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

Should you visit Marrakech or Bordeaux?

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

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

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a charming, romantic, and historical city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Marrakech and Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marrakech or Bordeaux?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Marrakech than Bordeaux, 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 Bordeaux is known for its food. Marrakech is popular for its colorful medina, festive night market, and beautiful palaces. It is also home to Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Bordeaux is popular for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards.

How is Marrakech different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Marrakech is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bordeaux. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.

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

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

For foodies, Bordeaux is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.

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 Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

Both Marrakech and Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

Is Marrakech or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

Marrakech is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

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.

Bordeaux has an old town worth visiting. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Marrakech or Bordeaux?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bordeaux. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.

Is Marrakech or Bordeaux Better for Families?

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

Bordeaux offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of parks and playgrounds as well as museums, including a kid's science museum. Kids also enjoy splashing around in the Miroir d’eau, which is the world's largest water mirror.

Is Marrakech or Bordeaux Better for Couples?

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

Marrakech makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Bordeaux is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Wine lovers will enjoy an amazing weekend in this beautiful city. Some of the most romantic activities include wine walks, river cruises, and exploring scenic gardens.

Is Marrakech or Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Bordeaux is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Is Marrakech or Bordeaux Better for Students?

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

Bordeaux is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a great student atmosphere and a unique culture with a diversity of activities. It's grown in popularity with students, and the prices have climbed a bit over the past few years.

Marrakech is not popular with students.

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

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

Bordeaux offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

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 Bordeaux a more walkable city?

Marrakech and Bordeaux are high quality 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.

Bordeaux is very walkable. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.

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

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Marrakech?

How long in Marrakech or Bordeaux?

In either Marrakech or Bordeaux, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Marrakech than Bordeaux because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Marrakech, and 2-5 days is enough time in Bordeaux.

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

Marrakech is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

Marrakech is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the elegant destination of Bordeaux. 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 Bordeaux?

Marrakech is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Marrakech, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the elegant city of Bordeaux. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Marrakech or Bordeaux?

Marrakech is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Marrakech has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Bordeaux 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 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Marrakech or Bordeaux?

Marrakech has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bordeaux. When comparing the sizes of Marrakech and Bordeaux, 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.