A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Marrakech vs. Las Vegas for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Marrakech or Las Vegas?

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

Should I visit Marrakech or Las Vegas? 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 ancient, cultural, and high-energy 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a colorful, sinful, and fun-filled entertainment capital. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Marrakech and Las Vegas: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Jemaa el-Fnaa Square
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities
  • Home to the Strip
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Marrakech or Las Vegas?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Las Vegas than Marrakech. While Marrakech is larger than Las Vegas, Las Vegas has more sights and attractions for tourists. Las Vegas is better known for its theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, and resorts, while Marrakech is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Marrakech is well known for its colorful medina, festive night market, and beautiful palaces. Las Vegas is well known for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. Also, Las Vegas is famous for The Strip.

How is Marrakech different from Las Vegas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Marrakech
Las Vegas

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Just wander along the Strip and pop in to any of the hotels to see what makes this city unique. There are many replicas of iconic landmarks around the world including the Venetian canals and the Eiffel Tower. You can also check out the Mob Museum, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, and the Neon Museum.


Is Marrakech or Las Vegas Better for Theater?

Marrakech
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its shows and theatre. However, Marrakech is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in Las Vegas draw crowds from around the world. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.

Marrakech is not a theatre destination.

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

Marrakech
Las Vegas

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

For foodies, Las Vegas is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It has become famous for it's all-you-can-eat buffets, which you'll find in almost every hotel along the strip. To fully experience the sin of gluttony, head for one of the more luxurious hotels, which have the more expensive, but also higher quality buffets. Celebrity chefs have also opened many five star restaurants around town that you must try.

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 Las Vegas Better for Nightlife?

Marrakech
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Marrakech is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

The nightlife in Las Vegas is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. From posh dance clubs to glitzy cocktail bars, its nightlife scene puts this city on the map. Many people forget to sleep here, whether they're gambling away their money, checking out a world class show, or partying in one of the many clubs.

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 Las Vegas Better for Music?

Marrakech
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Marrakech is not a live music destination.

Las Vegas has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. There are a number of long running shows as well as frequent musicians that pass through. There are also free live concerts and music festivals throughout the year.

Marrakech is not a live music destination.

Is Marrakech or Las Vegas Better for Resorts?

Marrakech
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Marrakech is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Las Vegas is a great choice. Along the strip you'll find world class resorts with casinos, shops, theaters, and all kinds of entertainment venues. Many resorts have a detailed décor that immerses you in an ambiance that unique from the world outside. Top rated resorts include the Bellagio, the Wynn, and Park MGM.

Marrakech is not a resort destination.

Is Marrakech or Las Vegas Better for its Old Town?

Marrakech
Las Vegas

Marrakech is very popular for its historic old town. However, Las Vegas does not have a historic old town.

Marrakech has a world-famous historical 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.

Las Vegas does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Marrakech or Las Vegas?

Marrakech
Las Vegas

Shoppers can find a variety of amazing stores in both Marrakech and Las Vegas.

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.

Las Vegas is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city's shopping scene combines high end brands with a style that is uniquely Las Vegas. Many hotels have their own malls or shopping areas where you can buy designer names or visit flagship stores.

Is Marrakech or Las Vegas Better for Families?

Marrakech
Las Vegas

Marrakech is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital 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.

Las Vegas is not always a place people visit with their families. The city is more known for its adult entertainment options than as a family-friendly destination, but there are good kid-friendly activities around town including kid-oriented shows, the Fun Dungeon in the Excalibur, and thrilling rides that are great for all ages.

Is Marrakech or Las Vegas Better for Couples?

Marrakech
Las Vegas

With fun activities for couples, both Marrakech and Las Vegas make for a amazing 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, Las Vegas has plenty to offer. The city has become a mecca for weddings - whether impromptu or luxuriously planned out. With it's glamourous resorts and wide variety of entertainment options, couples can enjoy a fun-filled visit here.


Is Marrakech or Las Vegas Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marrakech
Las Vegas

Marrakech is very popular for backpackers. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital 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.

Las Vegas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most visitors are not backpackers, but for those who want to experience the hype while sticking to a budget, there are a handful of hostels around town.

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

Marrakech
Las Vegas

Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas. Many visitors use the Monorail to get around the Strip and the touristy areas. There's also a bus system that travels throughout the city.

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 Las Vegas a more walkable city?

Marrakech
Las Vegas

Marrakech is notable for its walkability. Also, Las Vegas is not as famous, but is still a good entertainment capital to visit for its high level of walkability.

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.

Las Vegas is a somewhat walkable place. The area around The Strip is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. In this area you can access many restaurants, hotels, and casinos.


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

Should I spend more time in Las Vegas or Marrakech?

How long in Marrakech or Las Vegas?

