A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Marrakech vs. Avignon for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Marrakech or Avignon?

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

Should I visit Marrakech or Avignon? 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 cultural, high-energy, and fascinating city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Avignon

Avignon is a charming, scenic, and picturesque town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Marrakech and Avignon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marrakech or Avignon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Marrakech than Avignon. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Marrakech is very popular for its nightlife, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Avignon attracts visitors for its museums, food, and small town charm. Marrakech is more touristy than Avignon and is known for its colorful medina, festive night market, and beautiful palaces. It is also well known for Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Avignon is famous for its architectural beauty and historical importance.

How is Marrakech different from Avignon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Avignon is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Marrakech is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Avignon has many famous sights for visitors. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.

Many visitors head to Marrakech specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Marrakech or Avignon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

For foodies, Avignon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity 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 Avignon Better for Nightlife?

Marrakech is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Avignon is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Marrakech. 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.

Avignon is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There's a limited nightlife scene but the bars you'll find are usually centered around Place de lHorloge, Place du Palais, Rue Carnot, and Place des Corps-Saints.

Is Marrakech or Avignon Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the amazing old towns in both Marrakech and Avignon.

With a famous historical old-town, Marrakech offers plenty to see. 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.

The rich history of Avignon can be explored in its historical center. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.

Is the Shopping Better in Marrakech or Avignon?

Marrakech is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

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.

Avignon is a great destination for shopping. There are several shopping streets in town like Rue de la Republique, Rue Joseph-Vernet, and Rue St Agricol.

Is Marrakech or Avignon Better for Families?

Marrakech is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Marrakech. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Avignon. Families can enjoy cooking classes, boat tours, and exploring the old town together.

Is Marrakech or Avignon Better for Couples?

Marrakech is renowned for couples. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Couples visit Avignon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Filled with history, couples can enjoy strolling through the old town or dinner on amazing French food.

Is Marrakech or Avignon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marrakech is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Avignon. You'll find a few affordable hotels, but hostels are a little bit more difficult to come by.

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

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

Avignon has some public transit options. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.

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 Avignon a more walkable city?

Avignon is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Marrakech is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Avignon. There's almost no traffic in the city center so it's easy to explore on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Avignon or Marrakech?

How long in Marrakech or Avignon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Marrakech or Avignon to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Marrakech than Avignon because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Marrakech, and 1-2 days is enough time in Avignon.

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

Because Marrakech is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Even though Avignon is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Avignon has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Marrakech or Avignon?

Because Marrakech is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Avignon is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Avignon?

Marrakech is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Marrakech has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Avignon is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Marrakech or Avignon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marrakech. Because Marrakech is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Avignon is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Marrakech or Avignon?

Marrakech has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Avignon. When comparing the sizes of Marrakech and Avignon, 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.