Which place is cheaper, Florence or Marrakech?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Marrakech or Florence?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Marrakech or Florence? 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.
Florence
Florence is a historical, artistic, and iconic city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.
Marrakech and Florence: Pros and Cons
Marrakech
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
- Home to Jemaa el-Fnaa Square
- Public transit not as usable
Florence
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Impressive beauty
- Home to the Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore)
Is there more to do in Marrakech or Florence?
Travelers will usually find more to do in Marrakech than Florence, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Marrakech is more popular for its shopping and big city activities, while Florence is known for its museums, food, and impressive beauty. Marrakech is popular for its colorful medina, festive night market, and beautiful palaces. It is also home to Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Florence is popular for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens.
How is Marrakech different from Florence?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Florence 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 Florence?
Marrakech
Florence
Florence 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, Florence has many famous sights for visitors. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.
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 Florence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Marrakech
Florence
Florence is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Marrakech is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.
For foodies, Florence is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.
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 Florence Better for Nightlife?
Marrakech
Florence
Both Marrakech and Florence 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.
Florence has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.
Is Marrakech or Florence Better for its Old Town?
Marrakech
Florence
It's fun to wander around the fantastic old towns in both Marrakech and Florence.
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 Florence can be explored in its historical center. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.
Is the Shopping Better in Marrakech or Florence?
Marrakech
Florence
Marrakech is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.
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.
Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Florence. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.
Is Marrakech or Florence Better for Families?
Marrakech
Florence
Marrakech is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.
Florence is a family-friendly place to visit. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.
Is Marrakech or Florence Better for Couples?
Marrakech
Florence
With fun activities for couples, both Marrakech and Florence make for a fantastic place to visit.
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.
For those traveling as a couple, Florence has plenty to offer. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.
Is Marrakech or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Marrakech
Florence
Marrakech and Florence are both fantastic destinations 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.
Florence is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.
Is Marrakech or Florence Better for Students?
Marrakech
Florence
Florence is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Marrakech is not popular with students.
Many students frequent Florence. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.
Marrakech is not popular with students.
Is Marrakech or Florence Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Marrakech
Florence
Florence is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Marrakech is lacking in options for its public transit.
Florence has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system.
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 Florence a more walkable city?
Marrakech
Florence
Florence 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 Florence. Most people explore the city 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 Florence Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Florence or Marrakech?
How long in Marrakech or Florence?
Both Marrakech and Florence have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Florence has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Florence than Marrakech. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Marrakech, and 2-7 days is enough time in Florence.
Families should spend more time in Marrakech than Florence. 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 Florence than Marrakech. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Florence that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Florence than Marrakech 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 Florence.
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How many days in Marrakech or Florence? Ideal Length of StayMarrakech 3-7Florence 2-7
One day in Marrakech or Florence?
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 Florence. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Florence?
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 iconic destination of Florence. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Five days in Marrakech or Florence?
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 historical city of Florence. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.
A week in Marrakech or Florence?
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.
Florence is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Florence, one week is sufficent for most. 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMarrakech $70Florence $167
The average daily cost (per person) in Marrakech is $70, while the average daily cost in Florence is $167. 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 Florence in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMarrakech $47Florence $95
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMarrakech $94Florence $190
Compare Hotels in Marrakech and Florence
Looking for a hotel in Marrakech or Florence? 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.
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 Florence Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Marrakech $6.42Florence $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marrakech
Also for Marrakech, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer From Marrakech To Fez: $455
- One way transfer from Fes to Marrakech: $370
- Private Transfer between Marrakech and Casablanca: $315
- City to City Transfer - Marrakesh > Merzouga: $300
- Agadir and Marrakech airport transfer : $294
- Agadir private transfer from Ouirgane to Agadir airport (AGA): $294
- Transfer Marrakech to Tangier: $290
- Private Premium Transfert From / To Marrakech To / From Tangier: $288
- Private Transfer From Casablanca to Marrakesh: $285
- Private Premium Transfert From / To Marrakech To / From Meknes: $282
- Agadir private transfer from Imlil to Agadir airport (AGA): $275
- Private Transfer Marrakech - Rabat : $266
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Florence
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Florence:
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Taxi Ride Within City$8.71
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Taxi from Airport$27
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In City Parking (Full Day)$33
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Bus Pass (Full Day)$5.45
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Bus From Airport$5.45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florence
Also for Florence, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Florence - Bologna with stop at the Barberino Outlet: $144
- Transfer Between Florence and Rome with Sightseeing Stop: $1,197
- Private arrival OR departure transfer in Florence (hotel OR airport pick-up): $86
- Private arrival OR departure transfer in Florence: $116
- Private Transfer: Peretola Airport (FLR) to Florence City Center: $81
- Private Transfer: Florence City Center to Peretola Airport (FLR): $64
- Private Transfer from your Hotel in Florence to the Airport: $60
- Private Transfer from Volterra to Pisa (PSA) Airport: $232
- Private Transfer from Scandicci to Firenze (FLR) Airport: $112
- Private Transfer from San Casciano in Val di Pesa to Firenze (FLR) Airport: $296
- Private Transfer from SMN Train Station to Florence: $51
- Private Transfer from Impruneta to Firenze (FLR) Airport: $287
Is it cheaper to fly into Marrakech or Florence?
