Nice vs Marseille: Which is the Best City to Visit?

Planning a trip to France? If you only have time to visit one major city on the French Riviera, you may be trying to decide between Nice and Marseille.

When it comes to the best cities in France to visit, these are definitely two of the top contenders. Both of these French cities boast spectacular waterfront views, rich history, and plenty of attractions that make them ideal vacation destinations.

The tough part is, how to choose which one is right for you? Don’t worry! I’ve visited both of these amazing cities and have all the information you need to know to help you pick!

I’m going to give you a rundown of each city’s attractions, food, festivals, and more so that you can determine which city is best for you, Nice or Marseille.

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Nice vs Marseille: City Overview

Overview of Nice

Nice is the fifth-largest city in France, and the second most popular tourist destination in France (after Paris, of course). Nice is known as the “Queen of the Riviera” due to its stunning beaches and warm Mediterranean climate.

From its world-renowned art museums and galleries to its chic cafes and restaurants, there are plenty of amazing things to do in Nice.

Nice has been a popular holiday destination for centuries, thanks to its stunning beaches, glorious weather, and vibrant cultural scene. It earned a UNESCO World Heritage site designation for its history as a winter resort town of the Riviera.

From the Baroque-style buildings on the iconic Promenade des Anglais, to the ornate churches of Vieux Nice, there’s plenty to admire here.

Overview of Marseille

Marseille is the second-largest city in France and offers a unique blend of culture, cuisine, art, and architecture. Marseille offers what some would call a more authentic French experience, with its rough-around-the-edges charm and beautiful waterfront views.

This vibrant port city is often called “the gateway to the south,” as it serves as an entry point for many travelers looking to explore the French Riviera and its stunning beaches.

Marseille is also a great place to explore France’s rich culture and history. From the ancient buildings of Vieux-Port to the stunning Notre Dame Basilica, there’s plenty to discover here.

Plus, Marseille is known for its unique cuisine, which blends traditional French flavors with influences from Italy, Africa, and the Middle East.

A fun fact about France is that Marseille is the oldest city in France!

Marseille vs Nice: Top Things to Do

Best Things to Do in Nice, France

You’ll find many amazing things to do in Nice to keep you busy during your trip, whether you prefer visiting world-class museums or just relaxing on a beautiful Mediterranean beach.

1. Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais: The Promenade des Anglais stretches for 7 kilometers and is the perfect place to take in the sights of the city. It’s famous for its stunning views of the Baie des Anges. The Promenade des Anglais, along with Vieux Nice, are part Nice’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2. Spend an afternoon at the beach: Nice is home to some of the world’s best beaches, so don’t miss out on a day at the beach. Some of the most popular beaches include Plage Beau Rivage and Ponchettes Beach. There are a mix of public and private beaches with varying amenities to chooses from. Note that the beaches of Nice are made up of pebbles rather than sand, so bring your water shoes!

3. Explore Vieux-Nice: Vieux-Nice is the old town of Nice, located in the city’s historic center. Here you’ll find narrow streets lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. You’ll love the colorful buildings and flower-filled courtyards!

4. Shop in the Cours Saleya Market: This open-air market in the old town of Nice is one of the must-see attractions in Nice. It’s mainly known as a flower market, but you can also find fresh local produce and prepared foods to tempt your palate here.

5. Take a tour of the Colline du Château: This hilltop park boasts some of the most amazing views in Nice. From here you’ll be able to see the entire city and its stunning bay below. Don’t miss your chance to get a selfie with the #ILoveNICE sign as you climb up the hill!

6. Visit the Musée d’Art Moderne et Contemporain de Nice: This modern art museum is home to works from Picasso, Monet, and other famous artists. It’s a great place to spend a few hours if you’re an art lover.

7. See the Marc Chagall National Museum: This museum holds many works by Russian-born French artist Marc Chagall. Here you’ll find some of his most famous paintings, along with a collection of vibrant stained-glass windows.

8. Explore the Parc Phoenix botanical garden: This large botanical park is the perfect spot to enjoy a peaceful stroll. The gardens hold Nice’s Zoo, and you’ll also find the Asian Arts Museum here.

