A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aalborg vs. Marseille for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Aalborg or Marseille?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Aalborg and Marseille. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Aalborg

Aalborg is a local, historic, and charming town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Marseille

Marseille is a energetic and vibrant city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Aalborg and Marseille: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular old town
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for Christmas markets
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Aalborg or Marseille?

You'll generally find more things to do in Marseille than Aalborg. Marseille is bigger than Aalborg, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Marseille is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Aalborg is more popular for its museums and small town charm. Marseille is more touristy than Aalborg and is popular for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. Also, Marseille is famous for The Vieux Port. Aalborg is well known for its half-timbered homes and waterfront setting.

How is Aalborg different from Marseille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Marseille and Aalborg. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aalborg or Marseille?

Aalborg
Marseille

Aalborg is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Aalborg. There are some interesting museums around town such as the House of Music and the Kunsten Museum of Modern Art.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Aalborg or Marseille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aalborg
Marseille

Marseille is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Marseille, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.

Aalborg has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find an eclectic mix of trendy restaurants and local finds. There are also international options and modern street food.

Is Aalborg or Marseille Better for Nightlife?

Aalborg
Marseille

Marseille is renowned for nightlife. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Marseille is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Much of the city's nightlife is centered around being outdoors. Whether you're on the beach or hanging out at a rooftop bar, Marseille is a magical place.

The nightlife in Aalborg has something for everybody. Despite its small town vibe and relatively unknown status, Aalborg has a great nightlife scene. It's home to the longest continuous string of bars and clubs in all of Scandinavia. You'll find about 30 bars along the pedestrian street of Jomfru Ane Gade and in the early hours, drinks are also surprisingly cheap.

Is Aalborg or Marseille Better for Beaches?

Aalborg
Marseille

Marseille is a good destination for its beaches. However, Aalborg is not a beach destination.

Marseille offers a nice beach destination. The city has nice beaches that offer both culture and diversity, which may be lacking some other coastal parts of the French Riviera.

Aalborg is not a beach destination.


Is Aalborg or Marseille Better for its Old Town?

Aalborg
Marseille

Marseille is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

The old town of Marseille is one of the most recognized in the world. The Old Port is filled with shops and boutiques, and is the most scenic part of the city. It dates back to the Middle Ages and is filled with history and character.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Aalborg. The charming streets of the old town are filled with cafes that come to life during the warm summer months.

Is the Shopping Better in Aalborg or Marseille?

Aalborg
Marseille

Marseille is a great destination for shopping. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Marseille is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Aalborg. There are a number of shopping malls, shopping centers, and local boutiques around town.

Is Aalborg or Marseille Better for Christmas Markets?

Aalborg
Marseille

Marseille is a good destination for its Christmas markets. However, Aalborg does not offer Christmas markets.

Visiting the Christmas markets is popular in Marseille. The old town has a Christmas craft market where you can buy toys, Christmas treats, or decorations.

Aalborg does not offer Christmas markets.


Is Aalborg or Marseille Better for Families?

Aalborg
Marseille

Aalborg is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Marseille is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Aalborg is a family-friendly town. There is plenty of outdoor space, some kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and fascinating street art. Not far from town there's also Fårup Sommerland, which is a great amusement park.

Marseille doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Nearby beaches and an outdoor climbing area make it a diverse city to visit with kids.

Is Aalborg or Marseille Better for Couples?

Aalborg
Marseille

Marseille is a great destination for romance. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Marseille frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Strolling the boulevards and exploring the history and culture of this city make it a top couples' destination.

Aalborg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Art museums, parks, and interesting restaurants make this a nice town for a weekend trip.

Is Aalborg or Marseille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aalborg
Marseille

Aalborg and Marseille are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Aalborg. There are a couple of hostels in town that offer accommodation for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Marseille. It has a decent number of hostels for a city of its size.


Is Aalborg or Marseille Better for Students?

