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

Should you visit Marrakech or Venice?

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

Should I visit Marrakech or Venice? 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. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Venice

Venice is a romantic, cultural, and magical city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Marrakech and Venice: 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
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
  • Home to St. Mark's Basilica
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Marrakech or Venice?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Marrakech than Venice. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Marrakech is very popular for its food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Venice attracts visitors for its museums, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Marrakech is famous for its colorful medina, festive night market, and beautiful palaces. It is also well known for Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Venice is famous for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges.

How is Marrakech different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Marrakech
Venice

Venice is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Marrakech is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Venice has many famous sights for visitors. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

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.


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

Marrakech
Venice

Marrakech is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Venice is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Venice offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

Is Marrakech or Venice Better for Nightlife?

Marrakech
Venice

Marrakech is very good for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for 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.

Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Marrakech or Venice Better for its Old Town?

Marrakech
Venice

It's fun to wander around the world-class old towns in both Marrakech and Venice.

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.

The rich history of Venice can be explored in its historical center. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.


Is the Shopping Better in Marrakech or Venice?

Marrakech
Venice

Shoppers can find a variety of world-class stores in both Marrakech and Venice.

Many people travel to Marrakech specifically to go shopping. 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.

Venice is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

Is Marrakech or Venice Better for Families?

Marrakech
Venice

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Marrakech or Venice.

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.

Venice is a very family-friendly place to visit. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

Is Marrakech or Venice Better for Couples?

Marrakech
Venice

With fun activities for couples, both Marrakech and Venice make for a world-class place to visit.

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.

For those traveling as a couple, Venice has plenty to offer. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.


Is Marrakech or Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marrakech
Venice

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

A large number of backpackers visit Marrakech, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Venice. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

Is Marrakech or Venice Better for Students?

Marrakech
Venice

Venice is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Marrakech is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Venice. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

Marrakech is not popular with students.

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

Marrakech
Venice

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

Visitors in Venice can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

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 Venice a more walkable city?

Marrakech
Venice

Venice 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 Venice. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

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 Venice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Venice or Marrakech?

How long in Marrakech or Venice?

Both Marrakech and Venice have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Venice has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Venice than Marrakech. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Marrakech, and 2-7 days is enough time in Venice.

Families should spend more time in Venice than Marrakech. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Venice, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Venice than Marrakech. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Venice that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Marrakech than Venice 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 Venice? Ideal Length of Stay
    Marrakech 3-7 
    Venice 2-7

One day in Marrakech or Venice?

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 quaint city of Venice. 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.

A weekend in Marrakech or Venice?

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 food around the magical destination of Venice. 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 Venice?

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.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural city of Venice. 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. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Marrakech or Venice?

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.

Venice 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 Venice, one week is sufficent for most. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Venice or Marrakech?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Marrakech is $70, while the average daily cost in Venice is $250. 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 Venice in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Marrakech $47
    Venice $130
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Marrakech $94
    Venice $260
Compare Hotels in Marrakech and Venice

Looking for a hotel in Marrakech or Venice? 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 Venice


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 Venice Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Marrakech $6.42
    Venice $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marrakech

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

  • Private Transfer From Marrakech To Fez: $455
  • One way transfer from Fes to Marrakech: $370
  • Private Transfer between Marrakech and Casablanca: $315
  • City to City Transfer - Marrakesh > Merzouga: $300
  • Agadir and Marrakech airport transfer : $294
  • Agadir private transfer from Ouirgane to Agadir airport (AGA): $294
  • Transfer Marrakech to Tangier: $290
  • Private Premium Transfert From / To Marrakech To / From Tangier: $288
  • Private Transfer From Casablanca to Marrakesh: $285
  • Private Premium Transfert From / To Marrakech To / From Meknes: $282
  • Agadir private transfer from Imlil to Agadir airport (AGA): $275
  • Transfer Marrakech to Fes: $260

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Venice

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


  • Venice 12 Hour Transport Pass
    $17
  • Vaporetto Ride
    $7.08
  • 1 Day Travel Card
    $20
  • 7 Day Transport Card (for Two)
    $110

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Venice

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

  • Verona Airport (VRN): One Way Transfer to Venice Cruise Port: $381
  • Water Taxi Transfer Lido Santa Maria Elisabetta: $35
  • VCE Airport and Venice Port Round-Trip Transfer: $326
  • VCE Airport and Venice Port 1-Way Private Transfer: $158
  • Transfer from Cruise Terminal to Marco Polo Airport: $192
  • Shared Water Taxi Transfer to Marco Polo Airport: $38
  • Private Transfer from Train Station by Water Taxi: $296
  • Private Boat Transfer from Cruise Terminal to Hotel: $348
  • One-Way Transfer to Florence Airport or Hotel: $1,039
  • Murano and Burano Private Tour with Boat Transfers: $870
  • Marco Polo Airport Water Taxi Transfer: $40
  • Bus Transfer between Marco Polo Airport and City: $11

Is it cheaper to fly into Marrakech or Venice?

