A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Marseille vs. Cairngorms National Park for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Marseille or Cairngorms National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marseille or Cairngorms National Park, 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. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms National Park is a beautiful, serene, and picturesque national park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food and hiking.

Marseille and Cairngorms National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for Christmas markets
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food


Is there more to do in Marseille or Cairngorms National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Marseille. Although Marseille and Cairngorms National Park are popular destinations, Marseille has more sights and attractions for tourists. Marseille is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while Cairngorms National Park attracts visitors for its hiking. Marseille is famous for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. It is also well known for The Vieux Port. Cairngorms National Park is famous for its impressive hikes, scenic natural beauty, and nice mountains.

How is Marseille different from Cairngorms National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is the Food Better in Marseille or Cairngorms National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Marseille
Cairngorms National Park

Marseille is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Cairngorms National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Cairngorms National Park offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a variety of cafes, pubs, and restaurants in the area that offer hearty dishes to fill a hungry hiker.


Is Marseille or Cairngorms National Park Better for Nightlife?

Marseille
Cairngorms National Park

Marseille is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Cairngorms National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Marseille is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Cairngorms National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Marseille or Cairngorms National Park Better for Beaches?

Marseille
Cairngorms National Park

Marseille is very good for the beach. However, Cairngorms National Park 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.

Cairngorms National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Marseille or Cairngorms National Park Better for its Old Town?

Marseille
Cairngorms National Park

Marseille is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Cairngorms National Park does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Marseille is one of the most recognized in the world. 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.

Cairngorms National Park does not have a historic old town.


Is Marseille or Cairngorms National Park Better for Hiking?

Marseille
Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms National Park 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 Cairngorms National Park. There are hikes for every skill level. You'll find waterfalls, open glens, mountains, and beautiful lakes. Some of the best hikes include the Falls of Bruar, Morrone, and the Seven Bridges Trail.

Marseille is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marseille or Cairngorms National Park?

Marseille
Cairngorms National Park

Marseille is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Cairngorms National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Cairngorms National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marseille or Cairngorms National Park Better for Christmas Markets?

Marseille
Cairngorms National Park

Marseille is very good for visiting Christmas markets. However, Cairngorms National Park 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.

Cairngorms National Park does not offer Christmas markets.


Is Marseille or Cairngorms National Park Better for Families?

Marseille
Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms National Park 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 Cairngorms National Park. The outdoor wilderness, natural lakes, and fun activities make for a great family holiday. Head to the beach at Loch Morlich or go for a pony trek. You can also take a ride on the Strathspey Steam Railway or if the kids are craving a bit more excitement head to Landmark Forest Adventure Park.

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 Cairngorms National Park Better for Couples?

Marseille
Cairngorms National Park

Marseille and Cairngorms National Park 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 Cairngorms National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The hiking, natural beauty, and stunning setting make for a wonderful couples getaway. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the serene setting and it's not uncommon for some couples to get engaged in this beautiful park.

Is Marseille or Cairngorms National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marseille
Cairngorms National Park

Marseille and Cairngorms National Park are both nice destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Marseille. It has a decent number of hostels for a city of its size.

Cairngorms National Park is a good city to visit for backpackers. Transportation without a car is basically impossible, but camping is a great way to experience the park to its fullest without breaking the bank.


Is Marseille or Cairngorms National Park Better for Students?

Marseille
Cairngorms National Park

Marseille is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cairngorms National Park is not popular with students.

Marseille is very popular with students. It attracts international students because of its rich culture, unique atmosphere, and lively bar scene.

Cairngorms National Park is not popular with students.

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

Marseille
Cairngorms National Park

Marseille is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Cairngorms National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Cairngorms National Park. To fully explore the park, you really need to have your own vehicle, but there are local buses and trains that travel to the park.

Is Marseille or Cairngorms National Park a more walkable city?

Marseille
Cairngorms National Park

Marseille is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Cairngorms National Park is not a walkable destination.

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.

