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

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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.

How is Paris different from Marseille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Paris or Marseille better for Food?

Local dishes 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.

Known for it's food 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.


Is Paris or Marseille better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is comparable in 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.

People head to Marseille just to party. 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 Shopping?

If you're looking to go shopping, Paris and Marseille both offer plenty of spots.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Paris. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées.

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.

Is Paris or Marseille better for Families?

There's generally more to do with your family in Paris than Marseille.

Paris is a very family-friendly destination. 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 is not always a place people visit with their families. Nearby beaches and an outdoor climbing area make it a diverse city to visit with kids.

Is Paris or Marseille better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Paris and Marseille make for a good place to visit.

Paris makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

Marseille makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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?

Travelers usually think of Paris as a better destination for backpackers than Marseille.

Paris is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. 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.

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

Is Paris or Marseille better for Students?

For students, both Paris and Marseille are fairly comparable places to visit.

Many students frequent Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

Marseille is a great city to visit as a student. It attracts international students because of its rich culture, unique atmosphere, and lively bar scene.

Is Paris or Marseille better for Public Transit?

Paris has better public transit to get you around.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Paris can take you anywhere. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

Marseille has some public transit options. 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 similar 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 destination. The Old Port (Vieux Port) is particularly walkable and is one of the best areas to explore on foot.


Paris and Marseille: Pros and Cons

Paris
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Marseille
Pros
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Cons
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


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 Marseille.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Paris is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Marseille is 2-3 days.


  • How many days in Paris or Marseille? Ideal Length of Stay
    Paris 3-7 
    Marseille 2-3

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. 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 vibrant destination of Marseille. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered around the area. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Which city is cheaper, Marseille or Paris?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Paris is €184, while the average daily cost in Marseille is €117. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Paris and Marseille in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Paris €121
    Marseille €56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Paris €242
    Marseille €112

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Paris €17
    Marseille €23
Typical Local Transportation prices in Paris

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Paris are as follows:


  • Metro
    €6.40
  • Train from Airport
    €9.00
  • Metro tickets
    €6.80
  • Train
    €20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paris

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

  • Your private transfer from Disneyland to Paris: $53
  • Versailles Guided Tour Including Priority Access & Hotel Transfer from Paris: $159
  • VIP Airport Transfer between Orly Airport & Paris Hotel: $90
  • Ultra - Private Transfer from Paris to Giverny to visit Claude Monet's Garden: $9.57
  • Ultra - Paris Airport Transfer from City Centre to Charles de Gaulle Airport CDG: $94
  • Transfert from Paris To Airport Roissy Charles De Gaulle: $120
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Paris City to Paris Orly Airport: $44
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Paris City to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport: $46
  • Transfer from Paris to Geneva or from Geneva to Paris: $1,431
  • Transfer from Paris to Beauvais Airport: $112
  • Transfer from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris - ROUND TRIP: $189
  • Transfer from Paris (any hotel) to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport: $96

Typical Local Transportation prices in Marseille

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


  • Metro Pass
    €3.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marseille

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

  • Airport transfer Marseille Airport to Barcelone: $1,991
  • Transfer from Marseille Cruise Terminal to Avignon: $730
  • Transfer from the Port of Marseille to Cassis: $730
  • Marseille Airport transfer to Nice: $730
  • Transfer from marseille Cruise Terminal to Aix en Provence: $650
  • Transfer from marseille Cruise Terminal to Arles: $650
  • Marseille Airport Transfer to Nimes: $498
  • transfer Marseille Airport to Nimes: $479
  • Marseille Airport Transfer to Orange: $379
  • Transfer Marseille Center to Avignon Center: $333
  • Marseille Airport Transfer to les baux de Provence: $332
  • Transfer from Les Baux de Provence or St Remy de Provence to Airport of Marseille: $311

Is it cheaper to fly into Paris or Marseille?

Prices for flights to both Marseille and Paris 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
    Paris €31
    Marseille €34
Typical Food prices in Paris

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Paris:


  • Ice Cream
    €8.00
  • Breakfast
    €7.00
  • Breakfast for 2
    €30
  • Dinner on River Cruise
    €86
  • Dinner
    €57
  • Cheese
    €13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paris

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

  • Paris en Scene Boat 3-Course Dinner Cruise: $49
  • Paris River Seine Lunch or Dinner Cruise: $60
  • Italian dinner on the river Seine: $61
  • Seine River Cruise with French Dinner on Champs-Elysees Avenue: $61
  • Seine River Cruise & Dinner on Champs Elysées Avenue: $62
  • Choux cooking class for kids in Paris: $62
  • Capitaine Fracasse Boat 3-Course Dinner Cruise: $67
  • Paris Small-Group Gourmet Food Tour With Optional Lunch and Wine Tasting: $75
  • Bistro Parisien Dinner and Seine River Sightseeing Cruise Combination: $75
  • NO DIET CLUB - Unique Bike and Food tour in Paris !: $75
  • Romantic Cruise with 3-course Dinner on Seine River: $76
  • Fondue Cooking Party - Winter is Coming: $78

