Then, there’s Tunisia. Not quite as famous as its larger counterpart, Tunisia still has much to offer, with ancient history dating back thousands of years and some of the most spectacular archeological sites on earth, like Carthage. From Roman amphitheaters to storied medinas and even “Star Wars” filming locations, Tunisia’s got it all.

So, which one should you visit? Well, if you’ve got the time and budget, it’s worth seeing both, but if you have to choose between them, this guide is here to help. Below, we’ll dig into all the big details that separate Morocco and Tunisia, exploring their attractions, activities, food, family-friendliness, and other key aspects to help you decide which one to explore.

Contents:

• A Quick Overview Of Tunisia vs Morocco
• Which Is Best For Activities?
• Which Is Best For Beaches?
• Which Is Best For Cities?
• Which Is Best For Hiking?
• Which Is Best For Nightlife?
• Which Is Best For Shopping?
• Which Is Best For Food?
• Which Is Best For Families?
• Which Is Best For Couples?
• Which Is Best For Backpackers?
• Which Is Cheapest?
• Where To Stay According To Your Budget
• Tunisia vs Morocco: Which Is Better?

Wandering Our World’s Ten-Second Comparison:

A Quick Overview Of Tunisia vs Morocco

Tunisia: A Quick Overview

Tunisia is a country in the Maghreb region of North Africa. It’s actually the northernmost country in the continent, bordering Algeria to the west and Libya to the southeast, with a long stretch of coastline looking out across the Mediterranean Sea to its north and east. The country extends across 63,170 square miles of land and is home to approximately 12.1 million people.

The history of Tunisia goes back thousands of years, with Berbers originally inhabiting the lands. Phoenician settlers later arrived around the 12th century BC, forming settlements, like Carthage. Romans then took control for many years, leaving their mark on the landscape – landmarks like the El Djem Amphitheater can still be visited today.

Arab Muslims, Ottomans, and even the French later controlled Tunisia for various periods of time. But these days, it’s a proudly independent nation with a cultural identity that has been shaped and influenced by all the many peoples who played a part in its history. Arabic is the official language here, but around ⅔ of the population speak French too.

From a touristic perspective, arguably the biggest draw of Tunisia is its rich history. There are so many amazing towns and cities dating back centuries, along with the legendary ruins of Carthage. The country is also beloved by many for its delicious national cuisine, along with its more peaceful and less touristic vibes when compared to Morocco.

Morocco: A Quick Overview

Like Tunisia, Morocco is a Maghreb nation in North Africa. It’s located along the northwest section of the African landmass, bordering Algeria to the east and the Western Sahara to the south. It also has stretches of coastline along the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Approximately 37 million people live here, making Morocco much larger and busier than Tunisia.

People have lived on the land that forms Morocco for hundreds of thousands of years, but the country as we know it today began to take root in the 8th century, with the Muslim conquest of the Maghreb and the formation of the Idrisid dynasty, which ruled over the land for many years, followed by subsequent Berber and Muslim dynasties.

Other nearby powers like the Portuguese Empire and Ottoman Empire tried to lay claim to parts of Morocco, with France and Spain later dividing the country up among themselves. However, in 1956, Morocco gained independence and has become a strong and stable economic and influential force for the African continent. Arabic, Berber, and French are all spoken here.

Morocco also ranks as one of the most-visited nations in Africa, with many people drawn to its striking historic cities, like Casablanca, Fez, Marrakesh, and Rabat. It’s also known for its wonderful outdoor recreation opportunities, with many beautiful beaches and scenic hiking trails spanning its rugged mountain ranges and diverse landscapes.

Which Is Best For Activities?

There’s much to see and do in Tunisia and Morocco, including visiting gorgeous beaches, embarking on desert adventures, and diving into the past with visits to historic ruins and archeological sites. Let’s look at a roundup of the very best things to do in both countries to see how they compare.

