A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Berlin vs. Marseille for Food, Nightlife, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Berlin or Marseille?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Berlin or Marseille, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Berlin

Berlin is a historic, cultural, and artsy city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Marseille

Marseille is a energetic and vibrant city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Berlin and Marseille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Berlin or Marseille?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Berlin than Marseille, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Berlin is more popular for its museums, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Marseille is known for its food, beaches, historical sights, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Berlin is popular for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history. It is also home to the Brandenburg Gate. Marseille is popular for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity.

How is Berlin different from Marseille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Berlin is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Berlin has many famous sights for visitors. Famous landmarks include the rebuilt Reichstag, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and Berliner Fernsehturm. Many of the city's oldest and most famous museums are found on Museum Island, where you'll find the Pergamon Museum, the James Simon Gallery, the Altes Museum, and the Neues Museum, among others.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Marseille is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Marseille is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.

Dining out in Berlin is an experience not to be missed. There's a great international food scene, but also all of the traditional favorites like currywurst, spätzle, and schnitzel. You'll find many diverse food halls, street markets, and local restaurants, as well as a large selection of traditional German restaurants that cater to the tourists.

Is Berlin or Marseille Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find amazing options in both Berlin and Marseille.

The nightlife in Berlin is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The nightlife scene here is legendary. There are club nights that last for days, bars and parties that appeal to every personality, and a diversity of venues that you can choose from. You'll find the classic techno warehouses, but there are also modern dance clubs, bunker parties, and raves.

Marseille is a world class party destination. 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.

Is Berlin or Marseille Better for Music?

Berlin is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Marseille is not a live music destination.

Berlin has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. From the raves to the techno parties, there is a hugely diverse music scene in the city. It is so much more than the stereotypical punk and techno music that Berlin is known for. Rock, pop, and other genres are popular as well.

Marseille is not a live music destination.

Is Berlin or Marseille Better for Beaches?

Marseille is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Berlin is not a beach destination.

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

Berlin is not a beach destination.

Is Berlin or Marseille Better for its Old Town?

Marseille is an unbeatable place for its old town. However, Berlin does not have a historic 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.

Berlin does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Berlin or Marseille?

Berlin is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Berlin specifically to go shopping. Bookshops, flea markets, luxury boutiques and artisan shops all make up the shopping scene in the city. Kurfürstendamm is one of the most famous shopping districts in the city.

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.

Is Berlin or Marseille Better for Christmas Markets?

Marseille is a nice place to visit for visiting Christmas markets. However, Berlin does not offer Christmas markets.

Marseille has Christmas markets worth visiting. The old town has a Christmas craft market where you can buy toys, Christmas treats, or decorations.

Berlin does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Berlin or Marseille Better for Families?

Berlin 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 Berlin. The city has a number of great kid-friendly museums such as the Museum of Natural History and the Computer Games Museum. There's also Legoland, an impressive aquarium, and lots of parks and playgrounds to explore.

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 Berlin or Marseille Better for Couples?

Marseille is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Marseille is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Strolling the boulevards and exploring the history and culture of this city make it a top couples' destination.

Berlin is a good city for couples to visit. Romantic activities in the city include wandering through Schloss Charlottenburg gardens and learning to dance at Clärchen’s Ballhaus. For couples who enjoy a night out on the town, there are many great restaurants and nightclubs that you can check out.

Is Berlin or Marseille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berlin is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Berlin, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city has no shortage of hostels to choose from, many of which organize activities and tours that guests can enjoy.

Marseille is a good city to visit for backpackers. It has a decent number of hostels for a city of its size.

Is Berlin or Marseille Better for Students?

Berlin is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Berlin is a great destination for students. With it's rich culture and eclectic creative side, this city appeals to many international students. There's also a great social scene that is perfect for university students.

Students come from all over to stay in Marseille. It attracts international students because of its rich culture, unique atmosphere, and lively bar scene.

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

Berlin is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Berlin can get you around easily. The transportation system is diverse and includes the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams.

You'll find some public transit in Marseille, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has trams, a metro, and buses that you can use to explore.

Is Berlin or Marseille a more walkable city?

Marseille is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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.

Berlin is a somewhat walkable city. While parts of the city are very walkable, the neighborhoods are spread out and the city covers a large amount of space, so walking isn't always practical.

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

Should I spend more time in Marseille or Berlin?

How long in Berlin or Marseille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Berlin and Marseille. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Berlin than in Marseille. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Berlin, and 2-3 days is enough time in Marseille.

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

One day in Berlin or Marseille?

People visit Berlin because there is so much to do. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Marseille. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Berlin or Marseille?

People visit Berlin because there is so much to do. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Berlin or Marseille?

People visit Berlin because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marseille. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Berlin or Marseille?

Berlin is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Berlin, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the energetic destination of Marseille. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, The Best Cultural Tours in Germany, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Berlin or Marseille?

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Berlin or Marseille in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Berlin and Marseille. The summer months attract visitors to Berlin because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Marseille this time of year.

In the summer, Berlin is cooler than Marseille. Typically, the summer temperatures in Berlin in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Marseille averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marseille this time of the year. In Berlin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Berlin usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during summer. Berlin gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Berlin usually receives more rain than Marseille. Berlin gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Berlin or Marseille in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Berlin as well as Marseille. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Berlin this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Berlin is generally much colder than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Berlin average around 10°C (50°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. In the autumn, Berlin often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Berlin gets 106 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun.

Berlin usually gets less rain in October than Marseille. Berlin gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Berlin or Marseille in the Winter?

Both Marseille and Berlin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Berlin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Marseille in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Berlin. Berlin is much colder than Marseille in the winter. The daily temperature in Berlin averages around -0°C (31°F) in January, and Marseille fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Berlin usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during winter. Berlin gets 42 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Berlin usually receives less rain than Marseille. Berlin gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Berlin or Marseille in the Spring?

Both Marseille and Berlin during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Berlin in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Marseille for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Berlin is much colder than Marseille. Typically, the spring temperatures in Berlin in April average around 9°C (47°F), and Marseille averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Berlin often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Berlin gets 160 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun.

Berlin usually gets less rain in April than Marseille. Berlin gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Marseille and Berlin