Travel Budget for Marseille Visit Marseille on a Budget or Travel in Style

Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, France

Marseille is a vibrant city known for Parc National des Calanques, Château d'If, and Le Panier. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Marseille and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're eating the delicious cuisine, enjoying the nightlife, or taking in the beauty.

How much does it cost to travel to Marseille?

You should plan to spend around $161 (€148) per day on your vacation in Marseille. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $46 (€42) on meals
  • $31 (€28) on local transportation
  • $155 (€142) on hotels

A one week trip to Marseille for two people costs, on average, $2,258 (€2,072). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $161
    148
  • One Week Per person
    $1,129
    1,036
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $2,258
    2,072
  • One Month Per person
    $4,838
    4,440
  • One Week For a couple
    $2,258
    2,072
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $4,516
    4,144
  • One Month For a couple
    $9,677
    8,880
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Marseille cost?

A one week trip to Marseille usually costs around $1,129 (€1,036) for one person and $2,258 (€2,072) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Marseille on average costs around $2,258 (€2,072) for one person and $4,516 (€4,144) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Marseille will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Marseille on average costs around $4,838 (€4,440) for one person and $9,677 (€8,880) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Marseille expensive to visit?

Marseille is a great city that brings in a diverse crowd of visitors, each with unique travel styles and spending behaviors. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.

While Marseille can be quite expensive if you let it be, there are ways to lower your spending, such as eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.

On average, budget travelers spend $77 (€69) per day, mid-range travelers spend $165 (€148) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $338 (€302) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Marseille.

Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Marseille is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Giverny or Honfleur.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Marseille Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Marseille?

The average Marseille trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Marseille travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Marseille cost?

Marseille on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$33
(30)
$77
(71)
$161
(147)
Local Transportation 1 $13
(12)
$31
(28)
$61
(56)
Food 2 $19
(17)
$46
(42)
$106
(98)
Entertainment 1 $18
(16)
$41
(38)
$83
(76)
Alcohol 2 $6-18
(6-17)
$15-44
(13-40)
$33-99
(30-91)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

When planning your trip to Marseille, it's important to be realistic about your travel budget. While some people assume they can travel very cheaply, most people aren't comfortable on an extreme shoestring budget. Consider what you enjoy most on vacation and how you like to travel. Do you perfer to stay in resorts, hotels, or hostels? Do you enjoy sightseeing and dining out? These factors will affect your overall budget and travel plans.

The Truth on Budget Travel

You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $77 per day that backpackers typically manage.

Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.

Luckily, Marseille offers plenty of hostels, including Vertigo Vieux-Port and The People - Marseille. Staying at hostels like these means you can enjoy affordable dorm accommodation along with a lively social vibe, though amenities might be minimal. Food is a major draw for all kinds of visitors to Marseille, but budget travelers frequently rely on street food or prepare their own meals in hostels, which means they might miss out on the amazing local cuisine.

Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?

If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at well-liked restaurants, and check out significant museums and attractions that charge entry fees. When visiting Marseille, you'll want to see Parc National des Calanques, Château d'If, or Le Panier. Most activities aren't free. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $165 per person, per day.

The range of hotels and vacation rentals in Marseille is impressive. If you're traveling with others, sharing your hotel with a partner, friend, or kids allows you to split the costs and save money. Families will want to find hotels and restaurants that accommodate children. La Luna B&B Marseille is a solid choice for families, while Hotel 96 also offers great options. For additional family and couple-friendly hotels, refer to our hotel guide for Marseille here.

Looking to Travel in Luxury?

For a trip that encompasses every convenience with outstanding service, get ready for a daily cost nearing $338. To experience nicer hotels, enjoy award-winning cuisine, indulge in extravagant outings, and use taxis or private drivers for your journeys in the city, be prepared for premium pricing. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as La Ciotat Private Kayak Rental in the Calanques National Park - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Marseille

Hotel rates in Marseille vary a lot, especially between budget and luxury options. Peak season (summer) brings higher prices, with rates rising from an off-season averages of $95 to $177. Expect prices to range from $65 for budget hotels to $295 for luxury. Hostels, particularly dorms, are cheaper. To save money, travel off-season or book early.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Marseille for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $155 (€142). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $77 (€71) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $77
    71
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $155
    142

Hotels in Marseille

Looking for a hotel in Marseille? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Marseille

The average hotel room price in Marseille based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $95 in the low season and $177 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Marseille include:

  • La Residence Du Vieux Port starting at $162
  • Grand Hotel Beauvau Marseille Vieux Port - MGallery starting at $148
  • Maisons du Monde Hotel & Suites - Marseille Vieux Port starting at $132
  • Villa Valflor starting at $148
  • Hotel 96 starting at $145
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Marseille

Marseille's public transportation allows you to stay further away from the city for cheaper lodging, but commuting might add extra transportation costs and eat up your time.

Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than during summer, will give you cheaper lodging options and fewer tourists to navigate around.

Many enjoy the charm of walking through Marseille, so aim for a central lodging option. However, this may lead to higher accommodation rates.

The city's attractive old town is a popular destination for visitors. Hotels in this area can be expensive, but they frequently have unique character and are conveniently located near everything.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Marseille

Marseille has a public transit system that connects to several key locations. The city has trams, a metro, and buses that you can use to explore. Public transport is an affordable and quick choice if it's near where you're going, with taxis and rideshares also available for added convenience.

Those who enjoy exploring on foot will have a great time here. The Old Port (Vieux Port) is particularly walkable and is one of the best areas to explore on foot.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (good)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (great)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $31 (€28) per person, per day, on local transportation in Marseille. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Marseille is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $31
    28

Transportation Tips

Check that your hotel has accessible parking if you're planning on driving.

Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:

  • Private transfer by car: Airport from / to the City or Port of Marseille for $92 details
  • Private Transfer from Marseille Airport to Avignon for $277 details
  • Marseille Provence Airport transfer ↔ Aix-En-Provence for $110 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Marseille
How much does it cost to go to Marseille? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Marseille
The price of renting a car in Marseille will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.


What did other people spend on Transportation in Marseille?

The numbers below highlight common transportation expenses in Marseille, gathered from actual travelers. These prices give a good estimate of what you're likely to spend while getting around the city. However, your personal costs will depend on your travel style, since taxis and hired cars tend to be much pricier than public transportation.


  • Metro Pass
    3.00


Food Budget in Marseille

You definitely don't want to miss the incredible cuisine in Marseille. Take some time to explore local dining options and enjoy their unique dishes. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Marseille can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Marseille is $46 (€42) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $46
    42

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Marseille is around $47 (€42) per person, with previous travelers spending from $19 to $109. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Marseille are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $5 to $14
  • Lunch: $7 to $19
  • Dinner: $14 to $33
  • Coffee: $4
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $7

Given its close proximity to the ocean, food in Marseille is focused around seafood. You will find some excellent fish dishes, with two famous local specialties being the fish broth "bouillabaisse" and "aioli". Bouillabaisse is probably the most famous dish in the city. It's a fish stew made with at least three different local fish, potatoes and vegetables. It's usually made for a crowd of at least ten people. A large gathering means a greater diversity of fish, making for a better dish. Aioli is a sauce that is made with raw garlic, lemon juice, eggs and olive oil. It's served with boiled fish, hard boiled eggs and vegetables.

Seafood in Marseille can be expensive, but it is well worth the price. If you're looking for budget options, you're most likely to find them at kebab restaurants near the Canebiere. There are some great, cheap, couscous places near the Cours Belsunce, where many local immigrants enjoy lunch.

Food in Marseille

Food & Dining Tips

Many accommodations feature breakfast in their rates, while some may charge additional fees for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly from one hotel to another. Knowing this information ahead of time helps you decide if you need to spend extra money. A tasty hotel buffet could be worth the expense, or a nearby bakery or cafe might offer a more affordable choice.

Make a picnic for a budget-friendly way to enjoy the scenery. Visit a nearby grocery store or market, stock up on fresh goodies, and find a beautiful park or scenic spot to have your meal.

Bring a reusable water bottle instead of purchasing drinks all the time. It's also a great way to help the environment.

When planning a tour, don't forget to look into which meals are covered. You may be responsible for some of your own food, which could impact your budget significantly.

Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Marseille. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

  • Marseille Food Tour - Bakeries, Chocolate and Patisseries for $99 details
  • Marseille Evening Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience for $110 details
  • Marseille Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience for $110 details

Recommended

What did other people spend on food and dining in Marseille?

Food and meal prices in Marseille, based on real travelers' reported expenses, are shown below. These typical costs can give you a sense of the overall price range for meals. However, your individual expenses might be different depending on your dining habits, restaurant choices, and specific orders.


