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

Should you visit Marseille or Florence?

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

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

Florence

Florence is a historical, artistic, and iconic city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Marseille and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marseille or Florence?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Florence than Marseille. While Marseille is larger than Florence, Florence has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Florence is more popular for its museums and impressive beauty, while Marseille is known for its nightlife, beaches, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere. Florence is more touristy than Marseille and is known for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. It is also home to The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Marseille is popular for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity.

How is Marseille different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Florence is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Florence has many famous sights for visitors. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Marseille and Florence both to be amazing 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 Florence have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

Is Marseille or Florence Better for Nightlife?

Marseille is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Marseille is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Florence. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

Is Marseille or Florence Better for Beaches?

Marseille is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Florence is not a beach destination.

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.

Florence is not a beach destination.

Is Marseille or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Marseille and Florence both have amazing historical old towns that attract visitors.

The historic old town of Marseille is revered around 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.

With a famous historical old-town, Florence offers plenty to see. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

Is the Shopping Better in Marseille or Florence?

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Marseille and Florence.

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.

Florence is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

Is Marseille or Florence Better for Christmas Markets?

Marseille is a nice place to visit for visiting Christmas markets. However, Florence does not offer Christmas markets.

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

Florence does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Marseille or Florence Better for Families?

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

Florence is a family-friendly city. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

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 Florence Better for Couples?

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

Florence has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

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 Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence 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 Florence, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young 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 Florence Better for Students?

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

Florence is a great destination for students. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

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 Florence Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

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 Florence, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system.

Is Marseille or Florence a more walkable city?

Florence 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 Florence. Most people explore the city 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 Florence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Florence or Marseille?

How long in Marseille or Florence?

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

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

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

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

One day in Marseille or Florence?

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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Florence. 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 Florence?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the alluring destination of Florence. 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 Florence?

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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the iconic city of Florence. 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 Florence?

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.

Florence 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 Florence, 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Marseille and Florence, we can see that Florence 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 Florence Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Marseille or Florence?

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

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 Florence in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Marseille and Florence. The summer months attract visitors to Marseille because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

In July, Marseille is generally around the same temperature as Florence. Daily temperatures in Marseille average around 24°C (75°F), and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Florence this time of the year. In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marseille usually receives more sunshine than Florence during summer. Marseille gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Marseille usually receives less rain than Florence. Marseille gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Marseille or Florence in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Marseille as well as Florence. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Marseille this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Florence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Marseille is around the same temperature as Florence in the autumn. The daily temperature in Marseille averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Florence fluctuates around 16°C (61°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 Florence. Marseille gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun.

Marseille usually gets less rain in October than Florence. Marseille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marseille or Florence in the Winter?

Both Florence and Marseille are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Florence in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Marseille is around the same temperature as Florence. Typically, the winter temperatures in Marseille in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Florence averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Marseille usually receives more sunshine than Florence during winter. Marseille gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Marseille usually receives less rain than Florence. Marseille gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Marseille or Florence in the Spring?

Both Florence and Marseille during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Marseille in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Florence for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Marseille is generally around the same temperature as Florence. Daily temperatures in Marseille average around 13°C (56°F), and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Marseille. In the spring, Marseille often gets more sunshine than Florence. Marseille gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun.

Marseille usually gets less rain in April than Florence. Marseille gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Florence and Marseille