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

Should you visit Kinsale or Marseille?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kinsale and Marseille can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Kinsale

Kinsale is a charming, quaint, and picturesque seaside town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, 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.

Kinsale and Marseille: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less attractive beach
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • 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 Kinsale or Marseille?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Marseille. Although Kinsale and Marseille are both popular with visitors, Marseille has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Marseille is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while Kinsale is known for its museums, hiking, and small town charm. Kinsale is popular for its colorful houses, excellent restaurants, and beautiful seaside walks. Marseille is popular for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. It is also home to The Vieux Port.

How is Kinsale different from Marseille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kinsale
Marseille

Kinsale is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Kinsale. In addition to the colorful old town, you can check out Charles Fort, James Fort, and Old Head Signal Tower. The town is filled with history and many unique landmarks that are worth exploring.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Kinsale
Marseille

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Kinsale and Marseille can be difficult as they are each first-rate in their own way.

Many restaurants in Kinsale have been singled out for their culinary prowess. For such a small town, it really has an impressive food scene and many people consider it to be the culinary capital of Ireland. The food scene includes Michelin starred restaurants and local cafes.

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.

Is Kinsale or Marseille Better for Nightlife?

Kinsale
Marseille

Marseille is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its evening party scene.

Marseille has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Most people don't head to Kinsale specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town that's not known for its nightlife scene. There are a couple of traditional Irish pubs in town.

Is Kinsale or Marseille Better for Beaches?

Kinsale
Marseille

Marseille is a city with good options for the beache. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for the beach.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Marseille. The city has nice beaches that offer both culture and diversity, which may be lacking some other coastal parts of the French Riviera.

The beach in Kinsale is worth checking out. You'll find a number of beaches within about 20 minutes of town. The closest is Kinsale Beach, which is about 3 kilometers from the center of town. For a more peaceful setting, head out of town and check out Sandycove Beach, Garrylucas Blue Flag Beach, and Coolmain Beach.


Is Kinsale or Marseille Better for its Old Town?

Kinsale
Marseille

Marseille is an amazing city to visit for its old town. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its historic old town charm.

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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Kinsale. The old town is filled with brightly colored houses, and it offers a unique setting that's different from many of Europe's more standard old towns.

Is Kinsale or Marseille Better for Hiking?

Kinsale
Marseille

Kinsale is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Marseille is not a hiking destination.

Kinsale has hiking trails worth exploring. There are many seaside walks just outside of town.

Marseille is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kinsale or Marseille?

Kinsale
Marseille

Marseille is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its shopping areas.

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.

Many visitors go to Kinsale to go shopping. There are a number of shops around town that highlight Irish designers and local brands.


Is Kinsale or Marseille Better for Christmas Markets?

Kinsale
Marseille

Marseille is a city with good options for visiting Christmas markets. However, Kinsale does not offer Christmas markets.

Marseille is a nice place to see Christmas markets. The old town has a Christmas craft market where you can buy toys, Christmas treats, or decorations.

Kinsale does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Kinsale or Marseille Better for Families?

Kinsale
Marseille

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

Kinsale is a family-friendly seaside town. If your kids need a break from the tourist circuit, there are a couple of playgrounds and outdoor centers around town. There's also one hour pony treks available at the Kinsale Equestrian Centre.

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 Kinsale or Marseille Better for Couples?

Kinsale
Marseille

Marseille is great for its romantic activities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for couples.

Marseille is a great city 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.

Kinsale is a good seaside town for couples to visit. From coastal walks to quaint streets, there are many picturesque places that a couple can explore. The town also has an impressive restaurant scene where couples can enjoy a great meal.


Is Kinsale or Marseille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kinsale
Marseille

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

Kinsale is a good seaside town to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels around town where you can meet other backpackers.

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

Is Kinsale or Marseille Better for Students?

Kinsale
Marseille

Marseille is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Kinsale is not popular with students.

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

Kinsale is not popular with students.

