaurants, theatres and night clubs. Palaces and ancient buildings, monuments and historical places also make it a very elegant neighbourhood. Right on Canebière Street, there are historic and refined hotels, perfect for those who want to stay in period environments and romantic atmospheres. Given its characteristics, the area is not the cheapest.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about €49,00 for low-cost accommodation to €200,00 for more expensive options - compare the best places to stay on booking

Recommended accommodation

L'Estaque

Residential area that has managed to maintain the charm of a picturesque village with a charming marina and beautiful houses. L'Estaque is a small village within the urban fabric of the city where you can breathe the charm of old Marseille. It develops between the Gare de l'Estaque train station and the coast. There are no tourist attractions, but it has small beaches where you can relax!

It was once a refuge for artists and intellectuals, today it is a favourite location for many directors filming movies and TV series. Everywhere you will see historical photos of famous people exhibited, a testimony of the golden years of the past. It is a perfect area for those who shy away from the chaos of the city and want to savour the most authentic atmospheres of Marseille, without straying too far from the more touristy areas, reachable by the direct metro red line M1.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about €60,00 for low-cost accommodation to €200,00 for more expensive options - compare the best places to stay on booking

Recommended Accommodation

Corniche-Roucas-Blanc

Beautiful residential neighbourhood that extends around Marseille's seafront, the famous Corniche. Here you will find exclusive hotels, period villas, restaurants, small beaches and bars.The ideal area to enjoy a romantic getaway or a couple's holiday! But it is also an ideal neighbourhood for families, with beautiful beaches, including Plage du Prophète, and many amenities!

The neighbourhood is dominated by the profile of the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, the symbol of Marseille. From here Chemin du Roucas Blanc starts, the street that crosses the district from north to south, reaching the coast. Despite being slightly away from the centre, it is still a convenient base as it is only 10 minutes by public transport from the old port area (bus 55, 15 min).

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about €37,00 for low-cost accommodation to €200,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

La Plage-Prado

A little far from the centre, this neighbourhood is ideal for families with children as there are beaches, playgrounds, Parc Balnéaire du Prado and Parc Borély, one of the favourite parks of Marseilles and one of the finest in the whole of France In the latter, in addition to enjoying peaceful walks and organizing picnics, little ones will have fun with the wide choice of fun activities designed specifically for them: from the rental of go-carts to a race with model cars, boats in the lake, and a traditional carousel ride.

Located a couple of kilometres from the centre, it can be reached by a 20 minute walk (Avenue de la Corse) or by bus (nos. 53 and 853), stop Place Du 4 Septembre. The whole district develops around two important streets of Marseille, Avenue du Prado and Promenade Georges Pompidou, which runs along the seafront as an extension of Corniche.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about €60,00 for low-cost accommodation to €200,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Places to stay near Marseille

Sleeping in Marseille is the best choice if you only have 2 or 3 days to stay, perfect for getting to know the city well. It is also a great base if you are planning to visit the beautiful nearby destinations: Sault and the lavender fields, Avignon, Cassis and the Badlands Park or Arles and the Camargue.
If, on the other hand, you have already visited Marseille and your intention is to dedicate more time to these aforementioned areas, then you can choose different places as a base, and leave Marseille perhaps as a one-day excursion. Here are some suggestions:

• Cassis (32 km / 36 min): fishing village squeezed between the sea and the Provencal hills, famous for its fine liqueur. Ideal base for discovering the Calanques and a mainly seaside holiday. It is connected to Marseille by direct bus (line L068, 45 min). Aubagne and La Ciotat are also good - Hotels and B&Bs from €66,00 per room
• Carry Le Rouet (31 km / 27 min): renowned seaside resort developed around the port and surrounded by woods and hills. Perfect for treating yourself to bathing days or immersing yourself in nature. Connected to Marseille by direct bus (line C8, 45 min)- Hotels and B&Bs from €67,00 per room
• Aix en Provence (33 km / 35 min): elegant town that contains all the charm of Provence, including colourful markets, shady squares, fountains and stately buildings. Ideal base for visiting the Camargue. Convenient as it is connected to Marseille by direct bus (line L050, 30 min). - Hotels and B&Bs from €49,00 per room
• Saint Cyr sur Mer (46 km / 36 min): on the beautiful bay of Lecques, it is one of the most popular sites on the Provençal coast with fine sandy beaches. The city is the starting point for exploring the renowned vineyards and surrounding pine forests. Connected to Marseille by direct train (SNCF line, 39 min)- Hotels and B&Bs from €65,00 per room
• Arles (90 km / 1 h 10 min): entrance city of the Parc naturel régional de Camargue, therefore the perfect base for exploring this whole area. Connected to Marseille by direct regional train (55 min) - Hotels and B&Bs from €39,00 per room
• Gordes (93 km / 1 h 10 min): ideal city to explore the Parc naturel régional du Luberon and the wonderful lavender fields during the summer. In this regard, Sault and Rousillon are also good alternatives, but further away from Marseille - Hotels and B&Bs from €57,00 per room

If you are in Marseille for business or as a one-day stopover to other destinations, consider sleeping near the airport. Find the best solutions and selected hotels on Booking.com

Marseille accommodation price map

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