Which place is cheaper, Fez or Athens?
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 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. Athens is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Athens travel costs.
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 to Fez because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See Fez travel costs.
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
- Less charming
Fez
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Fun shopping
- Known for its beauty
- 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.
Fez is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. 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 More Beautiful?
Athens
Fez
Fez is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its scenery and beauty.
Many visitors also come to Fez because of it's amazing beauty. The beauty of this city lies in its impromptu style and mazelike setting.
Athens is a gorgeous place to visit. With it's stunning archaeological sites, Athens is most beautiful at night, when things light up.
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.
-
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 cultural 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.
-
Athens Prices
Greece PricesFez Prices
Morocco Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAthens €154Fez €81
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €154, while the average daily cost in Fez is €81. 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
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAthens €63Fez €30
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAthens €126Fez €60
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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Athens €27Fez €14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:
-
Airport Bus for Two€6.40
-
Metro€1.50
-
Metro€2.00
-
Metro from Airport to City Center€8.00
-
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 : $218
- Vip Transfer From/To Piraeus Port - Athens Airport: $287
- Vip Transfer From/To Athens Center - Rafina Port : $229
- Vip Transfer From/To Athens Center - Lavrio Port: $287
- Vip Transfer From /To Athens Center - Athens Airport : $229
- VIP VAN Athens Airport Transfer 1 - 4 persons: $93
- Transfer services everywhere in Mykonos with Jeep Renegade: $29
- Transfer from/to Piraeus Port and Athens city centre hotel: $45
- Transfer from/to Piraeus Port and Athens International Airport: $149
- Transfer from Piraeus port to Athens Airport and Vice Versa 22:30PM - 06:29AM: $161
- Transfer from OR to Athens International Airport: $138
- Transfer from Athens Airport, Port, Marina to Athens City: $161
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Fez
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Fez:
-
Taxi Ride€1.90
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fez
Also for Fez, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer From Fes to Marrakech via Volubilis and Rabat: $275
- Transfer Fes Airport to Safi: $269
- One-Way Transfer from Fez to Tanger via chefchaouen : $230
- Private transfer fes to Marrakech: $230
- Private Transfer from Fes to Tanger via Meknes and Volubilis : $229
- Private Transfer : Fez-Marrakech, Marrakech -Fez : $229
- Transfer From Fez to Marrakech ( private): $223
- Private one-way transfer Fes to Marrakech : $220
- Private transfer from Fes to Chefchaouen: $214
- Private transfer from Fez to Marrakech Airport or city.: $214
- Transfer Private From Fes To Marrakesh: $212
- Fez to Casablanca : Private transfer with Casablanca City Tour: $211
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
-
Food Meals for one dayAthens €64Fez €39
Typical Food Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:
-
Ice cream€3.00
-
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: $27
- Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Lunch or Dinner: $29
- No Diet Club - Unique local Food Tour in Athens!: $40
- Cooking Class at Diamond Roof Garden: $46
- "A Night in Dinner and Music Under the Stars": $55
- Greek Street Food Tour: $60
- Traditional Greek food tour in hidden spots: $69
- 6-Course Greek Dinner on a Rooftop with Wine: $73
- "Fetaverse" Private Cooking Class in Koukaki Athens: $73
- Koukaki Food Tour with a Local Friend: $75
- Athens's original vegan food tour: $75
- Greek Phyllo and Pie Cooking Class in Athens: $75
Typical Food Prices in Fez
For Fez, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Yogurt€0.57
-
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 : $29
- Baking Workshops at Fez Cooking School at Palais Amani: $43
- Cooking Class with Bread Workshop and Pastry in Fes: $46
- Cooking Class in Fez with familly: $52
- Moroccan Cuisine Fez Cooking Class : $52
- Fez Souk 4-Hour Traditional Home Cooking: $56
- Private 5 h Fez Cooking Class with a local family: $57
- fez cooking tour: $60
- Full Day Fes Cooking Class Experience: $62
- Tagine cooking class in Fes: $63
- Fez Street Food Tour: $66
- Fes Food Tour: $74
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Athens €36Fez €8.59
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: $155
- Ancient Corinth Canal Epidaurus Nafplio Private Luxury Tour : $202
- Delphi full day V.R audio guided tour with entry ticket: $68
- Essential Athens Highlights Half-Day Private Tour with Flexible Options: $291
- Food Experience in Athens including Unlimited Lunch : $115
- Mycenae Epidaurus Nafplio Isthmus Canal Private Luxury Tour : $187
- Mycenae, Epidaurus & Nafplio Full-Day V.R audio guided Tour: $34
- Private Full Day Tour in Delphi: $223
- Private Luxury Tour: Athens Riviera & The Temple of Poseidon: $149
- Private Luxury Tour: Unveiling the Sacred Mysteries of Eleusis: $183
- Private Sightseeing Tour to Sounio and the Temple of Poseidon : $195
- Traditional Villages Full day Tour in Santorini: $62
Typical Entertainment Prices in Fez
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Fez's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Granary Fee€1.90
Tours and Activities in Fez
For Fez, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- A Unique Experience In Fez With A Guide And A Driver (Full Day): $206
- Best Tour In Fez Médina With ( Private )Tour Guide: $46
- Explore Chefchaouen on Shared Bus Tour from Fes: $37
- Fes to Marrakech via Desert Tour 2 Days 1 Night : $120
- Fez day Tour with Local Guide & driver : $76
- Guided Full-Day Tour of Fez with driver&guide: $52
- 1 night 2 days Desert tour From Fes back to Fes: $100
- 2 Day Luxury Desert Tour from Fes to Fes or Marrakech: $126
- 2 Days / 1 Nights, Fes To Fes Desert Tour: $277
- 2 Days 1 Night Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech (Luxury Camp ): $149
- 2 Days Luxury Magic Morocco Desert Tour From Fes To Fes: $166
- 2 Days Sahara Group Tour Fez to Marrakech via Merzouga: $137
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAthens €23Fez €12
Sample the Local Flavors in Athens
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:
- Polykala Distillery: 128 years of history & liqueur tasting.: $16
- Athens Party Pub Crawl with Unlimited Drinks & Club Access: $25
- Greek Ancient & Rare Grape Varieties Wine Tasting: $25
- Thursday & Friday Night Pub Crawl for Professionals in Athens: $25
- Saturday Night Pub Crawl for Professionals in Athens, Greece: $25
- Greek Wine Tasting and Pairing in Chalandri : $46
- Athens Old Town Acropolis Wine Tasting: $55
- Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $55
- Greek Wine Tasting with Acropolis view: $56
- Greek food and wine tasting: $56
- 2 Hours Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $56
- Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting : $56
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.