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

Should you visit Oxford or Marseille?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Marseille, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Oxford

Oxford is a collegiate, beautiful, and historic college town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. 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. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Oxford and Marseille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Marseille?

You'll generally find more things to do in Marseille than Oxford. Marseille is bigger than Oxford, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Marseille is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while Oxford is more popular for its museums, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Marseille is more touristy than Oxford and is known for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. Also, Marseille is famous for The Vieux Port. Oxford is well known for being home to one of the world's most notable universities.

How is Oxford different from Marseille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Oxford is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Oxford can be an interesting and educational experience. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Marseille is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Marseille is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

Is Oxford or Marseille Better for Nightlife?

Marseille is very popular for nightlife. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Marseille is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Oxford is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

Is Oxford or Marseille Better for Beaches?

Marseille is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Oxford is not a beach destination.

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

Oxford is not a beach destination.

Is Oxford or Marseille Better for its Old Town?

Marseille is very popular for its historic old town. However, Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Marseille has a world-famous historical area. 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.

Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Marseille?

Marseille is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Oxford offers some nice shopping areas. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Is Oxford or Marseille Better for Christmas Markets?

Marseille is a nice place to visit for visiting Christmas markets. However, Oxford does not offer Christmas markets.

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

Oxford does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Oxford or Marseille Better for Families?

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

Oxford is a family-friendly college town. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

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 Oxford or Marseille Better for Couples?

Oxford and Marseille are both superb to visit as a couple.

Oxford makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

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 Oxford or Marseille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marseille is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Oxford is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Marseille. It has a decent number of hostels for a city of its size.

Oxford is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town that offer affordable accommodation. As a college town, Oxford also has an active nightlife scene and a young crowd that keeps things affordable and fun.

Is Oxford or Marseille Better for Students?

Oxford is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Oxford is a great destination for students. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

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

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Oxford and Marseille.

Oxford has some public transit options. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

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 Oxford or Marseille a more walkable city?

Oxford and Marseille are superb when it comes to walkability.

Oxford is very walkable. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

Marseille is a very walkable college town. 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 Oxford Worth Visiting? and Is Marseille Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Marseille or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Marseille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Oxford and Marseille. In our opinion, Marseille has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Marseille than Oxford. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Oxford, and 2-3 days is enough time in Marseille.

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

Couples should spend more time in Marseille than Oxford. 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 Oxford 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 Oxford or Marseille?

Even though Oxford is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Oxford has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Marseille. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Oxford or Marseille?

Oxford is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this college town has to offer. This college town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Marseille is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Oxford or Marseille?

Oxford is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marseille. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Oxford or Marseille?

Oxford 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant destination of Marseille. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Oxford or Marseille?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Oxford. When comparing the sizes of Oxford 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 Oxford 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 Oxford or Marseille in the Summer?

Both Marseille and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Oxford because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Marseille this time of year.

In July, Oxford is generally cooler than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 17°C (63°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Marseille. Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during summer. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Oxford usually receives more rain than Marseille. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Oxford or Marseille in the Autumn?

Both Marseille and Oxford during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Oxford this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Oxford is cooler than Marseille in the autumn. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 11°C (52°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, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in October than Marseille. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Marseille in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Marseille. Many travelers come to Oxford for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Marseille in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Oxford. In the winter, Oxford is much colder than Marseille. Typically, the winter temperatures in Oxford in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Marseille averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during winter. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Oxford usually receives more rain than Marseille. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Oxford or Marseille in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Marseille. Many visitors come to Oxford in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Marseille for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Oxford is generally much colder than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 9°C (48°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, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Marseille. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Marseille and Oxford