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

Should you visit Marrakech or Vienna?

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

Should I visit Marrakech or Vienna? 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 Marrakech is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Marrakech travel costs.

Vienna

Vienna is a traditional, artistic, and musical city. Vienna is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Vienna travel costs.

Marrakech and Vienna: 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
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Marrakech or Vienna?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Marrakech than Vienna. While Vienna is larger than Marrakech, Marrakech has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Marrakech is more popular for its big city activities, while Vienna is known for its music and impressive beauty. Marrakech is popular for its colorful medina, festive night market, and beautiful palaces. It is also home to Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Vienna is popular for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven.

How is Marrakech different from Vienna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Marrakech
Vienna

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Vienna 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 Vienna specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches Museum.


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

Marrakech
Vienna

Dining out at restaurants in both Marrakech and Vienna 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, Vienna makes for a great culinary experience. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.

Is Marrakech or Vienna Better for Nightlife?

Marrakech
Vienna

Both Marrakech and Vienna 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.

Vienna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Is Marrakech or Vienna Better for Music?

Marrakech
Vienna

Vienna is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Marrakech is not a live music destination.

Vienna has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

Marrakech is not a live music destination.


Is Marrakech or Vienna Better for its Old Town?

Marrakech
Vienna

It's fun to wander around the fantastic old towns in both Marrakech and Vienna.

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 Vienna can be explored in its historical center. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.

Is the Shopping Better in Marrakech or Vienna?

Marrakech
Vienna

Shoppers can find a variety of fantastic stores in both Marrakech and Vienna.

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.

Vienna is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

Is Marrakech or Vienna More Beautiful?

Marrakech
Vienna

Vienna is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Marrakech is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Vienna is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The city has beautiful Baroque architecture and a livable atmosphere.

Marrakech is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It is most beautiful as the sun sinks low and the color become strikingly pink.


Is Marrakech or Vienna Better for Families?

Marrakech
Vienna

Marrakech is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Marrakech is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Vienna. Families enjoy taking carriage rides or dressing up in costumes at Schönbrunn Palace. The city also has children's museums, parks, and playgrounds where you can let little legs run around.

Is Marrakech or Vienna Better for Couples?

Marrakech
Vienna

With fun activities for couples, both Marrakech and Vienna make for a fantastic 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, Vienna has plenty to offer. With it's Baroque architecture and classical concerts, this city is filled with romance. Explore the palaces, take a carriage ride, or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.

Is Marrakech or Vienna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marrakech
Vienna

Marrakech is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Vienna 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.

Vienna is a good city to visit for backpackers. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.


Is Marrakech or Vienna Better for Students?

Marrakech
Vienna

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

Many students frequent Vienna. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

Marrakech is not popular with students.

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

Marrakech
Vienna

Vienna 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 Vienna can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

Public transit is generally limited 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 Vienna a more walkable city?

Marrakech
Vienna

Vienna 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 Vienna. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

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 Vienna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vienna or Marrakech?

How long in Marrakech or Vienna?

In either Marrakech or Vienna, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Marrakech than Vienna because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Marrakech, and 2-5 days is enough time in Vienna.

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


  • How many days in Marrakech or Vienna? Ideal Length of Stay
    Marrakech 3-7 
    Vienna 2-5

One day in Marrakech or Vienna?

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 nightlife and live music around the city of Vienna. 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 Vienna?

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 live music and food around the musical destination of Vienna. 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 Vienna?

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 ritzy city of Vienna. 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 Vienna?

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.

Vienna is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Austria, and The Best Christmas Market Tours in Austria.


Which place is cheaper, Vienna or Marrakech?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Marrakech is $83, while the average daily cost in Vienna is $191. 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 Vienna in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Marrakech $42
    Vienna $102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Marrakech $84
    Vienna $204
Compare Hotels in Marrakech and Vienna

Looking for a hotel in Marrakech or Vienna? 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 Vienna


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 Vienna Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Marrakech $13
    Vienna $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marrakech

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

  • airport transfer from Casablanca to Marrakech : $153
  • Wellness Treatments with Pick-Up Transfer: $66
  • Try find your better than us!Airport transfer service in Marrakesh HTL-APT (RAK): $13
  • Try find your better than us!Airport transfer service in Marrakesh APT-HTL (RAK): $13
  • Transfert de Marrakech vers Aeroport Mohamed 5 Casablanca: $120
  • Transfert Privée Aéroport Marrakech vers Essaouira : $98
  • Transfers from or to Marrakech Airport and Marrakech: $6.55
  • Transfers Marrakech Airport : $19
  • Transfer from el Jadida to Marrakech riad or hotel or Airport : $186
  • Transfer from Marrakech to Casa-Airport or Casa-Airport to Marrakech: $151
  • Transfer from Marrakech city or Marrakech airport to Casablanca city: $163
  • Transfer from Marrakech To Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport: $59

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vienna

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Vienna:


  • Bus to Airport
    $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vienna

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

  • Airport Transfer to/from Bratislava: $86
  • Vienna to Prague - Private Transfer with 2 hours of Sightseeing: $275
  • Vienna to Budapest - Private Transfer with 2h of Sightseeing: $231
  • Vienna Private Transfer from Vienna Airport to City centre: $88
  • Vienna International Airport Business Transfer to Vienna City: $140
  • Vienna International Airport (VIE) to Vienna Downtown - Arrival Private Transfer: $44
  • Vienna Downtown to Vienna Intl Airport (VIE) - Departure Private Transfer: $45
  • Vienna Departure Private Transfers from Vienna City to Vienna Airport VIE: $79
  • Vienna Arrival Private Transfers from Vienna Airport VIE to Vienna City: $105
  • Vienna Arrival Private Transfers from Vienna Airport VIE to Vienna City: $78
  • Vienna Airport to Vienna City Private Airport Transfer Austria: $87
  • Vienna Airport Transfer: Vienna to Vienna International Airport (VIE): $81

Is it cheaper to fly into Marrakech or Vienna?

