A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Izmir vs. Marrakech for Couples, Backpackers, Food, and Families

Should you visit Izmir 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 Izmir 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.

Izmir

Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food. See Izmir travel costs.

Marrakech

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

Izmir and Marrakech: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • 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 Izmir or Marrakech?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Marrakech than Izmir. While Izmir is larger than Marrakech, Marrakech has more sights and attractions for tourists. Marrakech is more touristy than Izmir and is popular for its colorful medina, festive night market, and beautiful palaces. Also, Marrakech is famous for Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Izmir is well known for

How is Izmir different from Marrakech?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Izmir
Marrakech

Marrakech is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Izmir does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Izmir does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Izmir
Marrakech

Foodies will find both Izmir and Marrakech both to be superb destinations.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Izmir makes for a great culinary experience. Located on the coast, the city is known for its fresh seafood like grilled fish, calamari, and midye dolma (stuffed mussels). Kumru, a local sandwich made with sesame-crusted bread and filled with sucuk or cheese, is a must-try street food. Also popular are meze, which are small plates of appetizers like hummus, stuffed grape leaves, and zeytinyağlılar (vegetables cooked in olive oil).

Marrakech has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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 Izmir or Marrakech Better for Nightlife?

Izmir
Marrakech

Marrakech is a good destination for nightlife. However, Izmir is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Izmir is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Izmir or Marrakech Better for its Old Town?

Izmir
Marrakech

Marrakech is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Izmir 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.

Izmir does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Izmir or Marrakech?

Izmir
Marrakech

Marrakech is a world-class destination for shopping. However, Izmir is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Izmir is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Izmir or Marrakech More Beautiful?

Izmir
Marrakech

Marrakech is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Izmir is not a destination known for its beauty.

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.

Izmir is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Izmir or Marrakech Better for Families?

Izmir
Marrakech

Both Izmir and Marrakech are superb family-friendly destinations.

Izmir is a very family-friendly place to visit. A visit to Kültürpark, a large park in the city center, is perfect for children to enjoy playgrounds, open spaces, and even a small amusement park. The Izmir Wildlife Park, located just outside the city, is another great spot, where kids can explore and interact with a variety of animals in a natural setting. For an educational experience, the Izmir Natural History Museum provides fascinating exhibits on local wildlife and natural science. Families will also enjoy taking a boat ride on the Izmir Bay or visiting the Aqua City Water Park.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Marrakech is very family-friendly. 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 Izmir or Marrakech Better for Couples?

Izmir
Marrakech

Marrakech is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Izmir is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Izmir makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy walking along the scenic Kordon promenade at sunset or having a drink at a local cafe. You can also explore the Kadifekale Castle, which offers panoramic views of Izmir and is another great spot for watching the sunset together. Also popular is taking a boat tour around Izmir Bay, which lets you see the city from a different perspective.

Is Izmir or Marrakech Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Izmir
Marrakech

Marrakech is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Izmir is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Many backpackers visit Izmir. It's a popular stop off for backpackers who enjoy the cultural scene around town. There are many hostels to choose from, particularly in areas like Konak and Alsancak.

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

Izmir
Marrakech

Izmir 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.

Izmir offers a very effecient public transportation network. The public transit system is diverse and includes a metro with two lines, buses, ferries, and dolmuses (shared minibuses). In general, the system is reliable and affordable.

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 Izmir or Marrakech a more walkable city?

Izmir
Marrakech

Marrakech is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Izmir is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Marrakech is very walkable. 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.

Izmir is a somewhat walkable place. Some of the most pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods include Konak, Alsancak, and Kordon where you can easily walk between attractions, cafés, shops, and parks. The Kordon waterfront promenade is a popular place for strolling, jogging, or simply relaxing.

Should I spend more time in Marrakech or Izmir?

How long in Izmir or Marrakech?

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

Families should spend more time in Marrakech than Izmir. 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 Izmir. 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 Izmir 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 Izmir or Marrakech? Ideal Length of Stay
    Izmir 2-3 
    Marrakech 3-7

One day in Izmir or Marrakech?


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You'll find food around the of Izmir. 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.

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 Izmir or Marrakech?


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You'll find food around the destination of Izmir. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this has to offer. This 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 Izmir or Marrakech?


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Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the of Izmir. 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.

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 Izmir or Marrakech?


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Izmir 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.

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 G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Marrakech or Izmir?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $82, while the average daily cost in Marrakech is $101. 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 Izmir and Marrakech in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $41
    Marrakech $58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $82
    Marrakech $116
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Marrakech

Looking for a hotel in Izmir 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 Izmir


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: Izmir Hotel Prices and Marrakech Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $20
    Marrakech $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • İzmir Airport Transfer to Bodrum, Didim, Kusadasi, Cesme, Fethiye: $51
  • Transfer İzmir Airport to/from Kusadasi City Center Area: $82
  • Transfer to Izmir airport from Kusadasi: $82
  • Transfer Trapani Airport: $59
  • Transfer From izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Selcuk Ephesus: $89
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Gümüldür, Seferihisar: $131
  • Private Transfer | IZMIR City Hotels - Izmir AIRPORT: $65
  • Private Transfer from Seferihisar, Gumuldur or Ozdere hotels to Izmir (ADB): $100
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Hotels to Izmir Cruise Port: $58
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Cruise Port to Izmir hotels: $58
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Cruise Port to Izmir City Hotels: $53
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Cruise Port to Izmir Airport (ADB): $58

