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

Should you visit Messina or Marseille?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Messina and Marseille can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Messina

Messina is a local, historic, and bustling port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Marseille

Marseille is a energetic and vibrant city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Messina and Marseille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Marseille?

You'll generally find more things to do in Marseille than Messina. Marseille is bigger than Messina, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Marseille is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Messina is more popular for its museums and big city activities. Marseille is more touristy than Messina and is popular for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. Also, Marseille is famous for The Vieux Port. Messina is well known for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry.

How is Messina different from Marseille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Messina or Marseille?

Messina is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Messina. There are a number of historic sights around town including the Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo, the Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock, Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, and the Regional Museum. There are also many ornate fountains around town.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Marseille is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Marseille have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.

Messina has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city's cuisine is a mix of the cultures that have influenced Sicily over the centuries. The city has a longstanding fishing industry and one of the most popular dishes are swordfish rolls. Also try the pidone (similar to calzones with different fillings), and the focaccia (a local bread).

Is Messina or Marseille Better for Nightlife?

Marseille is renowned for nightlife. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Marseille is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Many people head to Messina for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the old town and you'll find a mix of locals and tourists hanging out in pubs and bars. During the summer months there are often free outdoor concerts to enjoy.

Is Messina or Marseille Better for Beaches?

Marseille is a city with good options for its beaches. However, Messina is not particularly known for the beache.

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.

You can check out the beach in Messina. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.

Is Messina or Marseille Better for its Old Town?

Marseille is renowned for its historic old town. However, Messina does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Marseille is one of the most recognized in 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.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Marseille?

Marseille is well known for shopping. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Marseille is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Messina. The best shopping is around Piazza Cairoli with the main shopping streets being Viale Europa and Viale San Martino. There are many small boutiques that have cheaper prices than some of the more upscale Sicilian towns.

Is Messina or Marseille Better for Christmas Markets?

Marseille is a city with good options for its Christmas markets. However, Messina 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.

Messina does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Messina or Marseille Better for Families?

Messina 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 Messina. There are a number outdoor activities that kids will enjoy including Parco Avventura Dei Peloritani, which has ropes and obstacle courses. There's also the Karting Center, which is fun for the whole family, or a small aquarium in town. If you're looking for an excursion outside of town, head to Cascata Cataolo waterfall, which 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 Messina or Marseille Better for Couples?

Marseille is well known for romance. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Messina makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors see the city as an arrival or departure point for Sicily, but those couples who linger will appreciate a number of historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Is Messina or Marseille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Messina and Marseille are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Messina is a good port city to visit for backpackers. If you're traveling by train or ferry, you'll likely arrive or depart from this city. There are a number of hostels and cheap guesthouses around town that offer affordable accommodation.

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

Is Messina or Marseille Better for Students?

Marseille is well known for students. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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

It's common for students to visit Messina. There are a few study abroad opportunities that bring international students to town. The city also have good transportation connections and a friendly atmosphere that is welcoming to students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Messina and Marseille.

You'll find some public transit in Messina, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. If your legs are tired then there's an efficient bus system that you can use.

While Marseille offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has trams, a metro, and buses that you can use to explore.

Is Messina or Marseille a more walkable city?

Messina and Marseille both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Messina is very walkable. Most of the city's attractions can be reached on foot and the port is a ten to fifteen minute walk from Piazza del Duomo.

Marseille is a very walkable port city. The Old Port (Vieux Port) is particularly walkable and is one of the best areas to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Marseille or Messina?

How long in Messina or Marseille?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Marseille than Messina 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 Messina or Marseille?

You'll find shopping and museums around the port city of Messina. 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.

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.

A weekend in Messina or Marseille?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Messina. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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.

Five days in Messina or Marseille?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the local port city of Messina. 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.

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.

A week in Messina or Marseille?

Messina 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Messina or Marseille?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Messina. When comparing the sizes of Messina and Marseille, 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 Messina or Marseille?

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 Messina or Marseille in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Messina as well as Marseille. Most visitors come to Messina for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Marseille because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Messina is generally a little warmer than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 27°C (80°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Messina this time of the year. In the summer, Messina often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets more rain in July than Marseille. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Marseille in the Autumn?

Both Marseille and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Messina because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Marseille this time of year.

Messina is a little warmer than Marseille in the autumn. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Marseille fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Marseille. Messina usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during autumn. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Messina. In October, Messina usually receives more rain than Marseille. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Messina or Marseille in the Winter?

Both Marseille and Messina during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Messina this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Messina is much warmer than Marseille. Typically, the winter temperatures in Messina in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Marseille averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Messina often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually gets more rain in January than Marseille. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Marseille in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Marseille. Many travelers come to Messina for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Marseille in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Messina is generally a little warmer than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 16°C (60°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marseille this time of the year. In Messina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Messina usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during spring. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Messina usually receives more rain than Marseille. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Marseille and Messina