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

Should you visit Cadiz or Marrakech?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cadiz and Marrakech can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Cadiz

Cadiz is a undiscovered, historic, and authentic port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Marrakech

Marrakech is a ancient, cultural, and high-energy city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Cadiz and Marrakech: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Jemaa el-Fnaa Square
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Cadiz or Marrakech?

You'll generally find more things to do in Marrakech than Cadiz. Marrakech is bigger than Cadiz, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Marrakech is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Cadiz is more popular for its beaches. Marrakech is more touristy than Cadiz and is popular for its colorful medina, festive night market, and beautiful palaces. Also, Marrakech is famous for Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Cadiz is well known for its long-running maritime history and its charming old town.

How is Cadiz different from Marrakech?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cadiz
Marrakech

Marrakech is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Cadiz offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. As the oldest city in Europe, there are countless historic sights and monuments to see. Some of the most interesting historic sights include Catedral Nueva, the Arcos de los Blancos, Torre Tavira, and Museo de Cádiz.


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

Cadiz
Marrakech

Marrakech is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Marrakech makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Cadiz has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The restaurants are good, but if you don't have reservations you're out of luck. Many restaurants fill up during the peak summer months. If you do have reservations then you can expect fresh seafood including everything from oysters to prawns and even fresh caught fish like Bluefin tuna. Make sure you try the shrimp fritters and papas con choco (cuttlefish and potato stew). Tapas are a great way to sample a number of small local dishes. Also finish your meal off with some churros.

Is Cadiz or Marrakech Better for Nightlife?

Cadiz
Marrakech

Both Cadiz and Marrakech are notable when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Cadiz. The nightlife scene is diverse, with both cultural activities and dance clubs to choose from. Whether you're looking for a late night party or a more mellow evening on the town, there are a number of options available.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Marrakech. 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 Cadiz or Marrakech Better for Beaches?

Cadiz
Marrakech

Cadiz is a decent place to visit for the beach. However, Marrakech is not a beach destination.

The beach in Cadiz is worth checking out. The beaches remain relatively undiscovered on the international level, so you won't have to deal with the crowds that you find at many Spanish beaches. They are urban beaches that make a good place to cool off, but aren't particularly scenic. The beaches are popular with nearby locals, and the atmosphere remains chill and relaxed. While there are many beaches to choose from outside of town, the closest in town beach is La Caleta. It's even been featured in a few Hollywood films such as Die Another Day.

Marrakech is not a beach destination.


Is Cadiz or Marrakech Better for its Old Town?

Cadiz
Marrakech

Marrakech is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its old town.

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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Cadiz. The old town offers a patchwork network of cobblestone streets that intertwine plazas, churches, and historic buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Cadiz or Marrakech?

Cadiz
Marrakech

Marrakech is renowned for shopping. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Marrakech is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Cadiz is well-known for its shopping. There's a diverse mix of local boutiques, food markets, shopping centers, and street markets where you can pick up everything from local items to European fashion. If you happen to be in town on a weekend, keep in mind that many shops are only open in the morning on Saturdays and closed all day Sundays.

Is Cadiz or Marrakech Better for Families?

Cadiz
Marrakech

Marrakech is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Marrakech is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Cadiz is a family-friendly port city. The city has beaches where everyone can splash around, as well as some parks and playgrounds where kids can get their energy out. Outside of town you'll find waterparks and other fun activities as well.


Is Cadiz or Marrakech Better for Couples?

Cadiz
Marrakech

Marrakech is renowned for romance. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its romantic activities.

Marrakech is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Cadiz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its history and beaches, there are many romantic activities that couples can enjoy. Wander around old town and enjoy local cuisine. Visit the historic ruins and take a hike outside of the city.

Is Cadiz or Marrakech Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cadiz
Marrakech

Marrakech is renowned for backpackers. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Marrakech is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. 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 backpackers visit Cadiz. One of the biggest draws to the city is there huge Carnival festival every February. This is a popular time to visit and backpackers will appreciate the lively atmosphere.