9. Visit the Matisse Museum: The Matisse Museum is the perfect place to explore the world of modern art. Here you’ll find many pieces from artist Henri Matisse, one of Nice’s most famous citizens.

10. Check out some of Nice’s historic churches: Nice has many beautiful churches to admire, including the ornate Cathédrale de Sainte-Réparate. The Russian Orthodox Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice is not to be missed!

Best Things to Do in Marseille, France

With its scenic waterfront location and vibrant cultural scene, Marseille is a great place for a holiday. Here are the top 15 things to do in Marseille:

1. Explore Vieux-Port: The Old Port is of the most iconic spots in Marseille and a major hub of activity. Here you’ll find stunning old buildings, a fleet of picturesque sailing vessels in the harbor, and plenty of restaurants and cafes. The freshest fish is sold every morning at the Old Port fish market. (I was amazed at the variety of fish and seafood at the market!)

2. Take a tour of Fort St Jean: This 18th-century fort is now home to many museums and offers stunning views over the city from its rooftop terrace. It’s a great place to explore Marseille’s rich history. Even if you don’t want to pay to visit the museum, you can explore the fort for free and enjoy the views, like I did!

3. Explore the MuCEM: This museum, which stands for the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations, is a great place to explore Marseille’s complex cultural heritage. It’s known for its modern architecture and displays of art and artifacts and is one of France’s best museums.

4. Admire the Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica: This beautiful basilica is perched on a hilltop overlooking the city and offers incredible views of Marseille. The basilica is one of the best attractions in Marseille and is definitely worth a visit even if you’re not religious. The opulent decor is stunning! I took the bus from Vieux Port, which brings you right to the basilica.

5. Spend a day at the Parc National des Calanques: The Calanques are stunning rocky inlets along the coast, just a few miles from downtown Marseille. This beautiful national park is home to breathtaking landscapes, rugged cliffs, and crystal-clear waters. Boat tours of the Calanques leave from Marseille’s Old Port. Don’t forget your camera!

6. Visit the Abbey of St-Victor: This fortified medieval abbey was founded in the 5th century and is one of the oldest sites in Marseille. It’s now a museum that’s home to an impressive collection of art and artifacts from its long history. There is a small entry fee and the only accept cash (that’s one reason to always carry some French currency when traveling).

7. Plage des Catalans: This beach is the closest to Marseille and is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, or playing some beach volleyball.

8. Visit the Longchamp Palace: This stunning 19th-century palace is now home to one of France’s most beautiful parks and gardens. Explore its lush lawns, winding pathways, and impressive ponds. The palace’s fountains and statues are breathtaking!

The Palais Longchamp is home to some of Marseille’s top museums, including the Natural History Museum and the Fine Arts Museum.

9. Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts: This fine arts museum, located inside the Palais Longchamp, contains a lovely collection of paintings, sculptures, and artworks from all over the world. It’s not a huge museum, but entry is free. I was happy to duck in here to escape the pouring rain!

10. Take a day trip to Château d’If: This 16th-century fortress was made famous by Alexandre Dumas in his novel The Count of Monte Cristo. You can take day trips by boat from Old Port to the island of If and explore the fort’s towers, dungeons, and secret passageways.

Nice vs Marseille: Food and Culinary Highlights

“The air in Provence is impregnated with the aroma of garlic, which makes it very healthful to breathe.”

Alexandre Dumas (this is one of my favorite quotes about Provence)

Best things to eat in Nice France

Cuisine Niçoise is bursting with the iconic flavors of Provence. You’ll find familiar dishes such as Salade niçoise and ratatouille, but don’t miss out on some of the local favorites!

Here are some of the dishes you should eat in Nice:

1. Socca: a thin, crepe-like chickpea pancake that is usually served hot with olive oil and pepper. I enjoy this Nice favorite street food as a tasty snack in the afternoon to give me energy for more sightseeing!

2. Moules frites: A classic French dish of mussels cooked in a garlic and white wine sauce served with fries. You’ll find moules frites on nearly every menu in Nice!

