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

Should you visit Marseille or Rome?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marseille or Rome, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Marseille

Marseille is a energetic and vibrant city. With stunning beauty, Marseille attracts visitors from all around. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Marseille travel costs.

Rome

Rome is a popular, ancient, and archeological city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Rome is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music. See Rome travel costs.

Marseille and Rome: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marseille or Rome?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rome than Marseille. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Rome is very popular for its museums and attractions, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Marseille attracts visitors for its beaches, historical sights, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere. Rome is more touristy than Marseille and is popular for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. It is also well known for The Colosseum. Marseille is famous for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity.

The Colosseum

How is Marseille different from Rome?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Rome is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Rome has many famous sights for visitors. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Marseille and Rome both to be first-rate destinations.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Marseille is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.

Many restaurants in Rome have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

Is Marseille or Rome Better for Nightlife?

Both Marseille and Rome have first-rate vibes after the sun sets.

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.

The nightlife in Rome is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

Is Marseille or Rome Better for Music?

Rome is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Marseille is not a live music destination.

Rome has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Marseille is not a live music destination.

Is Marseille or Rome Better for Beaches?

Marseille is a city with good options for the beach. However, Rome 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.

Rome is not a beach destination.

Is Marseille or Rome Better for its Old Town?

Marseille is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Rome does not have a historic old town.

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.

Rome does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Marseille or Rome?

Rome is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Rome specifically to go shopping. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

Marseille is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

Is Marseille or Rome More Beautiful?

Rome is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Rome is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. With its many beautiful landmarks and impressive architecture, this city has a lot of attractive places to visit. Don't miss Villa Borghese Park, Trastevere, Palazzo Madama, the Appian Way, and Piazza Navona.

Marseille is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's beauty comes from its historic architecture and beautiful neighborhoods.

Is Marseille or Rome Better for Families?

Rome 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 Rome. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.

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 Marseille or Rome Better for Couples?

Marseille and Rome are both high quality to visit as a couple.

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.

Couples visit Rome frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

Is Marseille or Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rome is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Rome, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

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

Is Marseille or Rome Better for Students?

Rome is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Rome is a great destination for students. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

Students come from all over to stay in Marseille. It attracts international students because of its rich culture, unique atmosphere, and lively bar scene.

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

Rome is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Rome can get you around easily. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

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 Marseille or Rome a more walkable city?

Rome 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 Rome. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

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 Marseille Worth Visiting? and Is Rome Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rome or Marseille?

How long in Marseille or Rome?

Both Marseille and Rome have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Rome than in Marseille. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Marseille, and 3-7 days is enough time in Rome.

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

Couples should spend more time in Rome than Marseille. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Rome that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rome 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 Rome.

One day in Marseille or Rome?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Marseille. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

People visit Rome because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Marseille or Rome?

Marseille is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

People visit Rome because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Marseille or Rome?

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant destination of Marseille. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

People visit Rome because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Marseille or Rome?

The vibrant city of Marseille offers shopping and nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Rome is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rome, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to France, The Best G Adventures Tours to France, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Marseille and Rome, we can see that Rome 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 Marseille Expensive? and Is Rome Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Marseille or Rome?

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

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 Marseille or Rome in the Summer?

Both Rome and Marseille during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Marseille this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rome for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Marseille is around the same temperature as Rome in the summer. The daily temperature in Marseille averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Rome fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Rome, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marseille. In the summer, Marseille often gets more sunshine than Rome. Marseille gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun.

Marseille usually gets less rain in July than Rome. Marseille gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marseille or Rome in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Marseille and Rome. Many travelers come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Rome in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Marseille is around the same temperature as Rome. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marseille in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Rome averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marseille usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rome during autumn. Marseille gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 198 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Marseille usually receives less rain than Rome. Marseille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marseille or Rome in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Marseille as well as Rome. Many visitors come to Marseille in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Rome for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Marseille is generally cooler than Rome. Daily temperatures in Marseille average around 7°C (44°F), and Rome fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Marseille often gets more sunshine than Rome. Marseille gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 127 hours of full sun.

Marseille usually gets less rain in January than Rome. Marseille gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marseille or Rome in the Spring?

Both Rome and Marseille are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Marseille for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Rome because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Marseille is around the same temperature as Rome in the spring. The daily temperature in Marseille averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Rome fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Rome. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. Marseille usually receives more sunshine than Rome during spring. Marseille gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Marseille usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rome. Marseille gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rome and Marseille