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

Should you visit Marseille or La Spezia?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marseille or La Spezia, 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. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

La Spezia

La Spezia is a lively, convenient, and cultural town. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Marseille and La Spezia: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • 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
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular old town


Is there more to do in Marseille or La Spezia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Marseille than La Spezia, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Marseille is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while La Spezia is known for its museums. Marseille is popular for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. It is also home to The Vieux Port. La Spezia is popular for being the gateway to Cinque Terre.

How is Marseille different from La Spezia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Marseille
La Spezia

La Spezia is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to La Spezia specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The highlight of the area is the surrounding natural beauty, but in town you can visit the Maritime Museum, The castle of San Giorgio, and The Amedeo Lia Art Museum.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Marseille
La Spezia

Marseille is very popular for its restaurants. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Marseille, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.

Dining out in La Spezia is an experience not to be missed. The town has many local flavors that incorporate seafood and other local ingredients. Focaccia is popular, as is Farinata, which is a chickpea flour pancake. Anchovies and mussels are also common ingredients.

Is Marseille or La Spezia Better for Nightlife?

Marseille
La Spezia

Marseille is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Marseille is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

La Spezia has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find more bars and clubs around town than you do in the smaller nearby towns. Some people head into La Spezia for the evening to grab a drink and socialize.

Is Marseille or La Spezia Better for Beaches?

Marseille
La Spezia

Both Marseille and La Spezia have good 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 La Spezia. The beaches in the area tend to be rocky and pebbly. For the best beaches, head out of town to nearby areas.


Is Marseille or La Spezia Better for its Old Town?

Marseille
La Spezia

Marseille is very popular for its old town. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

Marseille has a world-famous historical area. 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.

La Spezia offers a nice historic old town area. The old town runs between the streets of Corso Cavour and Via Prione and is best explored on foot.

Is the Shopping Better in Marseille or La Spezia?

Marseille
La Spezia

Marseille is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Marseille is well-known for its shopping. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

Many visitors go to La Spezia to go shopping. There's a morning market at Piazza del Mercato as well as many clothing and souvenir shops around town.

Is Marseille or La Spezia Better for Christmas Markets?

Marseille
La Spezia

Marseille is a good destination for visiting Christmas markets. However, La Spezia does not offer Christmas markets.

Visiting the Christmas markets is popular in Marseille. The old town has a Christmas craft market where you can buy toys, Christmas treats, or decorations.

La Spezia does not offer Christmas markets.


Is Marseille or La Spezia Better for Families?

Marseille
La Spezia

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

La Spezia is a family-friendly town. Visitors often use La Spezia as a base for visiting nearby Cinque Terre. The surrounding region has many kid-friendly activities like hiking, swimming, and beaches.

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 La Spezia Better for Couples?

Marseille
La Spezia

Marseille and La Spezia are both great 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 La Spezia frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It makes a nice base for visiting nearby sights if the more popular Cinque Terre area is too overwhelming.

Is Marseille or La Spezia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marseille
La Spezia

La Spezia 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 La Spezia. It's more affordable than the nearby towns in Cinque Terre, but they're still easily accessible from town.

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 La Spezia Better for Students?

Marseille
La Spezia

Marseille is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, La Spezia is not popular with students.

Many students visit Marseille. It attracts international students because of its rich culture, unique atmosphere, and lively bar scene.

La Spezia is not popular with students.

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

Marseille
La Spezia

Visitors will find good public transit in both Marseille and La Spezia.

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 La Spezia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses, trains, and ferry boats offer the main forms of transportation in the area.

Is Marseille or La Spezia a more walkable city?

Marseille
La Spezia

Marseille and La Spezia are great when it comes to 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.

La Spezia is very walkable. The town is easy to walk around and you'll find a pedestrian-only area downhill from the train station.


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

Should I spend more time in La Spezia or Marseille?

How long in Marseille or La Spezia?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Marseille and La Spezia. In our opinion, Marseille has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Marseille than La Spezia. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Marseille than La Spezia. 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.


  • How many days in Marseille or La Spezia? Ideal Length of Stay
    Marseille 2-3 
    La Spezia 2-3

One day in Marseille or La Spezia?

You'll find food and shopping around the quaint city of Marseille. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the town of La Spezia. 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 La Spezia?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the energetic destination of Marseille. 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.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the cultural destination of La Spezia. 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 La Spezia?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Marseille. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural town of La Spezia. 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 La Spezia?

Marseille 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.

La Spezia 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, La Spezia 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 La Spezia is €198. 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 La Spezia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Marseille 71
    La Spezia 113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Marseille 142
    La Spezia 226
Compare Hotels in Marseille and La Spezia

Looking for a hotel in Marseille or La Spezia? 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 La Spezia


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 La Spezia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Marseille 28
    La Spezia 41
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: $195
  • Transfert Aéroport Marseille vers : $228
  • Transfer from Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) to Sète Port: $132
  • Transfer between Marseille airport and Marseille city: $86
  • Transfer Marseille city center to Marseille Airport: $88
  • Transfer Marseille Airport to Marseille city center: $90
  • Transfer : $86
  • Private transfer from Marseille Airport to Cavaillon: $281
  • Private transfer by car: Marseille airport to / from Cassis-La Ciotat: $186
  • Private transfer by car: Marseille airport from or to Avignon: $220
  • Private transfer by car: Airport from / to the City or Port of Marseille: $87
  • Private transfer by car from Marseille Airport to/from Arles: $197

