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

Should you visit Marrakech or La Rochelle?

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

Should I visit Marrakech or La Rochelle? 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.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a laid-back, quaint, and charming coastal town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Marrakech and La Rochelle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marrakech or La Rochelle?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Marrakech than La Rochelle, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Marrakech is more popular for its shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while La Rochelle is known for its food, beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Marrakech is more touristy than La Rochelle and is known for its colorful medina, festive night market, and beautiful palaces. It is also home to Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. La Rochelle is popular for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting.

How is Marrakech different from La Rochelle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

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

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

For foodies, La Rochelle is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

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 La Rochelle Better for Nightlife?

Both Marrakech and La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Is Marrakech or La Rochelle Better for Beaches?

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

La Rochelle is a good option for a beach vacation. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

Marrakech is not a beach destination.

Is Marrakech or La Rochelle Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the first-rate old towns in both Marrakech and La Rochelle.

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 La Rochelle can be explored in its historical center. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

Is Marrakech or La Rochelle Better for Hiking?

La Rochelle is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Marrakech is not a hiking destination.

La Rochelle is a good destination for hiking. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Marrakech is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marrakech or La Rochelle?

Marrakech is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town 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.

Many visitors go to La Rochelle to go shopping. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Is Marrakech or La Rochelle Better for Families?

Marrakech is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town 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.

La Rochelle is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Is Marrakech or La Rochelle Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Marrakech and La Rochelle make for a first-rate 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, La Rochelle has plenty to offer. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

Is Marrakech or La Rochelle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marrakech is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal 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.

La Rochelle is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

Is Marrakech or La Rochelle Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit La Rochelle. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

Marrakech is not popular with students.

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

La Rochelle is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Marrakech is lacking in options for its public transit.

La Rochelle has some public transit options. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

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 La Rochelle a more walkable city?

Marrakech and La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle is very walkable. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in La Rochelle or Marrakech?

How long in Marrakech or La Rochelle?

It's fun to spend time in either Marrakech or La Rochelle. 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 La Rochelle.

Families should spend more time in Marrakech than La Rochelle. 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 La Rochelle than Marrakech. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in La Rochelle that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Marrakech or La Rochelle?

Marrakech is a ancient city where you can fill many days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the shopping. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Even though La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle?

Marrakech is a high-energy big city where you can fill many days. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

La Rochelle is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. 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 coastal town has to offer. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Marrakech or La Rochelle?

Marrakech is a cultural city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

La Rochelle 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. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Marrakech or La Rochelle?

Marrakech is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the shopping. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

La Rochelle 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Marrakech or La Rochelle?

Marrakech has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of La Rochelle. When comparing the sizes of Marrakech and La Rochelle, 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.