A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Malaga vs. Marrakech for Nightlife, Old Town, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Malaga 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 Malaga 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.

Malaga

Malaga is a welcoming, historic, and beautiful port city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Marrakech

Marrakech is a ancient, cultural, and high-energy 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Malaga and Marrakech: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Marrakech?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Marrakech than Malaga, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Marrakech is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Malaga is known for its nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Marrakech is more touristy than Malaga and is popular for its colorful medina, festive night market, and beautiful palaces. It is also home to Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Malaga is popular for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene.

How is Malaga different from Marrakech?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Marrakech is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Malaga 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.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Malaga and Marrakech offer a number of superb restaurants to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Malaga. Head to any of the local food markets and seafood shops to try local cuisine. Also make sure you try tapas and a filling Andalusian breakfast.

Marrakech has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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 Malaga or Marrakech Better for Nightlife?

Malaga 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 Malaga is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has some of the most active nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of opportunities to party in Malaga and you'll find the most vibrant nightlife in the Centro Historico.

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 Malaga or Marrakech Better for Music?

Malaga is an excellent place to visit for its music scene. However, Marrakech is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Malaga has diverse options. The city has venues that offer pop, rock, blues, soulful, and more. Some of the most popular include ZZ club, Clarence Jazz Club, and Velvet Club.

Marrakech is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Marrakech Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Malaga has a few good snorkeling spots. Water temperatures are mild enough for diving or snorkeling near Malaga. For the best diving, head to Cala del Canuelo Beach. Closer by, Penon del Cuervo Beach offers diving and snorkeling as well.

Marrakech is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Marrakech Better for Beaches?

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

Malaga is a good option for a beach vacation. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.

Marrakech is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Marrakech Better for its Old Town?

Marrakech is a must-visit destination for its old town. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its historic old town charm.

The rich history of Marrakech can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Malaga. The city's old town is compact and small, making it a fun place to walk. There are historic buildings, museums, churches, and squares, as well as many restaurants and shops.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Marrakech?

Marrakech is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit 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.

Malaga has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

Is Malaga or Marrakech Better for Families?

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

Malaga is a family-friendly port city. The city has castles that you can explore as well as a waterpark.

Is Malaga or Marrakech Better for Couples?

Marrakech is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit 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.

Malaga is a good port city for couples to visit. It has a beautiful coastline and a rich history that makes it unique.

Is Malaga or Marrakech Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Malaga and Marrakech are amazing destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Malaga. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

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

Is Malaga or Marrakech Better for Students?

Malaga is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Marrakech is not popular with students.

Malaga is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city has many opportunities to learn Spanish. It's also an affordable city with a young population and a lively atmosphere that appeals to international students.

Marrakech is not popular with students.

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

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

Malaga has some public transit options. There is an efficient bus system as well as a light metro system.

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 Malaga or Marrakech a more walkable city?

Malaga and Marrakech both are superb when exploring on foot.

Malaga is a very walkable port city. It has a very compact and walkable historic center with most of the tourist attractions easily accessible on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Marrakech or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Marrakech?

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

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

One day in Malaga or Marrakech?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the port city of Malaga. 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.

Marrakech is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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.

A weekend in Malaga or Marrakech?

You'll find live music and food around the historic destination of Malaga. 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 port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Marrakech is a great place to explore. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Malaga or Marrakech?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the historic port city of Malaga. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this port city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marrakech. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Malaga or Marrakech?

Malaga 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 Malaga, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Marrakech is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, 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 Malaga and Marrakech, we can see that Malaga is more expensive. And not only is Marrakech much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Malaga 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 Malaga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Malaga 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 Malaga Expensive? and Is Marrakech Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Marrakech?

Marrakech has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Malaga 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.