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

Should you visit Marseille or Lillehammer?

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

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

Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a adventure-filled, sporty, and natural city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and nightlife.

Marseille and Lillehammer: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marseille or Lillehammer?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Marseille than Lillehammer, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Marseille is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Lillehammer is more popular for its skiing, museums, hiking, and small town charm. Marseille is more touristy than Lillehammer and is popular for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. Also, Marseille is famous for The Vieux Port. Lillehammer is well known for its winter sports and role as host for the 1994 Winter Olympics.

How is Marseille different from Lillehammer?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Marseille or Lillehammer Better for Skiing?

Lillehammer is an excellent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Marseille is not a skiing destination.

Lillehammer draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. There is both downhill skiing and cross country skiing in the area. There are five alpine centers that offer skiing for everyone from beginners to the world's elite. There are also 2,300 kilometers of cross country ski trails. The region is known for its long and reliable winter with great ski conditions.

Marseille is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Marseille or Lillehammer?

Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer. There are a number of sights that are related to the city's role as host of the 1994 Olympics. Check out the Norwegian Olympic Museum, Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena, and the Lillehammer Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track. Also make sure you visit the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Marseille is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Lillehammer has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Local food traditions date back centuries and you'll find a combination of simple recipes and elaborate menus. Dishes often include fish or local meat such as elk. There are also soups such as kål, which are made with bacon, meat, potatoes, and barley.

Is Marseille or Lillehammer Better for Nightlife?

Marseille is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Lillehammer has a few options to choose from. There is a lively atmosphere with many bars, clubs, and pubs around town.

Is Marseille or Lillehammer Better for Beaches?

Marseille is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer is not a beach destination.

Is Marseille or Lillehammer Better for its Old Town?

Marseille is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Lillehammer does not have a historic old town.

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.

Lillehammer does not have a historic old town.

Is Marseille or Lillehammer Better for Hiking?

Lillehammer is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Marseille is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Lillehammer. You'll find many hikes that take you through the alpine setting and the pristine landscapes. You can enjoy breathtaking views and strolls through nearby national parks.

Marseille is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marseille or Lillehammer?

Marseille is well known for shopping. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lillehammer. You'll find a number of shopping centers that have retail stores selling clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Is Marseille or Lillehammer Better for Christmas Markets?

Marseille is a nice place to visit for its Christmas markets. However, Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Marseille or Lillehammer Better for Families?

Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer. The town has many winter and adventure sports that are great for the whole family. You can visit the Olympic Park, or spend the day at Hunderfossen Familiepark, which is one of the original amusement parks in the country. You can also visit Jorekstad Waterpark, go hiking in the summer, or skiing in the winter.

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 Lillehammer Better for Couples?

Marseille and Lillehammer are both superb 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 Lillehammer frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The skiing and other winter activities are great for winter sport enthusiasts. During the summer months there's hiking and other outdoor fun.

Is Marseille or Lillehammer Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marseille and Lillehammer are both notable destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Marseille. It has a decent number of hostels for a city of its size.

Lillehammer is a good city to visit for backpackers. There's some camping and other affordable accommodation for backpackers in the area.

Is Marseille or Lillehammer Better for Students?

Marseille is well known for students. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Marseille is a great city to visit as a student. It attracts international students because of its rich culture, unique atmosphere, and lively bar scene.

It's common for students to visit Lillehammer. The city has a number of students and offers some great entertainment activities. The cost of living can be high though.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Marseille and Lillehammer.

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 Lillehammer, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

Is Marseille or Lillehammer a more walkable city?

Marseille is well known for its walkability. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Lillehammer is a somewhat walkable place. There are some pedestrian streets and pedestrian-friendly areas in town.

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

Should I spend more time in Lillehammer or Marseille?

How long in Marseille or Lillehammer?

It's fun to spend time in either Marseille or Lillehammer. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer.

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

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

One day in Marseille or Lillehammer?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Marseille. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the city of Lillehammer. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Lillehammer?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the energetic destination of Marseille. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find nightlife and food around the sporty destination of Lillehammer. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Lillehammer?

The energetic city of Marseille offers shopping and nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the natural city of Lillehammer. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Marseille or Lillehammer?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Marseille. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Lillehammer is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Marseille or Lillehammer?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Lillehammer. When comparing the sizes of Marseille and Lillehammer, 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.