A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Palma de Mallorca vs. Marrakech for Nightlife, Old Town, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Palma de Mallorca or Marrakech?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Palma de Mallorca or Marrakech, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a stunning, cultural, and historic island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

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.

Palma de Mallorca and Marrakech: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palma de Mallorca or Marrakech?

You'll generally find more things to do in Marrakech than Palma de Mallorca. Marrakech is bigger than Palma de Mallorca, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Marrakech is better known for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Palma de Mallorca is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Palma de Mallorca is well known for its strikingly blue waters, sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant towns. Marrakech is well known for its colorful medina, festive night market, and beautiful palaces. Also, Marrakech is famous for Jemaa el-Fnaa Square.

How is Palma de Mallorca different from Marrakech?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Marrakech and Palma de Mallorca. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Palma de Mallorca or Marrakech?

Marrakech is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Palma de Mallorca 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.

Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Palma de Mallorca or Marrakech? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Palma de Mallorca and Marrakech offer a number of very good restaurants to choose from.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Palma de Mallorca. Food here is centered around pork, fish, and vegetables. It is flavored with garlic and olive oil and it offers that feeling of comfort that comes with home cooking.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Marrakech Better for Nightlife?

Palma de Mallorca is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Marrakech is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

The nightlife in Palma de Mallorca is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

Marrakech has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Marrakech Better for Music?

Palma de Mallorca is an excellent place to visit for its music scene. However, Marrakech is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Palma de Mallorca has diverse options. Live concerts, international DJs, and a diverse range of styles have put the island's music scene on the map.

Marrakech is not a live music destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Marrakech Better for Resorts?

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

Palma de Mallorca is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Top resorts on the island include The St Regis Mardavall, Viva Cala Mesquida Resort and Spa, and Nixe Palace Hotel.

Marrakech is not a resort destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Marrakech Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Palma de Mallorca has a few good snorkeling spots. Head to Cala Santanyi on the south side of the island for the best snorkeling. For scuba diving, National Park of Cabrera is one of the most popular spots.

Marrakech is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Marrakech Better for Beaches?

Palma de Mallorca is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Marrakech is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Palma de Mallorca. The island is lined with sandy beaches and rocky coves, which have contributed to it becoming one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.

Marrakech is not a beach destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Marrakech Better for its Old Town?

Marrakech is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

The rich history of Marrakech can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Many people head to Palma de Mallorca to see the old town. Alcudia is the best old town on the island. It has cobblestone streets and historic walls that give it charm and history.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Marrakech Better for Hiking?

Palma de Mallorca is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Marrakech is not a hiking destination.

Palma de Mallorca is a good destination for hiking. There are many beautiful hikes along the water and through the countryside that offer beautiful views and pass by quaint towns.

Marrakech is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palma de Mallorca or Marrakech?

Marrakech is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Palma de Mallorca 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.

Palma de Mallorca offers some nice shopping areas. Head to Palma for some of the areas best shopping.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Marrakech Better for Families?

Palma de Mallorca and Marrakech are both very good destinations for the whole family.

Palma de Mallorca is a very family-friendly destination. The beaches are large and sandy with beautiful blue waters. There's also many activities that both adults and kids can enjoy around the island including waterparks, aquariums, and amusement areas.

Marrakech is a very kid-friendly island. 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.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Marrakech Better for Couples?

Marrakech is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Palma de Mallorca 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.

Palma de Mallorca makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful beaches and a fun Spanish flare, Mallorca makes for a memorable honeymoon.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Marrakech Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marrakech is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Palma de Mallorca 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.

Palma de Mallorca is a great island to visit for backpackers. There is no shortage of hostels in Mallorca so it's easy to find an affordable place to stay and a young crowd to hang out with.

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

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

Palma de Mallorca has some public transit options. There is an efficient bus system that can get you around the island, but trips are less frequent on weekends. Pick up the Intermodal Card which can get you from town 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 Palma de Mallorca or Marrakech a more walkable city?

Marrakech is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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.

Palma de Mallorca is a somewhat walkable place. It is a larger island that is not walkable, but Palma is generally a walkable area. If you stay in the central area you should be fine to explore on foot but if you want to get out into more rural areas, you'll need access to some type of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is Palma de Mallorca Worth Visiting? and Is Marrakech Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Marrakech or Palma de Mallorca?

How long in Palma de Mallorca or Marrakech?

Both Palma de Mallorca and Marrakech have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Marrakech than in Palma de Mallorca. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Palma de Mallorca, and 3-7 days is enough time in Marrakech.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Marrakech than Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca or Marrakech?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the island of Palma de Mallorca. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

When visiting Marrakech, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Palma de Mallorca or Marrakech?

You'll find live music and food around the stunning destination of Palma de Mallorca. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

When visiting Marrakech, people usually allow for lots of time. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Palma de Mallorca or Marrakech?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the cultural island of Palma de Mallorca. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

When visiting Marrakech, people usually allow for lots of time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

A week in Palma de Mallorca or Marrakech?

Palma de Mallorca 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.

Marrakech is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week here is typical. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Spain, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Morocco.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Palma de Mallorca and Marrakech, we can see that Palma de Mallorca is more expensive. And not only is Marrakech much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Palma de Mallorca is in Europe and Marrakech is in Africa, 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 Palma de Mallorca would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca Expensive? and Is Marrakech Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Palma de Mallorca or Marrakech?

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