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

Should you visit Dusseldorf or Marseille?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Dusseldorf and Marseille. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Dusseldorf

Dusseldorf is a fun-filled, cultural, and vibrant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Marseille

Marseille is a energetic and vibrant city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Dusseldorf and Marseille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dusseldorf or Marseille?

Both Marseille and Dusseldorf have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Dusseldorf is better known for its museums and big city activities, while Marseille is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Marseille is more touristy than Dusseldorf and is popular for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. Dusseldorf is well known for its music and art scene, as well as being the fashion capital of Germany.

How is Dusseldorf different from Marseille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf. There are museums, palaces, and many cultural sights. Make sure you check out Schloss Benrath, the Rheinturm, the North Rhine-Westphalia Art Collection, and Museum Kunstpalast.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Marseille is very popular for its restaurant scene. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Marseille, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.

Dusseldorf has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find a mix of regional specialties and international restaurant options. Traditional dishes include Rheinischer Sauerbraten (Rhine style marinated roast), Haxe (shin), Flönz (blood sausage), and Ähzezupp (pea soup).

Is Dusseldorf or Marseille Better for Nightlife?

Marseille is very popular for nightlife. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Marseille is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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 Dusseldorf has a few options to choose from. You'll find the highest concentration of bars and pubs in the old town area. Try to find a brewerie where you can try Dusseldorf's famous altbier.

Is Dusseldorf or Marseille Better for Beaches?

Marseille is a good destination for its beaches. However, Dusseldorf is not a beach destination.

Marseille offers a nice beach destination. The city has nice beaches that offer both culture and diversity, which may be lacking some other coastal parts of the French Riviera.

Dusseldorf is not a beach destination.

Is Dusseldorf or Marseille Better for its Old Town?

Marseille is very popular for its historic old town. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

Marseille has a world-famous historical 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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Dusseldorf. The old town is popular for its bars and pubs, which serve up the local altbier. The atmosphere is charming and there are restaurants that spill out onto the streets.

Is the Shopping Better in Dusseldorf or Marseille?

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

Marseille is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Dusseldorf. Head to the popular shopping street of Königsallee. You'll find luxury brands and boutique shops. The city also has department stores and large shopping malls.

Is Dusseldorf or Marseille Better for Christmas Markets?

Marseille is a good destination for its Christmas markets. However, Dusseldorf does not offer Christmas markets.

Visiting the Christmas markets is popular in Marseille. The old town has a Christmas craft market where you can buy toys, Christmas treats, or decorations.

Dusseldorf does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Dusseldorf or Marseille Better for Families?

Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf. It has many great playgrounds and parks where kids can run around. Animal lovers will appreciate Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum and Grafenberger Wald which has about 100 animals. If the weather's nice you can head to Unterbacher See, which is a lakefront beach. Other kid-friendly activities in town include the Neanderthal Museum and Museum Kunstpalast.

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 Dusseldorf or Marseille Better for Couples?

Dusseldorf and Marseille both great destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Dusseldorf frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There is live theater, spa hotels, historic palaces, and many parks and gardens where couples can enjoy their time together. Popular activities for couples in town include visiting Rheinturm, taking a Rhine River cruise, and exploring Schloss Dyck.

Marseille is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Strolling the boulevards and exploring the history and culture of this city make it a top couples' destination.

Is Dusseldorf or Marseille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dusseldorf and Marseille are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Dusseldorf. There are plenty of hostels and activities around town. There are also affordable restaurants and a nice nightlife scene.

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

Is Dusseldorf or Marseille Better for Students?

Marseille is a great destination for students. However, Dusseldorf is not popular with students.

Many students visit Marseille. It attracts international students because of its rich culture, unique atmosphere, and lively bar scene.

Dusseldorf is not popular with students.

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

Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf can get you around easily. All of the public transportation in town is operated by Rheinbahn. There's a city railway, (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses. Dusseldorf is also easily connected to the many other nearby towns and cities including Cologne.

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 Dusseldorf or Marseille a more walkable city?

Dusseldorf and Marseille both are great when exploring on foot.

Dusseldorf is very walkable. It's easy to explore most of the city on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Marseille or Dusseldorf?

How long in Dusseldorf or Marseille?

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

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

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Dusseldorf. 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.

With shopping and nightlife around the energetic city of Marseille, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Dusseldorf or Marseille?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fun-filled destination of Dusseldorf. 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Marseille, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Dusseldorf or Marseille?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Dusseldorf. 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.

Marseille, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Dusseldorf or Marseille?

Dusseldorf 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.

Marseille is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dusseldorf and Marseille, we can see that Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf Expensive? and Is Marseille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dusseldorf or Marseille?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of Dusseldorf. When comparing the sizes of Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf or Marseille in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dusseldorf as well as Marseille. Many visitors come to Dusseldorf in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Marseille for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Dusseldorf is generally cooler than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Dusseldorf average around 19°C (66°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. In the summer, Dusseldorf often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Dusseldorf gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun.

Dusseldorf usually gets more rain in July than Marseille. Dusseldorf gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Marseille in the Autumn?

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

Dusseldorf is cooler than Marseille in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dusseldorf averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Marseille fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Marseille. Dusseldorf usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during autumn. Dusseldorf gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dusseldorf usually receives less rain than Marseille. Dusseldorf gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Marseille in the Winter?

Both Marseille and Dusseldorf during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Dusseldorf because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Marseille this time of year.

The weather in Dusseldorf can be very cold. In the winter, Dusseldorf is much colder than Marseille. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dusseldorf in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Marseille averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Dusseldorf often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Dusseldorf gets 45 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun.

Dusseldorf usually gets more rain in January than Marseille. Dusseldorf gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Marseille in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dusseldorf and Marseille. The activities around the city are the main draw to Dusseldorf this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Marseille for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Dusseldorf is generally cooler than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Dusseldorf average around 9°C (48°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marseille this time of the year. Dusseldorf usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during spring. Dusseldorf gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dusseldorf usually receives around the same amount of rain as Marseille. Dusseldorf gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Marseille and Dusseldorf