Tunisia: The Activities

As already stated, history is really the star of the show in Tunisia. Romans, Ottomans, and Arab Empires all laid claim to this land over the years, leaving behind remnants of their civilizations and contributions to the country. The El Djem Amphitheater, for instance, was built back in the heyday of Ancient Rome and still stands now as arguably the country’s best-known landmark.

Tunisia is also home to Carthage, founded thousands of years ago. Once one of the most important and wealthy cities in the world, Carthage is now an extraordinary archeological site, with extensive ruins. Visitors can take guided tours to learn all about the history of this place, admiring the columns, arches, and pieces of walls and floors that remain.

To learn even more about history and culture in Tunisia, it’s a good idea to visit the capital, Tunis. There, you’ll find a host of attractions to amaze and inspire, like the National Museum of Bardo, home of an amazing mosaic collection, along with the stunning Ez-Zitouna Mosque, grand Royal Mausoleum, and decorative Cathedral of St Vincent de Paul.

Tunisia is also known for being a terrific beach destination, with lots of charming coastal resorts, like the clifftop hideaway of Sidi Bou Said or laid-back Hammamet, with its distinctive whitewashed buildings. Or, for cinema fans, you might like to visit some spots where Star Wars scenes were filmed, like the town of Tataouine, which inspired the planet Tatooine in the films.

Morocco: The Activities

In Morocco, you’ve got a massive range of attractions and activities to enjoy. A good place to get started is Marrakesh, home of decorative mosques, grand palaces, and gorgeous gardens, as well as one of the most impressive medinas in the nation. It’s easy to lose yourself among this city’s labyrinthine alleys, meeting friendly stall vendors and street performers as you go.

But there’s much more Morocco than Marrakesh. Fes is another must-see cultural city, boasting its own maze-like medina and sprawling souks, while Casablanca is truly unique, home to fascinating French colonial architecture and one of the most impressive mosques on the planet – the Hassan II, which required the combined efforts of 10,000 artisans to complete.

For more big city fun, head to the likes of Rabat or Tangier, home to many markets, museums, and mosques. Or, for something a little quieter and cozier, pay a visit to one of Morocco’s smaller towns, like Chefchaouen, renowned for its dramatic mountain backdrop or Ait Ben Haddou, which looks like it fell from the pages of “Arabian Nights” with its golden stone walls.

Morocco also has fantastic coastal resorts, like Essaouira, which is beloved for its laid-back, boho vibes, as well as Roman ruins to compete with Tunisia, like Volubilis, where many ancient columns and temple mosaics can be admired. Or, if you’re more of an outdoor adventurer, you can try hiking in the Dades Valley or riding a 4WD across the Erg Chigaga dune field.

Overall, while both countries offer lots of interesting ways to spend your time, the difference between them is quite clear. Tunisia is generally best for historic sites and seaside relaxation, while Morocco has much more to offer in terms of museums, cultural experiences, big city fun, and outdoor exploration.

Which Is Best For Beaches?

Both Tunisia and Morocco enjoy long stretches of Mediterranean coastline, with part of Morocco’s coast also gazing out across the Atlantic Ocean, giving guests a wide range of sandy beaches on which to stroll, sunbathe, and watch the sunset. But which is best if you’re looking for a purely beach-oriented break?

Well, Tunisia is a fantastic place for a seaside getaway. The beaches here are beautiful and diverse, with white sands and world-class snorkeling in Hammamet, water sports and camel rides in Monastir, and crystal clear swimming waters in Djerba. You’ll also find quieter and more romantic beaches in places like El Haouaria and Sfax.

How does Morocco compare? Well, since it has coastline on both the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, there’s even more diversity here. You can head to the likes of Dragon Beach to enjoy postcard-style white sands, or surf the day away at destinations like Sidi Kaouki. There are also large city beaches, like Ain Diab in Casablanca, along with water sports resorts, like Agadir.

