A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Marrakech vs. Ravenna for Couples, Backpackers, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Marrakech or Ravenna?

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

Should I visit Marrakech or Ravenna? 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. 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Ravenna

Ravenna is a off-the-beaten-path, charming, and authentic town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Marrakech and Ravenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marrakech or Ravenna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Marrakech than Ravenna, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Marrakech is more popular for its historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Ravenna is known for its small town charm. Marrakech is more touristy than Ravenna and is known for its colorful medina, festive night market, and beautiful palaces. It is also home to Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Ravenna is popular for its many stunning mosaics which date back to the early Christian and Byzantine empires.

How is Marrakech different from Ravenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Ravenna 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 Ravenna specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Most sights in town are centered around the the beautiful mosaics. Neonian Baptistery is a good place to begin your visit. Other highlights include San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Marrakech and Ravenna can be an enjoyable experience.

Marrakech has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Ravenna makes for a great culinary experience. The region is most known for its first course dishes, so pasta lovers will enjoy dining on homemade egg pasta dishes that are served with meat or cheese sauces. You'll also find lots of grilled meats and many great desserts.

Is Marrakech or Ravenna Better for Nightlife?

Both Marrakech and Ravenna 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.

Ravenna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find most of the pubs and clubs in town around Marina di Ravenna. There are a couple of places that attract a crowd, but many are open only during the summer months.

Is Marrakech or Ravenna Better for its Old Town?

Marrakech is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Marrakech can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Marrakech or Ravenna?

Marrakech is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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 Ravenna to go shopping. There are some nice shopping streets in town where you can buy locally made mosaics. You'll also find art studios and artisan shops, as well as your typical souvenir shops and clothing stores. Via Cavour, via Diaz, and via Cairoli are some of the most popular shopping streets.

Is Marrakech or Ravenna Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Marrakech or Ravenna.

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.

Ravenna is a very family-friendly place to visit. In town you'll find mosaics, museums, and a charming town, and ten kilometers outside of town you'll find Italy's largest amusement park - Mirabilandia. The city is also filled with parks where kids can explore and learn, and the food, like any Italian city, is very kid-friendly.

Is Marrakech or Ravenna Better for Couples?

Marrakech is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Marrakech is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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 Ravenna frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Many visitors to Italy don't add this charming town to their itinerary, but for couples who want to experience a small town setting with beautiful art and architecture, then Ravenna is a great option. There are parks to explore and great restaurants to experience as well.

Is Marrakech or Ravenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marrakech is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ravenna. It's a bit off-the-beaten path, so you won't find a large number of hostels or a lot of backpackers to hang out with. That doesn't mean it won't make a great addition to your itinerary though.

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

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

Ravenna has some public transit options. Buses in and around town are managed by START ROMAGNA and offer access to many nearby towns.

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 Ravenna a more walkable city?

Marrakech and Ravenna are superb 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.

Ravenna is very walkable. There are care-free areas to the town that can only be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ravenna or Marrakech?

How long in Marrakech or Ravenna?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Marrakech or Ravenna to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Marrakech than Ravenna 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 Ravenna.

Families should spend more time in Marrakech than Ravenna. 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 Ravenna. 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 Ravenna 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 Ravenna?

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. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Even though Ravenna is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ravenna has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Marrakech or Ravenna?

Because Marrakech is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Ravenna is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Marrakech or Ravenna?

Marrakech is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Marrakech has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Ravenna 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. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Marrakech or Ravenna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marrakech. Because Marrakech is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Ravenna 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Marrakech or Ravenna?

Marrakech has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Ravenna. When comparing the sizes of Marrakech and Ravenna, 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.