Typical Food prices in Marseille

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


  • Orangina
    €2.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marseille

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

  • 3-Hour Shore Excursion Walking Food Tour: $85
  • Cool Food Tour and Street art Marseille: $106
  • Great Marseille Food Tour Experience: $107
  • Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $108
  • Food Tour Excursion in Provence !: $771

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Paris €62
    Marseille €30
Typical Entertainment prices in Paris

For Paris, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Louvre Entry for Two
    €18
  • Admission to Pantheon
    €5.00
  • Catacombs (2)
    €23

Tours and Activities in Paris

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Paris.

  • 1 Day Private Walking Tour Of Montmartre, Latin Quarter, Champs Élysées: $180
  • 1 Day in Eiffel Tower, Cruise, City Tour, and Louvre: $139
  • 1 Hour Real time Virtual Tour in Paris: $150
  • 1 hour Sainte Chapelle- skip the line access - English or Español: $51
  • 14-day Taste of Europe Tour: France, Italy, Monaco,Switzerland,Germany and more.: $1,565
  • 15+ Top Sights Paris Tour with Fun Guide: $52
  • 180° Paris by Night Tour: Exclusively for You & Your Group: $54
  • 1:30 hours tour of Louvre museum: $261
  • 1st Day in Paris Discovery Private Tour: 'How-to' Orientation & Sightseeing Fun!: $63
  • 2 Hours Paris city center walking tour: $16
  • 2 Hours Photoshoot tours at the Eiffel tower, Trocadero, Champs de Mars and more: $423
  • 2-Day Loire Valley Castles Tour from Paris: $521

Tours and Activities in Marseille

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

  • 4 Hour Tour Aix-en-Provence Highlights: $584
  • 5-Hour Private Sightseeing Tour of the Provence from Marseille in Luxury Car: $724
  • Aix en Provence & Cassis Private Day Tour Marseille Shore excursion: $771
  • Aix en Provence & Cassis Tour: $1,039
  • Aix en Provence & Marseille Tour: $1,039
  • Aix en Provence Tour from Marseille: $81
  • Aix en Provence and Cassis Small Group Tour from Marseille: $107
  • Aix en Provence and Cassis full day private tour: $1,867
  • Aix en Provence, Marseille and Cassis Tour: $1,014
  • Aix-en-Provence, Avignon & Chateauneuf-du-Pape Private Day Tour from Marseille: $933
  • Aix-en-Provence, Cassis and Marseille Small-Group Tour from Marseille: $134
  • Alpilles & Arles Experience : Private Chauffeur: $547

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Paris €19
    Marseille €22
Typical Alcohol prices in Paris

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Paris are as follows:


  • Wine
    €14

Sample the Local Flavors in Paris

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paris:

  • Pub Crawl in Latin Quarter: $37
  • Guided Visit and Wine Tasting in a Royal Wine Cellar in Paris: $40
  • Guided tour and wine tasting in a historic cellar in the center of Paris: $41
  • Cheese and Wine Tasting in the Latin Quarter with Chef Alex: $47
  • Organic wine tasting in Paris: $56
  • Wine Tasting In Paris: $83
  • Paris Art of Pairing Cheese and Wine Tasting in a Cheese Cellar: $87
  • Paris Wine Tasting Session with Expert Sommelier: $89
  • Walk & Wine Tour in the Latin Quarter: $97
  • Paris Wine Tasting plus Cheese & Cured Meat Lunch with an Expert Sommelier Guide: $97
  • Paris Evening Wine Tour and Tasting: $112
  • Montmartre Hill Sweet & Savory French Gourmet Food & Wine Tasting Tour: $112

Sample the Local Flavors in Marseille

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

  • Aix en Provence Full-Day Wine Tour from Marseille: $137
  • Full-Day Wine Tour around Luberon from Marseille: $137
  • Full-day Wine Tour around Bandol & Cassis from Marseille: $137
  • Marseille Shore Excursion - Full Day Wine Tour in Provence: $137
  • Marseille Shore Excursion - Private Full Day Wine Tour in Provence: $348
  • Provence wine tour of vineyards & the best foods & wine of Provence private tour: $404
  • Provence Private Wine Tasting Tour from Marseille: $435
  • Wine tour of Châteauneuf du Pape, gastronomy, wines & joie de vivre private tour: $435
  • Aix en Povence Private Half Day Tour including Wine Tasting from Marseille: $523
  • Coteaux d'Aix: Ste Victoire Wine Tour & Cezanne Mill Visit: $567
  • Bandol Wine Tour - 4 hour Private tour: $650
  • Coteaux D'Aix : Half Day Wine Tour: $650

About these numbers

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.

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Paris vs. Marseille Travel Comparison

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