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

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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

Nice
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Marseille
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Cons
  • Less family-friendly


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 Nice or Marseille better for Food?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at great 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.

Nice
Marseille


Is Nice or Marseille better for Nightlife?

Both Nice and Marseille are comparable 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.

Nice
Marseille

Is Nice or Marseille better for Beaches?

Both Nice and Marseille are considered to be good beach destinations.

The beaches at Nice attract visitors from all over. 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.

Marseille offers a nice beach destination. The city has nice beaches that offer both culture and diversity, which may be lacking some other coastal parts of the French Riviera.

Nice
Marseille

Is Nice or Marseille better for its Old Town?

Both Nice and Marseille have historic old towns worth visiting.

Nice is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Marseille offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Nice
Marseille

Is Nice or Marseille better for Shopping?

Both Nice and Marseille are good 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.

Nice
Marseille


Is Nice or Marseille better for Families?

Both Nice and Marseille are fun to visit with kids.

Nice is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 is not always a place people visit with their families. Nearby beaches and an outdoor climbing area make it a diverse city to visit with kids.

Nice
Marseille

Is Nice or Marseille better for Couples?

Both Nice and Marseille are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Nice is a great seaside destination for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

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.

Nice
Marseille

Is Nice or Marseille better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Nice and Marseille are popular 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.

Nice
Marseille

Is Nice or Marseille better for Public Transit?

Both Nice and Marseille offer public transit options.

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

Marseille has some public transit options. The city has trams, a metro, and buses that you can use to explore.

Nice
Marseille


Is Nice or Marseille a more walkable city?

Nice and Marseille both are comparable when exploring on foot.

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

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.

Nice
Marseille

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 Marseille.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Nice is 3-5 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Marseille is 2-3 days.


  • How many days in Nice or Marseille? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nice 3-5 
    Marseille 2-3

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 around the area. 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 glamourous 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 spend here. The entire area has lots to do.

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 energetic 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 vibrant 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.

Which city is cheaper, Marseille or Nice?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Nice is €105, while the average daily cost in Marseille is €117. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Nice and Marseille in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nice €47
    Marseille €56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nice €94
    Marseille €112

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nice €20
    Marseille €23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nice

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nice:

  • Your VIP transfer from Chambery Airport to Avoriaz (Mercedes V-class): $746
  • Ultra - Private Airport Transfer from Nice Airport NCE to Cannes City Centre: $9.46
  • Ultra - Nice Private Airport Transfer from Nice Cruise Port to Nice Airport NCE: $9.46
  • Ultra - Nice Private Airport Transfer from Nice Airport NCE to Cruise Port: $9.46
  • Ultra - Nice Private Airport Transfer from Nice Airport NCE to City Centre: $9.46
  • Ultra - Nice Private Airport Transfer from City Centre to Nice Airport NCE: $9.46
  • Transfer: Nice Airport to Monaco: $168
  • Transfer from the airport to Nice city center or from Nice to the airport: $50
  • Transfer from Nice Airport to Villefranche Port: $50
  • Transfer from Nice Airport to Nice: $61
  • Transfer from Les Baux de Provence to Nice Airport: $889
  • Transfer Nice Côte d'Azur International Airport to Monaco: $160

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:

  • Ultra - Marseille Private Transfer from City Centre to Marseille Cruise Port: $9.41
  • Ultra - Marseille Private Transfer from Marseille Cruise Port to City Centre: $9.41
  • Ultra - Marseille Private Airport Transfer from Cruise Port to Marseille Airport: $9.41
  • Ultra - Marseille Private Airport Transfer from City Centre to Marseille Airport: $9.41
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Marseille Cruise Port to Marseille City Center: $29
  • Private Departure Transfer from Marseille City Center to Marseille Cruise Port: $29
  • Private Business Car Arrival Transfer: Marseille Cruise Port to Marseille city: $41
  • Private Business Car Departure Transfer: Marseille city Marseille Cruise Port: $41
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Marseille to Marseille Airport (MRS): $50
  • Private Transfer from Marseille Cruise Port Terminal to Marseille Airport (MRS): $51
  • Private Business Van Departure Transfer: Marseille city to Marseille Cruise Port: $55
  • Private Business Car Transfer: Marseille city or Port to Marseille Airport MRS: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Nice or Marseille?

