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

Should you visit Marbella or Beaune?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Beaune, 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.

Marbella

Marbella is a fun-filled, high energy, and ritzy resort town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Beaune

Beaune is a cultural, historic, and culinary town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Marbella and Beaune: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular old town
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Marbella or Beaune?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Marbella than Beaune, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Marbella is better known for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Beaune is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and small town charm. Marbella is well known for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. Also, Marbella is famous for Plaza de los Naranjos. Beaune is well known for its surrounding vineyards and world-renowned wines.

How is Marbella different from Beaune?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Marbella or Beaune?

Marbella
Beaune

Beaune is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Beaune can be an interesting and educational experience. Top sights and museums around town include Hôtel-Dieu (a former hospital), Château de Savigny, and Château de la Rochepot.

Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Marbella or Beaune? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Marbella
Beaune

Beaune is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Beaune is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The restaurant scene is made up of small, narrow, local bistros that serve local dishes with regional ingredients. Many of the menus are focused on wine with the dishes designed specifically to compliment the wines. This is a tourist town, and you'll find many visitors come specifically to enjoy the French cuisine.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Marbella area. The area is filled with tourists, so finding an authentic dining experience can be difficult. Several favorite dishes include croquetas, boquerones, and pulpo.

Is Marbella or Beaune Better for Nightlife?

Marbella
Beaune

Marbella is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Beaune is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Marbella is a must-see party destination. European tourists flock to the town for its beaches and resorts. The town has a glamorous nightlife scene with exclusive clubs and ritzy cocktail bars, particularly in Puerto Banus and along the Golden Mile.

If you're looking for night time activities Beaune has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs as well as many places to sip French wine and enjoy the evening.

Is Marbella or Beaune Better for Music?

Marbella
Beaune

Marbella is a great destination for its live music scene. However, Beaune is not a live music destination.

Marbella has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Beaune is not a live music destination.


Is Marbella or Beaune Better for Resorts?

Marbella
Beaune

Marbella is terrific for its resorts. However, Beaune is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Marbella for its luxury resorts. From luxury to family-friendly, this area has plenty of resorts to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include Marbella Club Hotel, Puente Romano Marbella, and Don Carlos Resort and Spa.

Beaune is not a resort destination.

Is Marbella or Beaune Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella
Beaune

Marbella is terrific for its diving and snorkeling. However, Beaune is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Marbella. There are more than 100 dive sights and endless snorkeling opportunities in the area. There are deep offshore reefs that you can explore as well as shallower wrecks and caves.

Beaune is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marbella or Beaune Better for Beaches?

Marbella
Beaune

Marbella is terrific for the beache. However, Beaune is not a beach destination.

Marbella offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The area boasts some of the best beaches in Europe. They are hubs of activity with lots of energy, and there are more than 18 miles of sandy beach in the area. Popular options include Guadalmina Beach, San Pedro de Alcántara Beach, and Nueva Andalucía Beach.

Beaune is not a beach destination.


Is Marbella or Beaune Better for its Old Town?

Marbella
Beaune

Beaune is very popular for its old town. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

Beaune has a world-famous historical area. The old town is walled and compact. It is centered around the medieval hospital complex and it is filled with cobblestone streets and shops.

Marbella offers a nice historic old town area. Head into the old town to explore a quaint area with small, meandering streets, churches, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Is the Shopping Better in Marbella or Beaune?

Marbella
Beaune

Marbella is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Beaune is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Marbella make it a world-class shopping destination. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

Beaune has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Boutiques, wine shops, and independent vendors are fun to explore in town.

Is Marbella or Beaune Better for Families?

Marbella
Beaune

Marbella is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Beaune is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Marbella is a very kid-friendly resort town. The area has beautiful, family-friendly beaches and many resorts with pools that are great for kids.

Beaune offers lots of family activities. The town has museums like Hospices de Beaune, Hotel-Dieu (a formal hospital), as well as vineyards that you can hike through. Many people enjoy taking a hot air balloon ride while they're in the region.


Is Marbella or Beaune Better for Couples?

Marbella
Beaune

Marbella and Beaune are both world-class to visit as a couple.