Cairngorms National Park is not a walkable destination.


For even more information, also check out Is Marseille Worth Visiting? and Is Cairngorms National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cairngorms National Park or Marseille?

How long in Marseille or Cairngorms National Park?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Marseille than Cairngorms National Park. 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 Marseille than Cairngorms National Park 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.


  • How many days in Marseille or Cairngorms National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Marseille 2-3 
    Cairngorms National Park 3-5

One day in Marseille or Cairngorms National Park?

With food and shopping around the energetic city of Marseille, there's plenty to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find food around the national park of Cairngorms National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Cairngorms National Park?

With shopping and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Marseille, there's plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation.A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food around the remote destination of Cairngorms National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Marseille or Cairngorms National Park?

You'll find nightlife and food around the energetic city of Marseille. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food around the picturesque national park of Cairngorms National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this national park makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer.


A week in Marseille or Cairngorms National Park?

Marseille is a great place to explore. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Cairngorms National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Edinburgh, and The Best 2-Week Tours from London.


Which place is cheaper, Cairngorms National Park or Marseille?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Marseille is €148, while the average daily cost in Cairngorms National Park is €139. 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 Marseille and Cairngorms National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Marseille 71
    Cairngorms National Park 65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Marseille 142
    Cairngorms National Park 130
Compare Hotels in Marseille and Cairngorms National Park

Looking for a hotel in Marseille or Cairngorms National Park? 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 Marseille


Hotels in Cairngorms National Park


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: Marseille Hotel Prices and Cairngorms National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Marseille 28
    Cairngorms National Park 62
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Marseille

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Marseille:


  • Metro Pass
    3.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marseille

Also for Marseille, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfert aéroport de Marseille -> Marseille centre/hôtels: $192
  • Transfert Aéroport Marseille vers : $225
  • Transfer from Marseille Provence Airport to Toulon Cruise Port: $117
  • Transfer from Marseille Airport to Train Station / Ports / Hotels: $164
  • Transfer between Marseille airport and Marseille city: $84
  • Transfer Marseille city center to Marseille Airport: $87
  • Transfer Marseille Airport to Marseille city center: $89
  • Transfer : $84
  • Taxi aéroport Marseille cassis transfer port Cruise: $150
  • Private transfer from Marseille Airport to Cavaillon: $279
  • Private transfer by car: Marseille airport to / from Cassis-La Ciotat: $184
  • Private transfer by car: Marseille airport from or to Avignon: $218

Is it cheaper to fly into Marseille or Cairngorms National Park?

Prices for flights to both Cairngorms National Park and Marseille 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
    Marseille 42
    Cairngorms National Park 35
Typical Food Prices in Marseille

For Marseille, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Orangina
    2.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marseille

For Marseille, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Web-cooking workshop / French cuisine or French pastry: $35
  • No Diet Club - Unique food tour in Marseille! (Cours Julien): $63
  • Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $74
  • Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $86
  • Sunset Boat Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $86
  • Bakeries, Chocolate & Patisseries Food Tour: $93
  • Sunset Apéro Food tour: $95
  • Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $97
  • Marseille Sunset Apéro Food tour: $97
  • Evening Food Tour with Tastings: $102
  • Sunset Sailing Dinner in the Frioul Archipelago: $102
  • Marseille Miam Miam Food tour: $104

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Marseille 38
    Cairngorms National Park 31

Tours and Activities in Marseille

For Marseille, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • "Old Marseille" district tour and treasure hunt: $29
  • 2H: City-Tour Marseille: $274
  • 3h Kayak Tour at Calanques National Park: $67
  • A Day in Provence Small Group Tour from Marseille: $180
  • Aix-en-Provence: Half-Day Shore Excursion Tour: $642
  • All Inclusive Food & History Tour of Marseille with Local Guide: $144
  • Beer tasting experience in Marseille: $43
  • Bookbinding experience in the Vieux Port: $93
  • Calanques National Park Guided Hiking Tour: $50
  • Calanques National Park Kayak Day Tour: $112
  • Calanques Trilogy Electric Bike Tour from Marseille: $65
  • Canyoning Half Day Tour from La Ciotat : $67

