A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Beijing vs. Fez for Attractions, Food, Backpackers, and Nightlife

Should you visit Beijing or Fez?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Beijing and Fez can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Beijing

Beijing is a historic, massive, and jam-packed city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Beijing is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Beijing travel costs.

Fez

Fez is a ancient, winding, and busy city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. The famous beauty of Fez is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping. See Fez travel costs.

Beijing and Fez: Pros and Cons

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 Forbidden City
Things to Consider
  • Less charming
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Beijing or Fez?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Beijing than Fez, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Beijing is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Fez is known for its historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Beijing is more touristy than Fez and is popular for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. It is also home to The Forbidden City. Fez is popular for its ancient medina, gorgeous riads, and amazing local dishes.

How is Beijing different from Fez?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Fez and Beijing. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Beijing or Fez?

Beijing
Fez

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Beijing or Fez.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Beijing on the map. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.

Travelers visit Fez from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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 Beijing or Fez? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beijing
Fez

Dining out at restaurants in both Beijing and Fez can be an enjoyable experience.

Many restaurants in Beijing have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.

Eat your way through Fez, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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 Beijing or Fez Better for Nightlife?

Beijing
Fez

Beijing is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Fez is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

Beijing has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.

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 Beijing or Fez Better for its Old Town?

Beijing
Fez

Fez is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Beijing does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Fez offers plenty to see. The walled medina offers a maze of streets that are lined with shops selling perfume, spices, street food, and trinkets.

Beijing does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Fez?

Beijing
Fez

Fez is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Fez is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Beijing. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Is Beijing or Fez More Beautiful?

Beijing
Fez

Fez is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Fez is one of the main draws. The beauty of this city lies in its impromptu style and mazelike setting.

Beijing is a gorgeous place to visit. The parks, gardens, palaces, and temples all offer a glimpse into the past, while also letting you enjoy the city and culture that exists today.

Is Beijing or Fez Better for Families?

Beijing
Fez

Both Beijing and Fez are good to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Beijing. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.

Fez offers lots of family activities. 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 Beijing or Fez Better for Couples?

Beijing
Fez

Fez is a great destination for couples. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Fez frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who like an adventure will enjoy soaking up the medina, visiting the gardens, and taking a trip into the countryside.

Beijing is a nice destination for couples. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.

Is Beijing or Fez Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beijing
Fez

Fez is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Fez is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Beijing is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.

Is Beijing or Fez Better for Students?

Beijing
Fez

Beijing 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 Beijing. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.

Fez is not popular with students.


Is Beijing or Fez Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Beijing
Fez

Beijing 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 Beijing can get you to some places easily. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.

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 Beijing or Fez a more walkable city?

Beijing
Fez

Fez is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options for its walkability.

Fez is a very walkable destination. 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.

Beijing is generally not a very walkable city. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Beijing Worth Visiting? and Is Fez Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fez or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Fez?

In either Beijing or Fez, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Beijing than Fez because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Beijing, and 3-5 days is enough time in Fez.

Families should spend more time in Fez than Beijing. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Fez, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Fez than Beijing. 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 Fez than Beijing 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 Fez.


  • How many days in Beijing or Fez? Ideal Length of Stay
    Beijing 3-7 
    Fez 3-5

One day in Beijing or Fez?

When visiting Beijing, people usually allow for lots of time. 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.

In Fez, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.


A weekend in Beijing or Fez?

Many people visit Beijing for a weekend. When visiting Beijing, people usually allow for lots of time. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

In Fez, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Beijing or Fez?

When visiting Beijing, people usually allow for lots of time. Many people spend five days here. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

Fez is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Fez has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Beijing or Fez?

Beijing, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fez. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Fez. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Morocco, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Fez or Beijing?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Beijing is $89, while the average daily cost in Fez is $85. 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 Beijing and Fez in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Beijing $39
    Fez $32
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Beijing $78
    Fez $64
Compare Hotels in Beijing and Fez

Looking for a hotel in Beijing 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.

Hotels in Beijing


Hotels in Fez


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: Fez Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Beijing $7.67
    Fez $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:


  • Taxi
    $4.69
  • Train from Airport for Two
    $6.86
  • Taxi to Hotel
    $8.24
  • 2 Metro Passes
    $2.20
  • Metro
    $0.55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Beijing HTL-APT (PEK): $41
  • Transfer: Beijing City Center to Beijing Airport (PEK): $37
  • Transfer: Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) to Beijing City: $35
  • Tianjin International Cruise Port to Beijing Capital Airport by private transfer: $148
  • Tianjin Cruise Port Private Transfer to Beijing International Airport: $153
  • Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City Private Tour With Airport Transfer: $205
  • Shijingshan Amusement Park with FlyOver China Experience by Private Transfer: $98
  • Round Trip Transfer Service to Fragrance Hill by Private Driver with Car: $98
  • Red Theatre Acrobatic Show with round-trip transfer: $67
  • Red Theater Beijing Acrobatic Show With Private Transfer: $64
  • Private transfer:Beijing To Zhangjiakou Ski Resort: $168
  • Private Transit Tours & Transfers from Tianjin Cruise Port: $130

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Fez

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Fez:


  • Taxi Ride
    $1.99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fez

Also for Fez, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Chefchaouen Transfer to or from Fes: $79
  • Private Arrival Transfer Fez Sais Airport : $21
  • 2-Day Transfer to Chefchaouen from Fez: $170
  • Airport Transfers FES Airport - Hotel - Airport: $37
  • Fes Airport Transfer: $100
  • Fes Airport Transfer (one way) + Free SIM Card: Stay Connected: $12
  • Fes Airport Transfer - Private Taxi & Hotel Shuttle: $21
  • Fes Airport Transfer Arrival or Deparature: $17
  • Fes to Rabat One-Way Private Transfer: $189
  • Fes transfers to Chefchaouen: $89
  • Fes-Saiss Airport to Fes Hotels - One Way Private Transfer : $19
  • Fez Airport Private Departure Transfer: $32

Is it cheaper to fly into Beijing or Fez?

