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

Should you visit Windsor or Marseille?

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

Should I visit Windsor 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.

Windsor

Windsor is a royal, traditional, and touristy town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums, 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. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Windsor and Marseille: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Windsor Castle
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular old town
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • 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 Windsor or Marseille?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Marseille. Although Windsor 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, and quaint atmosphere, while Windsor is known for its museums, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Windsor is popular for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world. Marseille is popular for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. It is also home to The Vieux Port.

How is Windsor different from Marseille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Windsor
Marseille

Windsor 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 Windsor can be an interesting and educational experience. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Windsor
Marseille

Marseille is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Windsor is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

Is Windsor or Marseille Better for Nightlife?

Windsor
Marseille

Marseille is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Windsor has a few options to choose from. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

Is Windsor or Marseille Better for Beaches?

Windsor
Marseille

Marseille is a popular place for the beache. However, Windsor 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.

Windsor is not a beach destination.


Is Windsor or Marseille Better for its Old Town?

Windsor
Marseille

Marseille is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

The historic old town of Marseille is revered around the world. 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.

Windsor has an old town worth visiting. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

Is the Shopping Better in Windsor or Marseille?

Windsor
Marseille

Marseille is well known for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Windsor or Marseille Better for Christmas Markets?

Windsor
Marseille

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

Windsor does not offer Christmas markets.


Is Windsor or Marseille Better for Families?

Windsor
Marseille

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

Windsor is a family-friendly town. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

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 Windsor or Marseille Better for Couples?

Windsor
Marseille

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

Couples visit Windsor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

Marseille is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Strolling the boulevards and exploring the history and culture of this city make it a top couples' destination.

Is Windsor or Marseille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Windsor
Marseille

Marseille is a popular place for backpackers. However, Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.


Is Windsor or Marseille Better for Students?

Windsor
Marseille

Marseille is well known for students. However, Windsor is not popular with students.

Marseille is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It attracts international students because of its rich culture, unique atmosphere, and lively bar scene.

Windsor is not popular with students.

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

Windsor
Marseille

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Windsor and Marseille.

You'll find some public transit in Windsor, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system around town.

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 Windsor or Marseille a more walkable city?

Windsor
Marseille

Windsor and Marseille both are very good when exploring on foot.

Windsor is a very walkable town. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

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 Windsor Worth Visiting? and Is Marseille Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Marseille or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Marseille?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Marseille than Windsor. 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 Windsor 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 Windsor or Marseille? Ideal Length of Stay
    Windsor 1-2 
    Marseille 2-3

One day in Windsor or Marseille?

Even though Windsor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Windsor 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 Windsor or Marseille?

Windsor is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town 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 Windsor or Marseille?

Windsor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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.

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 Windsor or Marseille?

Windsor 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.

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 Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Marseille or Windsor?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Windsor is £150, while the average daily cost in Marseille is £126. 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 Windsor and Marseille in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Windsor £70
    Marseille £61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Windsor £140
    Marseille £122
Compare Hotels in Windsor and Marseille

Looking for a hotel in Windsor 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 Windsor


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: Windsor Hotel Prices and Marseille Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Windsor £66
    Marseille £24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Windsor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Windsor:

  • Windsor Castle Ticket & Private Transfer: $319
  • London: Windsor Castle Private Tour with Hotel Transfers: $562
  • London: Transfer to Southampton with Windsor Castle Visit: $161
  • "Private Transfer: From London Heathrow Airport to Windsor": $56

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Marseille

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


  • Metro Pass
    £2.57

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 Windsor or Marseille?

Prices for flights to both Marseille and Windsor 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
    Windsor £39
    Marseille £36
Typical Food Prices in Windsor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Windsor:


  • Morning Tea
    £2.50

Typical Food Prices in Marseille

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


  • Orangina
    £2.14

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.
    Windsor £26
    Marseille £32

Tours and Activities in Windsor

Here are a few actual costs in Windsor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1,000 Years of Royal History from Windsor to Eton: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • 3 Hour Private Tour in Windsor Old Town and Castle: $191
  • From London: Half-Day Trip to Windsor with Castle Tickets: $111
  • From Southampton: Bath and Windsor Tour with London Drop-Off: $230
  • LEGOLAND Windsor Resort 2 Day Admission Ticket: $66
  • LEGOLAND Windsor Resort: Entrance Ticket: $44
  • Private Tour Windsor, Eton & Hampton Court: $650
  • Private Windsor Town & Guided Castle Walking Tour: $350
  • Private Windsor Walking Tour: $146
  • Royal Windsor & Stonehenge Private Tour: $1,998
  • Royal Windsor Castle Tour Private including tickets: $362
  • Stonehenge and Windsor Castle Tour from London With Entry Tickets: $126

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
    Windsor £7.55
    Marseille £23

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


Which is Bigger, Windsor or Marseille?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Windsor. When comparing the sizes of Windsor 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 Windsor 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 Windsor or Marseille in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Windsor as well as Marseille. Many travelers come to Windsor for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Marseille in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Windsor is cooler than Marseille. Typically, the summer temperatures in Windsor in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Marseille averages at about 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. In the summer, Windsor often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Windsor gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets more rain in July than Marseille. Windsor gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Windsor 18°C (64°F) 
    Marseille 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Windsor or Marseille in the Autumn?

Both Marseille and Windsor are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Windsor in the autumn for the small town atmosphere 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.

In October, Windsor is generally cooler than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 12°C (53°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Marseille. Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during autumn. Windsor gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Windsor usually receives less rain than Marseille. Windsor gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Windsor 12°C (53°F) 
    Marseille 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Windsor or Marseille in the Winter?

Both Marseille and Windsor during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Windsor for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Marseille because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Windsor can be very cold during winter. Windsor is much colder than Marseille in the winter. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Marseille fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Windsor often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Windsor gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets more rain in January than Marseille. Windsor gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Windsor 4°C (40°F) 
    Marseille 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Windsor or Marseille in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Windsor and Marseille. The spring months attract visitors to Windsor because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marseille this time of year.

In the spring, Windsor is cooler than Marseille. Typically, the spring temperatures in Windsor in April average around 9°C (48°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. Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during spring. Windsor gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Windsor usually receives around the same amount of rain as Marseille. Windsor gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Windsor 9°C (48°F) 
    Marseille 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Marseille and Windsor

Windsor Marseille
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 51 mm (2 in) 21°C (69°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in) 23°C (74°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in) 20°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)