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

Should you visit Marrakech or Nantes?

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

Should I visit Marrakech or Nantes? 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 cultural, high-energy, and fascinating 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Nantes

Nantes is a vibrant, welcoming, and friendly city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Marrakech and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marrakech or Nantes?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Marrakech than Nantes. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Marrakech is very popular for its historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Nantes attracts visitors for its food and nightlife. Marrakech is more touristy than Nantes and is known for its colorful medina, festive night market, and beautiful palaces. It is also well known for Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Nantes is famous for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens.

How is Marrakech different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Nantes 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 Nantes specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with historical monuments, particularly in the Bouffay District. Highlights include Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and the Musée d'Arts de Nantes.

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

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

For foodies, Nantes is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The region lends itself to unique flavors with a great mix of seafood from the Atlantic, freshwater fish from the Loire, and dairy from the surrounding countryside. The region is also famous for its wine. Local dishes that you should try include Filet de Sandre au Beurre Blanc (fresh fish in butter sauce), Crepes Bretonnes (breakfast crepes), and Le Canard Nantais (duck with Muscadet wine).

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 Nantes Better for Nightlife?

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

Nantes has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The large student population heavily influences the nightlife scene. You'll find a young vibe with a lot of bars and clubs to choose from, particularly around Île de Nantes.

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 Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Marrakech is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

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.

Many visitors go to Nantes to see the historical old town. The city's old town is in the Bouffay District and it is filled with half-timbered houses and a maze of streets and shops.

Is the Shopping Better in Marrakech or Nantes?

Marrakech is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Nantes is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are impressive shopping streets, boutique stores, and grand shopping malls. Make sure you check out Rue Crébillon, Passage Pommeraye, and the shops around the Bouffay District. Talensac Market is also a historical covered market that you can explore.

Is Marrakech or Nantes Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Marrakech or Nantes.

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.

Nantes is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's filled with gardens, museums, and theme parks, making it a great combination of fascinating activities for adults and kids alike. Some of the top kid-friendly activities include a visit to Machine of the Isle of Nantes (both a theme park and a museum), seeing a show at Le Lieu Unique, or experiencing Naudières Park (a smaller theme park). Kids will also enjoy seeing Goulaine Castle or wandering around Jardin Extraordinaire or the Botanical Gardens.

Is Marrakech or Nantes Better for Couples?

Marrakech is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Couples visit Nantes frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There is a mix of both natural and historical beauty. Couples can enjoy a nice meal, stroll through one of the many parks and gardens, or even spend the day at the spa.

Is Marrakech or Nantes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marrakech is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantes is lacking in good options 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.

Nantes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't as many hostels as you would expect in the area, so finding an affordable and social place to stay may be a bit challenging.

Is Marrakech or Nantes Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Nantes. There's a decent sized student population and the city has a welcoming atmosphere. It's also easy to get around with public transportation.

Marrakech is not popular with students.

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

Nantes 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.

Nantes offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

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 Nantes a more walkable city?

Marrakech and Nantes 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.

Nantes is very walkable. The city is very walkable. Both locals and tourists alike choose to walk in Nantes.

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

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Marrakech?

How long in Marrakech or Nantes?

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

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

Marrakech is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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

Marrakech is a great place to explore. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the welcoming destination of Nantes. 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 Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marrakech. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly city of Nantes. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. 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 Nantes?

Marrakech is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Nantes 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Marrakech or Nantes?

Marrakech has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Nantes. When comparing the sizes of Marrakech and Nantes, 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.