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

Should you visit Marseille or New Orleans?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marseille or New Orleans, 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. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a energetic, fun-filled, and festive city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the food, nightlife, and live music.

Marseille and New Orleans: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marseille or New Orleans?

Visitors will generally find more to do in New Orleans than Marseille. While Marseille is larger than New Orleans, New Orleans has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. New Orleans is better known for its music and big city activities, while Marseille is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. New Orleans is more touristy than Marseille and is known for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. Also, New Orleans is famous for The French Quarter. Marseille is well known for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity.

The French Quarter

How is Marseille different from New Orleans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Foodies will find both Marseille and New Orleans both to be first-rate 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 New Orleans have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It has rapidly grown into one of the United State's most well known foodie destinations. It's the birthplace of bananas foster and popular for it's gumbo, crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. While there are a number of celebrity chefs from New Orleans, you'll also find many local restaurants that aren't as well known but are equally worth visiting.

Is Marseille or New Orleans Better for Nightlife?

Both Marseille and New Orleans have first-rate vibes after the sun sets.

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.

The nightlife in New Orleans is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The nightlife scene is at its best during Mardi Gras. But year-round you'll find Bachelor and Bachelorette parties, spring breakers, and anyone who wants to enjoy a crazy time heads to New Orleans. New Orleans is a destination that attracts partiers any time of the year, and the French Quarter is the place to be if you're looking for a party.

Is Marseille or New Orleans Better for Music?

New Orleans is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Marseille is not a live music destination.

New Orleans has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is known for its music festivals that feature jazz, blues, and many other types of live music. The Jazz Festival is a great time to visit.

Marseille is not a live music destination.

Is Marseille or New Orleans Better for Beaches?

Marseille is a city with good options for its beaches. However, New Orleans is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Marseille. The city has nice beaches that offer both culture and diversity, which may be lacking some other coastal parts of the French Riviera.

New Orleans is not a beach destination.

Is Marseille or New Orleans Better for its Old Town?

Marseille is a world-class destination for its historic old town. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of New Orleans. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Is the Shopping Better in Marseille or New Orleans?

Marseille is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Marseille. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

If you're looking to go shopping, New Orleans has some nice offerings. New Orleans shopping is mostly centered around shopping malls and chain stores.

Is Marseille or New Orleans Better for Christmas Markets?

Marseille is a city with good options for visiting Christmas markets. However, New Orleans does not offer Christmas markets.

Marseille is a nice place to see Christmas markets. The old town has a Christmas craft market where you can buy toys, Christmas treats, or decorations.

New Orleans does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Marseille or New Orleans Better for Families?

Neither Marseille nor New Orleans are considered to be the most family-friendly destination.

Marseille is not always a place people visit with their families. Nearby beaches and an outdoor climbing area make it a diverse city to visit with kids.

New Orleans doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. While there are some family-friendly activities in New Orleans like a zoo and several great parks, the city is more known for its parties and nightlife scene. Particularly during certain seasons, most people choose to visit New Orleans without kids.

Is Marseille or New Orleans Better for Couples?

Marseille is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

New Orleans makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy a lively evening, fun festivals, and exploring absolutely amazing restaurants will enjoy a visit to New Orleans. It has a festive and unique atmosphere any time of the year. There are also nice hotels and beautiful parks.

Is Marseille or New Orleans Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marseille is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for backpackers.

Marseille is a good city to visit for backpackers. It has a decent number of hostels for a city of its size.

New Orleans is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a handful of hostels in New Orleans that are good options for backpackers who want to meet other travelers.

Is Marseille or New Orleans Better for Students?

Marseille is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Marseille. It attracts international students because of its rich culture, unique atmosphere, and lively bar scene.

New Orleans is popular with students. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

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

Marseille is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its public transit.

Marseille has some public transit options. The city has trams, a metro, and buses that you can use to explore.

Public transit is generally limited in New Orleans. The city has streetcar lines and bus lines that you can use, but you'll want to have a car if you want to venture outside of these main areas.

Is Marseille or New Orleans a more walkable city?

Marseille is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

New Orleans is a somewhat walkable place. If you stick to the French Quarter and downtown areas, most things are walkable in New Orleans.

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

Should I spend more time in New Orleans or Marseille?

How long in Marseille or New Orleans?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Marseille than New Orleans. 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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the energetic 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 live music and food around the city of New Orleans. 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 New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant 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 food and nightlife around the vibrant destination of New Orleans. 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 New Orleans?

The vibrant 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 nightlife and live music when visiting the energetic city of New Orleans. 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 New Orleans?

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.

New Orleans 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 Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Marseille and New Orleans, we can see that New Orleans is more expensive. And not only is Marseille much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Marseille is in Europe and New Orleans is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 New Orleans would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New Orleans 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 New Orleans Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Marseille or New Orleans?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of New Orleans. When comparing the sizes of Marseille and New Orleans, 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 New Orleans?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Marseille or New Orleans in the Summer?

Both New Orleans and Marseille are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Marseille this time of year. Also, many travelers come to New Orleans for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Marseille is cooler than New Orleans. Typically, the summer temperatures in Marseille in July average around 24°C (75°F), and New Orleans averages at about 82°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in New Orleans. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. Marseille usually receives more sunshine than New Orleans during summer. Marseille gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 264 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. In July, Marseille usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Marseille gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Marseille or New Orleans in the Autumn?

Both New Orleans and Marseille during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to New Orleans in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Marseille is generally cooler than New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Marseille average around 16°C (61°F), and New Orleans fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

In New Orleans, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marseille. In the autumn, Marseille often gets less sunshine than New Orleans. Marseille gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 240 hours of full sun.

Marseille usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as New Orleans. Marseille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marseille or New Orleans in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Marseille and New Orleans. Many visitors come to Marseille in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to New Orleans for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Marseille is much colder than New Orleans in the winter. The daily temperature in Marseille averages around 7°C (44°F) in January, and New Orleans fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Marseille usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as New Orleans during winter. Marseille gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.

New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Marseille usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Marseille gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Marseille or New Orleans in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Marseille as well as New Orleans. Most visitors come to Marseille for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Marseille is much colder than New Orleans. Typically, the spring temperatures in Marseille in April average around 13°C (56°F), and New Orleans averages at about 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marseille this time of the year. In the spring, Marseille often gets around the same amount of sunshine as New Orleans. Marseille gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 254 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. Marseille usually gets less rain in April than New Orleans. Marseille gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for New Orleans and Marseille