A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Marseille vs. Hvar for Food, Nightlife, Backpackers, and Beaches

Should you visit Marseille or Hvar?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marseille or Hvar, 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. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Hvar

Hvar is a beautiful, vibrant, and energetic island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Marseille and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marseille or Hvar?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hvar. Although Marseille and Hvar are both popular with visitors, Hvar has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hvar is more popular for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Marseille is known for its food, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere. Hvar is more touristy than Marseille and is popular for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. It is also home to Hvar Fort. Marseille is popular for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity.

How is Marseille different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hvar 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 Hvar. Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Marseille is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Marseille have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.

Hvar has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and wine.

Is Marseille or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Both Marseille and Hvar have first-rate vibes after the sun sets.

People head to Marseille just to party. 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.

The nightlife in Hvar is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and clubs.

Is Marseille or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Hvar has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.

Marseille is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marseille or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is an excellent place to visit for the beach. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Hvar. The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Marseille. The city has nice beaches that offer both culture and diversity, which may be lacking some other coastal parts of the French Riviera.

Is Marseille or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

Marseille is renowned for its old town. However, Hvar 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.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Marseille or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Marseille is not a hiking destination.

Hvar has hiking trails worth exploring. There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

Marseille is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marseille or Hvar?

Marseille is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit 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.

Hvar has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.

Is Marseille or Hvar Better for Christmas Markets?

Marseille is a city with good options for its Christmas markets. However, Hvar 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.

Hvar does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Marseille or Hvar Better for Families?

Hvar 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 Hvar. There are adventure parks, water parks, and other fun activities for kids. There are also beaches where everyone can swim and sea kayaking trips. Hvar Observatory is also a unique and fun place to visit as a family.

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 Hvar Better for Couples?

Marseille and Hvar are both high quality 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 Hvar frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are some romantic hotels and beautiful beaches that make this a wonderful destination for couples. Anyone who enjoys a coastal setting with clear waters and a variety of water sports will enjoy their time here.

Is Marseille or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar 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 Hvar, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. The island has long been a popular stop with backpackers who enjoy the affordable prices, abundance of hostels, and active nightlife scene. You'll have no trouble meeting other travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.

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 Hvar Better for Students?

Marseille is notable for students. However, Hvar 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.

Hvar is not popular with students.

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

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

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 Hvar, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Is Marseille or Hvar a more walkable city?

Marseille is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Hvar is a somewhat walkable city. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

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

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Marseille?

How long in Marseille or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Marseille or Hvar. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Hvar due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Marseille, and 2-4 days is enough time in Hvar.

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

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

One day in Marseille or Hvar?

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 nightlife and food around the island of Hvar. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Hvar?

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 food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the party-oriented destination of Hvar. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Marseille or Hvar?

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant 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 scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the party-oriented island of Hvar. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Marseille or Hvar?

The energetic 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.

Hvar is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Marseille or Hvar?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 220 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Marseille and Hvar, 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 Hvar?

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 Hvar in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Marseille as well as Hvar. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Marseille this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Hvar for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Marseille is generally cooler than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Marseille average around 24°C (75°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marseille this time of the year. In the summer, Marseille often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar. Marseille gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Marseille usually gets less rain in July than Hvar. Marseille gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marseille or Hvar in the Autumn?

Both Hvar and Marseille are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Hvar in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Marseille is cooler than Hvar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Marseille averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Hvar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. Marseille usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar during autumn. Marseille gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Marseille usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hvar. Marseille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marseille or Hvar in the Winter?

Both Hvar and Marseille during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Marseille in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Hvar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

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

In the winter, Marseille often gets more sunshine than Hvar. Marseille gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Marseille usually gets less rain in January than Hvar. Marseille gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marseille or Hvar in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Marseille and Hvar. Most visitors come to Marseille for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Hvar because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Marseille is generally cooler than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Marseille average around 13°C (56°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marseille usually receives more sunshine than Hvar during spring. Marseille gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Marseille usually receives less rain than Hvar. Marseille gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Marseille