Overall, it’s very tough to call a winner here. Tunisia arguably has the prettier beaches and calmer, warmer waters for the most part, perfect for those who want to sunbathe or swim. Meanwhile, Morocco has more options to suit all tastes, from couples in search of a pristine and peaceful patch of sand to adventure addicts looking for wild waves to ride.

Which Is Best For Cities?

If you love the hustle and bustle of big cities and instantly think of thrilling souks (markets) when you imagine a trip to North Africa, Morocco is sure to please you. It’s got a long list of impressive big cities that are all worth exploring, including its four imperial cities: Marrakesh, Fez, Rabat, and Meknes.

In each of those cities, you’ll find something special, from the markets of Marrakesh to the Old World vibes of Fez, and the intriguing mix of Islamic and French architecture on display in Rabat. If that’s not enough, Morocco is also home to Casablanca, one of the most famous cities in the world and home to majestic mosques, art deco architecture, mega malls, and more.

In contrast, with a notably smaller population, Tunisia doesn’t have quite as many large urban centers as Morocco. However, the capital, Tunis, is absolutely worth a visit. This ancient city has it all, from a beautiful mountainous backdrop to UNESCO-listed historic sites and delightfully diverse architecture.

Other interesting towns and cities to see across Tunisia include Sfax, which sits on the country’s eastern coast and has some super souks and a Grand Mosque, as well as Kairouan, renowned for its fantastic architecture and Great Mosque, with its antique marble columns and decorative minaret. However, in general, Morocco’s cities are larger and more exciting.

Which Is Best For Hiking?

If you love to get outdoors and stay active with activities like hiking, cycling, and climbing, you’ll absolutely adore Morocco. It’s widely regarded as the best places in North Africa for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting a plethora of hiking and trekking trails across its High Atlas Mountains. You can also climb your way to the peak of several mountains, like Mount Toubkal.

In contrast, while Tunisia has some spectacular landscapes to admire and beautiful scenery for sure, it’s not on the same level as Morocco for outdoor activities. There aren’t many well-known hiking trails here, and it can be quite tricky to find places to cycle, climb, or explore, making this place less appealing for those in search of adventure.

Overall then, Morocco is the better destination for hiking. It’s also the superior choice for outdoor adventures in general, whether they be water sports like surfing and kayaking or on-land activities, like mountain ascents or camel rides across the Saharan sands.

Which Is Best For Nightlife?

If you love to stay out late and party the night away, you’ll adore Morocco. It has several cities that are fit to burst with clubs, bars, and evening entertainment venues, with Marrakesh standing out as the best. In fact, with one of the liveliest nightlife scenes in all of Africa, Marrakesh is often regarded as the continent’s best destination to party, socialize, and have fun.

For the best experiences, explore the city center and areas like Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. There, you’ll find everything from food trucks and street performers to British-style pubs, traditional Moroccan tea rooms, trendy bars, rooftop patios, and dance clubs. Beyond Marrakesh, Casablanca, Agadir, Rabat, Fes, and Tangier also have impressive nightlife opportunities.

Over in Tunisia, Tunis is the best place to party. The nightlife scene in this city is especially diverse, with something for everyone. There are seafront clubs, laid-back cafés, and trendy bars galore. So, whether you want to dance, mingle with other travelers, or check out a live DJ performance, you can do it all here.

However, outside of Tunis, Tunisia doesn’t have too many other big nightlife cities. So, if you’re looking for the most exciting destination for after-dark activities, Morocco’s the place to be.

Which Is Best For Shopping?

With Tunisia and Morocco both being home to traditional souks and grand bazaars, shopping is one of the best ways to spend your time in either one of these countries. But which is best for shopaholics and bargain hunters?

Well, since Morocco has several big cities, it’s particularly appealing for those who love to shop. You can head to Marrakesh, Fes, Meknes, Rabat, and other cities to find sprawling marketplaces, artisan ateliers, traditional carpet shops, jewelers, malls, and independent stores selling lots of traditional gifts, like Berber accessories and hand-carved wooden furniture.

