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

Should you visit Marseille or Naples?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marseille or Naples, 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. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Naples

Naples is a fascinating, historic, and authentic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Marseille and Naples: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marseille or Naples?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Naples than Marseille. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Naples is very popular for its museums and big city activities, while Marseille attracts visitors for its nightlife, beaches, historical sights, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Marseille is more touristy than Naples and is popular for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. Naples is famous for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. It is also well known for Piazza del Plebiscito.

How is Marseille different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Naples is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Naples can be an interesting and educational experience. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Marseille and Naples both to be amazing 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 Naples have been singled out for their culinary prowess. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

Is Marseille or Naples Better for Nightlife?

Marseille is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

Many people head to Naples for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

Is Marseille or Naples Better for Beaches?

Marseille is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Naples 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.

Naples is not a beach destination.

Is Marseille or Naples Better for its Old Town?

Marseille is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its 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.

Naples is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

Is the Shopping Better in Marseille or Naples?

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Marseille and Naples.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Marseille. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

Naples is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

Is Marseille or Naples Better for Christmas Markets?

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

Naples does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Marseille or Naples Better for Families?

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

Naples is a family-friendly city. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

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 Naples Better for Couples?

Marseille and Naples 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 Naples frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

Is Marseille or Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Naples 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 Naples. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

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 Naples Better for Students?

Marseille is well known for students. Also, Naples 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 Naples. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

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

Naples is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Naples can get you to most places easily. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

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.

Is Marseille or Naples a more walkable city?

Marseille and Naples are superb 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.

Naples is very walkable. The historic center is flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Naples or Marseille?

How long in Marseille or Naples?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Marseille and Naples. In our opinion, Marseille has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Marseille than Naples. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Marseille, and 1-3 days is enough time in Naples.

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

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

One day in Marseille or Naples?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Marseille. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

People visit Naples because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Naples has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Marseille or Naples?

Marseille is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

People visit Naples because there is so much to do. 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.

Five days in Marseille or Naples?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marseille. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic city of Naples. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Marseille or Naples?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant destination of Marseille. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Naples 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Marseille and Naples, we can see that Marseille is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Marseille or Naples?

Naples has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Marseille. When comparing the sizes of Marseille and Naples, 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 Naples?

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 Naples in the Summer?

Both Naples and Marseille during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Marseille because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Naples this time of year.

Marseille is around the same temperature as Naples in the summer. The daily temperature in Marseille averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Naples fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Naples, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marseille. In the summer, Marseille often gets more sunshine than Naples. Marseille gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 313 hours of full sun.

Marseille usually gets less rain in July than Naples. Marseille gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Naples receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marseille or Naples in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Marseille and Naples. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Marseille this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Naples for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Marseille is around the same temperature as Naples. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marseille in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Naples averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marseille usually receives more sunshine than Naples during autumn. Marseille gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Naples receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Marseille usually receives less rain than Naples. Marseille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Naples receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marseille or Naples in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Marseille as well as Naples. Many travelers come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Naples in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Marseille is generally cooler than Naples. Daily temperatures in Marseille average around 7°C (44°F), and Naples fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Marseille often gets more sunshine than Naples. Marseille gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Naples. Marseille usually gets less rain in January than Naples. Marseille gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Naples receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marseille or Naples in the Spring?

Both Naples and Marseille are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Marseille in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Naples for the activities around the city during these months.

Marseille is around the same temperature as Naples in the spring. The daily temperature in Marseille averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Naples fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. Marseille usually receives more sunshine than Naples during spring. Marseille gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Marseille usually receives less rain than Naples. Marseille gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Naples receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Naples and Marseille