A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Marbella vs. Saint-Etienne for Nightlife, Couples, Families, and Food

Should you visit Marbella or Saint-Etienne?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Saint-Etienne, 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 high energy, ritzy, and glamorous resort town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a industrial, undiscovered, and authentic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and nightlife.

Marbella and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marbella or Saint-Etienne?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Marbella than Saint-Etienne. While Saint-Etienne is larger than Marbella, Marbella has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Marbella is better known for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Saint-Etienne is more popular for its museums and hiking. Marbella is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is known for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. Also, Marbella is famous for Plaza de los Naranjos. Saint-Etienne is well known for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Marbella different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

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

Saint-Etienne offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Marbella or Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Marbella is a good destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Marbella has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The area is filled with tourists, so finding an authentic dining experience can be difficult. Several favorite dishes include croquetas, boquerones, and pulpo.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Marbella or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

Marbella is an amazing resort town to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Marbella has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Marbella or Saint-Etienne Better for Music?

Marbella is great for its live music scene. However, Saint-Etienne is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Marbella draws a good crowd. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Saint-Etienne is not a live music destination.

Is Marbella or Saint-Etienne Better for Resorts?

Marbella is an amazing resort town to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a resort destination.

Is Marbella or Saint-Etienne Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella is an amazing resort town to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marbella or Saint-Etienne Better for Beaches?

Marbella is an amazing resort town to visit for the beache. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Is Marbella or Saint-Etienne Better for its Old Town?

Marbella is a good destination for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Marbella. Head into the old town to explore a quaint area with small, meandering streets, churches, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Marbella or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Marbella is not a hiking destination.

Saint-Etienne has hiking trails worth exploring. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Marbella is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marbella or Saint-Etienne?

Marbella is an amazing resort town to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Marbella draws large crowds to its stores. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Marbella or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Marbella is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Marbella is very family-friendly. The area has beautiful, family-friendly beaches and many resorts with pools that are great for kids.

Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly place to visit. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Marbella or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Marbella is an amazing resort town to visit for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

Marbella is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Marbella or Saint-Etienne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marbella is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

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.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

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

Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne has some public transit options. There are tram and bus options available in town.

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 Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Marbella is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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.

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable resort town. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Marbella Worth Visiting? and Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or Saint-Etienne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Marbella or Saint-Etienne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Marbella than Saint-Etienne because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Marbella, and 1-2 days is enough time in Saint-Etienne.

Families should spend more time in Marbella than Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne 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.

One day in Marbella or Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the high energy destination of Marbella. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The city of Saint-Etienne offers museums and nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Marbella or Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marbella. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marbella or Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the high energy destination of Marbella. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Saint-Etienne is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Saint-Etienne?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the beautiful resort town of Marbella. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Saint-Etienne is a great place to explore. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

When comparing the travel costs between Marbella and Saint-Etienne, we can see that Marbella 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 Saint-Etienne Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Marbella or Saint-Etienne?

Saint-Etienne has a larger population, and is about 47% larger than the population of Marbella. When comparing the sizes of Marbella and Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne?

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 Marbella or Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Saint-Etienne. Many travelers come to Marbella for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Marbella is a little warmer than Saint-Etienne in the summer. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint-Etienne this time of the year. In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Saint-Etienne during summer. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Marbella usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Marbella or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Saint-Etienne. Many visitors come to Marbella in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Marbella is a little warmer than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marbella in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 14°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. In the autumn, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 127 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in October than Saint-Etienne. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

Both Saint-Etienne and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Marbella for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Saint-Etienne can be very cold. In January, Marbella is generally much warmer than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 12°C (54°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Saint-Etienne during winter. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Marbella usually receives more rain than Saint-Etienne. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Marbella or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

Both Saint-Etienne and Marbella during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Marbella because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.

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

It's quite sunny in Marbella. In the spring, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in April than Saint-Etienne. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Marbella