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Marseille

Marseille is a vibrant and dynamic port city nestled along the southeastern coast of France in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Known as France's oldest city, it boasts a rich tapestry of history and culture that is reflected in its diverse architecture, from the ancient Le Panier neighborhood to the modernist architecture of Le Corbusier's Cité Radieuse. The city is renowned for its maritime heritage, which can be explored at the bustling Vieux-Port, and for Calanques National Park, offering stunning coastal scenery. Equally famous is the iconic Notre-Dame de la Garde, a basilica that provides panoramic views of Marseille. The city also tempts visitors with its distinctive cuisine, particularly the traditional fish stew known as bouillabaisse.

3.3 /5

Based on 3 experiences

3.9 /5

Based on our research

2.9 /5

Based on safety reports

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Safety:Safe

Marseille, being the second-largest city in France, is mostly safe for solo female travelers. Like many large cities, there is a mix of safe areas and areas better to avoid, especially at night. During the daytime, you needn't have much concern as long as you follow basic safety guidelines such as staying alert and keeping your valuables secure. However, it is recommended to avoid isolated areas and be cautious at night, particularly around the Old Port and the train station, which can be a bit dodgy. On the whole, the citizens are friendly and helpful, and public transportation is reliable.

Transport:Easy

Marseille is relatively simple to navigate once you're familiar with its layout. It offers several methods of transportation such as buses, trams, and metro systems, which efficiently cover different parts of the city. The terrain can be a bit challenging at times due to its hilly nature, especially in the old town area. Yet, it still manages to be walkable for those who prefer to explore on foot. It is suggested to always have a reliable map or a navigation app handy to make the journey much smoother.

Things to do:Interesting

Marseille is a vibrant city with a rich history, stunning natural beauty and unique culture that provide plenty of activities for solo female travelers. The city is home to several iconic landmarks such as Notre-Dame de la Garde, the Old Port, and Chateau d'If. It also boasts a number of intriguing museums including the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations. There are plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, hiking, shopping, and savoring the diverse food scene. However, while generally safe, it is recommended to take standard precautions as in any other major city.

Food:Excellent

Marseille offers an array of delightful and diverse culinary experiences for solo female travelers. It's a gastronomic delight with traditional French cuisine intertwined with vibrant Mediterranean and North African influences. Indulge in the city's famous bouillabaisse, feast on a variety of freshly caught seafood, and try delicious Provençal dishes. Moreover, you can find plenty of vegetarian-friendly and vegan options. From charming street markets with local produce to gourmet dining, Marseille's food scene is a haven for food lovers with something for every palate.

Budget:Moderate

Marseille is a city where you can enjoy both lavish and pocket-friendly experiences. Accommodation ranges from high-end hotels to cheaper hostels. Eating out can be cost-effective if you opt for local markets and small bistros, but there are also luxury restaurants available. Free walking tours and natural attractions like Calanques National Park also help save on expenses. However, compared to other parts of France, it could be considered a bit pricier.

Overall rating

3.3 /5

based on 3 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

3.3/5

Safety

2.9/5

Food

3.7/5

Budget-friendly

2.8/5

Solo travel experience

Marseille was at itself a very nice city, lots of stuff todo and French pastries are just amazing. There where quite a lot of sights like some churches and museums as well as the Harbour. BUT after dark I didn’t feel safe as a female walking around alone and not in the sketchy parts but in the touristic center inward talked to by several weird man and even followed by some drunk people and I had to seek rescue at the next store with a security guy. Overall I would recommend marseille by day, by night I wouldn’t go out alone. I even met some guys at my hostel who told me the same and they were like tall men so…

Posted: March 5, 2024

Things to do: 4/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 2/5

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Molly

United Kingdom

Solo travel experience

After researching online I was quite hesitant about my trip to Marseille due to its reputation of being unsafe for solo female travellers. Do not let this stop you from visiting this beautiful city! As long as you trust your intuitions and go to the right places, you will have a wonderful experience. I stayed in a studio apartment in La Panier, which was one of the recommended areas as it’s a tourist hotspot and therefore, usually bustling with people. I did not wander about after dark and got back to the studio just after sunset every night in which time, people were still walking around and I felt very safe. If staying in Marseille, I would recommend finding somewhere with a balcony or an amazing view from the window (like I did) as you can still enjoy the city from a distance during the night. One of my favourite experiences from Marseille was visiting the Notre Dame. It is a simple 15 minute bus ride from the port (to avoid walking up the hill) and has the most incredible views of the city. I sat in silence for about half an hour just absorbing the architecture from the inside, it is truly breathtaking.

Posted: January 25, 2024

Things to do: 4/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 3/5

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Solo travel experience

I had a wonderful solo adventure in Marseille, I rented an Airbnb about 10 kilometers outside the city center, near the foot of the mountain. Plenty of mountain and coastal trails. Easy access to the bus and water transport. I stayed in a quiet area and bought all my food at small local markets.

Posted: March 6, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5

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Meet local women in Marseille who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.

Azeline

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I am a physics student in Paris. I'm currently making an exchange with a university in Tokyo ! I love discovering new things, do some hiking or just hang out and chill!

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isabela

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Hey, my name is Isabela but you can call me Isa, I’m brazilian and an aupair in Marseille, i just got here and my main objective is to travel here, so I would like to know new people to help me achieve my goal, thanksss

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Stay with local women in Marseille who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.

Dounia

Marseille

Can host for:

1 day

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“I am not the same having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.”

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Margaux

Marseille

Can host for:

3 days

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Hey!, My name is Margaux and I'm interested in rafting, running, nature, camping and animals

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Paulina

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Hi! My name is Paulina, im from Poland, i was born in Kraków but now i study genetics in Wrocław, soon going to study in Barcelona for one semester. I love traveling, music, and nature. I

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Rojda

About Me

I am from Turkey and doing my erasmus in Budapest until end of June. I am open to organize trip, hosting in both Turkey and Budapest, being a guest in different countries, giving local advise, showing around