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

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

Hamburg

Hamburg is a cultural, vibrant, and historic port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Marseille

Marseille is a energetic and vibrant city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Hamburg and Marseille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hamburg or Marseille?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Marseille than Hamburg. While Hamburg is larger than Marseille, Marseille has more sights and attractions for tourists. Marseille is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Hamburg attracts visitors for its museums and music. Hamburg is famous for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space. Marseille is famous for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. It is also well known for The Vieux Port.

How is Hamburg different from Marseille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hamburg 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 Hamburg can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

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 Hamburg. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).

Is Hamburg or Marseille Better for Nightlife?

Marseille is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

Many people head to Hamburg for the nightlife scene. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.

Is Hamburg or Marseille Better for Music?

Hamburg is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Marseille is not a live music destination.

Hamburg has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.

Marseille is not a live music destination.

Is Hamburg or Marseille Better for Beaches?

Marseille is very good for the beach. However, Hamburg 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.

Hamburg is not a beach destination.

Is Hamburg or Marseille Better for its Old Town?

Marseille is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Marseille is one of the most recognized in 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.

Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hamburg or Marseille?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Marseille and Hamburg.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Hamburg. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Marseille. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

Is Hamburg or Marseille Better for Christmas Markets?

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

Hamburg does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Hamburg or Marseille Better for Families?

Hamburg 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 Hamburg. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.

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 Hamburg or Marseille Better for Couples?

Marseille is well known for couples. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Marseille frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Strolling the boulevards and exploring the history and culture of this city make it a top couples' destination.

Hamburg is a nice destination for couples. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.

Is Hamburg or Marseille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hamburg and Marseille are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hamburg is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.

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

Is Hamburg or Marseille Better for Students?

Marseille is well known for students. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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

It's common for students to visit Hamburg. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.

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

Hamburg 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 Hamburg can get you to most places easily. There are trains and buses that make their way around 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 Hamburg or Marseille a more walkable city?

Hamburg and Marseille both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Hamburg is a very walkable destination. Most tourist areas can easily be explored 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 Hamburg Worth Visiting? and Is Marseille Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Marseille or Hamburg?

How long in Hamburg or Marseille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hamburg and Marseille. In our opinion, Marseille has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Marseille than Hamburg. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Hamburg, and 2-3 days is enough time in Marseille.

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

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

You'll find nightlife and live music around the port city of Hamburg. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hamburg has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Marseille, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Hamburg or Marseille?

You'll find live music and food around the vibrant destination of Hamburg. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Marseille, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Marseille has to offer.

Five days in Hamburg or Marseille?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant port city of Hamburg. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the live music. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Marseille is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Hamburg or Marseille?

Hamburg is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marseille. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Marseille. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best 2-Week 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 Hamburg and Marseille, we can see that Marseille is more expensive. And not only is Hamburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hamburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hamburg 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 Hamburg.

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

Which is Bigger, Hamburg or Marseille?

Hamburg has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Marseille. When comparing the sizes of Hamburg 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 Hamburg 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 Hamburg or Marseille in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hamburg as well as Marseille. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hamburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Marseille for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Hamburg is cooler than Marseille in the summer. The daily temperature in Hamburg averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Marseille fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hamburg this time of the year. In the summer, Hamburg often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Hamburg gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun.

Hamburg usually gets more rain in July than Marseille. Hamburg gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hamburg or Marseille in the Autumn?

Both Marseille and Hamburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Hamburg for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Marseille in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Hamburg is much colder than Marseille. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hamburg in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Marseille averages at about 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Marseille. Hamburg usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during autumn. Hamburg gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hamburg usually receives less rain than Marseille. Hamburg gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hamburg or Marseille in the Winter?

Both Marseille and Hamburg during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Hamburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Hamburg can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Hamburg is generally much colder than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Hamburg average around 0°C (33°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Hamburg often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Hamburg gets 42 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun.

Hamburg usually gets more rain in January than Marseille. Hamburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hamburg or Marseille in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hamburg and Marseille. Most visitors come to Hamburg for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Marseille because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Hamburg is much colder than Marseille in the spring. The daily temperature in Hamburg averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Marseille fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marseille this time of the year. Hamburg usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during spring. Hamburg gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hamburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Marseille. Hamburg 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 Hamburg