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

Should you visit Marrakech or Bergamo?

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

Should I visit Marrakech or Bergamo? 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 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.

Bergamo

Bergamo is a historical, fascinating, and beautiful city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Marrakech and Bergamo: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • 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
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less popular old town
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Marrakech or Bergamo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Marrakech than Bergamo, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Marrakech is more touristy than Bergamo and is popular for its colorful medina, festive night market, and beautiful palaces. It is also home to Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Bergamo is popular for its historical buildings and beautiful squares.

How is Marrakech different from Bergamo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Marrakech
Bergamo

Marrakech is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bergamo. There are historical buildings as well as fascinating museums that are worth checking out. Highlights include the Basilica of St. Mary Major, Colleoni Chapel, the Accademia Carrara, and the Cathedral of Sant'Alessandro.


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

Marrakech
Bergamo

Dining out at restaurants in both Marrakech and Bergamo can be an enjoyable experience.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Bergamo makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find traditional restaurants around town that serve the local specialties, many of which have their roots in peasant dishes. The flavors are humble but high quality and the food is fresh and masterfully prepared.

Is Marrakech or Bergamo Better for Nightlife?

Marrakech
Bergamo

Both Marrakech and Bergamo have good vibes after the sun sets.

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.

Bergamo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Despite not being high on the itinerary of many travelers, the city has a great nightlife scene that includes many local bars and clubs. You can enjoy a local brew or sip some Italian wine while you enjoy the atmosphere of the old town.

Is Marrakech or Bergamo Better for its Old Town?

Marrakech
Bergamo

Marrakech is an amazing city to visit for its old town. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

Marrakech offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Bergamo has an old town worth visiting. Since the old town was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town has become more popular with visitors. Still, you can enjoy the authentic and less touristy vibe of this beautiful city.


Is the Shopping Better in Marrakech or Bergamo?

Marrakech
Bergamo

Marrakech is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good 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.

Bergamo has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of shopping areas around town including shopping malls and shopping streets. You'll find most of the major brands as well as some interesting boutique shops.

Is Marrakech or Bergamo Better for Families?

Marrakech
Bergamo

Marrakech is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Bergamo is a mediocre city 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.

Bergamo is not always a place people visit with their families. It's a beautiful city that is filled with history, and for kids there are pedestrian streets to explore and great Italian food. There's also the Museo di Scienze Naturali, which is worth checking out.

Is Marrakech or Bergamo Better for Couples?

Marrakech
Bergamo

Marrakech is an amazing city to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Bergamo is a good city for couples to visit. Couples will appreciate the beautiful architecture and impressive squares. There are also great restaurants and pedestrian streets that are fun to wander through.


Is Marrakech or Bergamo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marrakech
Bergamo

Marrakech is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Marrakech. 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.

Bergamo is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's not the most popular backpacker city in Italy, it does have a couple of hostels and guesthouses that offer affordable rates and a young vibe.

Is Marrakech or Bergamo Better for Students?

Marrakech
Bergamo

Bergamo is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Marrakech is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Bergamo. The university attracts international students and the city makes a great base for learning and exploring.

Marrakech is not popular with students.

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

Marrakech
Bergamo

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

Bergamo has some public transit options. There are buses around town as well as two funiculars, one connecting Città Bassa with the Città Alta and the other connecting Città Alta to San Vigilio.

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 Bergamo a more walkable city?

Marrakech
Bergamo

Marrakech and Bergamo 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.

Bergamo is very walkable. There are many pedestrian streets and the best way to explore the city is on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bergamo or Marrakech?

How long in Marrakech or Bergamo?

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

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

One day in Marrakech or Bergamo?

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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Bergamo. 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 Bergamo?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fascinating destination of Bergamo. 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 Bergamo?

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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful city of Bergamo. 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 Bergamo?

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.

Bergamo 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 2-Week Tours from Rome, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Bergamo or Marrakech?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Marrakech is $69, while the average daily cost in Bergamo is $166. 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 Marrakech and Bergamo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Marrakech $46
    Bergamo $89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Marrakech $92
    Bergamo $178
Compare Hotels in Marrakech and Bergamo

Looking for a hotel in Marrakech or Bergamo? 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 Marrakech


Hotels in Bergamo


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: Marrakech Hotel Prices and Bergamo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Marrakech $6.30
    Bergamo $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marrakech

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

  • Marrakech Airport Transfer: $5.01
  • Marrakech Airport Transfer (ONE WAY pick-up OR/OU ONE WAY drop-off): $6.56
  • Marrakech : Transfer privé vers ou depuis l'aéroport de Rak: $7.27
  • Private Transfer : From Or To RAK airport: $7.38
  • Marrakech : Private Transfer to/from RAK Airport: $7.38
  • Marrakesh: 1-Way Private Transfer to Menara Airport: $7.49
  • Marrakech : Private Transfer to/from RAK Airport: $8.14
  • Private Transfer: from Marrakech Airport to your hotel: $8.16
  • Transfer from Marrakech Airport to Marrakech City Centre: $8.74
  • Private Transfer From or To Marrakesh Menara Airport RAK: $9.83
  • Private Transfer Marrakech Menara Airport: $10
  • Private Airport Transfers Home and Way: $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bergamo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bergamo:

