A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Connemara vs. Marseille for Food, Beaches, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Connemara or Marseille?

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

Should I visit Connemara 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.

Connemara

Connemara is a breathtaking, scenic, and natural region. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and museums.

Marseille

Marseille is a energetic and vibrant city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Connemara and Marseille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Connemara or Marseille?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Marseille. Although Connemara and Marseille are popular destinations, Marseille has more sights and attractions for tourists. Marseille is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while Connemara attracts visitors for its museums, beaches, and hiking. Marseille is more touristy than Connemara and is popular for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. It is also well known for The Vieux Port. Connemara is famous for its bog-filled landscape and its hidden coves.

How is Connemara different from Marseille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Connemara 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 Connemara. While most people visit the region for the natural beauty, you will also find Kylemore Abbey, Ballynahinch Castle, and Clifden Castle nearby.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Marseille is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Connemara is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Connemara. The area has been influenced by the improving food scene in nearby regions. You'll find everything from fine dining restaurants to food trucks that use local ingredients and recipes. The area has no shortage of seafood, shellfish, and even Connemara lamb.

Is Connemara or Marseille Better for Nightlife?

Marseille is terrific for its evening party scene. However, Connemara is not a good region for nightlife.

Marseille is a must-see 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.

Connemara doesn't offer many options. You'll find some bars in the area but most people visit for the natural beauty, not the nightlife scene.

Is Connemara or Marseille Better for Beaches?

Connemara 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 Connemara. You'll find wide stretches of sandy beach as well as hidden coves that offer a peaceful retreat. Some of the best beaches in the area include Dog’s Bay Beach, Trá an Dóilín, and Glassilaun Beach.

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 Connemara or Marseille Better for its Old Town?

Marseille is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, Connemara does not have a historic old town.

Marseille has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

Connemara does not have a historic old town.

Is Connemara or Marseille Better for Hiking?

Connemara is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Marseille is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Connemara draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The landscape is considered to be some of the most beautiful in all of Ireland and there are many walks and hikes that let you experience it. Some of the best hikes are The Cong and Clonbur Forest Trail, the Claddaghduff Quay to Omey Island Walk, and Mount Gable Walk.

Marseille is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Connemara or Marseille?

Marseille is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Marseille. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Connemara or Marseille Better for Christmas Markets?

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

Connemara does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Connemara or Marseille Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Connemara or Marseille as a family destination.

Connemara is not the most family-friendly destination. There are plenty of places to explore outdoors such as Connemara National Park as well as the nearby beaches. You'll also find several playgrounds in the area.

Marseille is not always a place people visit with their families. Nearby beaches and an outdoor climbing area make it a diverse city to visit with kids.

Is Connemara or Marseille Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Connemara and Marseille make for a very good place to visit.

Connemara is a very popular place to visit for couples. You'll find romantic hotels and beautiful walks through hidden coves and dramatic countryside. Couples will enjoy exploring castles and getting lost in the beauty.

Marseille makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Strolling the boulevards and exploring the history and culture of this city make it a top couples' destination.

Is Connemara or Marseille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marseille is a popular place for backpackers. However, Connemara is not a good region for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Marseille. It has a decent number of hostels for a city of its size.

Connemara is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there is a hostel in the area, you really need a car to explore the area in depth. This turns off a lot of backpackers.

Is Connemara or Marseille Better for Students?

Marseille is a well-known place for students. However, Connemara is not popular with students.

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.

Connemara is not popular with students.

Is Connemara 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, Connemara is not a good region for times when you don't have a car.

Marseille has a few public transit options. The city has trams, a metro, and buses that you can use to explore.

Public transit is quite limited in Connemara. There are a few buses in the area but you really need a private vehicle to get around to most places.

Is Connemara or Marseille a more walkable city?

Marseille is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Connemara is not a good region for its walkability.

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.

Connemara is not a very walkable region. You really need a vehicle to experience everything that the region has to offer.

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

Should I spend more time in Marseille or Connemara?

How long in Connemara or Marseille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Connemara and Marseille. In our opinion, Marseille has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Marseille than Connemara. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

You'll find food and museums around the region of Connemara. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the quaint city of Marseille. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

A weekend in Connemara or Marseille?

You'll find museums and food around the scenic destination of Connemara. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this region has to offer. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Marseille. 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.

Five days in Connemara or Marseille?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the remote region of Connemara. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

A week in Connemara or Marseille?

Connemara 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 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.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Connemara and Marseille, we can see that Marseille is more expensive. And not only is Connemara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Connemara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Connemara 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 Connemara.

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

When is the best time to visit Connemara 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 Connemara or Marseille in the Summer?

Both Marseille and Connemara during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Connemara for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Marseille in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Connemara is much colder than Marseille in the summer. The daily temperature in Connemara averages around 16°C (60°F) in July, and Marseille fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Connemara often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Connemara gets 142 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun.

Connemara usually gets more rain in July than Marseille. Connemara gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Connemara or Marseille in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Connemara and Marseille. Many visitors come to Connemara in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Connemara is cooler than Marseille. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Connemara in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Marseille averages at about 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marseille this time of the year. Connemara usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during autumn. Connemara gets 96 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Connemara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Connemara usually receives more rain than Marseille. Connemara gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Connemara or Marseille in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Connemara as well as Marseille. Most visitors come to Connemara for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Marseille because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Connemara is generally cooler than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Connemara average around 6°C (42°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Connemara often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Connemara gets 59 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun.

Connemara receives a lot of rain in the winter. Connemara usually gets more rain in January than Marseille. Connemara gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Connemara or Marseille in the Spring?

Both Marseille and Connemara are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Connemara because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marseille this time of year.

Connemara is cooler than Marseille in the spring. The daily temperature in Connemara averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Marseille fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Marseille. Connemara usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during spring. Connemara gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Connemara usually receives more rain than Marseille. Connemara gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Marseille and Connemara