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

Should you visit Marrakech or Reykjavik?

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

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

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a green, safe, and friendly city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and hiking.

Marrakech and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marrakech or Reykjavik?

You'll generally find more things to do in Marrakech than Reykjavik. Marrakech is bigger than Reykjavik, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Marrakech is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Reykjavik is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Marrakech is more touristy than Reykjavik and is known for its colorful medina, festive night market, and beautiful palaces. Also, Marrakech is famous for Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Reykjavik is well known for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals.

How is Marrakech different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Marrakech is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Marrakech can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Marrakech is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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 Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).

Is Marrakech or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Both Marrakech and Reykjavik have notable 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.

Reykjavik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.

Is Marrakech or Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

Marrakech is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Marrakech offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Is Marrakech or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. However, Marrakech is not a hiking destination.

People visit Reykjavik specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.

Marrakech is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marrakech or Reykjavik?

Marrakech is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Reykjavik offers some nice shopping areas. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.

Is Marrakech or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Marrakech or Reykjavik.

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.

Reykjavik is a very family-friendly place to visit. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.

Is Marrakech or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Marrakech is an amazing city to visit for romance. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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 Reykjavik frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.

Is Marrakech or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marrakech is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Reykjavik is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Is Marrakech or Reykjavik Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Reykjavik. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.

Marrakech is not popular with students.

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

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

Reykjavik has some public transit options. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

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 Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Marrakech and Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is very walkable. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Marrakech?

How long in Marrakech or Reykjavik?

In either Marrakech or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Marrakech than Reykjavik because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Marrakech, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

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

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 nightlife and shopping around the city of Reykjavik. 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 Reykjavik has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Marrakech or Reykjavik?

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 shopping and nightlife around the friendly destination of Reykjavik. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Marrakech or Reykjavik?

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 shopping around the friendly city of Reykjavik. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Marrakech or Reykjavik?

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.

Reykjavik 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 Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

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

Which is Bigger, Marrakech or Reykjavik?

Marrakech has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Marrakech and Reykjavik, 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.