A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dubai vs. Marrakech for Nightlife, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Dubai or Marrakech?

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 Dubai and Marrakech can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dubai

Dubai is a opulent, modern, and glamorous city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Dubai attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Dubai travel costs.

Marrakech

Marrakech is a fascinating, ancient, and cultural city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, Marrakech attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Marrakech travel costs.

Dubai and Marrakech: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Marrakech?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dubai than Marrakech. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Dubai is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Marrakech attracts visitors for its historical sights. Marrakech is more touristy than Dubai and is known for its colorful medina, festive night market, and beautiful palaces. Dubai is famous for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. It is also well known for Burj Khalifa.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from Marrakech?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dubai or Marrakech Better for Skiing?

Dubai is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Marrakech is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Dubai for snow skiing. Despite being a desert city, Dubai became famous for its massive indoor ski complex that covers 22,500 square meters. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates.

Marrakech is not a skiing destination.

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

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Marrakech and Dubai.

Many visitors head to Dubai specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Marrakech can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

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

Foodies will find both Dubai and Marrakech both to be great destinations.

Dubai has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

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.

Is Dubai or Marrakech Better for Nightlife?

Dubai is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Marrakech is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

The nightlife in Dubai is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

Marrakech has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Dubai or Marrakech Better for Music?

Dubai is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Marrakech is not a live music destination.

Dubai has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Marrakech is not a live music destination.

Is Dubai or Marrakech Better for Resorts?

Dubai is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Marrakech is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Dubai is a great choice. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Marrakech is not a resort destination.

Is Dubai or Marrakech Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Marrakech is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Dubai has a few good snorkeling spots. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Marrakech is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or Marrakech Better for Beaches?

Dubai is a popular place for the beach. However, Marrakech is not a beach destination.

Dubai is a good option for a beach vacation. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.

Marrakech is not a beach destination.

Is Dubai or Marrakech Better for its Old Town?

Marrakech is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Dubai does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Marrakech is revered around 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.

Dubai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Marrakech?

If you're looking to go shopping, Dubai and Marrakech both offer plenty of world-class spots.

Many people travel to Dubai specifically to go shopping. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

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.

Is Dubai or Marrakech More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of great scenery and beauty in both Dubai and Marrakech.

With stunning beauty, Dubai attracts visitors from all around. With its many skyscrapers and high end resorts, this is a beautiful city to visit.

Marrakech is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It is most beautiful as the sun sinks low and the color become strikingly pink.

Is Dubai or Marrakech Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Dubai or Marrakech.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Dubai. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.

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.

Is Dubai or Marrakech Better for Couples?

Marrakech is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Marrakech 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.

Dubai is a nice destination for couples. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

Is Dubai or Marrakech Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marrakech is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Marrakech, as it is a very popular city for 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.

Dubai is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It is known to be an expensive and not so backpacker friendly city, but there are some hostels around that you can stay at.

Is Dubai or Marrakech Better for Students?

Dubai is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Marrakech is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Dubai. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

Marrakech is not popular with students.

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

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

Dubai has some public transit options. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

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

Is Dubai or Marrakech a more walkable city?

Marrakech is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Dubai is not known for its walkability.

Marrakech is a very walkable destination. 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.

Dubai is generally not very walkable. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.

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

Should I spend more time in Marrakech or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Marrakech?

Both Dubai and Marrakech have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Dubai has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Dubai than Marrakech. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Dubai or Marrakech?

People visit Dubai because there is so much to do. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

In Marrakech, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this fascinating big city offers. 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 Dubai or Marrakech?

People visit Dubai because there is so much to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

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 Dubai or Marrakech?

People visit Dubai 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. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Marrakech is a fun place to experience. In Marrakech, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this big city destination offers. 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 Dubai or Marrakech?

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

In Marrakech, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this fascinating big city offers. 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 Adventure Tours to Morocco, and The Best Cultural Tours in Morocco.

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

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Marrakech?

Dubai has a larger population, and is about 36% larger than the population of Marrakech. When comparing the sizes of Dubai 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.