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

Should you visit Utrecht or Marseille?

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

Should I visit Utrecht 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.

Utrecht

With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Marseille

Marseille is a energetic and vibrant city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Utrecht and Marseille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Utrecht or Marseille?

You'll generally find more things to do in Marseille than Utrecht. Marseille is bigger than Utrecht, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Marseille is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, and christmas markets, while Utrecht is more popular for its museums. Utrecht is well known for its beautiful canals, huge number of bikes, and charming old town. Marseille is well known for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. Also, Marseille is famous for The Vieux Port.

How is Utrecht different from Marseille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Utrecht 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 Utrecht. The Dom Tower and St. Martin's Cathedral is a highlight of the city, but you'll also find smaller, more local museums and several beautiful churches. If you're up for heading out of town, you can visit De Haar Castle, which is most accessible if you have a private vehicle.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Marseille is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Marseille is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.

Utrecht has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of interesting international restaurants around town including Greek, Italian, and Spanish tapas. It's particularly fun to dine canal-side and sip wine as the boats pass by.

Is Utrecht or Marseille Better for Nightlife?

Marseille is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for nightlife and partying.

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.

Utrecht has a large number of nightlife venues. The student population keeps the nightlife scene fun and lively. There are plenty of bars in the old town and you'll find tourists and locals hanging out at the same spots.

Is Utrecht or Marseille Better for Beaches?

Marseille is a popular place for its beaches. However, Utrecht 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.

Utrecht is not a beach destination.

Is Utrecht or Marseille Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the fantastic old towns in both Utrecht and Marseille.

The historic old town of Utrecht is revered around the world. The old town is large, charming, and filled with locals. There are canals that that see a frequent stream of boats and kayakers. There are also historic buildings and cobblestone streets. The city is unique because many cafes offer seating directly next to the canals.

With a famous historical old-town, Marseille offers plenty to see. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Utrecht or Marseille?

Both Utrecht and Marseille are very good shopping destinations.

Utrecht is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find both local shops and European chains throughout the old town. There's also a large mall right next to the main tourist area.

Marseille is well-known for its shopping. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

Is Utrecht or Marseille Better for Christmas Markets?

Marseille is a popular place for its Christmas markets. However, Utrecht 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.

Utrecht does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Utrecht or Marseille Better for Families?

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

Utrecht is a family-friendly . There are a few museums around town that are fun for kids. Make sure you check out the Miffy Museum, which is great for younger kids. The Museum Speelklok is fun for kids and adults alike. Families will also enjoy renting bikes for the day or taking a canal boat tour. Also make sure you try some local pancakes.

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 Utrecht or Marseille Better for Couples?

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

Utrecht is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charming old town and cozy cafes make for a wonderful date day. You can take a canal boat tour, sip coffee at a cafe by a canal, or explore the city as it lights up at night.

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 Utrecht or Marseille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Utrecht 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 Utrecht. It's a university city with a young population and plenty to do in the evening. There are also a decent number of hostels to choose from and a lively atmosphere with fun activities and festivals.

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

Is Utrecht or Marseille Better for Students?

Utrecht and Marseille are both very good destinations for students and younger travelers.

Utrecht is a very popular for students and younger travelers. This is a great university city. The population is young, but housing can be challenging to find and very expensive.

Marseille is very popular with students. It attracts international students because of its rich culture, unique atmosphere, and lively bar scene.

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

Utrecht is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Utrecht can get you to most places easily. There are buses around town and two tram lines that travel to the suburbs.

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 Utrecht or Marseille a more walkable city?

Utrecht is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Utrecht. The old town is easy to explore on foot, but don't walk in a bike lane or you'll likely receive a firm scolding from a local. Utrecht is regularly ranked as one of the world's most bike-friendly cities.

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 Utrecht Worth Visiting? and Is Marseille Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Marseille or Utrecht?

How long in Utrecht or Marseille?

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

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

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

One day in Utrecht or Marseille?

You'll find shopping and museums around the quaint of Utrecht. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Utrecht 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 Utrecht or Marseille?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Utrecht. 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 has to offer. This 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 Utrecht or Marseille?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic of Utrecht. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Utrecht or Marseille?

Utrecht 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Netherlands, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Netherlands, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Utrecht and Marseille, we can see that Utrecht 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 Utrecht would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Utrecht 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 Utrecht Expensive? and Is Marseille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Utrecht or Marseille?

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

Both Marseille and Utrecht during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Utrecht for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Marseille in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Utrecht is generally cooler than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Utrecht average around 17°C (62°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Utrecht often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Utrecht gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun.

Utrecht usually gets more rain in July than Marseille. Utrecht gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Utrecht or Marseille in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Utrecht and Marseille. Many visitors come to Utrecht in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Utrecht is much colder than Marseille in the autumn. The daily temperature in Utrecht averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Marseille fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marseille this time of the year. Utrecht usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during autumn. Utrecht gets 100 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Utrecht usually receives less rain than Marseille. Utrecht gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Utrecht or Marseille in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Utrecht as well as Marseille. Most visitors come to Utrecht for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Marseille because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Utrecht can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Utrecht is much colder than Marseille. Typically, the winter temperatures in Utrecht in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Marseille averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Utrecht often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Utrecht gets 38 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun.

Utrecht usually gets more rain in January than Marseille. Utrecht gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Utrecht or Marseille in the Spring?

Both Marseille and Utrecht are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Utrecht because of the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marseille this time of year.

In April, Utrecht is generally much colder than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Utrecht average around 8°C (46°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Marseille. Utrecht usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during spring. Utrecht gets 156 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Utrecht usually receives more rain than Marseille. Utrecht gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Marseille and Utrecht