Marseille’s unique charm lies in its lively port, historic neighborhoods, and stunning coastal views. It’s one of France’s most characterful cities—full of stories, seaside splendor, and hidden corners waiting to be explored. Whether you’re after a quick overview or an in-depth adventure, the city offers a variety of city tours that cater to different interests and travel styles. We especially like the Half-Day City Highlights Guided Walking Tour for its comprehensive coverage and local insights, and the Cassis and Marseille Private Excursion for those wanting a personalized, leisurely day exploring Provence’s coast.
Marseille’s diverse neighborhoods, from the tourist-friendly Vieux Port to the bohemia of Le Panier, make for excellent walking adventures. The city also boasts scenic bus tours and private excursions, giving travelers options whether they want a quick glance or an immersive experience. Below, we’ve rounded up the best city tours in Marseille, including guided walks, hop-on-hop-off buses, private outings, and specialty excursions to help you make the most of your visit.
1. Marseille: Half-Day City Highlights Guided Walking Tour
At number 1, this 4-hour guided walking tour earns a perfect 5/5 rating from 259 reviews. It’s the go-to for travelers who want to enjoy Marseille’s 2,600-year-old history. You’ll start at the iconic Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-Majeure and wander through the charming Le Panier district, visiting hidden streets and local spots. The tour climbs Notre Dame de la Garde for panoramic views and explores lively areas like Vallon des Auffes and le Vieux Port. The guide shares insightful stories about the city’s past and present, making history come alive.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on hidden gems and secret streets—not just the usual tourist spots. The itinerary also includes a boat cruise and visits to landmarks like Le Palais du Pharo. Reviews mention the knowledgeable guide and the well-paced itinerary that keeps things engaging without feeling rushed. For visitors wanting an authentic, comprehensive taste of Marseille, this tour offers excellent value at $59.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history lovers and first-timers who want a detailed, lively introduction to Marseille’s top sights and stories.
2. Marseille: Essential Guided Walking Tour of the City
Coming in at number 2, this 2.5-hour tour is rated 4.9/5 from 154 reviews. It’s ideal for travelers short on time but eager to see the city’s highlight neighborhoods. Starting from La Major Cathedral, the guide takes you through Le Panier and along the Old Port, with plenty of engaging commentary about Marseille’s Greek and Roman roots. The tour emphasizes local color and the city’s maritime charm.
Highlights include visiting the Church of Accoules, walking down Cannebière street, and enjoying scenic views from Palais du Pharo. It’s a well-balanced trip at just $41 per person, making it an affordable way to see key attractions without a long commitment. Many reviews highlight the friendly, knowledgeable guide and the perfect length for a quick yet meaningful overview.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for travelers who want a concise, information-rich walk through Marseille’s core neighborhoods.
3. Guided Tour in Marseille: Vieux Port & Old City
Positioned at number 3, this 3-hour tour is a highly-rated 5.0/5 experience with 94 reviews. It focuses on Marseille’s lively Vieux Port, the historic Panier district, and the 17th-century Centre de la Vielle Charite. Led by a local guide, you’ll get a good sense of the city’s maritime history and vibrant streets.
The tour includes walking around the port, exploring colorful houses and plazas, and visiting the ancient fortress of Fort Saint-Jean for sweeping sea views. It’s well suited for travelers who want a moderate-paced tour blending history, architecture, and seaside scenery. The price of $58 reflects its quality, and reviews praise the friendly guide who shares personal insights.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a rich mix of Marseille’s history and lively port ambiance in a manageable timeframe.
4. Marseille: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Number 4 on our list is a convenient, flexible way to see Marseille at your own pace. For $27, you get a one-day hop-on-hop-off ticket with audio commentary available in 11 languages. The bus routes cover major sights like Notre Dame de la Garde, Le Panier, and the Old Port, allowing you to customize your itinerary.
This tour is perfect for travelers who prefer minimal walking or have limited time. The open-top bus offers breathtaking panoramic views and a relaxed way to get a lay of the land. The downside is that it’s a less intimate experience, and some reviews note that the buses can get crowded or busy during peak times.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a quick, easy overview of Marseille’s highlights without much physical effort.
$27 per person
5. Marseille Shore Excursion: City Sightseeing Tour of Marseille
At number 5, this 4-hour shore excursion is tailored for cruise passengers and rated 4.0/5 from 240 reviews. It combines transportation and guided sightseeing, starting at Notre Dame de la Garde and moving through the Old Port and Palais Longchamp. The tour includes round-trip transportation from the port, making logistics straightforward.
Highlights include climbing the basilica for spectacular views and exploring historical sites like Palais Longchamp. It’s a good option for those wanting to see Marseille’s main sights without the hassle of planning logistics. The price of nearly $93 is reasonable considering the convenience. Reviewers appreciate the professional guide and smooth organization.
Bottom Line: Ideal for cruise travelers who want a stress-free, guided overview in a limited timeframe.
6. Private Excursion Cassis and Marseille City Tour
Number 6 is a 7.5-hour private tour rated 5/5 from 7 reviews. It’s perfect for those seeking a customized experience of Provence’s stunning coast. The tour starts at Marseille’s port, takes you to Cassis for leisurely exploration or optional coastline cruise, then continues to Cap Canaille for breathtaking panoramic views. The day finishes with a visit to Notre-Dame de la Garde from atop the city.
