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

Should you visit Marrakech or Houston?

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

Should I visit Marrakech or Houston? 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.

Houston

Houston is a southern, one-of-a-kind, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Marrakech and Houston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marrakech or Houston?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Marrakech than Houston. While Houston is larger than Marrakech, Marrakech has more sights and attractions for tourists. Marrakech is more popular for its food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Houston is known for its nightlife, music, and big city activities. Marrakech is more touristy than Houston and is popular for its colorful medina, festive night market, and beautiful palaces. It is also home to Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Houston is popular for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA.

How is Marrakech different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Houston 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 Houston specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's Museum.

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

Marrakech is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Marrakech. 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.

Houston is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.

Is Marrakech or Houston Better for Nightlife?

Houston is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Marrakech is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Houston has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.

Marrakech has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Is Marrakech or Houston Better for Music?

Houston is a popular place for its music scene. However, Marrakech is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Houston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Marrakech is not a live music destination.

Is Marrakech or Houston Better for its Old Town?

Marrakech is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Houston does not have a historic old town.

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.

Houston does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Marrakech or Houston?

Marrakech is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Houston 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.

Houston has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.

Is Marrakech or Houston Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Marrakech or Houston.

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.

Houston is a very family-friendly place to visit. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.

Is Marrakech or Houston Better for Couples?

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

Marrakech is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Houston is a good city for couples to visit. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

Is Marrakech or Houston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marrakech is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Marrakech or Houston Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Houston. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.

Marrakech is not popular with students.

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

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.

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 Houston a more walkable city?

Marrakech is well known for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Marrakech is a very walkable city. 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.

Houston is generally not a very walkable city. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Houston or Marrakech?

How long in Marrakech or Houston?

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

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

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 nightlife and live music around the city of Houston. 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 Houston?

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 live music and food around the sprawling big city of Houston. 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 Houston?

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 food and shopping when visiting the one-of-a-kind city of Houston. 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 Houston?

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.

Houston 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

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

Which is Bigger, Marrakech or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Marrakech. When comparing the sizes of Marrakech and Houston, 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.