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

Should you visit Marseille or Ventimiglia?

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

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

Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia is a traditional, understated, and classic seaside town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches.

Marseille and Ventimiglia: 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
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Marseille or Ventimiglia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Marseille. Although Marseille and Ventimiglia are popular destinations, Marseille has more sights and attractions for tourists. Marseille is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while Ventimiglia attracts visitors for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Marseille is more touristy than Ventimiglia and is popular for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. It is also well known for The Vieux Port. Ventimiglia is famous for its weekly market, colorful old town, and nice beaches.

How is Marseille different from Ventimiglia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Marseille
Ventimiglia

Marseille is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Ventimiglia. Italian classics are abundant including tiramisus, Italian pizzas, risotto alla milanese, and traditional lasagna. If you're in town on a Friday you should visit the local market which has stalls selling local produce and foods.


Is Marseille or Ventimiglia Better for Nightlife?

Marseille
Ventimiglia

Marseille is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Ventimiglia is a seaside town with minimal options 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Ventimiglia Most people don't head to town for the nightlife, but there are some bars where you can grab a drink or sip a glass of wine.

Is Marseille or Ventimiglia Better for Beaches?

Marseille
Ventimiglia

Both Marseille and Ventimiglia have nice beaches worth visiting.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Ventimiglia. The lungomare is a promenade along the sea that allows visitors to wander and take in waterfront views. Most of the beaches are free to access and have been influenced by the coastal erosion efforts which have led to a series of scalloped bays. If you reach the end of the lungomare you'll find a natural area where the Roya and Nervia rivers meet the ocean. This is also a popular spot for breeding birds.

Is Marseille or Ventimiglia Better for its Old Town?

Marseille
Ventimiglia

Marseille is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Ventimiglia 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Ventimiglia. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming pastel buildings. There are also a number of historic buildings and monuments that give the town a special atmosphere.


Is the Shopping Better in Marseille or Ventimiglia?

Marseille
Ventimiglia

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Marseille and Ventimiglia.

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.

Ventimiglia is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Most people head in town on Friday for the market, which has stalls selling crafts and local products.

Is Marseille or Ventimiglia Better for Christmas Markets?

Marseille
Ventimiglia

Marseille is a popular place for its Christmas markets. However, Ventimiglia 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.

Ventimiglia does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Marseille or Ventimiglia Better for Families?

Marseille
Ventimiglia

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

Ventimiglia is a family-friendly seaside town. The charming town is a great place for kids to explore. There is a botanical garden and hiking trails that the whole family can enjoy as well as quiet beaches where they can play. The Italian food is also perfect for young palates.

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 Ventimiglia Better for Couples?

Marseille
Ventimiglia

Marseille and Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This quintessential Italian town offers a romantic setting with cobblestone streets and pastel buildings. There are many culinary delights and romantic settings that are perfect for couples. The hiking trails and botanical gardens are also fun places to explore.

Is Marseille or Ventimiglia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marseille
Ventimiglia

Marseille is a popular place for backpackers. However, Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Marseille or Ventimiglia Better for Students?

Marseille
Ventimiglia

Marseille is a great destination for students. However, Ventimiglia 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.

Ventimiglia is not popular with students.


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

Marseille
Ventimiglia

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Marseille and Ventimiglia.

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 Ventimiglia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are trains and buses to town. Once you're in town it's easy to explore on foot.

Is Marseille or Ventimiglia a more walkable city?

Marseille
Ventimiglia

Marseille and Ventimiglia 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.

Ventimiglia is very walkable. It's small size and charming atmosphere make it a great town to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ventimiglia or Marseille?

How long in Marseille or Ventimiglia?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Marseille than Ventimiglia. 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 Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia? Ideal Length of Stay
    Marseille 2-3 
    Ventimiglia 1-2

One day in Marseille or Ventimiglia?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant 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.

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


A weekend in Marseille or Ventimiglia?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the energetic 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.

Ventimiglia is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. 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 seaside town has to offer. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Marseille or Ventimiglia?

The energetic 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.

Ventimiglia 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. 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 Ventimiglia?

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.

