Which place is cheaper, Madrid or Marrakech?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Marrakech or Madrid?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Marrakech or Madrid? 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. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Marrakech is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Marrakech travel costs.
Madrid
Madrid is a compact, friendly, and authentic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Madrid travel costs.
Marrakech and Madrid: Pros and Cons
Marrakech
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Scenic old town
- Known for its beauty
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
- Home to Jemaa el-Fnaa Square
- Public transit not as usable
Madrid
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
Is there more to do in Marrakech or Madrid?
Visitors will generally find more to do in Marrakech than Madrid. While Madrid is larger than Marrakech, Marrakech has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Marrakech is better known for its museums and attractions, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Madrid is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, and big city activities. Marrakech is more touristy than Madrid and is known for its colorful medina, festive night market, and beautiful palaces. Also, Marrakech is famous for Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Madrid is well known for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing.
How is Marrakech different from Madrid?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Madrid 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 Madrid?
Marrakech
Madrid
Marrakech is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.
You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Marrakech. 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.
Madrid offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of cultural sights in the city including Museo Nacional del Prado, the Royal Palace and Gardens, and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía.
Is the Food Better in Marrakech or Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Marrakech
Madrid
Madrid is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Marrakech is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.
For foodies, Madrid is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city has a mix of flavors that come from all of Spain. There are amazing markets where you can grab a meal or snack. There are also many high quality restaurants around town where you're guaranteed a good meal. Local favorites include roast suckling pig, Spanish omelette, and meat and chickpea stew.
With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Marrakech makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Marrakech or Madrid Better for Nightlife?
Marrakech
Madrid
Madrid is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Marrakech is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.
Madrid has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Many tourists and international students hang out in the Huertas area, while Malasaña has a bohemian, hipster vibe with small clubs that play indie music. Chueca is a fun area that's known for being gay-friendly with many good bars. Finally, you'll find that the area around Avenida de Brasil is where famous DJs often perform.
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 Marrakech or Madrid Better for Music?
Marrakech
Madrid
Madrid is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Marrakech is not a live music destination.
Madrid has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Rock, jazz, and flamenco are all popular in the city. Some of the most well known music venues include Sala Caracol, Sala Clamores, and Costello Club.
Marrakech is not a live music destination.
Is Marrakech or Madrid Better for its Old Town?
Marrakech
Madrid
Marrakech is renowned for its historic old town. However, Madrid does not have a historic old town.
The old town of Marrakech is one of the most recognized in the world. 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.
Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Marrakech or Madrid?
Marrakech
Madrid
Shoppers can find a variety of terrific stores in both Marrakech and Madrid.
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.
Madrid is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Gran Vía is a main thoroughfare in Madrid that is also popular for shopping. Calle Fuencarral is where you'll find the fashion shops and Calle Preciados is a fun pedestrian area to explore.
Is Marrakech or Madrid More Beautiful?
Marrakech
Madrid
Marrakech is a great city for its scenery and beauty. However, Madrid is not a destination known for its beauty.
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.
Madrid is not a destination known for its beauty.
Is Marrakech or Madrid Better for Families?
Marrakech
Madrid
Kids will enjoy a visit to either Marrakech or Madrid.
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.
Madrid is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids love splashing around at Madrid Río, taking a ride on the cable car (Teleférico), and exploring the city's many parks and playgrounds. There's even a maze at Sabatini Gardens. Restaurants around the city are also very kid-friendly.
Is Marrakech or Madrid Better for Couples?
Marrakech
Madrid
Marrakech is renowned for romance. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.
Marrakech is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.
Madrid is a very popular place to visit for couples. Fun and romantic activities around town include taking a boat ride at Casa de Campo, riding a bike in one of the many parks, and enjoy dinner and show in the evening.
Is Marrakech or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Marrakech
Madrid
Marrakech is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.
Madrid is a great city to visit for backpackers. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other travelers.
Is Marrakech or Madrid Better for Students?
Marrakech
Madrid
Madrid is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Marrakech is not popular with students.
Many students frequent Madrid. With several great universities, this city is popular with international and study abroad students. The city also has a diverse population and an active nightlife that appeals to students.
Marrakech is not popular with students.
Is Marrakech or Madrid Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Marrakech
Madrid
Madrid 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 Madrid can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.
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 Madrid a more walkable city?
