A Travel Price Comparison for France Paris vs. Marseille for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Paris or Marseille?

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

Should I visit Paris or Marseille? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Paris

Paris is a energetic, beautiful, and iconic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Marseille

Marseille is a energetic and vibrant city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Paris and Marseille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paris or Marseille?

You'll generally find more things to do in Paris than Marseille. Paris is bigger than Marseille, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Paris is better known for its museums, theatre productions, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Marseille is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere. Paris is more touristy than Marseille and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. Also, Paris is famous for The Eiffel Tower. Marseille is well known for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Paris different from Marseille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Paris is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Paris has many famous sights for visitors. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Paris or Marseille Better for Theater?

Paris is a world-class destination for its shows and theatre. However, Marseille is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in Paris. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Marseille is not a theatre destination.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Paris and Marseille.

For foodies, Paris is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

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.

Is Paris or Marseille Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is fantastic in both Paris and Marseille.

Paris is a must-see party destination. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

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.

Is Paris or Marseille Better for Music?

Paris is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Marseille is not a live music destination.

Paris has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Marseille is not a live music destination.

Is Paris or Marseille Better for Beaches?

Marseille is a popular place for its beaches. However, Paris is not a beach destination.

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

Paris is not a beach destination.

Is Paris or Marseille Better for its Old Town?

Marseille is terrific for its historic old town. However, Paris does not have a historic old town.

Marseille has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

Paris does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Paris or Marseille?

Paris is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Paris specifically to go shopping. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

Marseille is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

Is Paris or Marseille Better for Christmas?

Paris is a world-class destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Marseille does not offer Christmas activities.

Known for its popular Christmas activities, Paris draws large crowds. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Marseille does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Paris or Marseille Better for Christmas Markets?

Marseille is a popular place for visiting Christmas markets. However, Paris does not offer Christmas markets.

Many visitors go to the Christmas markets in Marseille. The old town has a Christmas craft market where you can buy toys, Christmas treats, or decorations.

Paris does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Paris or Marseille Better for Families?

Paris is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Marseille is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Paris is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

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 Paris or Marseille Better for Couples?

Paris is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Paris has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

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 Paris or Marseille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Paris, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

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

Is Paris or Marseille Better for Students?

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

Paris is a great destination for students. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

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

Paris is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Paris can get you around easily. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

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 Paris or Marseille a more walkable city?

Paris and Marseille are very good when it comes to walkability.

Paris is very walkable. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

Marseille is a very walkable city. 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 Paris Worth Visiting? and Is Marseille Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Marseille or Paris?

How long in Paris or Marseille?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Paris than Marseille. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Paris that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris 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 Paris.

One day in Paris or Marseille?

People visit Paris because there is so much to do. 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, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this vibrant destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Paris or Marseille?

People visit Paris because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marseille. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Paris or Marseille?

People visit Paris because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Marseille is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Marseille. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Paris or Marseille?

Paris is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Paris, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find nightlife and food around the energetic destination of Marseille. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Paris and Marseille, we can see that Paris is more expensive. And not only is Marseille much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Marseille would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Marseille 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris than you might in Marseille.

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

Which is Bigger, Paris or Marseille?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Marseille. When comparing the sizes of Paris 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 Paris 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 Paris or Marseille in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Paris and Marseille. Many travelers come to Paris for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Marseille in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Paris is generally cooler than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 20°C (68°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marseille this time of the year. In Paris, it's very sunny this time of the year. Paris usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during summer. Paris gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Paris usually receives more rain than Marseille. Paris gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Paris or Marseille in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Paris as well as Marseille. Many visitors come to Paris in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Paris is cooler than Marseille in the autumn. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Marseille fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. In the autumn, Paris often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Paris gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets less rain in October than Marseille. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or Marseille in the Winter?

Both Marseille and Paris are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Paris for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Marseille because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Paris can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Paris is cooler than Marseille. Typically, the winter temperatures in Paris in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Marseille averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Paris usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during winter. Paris gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Paris usually receives more rain than Marseille. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Paris or Marseille in the Spring?

Both Marseille and Paris during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Paris because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marseille this time of year.

In April, Paris is generally cooler than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 11°C (52°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Paris often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Paris gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Marseille. Paris gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Marseille and Paris