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

Should you visit Cardiff or Marseille?

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

Should I visit Cardiff 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.

Cardiff

Cardiff is a up-and-coming, green, and industrial city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Marseille

Marseille is a energetic and vibrant city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Cardiff and Marseille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Marseille?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Marseille than Cardiff, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Marseille is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Cardiff is known for its museums and big city activities. Marseille is more touristy than Cardiff and is popular for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. It is also home to The Vieux Port. Cardiff is popular for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

How is Cardiff different from Marseille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cardiff 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 Cardiff. The most notable landmark of the city is the famous and well-preserved Cardiff Castle. Visitors also enjoy seeing the Victorian arcades, museums, and cathedrals around town.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Marseille is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Cardiff may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Welsh cuisine is known for its stews and hearty vegetable dishes. The national dish is cawl, which is a stew made with lamb and vegetables. Other local favorites include Welsh rarebit, which is a type of cheese toast, and Glamorgan Sausage, which is actually made with vegetables.

Is Cardiff or Marseille Better for Nightlife?

Marseille is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Cardiff has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.

Is Cardiff or Marseille Better for Beaches?

Marseille is a popular place for the beache. However, Cardiff 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.

Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Is Cardiff or Marseille Better for its Old Town?

Marseille is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Marseille can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Marseille?

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

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.

Cardiff has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping options include shopping malls and boutique lined streets. There is a nice mix of independent shops and major chains to choose between.

Is Cardiff or Marseille Better for Christmas Markets?

Marseille is a popular place for its Christmas markets. However, Cardiff 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.

Cardiff does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Cardiff or Marseille Better for Families?

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

Cardiff is a family-friendly city. The city has a number of climbing and play areas, museums, and playgrounds that can keep the little ones entertained. There are also plenty of outdoor parks and trails to wander around.

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 Cardiff or Marseille Better for Couples?

Marseille is a great destination for its romantic activities. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for couples.

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.

Cardiff is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The most romantic experiences involve a night out dining at nice restaurants, enjoying a cocktail at a classy bar, and strolling through neighborhoods and soaking up the atmosphere.

Is Cardiff or Marseille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marseille is a popular place for backpackers. However, Cardiff 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.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Marseille Better for Students?

Marseille is a great destination for students. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

It's common for students to visit Cardiff. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

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

Marseille is a popular place for its public transit. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cardiff. There is a bus system that you can use to get around.

Is Cardiff or Marseille a more walkable city?

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

Cardiff is a somewhat walkable city. There are pedestrianized areas and the waterfront is nice to walk around but there is still room for improvement when it comes to walkability.

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

Should I spend more time in Marseille or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Marseille?

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

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Cardiff. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cardiff has to offer. 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 Cardiff or Marseille?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the up-and-coming destination of Cardiff. 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.

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 Cardiff or Marseille?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the industrial city of Cardiff. 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 Cardiff or Marseille?

Cardiff 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cardiff and Marseille, we can see that Cardiff is more expensive. And not only is Marseille much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Marseille would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Marseille 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 Cardiff would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cardiff than you might in Marseille.

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

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Marseille?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Marseille. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Marseille in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cardiff is cooler than Marseille. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cardiff in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Marseille averages at about 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cardiff this time of the year. In the summer, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets more rain in July than Marseille. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Marseille in the Autumn?

Both Marseille and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cardiff in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Cardiff is generally cooler than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 11°C (52°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Marseille. Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during autumn. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Cardiff. In October, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Marseille. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cardiff or Marseille in the Winter?

Both Marseille and Cardiff during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cardiff 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.

Cardiff can be very cold during winter. Cardiff is much colder than Marseille in the winter. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Marseille fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets more rain in January than Marseille. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Marseille in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Marseille. The spring months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marseille this time of year.

In the spring, Cardiff is much colder than Marseille. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cardiff in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Marseille averages at about 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marseille this time of the year. Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during spring. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cardiff usually receives around the same amount of rain as Marseille. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Marseille and Cardiff