3. Salade niçoise: this classic salad is composed of boiled eggs, tomatoes, anchovies, tuna, olives, potatoes and green beans all tossed together in an olive oil vinaigrette. It’s delicious!

4. Pissaladiere: This flatbread is topped with caramelized onions, anchovies, and olives. It’s often served as an appetizer or side dish.

5. Ratatouille: this classic vegetable stew made with tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and zucchini is a Nice specialty. It’s usually served as a side dish along with meat or fish.

6. Pan Bagnat: A sandwich made with tuna, anchovies, olives, vegetables, and eggs on a soft roll. It’s the perfect picnic food!

7. Daube Niçoise: This dish reflects Nice’s culinary blend of French and Italian flavors. In this dish, a Provençal beef stew made with red wine, tomato paste, and local herbs is served over ravioli.

8. Tourte de Blettes: a savory tart filled with Swiss chard, onions and herbs.

9. Panisse: Similar to socca, panisse is made with chickpeas. But panisse is typically thicker and cut into the shape of fries, so it’s crunchy on the outside. Enjoy these as a side dish along with your meal.

10. Petits farcis: small stuffed vegetables such as zucchini or tomatoes.

Best things to eat in Marseille France

Marseille is home to some of France’s best seafood specialties, as well as a variety of other dishes that are sure to delight your taste buds.

Here are some of the top dishes to try during your visit to Marseille:

1. Bouillabaisse: Marseille’s iconic fish stew is made with a variety of different Mediterranean fishes, including monkfish and red mullet. Garlicky croutons are added at the end to give it a delicious crunch and extra flavor.

You’ll find bouillabaisse on nearly every restaurant menu in Marseille — although I was a bit surprised at how high the average price was for this dish!

2. Aïoli: a garlic mayonnaise sauce served with fish or vegetables. It’s usually made with fresh egg yolks, olive oil, garlic and lemon juice.

3. Moules Marinières: Fresh mussels cooked in white wine and herbs–a classic seafood dish of the Mediterranean! Mussels are very popular in Marseille.

4. Navettes de Marseille: Fragrant, crescent-shaped biscuits (cookies) made with orange blossom water that are typically eaten around Easter time. They’re a local favorite!

5. Anchoïade: A Provençal dip made with anchovies, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice and spices. It’s a great dip for raw veggies or a spread for bread.

6. Soupe au Pistou: a vegetable soup made with white beans, potatoes and carrots that is flavored with a pesto-like sauce made with garlic, parsley and olive oil.

7. Tapenade: A spread olives, capers, anchovies and olive oil. It’s usually served as an appetizer with French bread.

8. Pieds et Paquets: If you’re an adventurous eater, try this classic Marseille dish of sheep feet and stomach cooked in a rich tomato sauce with herbs and spices. (I’m definitely *not* adventurous when it comes to food!)

9. Pastis: Enjoy a glass of this anise-flavored liqueur, usually served with cold water and ice. A favorite drink of the locals!

10. Poutargue: A specialty of the region, this ‘Provençal caviar’ is made of salted and dried mullet roe. It has a unique and briny flavor that goes great with toast or mixed into a pasta dish.

Marseille vs Nice: Nightlife

Nightlife in Nice

Nice, France is a vibrant and exciting city that comes alive at night. Whether you’re looking for a lively party atmosphere or an intimate dinner for two, Nice has something to offer everyone.

So, if you’re looking for some fun activities in Nice after sunset, here are some great options:

1. Old Town (Vieux Nice): For a romantic night out, explore the winding cobblestone streets of Nice’s historic old town district. You’ll find plenty of charming cafes, restaurants and bars tucked away in this quaint area.

2. Promenade des Anglais: Stroll along this iconic boardwalk for stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea while sipping on an Aperol Spritz. Since I’m not a ‘party’ person, my favorite thing to do is to sit on one of the iconic benches along the Promenade des Anglais and watch the sunset while looking out over the sea!

3. Cours Selaya: This bustling open-air market transforms into a lively bar scene at night. Join locals for a drink and some people-watching as the sun sets.

4. Place Masséna: This grand plaza, dating from the 1800s, is filled with cafes and hosts many of Nice’s public events. Take a stroll along the Promenade du Paillon and check out this urban park. I loved the mesmerizing water fountain display.

