A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Marrakech vs. Plitvice Lakes National Park for Couples, Backpackers, Food, and Families

Should you visit Marrakech or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

Should I visit Marrakech or Plitvice Lakes National Park? 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. 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. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a world-famous, spectacular, and scenic national park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Marrakech and Plitvice Lakes National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Jemaa el-Fnaa Square
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the terraced chain of lakes
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food


Is there more to do in Marrakech or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Marrakech than Plitvice Lakes National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Marrakech is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Plitvice Lakes National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Marrakech is well known for its colorful medina, festive night market, and beautiful palaces. Also, Marrakech is famous for Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Plitvice Lakes National Park is well known for its stunning natural scenery which includes 16 beautiful terraced lakes.

How is Marrakech different from Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Marrakech
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Marrakech is great for its historical sights. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Marrakech or Plitvice Lakes National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Marrakech
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Marrakech is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Marrakech. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Plitvice Lakes National Park. You'll find a few tourist cafes near the lakes that serve grilled meats and other simple dishes. You can also grab a snack from the food stalls that are near the entrance to the park.

Is Marrakech or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Nightlife?

Marrakech
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Marrakech is very good for nightlife. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Marrakech has a few options to choose from. 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Marrakech or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for its Old Town?

Marrakech
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Marrakech is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have a 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have a historic old town.


Is Marrakech or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Hiking?

Marrakech
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Marrakech is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are eight different walking routes that range in length from 3 kilometers to 18 kilometers. They take between 3 and 8 hours and are well marked.

Marrakech is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marrakech or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Marrakech
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Marrakech is an unbeatable place for shopping. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Marrakech. 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marrakech or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Families?

Marrakech
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Marrakech or Plitvice Lakes National Park.

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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's a fun place to explore with kids, but if you're traveling with young ones, keep a close eye on them. Also take note that it's not stroller-friendly and make sure that you arrive early to avoid the crowds.


Is Marrakech or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Couples?

Marrakech
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Marrakech is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a natural wonder that is beautiful and romantic to explore as a couple. It can get crowded, as it's a top tourist destination is Croatia, so make sure you arrive early to avoid the peak times.

Is Marrakech or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marrakech
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Marrakech is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Marrakech. 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are three hotels within the park and a handful of hostels nearby. There's also some camping options in the area.

Is Marrakech or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Marrakech
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are several bus stops near the park but the bus service is infrequent and can involve long trips.

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park a more walkable city?

Marrakech
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park. The park is well organized into several walking routes that can be explored in a few hours.

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Plitvice Lakes National Park or Marrakech?

How long in Marrakech or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Marrakech or Plitvice Lakes National Park to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Marrakech than Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Marrakech, and 1-2 days is enough time in Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Families should spend more time in Marrakech than Plitvice Lakes National Park. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Marrakech 3-7 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1-2

One day in Marrakech or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Because Marrakech is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find around the national park of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Plitvice Lakes National Park has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Marrakech or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Marrakech is a fun place to experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. Your budget might influence how long you stay. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

You'll find around the scenic destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Marrakech or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Because Marrakech is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the scenic national park of Plitvice Lakes National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Marrakech or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Because Marrakech is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Visiting the old town is also a must. Many people spend one week here.This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park is $133. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Marrakech $46
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Marrakech $92
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $128
Compare Hotels in Marrakech and Plitvice Lakes National Park

Looking for a hotel in Marrakech or Plitvice Lakes National Park? 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Marrakech $6.30
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marrakech

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

  • Private Transfer From Marrakech To Fez: $444
  • One way transfer from Fes to Marrakech: $361
  • Private Transfer between Marrakech and Casablanca: $309
  • Agadir private transfer from Ouirgane to Agadir airport (AGA): $290
  • Agadir and Marrakech airport transfer : $290
  • Transfer Marrakech to Tangier: $286
  • Private Transfer From Casablanca to Marrakesh: $278
  • Agadir private transfer from Imlil to Agadir airport (AGA): $271
  • Private Transfer From Marrakech To Agadir Or Agadir To Marrakech : $268
  • Transfert Departure Marrakech City to Casablanca Airport: $265
  • City to City Transfer - Marrakesh > MHamid: $260
  • Private Transfer from Marrakech Menara (RAK) Airport to Taroudant: $255

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also for Plitvice Lakes National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zagreb Airport (ZAG): $232
  • Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $271
  • Plitvice lakes Guiding with Transfer: $182
  • From Zadar: Round-Trip Transfer to Plitvice Lakes: $42
  • From Plitvice Lakes to Zagreb private one-way transfer: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into Marrakech or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Prices for flights to both Plitvice Lakes National Park 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
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $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
  • Dinner Show in Agafay Desert with Quad Bike & Camels: $22
  • Typical Moroccan Dinner at the inhabitant in Marrakech: $22
  • Marrakesh: Agafay Desert Sunset Dinner with a Show and Transfers : $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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Marrakech $7.01
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $36
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:

  • 10 Hours tour from marrakech to ouarzazate: $44
  • 3 Day Sahara Desert Tour From Marrakech ending in Fez city: $251
  • 3 Days Tour - Marrakech To Fez via Sahara Desert Erg chebbi: $207
  • Agafay Desert: Three Valley Guided Tour From Marrakech : $21
  • Atlas Mountains Horseback Ride Day Tour From Marrakech : $50
  • Atlas Mountains, Berber Villages & Waterfall Tour: $25
  • City Tour Marrakech with guide 1/2 day: $21
  • Desert Agafay & Berber Villages Day Tour From Marrakech including Camel Ride: $49
  • Desert tour small group with luxury tent: $98
  • Food Tasting Tour in Marrakech medina : $70
  • Full Day Desert Agafay & Atlas Mountains Tour With Camel Ride : $48
  • Full Day Guided Tour in Ouzoud Waterfalls : $30

Tours and Activities in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Plitvice Lakes National Park.

  • 3,5 hours Guided Buggy Tour in Plitvice lakes: $76
  • Abandoned military airbase Zeljava -2h guided tour: $55
  • Croatia Walking Tour in a Wonderland: $174
  • E-Bike tour Plitvice Big Waterfall Viewpoints & Tito's Villa: $87
  • From Split and Trogir: Plitvice Lakes Economy Group Tour: $48
  • From Split: Plitvice Lakes Guided tour: $70
  • Full Day Private Tour of Plitvice Lakes from Split & Trogir: $738
  • Half day tour around Plitvice Lakes: $29
  • PLITVICE LAKES FULL DAY TOUR WITH LOCAL: $182
  • Plitvice Countryside Bike Tour with Barac Caves: $76
  • Plitvice Guided Tour- Tickets only RESERVED: $44
  • Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Marrakech $15
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $15


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