Marseille is a beautiful French city on the Mediterranean. There is a lot to do and see, and at least a couple of days are needed to fully enjoy this city. The Vieux Port area is beautiful, though slightly touristy, but the port is lined with inexpensive, but good, restaurants.
From the port you can catch the ferry from Marseille to Cassis, which is a very worthwhile adventure. The cost is 20 to 30€ for a 4-hour trip on the Mediterranean and past spectacular natural rock formations called Les Calanques.
The beaches are great if you can find a free public beach, which is a bit of a challenge. For most of these, you need to take the bus.
Another great day trip is to take the ferry out to the Chateau d'If, made famous by Alexandre Dumas in "The Count of Monte Cristo." This is an old prison on an island off the coast of Marseille. The island is beautiful and the prison is fascinating.
Once done at the Chateau d'If, I recommend taking the ferry over to the island Frioul for the rest of the afternoon. The island is absolutely beautiful, with plenty of exploring to be done. It is full of small coves and private beaches where you can relax by the sea, or you can climb up hills and rock formations for an overview of the area. There are also a few restaurants on the island.
Take the last ferry back to Marseille to spend the night at the bars and restaurants. Also visit the Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde, the white basilica on a hill. Take the bus up for an amazing view of the city.
Quick Tips:
Best Way To Get Around:
The easiest way to get around is walking, but for areas farther out, you have to navigate the complicated and overcrowded bus system.