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

Should you visit Graz or Marseille?

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

Should I visit Graz 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.

Graz

Graz is a historical, beautiful, and medieval city. 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Graz and Marseille: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Known for Christmas markets
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Graz or Marseille?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Marseille than Graz, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Marseille is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Graz is known for its museums. Graz is popular for its many cultural activities, its impressive old town, and its beautiful Baroque architecture. Marseille is popular for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. It is also home to The Vieux Port.

How is Graz different from Marseille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Graz
Marseille

Graz 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 Graz can be an interesting and educational experience. The old town is among the largest in Europe and it's filled with sights and museums. The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower are among the most iconic sights but other highlights include the GrazMuseum, the Mohren Apotheke's Theriak Museum, a Gothic Franciscan Church, and the Robert Stolz Museum.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Graz
Marseille

Marseille is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Graz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and 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.

Dining out in Graz is an experience not to be missed. There's a huge focus on sustainable dining in town, so you'll find many restaurants that use a farm to table approach. Local ingredients are heavily valued and it's fun to sample the many local flavors. Backhendl is a classic fried chicken dish that you must try.

Is Graz or Marseille Better for Nightlife?

Graz
Marseille

Marseille is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Graz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Marseille is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Graz has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The large student population means that there's an active nightlife scene that is diverse and fun. There's a wide variety of bars and pubs with almost any music genre you could want. There are also dance clubs for those who are looking for a party.

Is Graz or Marseille Better for Beaches?

Graz
Marseille

Marseille is a popular place for the beache. However, Graz 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.

Graz is not a beach destination.


Is Graz or Marseille Better for its Old Town?

Graz
Marseille

It's fun to wander around the fantastic old towns in both Graz and Marseille.

The old town of Graz is one of the most recognized in the world. The medieval city center is very well preserved and one of the largest in Europe. The city has a lot of hidden charm and quaint streets to explore.

Marseille offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Graz or Marseille?

Graz
Marseille

If you're looking to go shopping, Graz and Marseille both offer plenty of very good spots.

Graz is well-known for its shopping. You'll find a lot of shopping around both Jakominiplatz and Hauptplatz Squares. There are also a number of shopping streets in town including Herrengasse which is filled with shops, restaurants, and more.

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.

Is Graz or Marseille Better for Christmas Markets?

Graz
Marseille

Marseille is a popular place for visiting Christmas markets. However, Graz 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.

Graz does not offer Christmas markets.


Is Graz or Marseille Better for Families?

Graz
Marseille

Graz 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 Graz. Kids will love the fairytale train and there's also a 4D cinema that is fun for the whole family. In Schlossberg Hill, families should check out The Slide, which is the largest underground slide in the world. Other highlights include a Children's Museum, a Folklife Museum, and a Natural History Museum.

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 Graz or Marseille Better for Couples?

Graz
Marseille

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

Graz is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's filled with culture, history, and amazing food. Couples will appreciate the romantic old town and the many world class sights around town.

Marseille is a very popular place to visit for couples. Strolling the boulevards and exploring the history and culture of this city make it a top couples' destination.

Is Graz or Marseille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Graz
Marseille

For backpackers, both Graz and Marseille are good places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Graz. There are hostels and budget-friendly hotels around town that make this a nice town to explore as a backpacker.

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


Is Graz or Marseille Better for Students?

Graz
Marseille

For students, both Graz and Marseille are very good places to visit.

Graz is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's long been an education center in Austria and students make up a significant portion of the population. It's also a chill city with a relaxed and student-friendly vibe.

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

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

Graz
Marseille

Graz is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Graz can get you to most places easily. There are buses and trams that travel around the town.

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 Graz or Marseille a more walkable city?

Graz
Marseille

Graz is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Graz. You'll find everything you'd want to see in the old town, which is large, but still compact enough to explore 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 Graz Worth Visiting? and Is Marseille Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Marseille or Graz?

How long in Graz or Marseille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Graz and Marseille. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Marseille than Graz. 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.


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

One day in Graz or Marseille?

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

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Marseille. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Graz or Marseille?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Graz. 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.

Marseille is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Graz or Marseille?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical city of Graz. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant destination of Marseille. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Graz or Marseille?

Graz 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.

