Vieux Port: The Heart of Marseille
Discover the vibrant heart of Marseille at the Vieux Port, a historic harbor brimming with culture, cuisine, and captivating views, where ancient history meets modern-day charm.
The Vieux Port, or Old Port, is the historical heart and soul of Marseille, France. For over 2600 years, this bustling harbor has been the city's focal point, from its founding by the Greeks to its modern-day incarnation as a vibrant social and cultural hub. Today, it's a place where locals and tourists alike gather to stroll along the quays, admire the colorful fishing boats, enjoy fresh seafood, and soak in the unique atmosphere of Marseille. Guarded by the imposing Fort Saint-Jean and Fort Saint-Nicolas, and with the iconic Notre-Dame de la Garde overlooking from above, the Vieux Port is a must-see destination for any visitor to Marseille. The area is easily walkable, with accessible pathways and a lively atmosphere that captures the essence of this historic city. Don't miss the daily fish market for a glimpse into Marseille's maritime traditions.
A brief summary to Vieux port
- Tun. du Vieux-Port, Marseille, FR
Local tips
- Visit the daily fish market on Quai de la Fraternité in the morning to experience local maritime traditions and purchase fresh seafood.
- Take a boat trip from the Vieux Port to the Frioul Islands or the Calanques National Park for stunning natural landscapes and outdoor activities.
- Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants along the quays to savor fresh seafood and traditional Provençal cuisine.
- Explore the Musée d'Histoire de Marseille and the MuCEM to delve into the city's rich history and the diverse cultures of the Mediterranean.
- Take the Ferry Boat across the port for a unique and affordable perspective of the Vieux Port.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Marseille Saint-Charles train station, take Metro Line 1 (M1) towards La Rose. The Vieux Port has its own Metro station (Vieux-Port Hôtel de Ville), and the journey takes approximately 3 minutes. A single ticket costs €1.70, plus an initial €0.10 for the rechargeable card. Alternatively, take bus line 83 from Gare St Charles to the Vieux Port. The bus journey takes approximately 16 minutes and costs the same as the metro (€1.70).
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services (Uber, Bolt) are readily available throughout Marseille. A taxi ride from Marseille Saint-Charles train station to the Vieux Port typically takes around 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare is between €6 and €11. Be aware that fares may be higher during peak hours or on weekends.
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Walking
The Vieux Port is approximately a 20-minute walk from Marseille Saint-Charles train station. Exit the station and follow the Canebière, a major thoroughfare, directly towards the port. The walk is mostly downhill and offers a pleasant introduction to the city.
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Ferry
Within the Vieux Port, the Ferry Boat offers a unique way to cross the harbor from the Town Hall (Quai du Port) to Place aux Huiles. The ride is very short and costs €0.50. This is a fun way to quickly access the other side of the port.
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Driving
Driving directly to the Vieux Port can be challenging due to traffic and limited parking. Several public parking lots are available near the Vieux Port, including Q-Park Vieux Port / Hôtel de Ville and Indigo Vieux Port Mucem. Hourly parking rates typically range from €3 to €4, with daily rates around €19.20. Consider parking further away from the port and walking or taking public transport for a less stressful arrival.
Discover more about Vieux port
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Mémorial des Déportations de la Ville de Marseille
0.2 km
Explore the Mémorial des Déportations in Marseille, a poignant museum dedicated to the memory of deported individuals during WWII, along the beautiful Quai du Port.
Citadelle de Marseille (Fort Saint-Nicolas)
0.2 km
Discover the majestic Citadelle de Marseille, a historic fortress offering breathtaking views and rich history in the heart of this vibrant French city.
La Citadelle de Marseille (Fort Saint-Nicolas)
0.3 km
Explore La Citadelle de Marseille: A historical landmark offering stunning views and rich narratives from the heart of Marseille's storied past.
Quai de Rive Neuve
0.4 km
Explore the picturesque Quai de Rive Neuve, a vibrant waterfront promenade in Marseille, perfect for leisurely strolls and savoring Mediterranean delights.
Museum of the Roman Docks
0.5 km
Uncover the maritime legacy of ancient Rome at the Museum of the Roman Docks in Marseille, a captivating local history museum filled with fascinating artifacts.
Ville de Marseille
0.6 km
Explore the architectural beauty and historical significance of Marseille's City Hall, a cultural landmark in the heart of France's vibrant port city.
Statue de Pytheas et Euthymenes
0.6 km
Discover the Statue de Pytheas et Euthymenes in Marseille, a historical landmark celebrating maritime exploration and the city’s rich heritage.
Place aux Huiles
0.6 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Place aux Huiles in Marseille, a charming square filled with cafes, shops, and rich cultural experiences.
Memorial De La Deportation De L'Internement Et De La Rèsistance
0.7 km
Explore the Memorial De La Deportation De L'Internement Et De La Résistance in Marseille, a powerful tribute to resilience and memory from World War II.
Place de la Charité
0.7 km
Experience tranquility at Place de la Charité, a lush park in the heart of Marseille perfect for relaxation and leisure amidst city life.
Le Panier Marseillais
0.7 km
Explore the artistic heart of Marseille at Le Panier Marseillais, where local culture, history, and culinary delights blend beautifully.
