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

Should you visit Marseille or Ravenna?

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

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

Ravenna

Ravenna is a off-the-beaten-path, charming, and authentic town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Marseille and Ravenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marseille or Ravenna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Marseille than Ravenna, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Marseille is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Ravenna is known for its museums and small town charm. Marseille is more touristy than Ravenna and is known for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. It is also home to The Vieux Port. Ravenna is popular for its many stunning mosaics which date back to the early Christian and Byzantine empires.

How is Marseille different from Ravenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ravenna 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 Ravenna can be an interesting and educational experience. Most sights in town are centered around the the beautiful mosaics. Neonian Baptistery is a good place to begin your visit. Other highlights include San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Marseille is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Ravenna 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 Ravenna is an experience not to be missed. The region is most known for its first course dishes, so pasta lovers will enjoy dining on homemade egg pasta dishes that are served with meat or cheese sauces. You'll also find lots of grilled meats and many great desserts.

Is Marseille or Ravenna Better for Nightlife?

Marseille is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Marseille is a world class party destination. 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.

Ravenna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find most of the pubs and clubs in town around Marina di Ravenna. There are a couple of places that attract a crowd, but many are open only during the summer months.

Is Marseille or Ravenna Better for Beaches?

Marseille is a good destination for the beache. However, Ravenna is not a beach destination.

Marseille offers a nice beach destination. The city has nice beaches that offer both culture and diversity, which may be lacking some other coastal parts of the French Riviera.

Ravenna is not a beach destination.

Is Marseille or Ravenna Better for its Old Town?

Marseille is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Marseille can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Marseille or Ravenna?

Marseille is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ravenna 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 Ravenna to go shopping. There are some nice shopping streets in town where you can buy locally made mosaics. You'll also find art studios and artisan shops, as well as your typical souvenir shops and clothing stores. Via Cavour, via Diaz, and via Cairoli are some of the most popular shopping streets.

Is Marseille or Ravenna Better for Christmas Markets?

Marseille is a good destination for visiting Christmas markets. However, Ravenna 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.

Ravenna does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Marseille or Ravenna Better for Families?

Ravenna 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 Ravenna. In town you'll find mosaics, museums, and a charming town, and ten kilometers outside of town you'll find Italy's largest amusement park - Mirabilandia. The city is also filled with parks where kids can explore and learn, and the food, like any Italian city, is very kid-friendly.

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 Ravenna Better for Couples?

Marseille and Ravenna 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 Ravenna frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Many visitors to Italy don't add this charming town to their itinerary, but for couples who want to experience a small town setting with beautiful art and architecture, then Ravenna is a great option. There are parks to explore and great restaurants to experience as well.

Is Marseille or Ravenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marseille and Ravenna are both good destinations for backpackers.

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

Ravenna is a good city to visit for backpackers. It's a bit off-the-beaten path, so you won't find a large number of hostels or a lot of backpackers to hang out with. That doesn't mean it won't make a great addition to your itinerary though.

Is Marseille or Ravenna Better for Students?

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

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

Ravenna is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Marseille and Ravenna.

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 Ravenna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses in and around town are managed by START ROMAGNA and offer access to many nearby towns.

Is Marseille or Ravenna a more walkable city?

Marseille and Ravenna 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.

Ravenna is very walkable. There are care-free areas to the town that can only be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ravenna or Marseille?

How long in Marseille or Ravenna?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Marseille or Ravenna to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Marseille than Ravenna because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Marseille, and 1-2 days is enough time in Ravenna.

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

Couples should spend more time in Marseille than Ravenna. 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 Ravenna 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 Ravenna?

In Marseille, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Even though Ravenna is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ravenna has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Marseille or Ravenna?

In Marseille, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Marseille has to offer.

Ravenna is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. 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 Ravenna?

Marseille is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Ravenna 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. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Marseille or Ravenna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marseille. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Marseille. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Ravenna 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Marseille or Ravenna?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Ravenna. When comparing the sizes of Marseille and Ravenna, 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 Ravenna?

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 Ravenna in the Summer?

Both Ravenna and Marseille are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Marseille for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Ravenna in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Marseille is generally around the same temperature as Ravenna. Daily temperatures in Marseille average around 24°C (75°F), and Ravenna fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In July, Marseille usually receives less rain than Ravenna. Marseille gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Marseille or Ravenna in the Autumn?

Both Ravenna and Marseille during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Marseille in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Ravenna for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.

Marseille is a little warmer than Ravenna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Marseille averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Ravenna fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Marseille usually gets more rain in October than Ravenna. Marseille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marseille or Ravenna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Marseille and Ravenna. Most visitors come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Ravenna because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Ravenna can be very cold. In the winter, Marseille is much warmer than Ravenna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Marseille in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Ravenna averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In January, Marseille usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ravenna. Marseille gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Marseille or Ravenna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Marseille as well as Ravenna. The spring months attract visitors to Marseille because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, the small town charm are the main draw to Ravenna this time of year.

In April, Marseille is generally a little warmer than Ravenna. Daily temperatures in Marseille average around 13°C (56°F), and Ravenna fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Marseille usually gets less rain in April than Ravenna. Marseille gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ravenna and Marseille