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

Should you visit Palermo 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 Palermo 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.

Palermo

Palermo is a diverse, dynamic, and fun city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Marseille

Marseille is a energetic and vibrant city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Palermo and Marseille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palermo or Marseille?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Palermo. Although Palermo and Marseille are popular destinations, Palermo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Palermo is very popular for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Marseille attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, historical sights, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Marseille is more touristy than Palermo and is popular for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. Palermo is famous for its mild climate, beautiful architecture, fun atmosphere, and fascinating culture. It is also well known for The Cathedral.

How is Palermo different from Marseille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Palermo 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 Palermo. There are a number of grand buildings and impressive architectural buildings that you should visit. The cathedral, the Norman Palace, and Cappella Palatina are among the best.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Marseille is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Marseille have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Palermo. The islands long history and occupation by a range of different groups means that the cuisine is heavily influenced by many different cultures. You'll see influences from Phonecians, Greeks, Arabs and Normans. Local dishes include Pasta alla Norma (pasta and vegetables), Arancine (rice balls), and Cannoli.

Is Palermo or Marseille Better for Nightlife?

Marseille is very popular for its evening party scene. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

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.

Palermo has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is surprisingly varied with everything from wine bars by the ocean to dance parties that flood into the street. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include the old town, Politeama, and Mondello.

Is Palermo or Marseille Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Palermo has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. The dive season lasts most of the year and there are many beautiful dive spots that are accessible from the city. The water is clear and there is a variety of flora and fauna to see.

Marseille is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palermo or Marseille Better for Beaches?

Palermo 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 Palermo. The city has a number of beautiful beaches, some of which are accessible by public transit. Mondello is a popular option with beautiful views. Capo Gallo is a relaxing option on a nature reserve that is good for divers and nature lovers. Addaura is a lively beach with a number of clubs.

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 Palermo or Marseille Better for its Old Town?

Marseille is very popular for its historic old town charm. However, Palermo 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.

Palermo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Palermo or Marseille?

Both Palermo and Marseille are high quality shopping destinations.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Palermo. The city offers a mix of high end shopping streets as well as colorful markets that have the feel of a traditional bazaar. Whether you're looking for European brands or local merchandise, this city has an eclectic mix with something for everyone.

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.

Is Palermo or Marseille Better for Christmas Markets?

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

Palermo does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Palermo or Marseille Better for Families?

Palermo is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Marseille is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Palermo. The city has beaches where everyone can cool off and play in the relaxing waves. There's also a botanical garden and the fascinating Catacombs of the Capuchins. Kids will also enjoy exploring the many diverse markets throughout the city.

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 Palermo or Marseille Better for Couples?

Marseille is a well-known place for couples. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Palermo is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with fun adventures, unique markets, and relaxing beaches. It makes a great city escape for couples who enjoy spending time outdoors but also having access to an urban setting.

Is Palermo or Marseille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Palermo and Marseille are nice destinations for backpackers.

Palermo is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a decent number of affordable hostels around town as well as plenty of backpackers that keep the scene fun and social.

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

Is Palermo or Marseille Better for Students?

Marseille is a well-known place for students. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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

Plenty of students visit Palermo. It's an affordable student destination with a relaxing and laid back vibe. There's enough activity to keep it interesting without a high pressure setting.

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

Marseille is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Palermo is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Palermo. If you stick to the main city center then you can get around by city bus, but if you're headed anywhere else, you'll likely want to take a taxi or Uber.

Is Palermo or Marseille a more walkable city?

Palermo and Marseille both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Palermo is a very walkable destination. The city is walkable with a number of streets closed to cars and pedestrian only.

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 Palermo Worth Visiting? and Is Marseille Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Marseille or Palermo?

How long in Palermo or Marseille?

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

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

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

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Palermo. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Palermo has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Marseille, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Palermo or Marseille?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the dynamic destination of Palermo. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Marseille, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Marseille has to offer.

Five days in Palermo or Marseille?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the diverse city of Palermo. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Marseille is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Palermo or Marseille?

Palermo is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marseille. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Marseille. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Palermo and Marseille, we can see that Marseille is more expensive. And not only is Palermo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Palermo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Palermo and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Marseille would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Marseille than you might in Palermo.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Palermo Expensive? and Is Marseille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Palermo or Marseille?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Palermo. When comparing the sizes of Palermo 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 Palermo 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 Palermo or Marseille in the Summer?

Both Marseille and Palermo during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Palermo for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, 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.

Palermo is around the same temperature as Marseille in the summer. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 25°C (76°F) in July, and Marseille fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Palermo. In the summer, Palermo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Marseille. Palermo gets 347 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets less rain in July than Marseille. Palermo gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Marseille in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Palermo and Marseille. The autumn months attract visitors to Palermo because of the city's sights and attractions, 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 the autumn, Palermo is a little warmer than Marseille. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Palermo in October average around 20°C (67°F), and Marseille averages at about 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marseille this time of the year. In Palermo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palermo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Marseille during autumn. Palermo gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Palermo usually receives less rain than Marseille. Palermo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Palermo or Marseille in the Winter?

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

In January, Palermo is generally much warmer than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 12°C (53°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Palermo often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Palermo gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets more rain in January than Marseille. Palermo gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Marseille in the Spring?

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

Palermo is a little warmer than Marseille in the spring. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Marseille fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Marseille. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palermo. Palermo usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during spring. Palermo gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Palermo usually receives less rain than Marseille. Palermo gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Marseille and Palermo