A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Leiden vs. Marseille for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Leiden or Marseille?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Leiden and Marseille can help you decide which place is right for you.

Leiden

Leiden is a scholarly, historic, and cultural city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Leiden travel costs.

Marseille

Marseille is a energetic and vibrant city. With stunning beauty, Marseille attracts visitors from all around. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping. See Marseille travel costs.

Leiden and Marseille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Leiden or Marseille?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Marseille than Leiden. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Marseille is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Leiden attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Marseille is more touristy than Leiden and is known for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. It is also well known for The Vieux Port. Leiden is famous for its many museums and renowned university.

How is Leiden different from Marseille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Leiden 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 Leiden can be an interesting and educational experience. There are a huge number of museums around town. Some are affiliated with the museum, while others are not. Some of the favorites include the National Museum of Antiquities (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden), Naturalis Biodiversity Center, The Boerhaave Museum, the Corpus Museum, and the National Ethnological Museum.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Marseille is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Marseille has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Leiden makes for a great culinary experience. There's a diverse food scene with many international flavors such as Japanese, Chinese, and French. The cafe culture influences the culinary scene and you'll find many cozy cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a bite to eat.

Is Leiden or Marseille Better for Nightlife?

Marseille is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Marseille is a world class party destination. Much of the city's nightlife is centered around being outdoors. Whether you're on the beach or hanging out at a rooftop bar, Marseille is a magical place.

Leiden has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The large student population means that there is a good nightlife scene. There are a variety of bars, pubs, and cafes where you can enjoy a drink, with options ranging from cozy, intimate spots to larger, more vibrant venues. The Oude Markt area, with its charming historic setting, is a hotspot for nightlife, offering a mix of traditional Dutch bars and international-themed pubs.

Is Leiden or Marseille Better for Beaches?

Marseille is very good for the beach. However, Leiden is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Marseille to enjoy the beach. The city has nice beaches that offer both culture and diversity, which may be lacking some other coastal parts of the French Riviera.

Leiden is not a beach destination.

Is Leiden or Marseille Better for its Old Town?

Marseille is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Leiden does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Marseille can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Leiden does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Leiden or Marseille?

Marseille is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Marseille. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

Leiden is a great destination for shopping. There are a mix of unique boutiques, international brands, and charming local stores. The Breestraat and Nieuwe Rijn are popular shopping streets, and they're lined with a variety of shops selling everything from fashion and accessories to books, art, and antiques. The city also has several markets, including a weekly Saturday market near the Pieterskerk, where you can find fresh produce, flowers, and vintage items.

Is Leiden or Marseille More Beautiful?

Marseille is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Leiden is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Marseille attracts visitors from all around. It's beauty comes from its historic architecture and beautiful neighborhoods.

Leiden is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Leiden or Marseille Better for Families?

Leiden is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Marseille is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Leiden. The town has a mix of educational, cultural, and fun activities for all ages. There are many family-friendly museums like Naturalis Biodiversity Center, where kids can explore dinosaurs and wildlife, and the National Museum of Antiquities, which brings history to life. There's also the Corpus Museum, which takes visitors on a unique, interactive journey through the human body.

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 Leiden or Marseille Better for Couples?

Marseille is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Leiden is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy charming towns and world class museums will enjoy their time here. The town also has picturesque canals, historic bridges, and cozy street cafes. Couples can explore places like the Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the Netherlands, or enjoy a quiet moment in the scenic Leidse Hout Park.

Is Leiden or Marseille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Leiden and Marseille are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Leiden is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The city offers affordable accommodations, including hostels and budget-friendly hotels, as well as reasonably priced eateries serving Dutch classics and international cuisine. Many of Leiden’s attractions, like its historic canals, charming streets, and open-air markets, can be enjoyed for free.

It's common for backpackers to visit Marseille. It has a decent number of hostels for a city of its size.

Is Leiden or Marseille Better for Students?

Both Leiden and Marseille are excellent destinations for students.

Leiden is very popular with students. It feels like a university town and it's home to Leiden University, the oldest university in the Netherlands. The university is known for its academic excellence and vibrant student community. The town also has a young atmosphere with plenty of affordable cafes, bars, and cultural events that influence the student life. Its compact size makes it easy to navigate by bike, and the abundance of libraries, study spaces, and museums provides ample resources for learning and inspiration. Housing can be difficult to find though.

Marseille is a great city to visit as a student. It attracts international students because of its rich culture, unique atmosphere, and lively bar scene.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Leiden and Marseille.

Leiden has some public transit options. The Leiden Central Station is the main hub for trains, which connect the city to other towns throughout the country. Around town there are buses that are reliable and convenient.

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 Leiden or Marseille a more walkable city?

Leiden and Marseille are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Leiden is a very walkable destination. The city is compact and easy to navigate on foot, with many of its attractions, cafes, shops, and historical sites located within walking distance of each other.

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 Leiden Worth Visiting? and Is Marseille Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Marseille or Leiden?

How long in Leiden or Marseille?

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

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

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

One day in Leiden or Marseille?

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

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Marseille. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Leiden or Marseille?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Leiden. 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. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Leiden or Marseille?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Leiden. 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Leiden or Marseille?

Leiden 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 food and shopping when visiting the energetic destination of Marseille. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Leiden 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 Leiden Expensive? and Is Marseille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Leiden or Marseille?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Leiden. When comparing the sizes of Leiden 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 Leiden or Marseille?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Leiden or Marseille in the Summer?

Both Marseille and Leiden are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Leiden this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Marseille for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Leiden is cooler than Marseille in the summer. The daily temperature in Leiden averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Marseille fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Marseille. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Leiden. Leiden usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during summer. Leiden gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Leiden usually receives more rain than Marseille. Leiden gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Leiden or Marseille in the Autumn?

Both Marseille and Leiden during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Leiden for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Marseille in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Leiden is much colder than Marseille. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Leiden in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Marseille averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Leiden often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Leiden gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun.

Leiden usually gets less rain in October than Marseille. Leiden gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Leiden or Marseille in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Leiden and Marseille. Many visitors come to Leiden in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Leiden can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Leiden is generally much colder than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Leiden average around 2°C (36°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Leiden usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during winter. Leiden gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Leiden usually receives more rain than Marseille. Leiden gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Leiden or Marseille in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Leiden as well as Marseille. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Marseille because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Leiden is much colder than Marseille in the spring. The daily temperature in Leiden averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Marseille fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. In the spring, Leiden often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Leiden gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun.

Leiden usually gets more rain in April than Marseille. Leiden gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Marseille and Leiden