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

Should you visit Marseille or Venice?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marseille or Venice, 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. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Marseille travel costs.

Venice

Venice is a magical, historic, and beautiful city. Venice is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See Venice travel costs.

Marseille and Venice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marseille or Venice?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Venice than Marseille. While Marseille is larger than Venice, Venice has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Venice is very popular for its museums and attractions, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Marseille attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, beaches, and christmas markets. Venice is more touristy than Marseille and is known for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. It is also well known for St. Mark's Basilica. Marseille is famous for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity.

How is Marseille different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Venice 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 Venice?

Venice 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, Venice has many famous sights for visitors. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Marseille is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Venice is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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, Venice makes for a great culinary experience. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables. Many of the restaurants are excellent, but head into the local neighborhoods for the best options.

Is Marseille or Venice Better for Nightlife?

Marseille is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Marseille or Venice Better for Beaches?

Marseille is very good for the beach. However, Venice 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.

Venice is not a beach destination.

Is Marseille or Venice Better for its Old Town?

Marseille and Venice both have terrific historical old towns that attract visitors.

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.

With a famous historical old-town, Venice offers plenty to see. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

Is the Shopping Better in Marseille or Venice?

Venice 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 Venice specifically to go shopping. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

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 Venice More Beautiful?

Venice 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.

Venice is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The city's beautiful canals, architecture, and gondolas make it among the most stunning and unique places to visit in the world.

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 Venice Better for Families?

Venice 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 Venice. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

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 Venice Better for Couples?

Venice is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Venice has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

Couples visit Marseille frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Strolling the boulevards and exploring the history and culture of this city make it a top couples' destination.

Is Marseille or Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Venice 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 Venice. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

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 Venice Better for Students?

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

Venice is a great destination for students. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

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 Venice Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Venice 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 Venice can get you around easily. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

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 Venice a more walkable city?

Venice 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 Venice. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

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 Venice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Venice or Marseille?

How long in Marseille or Venice?

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

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

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

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

One day in Marseille or Venice?

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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the quaint city of Venice. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Venice?

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.

You'll find museums and food around the beautiful destination of Venice. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Marseille or Venice?

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.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural city of Venice. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Marseille or Venice?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant 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.

Venice is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Venice, 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Marseille or Venice?

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

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 Marseille or Venice in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Marseille and Venice. Most visitors come to Marseille for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Venice because of the family-friendly experiences.

Marseille is around the same temperature as Venice in the summer. The daily temperature in Marseille averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Venice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Venice this time of the year. In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marseille usually receives more sunshine than Venice during summer. Marseille gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Marseille usually receives less rain than Venice. Marseille gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Venice receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Marseille or Venice in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Marseille as well as Venice. The autumn months attract visitors to Marseille because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Venice this time of year.

In the autumn, Marseille is a little warmer than Venice. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marseille in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Venice averages at about 14°C (57°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marseille this time of the year. In the autumn, Marseille often gets more sunshine than Venice. Marseille gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 134 hours of full sun.

Marseille usually gets more rain in October than Venice. Marseille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marseille or Venice in the Winter?

Both Venice and Marseille are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Marseille this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Venice for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Venice. In January, Marseille is generally much warmer than Venice. Daily temperatures in Marseille average around 7°C (44°F), and Venice fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Marseille usually receives more sunshine than Venice during winter. Marseille gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Marseille usually receives less rain than Venice. Marseille gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Marseille or Venice in the Spring?

Both Venice and Marseille during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Marseille for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Venice in the spring for the natural beauty.

Marseille is around the same temperature as Venice in the spring. The daily temperature in Marseille averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Venice fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Marseille. In the spring, Marseille often gets more sunshine than Venice. Marseille gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 154 hours of full sun.

Marseille usually gets less rain in April than Venice. Marseille gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Venice and Marseille