Prices for flights to both Venice 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
    Venice $71
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
    $1.22
  • Dates
    $0.61
  • Olives
    $0.91
  • Sandwich
    $1.32
  • Souvenir Spices
    $6.30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marrakech

For Marrakech, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Evenings Experiencing a Sunset Dinner in the Agafay Desert: $14
  • Agafay Desert Sunset, Camel Ride and Dinner from Marrakech: $15
  • Agafay Desert Package, Quad Bike, Camel Ride and Dinner Show: $16
  • Online Moroccan Cooking Class: $17
  • Cooking Lesson at the Ouirgane Ecolodge with Lunch: $19
  • Dinner in Agafay desert from Marrakech & camel riding: $19
  • Agafay Desert Sunset Dinner & Camel Ride & Show: $21
  • From Agafay Desert Sunset Camel Ride and Dinner: $21
  • Marrakech desert: Agafay Desert Sunset Dinner Show: $21
  • Marrakech Agafay Desert show with Dinner Sunset Camel Ride: $21
  • Restaurant Dinner Experience with Hotel Pickup: $21
  • Quad bike dinner & magic show agafay desert: $22

Typical Food Prices in Venice

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Venice:


  • Panini Sandwich
    $4.36
  • Gelato
    $6.53
  • Artichoke & Mushroom Pizza
    $8.60
  • Expresso
    $2.12
  • Slice of Pizza
    $2.43
  • Three Course Dinner (for Two)
    $86

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Venice

For Venice, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $30
  • Hard Rock Cafe Venice with Set Lunch or Dinner: $33
  • Tiramisu Cooking Class on Line from Venice: $35
  • Street Food Tour with a Local Guide and Tastings: $48
  • Venice Street Food Tour with a Native & Top Rated Expert: $49
  • Tasty Street Food Tour of Venice City Center with Cicchetti & Local Specialties: $49
  • Small Group Venice Street Food Tour with Expert Local Guide: $49
  • Secret Street Food Tour of Venice in 2,5 hours: $49
  • Street Food Tour of Venice in 2.5 hours: $49
  • Guided City Highlights and Street Food Tour: $52
  • Venice Cicchetti & Spritz Food Tour in Cannaregio with Dinner: $57
  • Venetian Dinner: $63

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Marrakech $7.14
    Venice $110
Typical Entertainment Prices in Marrakech

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Marrakech's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Palace Tickets
    $2.03
  • Golf at Atlas Golf
    $57

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
  • 2 days Tour Marrakech-Ouarzazatte: $189
  • Agafay Desert: Three Valley Guided Tour From Marrakech : $21
  • Atlas Mountains Horseback Ride Day Tour From Marrakech : $51
  • Atlas Mountains Tour & three valleys with camel ride : $24
  • Atlas Mountains and Berber villages & Waterfalls Day Tour from Marrakech : $26
  • Best Marrakech Private walking tour: $44
  • City Tour Marrakech with guide 1/2 day: $33
  • Desert Agafay & Berber Villages Day Tour From Marrakech including Camel Ride: $50
  • Desert Thrills: Quad Biking Adventures in Palmeraie Marrakech: $44
  • Experience Spa Hammam Massage and Camel tour: $105
  • Food Tasting Tour in Marrakech medina : $70

Typical Entertainment Prices in Venice

For Venice, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Venice Boat Ride
    $16
  • Bell tower of St. Mark Entrance Fee
    $8.71
  • Gondola Ride (for Group)
    $87
  • Secret Itinerary Tour- Doge's Palace
    $17
  • The Jewish Museum Admission
    $3.27
  • The Glass Museum in Murano
    $8.71

Tours and Activities in Venice

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Venice.

  • Friendinvenice Early Morning Venice Private Tour: $289
  • From Vicenza Private Tour: $286
  • Peggy Guggenheim collection Venice private tour: $72
  • Private Grand Canal 1-Hour Boat Tour: $266
  • Small-group Saint Mark’s Basilica Skip-the-line Tour: $54
  • Teatro La Fenice Guided Tour: $84
  • Venice Saint Mark's Basilica and gondola tour in the afternoon: $83
  • Private 2-Hour Doge's Palace Tour: $221
  •  Friendinvenice, how to experience the true Venice, private tour: $128
  • 1-hour panoramic tour of Venice by boat: $28
  • 2 Hour Night Kayak Tour in Venice, premium experience with sunset: $156
  • 2 Hour Venice Canal Kayak Tour - Premium experience by day: $123

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Marrakech $15
    Venice $27

Typical Alcohol Prices in Venice

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


  • 1/2 Liter Wine
    $5.66
  • Beer
    $5.34

Sample the Local Flavors in Venice

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

  • Guided Visit and Wine Tasting at the Winery in Veneto: $28
  • Guided Tour and wine tasting 5 wines to discover the Conegliano Valdobbiadene: $33
  • Wine Tasting in Venice: $38
  • Wine Tasting in Venice: $39
  • Prosecco Valdobbiadene wine tasting in Venice: $42
  • Italian Prosecco or Red Wine Tasting Expereince: $42
  • Sips of Red Passion & Prosecco Charm Wine Tasting Tour: $43
  • Wine tasting Asolo Prosecco at Tenuta Baron: $60
  • Private Tour: Food and Wine Tour in Venice: $63
  • Chianti Classico - Wine Tasting Experience in Venice: $64
  • Food and Wine Tasting Bar Tour & Evening Guided Tour: $73
  • Venetian Style Carnival Pub Crawl: $81


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


Which is Bigger, Marrakech or Venice?

Marrakech has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Venice. When comparing the sizes of Marrakech and Venice, 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.