5. Opéra de Nice: Looking for a cultural experience? Enjoy an evening of classic opera or ballet performance at this opulent venue located in the heart of Nice.

6. Live Music: Ther are plenty of places in Nice to enjoy live music. If you love jazz, you’ll want to visit Shapko, which features live music nightly and jam sessions from local musicians.

7. Night clubs: You’ll find plenty of clubs in Nice where you can dance the night away. One of the most popular is High Club, with live shows and famous DJs.

8. Le Negresco: Finish off your night at Nice’s most glamorous hotel. Enjoy a cocktail and take in the spectacular views from the rooftop terrace.

9. Test your luck: Visit one of Nice’s seaside casinos and see if Lady Luck smiles on you. The Casino Barrière Le Ruhl Nice is right on the Promenade des Anglais.

10. Channel your inner James Bond: For an unforgettable night, take a day trip to Monaco from Nice and spend an evening at the iconic, glamorous Casino de Monte-Carlo. It’s only about 30 minutes from Nice to Monte Carlo, so why not?

Nightlife in Marseille

Marseille is home to a vibrant nightlife scene with plenty of bars, pubs and nightclubs. There’s no shortage of evening entertainment in this city!

Here are some of the best nightlife spots in Marseille:

1. Vieux Port: One of the oldest parts of the city, this harbor area is home to Marseille’s trendiest bars and clubs. Enjoy a cocktail while looking out over the twinkling lights of the harbor!

2. Le Panier: This charming district, known for its street art, is great for a romantic evening with plenty of cozy cafes and restaurants offering excellent French cuisine.

3. Cours Julien: This vibrant neighborhood, Marseille’s ‘hipster district’, is a great place to go for a night out with its relaxed atmosphere and abundance of bars, restaurants and clubs.

4. Nightclubs: From live bands to techno music, there’s something for everyone at one of Marseille’s happening nightclubs.

5. Bateau Croisière: Hop on a boat for a unique evening out, complete with live music and drinks.

6. Open Air Cinema: Relax on a nice Marseille evening and watch an outdoor movie screening under the stars at one of Marseille’s summer cinemas.

7. La Friche La Belle de Mai: Enjoy events and performances at this old tobacco factory turned cultural center.

8. Concerts: Music fans can find plenty of concerts here, from emerging French bands to international acts at venues like Espace Julien and Le Silo.

Nice vs Marseille: Festivals

Festivals in Nice, France

Nice is a city that loves to celebrate! This city hosts an array of festivals throughout the year. From outdoor music festivals to cultural celebrations and an incredible Carnaval, there’s something for everyone in Nice.

Here are some of the can’t-miss annual events that take place in Nice!

1. Nice Carnaval: This famous two-week long festival is one of the most anticipated celebrations, featuring colorful parades, live music, acrobats and more. It’s one of the largest Carnival celebrations in the world!

2. Nice Jazz Festival: Enjoy this celebration of jazz music, with performances by famous artists from all over the world. Jazz lovers can follow this up with the Jazz à Juan festival, held in nearby Juan-le-Pins. It’s the oldest jazz festival in the world!

3. Bastille Day Celebrations: Join the festivities on July 14th to celebrate France’s national holiday with parades, fireworks and other events!

4. Festival de Musique Sacrée: This sacred music festival takes place in churches across Nice, featuring beautiful choral performances and organ recitals.

5. Fete du Citron: This unique event takes place in the nearby town of Menton, celebrating zesty lemons and oranges. It’s the second-largest event in the French Riveria in the winter!

6. Monaco Grand Prix: This world-famous Grand Prix race takes place in Monte Carlo every year, a short drive away from Nice. It’s one of the highlights of the Formula 1 racing calendar!

Festivals in Marseille, France

Marseille is home to several exciting annual festivals for locals and visitors alike! From food festivals to music events, there’s something for everyone here.

So if you’re planning a visit, make sure to check out these can’t-miss festivals.

1. Delta Festival: This electro and dance music festival takes place on the beach at Les Plages du Prado. It features some of the top DJs in the world!

