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

Should you visit Dover 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 Dover and Marseille can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dover

Dover is a iconic, rustic, and stunning town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

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.

Dover and Marseille: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for Christmas markets
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Dover or Marseille?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Marseille. Although Dover and Marseille are popular destinations, Marseille has more sights and attractions for tourists. Marseille is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while Dover attracts visitors for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Marseille is more touristy than Dover and is popular for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. It is also well known for The Vieux Port. Dover is famous for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe.

How is Dover different from Marseille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dover
Marseille

Dover 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 Dover. Aside from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, there is the Dover Castle, the South Foreland Lighthouse, and the Grand Shaft.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Dover
Marseille

Marseille is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dover. The town has a growing food scene that includes waterfront restaurants and local dishes. Find a restaurant with a view to make sure you take full advantage of the setting.

Is Dover or Marseille Better for Nightlife?

Dover
Marseille

Marseille is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Dover is not a good town for nightlife.

People head to Marseille just to party. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Dover. The nightlife has a relaxed atmosphere with wine bars and microbreweries.

Is Dover or Marseille Better for Beaches?

Dover
Marseille

Marseille is very good for the beach. However, Dover is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Marseille to enjoy the beach. The city has nice beaches that offer both culture and diversity, which may be lacking some other coastal parts of the French Riviera.

Dover is not a beach destination.


Is Dover or Marseille Better for its Old Town?

Dover
Marseille

Marseille is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Dover does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Marseille is revered around the world. 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.

Dover does not have a historic old town.

Is Dover or Marseille Better for Hiking?

Dover
Marseille

Dover is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Marseille is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Dover. There are many beautiful countryside walks that take you through the rolling hills and along the iconic white cliffs. Some of the best hikes in the area include The England Coast Path, The North Downs Way Saxon Shore Way.

Marseille is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dover or Marseille?

Dover
Marseille

Marseille is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Dover 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.

Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Dover or Marseille Better for Christmas Markets?

Dover
Marseille

Marseille is very good for its Christmas markets. However, Dover 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.

Dover does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Dover or Marseille Better for Families?

Dover
Marseille

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

Dover is a family-friendly town. There are a few kid-friendly museums like the Dover Transport Museum and the Dover Castle. Also make sure you check out the South Foreland Lighthouse.

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 Dover or Marseille Better for Couples?

Dover
Marseille

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

Dover is a very popular place to visit for couples. The White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic sight and perfect for a romantic trip away. Also make sure you check out St. Margaret's Bay Beach and the Kearsney Abbey Gardens.

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 Dover or Marseille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dover
Marseille

Both Dover and Marseille are nice destinations for backpackers.

Dover is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find several nice hostels to choose from in the town.

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

Is Dover or Marseille Better for Students?

Dover
Marseille

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

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

Dover is not popular with students.

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

Dover
Marseille

Marseille is very good for its public transit. However, Dover is not a good town 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 mostly limited in Dover. There are public buses through the district.


Is Dover or Marseille a more walkable city?

Dover
Marseille

Marseille is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Dover is somewhat walkable. You can wander around the countryside, but prepare for rolling hills and great views.

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

Should I spend more time in Marseille or Dover?

How long in Dover or Marseille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dover and Marseille. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dover than in Marseille. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dover, and 2-3 days is enough time in Marseille.

Couples should spend more time in Marseille than Dover. 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 Dover 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.


  • How many days in Dover or Marseille? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dover 2-4 
    Marseille 2-3

One day in Dover or Marseille?

You'll find food and museums around the town of Dover. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

In Marseille, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this vibrant destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Dover or Marseille?

You'll find museums and food around the stunning destination of Dover. 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 town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marseille. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


Five days in Dover or Marseille?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the natural town of Dover. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Marseille is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Marseille. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Dover or Marseille?

Dover is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the energetic destination of Marseille. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Marseille or Dover?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Dover is £124, while the average daily cost in Marseille is £127. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Dover and Marseille in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dover £62
    Marseille £61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dover £124
    Marseille £122
Compare Hotels in Dover and Marseille

Looking for a hotel in Dover or Marseille? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Dover


Hotels in Marseille


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Dover Hotel Prices and Marseille Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dover £39
    Marseille £24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dover

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dover:

  • Private transfer from Dover to London hotel or airport: $210
  • Private Transfers from Heathrow Airport to Dover Cruise Port: $147
  • Private Transfer from Dover Port to London Gatwick Airport (LGW): $55
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to London City Hotels: $98
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to London Airport (LHR): $66
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to Gatwick City Hotels: $55
  • Dover to Heathrow and London Direct Shared Transfer: $131
  • One-Way Taxi Transfer from Dover Seaport to London: $252

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Marseille

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Marseille:


  • Metro Pass
    £2.57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marseille

Also for Marseille, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Marseille to Marseille Provence Terminal Private Transfer: $34
  • Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal to Marseille - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
  • Marseille Terminal to Marseille Airport Departure Transfer: $35
  • Marseille Port (MPCT) to Marseille Airport (MRS) - Departure Private Transfer: $35
  • Private Transfer to Gare St Charles: $53
  • Private Airport Transfer in Marseille from Marseille Provence airport, Marignane: $65
  • Private Transfer: Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) to Marseille: $69
  • Marseille Airport (MRS) to Marseille- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $70
  • Marseille Airport (MRS) to (MPCT) Marseille Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $70
  • Private Transfer from Marseille Airport to Aix-en-Provence: $74
  • Marseille Airport transfers: $75
  • Private Transfer With an Electric Car in Marseille: $76

Is it cheaper to fly into Dover or Marseille?