Marbella has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The area has luxury resorts, nice beaches, water sports, golf, and water activities that are perfect for a honeymoon or a romantic weekend or a honeymoon.

Beaune is a great resort town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Couples will enjoy exploring vineyards, sipping French wine, and wandering through the charming old town. There are breathtaking hot air balloon rides and wonderful French restaurants that make for a romantic trip.

Is Marbella or Beaune Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marbella
Beaune

Marbella is a good destination for backpackers. However, Beaune is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Marbella. There are a few good hostels in the area for backpackers who want to enjoy this part of Spain's cost. There's also a lively nightlife scene and plenty of opportunities to meet others.

Beaune is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a charming town, but it's not on many backpacker's itineraries. There are also a limited number of hostels to choose from.

Is Marbella or Beaune Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Marbella
Beaune

Beaune is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Marbella is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Beaune has some public transit options. While you can walk around the historic center, it's possible to take a bus if you're traveling further.

Public transit is generally limited in Marbella. There is a bus system through the area, but most visitors prefer to get around by car.


Is Marbella or Beaune a more walkable city?

Marbella
Beaune

Beaune is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Beaune. It's a walkable town that's perfect for taking a stroll.

Marbella is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly walkable and there are a number of hotels and nice resorts within a short walk of the town along a nice promenade.

For even more information, also check out Is Marbella Worth Visiting? and Is Beaune Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Beaune or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or Beaune?

It's fun to spend time in either Marbella or Beaune. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Marbella due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Marbella, and 2-4 days is enough time in Beaune.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Marbella than Beaune 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 Marbella.


  • How many days in Marbella or Beaune? Ideal Length of Stay
    Marbella 2-5 
    Beaune 2-4

One day in Marbella or Beaune?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Marbella. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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

A weekend in Marbella or Beaune?

Marbella 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.

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


Five days in Marbella or Beaune?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marbella. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Beaune is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Marbella or Beaune?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the high energy destination of Marbella. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Beaune is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Beaune or Marbella?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Marbella is €117, while the average daily cost in Beaune is €166. 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 Marbella and Beaune in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Marbella 61
    Beaune 83
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Marbella 122
    Beaune 166
Compare Hotels in Marbella and Beaune

Looking for a hotel in Marbella or Beaune? 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 Marbella


Hotels in Beaune


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: Marbella Hotel Prices and Beaune Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Marbella 24
    Beaune 41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marbella

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

  • Costa del Sol: Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Malaga Airport: $75
  • From Malaga: Private Transfer Malaga Airport to Marbella: $235
  • Private Transfer from Algarrobo to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $109
  • Private Transfer from Alhaurín El Grande to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $68
  • Private Transfer from Alozaina to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $112
  • Private Transfer from Atalaya Park to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $127
  • Private Transfer from Benahavís to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $132
  • Private Transfer from Benaoján to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $214
  • Private Transfer from Cómpeta to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $138
  • Private Transfer from Coín to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $80
  • Private Transfer from El Paraíso to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $135
  • Private Transfer from Estepona to Malaga (AGP) airport: $155

Is it cheaper to fly into Marbella or Beaune?

Prices for flights to both Beaune and Marbella 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
    Marbella 38
    Beaune 54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marbella

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

  • Food Tour: $87
  • The Mediterranean Diet & Lifestyle Cooking Class.: $180
  • Gourmet Cooking Class & Culture in the rural Montes de Malaga.: $191

Typical Food Prices in Beaune

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beaune:


  • Fast Food Lunch (for 2)
    9.00
  • Cookie
    1.00
  • Coffee
    2.80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Marbella 19
    Beaune 33

Tours and Activities in Marbella

For Marbella, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Discover the Old Town through a Self-Guided Tour: $4.60
  • Marbella Old Town Walking Tour : $15
  • Sightseeing Walking Tour: $21
  • Guided tour and olive oil tasting in Alhaurin el Grande (Málaga) : $22
  • Marbella Old Town: Group Tour with a True Local: $24
  • Marbella Old Town group tour with a True Local: $24
  • group walking Tour: $26
  • Explore Marbella Old Town: Tapas Tasting Adventure: $27
  • Marbella like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $32
  • Bike City Tour Marbella: $32
  • Dolphin Watching Adventure in Estepona Bay: $38
  • 2 h Estepona Bay Tour: $47

