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

Should you visit Dubai or Fez?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dubai and Fez can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dubai

Dubai is a glamorous, opulent, and modern city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Fez

Fez is a colorful, cultural, and ancient 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.

Dubai and Fez: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Fez?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dubai than Fez, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dubai is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Fez is known for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Dubai is more touristy than Fez and is known for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. It is also home to Burj Khalifa. Fez is popular for its ancient medina, gorgeous riads, and amazing local dishes.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from Fez?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dubai or Fez Better for Skiing?

Dubai is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Fez is not a skiing destination.

Dubai is a fun local destination for snow skiers. Despite being a desert city, Dubai became famous for its massive indoor ski complex that covers 22,500 square meters. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates.

Fez is not a skiing destination.

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

Fez is a world-class destination for its historical sights. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Fez has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Dubai can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.

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

Fez is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Fez has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Dubai makes for a great culinary experience. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

Is Dubai or Fez Better for Nightlife?

Dubai is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. However, Fez is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

Dubai is a world class party destination. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

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 Dubai or Fez Better for Music?

Dubai is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Fez is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Dubai. The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Fez is not a live music destination.

Is Dubai or Fez Better for Resorts?

Dubai is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Fez is not a resort destination.

Dubai is a world class resort vacation destination. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Fez is not a resort destination.

Is Dubai or Fez Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai is a city with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Fez is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Dubai. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Fez is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or Fez Better for Beaches?

Dubai is a city with good options for the beache. However, Fez is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Dubai. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.

Fez is not a beach destination.

Is Dubai or Fez Better for its Old Town?

Fez is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Dubai does not have a historic old town.

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

Dubai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Fez?

If you're looking to go shopping, Dubai and Fez both offer plenty of amazing spots.

Many people travel to Dubai specifically to go shopping. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

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.

Is Dubai or Fez Better for Families?

Dubai 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, Dubai is very family-friendly. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.

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 Dubai or Fez Better for Couples?

Fez is a great city for couples. Also, Dubai 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.

Dubai is a nice destination for couples. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

Is Dubai or Fez Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fez is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Fez, as it is a very popular city for 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.

Dubai is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It is known to be an expensive and not so backpacker friendly city, but there are some hostels around that you can stay at.

Is Dubai or Fez Better for Students?

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

Dubai is a very popular city for students. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

Fez is not popular with students.

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

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

Dubai has some public transit options. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

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 Dubai or Fez a more walkable city?

Fez is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Dubai is not known 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.

Dubai is generally not very walkable. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.

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

Should I spend more time in Fez or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Fez?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Fez than Dubai. 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 Dubai 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 Dubai or Fez?

When visiting Dubai, people usually allow for lots of time. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this winding big city offers. 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 Dubai or Fez?

Many people visit Dubai for a weekend. When visiting Dubai, people usually allow for lots of time. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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 Dubai or Fez?

When visiting Dubai, people usually allow for lots of time. Many people spend five days here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

Fez is a fun place to experience. In Fez, many people enjoy the museums and food that this big city destination offers. 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 Dubai or Fez?

Dubai, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for one week. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find food and shopping around the busy 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 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, 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 Dubai and Fez, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Fez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai 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 Dubai Expensive? and Is Fez Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Fez?

Dubai has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Fez. When comparing the sizes of Dubai 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.