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

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

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a medieval, fascinating, and active town. 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. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Kilkenny and Marseille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kilkenny or Marseille?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Marseille. Although Kilkenny 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, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Kilkenny is known for its museums. Marseille is more touristy than Kilkenny and is popular for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. It is also home to The Vieux Port. Kilkenny is popular for its medieval castle and long running history.

How is Kilkenny different from Marseille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny can be an interesting and educational experience. It's seeped in history and there are many historic landmarks in the area including Kilkenny Castle. Also make sure you check out the National Design & Craft Gallery, Saint Mary's Cathedral, and the Medieval Mile Museum.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Marseille is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Kilkenny 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.

Kilkenny has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town has two Michelin starred restaurants as well as many Irish pubs and international restaurants to choose from.

Is Kilkenny or Marseille Better for Nightlife?

Marseille is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Kilkenny has a few options to choose from. You'll find traditional pubs and local breweries around town. The town also hosts several local music festivals.

Is Kilkenny or Marseille Better for Beaches?

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

Kilkenny is not a beach destination.

Is Kilkenny or Marseille Better for its Old Town?

Marseille is terrific for its old town. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

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.

Many visitors go to Kilkenny to see the historical old town. Known as the Medieval Mile, the old town dates back 1,500 years and is filled with city walls, cathedrals, and meandering lanes.

Is the Shopping Better in Kilkenny or Marseille?

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

Marseille is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

Kilkenny has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of shopping malls, shopping streets, and local markets. Make sure you check out Market Cross Shopping Centre, MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre, Connolly's Red Mills, and Castleinch Sunday Market.

Is Kilkenny or Marseille Better for Christmas Markets?

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

Kilkenny does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Kilkenny or Marseille Better for Families?

Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny. The obvious activity is visiting the Kilkenny Castle, but there are so many other adventures that your family can have. You can do the zip line and other outdoor adventures at Castlecomer Discovery Park, try out falconry, or visit the National Reptile Museum. There's also river rafting, kayaking, and many other outdoor adventures in the area.

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 Kilkenny or Marseille Better for Couples?

Both Kilkenny and Marseille are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Kilkenny frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Adventure lovers will enjoy rafting, kayaking, hiking, and cycling through the area. There are also Michelin starred restaurants and other romantic settings that make for a great couple's weekend.

Marseille is a great town 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 Kilkenny or Marseille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kilkenny and Marseille are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Kilkenny is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The area has some unique hostels that offer interesting experiences while you're in town.

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

Is Kilkenny or Marseille Better for Students?

Marseille is a great destination for students. However, Kilkenny 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.

Kilkenny is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Kilkenny and Marseille.

You'll find some public transit in Kilkenny, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses through town.

While Marseille offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has trams, a metro, and buses that you can use to explore.

Is Kilkenny or Marseille a more walkable city?

Kilkenny and Marseille both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Kilkenny is a very walkable town. The town is easy to walk around and most areas can be explored 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 Kilkenny Worth Visiting? and Is Marseille Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Marseille or Kilkenny?

How long in Kilkenny or Marseille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kilkenny and Marseille. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Marseille than in Kilkenny. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kilkenny, and 2-3 days is enough time in Marseille.

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

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

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

The beautiful city of Marseille offers nightlife and food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Kilkenny or Marseille?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the active destination of Kilkenny. 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 town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Marseille is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Marseille, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kilkenny or Marseille?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the medieval town of Kilkenny. 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 is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Kilkenny or Marseille?

Kilkenny 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 great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Ireland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Kilkenny or Marseille?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Kilkenny. When comparing the sizes of Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny or Marseille in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Kilkenny is much colder than Marseille. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kilkenny in July average around 15°C (60°F), and Marseille averages at about 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. In the summer, Kilkenny often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Kilkenny gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun.

Kilkenny usually gets more rain in July than Marseille. Kilkenny gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kilkenny or Marseille in the Autumn?

Both Marseille and Kilkenny are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Kilkenny for the shopping 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 October, Kilkenny is generally much colder than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Kilkenny average around 11°C (51°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Marseille. Kilkenny usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during autumn. Kilkenny gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Kilkenny usually receives around the same amount of rain as Marseille. Kilkenny gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kilkenny or Marseille in the Winter?

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

Kilkenny is cooler than Marseille in the winter. The daily temperature in Kilkenny averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Marseille fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Kilkenny often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Kilkenny gets 50 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun.

Kilkenny usually gets more rain in January than Marseille. Kilkenny gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kilkenny or Marseille in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Kilkenny is much colder than Marseille. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kilkenny in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Marseille averages at about 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marseille this time of the year. Kilkenny usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during spring. Kilkenny gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kilkenny usually receives more rain than Marseille. Kilkenny gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Marseille and Kilkenny