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

Should you visit Seville or Marrakech?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Seville and Marrakech. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Seville

Seville is a beautiful, world-renowned, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and theater.

Marrakech

Marrakech is a fascinating, ancient, and cultural 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Seville and Marrakech: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seville or Marrakech?

Both Marrakech and Seville have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Seville is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, and nightlife, while Marrakech is known for its historical sights, shopping, and big city activities. Seville is popular for its Moorish and Islamic architecture, its colorful Flamenco dancing, and its local tapas and wine. Marrakech is popular for its colorful medina, festive night market, and beautiful palaces.

How is Seville different from Marrakech?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Seville or Marrakech?

Seville 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, Seville has many famous sights for visitors. This elegant city is filled with historic buildings and world famous architecture. From the iconic Catedral de Sevilla to the Real Alcázar and Plaza de España, there is an endless supply of world class sights around town.

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 Seville or Marrakech Better for Theater?

Seville is a popular place for its shows and theatre. However, Marrakech is not a theatre destination.

You'll find a nice selection of shows in Seville. Flamenco shows are a highlight for many visitors. You can sip wine and enjoy tapas as you take in this dramatic dance form.

Marrakech is not a theatre destination.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Seville and Marrakech.

Seville has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city is filled with cafes that spill into the streets. Locals live their lives outdoors, and the cafe terraces are filled with chattering guests from breakfast until late in the evening. The food includes many typical Spanish favorites such as Iberian pork, stewed meats, and other local tapas.

Dining out in Marrakech is an experience not to be missed. 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 Seville or Marrakech Better for Nightlife?

Seville is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Marrakech is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Seville has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The excellent nightlife scene includes local bars, Flamenco shows, and student focused parties. The Triana District is a popular nightlife area, particularly for the Flamenco shows. There are also a lot of bars along Calle Betis and upscale ambiance can be found in La Alameda.

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 Seville or Marrakech Better for its Old Town?

Marrakech is terrific for its old town. Also, Seville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.

Marrakech has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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 visitors explore the old town while visiting Seville. Barrio de Santa Cruz is the old town of Seville. This is where you'll find the Jewish Quarter and many of the city's historic landmarks.

Is the Shopping Better in Seville or Marrakech?

Marrakech is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Seville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Marrakech draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Seville. There is a great combination of shopping streets, high end shopping malls, and local markets. Calle Sierpes, Calle Tetuan, and Calle Asuncion are some of the best places for shopping.

Is Seville or Marrakech Better for Families?

Both Seville and Marrakech are superb family-friendly destinations.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Seville is very family-friendly. There are parks where kids can run around. There's also the Seville Aquarium as well as Isla Mágica, which is a small amusement park. Other fun family-friendly activities include taking a boat ride on the Guadalquivir River and seeing a Flamenco Show.

Marrakech is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Seville or Marrakech Better for Couples?

Marrakech is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Seville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Marrakech is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Seville is a very popular place to visit for couples. Romantic walks, beautiful parks, and world class attractions make this a truly romantic city. Couples will enjoy an evening out with dinner and a Flamenco show, or visiting the Arab baths.

Is Seville or Marrakech Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marrakech is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Seville is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Seville is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a well established backpacker destination with a large supply of hostels and plenty of eager travelers ready to head out on the town.

Is Seville or Marrakech Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Seville. It's a top destination for international students who appreciate the many great educational institutions, beautiful year-round weather, and many festivals and evening activities.

Marrakech is not popular with students.

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

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

Seville has some public transit options. There are buses that travel through the entire city. There is also a tram system that has 4 stops and travels 1.4 kilometers.

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 Seville or Marrakech a more walkable city?

Seville and Marrakech are superb when it comes to walkability.

Seville is a very walkable city. There are many parts of the city that are very walkable. It takes about 45 minutes to walk across the city center in its entirety.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Marrakech or Seville?

How long in Seville or Marrakech?

Both Seville 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 Seville. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Seville, and 3-7 days is enough time in Marrakech.

Couples should spend more time in Marrakech than Seville. 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 Seville 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 Seville or Marrakech?

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Seville. 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.

Because Marrakech is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Seville or Marrakech?

You'll find food and shopping around the energetic destination of Seville. 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.

Because Marrakech is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Seville or Marrakech?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic city of Seville. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Marrakech is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Marrakech has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Seville or Marrakech?

Seville 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marrakech. Because Marrakech is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, The Best G Adventures Tours to 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 Seville and Marrakech, we can see that Seville is more expensive. And not only is Marrakech much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Seville 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 Seville would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seville 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 Seville Expensive? and Is Marrakech Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Seville or Marrakech?

Marrakech has a larger population, and is about 20% larger than the population of Seville. When comparing the sizes of Seville 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.