Prices for flights to both Marseille and Nice 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
    Nice €39
    Marseille €34
Typical Food prices in Nice

Some typical examples of dining costs in Nice are as follows:


  • Slushee
    €2.50
  • Strawberries
    €4.00
  • Loaf of Bread
    €3.20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nice

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

  • Mamaz Social Food Lamb Dinner: $38
  • French dinner with a Mediterranean touch in the heart of Nice: $44
  • Mediterranean Cooking Class & Dinner with View of Nice: $49
  • Nice Food Tour: $50
  • Garden-Fresh Dinner with a View of Nice: $54
  • Provencal cuisine cooking class and meal in Nice: $77
  • Mediterranean fish dinner in Nice: $79
  • Nice Small-Group Walking Food Tour with Local Specialties & Wine Tasting: $87
  • Food Tour Specialities Half-day from Nice Small-Group: $95
  • Nice Small Group Half-Day Walking Food Tour with Lunch: $100
  • Small-group French Cooking Experience in Saint-Jeannet: $114
  • Nice Afternoon Walking Food Tour with Dinner: $118

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:

  • 3-Hour Shore Excursion Walking Food Tour: $85
  • Cool Food Tour and Street art Marseille: $106
  • Great Marseille Food Tour Experience: $107
  • Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $108
  • Food Tour Excursion in Provence !: $771

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nice €9.45
    Marseille €30

Tours and Activities in Nice

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nice are as follows:

  • 1-Hour Nice City Private Tour by Vintage Car: $248
  • 100% Nice - Private Premium Tour: $834
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour of Nice: $210
  • 3-Hour Private Bike Tour of Nice: $56
  • 4-Hour Cannes Private Tour by Classic Car from Nice: $584
  • 4-Hour Nice City Tour: $373
  • 4-Hour Nice City Tour: $373
  • 4-Hour Nice City Tour: $373
  • 5-Hour Evening Tour to Monaco & Monte-Carlo: $467
  • 5-Hour Evening Tour to Monaco & Monte-Carlo: $467
  • 5-Hrs Private Monte-Carlo Night Tour: $467
  • 6-Hour Private French Riviera Tour for Families from Nice: $647

Tours and Activities in Marseille

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

  • Marseille Walking Tour - The Other Side: $1.24
  • Marseille Walking Tour - La Panier: $1.24
  • Mucem Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket: $12
  • Le Panier - Walking Tour of Marseille's Historic Neighborhood: $15
  • City Segway Tour - Explore the Panier neighborhood in an unexpected way: $25
  • Marseille Segway Tour - Explore the Panier neighborhood in an unexpected way: $25
  • Panier Neighborhood 1-Hour Segway Tour: $34
  • City Segway Tour - Discover the beauty of the Pharo Palace and its neighborhood: $37
  • Marseille Segway Tour - Discover the beauty of the Pharo Palace and its neighborhood: $37
  • Marseille Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $39
  • Marseille Smalll Group Electric Bike Tour: $41
  • Calanques Picnic Cruise: $44

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nice €13
    Marseille €22

Sample the Local Flavors in Nice

Also in Nice, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Nice Bar Crawl and Clubbing: $25
  • Cheese and Wine Tasting in an awesome apartment in the heart of Nice: $62
  • Half-Day Saint Paul de Vence and Wine Tasting Tour from Nice: $74
  • Half-Day Wine Tasting and Saint Paul de Vence Tour from Nice: $81
  • Nice Local Vineyards Small Group Half Day E-Bike Tour with Wine Tasting: $100
  • Full Day Tour of French Riviera Perched Villages and Wine Tasting from St Jeannet: $118
  • Nice Evening Food & Wine Tasting Tour with a Local: $124
  • Grasse, Gourdon, Valbonne and Wine Tasting Full-day from Nice Small-Group Tour: $136
  • Côtes de Provence Wine Tour from Nice: $141
  • Wine tour of Provence vineyards in the hills of Nice: $153
  • Full-day Wine Tour in Bellet & Saint-Paul de Vence from Nice: $156
  • Calanques of Cassis, Aix-en-Provence & Wine tasting Shared Tour from Nice: $180

Sample the Local Flavors in Marseille

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Marseille:

  • Aix en Provence Full-Day Wine Tour from Marseille: $137
  • Full-Day Wine Tour around Luberon from Marseille: $137
  • Full-day Wine Tour around Bandol & Cassis from Marseille: $137
  • Marseille Shore Excursion - Full Day Wine Tour in Provence: $137
  • Marseille Shore Excursion - Private Full Day Wine Tour in Provence: $348
  • Provence wine tour of vineyards & the best foods & wine of Provence private tour: $404
  • Provence Private Wine Tasting Tour from Marseille: $435
  • Wine tour of Châteauneuf du Pape, gastronomy, wines & joie de vivre private tour: $435
  • Aix en Povence Private Half Day Tour including Wine Tasting from Marseille: $523
  • Coteaux d'Aix: Ste Victoire Wine Tour & Cezanne Mill Visit: $567
  • Bandol Wine Tour - 4 hour Private tour: $650
  • Coteaux D'Aix : Half Day Wine Tour: $650

About these numbers

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.


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 are around 23°C (73°F), and Marseille is 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.


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

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. Temperatures in Nice average around 17°C (63°F), and Marseille stays 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. At this time of the year, Nice gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain.


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

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 temperature in Nice is usually 9°C (48°F) in January, and Marseille stays 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.


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

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 are around 13°C (56°F), and Marseille is about 13°C (56°F).

In April, Nice usually receives more rain than Marseille. At this time of the year, Nice gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain.


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

Typical Weather for Marseille and Nice

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


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