In Tunisia, Tunis is, once again, the main place to be. The capital has several large malls, like Tunisia Mall and Le Palmarium, selling almost anything you could hope to buy, as well as traditional souks with artisans and independent sellers offering a wide range of products, from fresh produce to textiles, jewelry, and clothing.

Overall, both countries provide pleasant shopping opportunities, especially with their traditional souks. But nothing in Tunisia can compare to the Medina of Marrakesh or the store-lined streets of Casablanca, making Morocco the No. 1 destination for shopping.

Which Is Best For Food?

Food is most certainly one of the highlights of a trip to either Morocco or Tunisia. Both countries have similar culinary styles in many ways, using similar ingredients and taking inspiration from the diverse cultures and peoples that have shaped their respective histories. But there are some key differences to take into account, and you may prefer one country’s cuisine over the other.

In Tunisia, you can expect to find quite spicy food. Many chefs here enjoy mixing harissa – a paste made of garlic and chili peppers – with their cooking. Popular dishes include lablabi soup, made with chickpeas and garlic, along with spicy merguez sausages. There are also many Mediterranean influences here, with a big focus on using fresh, local ingredients.

Over in Morocco, spices are also a big part of the country’s culinary style, though dishes are generally a little milder than those in Tunisia. Native favorites include tagine-cooked chicken and veggies or the ever-popular couscous, made up of vegetables, meats, semolina, and a sweet sauce called tfaya. Colorful salads and warming soups also feature on many menus.

Both countries also have plenty of restaurants serving up other dishes from across the globe, from Italian pizza to Japanese sushi. However, most visitors will want to sample the local delicacies, and it’s impossible to say that one country’s cuisine is simply better than the other. If you like extra spice, you’ll prefer Tunisia. For a little more menu diversity, head to Morocco.

Which Is Best For Families?

Tunisia and Morocco can both appeal to families with kids of almost any age. They’re sunny, warm, welcoming destinations with lots to see and do. However, depending on the nature of your family and the ages of your children, you might find one of these nations to be a little more accommodating than the other.

If you’re looking for more of a laid-back vacation, with lots of time spent by the beach, interspersed with visits to pretty towns and historic ruins, Tunisia is the place to be. It’s got lots of family-friendly, all-inclusive resorts along its coastline, ideal for parents who want to relax and kids who want to play, splash around, and have fun.

For more of an adventurous, exciting escape, Morocco is the preferred choice. With its bigger cities and much longer list of attractions, landmarks, and activities, it’s got more than enough to keep you and your whole family occupied and entertained, day and night. You can visit medinas, meet African wildlife at the country’s zoos, or cool off with a trip to a water park, like Oasiria.

Overall, it all depends on what kind of experience you want. Consider your family’s tastes and preferences to decide, choosing Morocco for excitement and Tunisia for relaxation.

Which Is Best For Couples?

Couples are also sure to enjoy themselves on a trip to either Tunisia or Morocco. Both destinations offer romantic atmosphere and so many places to wander around, hand-in-hand with your partner, like souks and medinas, as well as dreamy beaches and fabulous resorts. But which is best?

Well, if you head to Morocco, you’ll find a little more to do. The big cities like Fes, Marrakesh, and Casablanca are jam-packed with activities, from museums to nightclubs, medinas to live entertainment venues. There are also lots of brilliant beaches, grand national parks, deserts, and more to enjoy, with more diverse restaurants to enjoy with your partner, as well.

Over in Tunisia, couples will be able to enjoy a quieter and calmer escape. The beaches are particularly breathtaking in this part of the world, with some ranking among the prettiest on earth. There are also lots of small, quaint villages and towns to see, and lots of friendly locals waiting to greet you warmly.

Overall, it depends on what you and your partner are searching for. For excitement and lots of activities, Morocco is the clear winner. For a peaceful beach break, Tunisia is the better choice.

