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

Should you visit Koblenz or Marseille?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Koblenz and Marseille. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Koblenz

Koblenz is a accessible, historic, and charming city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

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.

Koblenz and Marseille: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular old town
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • 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 Koblenz or Marseille?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Marseille than Koblenz, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Marseille is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Koblenz is known for its museums and small town charm. Koblenz is popular for its location at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, its popularity with river cruises, and its many nearby vineyards. Marseille is popular for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. It is also home to The Vieux Port.

How is Koblenz different from Marseille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Koblenz
Marseille

Koblenz 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 Koblenz. Most visitors head to the historic Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, which can be reached by chairlift. Also make sure you visit the Forum Confluentes, the State Museum, the Romanticum, and the Koblenz Sparkling Wine Museum.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Koblenz
Marseille

Marseille is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Koblenz is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Koblenz is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city is large enough to have a diversity of restaurants that serve everything from local German specialties to other European dishes. If you want to enjoy some regional cuisine, try the Rheinischer Sauerbraten (marinated beef), Döppekooche (potato cakes), or locally brewed beer.

Is Koblenz or Marseille Better for Nightlife?

Koblenz
Marseille

Marseille is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Koblenz is not particularly known 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.

Koblenz doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a smaller city, but there are still pubs around town that attract a crowd. Enjoy the local beer and chat with the locals on a relaxing night out.

Is Koblenz or Marseille Better for Beaches?

Koblenz
Marseille

Marseille is a good destination for the beache. However, Koblenz is not a beach destination.

Marseille offers a nice beach destination. The city has nice beaches that offer both culture and diversity, which may be lacking some other coastal parts of the French Riviera.

Koblenz is not a beach destination.


Is Koblenz or Marseille Better for its Old Town?

Koblenz
Marseille

Marseille is an amazing city to visit for its old town. Also, Koblenz is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Koblenz has an old town worth visiting. The old town is fun to explore with its beautiful churches and quaint ice cream shops.

Is the Shopping Better in Koblenz or Marseille?

Koblenz
Marseille

Marseille is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Koblenz 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.

Koblenz has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of clothing shops in the old town where you can find a deal or splurge on a new outfit.

Is Koblenz or Marseille Better for Christmas Markets?

Koblenz
Marseille

Marseille is a good destination for its Christmas markets. However, Koblenz does not offer Christmas markets.

Visiting the Christmas markets is popular in Marseille. The old town has a Christmas craft market where you can buy toys, Christmas treats, or decorations.

Koblenz does not offer Christmas markets.


Is Koblenz or Marseille Better for Families?

Koblenz
Marseille

Most people don't think of either Koblenz or Marseille as a family destination.

Koblenz doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Kids will enjoy the chairlift across the river that leads to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. It's also fun to take a stroll along the river, grab ice cream in old town, and play at one of the parks around town.

For families, Marseille is not always the best place to visit. Nearby beaches and an outdoor climbing area make it a diverse city to visit with kids.

Is Koblenz or Marseille Better for Couples?

Koblenz
Marseille

Koblenz and Marseille both great destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Koblenz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Seeped in romantic walks and historic buildings, couples will enjoy visiting this beautiful German town. Sip Reisling at one of the many restaurants or wander through the quaint old town.

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.

Is Koblenz or Marseille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koblenz
Marseille

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Koblenz. There are a few affordable accommodation options around town. Food is reasonably priced as well so backpackers can enjoy a visit without breaking the bank.

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


Is Koblenz or Marseille Better for Students?

Koblenz
Marseille

Marseille is well known for students. However, Koblenz is not popular with students.

Many students visit Marseille. It attracts international students because of its rich culture, unique atmosphere, and lively bar scene.

Koblenz is not popular with students.

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

Koblenz
Marseille

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

You'll find some public transit in Koblenz, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that travel the major routes around town. There's also a cable car that takes you up to the fortress.

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 Koblenz or Marseille a more walkable city?

Koblenz
Marseille

Marseille is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Koblenz is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Koblenz is a somewhat walkable city. If you stay in the old town, you'll have no trouble walking around, but the train station is a good distance from the old town.


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

Should I spend more time in Marseille or Koblenz?

How long in Koblenz or Marseille?

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

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

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

One day in Koblenz or Marseille?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Koblenz. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koblenz 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 Koblenz or Marseille?

