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

Should you visit Cordoba 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 Cordoba 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.

Cordoba

Cordoba is a beautiful, colorful, and flower-filled town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Fez

Fez is a ancient, winding, and busy city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Cordoba and Fez: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cordoba or Fez?

Both Fez and Cordoba have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Cordoba is more popular for its nightlife, while Fez is known for its food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty. Cordoba is more touristy than Fez and is popular for its mix of Roman, Islamic, and Spanish architecture, its whitewashed buildings and streets filled with flowers, and its handcrafted leatherwork. Fez is popular for its ancient medina, gorgeous riads, and amazing local dishes.

How is Cordoba different from Fez?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Cordoba on the map. The city is filled with monuments that reflect its past. The Great Mosque (La Mezquita) is one of the most iconic sights. You can also visit Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, Palacio de Viana, and Puente Romano.

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 Cordoba or Fez? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Fez is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Cordoba is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Cordoba. Like much of Spain, international travelers will have to adjust to the shifted meal schedule which means most meals are served are later than they are in other parts of Europe. The ingredients are fresh and popular dishes include Salmorejo (a tomato based soup), Rabo De Toro (stewed oxtail), and Flamenquín (deep-fried pork roll).

Is Cordoba or Fez Better for Nightlife?

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

Cordoba has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. There are cocktail bars, Flamenco shows, tapas tours, and local pubs that make for a great night out. The city offers something for everyone, whatever your style.

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 Cordoba or Fez Better for its Old Town?

Both Cordoba and Fez have world-class historic old towns worth visiting.

The rich history of Cordoba can be explored in its historical center. It's old town is one of the most enchanting in Andalusia. There are whitewashed houses that line flower-filled streets and its compact enough to take a leisurely stroll.

Fez has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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 Cordoba or Fez?

Fez is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Cordoba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Cordoba. You'll find souvenir shops selling local pottery, traditional jewelry, and handcrafted leatherwork, so this is a nice place to pick up something to remember your trip.

Is Cordoba or Fez Better for Families?

Both Cordoba and Fez are good to visit with kids.

Cordoba is a family-friendly place to visit. Horse-drawn carriage rides and then a visit to the Royal Stables of Cordoba is a great option for horse-lovers. The city also has a zoo and an impressive park - Ciudad de Los Niños. If you're willing to head out of town, about 10 kilometers away you'll find Aquasierra Waterpark.

Fez is a family-friendly town. 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 Cordoba or Fez Better for Couples?

Both Cordoba and Fez are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Cordoba is a very popular place to visit for couples. Beautifully lit up at night, this is a truly romantic city. There are horse-drawn carriage rides, nice parks, and an impressive botanical garden. There are also many great restaurants that couples can explore.

Fez makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who like an adventure will enjoy soaking up the medina, visiting the gardens, and taking a trip into the countryside.

Is Cordoba or Fez Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fez is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Cordoba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Cordoba is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's well-established on the backpacker circuit, so you'll find plenty of hostels around town and many opportunities to meet up with other travelers.

Is Cordoba or Fez Better for Students?

Cordoba is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Fez is not popular with students.

Cordoba is a very popular town for students. It's a top study abroad destination for international students. The university is excellent and the city is easy to navigate. It's a cultural city with a great student-friendly atmosphere.

Fez is not popular with students.

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

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

Cordoba has some public transit options. There are 15 bus lines that are operated by Aucorsa.

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 Cordoba or Fez a more walkable city?

Cordoba and Fez both are great when exploring on foot.

Cordoba is a very walkable destination. It's small and compact enough to explore on foot.

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 Cordoba Worth Visiting? and Is Fez Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fez or Cordoba?

How long in Cordoba or Fez?

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

Families should spend more time in Fez than Cordoba. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fez than Cordoba 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 Cordoba or Fez?

With nightlife and food around the flower-filled destination of Cordoba, there's plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. 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.

Because Fez is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Cordoba or Fez?

Many people visit Cordoba for a weekend. With food and shopping around the beautiful town of Cordoba, there's plenty to do. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Because Fez is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Cordoba or Fez?

The destination of Cordoba offers shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. 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 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 Cordoba or Fez?

Cordoba, a popular town, 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.

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 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, 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 Cordoba and Fez, we can see that Cordoba is more expensive. And not only is Fez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cordoba 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 Cordoba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cordoba 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 Cordoba Expensive? and Is Fez Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cordoba or Fez?

Fez has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cordoba. When comparing the sizes of Cordoba 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.