This tour’s strength is its flexibility—you can tailor it to your interests, whether that’s more time in Cassis, sightseeing, or enjoying the scenery. It’s priced at just over $1,020 for the entire group, offering excellent value for a personalized experience. Reviewers mention the memorable views and attentive guide as key highlights.
Bottom Line: The best fit for travelers wanting a bespoke, in-depth day combining Marseille and Provence’s coast.
7. Private transfer by car: Airport from / to the City or Port of Marseille
Number 7 offers a stress-free private transfer with a 5-star rating from just $95 for up to four people. Whether arriving or departing, this option guarantees a comfortable, reliable ride with Wi-Fi and assistance with luggage.
This service is perfect if you want to avoid taxi lines or need a seamless connection between the airport, port, and hotel. The drivers are praised for their courtesy and punctuality, making it a practical choice for hassle-free logistics.
Bottom Line: An excellent, no-fuss option for airport or port transfers, especially if timing and comfort matter.
8. Discover Marseille: A Half-Day City Tour
Positioned at number 8, this 3.5-hour tour with a single review is a solid, straightforward introduction to Marseille. It includes visits to Mucem, Palais Longchamp, and Notre Dame de la Garde, focusing on key sites and panoramic views.
Ideal for travelers who want a condensed yet rich experience, the tour balances cultural highlights with scenic viewpoints. The price of $170 may seem high for some but includes guided insights and a focus on notable landmarks.
Bottom Line: Suitable for those who prefer a short but comprehensive introduction to Marseille’s highlights.
$170 per person
9. Marseille: Private City Center Walking Tour with Cruise
This 4-hour private tour for up to 8 people is rated 5/5 and combines land and sea adventures. Starting with a guided walk through the city’s oldest districts, the tour then takes you on a boat trip to the Côte Bleue, where you can snorkel in crystal-clear waters.
The combination of walking and boating appeals to active travelers who want variety. Highlights include views of Château d’If and a visit to a traditional bakery and figurine factory. It’s a flexible, personalized experience that costs about $1,521 for the group.
Bottom Line: For adventure-seekers wanting a multi-layered experience of Marseille and its coast.
$1,521 per group up to 8
10. Marseille: a city of legends and mysteries
Positioned at number 10, this 2-hour tour is perfect for travelers interested in urban legends and stories. It’s a more niche experience focused on mysterious tales and lesser-known anecdotes from Marseille’s past.
While the price is just $18, the tour offers a unique perspective into the city’s secret side. It’s less about physical sights and more about stories, making it ideal for curious travelers who enjoy storytelling.
Bottom Line: An engaging, quirky option for those who want to uncover Marseille’s secrets and stories.
11. Private ebike tour to Calanques or city
Number 11 is a 6.5-hour private eBike tour rated 4.5/5 from 3 reviews. It’s designed for active travelers eager to explore Cassis, La Ciotat, and the Calanques on two wheels. The small-group format allows for personalized attention, and the route includes mountain paths for spectacular views.
Highlights include visits to Old Port, Calanque de Sormiou, and Port-Miou. The tour combines nature, panoramic vistas, and cultural sights, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The price of roughly $464 per group makes it a good value for a private, guided adventure.
Bottom Line: Best suited for active travelers wanting a full-day, scenic eBike journey.
12. Marseille City Tour Half-Day
This private half-day experience for up to 8 people is rated 4/5. Covering Marseille’s old port, Palais Longchamp, and Notre Dame de la Garde, it’s a straightforward way to see key highlights with a personalized touch.
Pricing at $632 may seem high, but the private nature and tailored itinerary can be worth it for those seeking a more intimate exploration. The tour emphasizes top landmarks and scenic viewpoints.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who prefer a bespoke, private experience with personalized attention.
13. Discover Marseille: A Walking Tour of City Highlights
Finally, the shortest tour on our list, this 3-hour walk offers an overview of the most important sights, including the Old Port, Rue de la République, and the Marseille Cathedral. It’s a good quick fix for first-time visitors.
While reviews are not available, the focus on city highlights makes it ideal for those with limited time. The tour provides a concise way to get acquainted with Marseille’s urban landscape and key landmarks.
Bottom Line: A time-efficient option for a guided overview of Marseille.
$391 per group up to 4
How to Choose
When selecting a Marseille tour, consider your budget, time available, and interests. For a thorough experience, the Half-Day City Highlights Walking Tour (link) offers deep insights, while the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus (link) delivers flexibility. If you prefer a personalized day along the coast, the Private Cassis Tour (link) is unbeatable.
For active travelers, the eBike tours (link) provide a scenic, energetic way to explore. Budget-conscious visitors will find the hop-on-hop-off bus and short guided tours offer great value, while those craving more intimacy and customization should consider private options.
Booking early is advised, especially during peak summer months, to ensure availability and the best experience.
Final Thoughts
Marseille offers a wealth of tour options to suit every traveler. For a deep dive into its history and hidden streets, the guided walking tours are excellent. If you prefer scenic views and flexibility, hop-on-hop-off buses or private excursions fill the bill. Outdoor enthusiasts should consider eBike adventures to explore beyond the city center.
Whether you’re after a quick overview or an immersive day, Marseille’s tours will help you uncover the city’s stories, scenery, and soul. Be sure to book early, plan your interests, and enjoy discovering one of France’s most distinctive cities.