A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bucharest vs. Marrakech for Old Town, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Bucharest or Marrakech?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Bucharest and Marrakech. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Bucharest

Bucharest is a cultural, charming, and historical city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Marrakech

Marrakech is a high-energy, fascinating, and ancient city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bucharest and Marrakech: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bucharest or Marrakech?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Marrakech than Bucharest. While Bucharest is larger than Marrakech, Marrakech has more sights and attractions for tourists. Marrakech is more touristy than Bucharest and is popular for its colorful medina, festive night market, and beautiful palaces. It is also home to Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Bucharest is popular for its wide avenues and longstanding religious institutions.

How is Bucharest different from Marrakech?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bucharest or Marrakech?

Marrakech is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Marrakech. While wandering the medina is an attraction in and of itself, there are also several sights that you should specifically check out. The iconic Djemaa el-Fnaa, or the city's main square, is best visited as the sun goes down. Other notable landmarks include Koutoubia Mosque, Majorelle Gardens, and Medersa Ben Youssef.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bucharest. The city is rich in landmarks and historical buildings. Popular sights include the Romanian Athenaeum, the Palace of the Parliament, Stavropoleos Church, and Curtea Veche.

Is the Food Better in Bucharest or Marrakech? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Marrakech is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Marrakech. Moroccan food is amazing and you'll enjoy grilled meats, tagines, couscous, and more. The city is more touristy than some parts of Morocco so you'll find the quality of the food can vary a bit, but it's still a culinary delight. Marrakesh is also a great city for taking a cooking class.

Bucharest is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Many Romanian recipes have been passed down through the generations and they still use traditional flavors. You'll see some German or Hungarian influences, but the flavors are still uniquely Romanian. Popular dishes include ciorba (tripe soup), cabbage rolls, and mici (grilled meat rolls).

Is Bucharest or Marrakech Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Bucharest and Marrakech.

Bucharest has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has come to life with its party scene, with many bars and clubs that you can choose from. There are rooftop bars, chic dance clubs, and cozy pubs where you can pass the evening. You'll find most of the upscale clubs in the northern part of the city, with a more casual scene found in the downtown areas around Universitate and Romanā.

If you're looking for night time activities Marrakech has a few options to choose from. Although alcohol is hard to come by, you'll find it in most western style restaurants and high end hotel chains. The city has more bars and nightclubs than you'd expect. There's also a great nighttime energy with many locals heading outside in the evening. Jemaa el-Fnaa, the main square, comes to life with street vendors, performers, and people during the nighttime hours.

Is Bucharest or Marrakech Better for its Old Town?

Marrakech is renowned for its old town. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

The old town of Marrakech is one of the most recognized in the world. The historic medina is filled with spices, antiques, art, and pottery. The culture and experience of wandering the medina will have you feeling like you stepped back in time.

Bucharest has an old town worth visiting. The old town dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, with much of the historical charm seen in the architecture. Many of the buildings have been restored, but others are still awaiting repairs. This gives the area a sense of authenticity that you often miss in other old towns.

Is the Shopping Better in Bucharest or Marrakech?

Marrakech is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Marrakech make it a world-class shopping destination. Shop your way through the street stalls and sample perfumes, spices, produce, and more. You'll find everything from souvenir trinkets to local items and authentic antiques.

Bucharest has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The residents love fashion, and you'll find many shopping centers around town where you can find a good deal. In addition to the many malls, there are also antique shops, flea markets and boutique clothing stores where you might find a hidden gem.

Is Bucharest or Marrakech Better for Families?

Marrakech is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Marrakech is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy exploring a new culture and wandering through the medina. The food is very kid-friendly and during the evening the main square, Jemaa el-Fnaa, comes to life with street performers, vendors, and entertainment. Families can also take cooking classes or head into the desert for a camel trek.

For families, Bucharest is not always the best place to visit. Kid-friendly activities include kid's play areas, museums such as the Museum of the Senses, and water centered activities like rowing in the park or visiting the wellness center Therme.

Is Bucharest or Marrakech Better for Couples?

Marrakech is renowned for its romantic activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for couples.

Marrakech is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. There are many wonderful restaurants and fascinating places for couples to explores. Wandering the medina or visiting the gardens make for a romantic and adventurous getaway.

Bucharest is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The city has some romantic settings such as wandering down Victory Avenue or exploring the historic Cotroceni Neighbourhood. There are also several gardens and a number of nice cafes to explore.

Is Bucharest or Marrakech Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marrakech is renowned for backpackers. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Marrakech. The city is very affordable and there are countless riads that are budget-friendly. There are enough backpackers around town that it's not hard to meet fellow travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bucharest. The city is affordable, but it's often overlooked by backpackers. Part of the charm for many is the sense of authenticity that can often be hard to find in travel these days.

Is Bucharest or Marrakech Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bucharest is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Marrakech is lacking in options for its public transit.

Bucharest offers a very effecient public transportation network. Public transit options include trams, buses, and trolley buses.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Marrakech. While there are local buses, most people take taxis around town when they can't walk. Taxis are affordable and convenient.

Is Bucharest or Marrakech a more walkable city?

Marrakech is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Marrakech is a very walkable city. The medina is the best area to walk around but it's very easy to get lost. Outside of the medina you'll want to keep your eyes open for motorbikes and the occasional donkey.

Bucharest is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the tourist attractions are within a walkable area.

For even more information, also check out Is Bucharest Worth Visiting? and Is Marrakech Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Marrakech or Bucharest?

How long in Bucharest or Marrakech?

Both Bucharest and Marrakech have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Marrakech than in Bucharest. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bucharest, and 3-7 days is enough time in Marrakech.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Marrakech than Bucharest 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 Marrakech.

One day in Bucharest or Marrakech?

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

People visit Marrakech because there is so much to do. 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 Bucharest or Marrakech?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Bucharest. 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.

People visit Marrakech because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Bucharest or Marrakech?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the undiscovered city of Bucharest. 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.

People visit Marrakech 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. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the shopping. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Bucharest or Marrakech?

Bucharest 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.

Marrakech 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 Marrakech, 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania, The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Morocco.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bucharest and Marrakech, we can see that Bucharest is more expensive. And not only is Marrakech much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bucharest is in Europe and Marrakech is in Africa, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Marrakech would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Marrakech 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 Bucharest would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bucharest than you might in Marrakech.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bucharest Expensive? and Is Marrakech Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Marrakech?

Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Marrakech. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest and Marrakech, 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.