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

Kinsale
Marseille

Marseille is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Kinsale. The town has buses that pass through.


Is Kinsale or Marseille a more walkable city?

Kinsale
Marseille

Marseille is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its ease of walking around.

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.

Kinsale is a somewhat walkable seaside town. The town itself is relatively compact and walkable. There are also many seaside walks just outside of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Marseille or Kinsale?

How long in Kinsale or Marseille?

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

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

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

One day in Kinsale or Marseille?

Even though Kinsale is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kinsale 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 Kinsale or Marseille?

Kinsale is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. 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 seaside town has to offer. This seaside town 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 Kinsale or Marseille?

Kinsale is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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 food. 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 Kinsale or Marseille?

Kinsale 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.

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 Tours for Seniors to Ireland, The Best 3-Day Tours from Dublin, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Marseille or Kinsale?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kinsale is €129, 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 Kinsale and Marseille in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kinsale 74
    Marseille 71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kinsale 148
    Marseille 142
Compare Hotels in Kinsale and Marseille

Looking for a hotel in Kinsale 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 Kinsale


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: Kinsale Hotel Prices and Marseille Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kinsale 17
    Marseille 28

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: $279
  • Private Transfer from Marseille Airport to Avignon: $273
  • Marseille Provence Airport transfer ↔ Avignon: $267
  • Marseille Airport: VIP transfer to Baumaniere: $251
  • Marseille Provence One Way Airport transfer to Gordes: $251
  • Private Transfer Marseille to Saint Tropez With 2h Stop in Toulon: $241

Is it cheaper to fly into Kinsale or Marseille?

Prices for flights to both Marseille and Kinsale 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
    Kinsale 46
    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.
    Kinsale 5.00
    Marseille 38

Tours and Activities in Kinsale

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

  • Cobh Evening Ghost Tour: $43
  • Titanic Trail Guided Walking Tour Cobh: $21
  • Visit 16 Sites Key Historical Sites And Experience Cobh Rebel Tours: $27

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
    Kinsale 16
    Marseille 27

Sample the Local Flavors in Kinsale

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

  • (Small Group) Shore Tour from Cork: Blarney Castle & Jameson Distillery: $147

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 comparing the travel costs between Kinsale and Marseille, we can see that Marseille is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Kinsale or Marseille?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 210 times larger than the population of Kinsale. When comparing the sizes of Kinsale 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 Kinsale 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 Kinsale or Marseille in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kinsale and Marseille. Most visitors come to Kinsale for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Marseille because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kinsale is much colder than Marseille. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kinsale in July average around 16°C (60°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. Kinsale usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during summer. Kinsale gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kinsale usually receives more rain than Marseille. Kinsale gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kinsale 16°C (60°F) 
    Marseille 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Kinsale or Marseille in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kinsale as well as Marseille. The autumn months attract visitors to Kinsale because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Marseille this time of year.

In October, Kinsale is generally cooler than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Kinsale average around 11°C (52°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, Kinsale often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Kinsale gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun.

Kinsale usually gets more rain in October than Marseille. Kinsale gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kinsale 11°C (52°F) 
    Marseille 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Kinsale or Marseille in the Winter?

Both Marseille and Kinsale are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kinsale this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Kinsale is around the same temperature as Marseille in the winter. The daily temperature in Kinsale averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Marseille fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Kinsale usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during winter. Kinsale gets 60 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Kinsale. In January, Kinsale usually receives more rain than Marseille. Kinsale gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kinsale 6°C (43°F) 
    Marseille 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Kinsale or Marseille in the Spring?

Both Marseille and Kinsale during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Kinsale for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Marseille in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Kinsale is cooler than Marseille. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kinsale in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Marseille averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Kinsale often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Kinsale gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun.

Kinsale usually gets more rain in April than Marseille. Kinsale gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kinsale 9°C (48°F) 
    Marseille 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Marseille and Kinsale

Kinsale Marseille
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (43°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 6°C (43°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 16°C (60°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 101 mm (4 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)