A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Marbella vs. Reims for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Marbella or Reims?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Reims, 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Reims

Reims is a scenic, cultural, and beautiful city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Marbella and Reims: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Marbella or Reims?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Marbella than Reims. While Reims is larger than Marbella, Marbella has more sights and attractions for tourists. Marbella is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Reims is known for its museums and food. Marbella is popular for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. It is also home to Plaza de los Naranjos. Reims is popular for its Champagne Houses, impressive architecture, and beautiful cathedral.

How is Marbella different from Reims?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Reims 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 Reims?

Marbella
Reims

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

Reims offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Sights around town include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, Palais du Tau, Basilique Saint-Rémi, and Musée des Beaux-Arts.

Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Marbella
Reims

Reims 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, Reims is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. While its famous for its Champagne, the city also has Michelin starred restaurants, local produce, and an amazing regional cuisine. The region is known for its ham, cheese, mustard, and truffles.

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 Reims Better for Nightlife?

Marbella
Reims

Marbella is very popular for its evening party scene. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Marbella is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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 Reims has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is relaxing but active. Most locals hang out with friends at local bars near Place Drouet d'Erlon or the Rue Chanzy area. Bars have a combination of local beers and Champagne.

Is Marbella or Reims Better for Music?

Marbella
Reims

Marbella is well known for its music scene. However, Reims is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Marbella. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Reims is not a live music destination.


Is Marbella or Reims Better for Resorts?

Marbella
Reims

Marbella is very popular for its resorts. However, Reims is not a resort destination.

Marbella offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Reims is not a resort destination.

Is Marbella or Reims Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella
Reims

Marbella is very popular for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Reims is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Marbella specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. 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.

Reims is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marbella or Reims Better for Beaches?

Marbella
Reims

Marbella is very popular for the beach. However, Reims is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Marbella are among the best in 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.

Reims is not a beach destination.


Is Marbella or Reims Better for its Old Town?

Marbella
Reims

Marbella is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Reims does not have a historic old town.

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.

Reims does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Marbella or Reims?

Marbella
Reims

Marbella is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Marbella is a world class destination for shoppers. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Reims. You'll find not only Champagne, but also jewellry, designer fashion, and chocolate. The best shopping is located around the Place Drouet d'Erlon which is a pedestrian area. Also check out the shopping streets of Rue de Vesle and Cours Langlet.

Is Marbella or Reims Better for Families?

Marbella
Reims

Marbella is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Reims is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Marbella is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The area has beautiful, family-friendly beaches and many resorts with pools that are great for kids.

For families, Reims is not always the best place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the historical city center or visiting the Palace of Tau. For a unique activity, view the region from above with a hot air balloon ride.


Is Marbella or Reims Better for Couples?

Marbella
Reims

Marbella and Reims are both amazing 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.

Reims is a great resort town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This romantic area is perfect for couples who enjoy wine and history. There is beautiful architecture as well as wine tours and breathtaking hot air balloon rides. Visiting the Champagne Houses is a must for any couple visiting the area.

Is Marbella or Reims Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marbella
Reims

Marbella and Reims are both good destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Reims is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. It's located in the Champagne region, which isn't often associated with backpackers, but it's still not to be missed.

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

Marbella
Reims

Reims 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.

Reims has some public transit options. In town there are buses and trams, but to get into the countryside you'll need your own car.

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 Reims a more walkable city?

Marbella
Reims

Marbella and Reims are superb when it comes to walkability.

Marbella is a very walkable resort town. 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.

Reims is a very walkable destination. You can explore the city on foot and reach many local Champagne Houses. If you really want to explore everything in depth, you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Reims or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or Reims?

In either Marbella or Reims, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Marbella has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Marbella than Reims. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Marbella than Reims. 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 Reims. 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 Reims 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 Reims? Ideal Length of Stay
    Marbella 2-5 
    Reims 2-5

One day in Marbella or Reims?

In Marbella, many people enjoy the live music and food that this high energy destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The beautiful city of Reims offers food and shopping. 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 Reims?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marbella. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

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


Five days in Marbella or Reims?

Marbella is a fun place to experience. In Marbella, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Reims is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Reims, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Marbella or Reims?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the ritzy destination of Marbella. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Reims is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city 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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Reims 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 Reims is €131. 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 Reims in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Marbella 61
    Reims 66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Marbella 122
    Reims 132
Compare Hotels in Marbella and Reims

Looking for a hotel in Marbella or Reims? 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 Reims


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 Reims Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Marbella 24
    Reims 39

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reims

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Reims:

  • Private Transfer From Reims To Paris, 2 Hour Stop in Epernay: $227
  • From Transfer and Drive Through the Champagne Region: $856

Is it cheaper to fly into Marbella or Reims?

Prices for flights to both Reims 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
    Reims 40

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Marbella 19
    Reims 19

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

Tours and Activities in Reims

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

  • Full Day Champagne Pommery Small Group Tour: $251
  • Private Tour of a Wine Estate and Oeno-olfactory Workshop: $104
  • A unique sensory experience in the vineyards: $104
  • Bubble Champagne Tour from Epernay (Small group half day tour): $169
  • Champagne Cellar tour and tasting: $43
  • Champagne Cellars & Vineyards tour from Reims full day: $229
  • Champagne Guy De Chassey : Premium Tour and Tasting: $38
  • Champagne Guy De Chassey: Traditional Tour & Tasting: $27
  • Champagne Lamiable: Traditional Tour & Tasting: $33
  • Champagne Lover Tour&Amazing Experience&With champagne sabering: $207
  • Champagne Small-Group Tour with Tastings and Lunch from Epernay: $229
  • Champagne: E-Bike Champagne Day Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $182

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Marbella 5.71
    Reims 22

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


When comparing the travel costs between Marbella and Reims, we can see that Reims 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 Marbella Expensive? and Is Reims Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Marbella or Reims?

Reims has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of Marbella. When comparing the sizes of Marbella and Reims, 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 Reims?

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 Reims in the Summer?

Both Reims and Marbella during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Marbella because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Reims this time of year.

In the summer, Marbella is a little warmer than Reims. Typically, the summer temperatures in Marbella in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Reims averages at about 19°C (65°F).

In Reims, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marbella. In the summer, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Reims. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 235 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in July than Reims. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Marbella 25°C (77°F) 
    Reims 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Marbella or Reims in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Reims. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Marbella this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Reims for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Marbella is generally much warmer than Reims. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 19°C (67°F), and Reims fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Reims during autumn. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 122 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Marbella usually receives around the same amount of rain as Reims. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Marbella 19°C (67°F) 
    Reims 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Marbella or Reims in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Reims. Many travelers come to Marbella for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Reims in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Reims can get quite cold in the winter. Marbella is much warmer than Reims in the winter. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Reims fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Reims. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 50 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets more rain in January than Reims. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Reims receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Marbella 12°C (54°F) 
    Reims 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Marbella or Reims in the Spring?

Both Reims and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Marbella in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Reims for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Marbella is much warmer than Reims. Typically, the spring temperatures in Marbella in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Reims averages at about 9°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Reims during spring. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Marbella usually receives around the same amount of rain as Reims. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Reims receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Marbella 16°C (60°F) 
    Reims 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Reims and Marbella

Marbella Reims
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in) 4°C (39°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 7°C (44°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (49°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 19°C (65°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Nov 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in) 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in)