A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Marrakech vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Attractions, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Marrakech or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

Should I visit Marrakech or Mont-Saint-Michel? 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 high-energy, fascinating, and ancient 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Marrakech travel costs.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a historic, breathtaking, and inspiring island. Mont-Saint-Michel is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking. See Mont-Saint-Michel travel costs.

Marrakech and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marrakech or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Marrakech. Although Marrakech and Mont-Saint-Michel are both popular with visitors, Marrakech has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Marrakech is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Mont-Saint-Michel is known for its museums and attractions, hiking, 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. Mont-Saint-Michel is popular for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base.

How is Marrakech different from Mont-Saint-Michel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Mont-Saint-Michel 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, Mont-Saint-Michel has many famous sights for visitors. Visitors come to see the iconic Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel which has been the inspiration for tourists and religious pilgrims for centuries. Make sure you see the Ramparts and La Grande Rue.

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 the Food Better in Marrakech or Mont-Saint-Michel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Marrakech is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a number of local restaurants to choose from that serve authentic French cuisine including the pre-salted sheep, which is a local specialty.

Is Marrakech or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Marrakech is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mont-Saint-Michel Most people visit the island as a daytrip and nightlife is essentially nonexistent.

Is Marrakech or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for its Old Town?

Marrakech is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Mont-Saint-Michel does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Marrakech is revered around 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel does not have a historic old town.

Is Marrakech or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Hiking?

Mont-Saint-Michel is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Marrakech is not a hiking destination.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a good destination for hiking. There's a 4.2 mile (6.5k) out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Marrakech is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marrakech or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Marrakech is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marrakech or Mont-Saint-Michel More Beautiful?

Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's a beautiful but touristy destination on a tidal island in Normandy. The highlight is the dramatic abbey that has attracted tourists and visitors for centuries.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Families?

Marrakech is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options 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.

For families, Mont-Saint-Michel is not always the best place to visit. Kids may enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride or exploring the grounds, but it can make for a long day for kids with short attention spans.

Is Marrakech or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Marrakech and Mont-Saint-Michel make for a world-class 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, Mont-Saint-Michel has plenty to offer. It's a stunning setting and makes a romantic backdrop for a couples holiday, whether it's part of a longer trip to France or a short weekend away.

Is Marrakech or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marrakech is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Mont-Saint-Michel. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

Is Marrakech or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Mont-Saint-Michel has some public transit options. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel. Not only is the walk through the town and castle stunning, there are also many beautiful walks in the natural areas nearby.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel or Marrakech?

How long in Marrakech or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

Families should spend more time in Marrakech than Mont-Saint-Michel. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Marrakech than Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

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.

You'll find food and museums around the island of Mont-Saint-Michel. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mont-Saint-Michel has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Marrakech or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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.

You'll find museums and food around the inspiring destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Marrakech or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the iconic island of Mont-Saint-Michel. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Marrakech or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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.

Mont-Saint-Michel 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 River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Marrakech or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Marrakech has a larger population, and is about 10490 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Marrakech and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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.