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

Should you visit Marseille or Split?

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

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

Split

Split is a budget-friendly, historic, and active city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Marseille and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marseille or Split?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Split than Marseille. While Marseille is larger than Split, Split has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Split is more popular for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Marseille is known for its food, historical sights, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Split is more touristy than Marseille and is known for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. It is also home to Diocletian's Palace. Marseille is popular for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity.

How is Marseille different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Split 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 Split can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with historical sights, some of which were used in the shooting of the famed television series, Game of Thrones. Highlights include Diocletian's Palace, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, and the Ivan Mestrovic Gallery.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Marseille is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Split 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 Split is an experience not to be missed. It's the second largest city in Croatia and the food scene reflects this. You'll find a mix of Dalmatian restaurants and international options. There's also everything from fine dining to local taverns, so whatever your budget or food preference, you won't be disappointed.

Is Marseille or Split Better for Nightlife?

Both Marseille and Split have world-class 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 Split is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It has some of the best nightlife on mainland Croatia. Backpackers and students flock to this city for its parties and nightclubs. There's a great live music scene as well as DJs who keep the party going well into the early morning.

Is Marseille or Split Better for Resorts?

Split is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Marseille is not a resort destination.

Split is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. You'll find a mix of popular resort chains, local boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels. Whatever your budget or travel style there are options available.

Marseille is not a resort destination.

Is Marseille or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Marseille is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Split to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. Some of the best snorkeling is found around the Kornati Islands. There are many boat trips that take visitors to some of the best snorkeling spots near Split.

Marseille is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marseille or Split Better for Beaches?

Split 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 Split. There are many beaches in the area that are a mix of pebbly or sandy. Many have restaurants or bars nearby and the vibe is social and laid back. Some of the best beaches near town are Bacvice Beach, Žnjan Beach, and Kasjuni Beach.

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 Split Better for its Old Town?

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

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.

Split offers a nice historic old town area. The old town spreads out from Diocletian's Palace and People's Square. It's filled with cobblestone streets and restaurants that spill into the outdoors.

Is the Shopping Better in Marseille or Split?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Marseille and Split.

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.

Split is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping and sightseeing are intermixed in town. Make sure you don't miss the Old Market, which is the city's main outdoor market. There are many shops all through the old town as well.

Is Marseille or Split Better for Christmas Markets?

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

Split does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Marseille or Split Better for Families?

Split 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 Split. With its parks, beaches, and outdoor activities, kids will love this spot. Zvonac Park is one of the best in town for kids. Young kids will appreciate the Dinasour Playground. Also make sure you allow time to explore Diocletian's Palace and Klis Fortress. There are also beaches and other water activities that are fun for the whole family.

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 Split Better for Couples?

Split is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Split has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's not uncommon for couples to choose Split as their honeymoon destination. The old town is filled with character and charm. There are also parks where you can enjoy a picnic and beaches where you can soak up the fun of the Adriatic Sea. Cafes serving local cuisine spill into the streets and the old world charm offers a romantic ambiance that can only be found in Croatia.

Couples visit Marseille frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Strolling the boulevards and exploring the history and culture of this city make it a top couples' destination.

Is Marseille or Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Split is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Split, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. There's no shortage of hostels in town. This is a not-to-be-missed backpacker destination in Croatia and the social scene, beaches, water activities, and history all make Split a highlight for many backpackers.

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 Split Better for Students?

Both Marseille and Split are great destinations for students.

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.

Students come from all over to stay in Split. It's easy to visit on a student's budget. There are plenty of hostels and a huge party scene that bring backpackers and students together.

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

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

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 Split, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are bus services that will help you get around town.

Is Marseille or Split a more walkable city?

Marseille and Split 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.

Split is very walkable. The city is laid out in a pedestrian-friendly way so it's easy to explore on foot, particularly in the old town. It's also easy to get lost, but that's all part of the fun.

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

Should I spend more time in Split or Marseille?

How long in Marseille or Split?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Split than Marseille. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Split that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Split 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 Split.

One day in Marseille or Split?

In Marseille, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this vibrant destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Split. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Split?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marseille. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the touristy destination of Split. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Split?

Marseille is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Marseille. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the budget-friendly city of Split. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Marseille or Split?

You'll find nightlife and food around the vibrant destination of Marseille. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Split is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Marseille or Split?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Split. When comparing the sizes of Marseille and Split, 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 Split?

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 Split in the Summer?

Both Split 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 Split in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Marseille is generally cooler than Split. Daily temperatures in Marseille average around 24°C (75°F), and Split fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Split. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. Marseille usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Split during summer. Marseille gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Marseille usually receives less rain than Split. Marseille gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Marseille or Split in the Autumn?

Both Split 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. Also, most visitors come to Split for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Marseille is cooler than Split in the autumn. The daily temperature in Marseille averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Split fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marseille. In the autumn, Marseille often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Split. Marseille gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun.

Marseille usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Split. Marseille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marseille or Split in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Marseille is cooler than Split. Typically, the winter temperatures in Marseille in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Split averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Marseille usually receives more sunshine than Split during winter. Marseille gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Marseille or Split in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Marseille as well as Split. The spring months attract visitors to Marseille because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Split this time of year.

In April, Marseille is generally cooler than Split. Daily temperatures in Marseille average around 13°C (56°F), and Split fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Split. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marseille this time of the year. In the spring, Marseille often gets more sunshine than Split. Marseille gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun.

Marseille usually gets less rain in April than Split. Marseille gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Split and Marseille