The energetic city of Marseille offers shopping and nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Christmas Market Tours in Austria, The Best Bicycle Tours in Austria, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Marseille or Graz?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Graz is €112, while the average daily cost in Marseille is €148. 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 Graz and Marseille in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Graz 67
    Marseille 71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Graz 134
    Marseille 142
Compare Hotels in Graz and Marseille

Looking for a hotel in Graz 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 Graz


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: Graz Hotel Prices and Marseille Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Graz 18
    Marseille 28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Graz

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

  • Transfer from Graz Airport to Koper: $207
  • Graz Private Transfer from Graz city centre to Graz Airport: $58
  • Graz Private Transfer from Graz Airport to City centre: $58

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Marseille

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


  • Metro Pass
    3.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marseille

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

  • Private Transfer Between Marseille Airport and Nice Airport: $1,176
  • Private Transfer from Nice to Marseille: $738
  • Cannes Private Transfer to Marseille Airport: $642
  • Marseille or Aix ⟷Transfer to Nice 7 pax: $534
  • Marseille Airport private Transfer to Cannes: $448
  • Marseille Airport Transfer From/to Avignon: $356
  • Private transfer from Marseille Airport to Cavaillon: $277
  • Private Transfer from Marseille Airport to Avignon: $273
  • Marseille Provence Airport transfer ↔ Avignon: $266
  • Marseille Airport: VIP transfer to Baumaniere: $251
  • Marseille Provence One Way Airport transfer to Gordes: $250
  • Private Transfer Marseille to Saint Tropez With 2h Stop in Toulon: $241

Is it cheaper to fly into Graz or Marseille?

Prices for flights to both Marseille and Graz 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
    Graz 32
    Marseille 42

Typical Food Prices in Marseille

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


  • Orangina
    2.50

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.
    Graz 13
    Marseille 38

Tours and Activities in Graz

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Graz.

  • 2.5-hour puzzle tour through Graz city center: $16
  • Graz - Private tour including Castle visit: $374
  • Graz Christmas Market Tour: $267
  • Graz Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Graz Enchantment Walking Tour: $238
  • Graz Enchantment Walking Tour: $129
  • Graz Jewish Quarter and Old Town Private Tour: $214
  • Graz Museum: Private Guided Tour: $219
  • Graz Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour: $195
  • Graz Private Family Friendly Walking Tour: $214
  • Graz Private Family Friendly Walking Tour: $210
  • Graz Private Walking Tour: $235

Tours and Activities in Marseille

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

  • "Old Marseille" district tour and treasure hunt: $29
  • 2H: City-Tour Marseille: $274
  • 3h Kayak Tour at Calanques National Park: $67
  • A Day in Provence Small Group Tour from Marseille: $180
  • Aix-en-Provence: Half-Day Shore Excursion Tour: $642
  • All Inclusive Food & History Tour of Marseille with Local Guide: $144
  • Beer tasting experience in Marseille: $43
  • Bookbinding experience in the Vieux Port: $93
  • Calanques National Park Guided Hiking Tour: $50
  • Calanques National Park Kayak Day Tour: $112
  • Calanques Trilogy Electric Bike Tour from Marseille: $65
  • Canyoning Half Day Tour from La Ciotat : $67

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Graz 16
    Marseille 27

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

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


Which is Bigger, Graz or Marseille?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Graz. When comparing the sizes of Graz 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 Graz or Marseille?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Graz or Marseille in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Graz and Marseille. Many travelers come to Graz for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Marseille in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Graz is around the same temperature as Marseille. Typically, the summer temperatures in Graz in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Marseille averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marseille this time of the year. In Graz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Graz usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during summer. Graz gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

Graz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Graz usually receives more rain than Marseille. Graz gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Graz 23°C (73°F) 
    Marseille 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Graz or Marseille in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Graz as well as Marseille. Many visitors come to Graz in the autumn for 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 October, Graz is generally cooler than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Graz average around 13°C (55°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. In the autumn, Graz often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Graz gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun.

Graz usually gets less rain in October than Marseille. Graz gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Graz 13°C (55°F) 
    Marseille 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Graz or Marseille in the Winter?

Both Marseille and Graz are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Graz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Marseille because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Graz can be very cold during winter. Graz is much colder than Marseille in the winter. The daily temperature in Graz averages around 1°C (34°F) in January, and Marseille fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Graz usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during winter. Graz gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Graz usually receives less rain than Marseille. Graz gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Graz 1°C (34°F) 
    Marseille 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Graz or Marseille in the Spring?

Both Marseille and Graz during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Graz because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marseille this time of year.

In the spring, Graz is around the same temperature as Marseille. Typically, the spring temperatures in Graz in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Marseille averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Graz often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Graz gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun.

Graz usually gets more rain in April than Marseille. Graz gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Graz 13°C (55°F) 
    Marseille 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Marseille and Graz

Graz Marseille
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (34°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 52 mm (2 in) 13°C (56°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 21°C (69°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 126 mm (5 in) 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 23°C (74°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 20°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)