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

Should you visit Marrakech or Genoa?

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

Should I visit Marrakech or Genoa? 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. 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Genoa

Genoa is a vibrant, colorful, and energetic port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Marrakech and Genoa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marrakech or Genoa?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Marrakech than Genoa. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Marrakech is very popular for its historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Genoa attracts visitors for its beaches. Marrakech is more touristy than Genoa and is known for its colorful medina, festive night market, and beautiful palaces. It is also well known for Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Genoa is famous for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.

How is Marrakech different from Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Genoa and Marrakech.

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.

Many visitors head to Genoa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city has a long history and it is filled with monuments, palaces, and museums. Popular places to visit include the Via Garibaldi Palaces, the aquarium (one of the largest in Europe), the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, and Santi Ambrogio.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Marrakech and Genoa 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, Genoa makes for a great culinary experience. The city's maritime roots have influenced its cuisine and you'll find seafood in many local dishes. Other classic Genoese flavors include pesto, anchovies, fried squid, and focaccia and cheese.

Is Marrakech or Genoa Better for Nightlife?

Both Marrakech and Genoa have nice 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.

Genoa has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city lights up at night and it's fun to experience the activity and energy. There's a nice evening atmosphere with many people out and about. You can grab drinks in Piazza Lavagna or see live music in Porto Antico. There are also many bars and clubs around town.

Is Marrakech or Genoa Better for Beaches?

Genoa is a decent place to visit for the beach. However, Marrakech is not a beach destination.

The beach in Genoa is worth checking out. While many people head to other nearby towns to enjoy the beach, you will also find a beach just ten minutes from the old town by bus. Boccadasse is one of the closest beaches to town. It's also possible to do a day trip to other more famous beaches in the area, but you need to be prepared to travel a bit farther.

Marrakech is not a beach destination.

Is Marrakech or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

Marrakech is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its historic old town.

Marrakech has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

Many visitors go to Genoa to see the historical old town. The old town is large and complex, with many different time periods represented in the architecture and development style.

Is the Shopping Better in Marrakech or Genoa?

Marrakech is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Genoa is a great destination for shopping. You can pick up a number of different souvenirs around town including baskets, t-shirts, and local pesto. Popular shopping areas include Galleria Mazzini, Via Roma, and Via XX Settembr.

Is Marrakech or Genoa Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Marrakech or Genoa.

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.

Genoa is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city is home to the second biggest aquarium in Europe as well as the Galata Maritime Museum and the Nazario Sauro Submarine. In the port there's also Vascello Nettuno, which was a pirate ship that was used in the filming of the movie 'Pirates' by Roman Polanski. Other fun kid-friendly attractions include La Biosfera, The Children's Museum, and the Bigo Lift.

Is Marrakech or Genoa Better for Couples?

Marrakech is terrific for couples. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

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.

Genoa is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a beautiful port city with charming neighborhoods and some great restaurants. Couples will enjoy exploring this beautiful city and visiting its palaces and cathedrals.

Is Marrakech or Genoa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marrakech is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Genoa. There are a number of affordable hostels in the area, and while this isn't the top backpacker destination in Italy, it is a nice place to spend some time.

Is Marrakech or Genoa Better for Students?

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

Genoa is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. It's a popular study abroad destination so you'll find a number of international students in the area. The city is also well connected for exploring the region.

Marrakech is not popular with students.

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

Genoa 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.

Genoa offers a very effecient public transportation network. There's a wide range of different public transit options that are all operated by AMT. The system includes buses, an underground (one line), funiculars (two), lifts (ten), a boat, cogwheel and narrow gauge railways.

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 Genoa a more walkable city?

Marrakech and Genoa 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.

Genoa is very walkable. The old town, where most tourists spend the majority of their time, is easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Genoa or Marrakech?

How long in Marrakech or Genoa?

It's fun to spend time in either Marrakech or Genoa. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Marrakech due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Marrakech, and 2-4 days is enough time in Genoa.

Couples should spend more time in Marrakech than Genoa. 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 Genoa 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 Genoa?

Each neighborhood in Marrakech has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the shopping. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marrakech. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the energetic destination of Genoa. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Marrakech or Genoa?

Marrakech is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Marrakech has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Lots of people come for the shopping. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant port city of Genoa. 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 Genoa?

Each neighborhood in Marrakech has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the shopping. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Genoa 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 Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Marrakech or Genoa?

Marrakech has a larger population, and is about 39% larger than the population of Genoa. When comparing the sizes of Marrakech and Genoa, 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.