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

Should you visit Cologne or Marseille?

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

Should I visit Cologne 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.

Cologne

Cologne is a colorful, fun, and accessible city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Marseille

Marseille is a energetic and vibrant city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Cologne and Marseille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cologne or Marseille?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cologne than Marseille. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Cologne is very popular for its museums, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Marseille attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Cologne is famous for its large and detailed cathedral, its festive Christmas markets, and its location along the Rhine River. It is also well known for The Cologne Cathedral. Marseille is famous for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Cologne different from Marseille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cologne 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 Cologne can be an interesting and educational experience. At the heart of the city is Cologne Cathedral, which is stunningly intricate and highlights High Gothic architecture. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Other famous sights around town include Cologne City Hall, the Wallraf-Richartz & Ludwig Museums, and Hohenzollern Bridge.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Marseille is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Cologne. The food scene consists mostly of brewhouses and pubs, where you'll find local cuisine. There are also a number of international restaurants around town if you want something a little different. In particular, you'll find many Turkish kebab shops near the train station. Local dishes from Cologne include Halve Hahn (an open face sandwich), Hämmche (pork with sauerkraut or potatoes), and Mettbrütche (minced pork bread roll). For a sweet treat, there is no shortage of donut shops with decadently decorated toppings.

Is Cologne or Marseille Better for Nightlife?

Marseille is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

Many people head to Cologne for the nightlife scene. Head to one of the many beerhalls to check out the local nightlife scene. Make sure you try the local beer, Kölsch. Some of the most popular places for night include Ona Mor, Pepe, and Engel & Weiss.

Is Cologne or Marseille Better for Beaches?

Marseille is a popular place for the beach. However, Cologne 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.

Cologne is not a beach destination.

Is Cologne or Marseille Better for its Old Town?

Marseille is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its 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.

Cologne is a good destination for visiting its old town. The Old Town is large, but its mostly been rebuilt with modern buildings. There are plenty of shopping areas where you can buy name brand clothing or sample sweets.

Is the Shopping Better in Cologne or Marseille?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Marseille and Cologne.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Cologne. There is no shortage of clothing shops around Cologne. You'll find all of the major European chains with many souvenir shops mixed in. Schildergasse is a major shopping street in town, but there are also many shopping malls to choose from. For local markets, head to Wilhemplatz.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Marseille. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

Is Cologne or Marseille Better for Christmas?

Cologne is a world-class destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Marseille does not offer Christmas activities.

Known for its popular Christmas activities, Cologne draws large crowds. Cologne is one of the top Christmas destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Marseille does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cologne or Marseille Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is a world-class destination for visiting Christmas markets. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its Christmas markets.

Many people travel to Cologne specifically for the Christmas markets. Cologne is one of the top Christmas market destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Marseille is a nice place to see Christmas markets. The old town has a Christmas craft market where you can buy toys, Christmas treats, or decorations.

Is Cologne or Marseille Better for Families?

Cologne 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 Cologne. In addition to the stunning cathedral and impressive bridge, this city has many great playgrounds including Rheinpark, right across the river from old town. Kids who like high places will enjoy the view from the top of KölnTriangle. Popular kid-friendly museums in town include Odysseum and the Chocolate Museum. And if you have a day to spare, head to the indoor waterpark at Aqualand.

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 Cologne or Marseille Better for Couples?

Marseille is well known for couples. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Cologne is a nice destination for couples. The city has a number of activities that couples will enjoy such as walks along the river, dining at nice restaurants, and Rhein River cruises. Also make sure you put a lock on the Hohenzollern Bridge to declare your commitment to each other.

Is Cologne or Marseille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cologne and Marseille are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cologne. There are a few good hostels around town and many free sights that make this a budget-friendly destination for backpackers.

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

Is Cologne or Marseille Better for Students?

Cologne and Marseille are very good places to visit for students.

Cologne is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city is large enough to attract international students for all types of studies. It's also well connected to the German train system so it's easy to get out and explore the area.

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

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

Cologne 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 Cologne can get you around easily. KVB operates the system that includes trains, trams, and buses. The city is also easily connected to other nearby towns so it makes a great base for exploring the entire area.

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 Cologne or Marseille a more walkable city?

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

Cologne is a very walkable destination. If you stick to the Old Town and nearby neighborhoods, you'll be able to explore easily on foot.

Marseille is very walkable. 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 Cologne Worth Visiting? and Is Marseille Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Marseille or Cologne?

How long in Cologne or Marseille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cologne and Marseille. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cologne, and 2-3 days is enough time in Marseille.

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

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

People visit Cologne because there is so much to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cologne 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 Cologne or Marseille?

People visit Cologne 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.

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 Cologne or Marseille?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Cologne. 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 Cologne or Marseille?

Cologne 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 The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, The Best Budget Tours to Germany, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Cologne or Marseille?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Marseille. When comparing the sizes of Cologne 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 Cologne 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 Cologne or Marseille in the Summer?

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

Cologne is cooler than Marseille in the summer. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Marseille fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. In the summer, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Cologne gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets more rain in July than Marseille. Cologne gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cologne or Marseille in the Autumn?

Both Marseille and Cologne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cologne 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 the autumn, Cologne is cooler than Marseille. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cologne in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Marseille averages at about 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Marseille. Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during autumn. Cologne gets 104 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cologne usually receives less rain than Marseille. Cologne gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cologne or Marseille in the Winter?

Both Marseille and Cologne during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cologne for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Marseille because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Cologne can be very cold during winter. In January, Cologne is generally much colder than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 3°C (37°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Cologne gets 43 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets more rain in January than Marseille. Cologne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cologne or Marseille in the Spring?

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

Cologne is cooler than Marseille in the spring. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Marseille fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marseille this time of the year. Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during spring. Cologne gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cologne usually receives more rain than Marseille. Cologne gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Marseille and Cologne