A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Marrakech vs. Chartres for Couples, Backpackers, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Marrakech or Chartres?

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

Should I visit Marrakech or Chartres? 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 fascinating, ancient, and cultural 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Chartres

Chartres is a spectacular, historic, and grand town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Marrakech and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marrakech or Chartres?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Marrakech. Although Marrakech and Chartres are both popular with visitors, Marrakech has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Marrakech is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Chartres is known for its small town charm. Marrakech is more touristy than Chartres and is known for its colorful medina, festive night market, and beautiful palaces. It is also home to Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Chartres is popular for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Marrakech different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Marrakech is great for its historical sights. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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 Chartres. Most visitors make the trip to see the spectacular Gothic cathedral, Cathédrale Notre-Dame. It was completed in 1220 and is famous for its beautiful stained glass windows.

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

Marrakech is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Marrakech has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Chartres area. There are a number of restaurants around town so it's easy to grab lunch during a day trip.

Is Marrakech or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

Marrakech is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Marrakech has a few options to choose from. 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.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Marrakech or Chartres Better for its Old Town?

Marrakech is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Chartres does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Marrakech can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Marrakech or Chartres?

Marrakech is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Known for shopping, Marrakech draws large crowds to its 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.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marrakech or Chartres Better for Families?

Marrakech is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Chartres is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Marrakech is very family-friendly. 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.

Chartres is not the most family-friendly destination. The main attraction in town is the cathedral, but the surrounding area is also filled with history. This may not keep your kids entertained for long, so you can also check out the Stained Glass Museum, La Tanière (a zoo), or one of the parks around town.

Is Marrakech or Chartres Better for Couples?

Marrakech is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Chartres is a good city for couples to visit. With its cathedral and rich history, many couples enjoy exploring the town. It is filled with history and interesting sights.

Is Marrakech or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marrakech is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Marrakech is extremely popular 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.

Chartres is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's easy enough to visit as a day trip from Paris, so backpackers and other tourists typically allow themselves a few hours to explore.

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

Chartres 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.

Chartres offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are trains that leave Paris Montparnasse 1 Et 2 every half hour and travel to Chartres. The trip takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.

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 Chartres a more walkable city?

Marrakech and Chartres 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.

Chartres is very walkable. It's easy to see the sights around town on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Marrakech?

How long in Marrakech or Chartres?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Marrakech or Chartres to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Marrakech than Chartres 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 Chartres.

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

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 food and museums around the town of Chartres. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chartres has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Marrakech or Chartres?

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 food around the grand destination of Chartres. 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 Chartres?

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.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the grand town of Chartres. 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 Chartres?

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.

Chartres 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Marrakech or Chartres?

Marrakech has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Chartres. When comparing the sizes of Marrakech and Chartres, 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.