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

Should you visit Marseille or Imperia?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marseille or Imperia, 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. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Imperia

Imperia is a undiscovered, authentic, and charming town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Marseille and Imperia: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Marseille or Imperia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Marseille. Although Marseille and Imperia 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, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Imperia attracts visitors for its museums. Marseille is more touristy than Imperia and is popular for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. It is also well known for The Vieux Port. Imperia is famous for its access to the Ligurian coastline.

How is Marseille different from Imperia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Marseille
Imperia

Imperia 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 Imperia. There are several interesting buildings of importance around town.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Marseille
Imperia

Marseille is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Marseille is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Imperia. Food ranges from typical Italian dishes to local recipes that use local ingredients. Unique ingredients in the area include trumpet zucchini, flat breads, and anchovies.

Is Marseille or Imperia Better for Nightlife?

Marseille
Imperia

Marseille is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife.

Marseille is a world class 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Imperia. There are some bars and lively restaurants around town where you can spend an enjoyable evening.

Is Marseille or Imperia Better for Beaches?

Marseille
Imperia

Marseille is a popular place for the beach. However, Imperia is not a beach destination.

Marseille is a good option for a beach vacation. The city has nice beaches that offer both culture and diversity, which may be lacking some other coastal parts of the French Riviera.

Imperia is not a beach destination.


Is Marseille or Imperia Better for its Old Town?

Marseille
Imperia

Marseille is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Imperia does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Marseille can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Imperia does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Marseille or Imperia?

Marseille
Imperia

Marseille is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Marseille. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Imperia. There are some shopping streets in town that have a mix of local brands and standard clothing shops.

Is Marseille or Imperia Better for Christmas Markets?

Marseille
Imperia

Marseille is a popular place for its Christmas markets. However, Imperia does not offer Christmas markets.

Many visitors go to the Christmas markets in Marseille. The old town has a Christmas craft market where you can buy toys, Christmas treats, or decorations.

Imperia does not offer Christmas markets.


Is Marseille or Imperia Better for Families?

Marseille
Imperia

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

Imperia is a family-friendly town. There's some nice walking trails in the countryside that the kids will enjoy.

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 Imperia Better for Couples?

Marseille
Imperia

Marseille is notable for couples. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Marseille is a very popular place to visit for couples. Strolling the boulevards and exploring the history and culture of this city make it a top couples' destination.

Imperia is a nice destination for couples. It's a beautiful town with a nice atmosphere that offers a nice break from the tourist crowds.

Is Marseille or Imperia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marseille
Imperia

Marseille and Imperia 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.

Imperia is a good city to visit for backpackers. Accommodation tends to be affordable and there's an off-the-beaten-path vibe that some backpackers will appreciate.


Is Marseille or Imperia Better for Students?

Marseille
Imperia

Marseille is notable for students. However, Imperia is not popular with students.

Marseille is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It attracts international students because of its rich culture, unique atmosphere, and lively bar scene.

Imperia is not popular with students.

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

Marseille
Imperia

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

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 Imperia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that connect the city to different areas.

Is Marseille or Imperia a more walkable city?

Marseille
Imperia

Marseille is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its 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.

Imperia is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are convenient to walk around.


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

Should I spend more time in Imperia or Marseille?

How long in Marseille or Imperia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Marseille or Imperia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Marseille than Imperia because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Marseille, and 1-2 days is enough time in Imperia.

Couples should spend more time in Marseille than Imperia. 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 Imperia 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 Imperia? Ideal Length of Stay
    Marseille 2-3 
    Imperia 1-2

One day in Marseille or Imperia?

In Marseille, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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

A weekend in Marseille or Imperia?

In Marseille, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Marseille has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Imperia. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Marseille or Imperia?

