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he sea is aglow in a deep shade of blue as elegant glasses sparkle at cocktail hour—a ritual in Marseille that isn’t confined to the end of the day. On Sunday afternoons with friends, late afternoons after work, before dinner, or at sunset—there’s never a wrong time for a drink accompanied by olives, pistachios, or peanuts. And there’s no rush either. “Plus c’est long, plus c’est bon”—the longer, the better—as the locals tend to say.

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As France’s oldest city, Marseille offers no shortage of bars, just as it abounds in bouillabaisse restaurants. Some of the best spots for aperitifs include the Old Port, where fresh fish is sold at ten stalls each morning, the nearby Cours Estienne d’Orves, the Corniche, and Notre-Dame-du-Mont. The latter was named the coolest neighborhood in the world by Time Out in 2024, thanks to its vibrant mix of bars, cafés, bakeries, quirky shops, narrow streets, an active street art scene, a colorful market, and a diverse crowd—from sailors to students. Notre-Dame-du-Mont, once a haven for artists, also has creative restaurants such as Livingston, where guest chefs rotate to deliver culinary marvels. This lively district offers the perfect backdrop for capturing Marseille’s essence. For relaxation, the city’s beaches and the Calanques National Park, with its dramatic cliffs and turquoise coves, provide a serene escape—making you forget that Marseille is in fact France’s second-largest city.Livingston", which has rotating guest chefs working culinary wonders in its kitchen, can also be found in Notre-Dame-du-Mont. The district therefore provides the perfect backdrop to capture the city's DNA. Relax after exploring Marseille's beaches - the Calanques National Park with its cliffs and turquoise bays will make you forget that Marseille is the second largest city in France.

Savoir-vivre and pop culture

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Following its role as a sailing host for the 2024 Olympic Games, Marseille shines brighter than it has in years. The city first benefited from significant investment when it was named European Capital of Culture in 2013, revitalizing many neglected areas of the old port. After last summer’s Olympic regattas and the significant influx of tourists that came with it, 2025 promises a calmer pace for visitors to enjoy the city’s charm without the crowds. But quiet doesn’t mean dull—Marseille is always abuzz with vibrant city life. From the sunlit Carnival to the June music festival and the Hero Festival in November celebrating pop culture icons, to world-class concerts, there’s never a dull moment in this Mediterranean city.

© Delaney Inamine

More inspiration: 2025's Best Travel Destinations