Prices for flights to both Vienna 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 $27
    Vienna $63
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
    $1.21
  • Dates
    $0.60
  • Olives
    $0.91
  • Sandwich
    $1.30
  • Souvenir Spices
    $6.24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marrakech

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

  • From Agafay Sunset Camel Tour with Dinner & Show: $17
  • Dinner in Agafay desert from Marrakech & camel riding: $17
  • Cooking Lesson at the Ouirgane Ecolodge with Lunch: $19
  • Magical dinner show and camel ride & Quad Bike in Agafay desert: $19
  • Agafay Desert Sunset Dinner Show starts from Marrakech: $20
  • Sunset Dinner in the Agafay Desert: $20
  • Marrakesh: Agafay Desert Sunset, Camel Ride, Dinner and Show: $20
  • Marrakech : dinner in Agafay desert with fire show and camel ride: $21
  • Agafay Desert Sunset Dinner with Hotel Pickup: $21
  • Marrakech Home Cooking Course-Cook and Eat: $21
  • Marrakech : Moroccan Cooking Class with our Executive Chef: $21
  • Marrakesh: Agafay Desert Tour with Camel Ride, Dinner & Show: $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vienna

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe Vienna with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $30
  • Naschmarkt Food Tour: $65
  • Vienna Evening Sightseeing Cruise With Music and Dinner: $75
  • Strauss Dinner Show: $85
  • Strauss and Mozart Christmas Concert at Kursalon Vienna with Optional Dinner: $88
  • Kursalon Strauss and Mozart Concert With Dinner: $108
  • Viator Exclusive: Dine with a Cooking Show Contestant: $114
  • Austrian Delights: 3-course Austrian Dinner and Concert at Musikverein Vienna: $131
  • Classic Food Tour of Vienna: $148
  • Exclusive Evening at Schönbrunn Palace: After-Hours Audiotour, Dinner, Concert: $150
  • Tastes of Vienna Food Tour inc. lunch, street food, 3 drinks: $156
  • Nabiel's Vienna Cooking Class: $165

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Marrakech $9.92
    Vienna $42
Typical Entertainment Prices in Marrakech

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


  • Palace Tickets
    $2.01
  • 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:

  • 2 nights desert tour marrakech: $300
  • 3 Day Private Desert Tour From Marrakech To Merzouga Dunes With Camel Trek: $273
  • Atlas Mountains and Berber villages & Waterfalls Day Tour from Marrakech : $26
  • Desert Agafay and Atlas Mountains Day Tour & Camel ride From Marrakech: $17
  • Desert tour small group with luxury tent: $164
  • Experience Moroccan Hammam and Massage: $71
  • Experience Spa Hammam Massage and Camel tour: $104
  • Full Day Desert Agafay & Atlas Mountains Tour With Camel Ride : $48
  • Full-Day Tour in Atlas Mountain from Marrakech with Lunch: $21
  • Majorelle Garden, St Laurent and Berber Museum Round Trip Ticket: $60
  • Majorelle Gardens,desert camel riding , lunch in a tent and Atlas private tour: $158
  • Marrakech Jewish Heritage : Luxurious Private Tour & Vehicle: $164

Tours and Activities in Vienna

For Vienna, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Hour Private Alpine Hiking, Gosing Mountain Vienna Tour: $169
  • 2-Hour Private Hiking Tour Helenental Castles Hike from Vienna: $169
  • 2-Hour Private Hiking Tour to Experience Nature and Culture at Goettweig Abbey: $169
  • 3-Hour Private Hiking Tour over Parapluie Mountain with a View of Vienna: $211
  • 3-Hour Private Hiking Tour to historic places around Spitz in Wachau Valley: $253
  • 4-Hour Private Alpine Hiking Tour 'In the footsteps of king Lionheart': $253
  • 48-hour Hop-On Hop-Off with Guided Walking Tour and River Cruise: $60
  • 5-Hour Private Alpine Hiking Tour 'Wild water at Hochwechsel': $253
  • A day in the life of Vienna - Private tour with a local: $225
  • Alternative Tour in Vienna Off the tourist track: $22
  • An Architectural insight of Vienna on a Private Tour with a local: $132
  • An Introduction to Vienna Walking Tour: $140

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Marrakech $9.55
    Vienna $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Vienna

Also in Vienna, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Vienna Nights Pub Crawl: $20
  • Saturday Night Bar Crawl in Vienna, Austria: $28
  • Wine Tasting at Schönbrunn Palace with optional Palace Ticket: $49
  • Wine Tasting Tour: $131
  • Countryside Half Day Wine Tour near Vienna: $132
  • Austrian Private Wine Tasting Evening: $148
  • Wachau Valley Small-Group Tour and Wine Tasting from Vienna: $219


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


Which is Bigger, Marrakech or Vienna?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Marrakech. When comparing the sizes of Marrakech and Vienna, 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.