A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Outer Hebrides vs. Marseille for Food, Beaches, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Outer Hebrides or Marseille?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Outer Hebrides and Marseille. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides is a natural, tranquil, and serene archipelago. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches.

Marseille

Marseille is a energetic and vibrant city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Outer Hebrides and Marseille: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for Christmas markets
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Outer Hebrides or Marseille?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Marseille than Outer Hebrides, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Marseille is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while Outer Hebrides is more popular for its beaches and hiking. Marseille is more touristy than Outer Hebrides and is known for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. Also, Marseille is famous for The Vieux Port. Outer Hebrides is well known for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries.

How is Outer Hebrides different from Marseille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Outer Hebrides
Marseille

Marseille is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Outer Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Outer Hebrides. You'll find plenty of seafood, smokehouses, distilleries and crofting produce in the area. Most islands have independent restaurants as well as pubs and other local eateries to choose from.


Is Outer Hebrides or Marseille Better for Nightlife?

Outer Hebrides
Marseille

Marseille is an unbeatable place for nightlife. However, Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife in Marseille is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Outer Hebrides or Marseille Better for Beaches?

Outer Hebrides
Marseille

Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides. From white sand beaches to hidden coves, you'll enjoy a completely serene beach experience on these islands. You can get lost in the nature and soak up the surprisingly blue waters at any of the remote beaches. Favorite beaches in the area include Vatersay Bay, Coilleag a’Phrionnsa, West Coast Beach, and Crabhadail.

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 Outer Hebrides or Marseille Better for its Old Town?

Outer Hebrides
Marseille

Marseille is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Outer Hebrides does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Marseille offers plenty to see. 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.

Outer Hebrides does not have a historic old town.


Is Outer Hebrides or Marseille Better for Hiking?

Outer Hebrides
Marseille

Outer Hebrides is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Marseille is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Outer Hebrides draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The islands offer some of the area's best hiking. You'll pass by stunning beaches, see unique wildlife, and enjoy a remote and tranquil setting. Follow the Hebridean Way, which covers the full length of the archipelago. It spans 156 miles and goes through 10 islands with 2 ferry trips.

Marseille is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Outer Hebrides or Marseille?

Outer Hebrides
Marseille

Marseille is a very popular place for shopping. However, Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Marseille. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Marseille Better for Christmas Markets?

Outer Hebrides
Marseille

Marseille is a good destination for visiting Christmas markets. However, Outer Hebrides does not offer Christmas markets.

Visiting the Christmas markets is popular in Marseille. The old town has a Christmas craft market where you can buy toys, Christmas treats, or decorations.

Outer Hebrides does not offer Christmas markets.


Is Outer Hebrides or Marseille Better for Families?

Outer Hebrides
Marseille

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

Outer Hebrides is a family-friendly archipelago. The beautiful outdoor setting is great for kids and adults alike. There are beaches to explore as well as kid-friendly museums. You can also try your hand at digging for cockles or head out on the water to watch for dolphins.

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 Outer Hebrides or Marseille Better for Couples?

Outer Hebrides
Marseille

Outer Hebrides and Marseille both great destinations for a couple.

Outer Hebrides makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Go island hopping and discover the countless beautiful beaches. You can take a boat trip or simply soak up the peaceful coastal setting.

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 Outer Hebrides or Marseille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Outer Hebrides
Marseille

Outer Hebrides and Marseille are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Outer Hebrides. You'll need to take either a plane of ferry to reach the islands but once you're there you can camp and hike and soak up the tranquil setting.

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


Is Outer Hebrides or Marseille Better for Students?

Outer Hebrides
Marseille

Marseille is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Outer Hebrides is not popular with students.

Many students visit Marseille. It attracts international students because of its rich culture, unique atmosphere, and lively bar scene.

Outer Hebrides is not popular with students.

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

Outer Hebrides
Marseille

Marseille is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Outer Hebrides is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Outer Hebrides. There are buses that run doing the day between Monday and Saturday. In Stornoway you may be able to find some evening buses as well.

Is Outer Hebrides or Marseille a more walkable city?

Outer Hebrides
Marseille

Marseille is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.


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

Should I spend more time in Marseille or Outer Hebrides?

How long in Outer Hebrides or Marseille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Outer Hebrides and Marseille. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Outer Hebrides than in Marseille. Usually, 4-10 days is a good amount of time for Outer Hebrides, and 2-3 days is enough time in Marseille.

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

Couples should spend more time in Marseille than Outer Hebrides. 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 Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides or Marseille? Ideal Length of Stay
    Outer Hebrides 4-10 
    Marseille 2-3

One day in Outer Hebrides or Marseille?

You'll find food around the archipelago of Outer Hebrides. 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 Outer Hebrides or Marseille?

You'll find food around the serene destination of Outer Hebrides. 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 Outer Hebrides or Marseille?

You'll find food around the spectacular archipelago of Outer Hebrides. 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. Most people head to the area for the hiking. 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 Outer Hebrides or Marseille?

Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides, 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 Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Marseille or Outer Hebrides?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Outer Hebrides is £123, while the average daily cost in Marseille is £126. 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 Outer Hebrides and Marseille in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Outer Hebrides £62
    Marseille £61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Outer Hebrides £124
    Marseille £122
Compare Hotels in Outer Hebrides and Marseille

Looking for a hotel in Outer Hebrides or Marseille? 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 Outer Hebrides


Hotels in Marseille


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Outer Hebrides £51
    Marseille £24

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Marseille

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Marseille:


  • Metro Pass
    £2.57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marseille

Also for Marseille, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfert aéroport de Marseille -> Marseille centre/hôtels: $192
  • Transfert Aéroport Marseille vers : $225
  • Transfer from Marseille Provence Airport to Toulon Cruise Port: $117
  • Transfer from Marseille Airport to Train Station / Ports / Hotels: $164
  • Transfer between Marseille airport and Marseille city: $84
  • Transfer Marseille city center to Marseille Airport: $87
  • Transfer Marseille Airport to Marseille city center: $89
  • Transfer : $84
  • Taxi aéroport Marseille cassis transfer port Cruise: $150
  • Private transfer from Marseille Airport to Cavaillon: $279
  • Private transfer by car: Marseille airport to / from Cassis-La Ciotat: $184
  • Private transfer by car: Marseille airport from or to Avignon: $218

Is it cheaper to fly into Outer Hebrides or Marseille?

Prices for flights to both Marseille and Outer Hebrides 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
    Outer Hebrides £31
    Marseille £36

Typical Food Prices in Marseille

For Marseille, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Orangina
    £2.14

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marseille

For Marseille, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Web-cooking workshop / French cuisine or French pastry: $35
  • No Diet Club - Unique food tour in Marseille! (Cours Julien): $63
  • Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $74
  • Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $86
  • Sunset Boat Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $86
  • Bakeries, Chocolate & Patisseries Food Tour: $93
  • Sunset Apéro Food tour: $95
  • Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $97
  • Marseille Sunset Apéro Food tour: $97
  • Evening Food Tour with Tastings: $102
  • Sunset Sailing Dinner in the Frioul Archipelago: $102
  • Marseille Miam Miam Food tour: $104

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Outer Hebrides £20
    Marseille £32

Tours and Activities in Marseille

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

  • "Old Marseille" district tour and treasure hunt: $29
  • 2H: City-Tour Marseille: $274
  • 3h Kayak Tour at Calanques National Park: $67
  • A Day in Provence Small Group Tour from Marseille: $180
  • Aix-en-Provence: Half-Day Shore Excursion Tour: $642
  • All Inclusive Food & History Tour of Marseille with Local Guide: $144
  • Beer tasting experience in Marseille: $43
  • Bookbinding experience in the Vieux Port: $93
  • Calanques National Park Guided Hiking Tour: $50
  • Calanques National Park Kayak Day Tour: $112
  • Calanques Trilogy Electric Bike Tour from Marseille: $65
  • Canyoning Half Day Tour from La Ciotat : $67

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Outer Hebrides £6.36
    Marseille £23

Sample the Local Flavors in Marseille

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

  • Marseille Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $21
  • Marseille Riviera Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $22
  • Marseille Pub Crawl : Meet, Drink & Party: $43
  • New Year's Eve Bar Crawl Marseille France: $96
  • Delicious Food and Wine Tour: $117
  • Bandol and Cassis: Full Day Wine Tour from Marseille: $143
  • Luberon: Full-Day Wine Tour from Marseille: $143
  • Full-day Wine Tour around Bandol & Cassis from Marseille: $146
  • Full-Day Wine Tour around Luberon from Marseille: $146
  • Côtes du Rhône Wine tour: Avignon, Palace of the Popes: $164
  • Small Group Marseille Shore Excursion : Avignon & Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tour: $164
  • Marseille Shore Excursion - Full Day Wine Tour in Provence: $164


When comparing the travel costs between Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides Expensive? and Is Marseille Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides or Marseille in the Summer?

Both Marseille and Outer Hebrides are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Outer Hebrides in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Marseille for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Outer Hebrides is generally much colder than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 13°C (55°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Marseille. Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during summer. Outer Hebrides gets 117 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Marseille. Outer Hebrides gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Outer Hebrides 13°C (55°F) 
    Marseille 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Marseille in the Autumn?

Both Marseille and Outer Hebrides during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Outer Hebrides for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Marseille because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Outer Hebrides is much colder than Marseille in the autumn. The daily temperature in Outer Hebrides averages around 9°C (49°F) in October, and Marseille fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Outer Hebrides gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Outer Hebrides. Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in October than Marseille. Outer Hebrides gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Outer Hebrides 9°C (49°F) 
    Marseille 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Marseille in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Outer Hebrides and Marseille. The winter months attract visitors to Outer Hebrides because of the cuisine. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Marseille this time of year.

The weather in Outer Hebrides can be very cold. In the winter, Outer Hebrides is much colder than Marseille. Typically, the winter temperatures in Outer Hebrides in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Marseille averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during winter. Outer Hebrides gets 33 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

Outer Hebrides gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Marseille. Outer Hebrides gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Outer Hebrides 4°C (40°F) 
    Marseille 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Marseille in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Outer Hebrides as well as Marseille. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Outer Hebrides this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Marseille for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Outer Hebrides is generally much colder than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 7°C (44°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. In the spring, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Outer Hebrides gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in April than Marseille. Outer Hebrides gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Outer Hebrides 7°C (44°F) 
    Marseille 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Marseille and Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides Marseille
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 9°C (48°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 11°C (53°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 23°C (74°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 20°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 126 mm (5 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)