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

Should you visit Bonn or Marseille?

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

Should I visit Bonn 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.

Bonn

Bonn is a cultural, beautiful, and outdoorsy city. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. 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. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Bonn and Marseille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bonn or Marseille?

You'll generally find more things to do in Marseille than Bonn. Marseille is bigger than Bonn, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Marseille is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bonn is more popular for its museums. Marseille is more touristy than Bonn and is known for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. Also, Marseille is famous for The Vieux Port. Bonn is well known for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven.

How is Bonn different from Marseille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bonn 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 Bonn can be an interesting and educational experience. Some of the most popular museums include Haus der Geschichte (history), Beethoven's House, and Kunstmuseum Bonn (art). For architecture check out the Old Town Hall and Bonn Minster. Other landmarks include Poppelsdorf Palace and Schloss Drachenburg.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Marseille is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bonn. Like much of the food in Germany, you'll find local dishes are hearty and filling. Potatoes and meats are popular ingredients, as are milk, butter, and vegetables. For local flavors try the Rhenish Sauerbraten (veal stew), Reibekuchen (German pancakes), or Christmas Sausages.

Is Bonn or Marseille Better for Nightlife?

Marseille is very popular for nightlife. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Marseille is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bonn. There are bars and nightclubs around town but even more popular are the cultural events that the city hosts. If nightlife is important to you, try to visit during one of the festivals around town.

Is Bonn or Marseille Better for Beaches?

Marseille is a popular place for its beaches. However, Bonn 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.

Bonn is not a beach destination.

Is Bonn or Marseille Better for its Old Town?

Marseille is very popular for its historic old town. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its old town.

Marseille has a world-famous historical area. 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 Bonn. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming shops. There are also cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Is the Shopping Better in Bonn or Marseille?

If you're looking to go shopping, Bonn and Marseille both offer plenty of very good spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bonn. A mix of local shops and major chains make shopping fun and easy. Whether you're interested in souvenir gifts or a new outfit, there are countless stores around town.

Marseille is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

Is Bonn or Marseille Better for Christmas Markets?

Marseille is a popular place for visiting Christmas markets. However, Bonn 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.

Bonn does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Bonn or Marseille Better for Families?

Bonn is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Marseille is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Bonn is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Just outside of the town is the Haribo factory outlet store where you can pick up a number of sweet treats and spend some time exploring with the kids. Another favorite activity for the whole family is a trip to nearby Phantasialand. This is one of the best amusement parks in Germany and it has many rides for teens and younger kids alike. In town, you'll find playgrounds and kid-friendly museums. Kids will also love a visit to Schloss Drachenburg Castle.

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 Bonn or Marseille Better for Couples?

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

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.

Bonn makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Churches, architecture, and botanical gardens all make this a great couples destination. You can take a cruise down the Rhein or enjoy a meal at one of the best restaurants.

Is Bonn or Marseille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Bonn and Marseille are notable places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bonn. Many backpackers skip this town, so its a good option for travelers who want to get off the beaten backpacker trail. There are affordable hotels and hostels around town as well as restaurants where you can pick up something cheap to eat.

Marseille is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It has a decent number of hostels for a city of its size.

Is Bonn or Marseille Better for Students?

For students, both Bonn and Marseille are very good places to visit.

Bonn is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a very international vibe and you'll likely run into people speaking English around town. Job opportunities in the area are good and there are schools that attract students from around the globe.

Marseille is very popular with students. It attracts international students because of its rich culture, unique atmosphere, and lively bar scene.

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

Bonn is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Bonn can get you to most places easily. There is a light rail system that includes 9 lines and 64 stations. There are also buses around town. Bonn is connected to the region by convenient commuter trains so it's possible to visit as a day trip.

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 Bonn or Marseille a more walkable city?

Bonn and Marseille are very good when it comes to walkability.

Bonn is very walkable. The compact old town is easy to explore on foot.

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 Bonn Worth Visiting? and Is Marseille Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Marseille or Bonn?

How long in Bonn or Marseille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bonn and Marseille. In our opinion, Marseille has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Marseille than Bonn. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bonn, and 2-3 days is enough time in Marseille.

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

Couples should spend more time in Marseille than Bonn. 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 Bonn 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 Bonn or Marseille?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Bonn. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bonn has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Marseille. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Bonn or Marseille?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Bonn. 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 fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bonn or Marseille?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the outdoorsy city of Bonn. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant destination of Marseille. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bonn or Marseille?

Bonn 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.

The energetic city of Marseille offers shopping and nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Bonn and Marseille, we can see that Bonn 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 Bonn Expensive? and Is Marseille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bonn or Marseille?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bonn. When comparing the sizes of Bonn 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 Bonn 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 Bonn or Marseille in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bonn and Marseille. Many travelers come to Bonn for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Marseille in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bonn is generally cooler than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 19°C (66°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marseille this time of the year. Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during summer. Bonn gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bonn usually receives more rain than Marseille. Bonn gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bonn or Marseille in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bonn as well as Marseille. Many visitors come to Bonn in the autumn for the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Bonn is cooler than Marseille in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Marseille fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. In the autumn, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Bonn gets 109 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets less rain in October than Marseille. Bonn gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bonn or Marseille in the Winter?

Both Marseille and Bonn are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bonn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Marseille because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Bonn can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Bonn is much colder than Marseille. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bonn in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Marseille averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during winter. Bonn gets 45 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bonn usually receives around the same amount of rain as Marseille. Bonn gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bonn or Marseille in the Spring?

Both Marseille and Bonn during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marseille this time of year.

In April, Bonn is generally cooler than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 10°C (50°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Bonn gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Marseille. Bonn gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Marseille and Bonn