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

Should you visit Marseille or Amalfi?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marseille or Amalfi, 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.

Marseille

Marseille is a energetic and vibrant city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Amalfi

Amalfi is a dramatic, charming, and picturesque town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Marseille and Amalfi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marseille or Amalfi?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Amalfi. Although Marseille and Amalfi are both popular with visitors, Amalfi has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Amalfi is more popular for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Marseille is known for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere. Amalfi is more touristy than Marseille and is popular for its dramatic views, charming character, and excellent limoncello. It is also home to the dramatic coastline. Marseille is popular for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity.

How is Marseille different from Amalfi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Amalfi. The town is an attraction in and off itself. It's filled with charm and character and visitors spend much of their time simply walking around and soaking up the atmosphere.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Marseille and Amalfi both to be first-rate destinations.

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.

Many restaurants in Amalfi have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The town's access to the beautiful sea means that many dishes use a variety of seafood. Eggplant is also a common ingredient and you'll find everything from pastas to elegant desserts around town.

Is Marseille or Amalfi Better for Nightlife?

Marseille is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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

Many people head to Amalfi for the nightlife scene. There's a good number of bars and clubs in town that often have live music or DJs. Alternatively, there are also clubs that dot the entire coastline.

Is Marseille or Amalfi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Amalfi is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Marseille is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Amalfi has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. You'll find snorkeling trips that take you along the coastline and stop at several places so you can take a peak at the underwater world.

Marseille is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marseille or Amalfi Better for Beaches?

Both Marseille and Amalfi have good beaches worth visiting.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Amalfi. The beaches tend to be pebbly and rocky. During the summer months they can get very crowded, but taking a swim is a great way to escape the heat for a bit.

Is Marseille or Amalfi Better for its Old Town?

Marseille is an amazing city to visit for its old town. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Marseille offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Amalfi. The town is charming and filled with great shops and restaurants. It's the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast.

Is Marseille or Amalfi Better for Hiking?

Amalfi is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Marseille is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Amalfi. The coastline is filled with great trails that offer stunning views. Hiking is a top way to see the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast and catch a glimpse at some of the best beaches.

Marseille is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marseille or Amalfi?

Marseille is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

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.

Amalfi has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find many great shops that sell everything from clothing to fine wine, local foods, or limoncello.

Is Marseille or Amalfi Better for Christmas Markets?

Marseille is a city with good options for its Christmas markets. However, Amalfi does not offer Christmas markets.

Marseille is a nice place to see Christmas markets. The old town has a Christmas craft market where you can buy toys, Christmas treats, or decorations.

Amalfi does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Marseille or Amalfi Better for Families?

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

Amalfi is a family-friendly town. The town is positioned in the middle of the Amalfi Coast, making it a great base for exploring the area. It's also one of the larger towns so you'll find more energy and things to do with kids, including the Museum of Paper.

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 Marseille or Amalfi Better for Couples?

Amalfi is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Amalfi has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The Amalfi Coast is a world class honeymoon destination and couples will enjoy staying in the lively town of Amalfi. It's a quaint and beautiful town in the middle of everything, so you'll have access to all that the area has to offer.

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 Marseille or Amalfi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marseille is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Amalfi is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Amalfi is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The area has a couple of hostels around, but in general this is a difficult place to visit as a backpacker. There are SITA buses that offer transportation, and because the town is in the middle of the coastline, it offers decent access to everything.

Is Marseille or Amalfi Better for Students?

Marseille is well known for students. However, Amalfi is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Marseille. It attracts international students because of its rich culture, unique atmosphere, and lively bar scene.

Amalfi is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Marseille and Amalfi.

Marseille has some public transit options. The city has trams, a metro, and buses that you can use to explore.

You'll find some public transit in Amalfi, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The SITA buses offer transit between many of the towns along the Amalfi Coast.

Is Marseille or Amalfi a more walkable city?

Amalfi 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 Amalfi. It's a compact and charming town that is a bit flatter than some nearby villages so it's easy to explore on foot.

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 Marseille Worth Visiting? and Is Amalfi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Amalfi or Marseille?

How long in Marseille or Amalfi?

Both Marseille and Amalfi have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amalfi than in Marseille. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Marseille, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amalfi.

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

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

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

One day in Marseille or Amalfi?

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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the town of Amalfi. 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.

A weekend in Marseille or Amalfi?

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.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the charming destination of Amalfi. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Marseille or Amalfi?

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.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the stunning town of Amalfi. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

A week in Marseille or Amalfi?

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.

Amalfi 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 Amalfi, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to France, The Best G Adventures Tours to France, The Best 2-Week Tours from Rome, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Marseille or Amalfi?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Amalfi. When comparing the sizes of Marseille and Amalfi, 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 Marseille or Amalfi?

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 Marseille or Amalfi in the Summer?

Both Amalfi and Marseille during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Marseille this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Amalfi for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Marseille is generally around the same temperature as Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Marseille average around 24°C (75°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Amalfi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marseille. In the summer, Marseille often gets more sunshine than Amalfi. Marseille gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 313 hours of full sun.

Marseille usually gets less rain in July than Amalfi. Marseille gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marseille or Amalfi in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Marseille and Amalfi. Many travelers come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Amalfi in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Marseille is around the same temperature as Amalfi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Marseille averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Amalfi fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marseille usually receives more sunshine than Amalfi during autumn. Marseille gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Amalfi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Marseille usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Marseille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marseille or Amalfi in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Marseille as well as Amalfi. Many visitors come to Marseille in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Amalfi for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Marseille is cooler than Amalfi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Marseille in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Amalfi averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Marseille often gets more sunshine than Amalfi. Marseille gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Amalfi. Marseille usually gets less rain in January than Amalfi. Marseille gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marseille or Amalfi in the Spring?

Both Amalfi and Marseille are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Marseille for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Amalfi because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Marseille is generally around the same temperature as Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Marseille average around 13°C (56°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. Marseille usually receives more sunshine than Amalfi during spring. Marseille gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Marseille usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Marseille gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Amalfi and Marseille