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

Should you visit Cagliari or Marseille?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Cagliari and Marseille can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cagliari

Cagliari is a relaxed, historic, and under-rated city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Marseille

Marseille is a energetic and vibrant city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Cagliari and Marseille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cagliari or Marseille?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Cagliari than Marseille. While Marseille is larger than Cagliari, Cagliari has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Cagliari is more popular for its museums, beaches, and big city activities, while Marseille is known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Marseille is more touristy than Cagliari and is known for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. Cagliari is popular for its medieval quarter, beautiful hilltop setting, and impressive beaches. It is also home to Castello.

How is Cagliari different from Marseille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cagliari 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 Cagliari can be an interesting and educational experience. The Castello district is filled with ancient buildings including Bastione San Remy and the Duomo. Also make sure you check out the Archeology Museum.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Marseille is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Marseille has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.

Dining out in Cagliari is an experience not to be missed. The cuisine mixes the island's sea and mountain settings. You'll find many local pastas, breads, seafood dishes, and cheeses. There's a wealth of diversity in the food and you should definitely step away from the more traditional Italian flavors and try something uniquely Sardinian.

Is Cagliari or Marseille Better for Nightlife?

Marseille is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Marseille has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Cagliari is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a thriving nightlife scene that is mostly centered around tourists. You'll find a number of the best bars in the Castello district and the atmosphere is usually relaxed and laid back, like the town itself.

Is Cagliari or Marseille Better for Beaches?

Cagliari is an excellent place to visit for the beach. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Cagliari. While you'll find some nice beaches in town, if you're willing to head to the surrounding areas just outside of town, you'll be rewarded with amazing beaches. The beaches are enjoyable any time of the year.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Marseille. The city has nice beaches that offer both culture and diversity, which may be lacking some other coastal parts of the French Riviera.

Is Cagliari or Marseille Better for its Old Town?

Marseille is an amazing city to visit for its old town. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

Marseille offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Many visitors go to Cagliari to see the historical old town. The Castello district is the city's old town. It's filled with narrow alleys, historic castles, and a truly unique atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Cagliari or Marseille?

Marseille is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Marseille is well-known for its shopping. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

Many visitors go to Cagliari to go shopping. Head to the Marina district for some of the city's best shopping opportunities. There are a number of shopping malls to choose from. For souvenirs and other handicrafts, the port area has a few shops.

Is Cagliari or Marseille Better for Christmas Markets?

Marseille is very good for visiting Christmas markets. However, Cagliari does not offer Christmas markets.

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

Cagliari does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Cagliari or Marseille Better for Families?

Cagliari 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 Cagliari. There are a number of activities for kids to enjoy in the areas surrounding the city. If you're willing to get about an hour out of town, you can check out the Water Park of Pula. In town, there's a little train that young kids will enjoy. And, of course, there are the beaches!

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 Cagliari or Marseille Better for Couples?

Both Cagliari and Marseille are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

Cagliari makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The waterfront setting and nice beaches make this a great place for couples. There's also the Castello district, which is fun to wander through, and many parks and outdoor walking areas.

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.

Is Cagliari or Marseille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cagliari and Marseille are both good destinations for backpackers.

Cagliari is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a hostel or two in the area that offer accommodation that backpackers will appreciate.

It's common for backpackers to visit Marseille. It has a decent number of hostels for a city of its size.

Is Cagliari or Marseille Better for Students?

Marseille is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

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

Cagliari is popular with students. There are some study abroad opportunities in town, and with the nearby beaches and wonderful weather, many international students enjoy their time here.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Cagliari and Marseille.

Cagliari has some public transit options. There are buses that travel around town relatively efficiently.

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 Cagliari or Marseille a more walkable city?

Cagliari and Marseille are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Cagliari is a very walkable city. While the city is very walkable, it is built on a large hill so come prepared for some steep climbs.

Marseille is a very walkable destination. 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 Cagliari Worth Visiting? and Is Marseille Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Marseille or Cagliari?

How long in Cagliari or Marseille?

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

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

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Cagliari. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cagliari has to offer. 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 Cagliari or Marseille?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the laid back destination of Cagliari. 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 Cagliari or Marseille?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the under-rated city of Cagliari. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Cagliari or Marseille?

Cagliari is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cagliari and Marseille, we can see that Marseille is more expensive. And not only is Cagliari much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cagliari would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cagliari and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Marseille would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Marseille than you might in Cagliari.

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

Which is Bigger, Cagliari or Marseille?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cagliari. When comparing the sizes of Cagliari 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 Cagliari 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 Cagliari or Marseille in the Summer?

Both Marseille and Cagliari are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cagliari this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Marseille for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cagliari is around the same temperature as Marseille. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cagliari in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Marseille averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Marseille. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cagliari. Cagliari usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during summer. Cagliari gets 337 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cagliari usually receives less rain than Marseille. Cagliari gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cagliari or Marseille in the Autumn?

Both Marseille and Cagliari during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cagliari for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Marseille in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cagliari is generally a little warmer than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Cagliari average around 18°C (65°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Cagliari often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Marseille. Cagliari gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun.

Cagliari usually gets less rain in October than Marseille. Cagliari gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cagliari or Marseille in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cagliari and Marseille. Many visitors come to Cagliari in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Cagliari is a little warmer than Marseille in the winter. The daily temperature in Cagliari averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Marseille fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Cagliari usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during winter. Cagliari gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cagliari usually receives around the same amount of rain as Marseille. Cagliari gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cagliari or Marseille in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cagliari as well as Marseille. Most visitors come to Cagliari for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Marseille because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cagliari is around the same temperature as Marseille. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cagliari in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Marseille averages at about 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cagliari this time of the year. In the spring, Cagliari often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Cagliari gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun.

Cagliari usually gets less rain in April than Marseille. Cagliari gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Marseille and Cagliari