Which place is cheaper, Fez or Athens?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Athens or Fez?
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 Athens and Fez. 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.
Athens
Athens is a ancient, vibrant, and energetic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.
Fez
Fez is a winding, busy, and colorful city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.
Athens and Fez: Pros and Cons
Athens
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
- Home to the Acropolis
- Less popular for shopping
Fez
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Fun shopping
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
- Less popular for nightlife
- Public transit not as usable
Is there more to do in Athens or Fez?
Visitors will generally find more to do in Athens than Fez. While Fez is larger than Athens, Athens has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Athens is more popular for its nightlife, while Fez is known for its shopping and impressive beauty. Athens is more touristy than Fez and is known for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also home to The Acropolis. Fez is popular for its ancient medina, gorgeous riads, and amazing local dishes.
The Acropolis
How is Athens different from Fez?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Fez and Athens. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Athens or Fez?
Athens
Fez
You'll find a number of fantastic museums and attractions in both Fez and Athens.
With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Athens has many famous sights for visitors. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.
Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Fez that are not to be missed. Tucked into the medina are ancient mosques, historic universities, and beautiful gardens. Highlights of the city include Al Quaraouiyine Mosque, Dar Batha (a palace and museum), and Medersa Bou Inania (a former theological college). Another not to be missed sight is the tanneries. You'll likely smell them before you see them, but the history is truly impressive.
Is the Food Better in Athens or Fez? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Athens
Fez
Dining out at restaurants in both Athens and Fez can be an enjoyable experience.
Eat your way through Athens, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.
For foodies, Fez is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Some of the best food in Morocco can be found in Fez. Head away from the main gates and the major tourist routes to find more local restaurants. Every visitor must try tagine. It's not actually a recipe but instead a cooking pot and technique. If you order a tagine, you'll enjoy a stew like dish that's slow cooked and usually made with lamb or chicken although vegetarian options are often available. Other dishes to try include couscous and pastilla. Pastilla is a pastry covered chicken dish that is seasoned with cinnamon and sugar.
Is Athens or Fez Better for Nightlife?
Athens
Fez
Athens is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. However, Fez is lacking in options for its evening party scene.
Athens is a world class party destination. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.
Things get quiet in the evenings in Fez. It's a conservative city and the nightlife reflects that. You'll find some bars in the major hotel chains and you can often find alcohol at the more expensive restaurants.
Is Athens or Fez Better for its Old Town?
Athens
Fez
Visitors enjoy the fantastic old town areas in both Athens and Fez.
With a famous historical old-town, Athens offers plenty to see. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.
The rich history of Fez can be explored in its historical center. The walled medina offers a maze of streets that are lined with shops selling perfume, spices, street food, and trinkets.
Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Fez?
Athens
Fez
Fez is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.
Many people travel to Fez specifically to go shopping. Head to the medina and try your hand at negotiating. There are impressive art shops and hidden gems spread between more touristy shops selling souvenir trinkets.
Athens is a great destination for shopping. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.
Is Athens or Fez Better for Families?
Athens
Fez
Athens is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Fez is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.
Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Athens is very family-friendly. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.
You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Fez. Kids will enjoy wandering the medina, sampling Moroccan dishes, and trying their hand at bartering for a good price. There are several gardens that offer a quiet oasis from the chaotic streets. There's also baklava and other sweet treats that kids can taste. Many kids enjoy taking a tour to the nearby countryside where they can feed monkeys, hike, and visit local villages.
Is Athens or Fez Better for Couples?
Athens
Fez
Fez is great for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.
Fez is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who like an adventure will enjoy soaking up the medina, visiting the gardens, and taking a trip into the countryside.
Athens is a nice destination for couples. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.
Is Athens or Fez Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Athens
Fez
For backpackers, both Athens and Fez are fantastic places to visit.
A large number of backpackers visit Athens, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.
Fez is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Prices are very affordable and there are riads that range in price and style. Many restaurants cater to different budgets and most of the entertainment involves wandering around and soaking up the atmosphere.
Is Athens or Fez Better for Students?
Athens
Fez
Athens is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Fez is not popular with students.
Students come from all over to stay in Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.
Fez is not popular with students.
