A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Seville vs. Marseille for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Seville 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 Seville 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.

Seville

Seville is a historic, energetic, and elegant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and food.

Marseille

Marseille is a energetic and vibrant city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Seville and Marseille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seville or Marseille?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Seville. Although Seville and Marseille are both popular with visitors, Seville has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Seville is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, and big city activities, while Marseille is known for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere. Seville is more touristy than Marseille and is known for its Moorish and Islamic architecture, its colorful Flamenco dancing, and its local tapas and wine. It is also home to the Real Alcázar. Marseille is popular for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity.

How is Seville different from Marseille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Seville 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, Seville has many famous sights for visitors. This elegant city is filled with historic buildings and world famous architecture. From the iconic Catedral de Sevilla to the Real Alcázar and Plaza de España, there is an endless supply of world class sights around town.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Seville or Marseille Better for Theater?

Seville is a nice place to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Marseille is not a theatre destination.

You'll find a nice selection of shows in Seville. Flamenco shows are a highlight for many visitors. You can sip wine and enjoy tapas as you take in this dramatic dance form.

Marseille is not a theatre destination.

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

Marseille is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Seville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Dining out in Seville is an experience not to be missed. The city is filled with cafes that spill into the streets. Locals live their lives outdoors, and the cafe terraces are filled with chattering guests from breakfast until late in the evening. The food includes many typical Spanish favorites such as Iberian pork, stewed meats, and other local tapas.

Is Seville or Marseille Better for Nightlife?

Marseille is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Seville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Marseille is a must-see party destination. 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.

Seville offers plenty to do in the evening. The excellent nightlife scene includes local bars, Flamenco shows, and student focused parties. The Triana District is a popular nightlife area, particularly for the Flamenco shows. There are also a lot of bars along Calle Betis and upscale ambiance can be found in La Alameda.

Is Seville or Marseille Better for Beaches?

Marseille is a good destination for the beache. However, Seville is not a beach destination.

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

Seville is not a beach destination.

Is Seville or Marseille Better for its Old Town?

Marseille is terrific for its old town. Also, Seville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.

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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Seville. Barrio de Santa Cruz is the old town of Seville. This is where you'll find the Jewish Quarter and many of the city's historic landmarks.

Is the Shopping Better in Seville or Marseille?

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

Seville is well-known for its shopping. There is a great combination of shopping streets, high end shopping malls, and local markets. Calle Sierpes, Calle Tetuan, and Calle Asuncion are some of the best places for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Marseille. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

Is Seville or Marseille Better for Christmas Markets?

Marseille is a good destination for visiting Christmas markets. However, Seville 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.

Seville does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Seville or Marseille Better for Families?

Seville 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 Seville. There are parks where kids can run around. There's also the Seville Aquarium as well as Isla Mágica, which is a small amusement park. Other fun family-friendly activities include taking a boat ride on the Guadalquivir River and seeing a Flamenco Show.

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 Seville or Marseille Better for Couples?

Seville and Marseille both great destinations for a couple.

Seville is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Romantic walks, beautiful parks, and world class attractions make this a truly romantic city. Couples will enjoy an evening out with dinner and a Flamenco show, or visiting the Arab baths.

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.

Is Seville or Marseille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Seville is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Seville. It's a well established backpacker destination with a large supply of hostels and plenty of eager travelers ready to head out on the town.

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

Is Seville or Marseille Better for Students?

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

Seville is a great destination for students. It's a top destination for international students who appreciate the many great educational institutions, beautiful year-round weather, and many festivals and evening 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.

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

Seville and Marseille both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Seville offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses that travel through the entire city. There is also a tram system that has 4 stops and travels 1.4 kilometers.

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

Is Seville or Marseille a more walkable city?

Seville and Marseille are great when it comes to walkability.

Seville is a very walkable city. There are many parts of the city that are very walkable. It takes about 45 minutes to walk across the city center in its entirety.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Marseille or Seville?

How long in Seville or Marseille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Seville and Marseille. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Marseille than Seville. 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 Seville 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 Seville.

One day in Seville or Marseille?

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Seville. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 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 Seville or Marseille?

You'll find food and shopping around the energetic destination of Seville. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Seville or Marseille?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the energetic city of Seville. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the museums. 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 Seville or Marseille?

Seville is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Seville and Marseille, we can see that Marseille is more expensive. And not only is Seville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Seville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Seville 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 Seville.

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

Which is Bigger, Seville or Marseille?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Seville. When comparing the sizes of Seville 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 Seville 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 Seville or Marseille in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Seville and Marseille. Many visitors come to Seville in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Marseille for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Seville is a little warmer than Marseille. Typically, the summer temperatures in Seville in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Marseille averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marseille this time of the year. In Seville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Marseille during summer. Seville gets 360 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Seville usually receives less rain than Marseille. Seville gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Seville or Marseille in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Seville as well as Marseille. Most visitors come to Seville for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Marseille because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Seville is generally a little warmer than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Seville average around 20°C (67°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seville this time of the year. In the autumn, Seville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Marseille. Seville gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun.

Seville usually gets less rain in October than Marseille. Seville gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seville or Marseille in the Winter?

Both Marseille and Seville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Seville because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Marseille this time of year.

Seville is much warmer than Marseille in the winter. The daily temperature in Seville averages around 11°C (51°F) in January, and Marseille fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Seville usually receives more sunshine than Marseille during winter. Seville gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Seville usually receives more rain than Marseille. Seville gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Seville or Marseille in the Spring?

Both Marseille and Seville during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Seville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Marseille for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Seville is a little warmer than Marseille. Typically, the spring temperatures in Seville in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Marseille averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Seville. In the spring, Seville often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Seville gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun.

Seville usually gets more rain in April than Marseille. Seville gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Marseille and Seville