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

Should you visit Marrakech or Austin?

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

Should I visit Marrakech or Austin? 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. 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Austin

Austin is a unconventional, lively, and entrepreneurial city. With a variety of activities, it's a big city. This is beautiful destination to visit. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Marrakech and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marrakech or Austin?

You'll generally find more things to do in Marrakech than Austin. Marrakech is bigger than Austin, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Marrakech is better known for its historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Austin is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, and hiking. Marrakech is more touristy than Austin and is popular for its colorful medina, festive night market, and beautiful palaces. Also, Marrakech is famous for Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Austin is well known for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population.

How is Marrakech different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Austin 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 Austin?

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Austin and Marrakech.

Marrakech offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Many visitors head to Austin specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

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

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

For foodies, Austin is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

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 Austin Better for Nightlife?

Austin 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 Austin is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

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 Marrakech or Austin Better for Music?

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

Austin has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

Marrakech is not a live music destination.

Is Marrakech or Austin Better for its Old Town?

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

Austin does not have a historic old town.

Is Marrakech or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is a decent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Marrakech is not a hiking destination.

Hiking is a fun activity while in Austin. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Marrakech is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marrakech or Austin?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Austin. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Marrakech or Austin Better for Families?

Marrakech is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Austin offers lots of family activities. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Is Marrakech or Austin Better for Couples?

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

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.

Austin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Is Marrakech or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marrakech is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Austin 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 Austin. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Is Marrakech or Austin Better for Students?

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

Austin is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

Marrakech is not popular with students.

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

Austin is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Marrakech is lacking in options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

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 Austin a more walkable city?

Marrakech is a great destination for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options 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.

Austin is generally not a very walkable city. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Austin or Marrakech?

How long in Marrakech or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Marrakech and Austin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Marrakech than in Austin. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Marrakech, and 2-3 days is enough time in Austin.

Families should spend more time in Marrakech than Austin. 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 Austin. 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 Austin 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 Austin?

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.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Austin. 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 Austin?

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.

You'll find live music and food around the eccentric destination of Austin. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Marrakech or Austin?

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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the entrepreneurial city of Austin. 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 Austin?

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.

Austin 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, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Marrakech and Austin, we can see that Austin 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 Austin is in North America, 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 Austin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Austin 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 Austin Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Marrakech or Austin?

Marrakech has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Austin. When comparing the sizes of Marrakech and Austin, 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.