Marseille is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming town of Imperia. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Marseille or Imperia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marseille. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Marseille. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Imperia is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Walking Tours in Italy, and The Best Luxury Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Imperia 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 Imperia is €108. 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 Imperia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Marseille 71
    Imperia 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Marseille 142
    Imperia 102
Compare Hotels in Marseille and Imperia

Looking for a hotel in Marseille or Imperia? 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 Imperia


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 Imperia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Marseille 28
    Imperia 36
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:

  • Marseille to Marseille Provence Terminal Private Transfer: $34
  • Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal to Marseille - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
  • Marseille Terminal to Marseille Airport Departure Transfer: $35
  • Marseille Port (MPCT) to Marseille Airport (MRS) - Departure Private Transfer: $35
  • Private Transfer to Gare St Charles: $53
  • Private Airport Transfer in Marseille from Marseille Provence airport, Marignane: $65
  • Private Transfer: Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) to Marseille: $69
  • Marseille Airport (MRS) to Marseille- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $70
  • Marseille Airport (MRS) to (MPCT) Marseille Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $70
  • Private Transfer from Marseille Airport to Aix-en-Provence: $74
  • Marseille Airport transfers: $75
  • Private Transfer With an Electric Car in Marseille: $76

Is it cheaper to fly into Marseille or Imperia?

Prices for flights to both Imperia 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
    Imperia 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 Cours Julien (Marseille): $63
  • Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $74
  • Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $85
  • Sunset Boat Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $85
  • Sunset Apéro Food tour: $95
  • Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $96
  • Marseille Sunset Apéro Food tour: $97
  • Evening Food Tour with Tastings: $101
  • Sunset Sailing Dinner in the Frioul Archipelago: $101
  • Marseille Miam Miam Food tour: $104
  • Bakeries, Chocolate & Patisseries Food Tour: $105

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Marseille 38
    Imperia 13

Tours and Activities in Marseille

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.20
  • Marseille:Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $4.26
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.26
  • Marseille Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.36
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.38
  • Marseille Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Self-guided Like a Local Highlights Day Tour: $9.48
  • Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Game & Sightseeing: $9.88
  • Panier District Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Humorous and Informative Tour of the Historic Center of La Ciotat: $11
  • Mucem Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket: $12

Tours and Activities in Imperia

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Imperia are as follows:

  • Imperia - Old Town Private Historic Walking Tour: $426

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Marseille 27
    Imperia 7.50

Sample the Local Flavors in Marseille

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

  • Marseille Riviera Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $22
  • Marseille Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $27
  • Marseille Pub Crawl : Meet, Drink & Party: $43
  • New Year's Eve Bar Crawl Marseille France: $96
  • Delicious Food and Wine Tour: $105
  • 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: $163
  • Small Group Marseille Shore Excursion : Avignon & Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tour: $164
  • Marseille Shore Excursion - Full Day Wine Tour in Provence: $164


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

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


Which is Bigger, Marseille or Imperia?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Imperia. When comparing the sizes of Marseille and Imperia, 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 Imperia?

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 Imperia in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Marseille as well as Imperia. Many visitors come to Marseille in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Imperia for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Imperia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marseille this time of the year. In the summer, Marseille often gets more sunshine than Imperia. Marseille gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 295 hours of full sun.

Marseille usually gets more rain in July than Imperia. Marseille gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Marseille 24°C (75°F) 
    Imperia 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Marseille or Imperia in the Autumn?

Both Imperia and Marseille are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Imperia because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Marseille is cooler than Imperia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marseille in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Imperia averages at about 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. Marseille usually receives more sunshine than Imperia during autumn. Marseille gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Marseille usually receives less rain than Imperia. Marseille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Marseille 16°C (61°F) 
    Imperia 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Marseille or Imperia in the Winter?

Both Imperia and Marseille during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Marseille because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Imperia this time of year.

In January, Marseille is generally much colder than Imperia. Daily temperatures in Marseille average around 7°C (44°F), and Imperia fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Marseille often gets more sunshine than Imperia. Marseille gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 127 hours of full sun.

Marseille usually gets less rain in January than Imperia. Marseille gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Marseille 7°C (44°F) 
    Imperia 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Marseille or Imperia in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Marseille and Imperia. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marseille this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Imperia for the natural beauty.

Marseille is cooler than Imperia in the spring. The daily temperature in Marseille averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Imperia fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marseille usually receives more sunshine than Imperia during spring. Marseille gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Marseille usually receives less rain than Imperia. Marseille gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Marseille 13°C (56°F) 
    Imperia 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Imperia and Marseille

Marseille Imperia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 8°C (46°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 15°C (58°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 21°C (71°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 20°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 11°C (51°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)