  • Small-Group Transfer from Bergamo Airport to Trieste: $268
  • Private Transfer from Milan Bergamo Airport to Bergamo hotels : $46
  • Private Departure Transfer from central Bergamo to Milan Malpensa airport: $262
  • Orio al Serio Airport to Madonna di Campiglio Arrival Transfer: $117
  • Milan: Orio al Serio BGY Airport Transfer SEDAN CAR E CLASS: $181
  • Milan: ORIO AL SERIO BGY Airport Transfer in Luxury MINIVAN: $222
  • Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY) to St. Moritz - Round-Trip Transfer: $205
  • Malpensa Airport (MXP) to Venice + Water Taxi - Private Transfer: $218
  • MILAN - ORIO AL SERIO BGY Airport Transfer Luxury: MASERATI: $326
  • Private Transfer to/from Crespi d'Adda UNESCO Site: $43
  • AC Bus transfer to Milan - No Hassle & Free luggage: $11
  • Bergamo to Bergamo Airport (BGY) - Departure Private Transfer: $46

Is it cheaper to fly into Marrakech or Bergamo?

Prices for flights to both Bergamo and Marrakech 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
    Marrakech $13
    Bergamo $45
Typical Food Prices in Marrakech

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


  • Orange Juice on the Square
    $0.30
  • Breakfast
    $1.20
  • Dates
    $0.60
  • Olives
    $0.90
  • Sandwich
    $1.29
  • Souvenir Spices
    $6.18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marrakech

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

  • Agafay Desert Sunset, Camel Ride and Dinner from Marrakech: $15
  • Online Moroccan Cooking Class: $17
  • Cooking Lesson at the Ouirgane Ecolodge with Lunch: $19
  • Restaurant Dinner Experience with Hotel Pickup: $21
  • Sunset in Agafay: Dinner, Camel, Quad-Book Adventure with Viator: $22
  • Dinner Show in Agafay Desert with Quad Bike & Camels: $22
  • Typical Moroccan Dinner at the inhabitant in Marrakech: $22
  • Marrakesh: Agafay Desert Sunset Dinner with a Show and Transfers : $22
  • Dinner Show Under stars in Agafay Desert with Sunset Camel Ride: $22
  • Dinner in Desert Marrakech and Camel ride at Sunset: $23
  • Magical Dinner & Agafay Desert ,Under The Stars: $24
  • Moroccan Cooking Class with a Local Chef: $24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bergamo

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

  • Authentic Taste at the Table Family Recipes Cooking Class: $82
  • Tricolor Pasta Cooking Class with a Chef in Como countryside: $86
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Lomello with Show Cooking: $93
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Casorezzo with Show Cooking: $93
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Carugo with Show Cooking: $93
  • Dining experience at a local's home in Ranica with cooking demo: $93
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Endine Gaiano with Show Cooking: $93
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Cantù with Show Cooking: $93
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Busto Arsizio with Show Cooking: $93
  • Dining experience at a local's home in Passirano with cooking demo: $93
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Guardamiglio with Show Cooking: $93
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Cernusco sul Naviglio with Show Cooking: $93

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Marrakech $7.01
    Bergamo $35
Typical Entertainment Prices in Marrakech

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


  • Palace Tickets
    $1.99
  • Golf at Atlas Golf
    $56

Tours and Activities in Marrakech

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

  • 3-Hour Colorful Souks Tour: $5.00
  • Marrakesh: Cactus Thiemann Entry Ticket: $8.24
  • Atlas Mountains Tour with Camel Ride: $9.00
  • Palmerai adventure on quad atv: $10
  • Marrakech:Quad Tour in Palmeraie: $14
  • Historical Marrakech Walking Tour: $15
  • Full Day Hiking Tour to Atlas Mountains from Marrakech: $15
  • Full Day Tour to Atlas Mountains in Imlil Valley: $15
  • Marrakech Sightseeing Tour: $15
  • Marrakech activities: Camel ride tour Marrakech: $15
  • Essaouira 1 Day Tour From Marrakech: $16
  • Anima Garden Admission Ticket: $16

Tours and Activities in Bergamo

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bergamo are as follows:

  • 2.5-hour Private Bergamo Walking Tour: $120
  • Bergamo : Highlights Private Walking Tour: $70
  • Bergamo : Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $49
  • Bergamo Old Town Scavenger Hunt and Landmarks Self Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Bergamo Old Town Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt Tour: $5.35
  • Bergamo Private Guided Walking Tour: $294
  • Bergamo Private Walking Tour: $164
  • Bergamo Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $8.94
  • Bergamo Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
  • Bergamo private guided tour: $156
  • Bergamo sightseeings tour. Magic of medieval town.: $273
  • 2.5-Hour Private Tour of the Lower Town: $118

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Marrakech $15
    Bergamo $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Bergamo

Also in Bergamo, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Food and Wine tasting of Valtenesi and Lugana: $46
  • Lake Como: Wellness Spa experience with wine tasting : $163


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


Which is Bigger, Marrakech or Bergamo?

Marrakech has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Bergamo. When comparing the sizes of Marrakech and Bergamo, 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.