A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Thiva (Thebes) vs. Marseille for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Thiva (Thebes) 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 Thiva (Thebes) 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.

Thiva (Thebes)

Thiva (Thebes) is a vibrant, historic, and authentic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Marseille

Marseille is a energetic and vibrant city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Thiva (Thebes) and Marseille: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for Christmas markets
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Thiva (Thebes) or Marseille?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Marseille. Although Thiva (Thebes) and Marseille are both popular with visitors, Marseille has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Marseille is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Thiva (Thebes) is known for its museums and big city activities. Marseille is more touristy than Thiva (Thebes) and is popular for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. It is also home to The Vieux Port. Thiva (Thebes) is popular for its standing as one of the oldest cities in the world.

How is Thiva (Thebes) different from Marseille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Thiva (Thebes) or Marseille?

Thiva (Thebes)
Marseille

Thiva (Thebes) 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 Thiva (Thebes) can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with archeological museums and sights that reflect its long-running history as one of the oldest, continuously inhabited cities in the world.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Thiva (Thebes) or Marseille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Thiva (Thebes)
Marseille

Marseille is very popular for its restaurant scene. Also, Thiva (Thebes) is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Thiva (Thebes) is becoming an appealing option for foodies. It's a large city with restaurants that cater to locals and visitors alike. You can expect high quality ingredients at a fraction of the price that you'll find in more touristy areas.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Marseille Better for Nightlife?

Thiva (Thebes)
Marseille

Marseille is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Thiva (Thebes) is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Thiva (Thebes) has a few options to choose from. The city is filled with lively cafes, bars, and pubs that spill out onto the city's vibrant squares.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Marseille Better for Beaches?

Thiva (Thebes)
Marseille

Marseille is a city with good options for the beache. However, Thiva (Thebes) is not a beach destination.

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.

Thiva (Thebes) is not a beach destination.


Is Thiva (Thebes) or Marseille Better for its Old Town?

Thiva (Thebes)
Marseille

Marseille is very popular for its old town. However, Thiva (Thebes) 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.

Thiva (Thebes) does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Thiva (Thebes) or Marseille?

Thiva (Thebes)
Marseille

Marseille is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Thiva (Thebes) is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Marseille is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

Thiva (Thebes) has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find all of the normal retail options around town. Many are in shopping centers and malls.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Marseille Better for Christmas Markets?

Thiva (Thebes)
Marseille

Marseille is a city with good options for its Christmas markets. However, Thiva (Thebes) 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.

Thiva (Thebes) does not offer Christmas markets.


Is Thiva (Thebes) or Marseille Better for Families?

Thiva (Thebes)
Marseille

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

Thiva (Thebes) is a family-friendly city. Kids who are interested in history will appreciate the many archeological ruins and museums in 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 Thiva (Thebes) or Marseille Better for Couples?

Thiva (Thebes)
Marseille

Marseille is a great destination for its romantic activities. However, Thiva (Thebes) is a city with minimal options for couples.

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.

Thiva (Thebes) is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's often overlooked as a honeymoon destination in Greece but the history of this long-running city is unique. Today it's a large city but you can still catch glimpses of its past.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Marseille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thiva (Thebes)
Marseille

Marseille is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Thiva (Thebes) is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Thiva (Thebes) is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not really on the backpacker circuit so their aren't a lot of hostels in town.


Is Thiva (Thebes) or Marseille Better for Students?

Thiva (Thebes)
Marseille

Marseille is a great destination for students. However, Thiva (Thebes) is not popular with 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.

Thiva (Thebes) is not popular with students.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Marseille Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Thiva (Thebes)
Marseille

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Thiva (Thebes) and Marseille.

You'll find some public transit in Thiva (Thebes), but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses in the area.

While Marseille offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has trams, a metro, and buses that you can use to explore.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Marseille a more walkable city?

Thiva (Thebes)
Marseille

Marseille is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Thiva (Thebes) is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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.

Thiva (Thebes) is a somewhat walkable city. Some areas are more walkable than others.


For even more information, also check out Is Thiva (Thebes) Worth Visiting? and Is Marseille Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Marseille or Thiva (Thebes)?

How long in Thiva (Thebes) or Marseille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Thiva (Thebes) and Marseille. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Marseille than in Thiva (Thebes). Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Thiva (Thebes), and 2-3 days is enough time in Marseille.

Couples should spend more time in Marseille than Thiva (Thebes). 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 Thiva (Thebes) 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.


  • How many days in Thiva (Thebes) or Marseille? Ideal Length of Stay
    Thiva (Thebes) 1-2 
    Marseille 2-3

One day in Thiva (Thebes) or Marseille?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Thiva (Thebes). One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Thiva (Thebes) has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Marseille, you'll find nightlife and food. Visiting the old town is also a must. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Thiva (Thebes) or Marseille?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Thiva (Thebes). 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.

Marseille is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Thiva (Thebes) or Marseille?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Thiva (Thebes). 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. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Thiva (Thebes) or Marseille?