Prices for flights to both Marseille and Dover change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Dover £38
    Marseille £36

Typical Food Prices in Marseille

For Marseille, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Orangina
    £2.14

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marseille

For Marseille, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Web-cooking workshop / French cuisine or French pastry: $35
  • No Diet Club - Unique food tour in Marseille! (Cours Julien): $63
  • Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $74
  • Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $86
  • Sunset Boat Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $86
  • Bakeries, Chocolate & Patisseries Food Tour: $93
  • Sunset Apéro Food tour: $95
  • Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $97
  • Marseille Sunset Apéro Food tour: $97
  • Evening Food Tour with Tastings: $102
  • Sunset Sailing Dinner in the Frioul Archipelago: $102
  • Marseille Miam Miam Food tour: $104

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dover £20
    Marseille £32

Tours and Activities in Dover

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dover are as follows:

  • Canterbury Landmarks Private Walking Tour: $218
  • Canterbury Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $276
  • Canterbury Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Canterbury's World Heritage Sites Guided Walking Tour: $229
  • Christmas Tales in Canterbury – Private Walking Tour: $217
  • Dover & White Cliffs Tour; Canterbury, Coastal Towns & Castles: $210
  • Dover Castle Admission Ticket: $29
  • Dover Cruise Ship to Leeds Castle via Canterbury, Villages & back: $177
  • Dover Shore Excursion:Post-Cruise Tour to London via Canterbury and Leeds Castle: $172
  • From Dover Cruise Ship; Grand Tour of White Cliffs Country & back: $108
  • From London: Dover Castle and White Cliffs Tour by Car: $1,083
  • Literary & Cultural Heritage: Canterbury Private Walking Tour: $218

Tours and Activities in Marseille

For Marseille, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.28
  • Marseille:Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $4.28
  • Marseille Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.36
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Marseille Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Self-guided Like a Local Highlights Day Tour: $9.52
  • Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Game & Sightseeing: $9.84
  • Panier District Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Humorous and Informative Tour of the Historic Center of La Ciotat: $11
  • Mucem Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dover £7.71
    Marseille £23

Sample the Local Flavors in Dover

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dover:

  • Full Day Wine Tour in Sussex and Kent: $176

Sample the Local Flavors in Marseille

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Marseille:

  • Marseille Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $21
  • Marseille Riviera Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $22
  • Marseille Pub Crawl : Meet, Drink & Party: $43
  • New Year's Eve Bar Crawl Marseille France: $96
  • Delicious Food and Wine Tour: $117
  • Bandol and Cassis: Full Day Wine Tour from Marseille: $143
  • Luberon: Full-Day Wine Tour from Marseille: $143
  • Full-day Wine Tour around Bandol & Cassis from Marseille: $146
  • Full-Day Wine Tour around Luberon from Marseille: $146
  • Côtes du Rhône Wine tour: Avignon, Palace of the Popes: $163
  • Small Group Marseille Shore Excursion : Avignon & Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tour: $164
  • Marseille Shore Excursion - Full Day Wine Tour in Provence: $164


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


Which is Bigger, Dover or Marseille?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Dover. When comparing the sizes of Dover 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 Dover 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 Dover or Marseille in the Summer?

Both Marseille and Dover during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dover this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Marseille for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Dover is cooler than Marseille in the summer. The daily temperature in Dover averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Marseille fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Dover. In the summer, Dover often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Dover gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets more rain in July than Marseille. Dover gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dover 17°C (63°F) 
    Marseille 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Dover or Marseille in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dover and Marseille. Many travelers come to Dover for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Marseille in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Dover is cooler than Marseille. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dover in October average around 12°C (54°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. Dover usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during autumn. Dover gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dover usually receives less rain than Marseille. Dover gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dover 12°C (54°F) 
    Marseille 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Dover or Marseille in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dover as well as Marseille. Many visitors come to Dover in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Dover can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Dover is generally much colder than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 4°C (40°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

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

Dover usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Marseille. Dover gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dover 4°C (40°F) 
    Marseille 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Dover or Marseille in the Spring?

Both Marseille and Dover are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Dover for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Marseille because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Dover is much colder than Marseille in the spring. The daily temperature in Dover averages around 9°C (47°F) in April, and Marseille fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Marseille. Dover usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during spring. Dover gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dover usually receives less rain than Marseille. Dover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dover 9°C (47°F) 
    Marseille 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Marseille and Dover

Dover Marseille
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 6°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 9°C (47°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (56°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 23°C (74°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 20°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 6°C (42°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)