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

Should you visit Leipzig or Marseille?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Leipzig or Marseille, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Leipzig

Leipzig is a growing, dynamic, and cultural city. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Marseille

Marseille is a energetic and vibrant city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Leipzig and Marseille: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
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 Leipzig or Marseille?

You'll generally find more things to do in Marseille than Leipzig. Marseille is bigger than Leipzig, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Marseille is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Leipzig is more popular for its museums. Marseille is more touristy than Leipzig and is known for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. Also, Marseille is famous for The Vieux Port. Leipzig is well known for being the home of several great musicians such as Bach and Richard Wagner.

How is Leipzig different from Marseille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Leipzig
Marseille

Leipzig 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 Leipzig can be an interesting and educational experience. There are many historic landmarks like Old City Hall, St. Thomas Church, St. Nicholas Church, and the Battle of the Nations Monument.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Leipzig
Marseille

Marseille is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Leipzig is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Marseille is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Leipzig. Coffee houses and cellar restaurants offer an unique atmosphere where you can enjoy local specialties. Sample beef roulade or Saxon dumplings while you soak up the cozy ambiance.

Is Leipzig or Marseille Better for Nightlife?

Leipzig
Marseille

Marseille is terrific for nightlife. Also, Leipzig is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Leipzig. Nightlife in town centers around live theater, cultural centers, and live entertainment.

Is Leipzig or Marseille Better for Beaches?

Leipzig
Marseille

Marseille is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Leipzig is not a beach destination.

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

Leipzig is not a beach destination.


Is Leipzig or Marseille Better for its Old Town?

Leipzig
Marseille

Marseille is terrific for its historic old town. However, Leipzig 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.

Leipzig does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Leipzig or Marseille?

Leipzig
Marseille

If you're looking to go shopping, Leipzig and Marseille both offer plenty of superb spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Leipzig. The city center has most of the best shopping areas. There are pedestrian streets and squares like Petersstraße and Marktplatz, as well as large shopping malls like Promenaden Hauptbahnhof Leipzig and Petersbogen.

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.

Is Leipzig or Marseille Better for Christmas Markets?

Leipzig
Marseille

Marseille is a nice place to visit for visiting Christmas markets. However, Leipzig does not offer Christmas markets.

Marseille has Christmas markets worth visiting. The old town has a Christmas craft market where you can buy toys, Christmas treats, or decorations.

Leipzig does not offer Christmas markets.


Is Leipzig or Marseille Better for Families?

Leipzig
Marseille

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

Leipzig is a family-friendly city. Head to Belantis, which is an amusement park with rides, or take the kids to one of the many parks like Clara-Zetkin Park where they can unwind. The Leipzig Zoo makes a nice outing as well or Maya Mare is a fun waterpark. There are also several good museums like the Leipzig Panometer.

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 Leipzig or Marseille Better for Couples?

Leipzig
Marseille

Marseille is great for romance. Also, Leipzig is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Leipzig makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many beautiful outdoor parks and natural areas where couples can enjoy this beautiful city.

Is Leipzig or Marseille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Leipzig
Marseille

For backpackers, both Leipzig and Marseille are notable places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Leipzig. Many backpackers overlook this city, but there are a few hostels and some nice areas to explore for those who make their way here.

Marseille is a good city to visit for backpackers. It has a decent number of hostels for a city of its size.


Is Leipzig or Marseille Better for Students?

Leipzig
Marseille

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

Marseille is a great city to visit as a student. It attracts international students because of its rich culture, unique atmosphere, and lively bar scene.

Leipzig is not popular with students.

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

Leipzig
Marseille

Leipzig is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Leipzig can get you to most places easily. The city has 61 bus lines and 13 tram lines that connect Leizpig to elsewhere in the region.

You'll find some public transit in Marseille, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has trams, a metro, and buses that you can use to explore.

Is Leipzig or Marseille a more walkable city?

Leipzig
Marseille

Marseille is great for its walkability. Also, Leipzig is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Marseille is very walkable. The Old Port (Vieux Port) is particularly walkable and is one of the best areas to explore on foot.

Leipzig is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of Leizpig are more walkable than others.


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

Should I spend more time in Marseille or Leipzig?

How long in Leipzig or Marseille?

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

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

One day in Leipzig or Marseille?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the growing destination of Leipzig. 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 Leipzig or Marseille?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the dynamic city of Leipzig. 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 Leipzig or Marseille?

