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

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

Inverness

Inverness is a traditional, local, and historic city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. 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. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Inverness and Marseille: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to Loch Ness
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • 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 Inverness or Marseille?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Marseille. Although Inverness and Marseille are both popular with visitors, Marseille has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Marseille is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Inverness is known for its museums and small town charm. Inverness is popular for its surrounding countryside, but also its regional heritage, local festivals and proximity to the famous Loch Ness. Marseille is popular for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. It is also home to The Vieux Port.

How is Inverness different from Marseille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Inverness
Marseille

Inverness 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 Inverness can be an interesting and educational experience. As a city rich in culture and heritage, you'll find a number of sights and museums in town. Check out the Highland House of Fraser, Culloden Moor, and Clava Cairns.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Inverness
Marseille

Marseille is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Inverness has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city makes a great spot to fill your belly after a few days exploring the Scottish Highlands. You'll find local restaurants that serve up regional specialties, and when the weather's nice, there are some spots with outdoor seating.

Is Inverness or Marseille Better for Nightlife?

Inverness
Marseille

Marseille is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Marseille is a must-see party destination. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Inverness. Nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind with this town, but there are actually lots of distilleries in the area and there's a surprising number of high quality bars and pubs that make for a fun evening.

Is Inverness or Marseille Better for Beaches?

Inverness
Marseille

Marseille is very good for the beache. However, Inverness 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.

Inverness is not a beach destination.


Is Inverness or Marseille Better for its Old Town?

Inverness
Marseille

Marseille is terrific for its old town. However, Inverness does not have a historic old town.

Marseille has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

Inverness does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Inverness or Marseille?

Inverness
Marseille

Both Inverness and Marseille are excellent shopping destinations.

Inverness is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town is at the cultural heart of the Scottish Highlands you'll find plenty of local shops where you can pick up local products. Make sure you check out the Inverness Victorian Market.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Marseille. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

Is Inverness or Marseille Better for Christmas Markets?

Inverness
Marseille

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

Inverness does not offer Christmas markets.


Is Inverness or Marseille Better for Families?

Inverness
Marseille

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

Inverness is a family-friendly city. The city has some parks and activities that are great for kids. Make sure you explore Inverness Castle and the Inverness Mystery Treasure Trail.

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 Inverness or Marseille Better for Couples?

Inverness
Marseille

Marseille is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Inverness is a good city for couples to visit. Located in the Scottish Highlands, there ae many scenic spots and nice activities that couples can enjoy in the area.

Is Inverness or Marseille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Inverness
Marseille

Marseille is very good for backpackers. However, Inverness is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Inverness is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There a some hostels and student hotels, but this isn't one of the major backpacker spots in the UK.


Is Inverness or Marseille Better for Students?

Inverness
Marseille

Marseille is a well-known place for students. However, Inverness 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.

Inverness is not popular with students.

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

Inverness
Marseille

Marseille is very good for its public transit. However, Inverness is not a good city 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 Inverness. There are local buses that pass through the town.

Is Inverness or Marseille a more walkable city?

Inverness
Marseille

Inverness and Marseille both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Inverness is a very walkable city. It's compact enough that you can explore much of the town on foot.

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.


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

Should I spend more time in Marseille or Inverness?

How long in Inverness or Marseille?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Marseille than Inverness. 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 Inverness 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 Inverness or Marseille? Ideal Length of Stay
    Inverness 1-3 
    Marseille 2-3

One day in Inverness or Marseille?

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

You'll find food and shopping around the quaint city of Marseille. 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.

A weekend in Inverness or Marseille?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Inverness. 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.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Marseille. 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.

Five days in Inverness or Marseille?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the local city of Inverness. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Marseille. 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.


A week in Inverness or Marseille?

Inverness 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.

Marseille 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.