Marrakech
Madrid
Madrid 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 Madrid. Most tourists stay in the central part of Madrid where it's compact and relatively easy to walk to most tourist sights.
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 Madrid Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Madrid or Marrakech?
How long in Marrakech or Madrid?
In either Marrakech or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Marrakech than Madrid 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 Madrid.
Couples should spend more time in Marrakech than Madrid. 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.
-
How many days in Marrakech or Madrid? Ideal Length of StayMarrakech 3-7Madrid 2-5
One day in Marrakech or Madrid?
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 Madrid. 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 Madrid?
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 authentic big city of Madrid. 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 Madrid?
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 compact city of Madrid. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.
A week in Marrakech or Madrid?
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.
Madrid is a popular choice for travelers. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.
-
Marrakech Prices
Morocco PricesMadrid Prices
Spain Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMarrakech $103Madrid $189
The average daily cost (per person) in Marrakech is $103, while the average daily cost in Madrid is $189. 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 Madrid in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMarrakech $59Madrid $91
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMarrakech $118Madrid $182
Compare Hotels in Marrakech and Madrid
Looking for a hotel in Marrakech or Madrid? 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.
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 Madrid Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Marrakech $14Madrid $22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marrakech
Also for Marrakech, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Essaouira Day Trip From Marrakech With Private Transfers: $274
- "Marrakech to Chefchaouen: Your Exclusive Private Transfer": $270
- From Marrakech : Private Transfer to Fes : $263
- "Marrakech to Fes: Your Private Transfer for a Smooth Journey": $260
- Asni private transfer from Asni city to Agadir airport (AGA): $252
- Private transfer from marrakech to casablanca airport or center city: $249
- Marrakech To Fez Private Transfer : $247
- Private Comfortable Transfer from Marrakech to Essaouira: $238
- Private Transfer Agadir airport - Marrakech: $238
- Private Transfer: Marrakech to Agadir// or Agadir to Marrakech: $238
- Private & Comfortable Transfer from Marrakech city To Essaouira (6 persons): $238
- Private Transfer From Marrakech To Fez: $226
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Madrid are as follows:
-
Taxi Ride$31
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Madrid
Also for Madrid, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Vehicle transfer with driver included in Madrid: $155
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Madrid APT-HTL (MAD): $64
- Transfer: Barajas Airport (MAD) to Madrid City Center: $32
- Transfer to Barajas Airport from Madrid: $108
- Transfer from Barajas Airport to Madrid: $119
- Round Trip Transfer from Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid by Sedan: $89
- Private transfer to Madrid Airport (MAD): $37
- Private transfer from Madrid city to CHAMARTIN train station: $47
- Private transfer from Madrid Barajas Airport to Madrid : $93
- Private transfer departure from City Centre to Madrid Airport: $29
- Private Transfer: Madrid to Madrid Airport MAD in Luxury Car: $128
- Private Transfer: Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid in Luxury Car: $128
Is it cheaper to fly into Marrakech or Madrid?
Prices for flights to both Madrid 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 dayMarrakech $29Madrid $69
Typical Food Prices in Marrakech
For Marrakech, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Orange Juice on the Square$0.33
-
Breakfast$1.33
-
Dates$0.66
-
Olives$1.00
-
Sandwich$1.43
-
Souvenir Spices$6.86
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marrakech
For Marrakech, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Marrakesh: Agafay Desert Sunset, Camel Ride, Dinner and Show: $9.00
- Sunset Dinner in the Agafay Desert: $10
- Agafay Desert Dinner, Camel Ride & Quad Biking.: $12
- Agafay Desert Sunset Dinner Show – From Marra: $12
- Agafay Desert Quad & Camel Rides with Dinner Show: $12
- Marrakech Agafay Camel ride,Dinner , Fire Show: $12
- Camel Ride in the Agafay Desert, Dinner and Fire Show: $12
- Agafay Desert: Camel ride, dinner and fire show: $12