Both Marrakech and Las Vegas have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Las Vegas has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Las Vegas than Marrakech. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Marrakech, and 2-7 days is enough time in Las Vegas.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Marrakech than Las Vegas 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.


  • How many days in Marrakech or Las Vegas? Ideal Length of Stay
    Marrakech 3-7 
    Las Vegas 2-7

One day in Marrakech or Las Vegas?

People visit Marrakech because there is so much to do. 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.

You'll find museums and theater around the entertainment capital of Las Vegas. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Las Vegas?

People visit Marrakech because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find theater and nightlife around the fun-filled big city of Las Vegas. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this entertainment capital has to offer. This entertainment capital offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Marrakech or Las Vegas?

People visit Marrakech because there is so much to do. 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. Most people head to the area for the shopping. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the glamourous entertainment capital of Las Vegas. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this entertainment capital makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this entertainment capital has to offer.


A week in Marrakech or Las Vegas?

Marrakech 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 Marrakech, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Las Vegas is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Las Vegas, 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 Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Las Vegas or Marrakech?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Marrakech is $69, while the average daily cost in Las Vegas is $310. 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 Las Vegas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Marrakech $46
    Las Vegas $158
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Marrakech $92
    Las Vegas $316
Compare Hotels in Marrakech and Las Vegas

Looking for a hotel in Marrakech or Las Vegas? 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.

Hotels in Marrakech


Hotels in Las Vegas


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 Las Vegas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Marrakech $6.30
    Las Vegas $53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marrakech

Also for Marrakech, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Marrakech Airport Transfer: $5.01
  • Marrakech Airport Transfer (ONE WAY pick-up OR/OU ONE WAY drop-off): $6.56
  • Marrakech : Transfer privé vers ou depuis l'aéroport de Rak: $7.27
  • Private Transfer : From Or To RAK airport: $7.38
  • Marrakech : Private Transfer to/from RAK Airport: $7.38
  • Marrakesh: 1-Way Private Transfer to Menara Airport: $7.49
  • Marrakech : Private Transfer to/from RAK Airport: $8.14
  • Private Transfer: from Marrakech Airport to your hotel: $8.16
  • Transfer from Marrakech Airport to Marrakech City Centre: $8.74
  • Private Transfer From or To Marrakesh Menara Airport RAK: $9.83
  • Private Transfer Marrakech Menara Airport: $10
  • Private Airport Transfers Home and Way: $10

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Las Vegas

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Las Vegas are as follows:


  • 24 Hr Bus Pass
    $15
  • 24 hrs Deuce Bus
    $7.00
  • Taxi from Airport to the Strip
    $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Las Vegas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Las Vegas:

  • Transfer in private minivan from Las Vegas The Strip- Las Vegas Airport (LAS): $76
  • Transfer in private minivan from Las Vegas Airport (LAS)- Las Vegas The Strip: $76
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Las Vegas The Strip - Las Vegas Airport (LAS): $58
  • Transfer from Airport to Manila, Makati, Taguig and Pasay Hotel: $50
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Las Vegas Airport (LAS)-Las Vegas The Strip: $152
  • RoundTrip Private Transfer Las Vegas by Luxury SUV Cadillac Escalade up to 5 pax: $232
  • Round trip Private Transfer Las Vegas airport by eco friendly premium cars: $168
  • Private Transfer: Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport LAS in Business Car: $114
  • Private Transfer: Las Vegas to LAS Airport by Luxury SUV or Limousine up to 8 p: $113
  • Private Transfer: Las Vegas Airport LAS to Las Vegas in Business Car: $114
  • Private Transfer in Las Vegas with Personal Driver: $175
  • Private Transfer from Subic Bay Port to Clark Airport (CRK): $46

Is it cheaper to fly into Marrakech or Las Vegas?

Prices for flights to both Las Vegas 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Marrakech $13
    Las Vegas $80
Typical Food Prices in Marrakech

For Marrakech, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Orange Juice on the Square
    $0.30
  • Breakfast
    $1.20
  • Dates
    $0.60
  • Olives
    $0.90
  • Sandwich
    $1.29
  • Souvenir Spices
    $6.18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marrakech

For Marrakech, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Agafay Desert Sunset, Camel Ride and Dinner from Marrakech: $15
  • Online Moroccan Cooking Class: $17
  • Cooking Lesson at the Ouirgane Ecolodge with Lunch: $19
  • Restaurant Dinner Experience with Hotel Pickup: $21
  • Sunset in Agafay: Dinner, Camel, Quad-Book Adventure with Viator: $22
  • Typical Moroccan Dinner at the inhabitant in Marrakech: $22
  • Marrakesh: Agafay Desert Sunset Dinner with a Show and Transfers : $22
  • Dinner Show in Agafay Desert with Quad Bike & Camels: $22
  • Dinner Show Under stars in Agafay Desert with Sunset Camel Ride: $22
  • Dinner in Desert Marrakech and Camel ride at Sunset: $23
  • Magical Dinner & Agafay Desert ,Under The Stars: $24
  • Moroccan Cooking Class with a Local Chef: $24

Typical Food Prices in Las Vegas

Some typical examples of dining costs in Las Vegas are as follows:


  • Coffee
    $5.00
  • Deep Fried Twinkie
    $1.07
  • Chocolate Dip Banana
    $1.07
  • Gelato
    $5.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Las Vegas

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Las Vegas.