Prices for flights to both Fez and Beijing 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 day
    Beijing $33
    Fez $41
Typical Food Prices in Beijing

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:


  • Popcorn
    $0.82
  • Hot Pot Dinner
    $6.86
  • Dumpling Breakfast for Two
    $2.75
  • Watermelon
    $1.92
  • Peking Duck Dinner for 2
    $16
  • Two Popsicles
    $0.82

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.

  • Beijing Food Tour: Exploring 8 More conic Flavors in Hutong Area : $5.00
  • Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
  • Online Cooking Class Kungpao Chicken: $20
  • Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
  • 3.5-Hour Walking Food Tour: A Bite of History at Beijing Niujie Street: $49
  • Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
  • Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
  • China's Favourite Street Food Cooking Workshop: $55
  • Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $60
  • Acrobatic Show with Peking Duck Dinner Private Tour: $72
  • Private | Shichahai Hutong Dinner and Beer Walking Tour: $75
  • Hidden Gems Guided Food Tour with Beer and Tastings: $75

Typical Food Prices in Fez

For Fez, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Yogurt
    $0.60
  • 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:

  • Moroccan Cooking Class and Fez Market Visit and Meal: $35
  • cooking classe in fes with ouliya: $42
  • Unforgettable Cooking Class in Fez : $45
  • Cooking Class - Moroccan cuisine: $47
  • Private 5 h Fez Cooking Class with a local family: $53
  • fez cooking tour: $55
  • Traditional Moroccan Cooking Course in Dar 7 Louyat: $58
  • 2 Hours Cooking Experience in Fez: $61
  • Moroccan Henna Party fez Lunch or Dinner: $63
  • Private Cooking Class & Market Tour: A Family Experience & pickup: $64
  • Baking Class at Fez Cooking School: $65
  • Fez Cooking Class at Palais bab sahra : $74

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Beijing $24
    Fez $9.00
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing

Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entry to Summer Palace for Two
    $8.24
  • Two Opera Tickets
    $58
  • Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)
    $9.61
  • Forbidden City (for 2)
    $16
  • Forbidden City Tickets
    $16
  • Audio Guides at Forbidden City
    $11

Tours and Activities in Beijing

Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • All Inclusive Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace Private Tour: $188
  • Beijing 2 Summer Palace Private Garden Tour: $140
  • Beijing Private Tour of Ming Tombs, Summer Palace, Bird's Nest and Water Cube: $297
  • Forbidden City Private Walking Tour with Optional Sights: $16
  • Forbidden city with Tian'anmen square layover tour of Beijing : $240
  • Lama temple -Confucius temple - DongYue temple Private Cultural Tour: $156
  • Mutianyu Great Wall And Ming Tomb Private One Day Tour: $205
  • Mutianyu Great Wall and Ming Tomb Private Tour: $190
  • 1 Day Romantic Tour in Oriental Provence Lavender Manor and Mutianyu Great Wall: $208
  • 1-Day Beijing Emperor’s Tour of Forbidden City, Beihai Park, Jingshan and Hutong: $160
  • 1-Day Beijing Private Tour to Forbidden City and Mutianyu Great Wall : $150
  • 1-Day Beijing Private Tour to Lama Temple,Summer Palace and Hutong Rickshaw : $120

Typical Entertainment Prices in Fez

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Fez's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Granary Fee
    $1.99

Tours and Activities in Fez

For Fez, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Fez City Tours : Crafts & Shopping Tour in Souks: $10
  • Private Walking Tour at the OLD MEDINA OF Fez: $11
  • A group walking tour in Fes/Fez : $11
  • Fes Shared Full-Day Guided Tour : $11
  • Cultural & Handicraft Walking Tour in the Ancient Medina of Fes: $13
  • Cultural tour in Fez: $15
  • Discover Pottery and Mosaic Zellige on a Factory Tour in Fes: $15
  • Private Shopping Tour in the Souks of the Old Medina: $16
  • Small-Group Full-Day Meknes, Volubilis and Moulay Idriss Zerhoun Tour from Fez: $16
  • Ancient Medina, Fes Morocco - Walking Tour - Private - Half Day: $18
  • Small-Group Day Tour to Chefchaouen from Fez: $18
  • Fes Guided tours, Cultural tour: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Beijing $11
    Fez $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:

  • Beijing Brewery Bike Tour: $99
  • Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $110
  • 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
  • Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $238

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: $242


When comparing the travel costs between Beijing and Fez, we can see that Beijing is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Beijing is in Asia and Fez is in Africa, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beijing Expensive? and Is Fez Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Beijing or Fez?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Fez. When comparing the sizes of Beijing 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.