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marrakech

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

  • "Marrakech to El Jadida: Private Transfer for Your Comfort": $118
  • 2h Quad Adventure in the Marrakech Palmeraie With Transfer: $30
  • Aéroport transfer: $18
  • Agafay Camel Ride, Pool & Lunch with Hotel Transfers: $24
  • Agafay Desert Luxury Private Lunch with 4x4 Transfer: $178
  • Agafay Desert Pool Day with Camel Ride, Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $33
  • Agafay Desert Tour with Private Breakfast and Transfer Included: $261
  • Airport transfer Transfer to your hotel in Marrakech: $30
  • Airport transfer hotel: $62
  • Anima Garden Experience: Tickets And Hassle-Free Transfers: $75
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Marrakech Menara Airport RAK to Marrakech in Van: $50
  • Comfortable Private Transfer from Marrakech to Rabat: $147

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Marrakech?

Prices for flights to both Marrakech and Izmir 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
    Izmir $28
    Marrakech $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Izmir

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

  • Authentic Dinner Cooking with a Local Family in İzmir: $115
  • Private Food tour in Europe and Asian Side of Istanbul: $295

Typical Food Prices in Marrakech

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


  • Orange Juice on the Square
    $0.32
  • Breakfast
    $1.30
  • Dates
    $0.65
  • Olives
    $0.97
  • Sandwich
    $1.40
  • Souvenir Spices
    $6.71

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marrakech

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

  • Marrakech to Agafay Sunset Camel and Quad Combo with Dinner: $9.00
  • Agafay Desert Camel Ride and Quad Bike with Dinner Show: $9.48
  • Camel Ride at Marrakech Desert Agafy with Dinner: $11
  • Excursion from Marrakech to Agafay desert Quad Camel dinner show: $12
  • Marrakech desert tour dinner show & camel ride with sunset views: $12
  • Agafay Desert Camel Ride and Quad bike & Dinner Show: $12
  • Morocco's Top Cooking Classes For Authentic berber Cuisine in the Atlas Mountain: $13
  • Agafay desert quad &camel ride with dinner show: $14
  • Agafay Desert Quad Bike Camel Ride and Dinner Show: $14
  • Agafay Desert Sunset Camel Ride with Dinner Show: $15
  • Agafay desert dinner show camel ride with sunset: $15
  • Agafay Desert Sunset Dinner, Fire Show, Music & Stargazing: $15

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Izmir $14
    Marrakech $11

Tours and Activities in Izmir

Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Day Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour from Izmir Hotels: $296
  • Alaçatı & Çeşme Chill Tour: Vibes, Streets & Snapshots: $120
  • Alacati and Cesme Private Tour from Izmir: $160
  • Aqua Fantasy Waterpark Skip the Line Tickets: $57
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $30
  • Budget - Friendly Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $41
  • Budget-Friendly Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $40
  • Customized Ephesus Private Tour / FOR CRUISE GUESTS ONLY: $170
  • Customized Ephesus Tour with Lunch: $148
  • Daily Ephesus & Virgin Mary House Tour from Izmir: $160
  • Dalyan Boat Tour with Mud Bath & Iztuzu Beach from Sarigerme: $64
  • EPHESUS PRIVATE TOUR From Izmir Port: $117

Typical Entertainment Prices in Marrakech

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


  • Palace Tickets
    $2.16
  • Golf at Atlas Golf
    $61

Tours and Activities in Marrakech

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

  • Marrakech Medina Self-Guided Walking Tour Experience: $3.54
  • 3 Days Merzouga Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes: $5.00
  • Berber Culture Experience & Atlas Mountains Tour: $5.92
  • Marrakech Audioguided walking tour 2h45 and 21 reviews: $6.99
  • Agadir Goats Climbing Argan Trees Tour with Souk El Had Market: $7.11
  • Guided Medina Walking Tour Monuments and Souks: $10
  • Marrakech Airport to Hotel – Your Premium Arrival Experience: $11
  • Bahia Palace Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Entry: $12
  • Marrakech Private Walking Tour: $12
  • Cycling tour in marrakesh desert: $12
  • Shared Sightseeing Tour Visit to Marrakech with Licensed Guide: $12
  • From Ourika Valley Adventure with Atlas Mountains: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $5.97
    Marrakech $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:

  • Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $124
  • Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $278

Sample the Local Flavors in Marrakech

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

  • Marrakech Nightlife Pub Crawl with Hotel Pickup: $36
  • Private Vineyard Day from Marrakech Wine Tasting and City Tour: $130


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Izmir and Marrakech, we can see that Marrakech is more expensive. And not only is Izmir much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Izmir 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 Izmir would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Izmir 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 Marrakech would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Marrakech than you might in Izmir.

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


Which is Bigger, Izmir or Marrakech?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Marrakech. When comparing the sizes of Izmir 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.