A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cadiz vs. Fez for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Backpackers

Should you visit Cadiz 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 Cadiz 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.

Cadiz

Cadiz is a undiscovered, historic, and authentic port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Fez

Fez is a ancient, winding, and busy city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Cadiz and Fez: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cadiz or Fez?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Fez than Cadiz. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Fez is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Cadiz attracts visitors for its nightlife and beaches. Fez is more touristy than Cadiz and is popular for its ancient medina, gorgeous riads, and amazing local dishes. It is also well known for the Chouara Tannery. Cadiz is famous for its long-running maritime history and its charming old town.

The Chouara Tannery

How is Cadiz different from Fez?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Fez is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Cadiz offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. As the oldest city in Europe, there are countless historic sights and monuments to see. Some of the most interesting historic sights include Catedral Nueva, the Arcos de los Blancos, Torre Tavira, and Museo de Cádiz.

Is the Food Better in Cadiz or Fez? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Fez is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Fez have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Cadiz has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The restaurants are good, but if you don't have reservations you're out of luck. Many restaurants fill up during the peak summer months. If you do have reservations then you can expect fresh seafood including everything from oysters to prawns and even fresh caught fish like Bluefin tuna. Make sure you try the shrimp fritters and papas con choco (cuttlefish and potato stew). Tapas are a great way to sample a number of small local dishes. Also finish your meal off with some churros.

Is Cadiz or Fez Better for Nightlife?

Cadiz is a port city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Fez is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Cadiz. The nightlife scene is diverse, with both cultural activities and dance clubs to choose from. Whether you're looking for a late night party or a more mellow evening on the town, there are a number of options available.

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 Cadiz or Fez Better for Beaches?

Cadiz is a decent place to visit for the beache. However, Fez is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Cadiz. The beaches remain relatively undiscovered on the international level, so you won't have to deal with the crowds that you find at many Spanish beaches. They are urban beaches that make a good place to cool off, but aren't particularly scenic. The beaches are popular with nearby locals, and the atmosphere remains chill and relaxed. While there are many beaches to choose from outside of town, the closest in town beach is La Caleta. It's even been featured in a few Hollywood films such as Die Another Day.

Fez is not a beach destination.

Is Cadiz or Fez Better for its Old Town?

Fez is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its old town.

The old town of Fez is one of the most recognized in the world. The walled medina offers a maze of streets that are lined with shops selling perfume, spices, street food, and trinkets.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Cadiz. The old town offers a patchwork network of cobblestone streets that intertwine plazas, churches, and historic buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Cadiz or Fez?

Fez is renowned for shopping. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Fez is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Cadiz is well-known for its shopping. There's a diverse mix of local boutiques, food markets, shopping centers, and street markets where you can pick up everything from local items to European fashion. If you happen to be in town on a weekend, keep in mind that many shops are only open in the morning on Saturdays and closed all day Sundays.

Is Cadiz or Fez Better for Families?

Both Cadiz and Fez are nice to visit with kids.

Cadiz is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has beaches where everyone can splash around, as well as some parks and playgrounds where kids can get their energy out. Outside of town you'll find waterparks and other fun activities as well.

Fez is a family-friendly port city. 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 Cadiz or Fez Better for Couples?

Fez is a well-known place for romance. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its romantic activities.

Fez is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who like an adventure will enjoy soaking up the medina, visiting the gardens, and taking a trip into the countryside.

Cadiz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its history and beaches, there are many romantic activities that couples can enjoy. Wander around old town and enjoy local cuisine. Visit the historic ruins and take a hike outside of the city.

Is Cadiz or Fez Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fez is renowned for backpackers. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cadiz. One of the biggest draws to the city is there huge Carnival festival every February. This is a popular time to visit and backpackers will appreciate the lively atmosphere.

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

Cadiz is a port city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Fez is lacking in options for its public transit.

Cadiz has some public transit options. There are five bus lines around town. The buses are comfortable and air conditioned.

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 Cadiz or Fez a more walkable city?

Cadiz and Fez both are great when exploring on foot.

Cadiz is very walkable. It is a walkable city that is historic and compact enough to explore on foot. It can be a bit of a walk to get from the old town to the beach though.

Fez is a very walkable port city. 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 Cadiz Worth Visiting? and Is Fez Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fez or Cadiz?

How long in Cadiz or Fez?

In either Cadiz or Fez, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Fez than Cadiz because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cadiz, and 3-5 days is enough time in Fez.

Families should spend more time in Fez than Cadiz. 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 Cadiz. 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 Cadiz 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.

One day in Cadiz or Fez?

With nightlife and food around the authentic destination of Cadiz, there's plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Each neighborhood in Fez has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Cadiz or Fez?

Many people visit Cadiz for a weekend. With food and shopping around the undiscovered port city of Cadiz, there's plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fez. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Cadiz or Fez?

The destination of Cadiz offers shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Fez is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Fez has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Cadiz or Fez?

Cadiz, a popular port city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural big city of Fez. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Morocco, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cadiz and Fez, we can see that Cadiz is more expensive. And not only is Fez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cadiz 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 Cadiz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cadiz 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 Cadiz Expensive? and Is Fez Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cadiz or Fez?

Fez has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Cadiz. When comparing the sizes of Cadiz 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.