You'll find museums and food around the dynamic destination of Koblenz. 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.

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 Koblenz or Marseille?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic city of Koblenz. 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.

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 Koblenz or Marseille?

Koblenz 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Munich, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Marseille or Koblenz?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Koblenz is €124, 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 Koblenz and Marseille in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Koblenz 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 Koblenz


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: Koblenz Hotel Prices and Marseille Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Koblenz 42
    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:

  • “Airport-Marseille Center Transfers: Luxury and Comfort VTC.”: $87
  • Airport Marseille Transfer to Marseille Old Port: $91
  • Aix en Provence-Transfer from or to Marseille Airport: $102
  • Arles-Transfer From or To Airport MARSEILLE: $218
  • Arrival Private Transfer Marseille Airport MRS to Marseille city or Port by Van: $101
  • Arrival Transfer: MRS Airport to Marseille in Business Car: $109
  • Cannes Private Transfer to Marseille Airport: $642
  • Departure Private Transfer Marseille city or Port to Marseile Airport MRS by Van: $101
  • Departure Private Transfer from Marseille city to Marseille Cruise Port by Van: $101
  • Departure Transfer: Marseille to MRS Airport in Business Car: $109
  • Marseille Airport (MRS) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Marseille Hotel or Address): $215
  • Marseille Airport (MRS) to (MPCT) Marseille Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Koblenz or Marseille?

Prices for flights to both Marseille and Koblenz 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
    Koblenz 28
    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.
    Koblenz 30
    Marseille 38

Tours and Activities in Koblenz

Here are a few actual costs in Koblenz for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Bochum Private Guided Walking Tour With A Professional Guide : $282
  • Cochem 1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise: $15
  • Cochem Evening Panorama Cruise : $27
  • Cochem Private Guided Walking Tour: $247
  • Essen Private Guided Walking Tour: $271
  • Koblenz - Guided tour of the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress: $330
  • Koblenz Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $224
  • Koblenz private guided city tour: $403
  • 2-Hour Sightseeing Cruise on the Rhine: $20
  • Christmas Boat Tour with Mulled Wine: $21
  • Historical Sparkling Wine Museum Guided Tour: $20
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive City Tour: $74

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
    Koblenz 7.79
    Marseille 27

Sample the Local Flavors in Koblenz

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

  • Private wine tasting meets Bulli in the Ruhr area: $75

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 Koblenz and Marseille, we can see that Marseille is more expensive. And not only is Koblenz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koblenz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koblenz 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 Koblenz.

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


Which is Bigger, Koblenz or Marseille?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Koblenz. When comparing the sizes of Koblenz 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 Koblenz 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 Koblenz or Marseille in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Koblenz as well as Marseille. Many visitors come to Koblenz in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Marseille for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Koblenz is cooler than Marseille. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koblenz in July average around 19°C (66°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, Koblenz often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Koblenz gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun.

Koblenz usually gets more rain in July than Marseille. Koblenz gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Koblenz 19°C (66°F) 
    Marseille 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Koblenz or Marseille in the Autumn?

Both Marseille and Koblenz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Koblenz for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Marseille because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Koblenz is generally cooler than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Koblenz average around 12°C (53°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Marseille. Koblenz usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during autumn. Koblenz gets 109 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Koblenz usually receives less rain than Marseille. Koblenz gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Koblenz 12°C (53°F) 
    Marseille 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Koblenz or Marseille in the Winter?

Both Marseille and Koblenz during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Koblenz because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Marseille this time of year.

The weather in Koblenz can be very cold. Koblenz is much colder than Marseille in the winter. The daily temperature in Koblenz averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Marseille fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Koblenz often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Koblenz gets 45 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun.

Koblenz usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Marseille. Koblenz gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Koblenz 3°C (37°F) 
    Marseille 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Koblenz or Marseille in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koblenz and Marseille. The small town charm are the main draw to Koblenz this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Marseille for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Koblenz is cooler than Marseille. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koblenz in April average around 10°C (50°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. Koblenz usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during spring. Koblenz gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Koblenz usually receives around the same amount of rain as Marseille. Koblenz gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Koblenz 10°C (50°F) 
    Marseille 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Marseille and Koblenz

Koblenz Marseille
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 23°C (74°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 20°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)