A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Orkney Islands vs. Marseille for Food, Beaches, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Orkney Islands or Marseille?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Orkney Islands and Marseille can help you decide which place is right for you.

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a remote, serene, and tranquil archipelago. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and museums.

Marseille

Marseille is a energetic and vibrant city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Orkney Islands and Marseille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Marseille?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Marseille. Although Orkney Islands and Marseille are popular destinations, Marseille has more sights and attractions for tourists. Marseille is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while Orkney Islands attracts visitors for its museums, beaches, and hiking. Marseille is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is known for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. It is also well known for The Vieux Port. Orkney Islands is famous for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

How is Orkney Islands different from Marseille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Orkney Islands or Marseille?

Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands. The islands is home to a number of archaeological ruins including the stone age village of Skara Brae and the neolithic chambered cairn of Maes Howee. Also check out impressive Ring of Brodgar stone circle as well as the oldest dwelling in the UK, the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Marseille is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Marseille has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Orkney Islands makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find so many local products on the islands. It's famous for its local beef, lamb, salmon, and seafood, but you'll also find cheeses and produce. There are two breweries on the island as well. Many people pick up some items that they take home with them.

Is Orkney Islands or Marseille Better for Nightlife?

Marseille is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Marseille Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands. The archipelago has hundreds of miles of beaches that feel serene and remote. If you're looking for a tranquil setting that is natural and untouched, you'll have many to choose from. Some of the best beaches on the islands include Tresness Beach, Grobust Beach, and Sands of Evie 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 Orkney Islands or Marseille Better for its Old Town?

Marseille is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Orkney Islands 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.

Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

Is Orkney Islands or Marseille Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Marseille is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Orkney Islands. Rolling hills and rugged landscapes make for relaxing and beautiful walks. There are also many archaeological ruins that you can explore. Favorite hikes in the area include Balfour Village and Mill Dam, Birsay Whalebone, and Birwick to Barth Head.

Marseille is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or Marseille?

Marseille is great for its shopping areas. However, Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Marseille Better for Christmas Markets?

Marseille is very good for visiting Christmas markets. However, Orkney Islands does not offer Christmas markets.

Marseille offers some nice Christmas markets. The old town has a Christmas craft market where you can buy toys, Christmas treats, or decorations.

Orkney Islands does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Orkney Islands or Marseille Better for Families?

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

Orkney Islands is a family-friendly archipelago. Exploring the beaches is one of the best way to spend your days with kids. There are also several places you can take the kids like Barony Mill, Skate Rumple Alpaca Farm, Corrigall Farm Museum, and Kirbuster Farm Museum.

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 Orkney Islands or Marseille Better for Couples?

Both Orkney Islands and Marseille are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago if you're traveling as a couple. Nature lovers will enjoy the stunning beaches and beautiful natural setting. There are also some great restaurants and even live music performances that make for a fun date night.

Marseille is a very popular place to visit for couples. Strolling the boulevards and exploring the history and culture of this city make it a top couples' destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Marseille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Orkney Islands is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Orkney Islands. If camping is your style, you'll find some great campgrounds and campsites that make the most of this beautiful natural setting.

Marseille is a good archipelago to visit for backpackers. It has a decent number of hostels for a city of its size.

Is Orkney Islands or Marseille Better for Students?

Marseille is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

Marseille is very popular with students. It attracts international students because of its rich culture, unique atmosphere, and lively bar scene.

Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

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

Orkney Islands and Marseille both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Orkney Islands offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

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

Is Orkney Islands or Marseille a more walkable city?

Marseille is great for its ease of walking around. However, Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Marseille or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Marseille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Orkney Islands and Marseille. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Orkney Islands than in Marseille. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Orkney Islands, and 2-3 days is enough time in Marseille.

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

Couples should spend more time in Marseille than Orkney Islands. 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 Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands.

One day in Orkney Islands or Marseille?

You'll find food and museums around the archipelago of Orkney Islands. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 nightlife and food. Visiting the old town is also a must. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or Marseille?

You'll find museums and food around the natural destination of Orkney Islands. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Marseille is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Orkney Islands or Marseille?

You'll find food and museums around the serene archipelago of Orkney Islands. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this archipelago makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this archipelago has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marseille. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Orkney Islands or Marseille?

Orkney Islands is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Orkney Islands, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint city of Marseille. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

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

When is the best time to visit Orkney Islands or Marseille?

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 Orkney Islands or Marseille in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Marseille. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Orkney Islands this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Marseille for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Orkney Islands is much colder than Marseille in the summer. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 12°C (54°F) in July, and Marseille fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marseille this time of the year. Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during summer. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Marseille. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Marseille in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Marseille. Many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Marseille in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Orkney Islands is much colder than Marseille. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Orkney Islands in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Marseille averages at about 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. In the autumn, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in October than Marseille. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Marseille in the Winter?

Both Marseille and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Orkney Islands in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Orkney Islands can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Orkney Islands is generally much colder than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 4°C (39°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during winter. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Orkney Islands. In January, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Marseille. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Marseille in the Spring?

Both Marseille and Orkney Islands during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Orkney Islands for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Marseille because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Orkney Islands is much colder than Marseille in the spring. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 6°C (43°F) in April, and Marseille fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in April than Marseille. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Marseille and Orkney Islands