A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Marrakech vs. Aix-en-Provence for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Marrakech or Aix-en-Provence?

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

Should I visit Marrakech or Aix-en-Provence? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Marrakech

Marrakech is a high-energy, fascinating, and ancient city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a vibrant, laid-back, and relaxing town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Marrakech and Aix-en-Provence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marrakech or Aix-en-Provence?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Marrakech than Aix-en-Provence. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Marrakech is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Aix-en-Provence attracts visitors for its food. Marrakech is more touristy than Aix-en-Provence and is popular for its colorful medina, festive night market, and beautiful palaces. It is also well known for Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Aix-en-Provence is famous for its Provençal cuisine made with local produce, its many art galleries, and its beautiful fountains and square.

How is Marrakech different from Aix-en-Provence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Marrakech or Aix-en-Provence?

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

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.

Aix-en-Provence is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. In addition to its many squares and fountains, there is also Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, Musée Granet, and Musée des Tapisseries.

Is the Food Better in Marrakech or Aix-en-Provence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aix-en-Provence is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Marrakech is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Aix-en-Provence is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The range of restaurants includes everything from modern and trendy to traditional and casual. The town is surrounded by a region that is known for its local produce. There are also many markets worth checking out in town.

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 Marrakech or Aix-en-Provence Better for Nightlife?

Marrakech is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for 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.

Aix-en-Provence doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The nightlife scene that does exist is mostly influenced by the town's large student population.

Is Marrakech or Aix-en-Provence Better for its Old Town?

Marrakech is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, Aix-en-Provence does not have a historic old town.

Marrakech has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

Aix-en-Provence does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Marrakech or Aix-en-Provence?

Shoppers can find a variety of fantastic stores in both Marrakech and Aix-en-Provence.

Many people travel to Marrakech specifically to go shopping. 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.

Aix-en-Provence is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. It has some of the best shopping in France outside of Paris. There are many shopping streets where you can pick up trendy fashions or boutique local finds. Head to Rue Marius Reynard, Les Allées Provençales, or Rue Clemenceau for some of the best shopping.

Is Marrakech or Aix-en-Provence Better for Families?

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

Marrakech is known to be 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.

For families, Aix-en-Provence is not always the best place to visit. Many kids enjoy checking out the town's many fountains or taking a bike for a ride outside of town.

Is Marrakech or Aix-en-Provence Better for Couples?

Marrakech is terrific for couples. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Marrakech has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Aix-en-Provence is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's among the most charming towns in southern France and couples will enjoy the romantic buildings, beautiful fountains, and relaxing countryside. Whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's getaway, this is a great town.

Is Marrakech or Aix-en-Provence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marrakech is terrific for backpackers. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Marrakech is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Aix-en-Provence is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels and cheap hotels that are good options for backpackers.

Is Marrakech or Aix-en-Provence Better for Students?

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

Aix-en-Provence is a very popular town for students and younger travelers. It's a university town with a lively but laid-back atmosphere. It's also a popular study abroad destination for American university students.

Marrakech is not popular with students.

Is Marrakech or Aix-en-Provence Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Aix-en-Provence has some public transit options. For the places you can't reach on foot, there is a bus network.

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 Marrakech or Aix-en-Provence a more walkable city?

Marrakech and Aix-en-Provence are very good when it comes to 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.

Aix-en-Provence is very walkable. It's walkable, particularly in the heart of the city, so it's fun to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Marrakech Worth Visiting? and Is Aix-en-Provence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aix-en-Provence or Marrakech?

How long in Marrakech or Aix-en-Provence?

It's fun to spend time in either Marrakech or Aix-en-Provence. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Marrakech due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Marrakech, and 2-4 days is enough time in Aix-en-Provence.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Marrakech than Aix-en-Provence 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 Marrakech or Aix-en-Provence?

Marrakech is a big city with plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Aix-en-Provence. 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 Marrakech or Aix-en-Provence?

Marrakech is a big city with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find museums and food around the vibrant destination of Aix-en-Provence. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Marrakech or Aix-en-Provence?

Marrakech is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic town of Aix-en-Provence. 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.

A week in Marrakech or Aix-en-Provence?

Marrakech is a big city with plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Aix-en-Provence 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Morocco, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Marrakech or Aix-en-Provence?

Marrakech has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Aix-en-Provence. When comparing the sizes of Marrakech and Aix-en-Provence, 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.