Croisières Marseille Calanques
0.8 km
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Vieille tour -Tour des Trinitaires
0.8 km
Discover the captivating history of Marseille at the Vieille Tour - Tour des Trinitaires, a must-visit tourist attraction steeped in culture and charm.
Calanques - Chateau If
0.8 km
Uncover the breathtaking beauty of the Calanques and the historical intrigue of Château d'If in Marseille, a must-visit for every traveler.
Statue of Milon de Crotone
0.9 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Tour du Roi René
0.1 km
Explore the historic Tour du Roi René, a stunning landmark in Marseille with breathtaking views and rich cultural heritage.
Old Port of Marseille
0.1 km
Discover the vibrant Old Port of Marseille, a historic harbor filled with stunning views, local cuisine, and a rich maritime legacy.
Place d'Armes
0.1 km
Experience the rich cultural heritage and stunning views at Place d'Armes, a vibrant esplanade in historic Fort Saint-Jean, Marseille.
La fontaine du Fort Saint-Jean
0.1 km
Experience the historical beauty of La Fontaine du Fort Saint-Jean, a serene oasis in the vibrant port of Marseille, perfect for relaxation and exploration.
Free Fresh Water
0.2 km
Stay hydrated and support sustainability in Marseille! Find free fresh water near MuCEM at Esplanade J4 as part of the #GourdeFriendly initiative, reducing plastic waste.
Invader Pixel Art
0.2 km
Discover Marseille through the whimsical mosaics of Invader, a street artist who has transformed the city into an open-air art gallery with his pixelated Space Invaders.
Eglise Saint Laurent
0.2 km
Discover the serene beauty and rich history of Eglise Saint Laurent, a must-visit Catholic church in the heart of Marseille, France.
Fort Saint-Jean
0.2 km
Explore Fort Saint-Jean, Marseille’s historic fortress blending stunning views, rich heritage, and captivating exhibitions of maritime history.
Marseille Citadel (Saint-Nicolas Fort)
0.2 km
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Les Petits Trains de Marseille
0.3 km
Discover Marseille's iconic landmarks and hidden gems with Les Petits Trains, offering scenic tours through the city's historic streets and stunning Mediterranean coastline.
Tour du fanal
0.3 km
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Passerelle Fort St Jean-J4
0.3 km
Explore the Passerelle Fort St Jean, an iconic bridge that connects history and modernity while offering breathtaking views of Marseille's coastline.
Mucem - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean
0.4 km
Explore the Mucem in Marseille, where history and culture intertwine to celebrate the Mediterranean heritage.
Cosquer Méditerranée
0.4 km
Discover the prehistoric cave paintings and rich history at Cosquer Méditerranée, an engaging cultural center in Marseille that captivates visitors of all ages.
Fada Bike Café, Tours & Rentals
0.4 km
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Essential places to dine
Au Bout du Quai
0.2 km
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L'Espigoulier
0.2 km
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Paulette - Restaurant Vieux Port
0.3 km
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Les Trois Forts
0.3 km
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Bobolivo Restaurant
0.4 km
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Le Caveau
0.4 km
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Lamparo - Restaurant Marseille
0.4 km
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DAYO - Restaurant Panier Marseille
0.4 km
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l’écailler du panier
0.4 km
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Maison Charlie
0.4 km
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La cigale vieux port
0.4 km
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Le Poulpe
0.5 km
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Ekume
0.5 km
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La table d'Augustine
0.5 km
Experience authentic Provençal cuisine at La Table d'Augustine in Marseille - where tradition meets innovation on every plate.
Le Palais de la Major - Restaurant Marseille
0.5 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Thalassa
0.2 km
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ZIG ZAG
0.4 km
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SOUS L’OLIVIER
0.4 km
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Marseille En France Souvenirs-Gifts-Cadeaux
0.4 km
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Lyly Concept Store Marseille
0.4 km
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Coeur Piqué - Boutique Marseille
0.5 km
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Labstyle
0.5 km
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Brume d'été, le Panier Marseille. Boutique, atelier et salon de thé
0.5 km
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Bazaar Caesar Soap
0.5 km
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Le Don Du Vent 1947
0.5 km
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Marseille En Provence
0.5 km
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N-Cigale
0.6 km
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B.Marion
0.6 km
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Mistral Marseille
0.6 km
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Camelia beauty
0.6 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Le Dantès Skylounge
0.3 km
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LE COOL
0.4 km
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Barjac
0.4 km
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Tout vin à point
0.5 km
Experience the best of Marseille's wine culture at Tout vin à point, a cozy wine bar offering a curated selection and delicious bites.
Le Comptoir d’Augustine
0.5 km
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ManuFactory
0.5 km
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The Shamrock
0.6 km
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Bar de la Marine
0.6 km
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Bar du Panier
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of Marseille at Bar du Panier, a beloved brasserie offering authentic local cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere.
Bar des 13 Coins
0.6 km
Discover the lively Bar des 13 Coins in Marseille, where local beers meet delicious cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere perfect for tourists.
Propaganda - bar tapas Marseille
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant fusion of tapas, cocktails, and live music at Propaganda, Marseille’s favorite bar along Quai de Rive Neuve.
Les voutes Virgo de la Major
0.6 km
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The Queen Victoria
0.7 km
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O'Malley
0.7 km
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Droit Au Fut
0.7 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Marseille at Droit Au Fut, where craft beers and cocktails meet a lively atmosphere.