Tours and Activities in Cairngorms National Park

For Cairngorms National Park, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Cairn Gorm Mountain Adventure Private Hike: $168
  • Private Guided Mountain Walking Experience in the Cairngorms: $177
  • Private Guided Ridge Scrambling Experience in the Cairngorms: $202
  • Private Guided Rock Climbing Experience in the Cairngorms: $202
  • Private Guided Winter Mountain Walking Experience in the Cairngorms: $202
  • Private Guided Winter Mountaineering Experience in the Cairngorms: $222
  • Private Walking Tour to Ben Macdui Scotland: $114

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Marseille 27
    Cairngorms National Park 9.83

Sample the Local Flavors in Marseille

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Marseille:

  • Marseille Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $21
  • Marseille Riviera Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $22
  • Marseille Pub Crawl : Meet, Drink & Party: $43
  • New Year's Eve Bar Crawl Marseille France: $96
  • Delicious Food and Wine Tour: $117
  • Bandol and Cassis: Full Day Wine Tour from Marseille: $143
  • Luberon: Full-Day Wine Tour from Marseille: $143
  • Full-day Wine Tour around Bandol & Cassis from Marseille: $146
  • Full-Day Wine Tour around Luberon from Marseille: $146
  • Côtes du Rhône Wine tour: Avignon, Palace of the Popes: $164
  • Small Group Marseille Shore Excursion : Avignon & Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tour: $164
  • Marseille Shore Excursion - Full Day Wine Tour in Provence: $164


When comparing the travel costs between Marseille and Cairngorms National Park, we can see that Marseille 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 Marseille Expensive? and Is Cairngorms National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Marseille or Cairngorms National Park?

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 Cairngorms National Park in the Summer?

Both Cairngorms National Park and Marseille are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Marseille for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Cairngorms National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Marseille is much warmer than Cairngorms National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Marseille averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. Marseille usually receives more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park during summer. Marseille gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Cairngorms National Park receives 147 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Marseille usually receives less rain than Cairngorms National Park. Marseille gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Marseille 24°C (75°F) 
    Cairngorms National Park 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Marseille or Cairngorms National Park in the Autumn?

Both Cairngorms National Park and Marseille during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Marseille because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cairngorms National Park this time of year.

In the autumn, Marseille is much warmer than Cairngorms National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marseille in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Cairngorms National Park averages at about 9°C (49°F).

It's quite sunny in Marseille. In the autumn, Marseille often gets more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park. Marseille gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairngorms National Park receives 84 hours of full sun.

Marseille usually gets more rain in October than Cairngorms National Park. Marseille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Marseille 16°C (61°F) 
    Cairngorms National Park 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Marseille or Cairngorms National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Marseille and Cairngorms National Park. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Marseille this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cairngorms National Park for the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cairngorms National Park. In January, Marseille is generally much warmer than Cairngorms National Park. Daily temperatures in Marseille average around 7°C (44°F), and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Marseille usually receives more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park during winter. Marseille gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Cairngorms National Park receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Marseille usually receives less rain than Cairngorms National Park. Marseille gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Marseille 7°C (44°F) 
    Cairngorms National Park 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Marseille or Cairngorms National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Marseille as well as Cairngorms National Park. Many travelers come to Marseille for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Cairngorms National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

Marseille is much warmer than Cairngorms National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Marseille averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marseille this time of the year. In the spring, Marseille often gets more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park. Marseille gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairngorms National Park receives 136 hours of full sun.

Marseille usually gets more rain in April than Cairngorms National Park. Marseille gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Marseille 13°C (56°F) 
    Cairngorms National Park 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Cairngorms National Park and Marseille

Marseille Cairngorms National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (38°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 8°C (46°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 5°C (41°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 14°C (58°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 20°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 11°C (51°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in)