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

Should you visit Marrakech or Kotor?

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

Should I visit Marrakech or Kotor? 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. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kotor

Kotor is a peaceful, remote, and dramatic coastal town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Marrakech and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marrakech or Kotor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Marrakech than Kotor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Marrakech is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Kotor is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Marrakech is more touristy than Kotor and is popular for its colorful medina, festive night market, and beautiful palaces. Also, Marrakech is famous for Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Kotor is well known for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs.

How is Marrakech different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Marrakech is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

For foodies, Kotor is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

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 Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Marrakech is very good for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Marrakech or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Marrakech is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Kotor as a resort destination, but it has a few places. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Marrakech is not a resort destination.

Is Marrakech or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Marrakech is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Kotor has a few good snorkeling spots. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Marrakech is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marrakech or Kotor Better for Beaches?

Kotor is a popular place for the beach. However, Marrakech is not a beach destination.

Kotor is a good option for a beach vacation. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Marrakech is not a beach destination.

Is Marrakech or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the world-class old towns in both Marrakech and Kotor.

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 Kotor can be explored in its historical center. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

Is Marrakech or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. However, Marrakech is not a hiking destination.

People visit Kotor specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Marrakech is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marrakech or Kotor?

Marrakech is a world-class destination for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Marrakech is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marrakech or Kotor Better for Families?

Marrakech is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Marrakech is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Kotor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Marrakech or Kotor Better for Couples?

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

For those traveling as a couple, Marrakech has plenty to offer. 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.

Kotor is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

Is Marrakech or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marrakech is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Marrakech is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

Many backpackers visit Kotor. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

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

Kotor 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 Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

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 Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor 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 Kotor. The old town is best explored 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 Kotor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Marrakech?

How long in Marrakech or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Marrakech or Kotor. 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 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Marrakech than Kotor 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 Kotor?

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.

Even though Kotor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 Kotor?

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.

Kotor is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Marrakech or Kotor?

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.

Kotor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Marrakech or Kotor?

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.

Kotor is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

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

Which is Bigger, Marrakech or Kotor?

Marrakech has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Marrakech and Kotor, 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.