- Agafay Desert Sunset Camel Ride with Dinner in Camp: $13
- Morocco's Top Cooking Classes For Authentic berber Cuisine in the Atlas Mountain: $13
- Agafay Desert Sunset Camel Ride and Dinner Experience: $13
- Camel Ride at Marrakech Desert Agafy with Dinner: $13
Typical Food Prices in Madrid
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Madrid:
-
Coffee$2.35
-
Ice Cream$3.52
-
Kebabs (for 2)$19
-
Croissant$1.76
-
Lunch at Airport (for 2)$18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Madrid
For Madrid, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Madrid Old Town Tour & Flamenco Show with Optional Dinner: $71
- Chocolate & Churros Cooking Class in Madrid : $72
- Murder Mystery Dinner Experience: $76
- Spanish Tapas Experience and Sangría Showcooking in Madrid: $78
- Paella and Tapas Cooking Workshop in Madrid: $84
- Madrid Spanish Omelet Cooking Class and Bottomless Wine brunch: $90
- Spanish Cooking Class Paella Tapas and Sangria in Madrid: $102
- Tapas & Paella Cooking Class in Madrid with a Professional Chef: $106
- Tapas, Drinks & Stories: Madrid by Night Food Tour: $124
- Paella Cooking Class in Madrid with Bottomless Wine Pairing: $142
- Taste of Spain: Tapas Cooking Class with Bottomless Wine Pairing: $142
- Afternoon Tapas Cooking Class in a Secret Venue in Madrid: $160
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Marrakech $11Madrid $39
Typical Entertainment Prices in Marrakech
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Marrakech's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Palace Tickets$2.21
-
Golf at Atlas Golf$63
Tours and Activities in Marrakech
For Marrakech, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 3-Day Berber Experience & Hiking in the High Atlas Mountains: $268
- 3-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Experience and Camel Trekking: $131
- 7-Day Morocco Tour from Marrakech: $69
- Agafay Desert Adventure Quad Camel Ride and Magical Evening: $60
- Best Private Shopping Tour In the Souks of Marrakech: $48
- Experience Moroccan Hammam and Massage: $119
- Experience Spa Hammam Massage and Camel tour: $113
- Experience the desert nomads in Marrakech!: $30
- From Ouzoud Waterfalls Guided Tour & Boat Ride: $28
- Full Day Guided Tour in Ouzoud Waterfalls : $30
- Half-Day Quad Bike Experience in Marrakech: $45
- Hot Air Balloon Adventure over Marrakesh and Atlas Mountains: $214
Tours and Activities in Madrid
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.
- 1 Hour Madrid Welcome and Historical Tour: $106
- El Pardo Royal Palace Entry Ticket: $20
- Madrid Kids and Family Sightseeing Tour: $71
- Madrid Tapas & Taverns Small Group Food & History Tour: $100
- Toledo with Cathedral from Madrid Full Day Tour: $147
- Ávila & Segovia and Alcazar Day Tour from Madrid lunch included: $214
- 2 Days Guided Cultural Tour in Madrid Royal Palace and 3 Museums : $227
- 2 Hour Madrid City Expert Tour : $202
- 2-Hour Tour of the Madrid of Mysteries: $15
- 3 Hours Bike tour from the City center to Santiago Bernabeu and it's Museum: $108
- 3-hour experience on the Redován K2 Family Via Ferrata: $49
- 30 Minutes of Jet Ski Adventure on the Coast of Alicante: $106
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMarrakech $10Madrid $23
Sample the Local Flavors in Marrakech
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Marrakech:
- Marrakech Nightlife Adventure: The Ultimate Pub Crawl: $26
Typical Alcohol Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Madrid are as follows:
-
Beer$5.87
-
Drinks and Tapas (for 2)$15
Sample the Local Flavors in Madrid
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Madrid:
- Top Pub Crawl Madrid & Party: $11
- Madrid Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entrance: $12
- Visit to the Winery with Wine Tasting and Appetizers in Navarra: $12
- Pub Crawl Madrid by Mad Party Crew: $20
- Pub Crawl Madrid-The Original since 2005-Shots-Fun-Clubs-Dance: $30
- Wine Tasting near Plaza Mayor in Madrid : $30
- Wine Tour with tasting in the Natural Park of La Mata: $38
- Wine Tasting in Madrid Experience: $55
- Toledo Tour with Tapas, Wine Tasting and Optional 3 Monuments: $57
- Hypno Tasting Wine Tasting under Hypnosis in Madrid: $59
- Madrid Royal Palace Small Group Guided Tour with Wine Tasting: $71
- New Year Eve Madrid Pub Crawl: $82
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Marrakech and Madrid, we can see that Madrid 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 Madrid 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 Madrid would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Madrid 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 Madrid Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Marrakech or Madrid?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Marrakech. When comparing the sizes of Marrakech and Madrid, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.