Is Athens or Fez Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Athens
Fez
Athens is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Fez is lacking in options for its public transit.
Public transit in Athens can get you to some places easily. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.
Public transit is generally limited in Fez. There's a basic public transportation system with buses and a train station, but you'll likely need to take taxis if you can't walk to a destination. Taxis are affordable and abundant.
Is Athens or Fez a more walkable city?
Athens
Fez
Athens and Fez are very good when it comes to walkability.
Athens is a very walkable destination. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.
Fez is very walkable. The medina can be explored on foot, but it's easy to get lost so allow a lot of time. There are several walking routes through the medina that are marked with colors but you'll likely find yourself wandering on and off the routes as you explore. Outside of the medina, you'll likely want to take a taxi.
For even more information, also check out Is Athens Worth Visiting? and Is Fez Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Fez or Athens?
How long in Athens or Fez?
In either Athens or Fez, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Athens than Fez because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 3-5 days is enough time in Fez.
Families should spend more time in Athens than Fez. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Athens, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Fez than Athens. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Fez that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens than Fez 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 Athens.
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How many days in Athens or Fez? Ideal Length of StayAthens 3-7Fez 3-5
One day in Athens or Fez?
When visiting Athens, people usually allow for lots of time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.
Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the big city destination of Fez. 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.
A weekend in Athens or Fez?
Many people visit Athens for a weekend. When visiting Athens, people usually allow for lots of time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.
Fez is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Five days in Athens or Fez?
When visiting Athens, people usually allow for lots of time. Many people spend five days here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fez. 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.
A week in Athens or Fez?
Athens, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Visiting the old town is also a must. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful big city of Fez. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Morocco, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAthens €127Fez €50
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €127, while the average daily cost in Fez is €50. 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 Athens and Fez in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAthens €63Fez €26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAthens €126Fez €52
Compare Hotels in Athens and Fez
Looking for a hotel in Athens or Fez? 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: Athens Hotel Prices and Fez Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Athens €27Fez €4.64
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:
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Airport Bus for Two€6.40
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Metro€1.50
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Metro€2.00
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Metro from Airport to City Center€8.00
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Taxi from Airport€35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens
Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- VipTransfer From /To Athens Airport - Lavrio Port : $207
- Vip Transfer From/To Athens Center - Rafina Port : $218
- Vip Transfer From/To Athens Center - Lavrio Port: $273
- VIP VAN Athens Airport Transfer 1 - 4 persons: $89
- VIP High Class Limos & Chauffeurs Transfer to Athens: $65
- VIP Ferry Ticket from Piraeus Port To Mykonos & Private Transfer included: $250
- VIP Ferry Ticket From Piraeus Port To Santorini & Private Transfer Included: $250
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Athens HTL-APT (ATH): $63
- Transfer services from/to Athens Airport: $105
- Transfer from/to Piraeus Port and Athens city centre hotel: $41
- Transfer from/to Piraeus Port and Athens International Airport: $142
- Transfer from/to Athens International Airport to city centre: $125
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Fez
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Fez:
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Taxi Ride€1.87
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fez
Also for Fez, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Fes to Casablanca: $294
- Private Transfer from Meknes to Casablanca (CMN) Airport: $291
- Private Transfer Casablanca - Fes / Fes - Casablanca: $291
- One-Way Transfer from Fez to Marrakech: $274
- Fes to Chefchaouen: Private Transfer (English Speaking Driver): $244
- Transfer Fes to Agadir: $241
- transfers from Fez to Marrakech (Airport or city/Door to Door): $230
- One-Way Transfer from Fez to Tanger via chefchaouen : $219
- private one-way transfer from Fes to Marrrakech: $218
- One Way Private transfer from Fes to Chefchaouen: $213
- Private one-way transfer Fes to Marrakech : $209
- Transfer from Fez to Casablanca (private): $202
Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Fez?