Prices for flights to both Florence 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
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Food Meals for one dayMarrakech $13Florence $39
Typical Food Prices in Marrakech
For Marrakech, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Orange Juice on the Square$0.30
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Breakfast$1.22
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Dates$0.61
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Olives$0.91
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Sandwich$1.32
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Souvenir Spices$6.30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marrakech
For Marrakech, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Evenings Experiencing a Sunset Dinner in the Agafay Desert: $14
- Agafay Desert Sunset, Camel Ride and Dinner from Marrakech: $15
- Agafay Desert Package, Quad Bike, Camel Ride and Dinner Show: $16
- Online Moroccan Cooking Class: $17
- Cooking Lesson at the Ouirgane Ecolodge with Lunch: $19
- Dinner in Agafay desert from Marrakech & camel riding: $19
- Agafay Desert Sunset Dinner & Camel Ride & Show: $21
- From Agafay Desert Sunset Camel Ride and Dinner: $21
- Marrakech desert: Agafay Desert Sunset Dinner Show: $21
- Marrakech Agafay Desert show with Dinner Sunset Camel Ride: $21
- Restaurant Dinner Experience with Hotel Pickup: $21
- Quad bike dinner & magic show agafay desert: $22
Typical Food Prices in Florence
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Florence:
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Panini Sandwich$7.08
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Florence
For Florence, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Walking Food Tour at Sunset with Tastings: $24
- Florence Street Food Tour: Market & City Center: $24
- Hard Rock Cafe Florence with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
- Hard Rock Cafe Florence with Set Lunch or Dinner: $31
- Florence Street Food Tour, Market and City Center: $31
- Virtual Cooking Class: Bruschetta & Tiramisù: $36
- Virtual Italian Meatballs Cooking Class, Live from Tuscany: $38
- Street Food Tour with Local Expert Guide: $41
- Florence Food Tour: Home-Made Pasta, Truffle, Cantucci, Olive Oil, Gelato: $42
- Eating Florence Street Food Tour Guided Tasting and Sightseeing: $46
- Pasta Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine: $52
- Taste of Tuscany Wine and Local Food Tour: $58
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Marrakech $7.14Florence $33
Typical Entertainment Prices in Marrakech
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Marrakech's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Palace Tickets$2.03
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Golf at Atlas Golf$57
Tours and Activities in Marrakech
For Marrakech, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 10 Hours tour from marrakech to ouarzazate: $44
- 2 days Tour Marrakech-Ouarzazatte: $189
- Agafay Desert: Three Valley Guided Tour From Marrakech : $21
- Atlas Mountains Horseback Ride Day Tour From Marrakech : $51
- Atlas Mountains Tour & three valleys with camel ride : $24
- Atlas Mountains and Berber villages & Waterfalls Day Tour from Marrakech : $26
- Best Marrakech Private walking tour: $44
- City Tour Marrakech with guide 1/2 day: $33
- Desert Agafay & Berber Villages Day Tour From Marrakech including Camel Ride: $50
- Desert Thrills: Quad Biking Adventures in Palmeraie Marrakech: $44
- Experience Spa Hammam Massage and Camel tour: $105
- Food Tasting Tour in Marrakech medina : $70
Typical Entertainment Prices in Florence
For Florence, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Admission to Uffizi$12
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Phone Booking Fee for Uffizi$4.36
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Firenze Card (for Two)$109
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Audioguides at Uffizi (for Two)$22
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Giotto's Tower Entrance Fee$6.53
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Boboli Gardens Entrance Fee$7.62
Tours and Activities in Florence
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Florence.
- "David" Accademia Gallery Skip The Line Entrance Ticket : $33
- Accademia Gallery Skip the line Tickets : $34
- Best of Florence walking tour & Accademia Gallery- monolingual small group tour: $74
- Florence-Private bike tour: $99
- Uffizi Skip-the-Line Entry & Guided Tour: $72
- Highlights of Uffizi & Accademia Skip The Line Combo Guided Tour: $5.52
- Private Tour of Uffizi and Accademia Gallery with David: $231
- Semi-Private Uffizi Gallery Guided Tour: $72
- VIP Uffizi Gallery Tour: $76
- "Good Morning Chianti Classico" - Tour in 2 wineries with lunch: $199
- 1 Hour Accademia Guided Tour: $33
- 1-Hour Experience with Brunello. Visit to the Vineyard and Cellar: $36
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMarrakech $15Florence $20
Typical Alcohol Prices in Florence
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florence from other travelers:
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Glass of Chianti$4.57
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Bottle of Wine$8.17
Sample the Local Flavors in Florence
Also in Florence, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine Tasting by CarusVini in San Casciano in val di Pesa: $17
- Guided Bar Crawl in the Old Town: $22
- Florence Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $22
- Wine Tasting Activity at Chianti Rufina: $23
- Great wine tasting at Tenuta Moriano: $25
- Florence Wine Tasting Experience with Three Types of Tuscan Wine: $29
- Wine Tasting Experience with Three Types of Tuscan Wine: $30
- Biodynamic Wine Tasting with Producer in Vinci: $31
- Private Wine Tasting Experience in the heart of Tuscany: $33
- Cellar Wine Tour: $33
- Classic Wine Tasting in Montalcino: $33
- Wine Tasting of Brunello in a Historic Cellar: $35
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Marrakech and Florence, we can see that Florence 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 Florence 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 Florence would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Florence 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 Florence Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Marrakech or Florence?
Marrakech has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Florence. When comparing the sizes of Marrakech and Florence, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.