  • Chuck Wagon Dinner and Show at the Firelight Barn in Henderson: $49
  • Guest Artists Chuck Wagon Dinner Show in Henderson: $49
  • Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience : $65
  • Manila A Walking Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink: $70
  • Makati Street Food tour Experience with Mari: $73
  • Manila Filipino Cooking Class: Meryenda Favorites: $75
  • Tournament of Kings Dinner and Show at Excalibur Hotel and Casino: $78
  • Las Vegas Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $80
  • Market Tour and Provincial Filipino Cooking Class in the Countryside: $88
  • Private Filipino cooking class in a local Manila Home: $90
  • Marriage Can Be Murder Dinner Show in Las Vegas: $100
  • Private Filipino Cooking Class in the Heart of Manila,Makati City: $110

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Marrakech $7.01
    Las Vegas $78
Typical Entertainment Prices in Marrakech

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Marrakech's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Palace Tickets
    $1.99
  • Golf at Atlas Golf
    $56

Tours and Activities in Marrakech

For Marrakech, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 3-Hour Colorful Souks Tour: $5.00
  • Marrakesh: Cactus Thiemann Entry Ticket: $8.24
  • Atlas Mountains Tour with Camel Ride: $9.00
  • Palmerai adventure on quad atv: $10
  • Marrakech:Quad Tour in Palmeraie: $14
  • Historical Marrakech Walking Tour: $15
  • Full Day Hiking Tour to Atlas Mountains from Marrakech: $15
  • Full Day Tour to Atlas Mountains in Imlil Valley: $15
  • Marrakech Sightseeing Tour: $15
  • Marrakech activities: Camel ride tour Marrakech: $15
  • Essaouira 1 Day Tour From Marrakech: $16
  • Anima Garden Admission Ticket: $16

Typical Entertainment Prices in Las Vegas

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Las Vegas are as follows:


  • Wedding Chapel
    $139
  • Atomic Testing Museum (two people)
    $12
  • Gondola Ride (4 person)
    $64
  • Monorail Ride
    $5.00
  • NY NY Rollercoaster
    $14
  • Circus Circus Adventure Dome Day Pass
    $26

Tours and Activities in Las Vegas

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Las Vegas are as follows:

  • 4 Gun Vegas Desert Shooting Adventure with Lunch from Las Vegas: $199
  • All Day GoCar Ultimate Las Vegas Day Tour: $205
  • Horseback Riding Tour in Las Vegas: $85
  • Manila Street Food Walking Experience ( Shared ) : $70
  • Nellis Desert Exploration Jeep Tour Off Road You Drive We Guide: $283
  • Vegas Strip and Red Rock Canyon Guided Trike or Slingshot Tour : $189
  • 1 Day Small Group Tour of Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend : $239
  • 1-Day Zion & Bryce Canyon National Park Bus Tour: $199
  • 1-Day Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park Tour: $249
  • 1.5 Hr Las Vegas Strip Limo Tour with Champagne and Photos: $549
  • 1.5-Hour Express Bike Tour in Intramuros (tour using a bamboo bicycle!): $22
  • 1.5-Hour Guided Raft Tour at the Base of the Hoover Dam: $69

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Marrakech $15
    Las Vegas $55

Sample the Local Flavors in Las Vegas

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Las Vegas:

  • Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl (party bus add-on option): $36
  • Mobsters, Casinos, and Speaky Bar Crawl: $36
  • Off The Beaten Path Bar Crawl: $45
  • Zombie Burlesque Comedy Musical Show Ticket: $50
  • Zombie Burlesque at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino: $50
  • Fremont Street Party Bus and Bar Crawl: $50
  • Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl : $50
  • Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl: $50
  • Las Vegas Country Bar Crawl by Party Bus w/ Free Drinks: $59
  • Fantasy Burlesque Show at Luxor Hotel & Casino: $61
  • Off The Beaten Path Bar Crawl: $63
  • Nightclub and Bar Crawl with Party Bus and Drinks: $69


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


Which is Bigger, Marrakech or Las Vegas?

Marrakech has a larger population, and is about 75% larger than the population of Las Vegas. When comparing the sizes of Marrakech and Las Vegas, 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.