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

Should you visit Marseille or Budapest?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marseille or Budapest, 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. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Budapest

Budapest is a artistic, historic, and authentic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Marseille and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marseille or Budapest?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Budapest than Marseille, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Budapest is more popular for its museums and big city activities, while Marseille is known for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere. Marseille is popular for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. Budapest is popular for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. It is also home to The Hungarian Parliament Building.

How is Marseille different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Budapest 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 Budapest can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Marseille is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Marseille has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Marseille or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Budapest has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Is Marseille or Budapest Better for Beaches?

Marseille is very good for the beache. However, Budapest is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Marseille to enjoy the beach. The city has nice beaches that offer both culture and diversity, which may be lacking some other coastal parts of the French Riviera.

Budapest is not a beach destination.

Is Marseille or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

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

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 go to Budapest to see the historical old town. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

Is the Shopping Better in Marseille or Budapest?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Marseille and Budapest.

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.

Budapest is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Is Marseille or Budapest Better for Christmas Markets?

Marseille is very good for visiting Christmas markets. However, Budapest does not offer Christmas markets.

Marseille offers some nice Christmas markets. The old town has a Christmas craft market where you can buy toys, Christmas treats, or decorations.

Budapest does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Marseille or Budapest Better for Families?

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

Budapest is a family-friendly city. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

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 Budapest Better for Couples?

Marseille and Budapest are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Marseille makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Strolling the boulevards and exploring the history and culture of this city make it a top couples' destination.

Couples visit Budapest frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

Is Marseille or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Budapest, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

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 Budapest Better for Students?

Budapest is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Budapest is a great destination for students. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

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

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

Budapest is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Budapest can get you around easily. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

You'll find some public transit in Marseille, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has trams, a metro, and buses that you can use to explore.

Is Marseille or Budapest a more walkable city?

Budapest 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 Budapest. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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 Budapest Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Marseille?

How long in Marseille or Budapest?

In either Marseille or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Budapest than Marseille because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Marseille, and 2-5 days is enough time in Budapest.

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

Couples should spend more time in Marseille than Budapest. 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 Budapest 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 Budapest.

One day in Marseille or Budapest?

The beautiful city of Marseille offers nightlife and food. 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.

People visit Budapest because there is so much to do. 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 Budapest?

Marseille 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Marseille, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

People visit Budapest because there is so much to do. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Marseille or Budapest?

Marseille 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.

People visit Budapest because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Marseille or Budapest?

Marseille is a great place to explore. 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 city offers something for everyone.

Budapest 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 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Marseille and Budapest, we can see that Marseille is more expensive. And not only is Budapest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Budapest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Budapest 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 Budapest.

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

Which is Bigger, Marseille or Budapest?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Marseille. When comparing the sizes of Marseille and Budapest, 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 Budapest?

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 Budapest in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Marseille and Budapest. Most visitors come to Marseille for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Budapest because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Marseille is generally a little warmer than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Marseille average around 24°C (75°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Budapest this time of the year. In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marseille usually receives more sunshine than Budapest during summer. Marseille gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Marseille usually receives less rain than Budapest. Marseille gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Marseille or Budapest in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Marseille as well as Budapest. The autumn months attract visitors to Marseille because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Budapest this time of year.

Marseille is a little warmer than Budapest in the autumn. The daily temperature in Marseille averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°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 Budapest. Marseille gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun.

Marseille usually gets more rain in October than Budapest. Marseille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marseille or Budapest in the Winter?

Both Budapest and Marseille are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Marseille this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Budapest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Budapest. In the winter, Marseille is much warmer than Budapest. Typically, the winter temperatures in Marseille in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Budapest averages at about -1°C (31°F).

Marseille usually receives more sunshine than Budapest during winter. Marseille gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Marseille usually receives more rain than Budapest. Marseille gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Marseille or Budapest in the Spring?

Both Budapest and Marseille during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Marseille for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Budapest in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Marseille is generally a little warmer than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Marseille average around 13°C (56°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Marseille. In the spring, Marseille often gets more sunshine than Budapest. Marseille gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun.

Marseille usually gets more rain in April than Budapest. Marseille gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Budapest and Marseille