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

Should you visit Aberdeen or Marseille?

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

Should I visit Aberdeen or Marseille? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a cultural, architectural, and authentic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. 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. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Aberdeen and Marseille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aberdeen or Marseille?

Both Marseille and Aberdeen have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Aberdeen is better known for its museums and big city activities, while Marseille is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Marseille is more touristy than Aberdeen and is popular for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. Aberdeen is well known for its longstanding maritime history and its many cultural sights and activities.

How is Aberdeen different from Marseille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Aberdeen is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Aberdeen can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's long running history means that there are plenty of sights and museums worth exploring. Highlights include St. Machar's Cathedral, the University and King's College of Aberdeen, Brig o'Balgownie, and the Tolbooth Museum.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Marseille is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Marseille is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.

Aberdeen has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Everything from brunch bistros to fine dining are available in this city. You can enjoy local specialties or international options at any of the unique restaurants around town.

Is Aberdeen or Marseille Better for Nightlife?

Marseille is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Marseille is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Aberdeen. The nightlife scene is diverse with whisky dens, local pubs, and even trendy nightclubs to choose from.

Is Aberdeen or Marseille Better for Beaches?

Marseille is a popular place for its beaches. However, Aberdeen is not a beach destination.

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

Aberdeen is not a beach destination.

Is Aberdeen or Marseille Better for its Old Town?

Marseille is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Marseille offers plenty to see. 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Aberdeen. This city's old town is a hidden gem in Scotland. The cobblestone streets and long history make for a fascinating place to explore.

Is the Shopping Better in Aberdeen or Marseille?

Marseille is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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 Aberdeen. A mix of modern shopping centers, antique vendors, and local boutiques make for an interesting shopping scene. For some of the city's best shopping head to Union Square Shopping Centre, the Trinity Centre, or Bon Accord Aberdeen.

Is Aberdeen or Marseille Better for Christmas Markets?

Marseille is a popular place for its Christmas markets. However, Aberdeen does not offer Christmas markets.

Many visitors go to the Christmas markets in Marseille. The old town has a Christmas craft market where you can buy toys, Christmas treats, or decorations.

Aberdeen does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Aberdeen or Marseille Better for Families?

Aberdeen is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Marseille is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Aberdeen. Explore the city's history or wander through one of the many museums. Some of the best museums for kids include the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Little Treasures Toy Museum, the Aberdeen Science Center, and the Gordon Highlanders Museum. Adrenaline seekers will enjoy rock climbing and ropes courses at Transition Extreme or ziplining at Go Ape Crathes Castle. Also nearby is horseback riding and Codona’s 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 Aberdeen or Marseille Better for Couples?

Marseille is a well-known place for romance. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Marseille is a very popular place to visit for couples. Strolling the boulevards and exploring the history and culture of this city make it a top couples' destination.

Aberdeen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many of the standard activities for couples such as interesting restaurants, theaters, and fun concerts.

Is Aberdeen or Marseille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marseille is a popular place for backpackers. However, Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Aberdeen or Marseille Better for Students?

Marseille is a well-known place for students. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Marseille is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It attracts international students because of its rich culture, unique atmosphere, and lively bar scene.

Plenty of students visit Aberdeen. The city is a nice affordable option for students who want to study at the University of Aberdeen.

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

Both Aberdeen and Marseille offer notable public transit options.

Aberdeen has a few public transit options. There are public buses through town and it's possible to pick up a Grasshopper ticket that lets you ride on most of the bus companies.

Marseille has some public transit options. The city has trams, a metro, and buses that you can use to explore.

Is Aberdeen or Marseille a more walkable city?

Aberdeen and Marseille both are very good when exploring on foot.

Aberdeen is very walkable. It's easy to walk to most of the city's attractions.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Marseille or Aberdeen?

How long in Aberdeen or Marseille?

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

Families should spend more time in Aberdeen than Marseille. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Aberdeen, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Marseille than Aberdeen. 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 Aberdeen 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.

One day in Aberdeen or Marseille?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Aberdeen. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

The beautiful city of Marseille offers nightlife and food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Aberdeen or Marseille?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Aberdeen. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Marseille is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Marseille, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Aberdeen or Marseille?

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

Marseille is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Aberdeen or Marseille?

Aberdeen is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Marseille is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen Expensive? and Is Marseille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Aberdeen or Marseille?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Aberdeen. When comparing the sizes of Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen or Marseille in the Summer?

Both Marseille and Aberdeen during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Aberdeen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Marseille in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Aberdeen is generally much colder than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Aberdeen average around 14°C (58°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Aberdeen often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Aberdeen gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets more rain in July than Marseille. Aberdeen gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Marseille in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Aberdeen and Marseille. Many visitors come to Aberdeen in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Aberdeen is much colder than Marseille in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aberdeen averages around 9°C (49°F) in October, and Marseille fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marseille this time of the year. Aberdeen usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during autumn. Aberdeen gets 93 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Aberdeen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Marseille. Aberdeen gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Marseille in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Aberdeen as well as Marseille. Most visitors come to Aberdeen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Marseille because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Aberdeen can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Aberdeen is much colder than Marseille. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aberdeen in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Marseille averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Aberdeen often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Aberdeen gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets more rain in January than Marseille. Aberdeen gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Marseille in the Spring?

Both Marseille and Aberdeen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Aberdeen because of the activities around the city. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marseille this time of year.

In April, Aberdeen is generally much colder than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Aberdeen average around 7°C (44°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Marseille. Aberdeen usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during spring. Aberdeen gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Aberdeen usually receives more rain than Marseille. Aberdeen gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Marseille and Aberdeen