  • Orangina
    2.50


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Marseille

It's no wonder that tourists flock to Marseille, as it is known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and romance.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Marseille typically cost an average of $41 (€38) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $41
    38

Here are a few of the most popular sights with their prices:

  • Parc National des Calanques (Free)
  • Château d'If for €7
  • Le Panier (Free)
  • The Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde (Free)
  • Fort Saint-Jean for €11
  • Parc Borély (Free)
  • Vieux Port (Free)
  • The Marseille History Museum (Free)
  • MuCEM for €11
  • La Vieille Charité (Free)
  • Marseille Cathedral (Free)
  • Palais Longchamp (Free)
  • The Abbaye of Saint-Victor (Free)

Sights worth visiting in the area include Notre Dame de la Garde, which is a large church that overlooks the city, le Cours Julien and la plaine, an area with bookstores, cafes, and fountains that is an enjoyable place to relax and people watch, la Corniche, which is a walkway just beside the sea, and Parc Borely, a large, nice park that is a great place to pass some time.



Marseille has a wonderful nightlife year around, and there are also some great cultural events that take place throughout the year. The festival Avec le Temps is in the spring and showcases French music and art. La Fete Bleue, or the Blue Festival, has many shows and concerts centered around the color blue. Marsatac is another popular music festival and La Fiesta Des Suds highlights music from around the world.

Sightseeing Tips

Historical Sights:
Old Town in MarseilleThe old town's rich history brings in numerous tourists. 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.

Shopping:
Shopping in MarseilleShopping here is something you definitely shouldn't overlook. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

A nice way to explore destinations in Marseille is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Cassis : Two Calanques Tour by Electric Mountain Bike for $44 details
  • Calanques National Park Kayak Day Tour for $120 details
  • Catamaran cruise in the Frioul Archipelago in Marseille for $268 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Marseille

The nightlife in Marseille is top-notch, making it a must-visit destination for partygoers from around the world. 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.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $29 (€27) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Marseille per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $29
    27

Nightlife in Marseille

Nightlife Tips

Nights out are fun, but limiting your alcohol consumption can help keep your travel costs in check.

Be vigilant if you're out at night, especially if alcohol is involved. Thieves often target distracted individuals, so it's smart to stay with trusted friends and avoid going off by yourself.

Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Marseille. A few favorites from other travelers include:

  • Short Day Tour around Aix en Provence and Wine Tasting for $121 details
  • Côtes du Rhône Wine tour: Avignon, Palace of the Popes for $165 details
  • Cassis Wine tour : mer, falaises et vignes for $166 details

Recommended


Budgeting and Travel Tips for Marseille

  • Look for free activities to help you save money. A few of the most popular include:
    • Parc National des Calanques
    • Le Panier
    • The Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde
    • Parc Borély
    • Vieux Port
    • The Marseille History Museum
    • La Vieille Charité
    • Marseille Cathedral
    • Palais Longchamp
    • The Abbaye of Saint-Victor
  • Peak season in summer often means inflated prices and a busy city. You can save some money and skip the crowds by opting for the shoulder or low seasons for your visit.
  • Slowing down while you travel can lead to significant savings, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of your surroundings. If you overload your itinerary with activities, you'll likely spend a lot more. However, embracing a slower pace can help you enjoy your trip and cut costs.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Traveling with young ones usually means you'll want a private vehicle or taxi. Skipping the public transport hassle can make life simpler, but be ready to spend a bit more cash.
  • There aren't many hostels in Marseille, so if you're hoping for a budget dorm, it's best to rethink your plans. Instead, look for inexpensive hotels or an apartment rental.
Traveling in Marseille
Marseille Vegetable Market in Marseille, France

Marseille is the second largest city in France and is the largest Mediterranean port in the region. For visitors, Marseille offers an authentic glimpse at France. It has many colorful markets, natural beauty such as the Calanques with its large, beautiful cliffs, and the old harbor area, which offers a glimpse at the areas working class history.

The city has a Mediterranean climate with mild and humid winters and hot, dry summers. The coldest months of the year are from December through February and temperatures average around 12 degrees Celsius. The hottest months are July and August when average temperatures are between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius. It's a dry city with plenty of sunshine, making it a great place to visit, weatherwise.



Neighborhoods & Around

Marseille has a variety of different neighborhoods, each with its own character and atmosphere. The Old Port is the area where most of the fishing boats and personal boats are docked. There's a great fish market every morning and there are many different seafood restaurants that are worth trying. This area also has some good museums and interesting sights. Panier has many compact houses that have a medieval appearance. It is not the wealthiest part of town but has some excellent restaurants, museums, and little shops. Canebiere is an old part of town. The main street through the neighborhood has been around since the 17th century. There are some great shopping opportunities near this main street. Garde Hill is also an older part of town. This is also where you will find the botanical gardens and some great parks. St. Charles District is where the main railroad station is. There is not much in the form of sightseeing and it does not get many tourists, but it does have a good view of the city.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.