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

Should you visit Lisbon or Marseille?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Marseille? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a vibrant, stunning, and picturesque city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Marseille

Marseille is a energetic and vibrant city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Lisbon and Marseille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Marseille?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lisbon than Marseille. While Marseille is larger than Lisbon, Lisbon has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Lisbon is very popular for its museums, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Marseille attracts visitors for its christmas markets and quaint atmosphere. Lisbon is famous for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. It is also well known for Castelo de São Jorge. Marseille is famous for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity.

How is Lisbon different from Marseille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lisbon is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Lisbon has many famous sights for visitors. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Lisbon and Marseille can be an enjoyable experience.

For foodies, Lisbon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are many local restaurants as well as food tours and cooking classes that you can enjoy. Make sure you try the local favorites like bacalhau à brás, frango no churrasco, and pastel de nata. Given the beautiful climate, outdoor seating is also popular. Head into the less touristy neighborhoods to try some local dishes or hit up a seafood market. There are also many cafes that offer great breakfasts with fresh ingredients.

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.

Is Lisbon or Marseille Better for Nightlife?

The fantastic nightlife scene is relatively similar in Lisbon and Marseille.

The nightlife in Lisbon is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It is a bustling city with a lot of energy late into the night. There are countless bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to every personality type and style. Whether you want a more relaxed vibe or a raging party, there is likely an place for you.

Marseille is a world class 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.

Is Lisbon or Marseille Better for Music?

Lisbon is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Marseille is not a live music destination.

Lisbon has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The local folk music, fado, is popular here, but there are also venues that host almost any other style of music as well. You'll also find several fado museums around town.

Marseille is not a live music destination.

Is Lisbon or Marseille Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Lisbon and Marseille are nice choices.

Lisbon is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches are often overlooked by visitors, but the coastline near the city is lined with beautiful sandy beaches that are arguably among the best in the area. If you want to get away from city life, head for the water.

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.

Is Lisbon or Marseille Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the fantastic old towns in both Lisbon and Marseille.

With a famous historical old-town, Lisbon offers plenty to see. The city is famous for the Alfama area, which is where you find the traditional buildings, cobblestoned streets, wandering alleyways, and steep hills. Make sure you take in the stunning view from various parts of town.

The rich history of Marseille can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisbon or Marseille?

Lisbon is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Lisbon specifically to go shopping. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

Marseille is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

Is Lisbon or Marseille Better for Christmas Markets?

Marseille is a popular place for visiting Christmas markets. However, Lisbon does not offer Christmas markets.

Many visitors go to the Christmas markets in Marseille. The old town has a Christmas craft market where you can buy toys, Christmas treats, or decorations.

Lisbon does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Lisbon or Marseille Better for Families?

Lisbon 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 Lisbon. Popular family-friendly activities include exploring Castelo Sao Jorge, visiting the aquarium, hanging out on the beach, and of course, taking the funiculars. Kids of all ages will appreciate the intricate maze of streets and lively atmosphere that this city offers. There's also the famous Livraria Lello & Irmão, which is a beautiful bookshop that is said to be an inspiration for Harry Potter. Don't expect to simply walk in, as there is often a long line to enter.

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 Lisbon or Marseille Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Lisbon and Marseille make for a very good place to visit.

Lisbon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With it's colorful buildings and dramatic hills, this city offers a truly romantic setting for couples. There are many romantic viewpoints as well as world class restaurants that couples will enjoy.

Couples visit Marseille frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Strolling the boulevards and exploring the history and culture of this city make it a top couples' destination.

Is Lisbon or Marseille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Lisbon, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Hostels are abundant, and you'll have no trouble finding other backpackers to hang out with. Many hostels even organize activities and group meals for travelers. Prices are also reasonable for a large and vibrant city.

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

Is Lisbon or Marseille Better for Students?

Both Lisbon and Marseille are very good destinations for students.

Lisbon is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do for international students.

Marseille is very popular with students. It attracts international students because of its rich culture, unique atmosphere, and lively bar scene.

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

Lisbon is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Lisbon can get you around easily. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

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 Lisbon or Marseille a more walkable city?

Lisbon is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Lisbon. There are many walkable areas that aren't too hilly like Baixa, a stretch along the Tagus River, and Belém.

Marseille is very walkable. 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 Lisbon Worth Visiting? and Is Marseille Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Marseille or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Marseille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lisbon and Marseille. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lisbon than in Marseille. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Lisbon, and 2-3 days is enough time in Marseille.

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

Couples should spend more time in Lisbon than Marseille. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Lisbon that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lisbon than Marseille 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 Lisbon.

One day in Lisbon or Marseille?

People visit Lisbon because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Marseille. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Lisbon or Marseille?

People visit Lisbon because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Marseille is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Lisbon or Marseille?

People visit Lisbon because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marseille. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Lisbon or Marseille?

Lisbon is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lisbon, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant destination of Marseille. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Lisbon 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 Lisbon Expensive? and Is Marseille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Marseille?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Lisbon. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon 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 Lisbon 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 Lisbon or Marseille in the Summer?

Both Marseille and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lisbon for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Marseille in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Lisbon is around the same temperature as Marseille in the summer. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Marseille fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Marseille. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Marseille during summer. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Marseille. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lisbon or Marseille in the Autumn?

Both Marseille and Lisbon during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lisbon in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Lisbon is a little warmer than Marseille. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lisbon in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Marseille averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lisbon. In the autumn, Lisbon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Marseille. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Marseille. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Marseille in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Marseille. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Marseille because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Lisbon is generally much warmer than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 12°C (53°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Lisbon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Marseille during winter. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

Lisbon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Marseille. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lisbon or Marseille in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Marseille. The spring months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Additionally, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marseille this time of year.

Lisbon is a little warmer than Marseille in the spring. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Marseille fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. In the spring, Lisbon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Marseille. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets more rain in April than Marseille. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Marseille and Lisbon