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


Which place is cheaper, Marseille or Inverness?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Inverness is £168, while the average daily cost in Marseille is £126. 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 Inverness and Marseille in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Inverness £91
    Marseille £61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Inverness £182
    Marseille £122
Compare Hotels in Inverness and Marseille

Looking for a hotel in Inverness 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 Inverness


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: Inverness Hotel Prices and Marseille Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Inverness £33
    Marseille £24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Inverness

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Inverness:

  • Inverness to Isle of Skye Direct transfer: $623
  • Inverness to Glasgow Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness to Fort William Direct transfer: $374
  • Inverness to Edinburgh Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness Private Transfer to Aviemore: $229
  • Inverness Airport to Glenshee Ski Resort - Round-Trip Transfer: $131
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Lecht Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $33
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Glenshee Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $66
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Inverness INV to Inverness City by luxury vehicle: $105
  • Transfers / Tour from , inverness, Edinburgh ,Glasgow ,Aberdeen : $184

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 Provence Cruise Terminal to Marseille - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
  • Marseille to Marseille Provence Terminal Private Transfer: $34
  • Marseille Terminal to Marseille Airport Departure Transfer: $35
  • Marseille Airport (MRS) to (MPCT) Marseille Port - Arrival Private 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
  • 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 Inverness or Marseille?

Prices for flights to both Marseille and Inverness 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
    Inverness £49
    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.
    Inverness £44
    Marseille £32

Tours and Activities in Inverness

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

  • 1-Day Moray Coast Tour with Speyside Whisky from Inverness: $97
  • 2-Day Tour to Isle of Skye, The Fairy Pools & Highland Castles: $191
  • 2-Hour Private Celtic Handfasting Ceremony Experience: $108
  • 25 Shot Clay Pigeon Shooting Experience: $63
  • Applecross, Loch Carron & Wild Highlands Tour from Inverness: $69
  • Cawdor Castle, Inverness, Culloden, Outlander and Loch Ness Tour: $164
  • Chauffeur driven sightseeing Edinburgh to & from Inverness: $1,000
  • Clan Tour - Castle ,Whisky and History Tour: $172
  • Craigs Luxury Speyside Private Whisky Tour: $686
  • Day tour to Isle of Skye and Fairy Pools from Inverness: $126
  • From Cairngorms National Park and Whisky Tour: $76
  • From Glen Affric, Culloden and Clava Cairns Tour: $73

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
    Inverness £23
    Marseille £23

Sample the Local Flavors in Inverness

Also in Inverness, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Invergordon Port Dunrobin Castle, Clynelish Distillery Tour : $203
  • Speyside Distillery Tour From Inverness: $1,124

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: $164
  • 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 Inverness and Marseille, we can see that Inverness 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 Inverness would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Inverness 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 Inverness Expensive? and Is Marseille Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Inverness or Marseille?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Inverness. When comparing the sizes of Inverness 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 Inverness 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 Inverness or Marseille in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Inverness is much colder than Marseille. Typically, the summer temperatures in Inverness in July average around 14°C (58°F), and Marseille averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Inverness gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun.

Inverness usually gets more rain in July than Marseille. Inverness gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Inverness 14°C (58°F) 
    Marseille 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Marseille in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Inverness and Marseille. Many travelers come to Inverness for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, many visitors come to Marseille in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Inverness is generally much colder than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Inverness average around 9°C (49°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marseille this time of the year. Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during autumn. Inverness gets 84 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Inverness 9°C (49°F) 
    Marseille 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Marseille in the Winter?

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

Inverness can get quite cold in the winter. Inverness is much colder than Marseille in the winter. The daily temperature in Inverness averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Marseille fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

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

Inverness usually gets more rain in January than Marseille. Inverness gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Inverness 3°C (38°F) 
    Marseille 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Marseille in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Inverness is much colder than Marseille. Typically, the spring temperatures in Inverness in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Marseille averages at about 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Marseille. Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during spring. Inverness gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Inverness usually receives less rain than Marseille. Inverness gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Inverness 7°C (44°F) 
    Marseille 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Marseille and Inverness

Inverness Marseille
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 23°C (74°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 20°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)