Thiva (Thebes) 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 nightlife and food when visiting the quaint city of Marseille. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Greece, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Greece, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Marseille or Thiva (Thebes)?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Thiva (Thebes) is €127, while the average daily cost in Marseille is €148. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Thiva (Thebes) and Marseille in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Thiva (Thebes) 61
    Marseille 71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Thiva (Thebes) 122
    Marseille 142
Compare Hotels in Thiva (Thebes) and Marseille

Looking for a hotel in Thiva (Thebes) or Marseille? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Thiva (Thebes)


Hotels in Marseille


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Marseille Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Thiva (Thebes) 37
    Marseille 28

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-Marseille Center Transfers: Luxury and Comfort VTC.”: $87
  • Airport Marseille Transfer to Marseille Old Port: $91
  • Aix en Provence-Transfer from or to Marseille Airport: $102
  • Arles-Transfer From or To Airport MARSEILLE: $218
  • Arrival Private Transfer Marseille Airport MRS to Marseille city or Port by Van: $101
  • Arrival Transfer: MRS Airport to Marseille in Business Car: $109
  • Cannes Private Transfer to Marseille Airport: $642
  • Departure Private Transfer Marseille city or Port to Marseile Airport MRS by Van: $101
  • Departure Private Transfer from Marseille city to Marseille Cruise Port by Van: $101
  • Departure Transfer: Marseille to MRS Airport in Business Car: $109
  • Marseille Airport (MRS) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Marseille Hotel or Address): $215
  • Marseille Airport (MRS) to (MPCT) Marseille Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Thiva (Thebes) or Marseille?

Prices for flights to both Marseille and Thiva (Thebes) 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
    Thiva (Thebes) 41
    Marseille 42

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:

  • Web-cooking workshop / French cuisine or French pastry: $35
  • No Diet Club - Unique food tour in Marseille! (Cours Julien): $63
  • Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $74
  • Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $86
  • Sunset Boat Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $86
  • Bakeries, Chocolate & Patisseries Food Tour: $93
  • Sunset Apéro Food tour: $95
  • Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $97
  • Marseille Sunset Apéro Food tour: $97
  • Evening Food Tour with Tastings: $102
  • Sunset Sailing Dinner in the Frioul Archipelago: $102
  • Marseille Miam Miam Food tour: $104

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Thiva (Thebes) 26
    Marseille 38

Tours and Activities in Marseille

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.28
  • Marseille:Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $4.28
  • Marseille Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.36
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Marseille Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Self-guided Like a Local Highlights Day Tour: $9.52
  • Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Game & Sightseeing: $9.84
  • Panier District Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Humorous and Informative Tour of the Historic Center of La Ciotat: $11
  • Mucem Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Thiva (Thebes) 18
    Marseille 27

Sample the Local Flavors in Marseille

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

  • Marseille Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $21
  • Marseille Riviera Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $22
  • Marseille Pub Crawl : Meet, Drink & Party: $43
  • New Year's Eve Bar Crawl Marseille France: $96
  • Delicious Food and Wine Tour: $117
  • Bandol and Cassis: Full Day Wine Tour from Marseille: $143
  • Luberon: Full-Day Wine Tour from Marseille: $143
  • Full-day Wine Tour around Bandol & Cassis from Marseille: $146
  • Full-Day Wine Tour around Luberon from Marseille: $146
  • Côtes du Rhône Wine tour: Avignon, Palace of the Popes: $164
  • Small Group Marseille Shore Excursion : Avignon & Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tour: $164
  • Marseille Shore Excursion - Full Day Wine Tour in Provence: $164


When comparing the travel costs between Thiva (Thebes) and Marseille, we can see that Marseille 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 Thiva (Thebes) Expensive? and Is Marseille Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Thiva (Thebes) or Marseille?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Thiva (Thebes). When comparing the sizes of Thiva (Thebes) 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 Thiva (Thebes) 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 Thiva (Thebes) or Marseille in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Thiva (Thebes) as well as Marseille. Most visitors come to Thiva (Thebes) for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Marseille because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Thiva (Thebes) this time of the year. In the summer, Thiva (Thebes) often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Marseille. Thiva (Thebes) gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun.

Thiva (Thebes) usually gets less rain in July than Marseille. Thiva (Thebes) gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Thiva (Thebes) 27°C (81°F) 
    Marseille 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Thiva (Thebes) or Marseille in the Autumn?

Both Marseille and Thiva (Thebes) are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Thiva (Thebes) because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Marseille this time of year.

In October, Thiva (Thebes) is generally a little warmer than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Thiva (Thebes) average around 19°C (67°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Marseille. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Thiva (Thebes). Thiva (Thebes) usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Marseille during autumn. Thiva (Thebes) gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Thiva (Thebes) usually receives less rain than Marseille. Thiva (Thebes) gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Thiva (Thebes) 19°C (67°F) 
    Marseille 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Thiva (Thebes) or Marseille in the Winter?

Both Marseille and Thiva (Thebes) during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Thiva (Thebes) this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Thiva (Thebes) is much warmer than Marseille in the winter. The daily temperature in Thiva (Thebes) averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Marseille fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Thiva (Thebes) often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Marseille. Thiva (Thebes) gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun.

Thiva (Thebes) usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Marseille. Thiva (Thebes) gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Thiva (Thebes) 10°C (51°F) 
    Marseille 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Thiva (Thebes) or Marseille in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Thiva (Thebes) and Marseille. Many travelers come to Thiva (Thebes) for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Marseille in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Thiva (Thebes) is a little warmer than Marseille. Typically, the spring temperatures in Thiva (Thebes) in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Marseille averages at about 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marseille this time of the year. In Thiva (Thebes), it's very sunny this time of the year. Thiva (Thebes) usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during spring. Thiva (Thebes) gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Thiva (Thebes) usually receives less rain than Marseille. Thiva (Thebes) gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Thiva (Thebes) 16°C (60°F) 
    Marseille 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Marseille and Thiva (Thebes)

Thiva (Thebes) Marseille
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 13°C (56°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 23°C (74°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 11°C (51°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)