2. Marseille Jazz des Cinq Continents: This jazz music festival takes place each summer in the Old Port and features some of the world’s best jazz musicians.

3. Fête du Panier: Celebrate Marseille’s oldest neighborhood with a seasonal outdoor street party featuring live music, food stalls and art installations.

4. MPG Street Food Festival: Foodies will love this annual event, which celebrates the city’s diverse street food culture with special tastings and events.

5. Aix-en-Provence Festival: Marseille’s neighbor to the north hosts a popular annual festival with theatre, music and dance performances.

6. Fiesta des Suds: This music and cultural festival celebrates Marseille’s diversity with performances from rock to reggae to Afrobeat.

7. Festival de Marseille: This annual contemporary theatre and dance festival showcases some of France’s most exciting performance art. It takes place in June and July each year.

Nice vs Marseille: Public Transportation

Public Transit in Nice

For those looking for an easy and affordable way to get around Nice, the city has an extensive public transportation system. Buses and trams are available throughout the city and run frequently, so it’s easy to get from one place to another quickly.

The three tram lines are a convenient way of getting around town. You’ll need to buy your tram ticket before hopping on board, then just tap to validate your ticket or pass.

Tip: If you’re arriving to the Nice airport, tram line 2 is the most convenient way to get to the city. Depending on which stop you’re aiming for, the ride will take about 25 minutes.

If you’ll be using public transport frequently during your stay, there are various passes available for purchase that provide discounts and more convenience.

While you can take buses to get to other nearby cities, I like taking the train. France has a very efficient rail network, and it’s my favorite way to travel in France.

The city’s main train station is Nice-Ville. From here, you can take regional trains around the French Riviera and Provence, or board the TGV to Paris.

Regional train tickets can be purchased on the same day, and you can hop on any train that meets your schedule. If you’re planning to take the TGV, be sure to buy your tickets in advance as seat reservations are required. For the TGV, your ticket is good only for a specific train.

Public Transit in Marseille

Getting around Marseille is easy with its comprehensive public transit network. With buses, trams, and the metro available throughout the city, you can easily get to wherever you need to go quickly.

Tip: The Marseille Airport is located around 25km from the city center. You can take Line 91 from the airport to central Marseille – it takes about an hour. Alternatively, there is an express train that runs between the airport and Marseille Saint-Charles. Take the airport shuttle bus to get to Gare de Vitrolles, where you can board the train.

Marseille’s attractions are a bit more spread out — at least the ones I wanted to see — so using public transport is essential to make the most of your time.

After logging 25,000 steps in just one day on my walking tour of the Vieux Port and Le Panier neighborhoods, I knew I didn’t want to walk all the way (uphill!) to the basilica. So, I purchased a 24-hour Marseille transit pass and used it to take the bus from Vieux Port to the basilica.

I also took the metro to see the beautiful Palais Longchamps, and then hopped on the metro to get to the train station the next morning as I continued my trip onwards to Nimes.

Marseille also offers the Marseille City Pass, which includes entrance to many museums and attractions as well as public transportation. Depending on your plans, this might be a good choice for you.

Marseille’s main train station is Saint-Charles. From here you can board a regional train to journey to destinations in Provence such as Arles or Avignon, or even take the train from Marseille to Nice. You can also board France’s high-speed train to Lyon or Paris and cross the country in just a few hours.

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Final Thoughts..

Ultimately, whether you choose to visit Marseille or Nice is up to you. Both of these popular French Riviera cities have a wealth of attractions, delicious cuisine, and exciting entertainment options.

Nice, a historic winter resort town, is a bit more refined, with miles of Mediterranean beaches, excellent art museums, the iconic Promenade des Anglais, and the glamour of nearby Monaco.

Marseille, the gateway to the south, is more of a ‘real’ city and is a little rougher around the edges but this vibrant port city offers some excellent museums and stunning natural scenery of the nearby Calanques.

Still having a hard time deciding, Marseille vs Nice? Why not visit both and experience more of the stunning French Riviera?

Happy travels!

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Planning a visit to France? Pin this for later to help you decide whether to visit Nice or Marseille!

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