A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Marrakech vs. Rouen for Old Town, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Marrakech or Rouen?

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

Should I visit Marrakech or Rouen? 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 ancient, cultural, and high-energy 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. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Rouen

Rouen is a charming, compact, and impressive city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Marrakech and Rouen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marrakech or Rouen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Marrakech than Rouen, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Marrakech is more touristy than Rouen and is popular for its colorful medina, festive night market, and beautiful palaces. It is also home to Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Rouen is popular for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture.

How is Marrakech different from Rouen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Marrakech is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Rouen. You'll find the highest concentration of sights in the city's pedestrian zone. Highlights that you should check out include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, Musée des Beaux-Arts, Abbatiale Saint-Ouen, and Aître Saint-Maclou.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Marrakech and Rouen 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, Rouen makes for a great culinary experience. There are many local specialties found in town. Make sure you try the Passe Crassane, which is a French pear. The town is also known for its cheese, chocolate, and pastries.

Is Marrakech or Rouen Better for Nightlife?

Both Marrakech and Rouen 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.

Rouen has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find wine bars, trendy cocktail bars, and local pubs where you can grab a drink.

Is Marrakech or Rouen Better for its Old Town?

Marrakech is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

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.

Rouen has an old town worth visiting. The old town is where you'll find spectacular Gothic churches and the most charming streets.

Is the Shopping Better in Marrakech or Rouen?

Marrakech is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Marrakech make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Rouen has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Some of the city's best shopping is found along the Rue du Gros-Horloge in the old city center. You'll find independent boutiques and well as upscale vendors.

Is Marrakech or Rouen Better for Families?

Marrakech is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Marrakech is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Rouen is a family-friendly city. This beautiful city is filled with nice parks, free museums, and towers that offer views over the city. Kids will enjoy climbing the clocktower, eating pastries, or riding a bike around town.

Is Marrakech or Rouen Better for Couples?

Marrakech is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Marrakech makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Rouen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The beautiful city makes a great retreat for couples who enjoy good food and nice architecture. There are many hidden gems around town that make this a favorite French city for many couples.

Is Marrakech or Rouen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marrakech is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Rouen is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit 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.

Rouen is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Backpackers may struggle to find a hostel with a social setting, but for those who make it here there are many beautiful things to see.

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

Rouen 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.

Rouen offers a very effecient public transportation network. The city has two agencies that offer public transportation. Métro du Rouen is a tramway that runs north to south from Boulingrin in the north to Saint-Sever, where it branches off into two lines (one to Technopôle and one to Georges Braque). There are also buses and rail connections to 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 Rouen a more walkable city?

Marrakech and Rouen are high quality 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.

Rouen is very walkable. There are many parts of town that can easily be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Rouen or Marrakech?

How long in Marrakech or Rouen?

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

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

Each neighborhood in Marrakech has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the shopping. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Rouen. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rouen has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Marrakech or Rouen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marrakech. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the compact destination of Rouen. 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 Rouen?

Marrakech is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Marrakech has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Lots of people come for the shopping. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the compact city of Rouen. 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 Rouen?

Each neighborhood in Marrakech has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the shopping. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Rouen 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Marrakech or Rouen?

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