A Travel Price Comparison for France Nice vs. Marseille for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Nice 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 Nice 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.

Nice

Nice is a trendy, chic, and glamourous seaside destination. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Marseille

Marseille is a energetic and vibrant city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Nice and Marseille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nice or Marseille?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Nice than Marseille. While Marseille is larger than Nice, Nice has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nice is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Marseille is known for its historical sights and christmas markets. Nice is more touristy than Marseille and is popular for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. It is also home to The Promenade des Anglais. Marseille is popular for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity.

How is Nice different from Marseille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at first-rate restaurants in both Nice and Marseille.

Many restaurants in Nice have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

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.

Is Nice or Marseille Better for Nightlife?

Both Nice and Marseille are first-rate when it comes to partying.

Nice is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

Marseille has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Is Nice or Marseille Better for Resorts?

Nice is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Marseille is not a resort destination.

Nice offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Marseille is not a resort destination.

Is Nice or Marseille Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Marseille is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Nice has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Marseille is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nice or Marseille Better for Beaches?

Nice 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 Nice. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

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 Nice or Marseille Better for its Old Town?

Marseille is renowned for its old town. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for its historic old town charm.

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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Nice. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Is the Shopping Better in Nice or Marseille?

Both Nice and Marseille are high quality shopping destinations.

Nice is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

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.

Is Nice or Marseille Better for Christmas Markets?

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

Nice does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Nice or Marseille Better for Families?

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

Nice is a family-friendly seaside destination. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

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 Nice or Marseille Better for Couples?

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

Nice has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

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 Nice or Marseille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Nice and Marseille are good destinations for backpackers.

Nice is a good seaside destination to visit for backpackers. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

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

Is Nice or Marseille Better for Students?

Marseille is a well-known place for students. However, Nice is not popular with students.

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

Nice is not popular with students.

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

Nice is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Nice can get you to most places easily. There are both buses and trams.

You'll find some public transit in Marseille, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has trams, a metro, and buses that you can use to explore.

Is Nice or Marseille a more walkable city?

Nice is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Nice. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

Marseille is very walkable. 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 Nice Worth Visiting? and Is Marseille Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Marseille or Nice?

How long in Nice or Marseille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nice and Marseille. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nice than in Marseille. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Nice, and 2-3 days is enough time in Marseille.

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

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

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

One day in Nice or Marseille?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the quaint seaside destination of Nice. 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Marseille. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Nice or Marseille?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the chic destination of Nice. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This seaside destination offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Marseille is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Nice or Marseille?

You'll find nightlife and food around the glamourous seaside destination of Nice. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this seaside destination makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this seaside destination has to offer.

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant destination of Marseille. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Nice or Marseille?

Nice 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.

The energetic city of Marseille offers shopping and nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best 2-Week Tours in France, and The Best River Cruises in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Nice or Marseille?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Nice. When comparing the sizes of Nice 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 Nice 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 Nice or Marseille in the Summer?

Both Marseille and Nice during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Nice for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Marseille because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nice is around the same temperature as Marseille. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nice in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Marseille averages at about 24°C (75°F).

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

Should I visit Nice or Marseille in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nice and Marseille. The autumn months attract visitors to Nice because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Marseille this time of year.

In October, Nice is generally around the same temperature as Marseille. Daily temperatures in Nice average around 17°C (63°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Nice gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nice usually receives more rain than Marseille. Nice gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nice or Marseille in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nice as well as Marseille. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Nice this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Nice is a little warmer than Marseille in the winter. The daily temperature in Nice averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Marseille fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

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

Should I visit Nice or Marseille in the Spring?

Both Marseille and Nice are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nice for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Marseille in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Nice is around the same temperature as Marseille. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nice in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Marseille averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In April, Nice usually receives more rain than Marseille. Nice gets 62 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 Nice