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

Should you visit Marrakech or Zadar?

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

Should I visit Marrakech or Zadar? 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.

Zadar

Zadar is a relaxed, coastal, and vibrant town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Marrakech and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marrakech or Zadar?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Marrakech than Zadar, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Marrakech is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Zadar is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Marrakech is more touristy than Zadar and is popular for its colorful medina, festive night market, and beautiful palaces. It is also home to Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Zadar is popular for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

How is Marrakech different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Marrakech is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town 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 Zadar. The old town is like a living museum, with city walls and a historic gate. The Church of St. Donatus, Zadar Cathedral, and the Zadar Archaeological Museum are all fascinating places to visit in town, but if you're looking for the most unique sight, make sure you check out The Sea Organ and The Sun Salutation.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Marrakech and Zadar 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, Zadar makes for a great culinary experience. The town is filled with outdoor cafes that serve up a healthy and delicious selection of recipes. The ingredients are fresh and local with olive oil and seafood making frequent appearances on the menus. Prices are also reasonable.

Is Marrakech or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Both Marrakech and Zadar 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.

Zadar has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The town comes to life at night when the bars and restaurants fill with people chatting and socializing. This is an easy place to enjoy the evening as almost all of the nightlife venues are within a five minute walk of each other.

Is Marrakech or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Marrakech is not a resort destination.

Zadar is known as a popular and fun resort destination. If you want a beachfront resort, there are a number of nice options outside of town.

Marrakech is not a resort destination.

Is Marrakech or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Marrakech is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Zadar has a few good snorkeling spots. This is an easy place to snorkel because the water is so clear. There are also half and full day snorkeling trips that take you to some of the best spots.

Marrakech is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marrakech or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Marrakech is not a beach destination.

Zadar is considered a top beach destination. There are some nice beaches outside of town with one of the most famous being Sakarun Beach, which is part of the Zadar archipelago. There are a handful of beaches nearby that are pebbly and popular with the locals. These include Puntamika Beach and Beach Borik.

Marrakech is not a beach destination.

Is Marrakech or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Marrakech is an amazing city to visit for its old town. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its historic old town charm.

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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Zadar. The small old town is filled with charm and character. It's a walled medieval town that can easily be explored in a few hours.

Is the Shopping Better in Marrakech or Zadar?

Marrakech is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Zadar has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are small, boutique shops around the old town that sell designer merchandise. There are also shopping malls on the outskirts of town.

Is Marrakech or Zadar Better for Families?

Marrakech is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Zadar is a family-friendly city. It's fun to explore the small medieval old town, but the kids will also appreciate getting out of town and enjoying the nearby activities. It's definitely worth visiting Pag Island or any of the other natural settings that are nearby. There are also several beaches near town. In town, make sure you hear the Sea Organ and dance at the Sun Salutation.

Is Marrakech or Zadar Better for Couples?

Marrakech is an amazing city to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Zadar makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This charming seaside town is fun to explore as a couple. There's a walled medieval town that is small and easy to wander around. There are also nearby beaches and great restaurants to explore. A highlight of a visit is watching the stunning sunsets by the water.

Is Marrakech or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marrakech is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Zadar. There's no shortage of hostels in town and you'll find backpackers, students, and budget travelers everywhere.

Is Marrakech or Zadar Better for Students?

Zadar is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Marrakech is not popular with students.

Zadar is a very popular town for students and younger travelers. The laid back lifestyle and low cost of living make this a great place to be a student. It's a relaxed environment with many nearby places to explore.

Marrakech is not popular with students.

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

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

Zadar has some public transit options. There are 11 bus lines that travel 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 Zadar a more walkable city?

Marrakech and Zadar 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.

Zadar is very walkable. The old town is particularly walkable and can easily be explored on foot in a few hours.

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

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Marrakech?

How long in Marrakech or Zadar?

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

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

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 nightlife and food around the town of Zadar. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zadar has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Marrakech or Zadar?

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 food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the vibrant destination of Zadar. 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 town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Marrakech or Zadar?

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 scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the vibrant town of Zadar. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Marrakech or Zadar?

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.

Zadar is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.

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

Which is Bigger, Marrakech or Zadar?

Marrakech has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Marrakech and Zadar, 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.