Aalborg
Marseille

Marseille is a great destination for students. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students visit Marseille. It attracts international students because of its rich culture, unique atmosphere, and lively bar scene.

It's common for students to visit Aalborg. The town feels quiet during the rainy winter months but when the sun makes an appearance, it comes to life and people head outdoors and into the cafes.

Is Aalborg or Marseille Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Aalborg
Marseille

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Aalborg and Marseille.

You'll find some public transit in Aalborg, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a decent bus system around town.

While Marseille offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has trams, a metro, and buses that you can use to explore.

Is Aalborg or Marseille a more walkable city?

Aalborg
Marseille

Marseille is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Marseille is very walkable. The Old Port (Vieux Port) is particularly walkable and is one of the best areas to explore on foot.

Aalborg is a somewhat walkable place. It's a walkable town, but it does get a lot of rain so some seasons are more pedestrian-friendly than others.


For even more information, also check out Is Aalborg Worth Visiting? and Is Marseille Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Marseille or Aalborg?

How long in Aalborg or Marseille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Aalborg and Marseille. In our opinion, Marseille has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Marseille than Aalborg. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Couples should spend more time in Marseille than Aalborg. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Marseille that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Marseille than Aalborg if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Marseille.


  • How many days in Aalborg or Marseille? Ideal Length of Stay
    Aalborg 2-3 
    Marseille 2-3

One day in Aalborg or Marseille?

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Aalborg. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Marseille, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Aalborg or Marseille?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the local destination of Aalborg. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Marseille, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Marseille has to offer.

Five days in Aalborg or Marseille?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic town of Aalborg. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Marseille is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.


A week in Aalborg or Marseille?

Aalborg is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marseille. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Marseille. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Denmark, The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Marseille or Aalborg?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Aalborg is $156, while the average daily cost in Marseille is $158. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Aalborg and Marseille in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aalborg $87
    Marseille $76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aalborg $174
    Marseille $152
Compare Hotels in Aalborg and Marseille

Looking for a hotel in Aalborg or Marseille? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Aalborg


Hotels in Marseille


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Aalborg Hotel Prices and Marseille Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aalborg $32
    Marseille $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aalborg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aalborg:

  • Private Transfer from Aalborg City Hotels to Skagen Cruise Port: $46
  • Private Transfer from Aalborg Airport (AAL) to Skagen Cruise Port: $46
  • Private Airport and City Transfers in Aalborg: $87
  • Aalborg Private Transfer from Aalborg city centre to Aalborg airport: $131
  • Aalborg Private Transfer from Aalborg (AAL) Airport to City centre: $131

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Marseille

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Marseille:


  • Metro Pass
    $3.21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marseille

Also for Marseille, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • “Airport-Marseille Center Transfers: Luxury and Comfort VTC.”: $87
  • Airport Marseille Transfer to Marseille Old Port: $91
  • Aix en Provence-Transfer from or to Marseille Airport: $102
  • Arles-Transfer From or To Airport MARSEILLE: $218
  • Arrival Private Transfer Marseille Airport MRS to Marseille city or Port by Van: $101
  • Arrival Transfer: MRS Airport to Marseille in Business Car: $109
  • Cannes Private Transfer to Marseille Airport: $642
  • Departure Private Transfer Marseille city or Port to Marseile Airport MRS by Van: $101
  • Departure Private Transfer from Marseille city to Marseille Cruise Port by Van: $101
  • Departure Transfer: Marseille to MRS Airport in Business Car: $109
  • Marseille Airport (MRS) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Marseille Hotel or Address): $215
  • Marseille Airport (MRS) to (MPCT) Marseille Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Aalborg or Marseille?

