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

Should you visit Marrakech or Naples?

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

Should I visit Marrakech or Naples? 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. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Naples

Naples is a gritty, colorful, and fascinating city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Marrakech and Naples: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • 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
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Marrakech or Naples?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Marrakech. Although Marrakech and Naples are popular destinations, Marrakech has more sights and attractions for tourists. Marrakech is very popular for its historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Naples attracts visitors for its food and nightlife. Marrakech is more touristy than Naples and is popular for its colorful medina, festive night market, and beautiful palaces. It is also well known for Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Naples is famous for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza.

How is Marrakech different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Marrakech
Naples

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Naples 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 Naples specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.


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

Marrakech
Naples

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

For foodies, Naples is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

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 Naples Better for Nightlife?

Marrakech
Naples

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

Naples has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

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 Naples Better for its Old Town?

Marrakech
Naples

Marrakech is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its 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.

Naples is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.


Is the Shopping Better in Marrakech or Naples?

Marrakech
Naples

Marrakech is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Marrakech is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Naples. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

Is Marrakech or Naples Better for Families?

Marrakech
Naples

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

Marrakech is known to be 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.

Naples offers lots of family activities. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

Is Marrakech or Naples Better for Couples?

Marrakech
Naples

Marrakech is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Naples is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.


Is Marrakech or Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marrakech
Naples

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

Marrakech is a very popular city to visit 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.

Naples is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

Is Marrakech or Naples Better for Students?

Marrakech
Naples

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

Plenty of students visit Naples. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

Marrakech is not popular with students.

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

Marrakech
Naples

Naples 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.

Naples offers a very effecient public transportation network. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

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 Naples a more walkable city?

Marrakech
Naples

Marrakech and Naples 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.

Naples is very walkable. The historic center is flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Naples or Marrakech?

How long in Marrakech or Naples?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Marrakech and Naples. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Marrakech than in Naples. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Marrakech, and 1-3 days is enough time in Naples.

Families should spend more time in Marrakech than Naples. 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 Naples. 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 Naples 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 Naples? Ideal Length of Stay
    Marrakech 3-7 
    Naples 1-3

One day in Marrakech or Naples?

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 Naples. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Naples has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Marrakech or Naples?

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 fascinating big city of Naples. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Marrakech or Naples?

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 gritty city of Naples. 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 Naples?

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.

Naples 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 in Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Naples 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 Naples is $140. 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 Naples in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Marrakech $46
    Naples $71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Marrakech $92
    Naples $142
Compare Hotels in Marrakech and Naples

Looking for a hotel in Marrakech or Naples? 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 Naples


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 Naples Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Marrakech $6.30
    Naples $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marrakech

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

  • Airport Marrakech Transfer one way: $22
  • Hammam Massage Transfers Included: $71
  • Private Transfer Agadir airport - Marrakech: $164
  • Private Transfer From or To Marrakesh Menara Airport RAK: $9.83
  • private transfer to or from Marrakech and Taroudant one trip: $98
  • transfer from Marrakech city to Agadir city (AGA) one-way: $82
  • "Marrakech to Chefchaouen: Your Exclusive Private Transfer": $250
  • "Marrakech to El Jadida: Private Transfer for Your Comfort": $109
  • 2h Buggy Adventure in the Marrakech Desert with Transfer and Tea Break: $49
  • Agadir and Marrakech airport transfer : $290
  • Agadir private transfer from Imlil to Agadir airport (AGA): $271
  • Agadir private transfer from Ouirgane to Agadir airport (AGA): $290

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Naples

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Naples:


  • Subway Ticket
    $1.30
  • Alibus From Airport
    $3.25
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $7.95
  • Train to Pompeii
    $3.47
  • Taxi
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Naples

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Naples:

  • transfer from napoli to positano or back: $107
  • transfer by luxury car from the airport, station, etc., to the city of Naples: $98
  • private transfer from Naples to Sorrento: $251
  • private transfer from Naples to Peastum or Peastum to Naples: $109
  • private transfer from NAPLES to MATERA: $273
  • private transfer Naples to Sorrento: $121
  • Vesuvius easy Transfer: $25
  • Vesuvio Tour_Transfer+Entrance ticket: $40
  • Venice Airport : One Way Transfer to Canazei: $567
  • Van Transfer from Naples Apt to Sorrento/Amalfi/Positano: $321
  • Trekking The Path of the Gods and Round Trip Transfer: $273
  • Transfers from the Beverello pier (Naples) to Fiumicino Aereoprto: $276

Is it cheaper to fly into Marrakech or Naples?

Prices for flights to both Naples 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
    Naples $43
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 Naples

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Naples:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $30
  • Three Course Dinner (for Two)
    $53
  • Napoli Pizza
    $7.84
  • Dinner
    $27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Naples

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

  • Napoli: Traditional Tiramisu Cooking Class with Limoncello: $36
  • Small Group Naples Pizza Making Class with Drink Included: $46
  • Street Food Tour of Naples with Top-Rated Local Guide & Fun Facts: $46
  • Naples Street Food Tour With Local Expert: $46
  • Authentic Italian Pizza-Making Workshop with Drinks: $46
  • Authentic Pizza Class with Drinks Included in the Center of Naples: $47
  • Authentic Italian Pizza Making Class with local pizzaiolo: $53
  • Food Tour with Davide: $53
  • Virtual Cooking Class: become a Pizza PRO!: $55
  • Food Tour of Naples with Davide: $55
  • Napoli Street Food Tour in Pignasecca: $58
  • Make Neapolitan Pizza With A View Of Naples Like No Other: $59

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Marrakech $7.01
    Naples $32
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 Naples

Here are a few typical costs in Naples for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Museo Archeologico Nazionale Entrance
    $9.75
  • Castelnuovo Museum Entrance
    $5.42
  • Entrance to Pompeii
    $12

Tours and Activities in Naples

Here are a few actual costs in Naples for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • From Naples : Discovery Capri with Chairlift Experience : $158
  • Guided Tour to Ruins of Pompeii and Vesuvius From Naples: $141
  • Herculaneum Private Walking Tour: $164
  • Naples City Walking Tour Exploring Naples with a native guide : $87
  • Napoli Sight Eating Walk: Food and Sight Tour: $45
  • Pompeii private tour: $109
  • Positano & Sorrento Private Day Tour: $273
  • Private Tour a Pompeii e Sorrento from Napoli: $218
  • Royal Palace of Caserta Private Tour for cruise ship : $164
  • Walking Tour of Herculaneum with Local Guide: $60
  • (Ercolano) Herculaneum , Half Day Private Tour: $136
  • 2 Hours Naples Metro Tour with 24 Hour Metro Ticket included: $38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Marrakech $15
    Naples $23

Typical Alcohol Prices in Naples

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Naples:


  • Beer
    $4.44
  • Beer
    $4.33

Sample the Local Flavors in Naples

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Naples:

  • Guided Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $16
  • Mount Vesuvius: Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting and Lunch: $51
  • Regional food and wine tasting: $53
  • Guided, FUN Wine Tasting in Napoli: $63
  • Guided, FUN Wine Tasting in Naples City Center: $64
  • Full-Day Bike Guided Tour in Napoli with Wine Tasting: $64
  • Vesuvius Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch Included: $75
  • Mount Vesuvius 4-Hour Volcano Tour with Wine Tasting: $79
  • Naples Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $86
  • Naples Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $90
  • Vesuvius Half-Day Trip with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $95
  • From Wine Tasting Tour on Vesuvius Slopes with Lunch: $97


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


Which is Bigger, Marrakech or Naples?

Naples has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Marrakech. When comparing the sizes of Marrakech and Naples, 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.