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Spezia

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

  • Private Transfer from La Spezia to Florence : $245
  • Private Transfer from La Spezia to Cinque Terre by car or van: $141
  • Private Transfer from La Spezia Port to La Spezia Hotels: $22
  • Private Transfer from La Spezia Hotels to La Spezia Cruise Port: $22
  • Private Transfer from La Spezia Cruise Port to La Spezia hotels: $22
  • Private Transfer from La Spezia Cruise Port to Florence Hotels: $131
  • Private Transfer Porto Venere or Lerici to La Spezia by car / van: $91
  • Private Transfer La Spezia Cruise Port or Train Station to city: $51
  • La Spezia Cruise Port to Pisa Intl Airport (PSA) - Departure Private Transfer: $93
  • La Spezia Cruise Port to La Spezia hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $44
  • La Spezia Cruise Port to Florence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $262
  • La Spezia Cruise Port to Florence - Arrival Private Transfer: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Marseille or La Spezia?

Prices for flights to both La Spezia 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
    La Spezia 56
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:

  • Bakeries,Chocolate & Patisseries Food Tour: $67
  • Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $75
  • Sunset Boat Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $87
  • Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $87
  • E-Bike and Food Tour: $92
  • Sunset Apéro Food tour: $97
  • Marseille Food Tour - Bakeries, Chocolate and Patisseries: $99
  • Sunset Sailing Dinner in the Frioul Archipelago: $103
  • Evening Food Tour with Tastings: $103
  • Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $103
  • Marseille Miam Miam Food tour: $105
  • Marseille Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $109

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Spezia

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

  • La Spezia Cinque Terre Food Tour: $92
  • Small-Group Street Food Tour: $97
  • Portovenere: Sunset Cruise with Aperitif and Dinner: $98
  • Small-group Street food tour in La Spezia: $98
  • La Spezia Cinque Terre Food Tour: $124
  • Porto Venere & Islands Sunset Boat Tour w/ Dinner: $140
  • Market Tour & Lunch/Dinner at a Cesarina's Home: $151
  • Private Cooking Class in an Italian Home: $157
  • Market Visit and Seafood Cooking Class with Lunch: $159
  • Cesarine: Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in La Spezia: $160
  • Private Pizza & Tiramisu Class at a Cesarina's home with tasting in La Spezia: $160
  • Cinque Terre Cooking Lesson in La Spezia: $161

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Marseille 38
    La Spezia 37

Tours and Activities in Marseille

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

  • Marseille French Pastries and Chocolate Tour: $98
  • "Old Marseille" district tour and treasure hunt: $29
  • 2H: City-Tour Marseille: $277
  • 3h Kayak Tour at Calanques National Park: $68
  • A Day in Provence Small Group Tour from Marseille: $169
  • Aix-en-Provence: Half-Day Shore Excursion Tour: $652
  • All Inclusive Food & History Tour of Marseille with Local Guide: $142
  • Beer tasting experience in Marseille: $43
  • Calanques National Park Kayak Day Tour: $114
  • Calanques Trilogy Electric Bike Tour from Marseille: $66
  • Canyoning Half Day Tour from La Ciotat : $68
  • Cassis National Park E-Mountain Bike Experience with Virtual Guide: $50

Tours and Activities in La Spezia

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

  • La Spezia Walking Tour: $35
  • 4-Hour E-Bike Private Guided Tour of the Tellaro and Montemarcello Villages: $55
  • 7-Hour Guided Tour Portovenere and Cinque Terre with aperitif: $131
  • Afternoon Boat Tour to Cinque Terre with brunch on board: $154
  • Boat Tour of the 3 Islands & Portovenere: $66
  • Boat Tours 5 Terre: $138
  • Boat tour Cinque Terre and Gulf of Poets from La Spezia: $150
  • Boat tour golfo dei poeti - Golfo dei poeti Portovenere 3 Islands: $142
  • Caving adventure at the Caves of Equi Alpi Apuane: $143
  • Cesarine: Market Tour & Dining at a Local's Home in La Spezia: $153
  • Cinque Terre & Portovenere: Boat Tour: $144
  • Cinque Terre Gems: UNESCO Sites & Secrets Tour: $629

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Marseille 27
    La Spezia 35

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: $28
  • Marseille Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $36
  • Delicious Food and Wine Tour: $97
  • New Year's Eve Bar Crawl Marseille France: $98
  • Bandol and Cassis: Full Day Wine Tour from Marseille: $146
  • Luberon: Full-Day Wine Tour from Marseille: $146
  • Full-day Wine Tour around Bandol & Cassis from Marseille: $148
  • Small Group Marseille Shore Excursion : Avignon & Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tour: $151
  • From Provence Sightseeing Tour and Wine Tasting: $163
  • Côtes du Rhône Wine tour: Avignon, Palace of the Popes: $165
  • Marseille Shore Excursion - Full Day Wine Tour in Provence: $166
  • From Bandol and Cassis Wine Tasting Tour: $179

Sample the Local Flavors in La Spezia

Also in La Spezia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Food and wine tour in the Gulf of Poets with local products: $143
  • boat tour with seafood and wine tasting: $217


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Marseille and La Spezia, we can see that La Spezia is more expensive. And not only is Marseille much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Marseille would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Marseille 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 La Spezia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Spezia than you might in Marseille.

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


Which is Bigger, Marseille or La Spezia?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of La Spezia. When comparing the sizes of Marseille and La Spezia, 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.