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

Cadiz
Marrakech

Cadiz is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Marrakech is lacking in options for its public transit.

Cadiz has some public transit options. There are five bus lines around town. The buses are comfortable and air conditioned.

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 Cadiz or Marrakech a more walkable city?

Cadiz
Marrakech

Cadiz and Marrakech both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Cadiz is very walkable. It is a walkable city that is historic and compact enough to explore on foot. It can be a bit of a walk to get from the old town to the beach though.

Marrakech is a very walkable port 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Marrakech or Cadiz?

How long in Cadiz or Marrakech?

Both Cadiz 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 Cadiz. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cadiz, and 3-7 days is enough time in Marrakech.

Families should spend more time in Marrakech than Cadiz. 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 Cadiz. 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 Cadiz 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.


  • How many days in Cadiz or Marrakech? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cadiz 1-2 
    Marrakech 3-7

One day in Cadiz or Marrakech?

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

Each neighborhood in Marrakech has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the shopping. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Cadiz or Marrakech?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the undiscovered destination of Cadiz. 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 port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marrakech. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


Five days in Cadiz or Marrakech?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic port city of Cadiz. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Marrakech is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Marrakech has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Lots of people come for the shopping. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Cadiz or Marrakech?

Cadiz is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Each neighborhood in Marrakech has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the shopping. One week is often enough time to do most activities.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Marrakech or Cadiz?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cadiz is €152, while the average daily cost in Marrakech is €64. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cadiz and Marrakech in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cadiz 77
    Marrakech 43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cadiz 154
    Marrakech 86
Compare Hotels in Cadiz and Marrakech

Looking for a hotel in Cadiz or Marrakech? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Cadiz


Hotels in Marrakech


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Cadiz Hotel Prices and Marrakech Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cadiz 30
    Marrakech 5.91

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cadiz

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cadiz:

  • Private Transfer from/to Cadiz Airport to/from Hotel: $87
  • Private Transfer from Cadiz city hotels to Cadiz Cruise Port: $28
  • Private Transfer from Cadiz Cruise Port to Seville city hotels: $93
  • Private Transfer from Cadiz Cruise Port to Seville Airport (SVQ): $93
  • Private Transfer from Cadiz Cruise Port to Cadiz City Hotels: $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marrakech

Also for Marrakech, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Marrakech Airport Transfer: $5.01
  • Transfer from Al Madina Airport: $5.79
  • Private transfer from or to the airport: $6.38
  • Marrakech : Transfer privé vers ou depuis l'aéroport de Rak: $6.38
  • Marrakech Airport Transfer (ONE WAY pick-up OR/OU ONE WAY drop-off): $6.51
  • Marrakech Airport transfer ( ONE WAY pick-up OR/OU ONE WAY drop-off): $6.51
  • Marrakech Airport Transfer ( ONE WAY pick-up OR/OU ONE WAY drop-off): $7.05
  • Marrakesh: 1-Way Private Transfer to Menara Airport: $7.45
  • Private Transfers to Marrakech from Ménara Airport: $7.59
  • Marrakech City Center Private Airport Transfer: $8.00
  • Private Transfer: from Marrakech Airport to your hotel: $8.10
  • Marrakech : Private Transfer to/from RAK Airport: $8.20

Is it cheaper to fly into Cadiz or Marrakech?

Prices for flights to both Marrakech and Cadiz change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cadiz 45
    Marrakech 12
Typical Food Prices in Cadiz

Some typical examples of dining costs in Cadiz are as follows:


  • Dinner and Tapas
    15
  • Lunch for 1
    10

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cadiz

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cadiz.

