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

Should you visit Marseille or Kotor?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marseille or Kotor, 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Kotor

Kotor is a historic, peaceful, and remote coastal town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Marseille and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marseille or Kotor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Marseille than Kotor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Marseille is better known for its nightlife, shopping, and christmas markets, while Kotor is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Marseille is more touristy than Kotor and is popular for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. Also, Marseille is famous for The Vieux Port. Kotor is well known for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs.

How is Marseille different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Foodies will find both Marseille and Kotor both to be terrific 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 Kotor have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

Is Marseille or Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Marseille is a world-class destination for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Marseille or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Marseille is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Kotor as a resort destination, but it has a few places. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Marseille is not a resort destination.

Is Marseille or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Kotor has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Marseille is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marseille or Kotor Better for Beaches?

Both Marseille and Kotor have notable beaches worth visiting.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Kotor. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Is Marseille or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Marseille and Kotor both have terrific 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, Kotor offers plenty to see. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

Is Marseille or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Marseille is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Kotor draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Marseille is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marseille or Kotor?

Marseille is well known for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Marseille is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marseille or Kotor Better for Christmas Markets?

Marseille is very good for its Christmas markets. However, Kotor 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.

Kotor does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Marseille or Kotor Better for Families?

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

Kotor is a family-friendly coastal town. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

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 Kotor Better for Couples?

Marseille and Kotor 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 Kotor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

Is Marseille or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kotor is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Kotor. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

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 Kotor Better for Students?

Marseille is well known for students. However, Kotor 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.

Kotor is not popular with students.

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

Marseille is very good for its public transit. However, Kotor is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Marseille or Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor 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 Kotor. The old town is best explored 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 Kotor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Marseille?

How long in Marseille or Kotor?

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

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

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

One day in Marseille or Kotor?

In Marseille, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this vibrant destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Even though Kotor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marseille. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kotor is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. 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 coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Marseille or Kotor?

Marseille is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Marseille. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Kotor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Marseille or Kotor?

You'll find nightlife and food around the energetic destination of Marseille. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Kotor 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 Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Marseille or Kotor?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Marseille and Kotor, 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 Kotor?

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 Kotor in the Summer?

Both Kotor and Marseille during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Marseille for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Kotor because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Marseille is cooler than Kotor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Marseille in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Kotor averages at about 26°C (80°F).

In Kotor, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marseille. In the summer, Marseille often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor. Marseille gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun.

Marseille usually gets less rain in July than Kotor. Marseille gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marseille or Kotor in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Marseille and Kotor. The autumn months attract visitors to Marseille because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.

In October, Marseille is generally around the same temperature as Kotor. Daily temperatures in Marseille average around 16°C (61°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kotor this time of the year. In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marseille usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor during autumn. Marseille gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Marseille usually receives less rain than Kotor. Marseille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marseille or Kotor in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Marseille as well as Kotor. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Marseille this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Kotor for the cuisine.

Marseille is a little warmer than Kotor in the winter. The daily temperature in Marseille averages around 7°C (44°F) in January, and Kotor fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Marseille often gets more sunshine than Kotor. Marseille gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Marseille usually gets less rain in January than Kotor. Marseille gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marseille or Kotor in the Spring?

Both Kotor and Marseille are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Marseille for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Kotor in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Marseille is around the same temperature as Kotor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Marseille in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Kotor averages at about 14°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. Marseille usually receives more sunshine than Kotor during spring. Marseille gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In April, Marseille usually receives less rain than Kotor. Marseille gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Marseille