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

Should you visit Ghent 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 Ghent 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.

Ghent

Ghent is a cultural, historic, and under-rated city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. 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. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Ghent and Marseille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Marseille?

You'll generally find more things to do in Marseille than Ghent. Marseille is bigger than Ghent, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Marseille is better known for its food, beaches, historical sights, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while Ghent is more popular for its museums and impressive beauty. Marseille is more touristy than Ghent and is popular for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. Also, Marseille is famous for The Vieux Port. Ghent is well known for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

How is Ghent different from Marseille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ghent 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 Ghent can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has many different sights that are concentrated in a compact area. Make sure you check out the Cathedral of St. Bavo, The Fortress of Gravensteen, and The Belfry. The audio tour at Gravensteen really brings the history to life and makes for an enjoyable activity.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

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.

Ghent has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The food scene is diverse and international, but there are also many local dishes and flavors that you should try. Pas de Rouge is a local cheese and mastel is a local bread. Ganda ham is also a popular meat that is dried and salted. In additional to traditional restaurants, you'll find almost any international cuisine that you could want.

Is Ghent or Marseille Better for Nightlife?

Both Ghent and Marseille are world-class when it comes to partying.

People head to Ghent just to party. With its young student population, you'll find plenty of lively bars and clubs around town. There are many places where you can party or dance into the early hours of the morning and some of the best places are around Oude Beestenmarkt, De Overpoort, and De Vlasmarkt. There's also the famous Ghent Festival every July.

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.

Is Ghent or Marseille Better for Beaches?

Marseille is a good destination for its beaches. However, Ghent 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.

Ghent is not a beach destination.

Is Ghent or Marseille Better for its Old Town?

Marseille is a world-class destination for its historic old town. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its 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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Ghent. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Ghent or Marseille?

Both Ghent and Marseille are great shopping destinations.

Ghent is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has the largest pedestrian shopping area in Belgium, making it a great place to explore on foot. The city has several different shopping areas which each have their own style and personality. You'll find everything from major European brands to local boutiques and street markets.

Marseille is well-known for its shopping. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

Is Ghent or Marseille Better for Christmas Markets?

Marseille is a good destination for its Christmas markets. However, Ghent 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.

Ghent does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Ghent or Marseille Better for Families?

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

Ghent is a family-friendly city. The city has a fun atmosphere with kid-friendly restaurants and a number of attractions that appeal to all ages. Kids and adults alike will enjoy exploring Gravensteen, which is the "Castle of Counts". You can also take a boat tour, rent bikes, or head to one of the town's playgrounds so the kids can burn off some energy.

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 Ghent or Marseille Better for Couples?

Ghent and Marseille both great destinations for a couple.

Ghent is a very popular place to visit for couples. It makes a great weekend getaway with a diverse restaurant scene, nice hotels, and plenty of historic attractions that you can explore.

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 Ghent or Marseille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Ghent and Marseille are notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Ghent. The city has a number of hostels to choose from as well as a young vibe with a large student population. Many people overlook Ghent, but it feels more genuine than nearby Bruges, which attracts the larger tourist crowds.

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

Is Ghent or Marseille Better for Students?

Ghent is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Ghent is a great destination for students. The city is very popular with international students so it has a young and energetic vibe with plenty to do throughout the year.

Students come from all over to stay in Marseille. It attracts international students because of its rich culture, unique atmosphere, and lively bar scene.

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

Ghent 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 Ghent can get you around easily. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

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 Ghent or Marseille a more walkable city?

Ghent and Marseille both are great when exploring on foot.

Ghent is very walkable. The area's with the most tourist attractions are generally walkable.

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 Ghent Worth Visiting? and Is Marseille Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Marseille or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Marseille?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Marseille than Ghent. 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.

One day in Ghent or Marseille?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Ghent. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ghent has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Marseille, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this energetic 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 Ghent or Marseille?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Ghent. 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.

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 Ghent or Marseille?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the under-rated city of Ghent. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. 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 Ghent or Marseille?

Ghent 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.

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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Marseille?

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

Both Marseille and Ghent during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Ghent in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Marseille for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Ghent is generally cooler than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 17°C (63°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ghent. In the summer, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets more rain in July than Marseille. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Marseille in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Marseille. Most visitors come to Ghent for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Marseille because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Ghent is cooler than Marseille in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Marseille fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marseille this time of the year. Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during autumn. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Ghent usually receives around the same amount of rain as Marseille. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ghent or Marseille in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Marseille. The winter months attract visitors to Ghent because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Marseille this time of year.

The weather in Ghent can be very cold. In the winter, Ghent is much colder than Marseille. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ghent in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Marseille averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets more rain in January than Marseille. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Marseille in the Spring?

Both Marseille and Ghent are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Ghent this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Marseille for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Ghent is generally much colder than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 8°C (47°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Marseille. Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during spring. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ghent usually receives around the same amount of rain as Marseille. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Marseille and Ghent