Typical Entertainment Prices in Beaune

Here are a few typical costs in Beaune for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Winery Tour (for 2)
    20

Tours and Activities in Beaune

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

  • Beaune - Historic Guided Walking Tour: $395
  • Beaune - Private walking tour: $192
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Burgundy’s Wine Capital: $5.99
  • Beguiling Beaune Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Burgundy Grand Crus Route Day Tour - 12 Wines Tastings in Domains: $267
  • Meursault: Tour of the Vineyards on Motorbike with Sidecar: $59
  • Paris Private Walking Street Art Tour: $87
  • Private Guided Sidecar Tour in Burgundy from Meursault: $60
  • Private city tour - Beaune the essential - 2h: $187
  • Private guided tour - Beaune 2h: $191
  • Skip the Line: Abbaye de Fontenay Admission Ticket: $13
  • Small group full day tour in the Burgundy vineyards: $209

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Marbella 5.71
    Beaune 48

Sample the Local Flavors in Marbella

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

  • Manilva & Gaucin Wine Tour from the Costa del Sol: $152
  • From Manilva Sunset Wine Tasting Tour with Tapas: $159
  • Ronda Full Day Wine Tour from Marbella: $195
  • From Antequera Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $213
  • From Axarquia Wine Tour with Wine Pairing Lunch: $234
  • Full-Day Private Ronda Wine Tour Experience from Marbella: $262
  • VIP Ronda Wine Tour and Tasting and Gourmet Lunch Experience with Winemaker: $272

Sample the Local Flavors in Beaune

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

  • 2 Hour Sparkling Wine Tasting and visit in Beaune: $11
  • Wine Tasting at Château de Pommard: $21
  • Maison Champy Guided Cellar Tour with Wine Tasting: $27
  • Visit Domaine Bourgogne - Guided wine tasting: $44
  • From Full-Day Bicycle and Wine Tour in Burgundy: $227
  • Burgundy Bike Tour with Wine Tasting from Beaune: $229
  • Wine tour - Meursault, its prestigious whites: $240
  • Wine tour - Aloxe-Corton, its great wines: $240
  • From Burgundy Day Trip with 12 Wine Tastings: $262
  • Côte de Nuits Private Local Wineries and Wine Tasting Tour: $945
  • Côte de Beaune Private Local Wineries and Wine Tasting Tour: $945


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Marbella and Beaune, we can see that Beaune is more expensive. And not only is Marbella much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Marbella would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Marbella 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 Beaune would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beaune than you might in Marbella.

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


Which is Bigger, Marbella or Beaune?

Marbella has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Beaune. When comparing the sizes of Marbella and Beaune, 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 Marbella or Beaune?

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 Marbella or Beaune in the Summer?

Both Beaune and Marbella during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Marbella for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Beaune in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Marbella is a little warmer than Beaune in the summer. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Beaune fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In Beaune, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marbella. In the summer, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Beaune. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaune receives 266 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in July than Beaune. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Marbella 25°C (77°F) 
    Beaune 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Marbella or Beaune in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Beaune. Many visitors come to Marbella in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Beaune for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.

In the autumn, Marbella is a little warmer than Beaune. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marbella in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Beaune averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Beaune during autumn. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Beaune receives 121 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Marbella usually receives around the same amount of rain as Beaune. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Marbella 19°C (67°F) 
    Beaune 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Marbella or Beaune in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Beaune. Most visitors come to Marbella for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Beaune because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Beaune can be very cold. In January, Marbella is generally much warmer than Beaune. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 12°C (54°F), and Beaune fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Beaune. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaune receives 53 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets more rain in January than Beaune. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Marbella 12°C (54°F) 
    Beaune 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Marbella or Beaune in the Spring?

Both Beaune and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Marbella because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm are the main draw to Beaune this time of year.

Marbella is a little warmer than Beaune in the spring. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Beaune fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Beaune during spring. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Beaune receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Marbella usually receives less rain than Beaune. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Marbella 16°C (60°F) 
    Beaune 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Beaune and Marbella

Marbella Beaune
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in) 5°C (41°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in) 4°C (39°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)