Prices for flights to both Marseille and Aalborg change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Aalborg $47
    Marseille $45

Typical Food Prices in Marseille

For Marseille, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Orangina
    $2.68

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marseille

For Marseille, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Web-cooking workshop / French cuisine or French pastry: $35
  • No Diet Club - Unique food tour in Marseille! (Cours Julien): $63
  • Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $74
  • Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $86
  • Sunset Boat Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $86
  • Bakeries, Chocolate & Patisseries Food Tour: $93
  • Sunset Apéro Food tour: $95
  • Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $97
  • Marseille Sunset Apéro Food tour: $97
  • Evening Food Tour with Tastings: $102
  • Sunset Sailing Dinner in the Frioul Archipelago: $102
  • Marseille Miam Miam Food tour: $104

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aalborg $24
    Marseille $41

Tours and Activities in Aalborg

Here are a few actual costs in Aalborg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 3-Hours Street Art Tour in Aalborg: $44
  • Aalborg during WW2: Self-guided Audio Tour with StoryHunt: $14
  • Love and Joy in Aalborg – Walking Tour for Couples: $246
  • Love and Joy in Aalborg – Walking Tour for Couples: $480
  • The best of Aalborg walking tour: $219

Tours and Activities in Marseille

For Marseille, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.28
  • Marseille:Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $4.28
  • Marseille Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.36
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Marseille Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Self-guided Like a Local Highlights Day Tour: $9.52
  • Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Game & Sightseeing: $9.84
  • Panier District Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Humorous and Informative Tour of the Historic Center of La Ciotat: $11
  • Mucem Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aalborg $19
    Marseille $29

Sample the Local Flavors in Marseille

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Marseille:

  • Marseille Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $21
  • Marseille Riviera Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $22
  • Marseille Pub Crawl : Meet, Drink & Party: $43
  • New Year's Eve Bar Crawl Marseille France: $96
  • Delicious Food and Wine Tour: $117
  • Bandol and Cassis: Full Day Wine Tour from Marseille: $143
  • Luberon: Full-Day Wine Tour from Marseille: $143
  • Full-day Wine Tour around Bandol & Cassis from Marseille: $146
  • Full-Day Wine Tour around Luberon from Marseille: $146
  • Côtes du Rhône Wine tour: Avignon, Palace of the Popes: $164
  • Small Group Marseille Shore Excursion : Avignon & Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tour: $164
  • Marseille Shore Excursion - Full Day Wine Tour in Provence: $164


When comparing the travel costs between Aalborg and Marseille, we can see that Marseille is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aalborg Expensive? and Is Marseille Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Aalborg or Marseille?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Aalborg. When comparing the sizes of Aalborg and Marseille, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Aalborg or Marseille?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Aalborg or Marseille in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Aalborg as well as Marseille. Many visitors come to Aalborg in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Marseille for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Aalborg is generally cooler than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Aalborg average around 16°C (61°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Aalborg usually gets more rain in July than Marseille. Aalborg gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aalborg 16°C (61°F) 
    Marseille 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Aalborg or Marseille in the Autumn?

Both Marseille and Aalborg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Aalborg for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Marseille because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Aalborg is much colder than Marseille in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aalborg averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Marseille fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In October, Aalborg usually receives less rain than Marseille. Aalborg gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aalborg 9°C (48°F) 
    Marseille 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Aalborg or Marseille in the Winter?

Both Marseille and Aalborg during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Aalborg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Marseille this time of year.

The weather in Aalborg can be very cold. In the winter, Aalborg is much colder than Marseille. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aalborg in January average around -1°C (31°F), and Marseille averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Aalborg usually gets less rain in January than Marseille. Aalborg gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aalborg -1°C (31°F) 
    Marseille 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Aalborg or Marseille in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Aalborg and Marseille. The small town charm are the main draw to Aalborg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Marseille for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Aalborg is generally much colder than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Aalborg average around 6°C (43°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In April, Aalborg usually receives less rain than Marseille. Aalborg gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aalborg 6°C (43°F) 
    Marseille 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Marseille and Aalborg

Aalborg Marseille
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Feb -0°C (31°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 2°C (36°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 6°C (43°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 14°C (58°F) 51 mm (2 in) 21°C (69°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 23°C (74°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 20°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 3°C (38°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)