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

Should you visit Marseille or San Remo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marseille or San Remo, 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. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

San Remo

San Remo is a scenic, authentic, and historic coastal city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Marseille and San Remo: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • 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 beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Marseille or San Remo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Marseille than San Remo. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Marseille is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while San Remo attracts visitors for its beaches. Marseille is more touristy than San Remo and is known for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. It is also well known for The Vieux Port. San Remo is famous for its olives, lemons, and flower market.

How is Marseille different from San Remo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Marseille
San Remo

Marseille is terrific for its restaurants. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Marseille is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, San Remo makes for a great culinary experience. The local restaurants are charming and sell a number of local specialties. Many traditional dishes are made with rabbit or chicken. There are also vegetable pies and sardenaira, which is a type of pizza that's made with tomatoes, garlic, and anchovies. Also make sure you pick up Baci di Sanremo, which are soft chocolate biscuits that are available in local bakeries.


Is Marseille or San Remo Better for Nightlife?

Marseille
San Remo

Marseille is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Marseille is a must-see 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.

San Remo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has a number of clubs and bars where you can enjoy a drink or hang out late into the evening. It's a pretty mellow nightlife scene, but there's still plenty of places to go as well as a local vibe that doesn't have the influx of tourists that you find in many of other Italian cities.

Is Marseille or San Remo Better for Beaches?

Marseille
San Remo

San Remo is an excellent place to visit for the beach. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

You'll have a great beach vacation in San Remo. The beautiful sandy beaches are nice to visit and it's possible to rent chairs and umbrellas in many places. The main beach in town is Spiaggia dei Porti. Other popular nearby beaches include Spiaggia dei tre ponti, which is a large public beach, and Cala degli Orsi, which is one of the most beautiful public beaches in the area.

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.

Is Marseille or San Remo Better for its Old Town?

Marseille
San Remo

Marseille is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Marseille has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of San Remo. The old quarter of Pigna is a Medieval area with narrow streets that feel as if they're frozen in time. The hills offer impressive city views and the area has a unique historic character.


Is the Shopping Better in Marseille or San Remo?

Marseille
San Remo

Marseille is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

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.

San Remo is a great destination for shopping. There are local and international brands as well as a shopping mall and outlets where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Marseille or San Remo Better for Christmas Markets?

Marseille
San Remo

Marseille is a popular place for visiting Christmas markets. However, San Remo does not offer Christmas markets.

Many visitors go to the Christmas markets in Marseille. The old town has a Christmas craft market where you can buy toys, Christmas treats, or decorations.

San Remo does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Marseille or San Remo Better for Families?

Marseille
San Remo

San Remo 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 San Remo. The area offers plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family will enjoy. There's horseback riding, hiking, rowing, snorkeling, cooking classes, farm tours and more. There are also a number of hotels in the area that have kid-friendly activities.

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 San Remo Better for Couples?

Marseille
San Remo

Marseille and San Remo are both very good 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 San Remo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's known as the city of flowers, and the many beautiful gardens make this a truly romantic place to visit. Couples will enjoy soaking up the city's history and enjoy the vibrant culture and outdoor activities that are available.

Is Marseille or San Remo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marseille
San Remo

Marseille is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, San Remo is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Marseille. It has a decent number of hostels for a city of its size.

San Remo is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in town, and most backpackers head to more popular Italian destinations. If you're looking for a more off-the-beaten path destination, then this may be your style.

Is Marseille or San Remo Better for Students?

Marseille
San Remo

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

Marseille is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It attracts international students because of its rich culture, unique atmosphere, and lively bar scene.

San Remo is not popular with students.


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

Marseille
San Remo

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Marseille and San Remo.

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 San Remo, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses around town.

Is Marseille or San Remo a more walkable city?

Marseille
San Remo

Marseille and San Remo are very good 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.

San Remo is very walkable. The old quarter is fun to explore on foot and there are a number of walking tours through town.

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

Should I spend more time in San Remo or Marseille?

How long in Marseille or San Remo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Marseille or San Remo to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Marseille than San Remo 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 San Remo.

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

Couples should spend more time in Marseille than San Remo. 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 San Remo 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.


  • How many days in Marseille or San Remo? Ideal Length of Stay
    Marseille 2-3 
    San Remo 1-2

One day in Marseille or San Remo?

The beautiful city of Marseille offers nightlife and food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find food and shopping around the coastal city of San Remo. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that San Remo has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Marseille or San Remo?

Marseille is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Marseille, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the historic destination of San Remo. 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 coastal city has to offer. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Marseille or San Remo?

Marseille is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic coastal city of San Remo. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Marseille or San Remo?

Marseille is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

San Remo is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, San Remo 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 San Remo is €152. 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 San Remo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Marseille 71
    San Remo 80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Marseille 142
    San Remo 160
Compare Hotels in Marseille and San Remo

Looking for a hotel in Marseille or San Remo? 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 San Remo


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 San Remo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Marseille 28
    San Remo 46
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

Is it cheaper to fly into Marseille or San Remo?

Prices for flights to both San Remo 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
    San Remo 44
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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Marseille 38
    San Remo 23

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Marseille 27
    San Remo 14

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


When comparing the travel costs between Marseille and San Remo, we can see that San Remo 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 San Remo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Marseille or San Remo?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of San Remo. When comparing the sizes of Marseille and San Remo, 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 San Remo?

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 San Remo in the Summer?

Both San Remo and Marseille are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Marseille in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to San Remo for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Marseille is around the same temperature as San Remo in the summer. The daily temperature in Marseille averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and San Remo fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in San Remo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. Marseille usually receives more sunshine than San Remo during summer. Marseille gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Marseille usually receives less rain than San Remo. Marseille gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Marseille 24°C (75°F) 
    San Remo 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Marseille or San Remo in the Autumn?

Both San Remo and Marseille during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to San Remo because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

It's quite sunny in Marseille. In the autumn, Marseille often gets more sunshine than San Remo. Marseille gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 183 hours of full sun.

San Remo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Marseille usually gets less rain in October than San Remo. Marseille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Marseille 16°C (61°F) 
    San Remo 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Marseille or San Remo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Marseille and San Remo. The winter months attract visitors to Marseille because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to San Remo this time of year.

In January, Marseille is generally cooler than San Remo. Daily temperatures in Marseille average around 7°C (44°F), and San Remo fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Marseille usually receives more sunshine than San Remo during winter. Marseille gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Marseille usually receives less rain than San Remo. Marseille gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Marseille 7°C (44°F) 
    San Remo 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Marseille or San Remo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Marseille as well as San Remo. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marseille this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to San Remo for the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marseille this time of the year. In the spring, Marseille often gets more sunshine than San Remo. Marseille gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 198 hours of full sun.

Marseille usually gets less rain in April than San Remo. Marseille gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Marseille 13°C (56°F) 
    San Remo 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for San Remo and Marseille

Marseille San Remo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 8°C (46°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 20°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 11°C (51°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)