  • Tapas Food Tour in Jerez de la Frontera: $39
  • Food Tour Cadiz: $74
  • Tabancos Food Tour Jerez: $91

Typical Food Prices in Marrakech

For Marrakech, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Orange Juice on the Square
    0.28
  • Breakfast
    1.12
  • Dates
    0.56
  • Olives
    0.84
  • Sandwich
    1.21
  • Souvenir Spices
    5.79

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marrakech

For Marrakech, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Magical dinner in agafay desert with camel ride: $19
  • Marrakech desert: Agafay Desert Sunset Dinner Show: $21
  • Restaurant Dinner Experience with Hotel Pickup: $21
  • All-inclusive Dinner and camel ride experience in Agafay desert : $22
  • Dinner Show in Agafay Desert with Quad Bike & Camels: $22
  • Typical Moroccan Dinner at the inhabitant in Marrakech: $22
  • Sunset in Agafay: Dinner, Camel, Quad-Book Adventure with Viator: $22
  • Desert Dinner, Camel Ride, Sunset & Show: $23
  • Dinner in Desert Marrakech and Camel ride at Sunset: $23
  • Moroccan Cooking Class with a Local Chef: $24
  • From Agafay Desert Sunset Dinner with Live Show: $25
  • From Camel Ride Sunset Dinner and Show Desert: $26

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cadiz 27
    Marrakech 6.57
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cadiz

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Cadiz are as follows:


  • Cadiz Sightseeing Tour
    15

Tours and Activities in Cadiz

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cadiz are as follows:

  • 2 Hours Private Historical Tour in Cadiz : $87
  • 2 Hours Tour around Cádiz: History, anecdotes and curiosities: $16
  • 3 Hour Tapa and Cultural Experience Walking Tour: $120
  • 3-Hour Private Gastronomic and Cultural Cadiz Walking Tour: $221
  • 3-Hour Private Tour of Cádiz: $17
  • Audioguided Tour of Cádiz Monumental, at your pace: $4.25
  • Cádiz 2:45h Bike Tour: $38
  • Cádiz Scavenger Hunt and Sightseeing Experience: $8.98
  • Cádiz: Cadiz Milenaria Guided Tour: $13
  • Cádiz: Guided Bike Tour: $37
  • Cádiz: Local Tapas Experience: $160
  • Cádiz: Mysteries and Legends Walking Tour with Souvenir: $25

Typical Entertainment Prices in Marrakech

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Marrakech's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Palace Tickets
    1.87
  • Golf at Atlas Golf
    53

Tours and Activities in Marrakech

For Marrakech, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Marrakech Medina Walking Tour With Local Guide: $5.00
  • Marrakesh: Cactus Thiemann Entry Ticket: $8.30
  • Atlas Mountains Tour with Camel Ride: $9.00
  • Ourika Valley Day Trip From Marrakech Private Day Tour: $9.99
  • Marrakech Airport to Hotel – Your Premium Arrival Experience: $11
  • 1/2 day Guided Medina Walking Tour & Souks : $13
  • Marrakech:Quad Tour in Palmeraie: $14
  • Historical Marrakech Walking Tour: $15
  • Full Day Hiking Tour to Atlas Mountains from Marrakech: $15
  • Marrakech activities: Camel ride tour Marrakech: $15
  • Marrakech Sightseeing Tour: $15
  • Anima Garden Admission Ticket: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cadiz 28
    Marrakech 14

Sample the Local Flavors in Cadiz

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cadiz:

  • Private Tour with Tapas, Wine Tasting and Bike Rental: $106
  • Countryside Olive Oil & Wine Tasting: $128

Sample the Local Flavors in Marrakech

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Marrakech:

  • Bar Crawl with Local Guide & Drinks: $28
  • Moroccan wine tasting workshop in Marrakech: $70


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cadiz and Marrakech, we can see that Cadiz is more expensive. And not only is Marrakech much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cadiz 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 Cadiz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cadiz 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 Cadiz Expensive? and Is Marrakech Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cadiz or Marrakech?

Marrakech has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Cadiz. When comparing the sizes of Cadiz 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.