Which Is Best For Backpackers?

Tunisia and Morocco are also very appealing destinations for backpackers and budget travelers. They’re both cheaper places to visit than most European countries, for example, offering sun, sea, markets, history, and more, all at affordable prices. Plus, they’ve both got lots of interesting sights to see and things to do, with unique cultures to discover and rich histories to uncover.

Tunisia has the benefit of being a little more compact than Morocco, so you won’t have to travel quite as much as you move around and see everything you want to see. Plus, this country is massively appealing to history buffs, thanks to its ancient sites, like Carthage. However, it’s not quite as energetic or diverse as Morocco.

Over in Morocco, you’ll find bigger cities to explore and extra activities to enjoy, as well as a much more active nightlife scene. There also tend to be lots more tourists going around Morocco’s cities, making it easier to mingle with people, make friends, or at least find other English speakers to ask for guidance and directions.

Overall, backpackers will generally prefer Morocco, thanks to its broader range of activities. With that said, Tunisia has more of an off-the-beaten-path vibe for those seeking something a little different.

Which Is Cheapest?

Of course, budget is also a big factor to think about when you’re trying to decide between two different countries, like Tunisia and Morocco. Often, even among neighboring nations like these, there can be quite large differences in terms of average costs for things like food, accommodation, and public transit. So, which is cheapest?

Well, price-wise, Tunisia is the more affordable of the two countries in most cases. Of course, there are expensive resorts and restaurants in both nations, as well as cheap hostels and free attractions. So, as long as you pick and plan your trip with care, you can have a budget-friendly stay in either nation. However, Tunisia does tend to have lower prices on the whole.

Where To Stay According To Your Budget

Tunisia

Budget: Marigold Hotel in Tunisia offers a haven of beauty amidst lush gardens and ornate architecture. Sunlight dances on the tranquil pool, while vibrant flowers bloom along winding pathways. Each room exudes warmth and elegance, inviting guests to indulge in serenity and charm within this enchanting retreat.

Luxury: Anantara Sahara-Tozeur Resort & Villas in Tunisia is a mesmerizing oasis nestled amidst the desert dunes. Elegant architecture blends seamlessly with the golden landscape, while lush palm trees sway gently in the breeze. Luxurious villas offer panoramic views of endless sands, promising an unforgettable escape into natural beauty and tranquility.

Morocco

Budget: Marina Bay in Morocco is a picturesque waterfront destination, where azure waters meet golden sands against a backdrop of majestic mountains. Yachts dot the harbor, while vibrant cafes and elegant promenades offer breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. It’s a haven of beauty and serenity, perfect for relaxation and indulgence.

Luxury: Royal Mansour Marrakech embodies opulence and elegance in every detail. Intricate Moorish architecture dazzles with ornate tilework and carved wood, while lush gardens bloom with vibrant flora. Private riads boast lavish interiors and secluded courtyards, offering an enchanting retreat within the heart of Marrakech’s historic medina.

Tunisia vs Morocco: Which Is Better?

Overall, there’s much to love about Tunisia and Morocco, with clear arguments to be made in favor of either country. Ideally, if you have the time and money to do so, it’s recommended to see both and discover which one you like most. However, many travelers have to pick either one or the other. So, which should it be?

Well, if we look back over this guide, one country consistently wins in most categories, and that’s Morocco. It simply has more going on than Tunisia, with thrilling, dynamic cities like Marrakesh and Casablanca. There’s also better nightlife here, along with more opportunities for those who want to get out and explore the deserts and mountains that make up the landscape.

With that said, there are still unique benefits to be gained from picking Tunisia. It’s a friendly country with magical historic sites and tasty food. It also has less crowded and hectic cities compared to Morocco, making it the more appealing choice to those who feel like Morocco might be a little too busy, as well as amazing beaches where you can forget your worries.