Prices for flights to both Fez and Athens 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
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Food Meals for one dayAthens €37Fez €17
Typical Food Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:
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Ice cream€3.00
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Souvlaki€2.20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens
For Athens, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $24
- Street Food Tour Market & City Centre: $42
- Foodies’ Favorite Food tour: $46
- Greek Street Food Tour: $51
- Athens Street Food Tour: Explore City's Iconic Eateries: $52
- Middle-eastern Cuisine Cooking Class with Meal: $52
- Street Food Tour with Local Guide and 7 Tastings: $57
- Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $60
- Alternative, truly authentic food tour in secret Athens: $63
- Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Class with Meal: $63
- Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Classes in Athina: $64
- Light Lunch Tasting & Cooking Demo: $67
Typical Food Prices in Fez
For Fez, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Yogurt€0.56
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Dinner for 2€11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fez
For Fez, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Lunch/Dinner with Moroccan family : $27
- Moroccan Romantic Dinner in Fez: $33
- Baking Workshops at Fez Cooking School at Palais Amani: $41
- Private Home hosted Experience in Morocco with Dinner Included: $43
- cooking classe in fes with ouliya: $44
- Cooking Class with Bread Workshop and Pastry in Fes: $44
- Cooking Class - Moroccan cuisine: $49
- Fes Family Cooking Class: $50
- Tour to Fez Morocco with Lunch or Dinner: $52
- The Best Cooking Class in Fez: $55
- Private 5 h Fez Cooking Class with a local family: $55
- fez cooking tour: $57
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Athens €36Fez €5.82
Tours and Activities in Athens
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
- Acropolis/Athens Highlights Private Evening Tour (5 hours) from Athens, Piraeus: $87
- Ancient Corinth Canal Epidavrous Nafplio Private Tour 8Hours: $180
- Apostle Paul's Footsteps in Athens Christian Private Tour 5Hours: $142
- Delphi full day V.R audio guided tour with entry ticket: $48
- EPIDAURUS & NAFPLIO : Private Full Day Tour From Athens 6 Hours : $173
- Full Day Tour in Athens with Lunch: $147
- Half Day Private Tour on Highlights of Classical Athens: $158
- Layover Private Tour in Athens: $245
- Mycenae Lions Gate Epidaurus & Nafplio Full Day Private Tour 8H : $191
- Self-Guided Tour at the Romantic Island of Hydra from Athens: $284
- Traditional Villages Full day Tour in Santorini: $59
- "Acropolis Half-day Tour and City Visit": $168
Typical Entertainment Prices in Fez
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Fez's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Granary Fee€1.87
Tours and Activities in Fez
For Fez, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2Days Share Tour From Fes To Marrakech Via Sahara Desert Morocco: $133
- Tour in The Most Beautiful Spots: $212
- walking Tour in the oldest part of Fez (3-4 hours): $33
- 2 Days / 1 Nights, Fes To Fes Desert Tour: $277
- 2 Days Desert Tour From Fez To Merzouga Dunes & Camel Trek and back to Fez: $291
- 2 Days Luxury Tour to Merzouga Desert from Fez with Small Group: $251
- 2 Days Tour From Fes To Marrakech Via Merzouga Desert: $153
- 2 days Fes to Fes desert tour via Merzouga Sahara: $240
- 2-Day Merzouga Desert Tour from Fez: $185
- 2-Day small group desert tour from fes: $185
- 2D/1N Private Desert tour from Fez to Fez(Including luxury tent): $272
- 3 Days 2 Nights Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech via erg Chebbi: $207
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAthens €23Fez -
Sample the Local Flavors in Athens
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:
- Liquer tasting in Polykala's Distillery Show Room in Athens: $17
- Greek Wine Tasting: $23
- Premium Wine Tastings: $35
- Greek Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $43
- Athens Wine Tasting: $44
- Old Town Athens Wine Tasting: $52
- Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $52
- 2 Hours Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $53
- Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting : $53
- Greek food and wine tasting: $53
- Rare Greek Wine Tasting w/Sommelier by the Acropolis: $59
- Wine Tasting and Storytelling in a Historical Square in Athina: $60
Sample the Local Flavors in Fez
Also in Fez, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Full-Day Boutique Winery and Wine Tasting Tour from Fez: $251
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Fez, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Fez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Athens is in Europe and Fez 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 Fez would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fez 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 Athens would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Athens than you might in Fez.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Athens Expensive? and Is Fez Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Athens or Fez?
Fez has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of Athens. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Fez, 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.