Leipzig 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, The Best Walking Tours in Germany, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Marseille or Leipzig?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Leipzig is €166, 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 Leipzig and Marseille in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Leipzig 91
    Marseille 71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Leipzig 182
    Marseille 142
Compare Hotels in Leipzig and Marseille

Looking for a hotel in Leipzig 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 Leipzig


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: Leipzig Hotel Prices and Marseille Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Leipzig 27
    Marseille 28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leipzig

Also for Leipzig, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Leipzig City to Dresden City: $83
  • Leipzig hotels to Leipzig Halle Airport (LEJ) - Departure Private Transfer: $34
  • Leipzig Halle Airport (LEJ) to Leipzig hotels - Round-Trip Private Car Transfer: $68
  • Leipzig Halle Airport (LEJ) to Leipzig hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
  • Arrival Transfer Leipzig Airport LEJ to Leipzig by Car or Van: $93

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: $277
  • Private Transfer from Marseille Airport to Avignon: $273
  • Marseille Provence Airport transfer ↔ Avignon: $266
  • Marseille Airport: VIP transfer to Baumaniere: $251
  • Marseille Provence One Way Airport transfer to Gordes: $250
  • Private Transfer Marseille to Saint Tropez With 2h Stop in Toulon: $241

Is it cheaper to fly into Leipzig or Marseille?

Prices for flights to both Marseille and Leipzig 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
    Leipzig 53
    Marseille 42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leipzig

For Leipzig, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 3-Hour Sightseeing and Food Tour: $64

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.
    Leipzig 36
    Marseille 38

Tours and Activities in Leipzig

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

  • 1.5-Hour Historical Tour of Leipzig with Costumed Guide: $21
  • 2 hours Leipzig exclusive: Private city tour with Panorama Tower: $217
  • Big city tour Leipzig Hop on hop off: $20
  • City game scavenger hunt Leipzig Südvorstadt - independent discovery tour: $44
  • City game scavenger hunt Leipzig city center - independent city tour: $44
  • City tour on foot, by S-Bahn and tram: $24
  • Combo Tour in Guided City Tour & City Sightseeing: $21
  • Corpses, Leprosy, Lucifer 75-minute Tour at the Old Cemetery: $19
  • From Day Tour to the Green Belt: $631
  • From Markkleeberg: Full-Day Guided Cycling Tour by the Lakes: $48
  • Gruseltour Leipzig 90-minute walking tour about the Dark Secrets of Leipzig: $19
  • Gruseltour A Haunted Guided Tour: $18

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
    Leipzig 26
    Marseille 27

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: $163
  • 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 Leipzig and Marseille, we can see that Leipzig 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 Leipzig Expensive? and Is Marseille Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Leipzig or Marseille?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 57% larger than the population of Leipzig. When comparing the sizes of Leipzig 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 Leipzig 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 Leipzig or Marseille in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Leipzig and Marseille. The summer months attract visitors to Leipzig because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Marseille this time of year.

In July, Leipzig is generally cooler than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Leipzig average around 19°C (67°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marseille this time of the year. In Leipzig, it's very sunny this time of the year. Leipzig usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during summer. Leipzig gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Leipzig usually receives more rain than Marseille. Leipzig gets 52 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
    Leipzig 19°C (67°F) 
    Marseille 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Leipzig or Marseille in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Leipzig as well as Marseille. The shopping scene are the main draw to Leipzig this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Leipzig is cooler than Marseille in the autumn. The daily temperature in Leipzig averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Marseille fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. In the autumn, Leipzig often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Leipzig gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun.

Leipzig usually gets less rain in October than Marseille. Leipzig gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Leipzig or Marseille in the Winter?

Both Marseille and Leipzig are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Leipzig for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Marseille in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Leipzig. In the winter, Leipzig is much colder than Marseille. Typically, the winter temperatures in Leipzig in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Marseille averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Leipzig usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during winter. Leipzig gets 45 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Leipzig usually receives less rain than Marseille. Leipzig gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Leipzig 1°C (33°F) 
    Marseille 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Leipzig or Marseille in the Spring?

Both Marseille and Leipzig during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Marseille for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Leipzig is generally cooler than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Leipzig average around 10°C (49°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Leipzig often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Leipzig gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun.

Leipzig usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Marseille. Leipzig gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Leipzig 10°C (49°F) 
    Marseille 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Marseille and Leipzig

Leipzig Marseille
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 2°C (35°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 10°C (49°F) 50 mm (2 in) 13°C (56°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 21°C (69°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 23°C (74°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 20°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)