Ventimiglia 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 Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia is €121. 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 Ventimiglia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Marseille 71
    Ventimiglia 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Marseille 142
    Ventimiglia 102
Compare Hotels in Marseille and Ventimiglia

Looking for a hotel in Marseille or Ventimiglia? 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 Ventimiglia


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 Ventimiglia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Marseille 28
    Ventimiglia 49
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:

  • Aéroport Marseille Marignane : transfert Marseille centre: $81
  • Airport Marseille Transfer to Marseille Old Port: $127
  • Aix en Provence-Transfer from or to Marseille Airport: $115
  • Arles-Transfer From or To Airport MARSEILLE: $198
  • Arrival Private Transfer Marseille Airport MRS to Marseille city or Port by Van: $102
  • Arrival Transfer: MRS Airport to Marseille in Business Car: $110
  • Cannes Private Transfer to Marseille Airport: $619
  • Departure Private Transfer from Marseille city to Marseille Cruise Port by Van: $101
  • Marseille Airport (MRS) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Marseille Hotel or Address): $217
  • Marseille Airport (MRS) to (MPCT) Marseille Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $71
  • Marseille Airport (MRS) to Arles city - Arrival Private Transfer: $118
  • Marseille Airport (MRS) to Marseille - Arrival Private Transfer: $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Marseille or Ventimiglia?

Prices for flights to both Ventimiglia 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
    Ventimiglia 38
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ventimiglia

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ventimiglia.

  • Cooking Class Pesto Sauce: $76
  • Cooking Class Tiramisu': $88
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Sanremo with Show Cooking: $94
  • SANREMO FOOD TOUR - Authentic Ligurian street food and Medieval town: $96
  • Pizza Making Class in Sanremo: $142
  • Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Sanremo: $160
  • Sanremo Home Cooking Class: $224

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Marseille 38
    Ventimiglia 27

Tours and Activities in Marseille

For Marseille, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • Marseille:Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $4.34
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.34
  • Marseille Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.42
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.50
  • Panier District Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $8.68
  • Self-guided Like a Local Highlights Day Tour: $9.66
  • Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Game & Sightseeing: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Humorous and Informative Tour of the Historic Center of La Ciotat: $11
  • Mucem Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket: $12
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14

Tours and Activities in Ventimiglia

Here are a few actual costs in Ventimiglia for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1 Day road bike tour of Ligurian mountains from Italian Riviera : $77
  • Small Group E-bike Tour in the Ligurian Riviera with Lunch: $110
  • Vespa Tour in Sanremo for half a day: $94

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Marseille 27
    Ventimiglia 7.19

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

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


Which is Bigger, Marseille or Ventimiglia?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Ventimiglia. When comparing the sizes of Marseille and Ventimiglia, 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 Ventimiglia?

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 Ventimiglia in the Summer?

Both Ventimiglia and Marseille during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Marseille in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Ventimiglia for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

In Ventimiglia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marseille. In the summer, Marseille often gets more sunshine than Ventimiglia. Marseille gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ventimiglia receives 295 hours of full sun.

Marseille usually gets less rain in July than Ventimiglia. Marseille gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Marseille or Ventimiglia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Marseille and Ventimiglia. Most visitors come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Ventimiglia because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marseille usually receives more sunshine than Ventimiglia during autumn. Marseille gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Ventimiglia receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Ventimiglia receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Marseille usually receives less rain than Ventimiglia. Marseille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Marseille or Ventimiglia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Marseille as well as Ventimiglia. The winter months attract visitors to Marseille because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Ventimiglia this time of year.

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

In the winter, Marseille often gets more sunshine than Ventimiglia. Marseille gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ventimiglia receives 127 hours of full sun.

Marseille usually gets less rain in January than Ventimiglia. Marseille gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Marseille or Ventimiglia in the Spring?

Both Ventimiglia and Marseille are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marseille this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ventimiglia for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. Marseille usually receives more sunshine than Ventimiglia during spring. Marseille gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Ventimiglia receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Marseille usually receives less rain than Ventimiglia. Marseille gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Ventimiglia and Marseille

Marseille Ventimiglia
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)