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

Should you visit Marseille or Bari?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marseille or Bari, 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Bari

Bari is a cultural, authentic, and local port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Marseille and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marseille or Bari?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Bari than Marseille. While Marseille is larger than Bari, Bari has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Bari is very popular for its museums and big city activities, while Marseille attracts visitors for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Marseille is more touristy than Bari and is known for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. Bari is famous for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic. It is also well known for San Nicola.

How is Marseille different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bari is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Bari can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Marseille and Bari both to be world-class 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 Bari have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

Is Marseille or Bari Better for Nightlife?

Marseille is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for nightlife.

Marseille is a must-see 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.

Bari offers plenty to do in the evening. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

Is Marseille or Bari Better for Beaches?

Both Marseille and Bari have nice 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 Bari. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Is Marseille or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Marseille is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its historic old town.

Marseille has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Bari. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

Is the Shopping Better in Marseille or Bari?

Marseille is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Marseille. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

Bari is a great destination for shopping. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Is Marseille or Bari Better for Christmas Markets?

Marseille is a good destination for visiting Christmas markets. However, Bari does not offer Christmas markets.

Visiting the Christmas markets is popular in Marseille. The old town has a Christmas craft market where you can buy toys, Christmas treats, or decorations.

Bari does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Marseille or Bari Better for Families?

Bari 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 Bari. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

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 Bari Better for Couples?

Marseille is a great city for couples. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

Marseille is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Strolling the boulevards and exploring the history and culture of this city make it a top couples' destination.

Bari is a nice destination for couples. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is Marseille or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bari is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Bari. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

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

Is Marseille or Bari Better for Students?

Both Marseille and Bari are great destinations for students.

Marseille is a great city to visit as a student. It attracts international students because of its rich culture, unique atmosphere, and lively bar scene.

Students come from all over to stay in Bari. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Marseille and Bari.

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 Bari, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

Is Marseille or Bari a more walkable city?

Marseille and Bari are great when it comes to walkability.

Marseille is a very walkable destination. The Old Port (Vieux Port) is particularly walkable and is one of the best areas to explore on foot.

Bari is very walkable. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

For even more information, also check out Is Marseille Worth Visiting? and Is Bari Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bari or Marseille?

How long in Marseille or Bari?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Marseille and Bari. In our opinion, Marseille has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Marseille than Bari. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Marseille, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bari.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bari 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 Bari.

One day in Marseille or Bari?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Marseille. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the port city of Bari. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bari has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Marseille or Bari?

Marseille is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Bari. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Marseille or Bari?

You'll find food and shopping around the energetic destination of Marseille. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural port city of Bari. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Marseille or Bari?

The vibrant city of Marseille offers shopping and nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

Bari is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. 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 Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Marseille or Bari?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bari. When comparing the sizes of Marseille and Bari, 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 Bari?

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 Marseille or Bari in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Marseille and Bari. Many travelers come to Marseille for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bari in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Marseille is around the same temperature as Bari in the summer. The daily temperature in Marseille averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Bari fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bari this time of the year. In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marseille usually receives more sunshine than Bari during summer. Marseille gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Marseille usually receives more rain than Bari. Marseille gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Marseille or Bari in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Marseille as well as Bari. Many visitors come to Marseille in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Bari for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Marseille is cooler than Bari. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marseille in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Bari averages at about 18°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marseille this time of the year. In the autumn, Marseille often gets more sunshine than Bari. Marseille gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun.

Marseille usually gets more rain in October than Bari. Marseille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marseille or Bari in the Winter?

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

In January, Marseille is generally cooler than Bari. Daily temperatures in Marseille average around 7°C (44°F), and Bari fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Marseille usually receives more sunshine than Bari during winter. Marseille gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Marseille usually receives less rain than Bari. Marseille gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Marseille or Bari in the Spring?

Both Bari and Marseille during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Marseille because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Bari this time of year.

Marseille is around the same temperature as Bari in the spring. The daily temperature in Marseille averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Bari fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In Bari, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marseille. In the spring, Marseille often gets more sunshine than Bari. Marseille gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun.

Marseille usually gets more rain in April than Bari. Marseille gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bari and Marseille