Which place is cheaper, Amsterdam or Fez?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Fez or Amsterdam?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Fez and Amsterdam 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.
Fez
Fez is a cultural, ancient, and winding city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a party-oriented, laid-back, and scenic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the live music, shopping, and museums.
Fez and Amsterdam: Pros and Cons
Fez
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Popular for food and cuisine
- 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
Amsterdam
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
- Home to the Rijksmuseum
- Less popular for food
- Less family-friendly
Is there more to do in Fez or Amsterdam?
Travelers will generally find more things to do in Amsterdam than Fez. While Fez is larger than Amsterdam, Amsterdam has more sights and attractions for tourists. Amsterdam is better known for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Fez is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping. Amsterdam is more touristy than Fez and is popular for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. Also, Amsterdam is famous for The Rijksmuseum. Fez is well known for its ancient medina, gorgeous riads, and amazing local dishes.
How is Fez different from Amsterdam?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Amsterdam and Fez. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fez or Amsterdam?
Fez
Amsterdam
Fez is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Amsterdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.
The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Fez are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.
You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Amsterdam. The city has a number of sights and museums including the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Royal Palace. The world renowned Rijksmuseum is a must see for any art enthusiast. There are also many smaller, lesser known museums that are well worth a visit.
Is the Food Better in Fez or Amsterdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Fez
Amsterdam
Fez is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Fez is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.
Amsterdam may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Food is expensive in this city, particularly in the touristy areas. There are some markets that sell great local items and the dessert cafes are awesome!
Is Fez or Amsterdam Better for Nightlife?
Fez
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. However, Fez is lacking in options for its evening party scene.
Amsterdam is a world class party destination. The city has some of the best nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of bars, dance clubs, and other activities that you can enjoy throughout the night.
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 Fez or Amsterdam Better for Music?
Fez
Amsterdam
Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam. The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.
Fez is not a live music destination.
Is Fez or Amsterdam Better for its Old Town?
Fez
Amsterdam
Fez is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Amsterdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.
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.
Amsterdam is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old city center is one of the best preserved in Europe. It's enclosed by canals and has many historic churches, plazas, and buildings.
Is the Shopping Better in Fez or Amsterdam?
Fez
Amsterdam
Fez is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Amsterdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.
The abundance of shops in Fez make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.
Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Amsterdam. For the best shopping in town, head to the Nine Streets area in the historic district and the two main shopping streets of The Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat.
Is Fez or Amsterdam Better for Families?
Fez
Amsterdam
Fez is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.
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.
For families, Amsterdam is not always the best place to visit. The city does it's share of partying, and there are some areas, like the red light district, that aren't exactly kid-friendly, but there are some nice parks, playgrounds, and the impressive NEMO Science Museum that you can explore.
Is Fez or Amsterdam Better for Couples?
Fez
Amsterdam
Both Fez and Amsterdam are high quality destinations for a couple's getaway.
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.
Couples visit Amsterdam frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For many, a visit to this city is all about the party, but for couples who enjoy history, architecture, or boat rides along the scenic canals, the city also makes a great getaway. It's also fun to stay in a houseboat and have a unique experience.
Is Fez or Amsterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Fez
Amsterdam
Fez and Amsterdam are both first-rate destinations for backpackers.
With so many budget-friendly offerings, Fez is extremely popular 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.
Amsterdam is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. With it's party-hard personality and countless low price hostels, this city attracts its share of backpackers. Do note that many of the hostels aren't focused on quality, so make sure you understand what you're paying for. It may be worth booking a slightly more expensive room in a hotel.
Is Fez or Amsterdam Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Fez
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Fez is lacking in options for its public transit.
Amsterdam has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The city has metros, trams, buses, and ferries that help you get around. Since this is the Netherlands, getting around by bike is very popular.
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 Fez or Amsterdam a more walkable city?
Fez
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Fez is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.
It's very easy to get around on foot in Amsterdam. The historic parts of the city are very walkable and much of the city is best explored on foot.
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.
For even more information, also check out Is Fez Worth Visiting? and Is Amsterdam Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Amsterdam or Fez?
How long in Fez or Amsterdam?
Both Fez and Amsterdam have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amsterdam than in Fez. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Fez, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amsterdam.
Families should spend more time in Fez than Amsterdam. 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.
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How many days in Fez or Amsterdam? Ideal Length of StayFez 3-5Amsterdam 2-7
One day in Fez or Amsterdam?
People visit Fez because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
With nightlife and live music around the laid-back big city of Amsterdam, there's plenty to do. 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.
A weekend in Fez or Amsterdam?
People visit Fez because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Many people visit Amsterdam for a weekend. With live music and shopping around the scenic city of Amsterdam, 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.
Five days in Fez or Amsterdam?
People visit Fez because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.
With shopping and museums around the big city destination of Amsterdam, there's plenty to do. 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.
A week in Fez or Amsterdam?
Fez is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
Amsterdam, 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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Morocco, The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFez $53Amsterdam $189
The average daily cost (per person) in Fez is $53, while the average daily cost in Amsterdam is $189. 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 Fez and Amsterdam in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFez $28Amsterdam $110
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFez $56Amsterdam $220
Compare Hotels in Fez and Amsterdam
Looking for a hotel in Fez or Amsterdam? 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: Fez Hotel Prices and Amsterdam Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Fez $4.95Amsterdam $21
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Fez
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Fez:
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Taxi Ride$1.99
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fez
Also for Fez, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Arrival Transfer Fez Sais Airport : $12
- Private Transfer From Chefchaouen To Fez: $109
- 2-Day Transfer to Chefchaouen from Fez: $55
- Airport Transfers FES Airport - Hotel - Airport: $38
- Fes to Chefchaouen Private Transfer: $125
- Fes to Chefchaouen Private Transfer: $102
- Fes transfers to Chefchaouen: $92
- Fes-Saiss Airport to Fes Hotels - One Way Private Transfer : $27
- Fez : One Way Private Transfer To Meknes: $88
- Fez Airport Private Departure Transfer: $27
- Fez Airport to Hotel Transfer: $23
- Fez to Casablanca : Private transfer with Casablanca City Tour: $201
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:
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Ride on Tram$3.47
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Renting a Bike$16
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One Hour Canal Cruise$11
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Single Day Transit Pass$2.82
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Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport$3.68
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:
- VIP Transfer from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam City or Back to the Airport : $93
- VIP Amsterdam Airport Departure Transfer: $67
- Schiphol: Private Transfer to Amsterdam - Travel Like a VIP: $133
- Schiphol Airport Private Transfer to Brussels: $291
- Rotterdam: Private transfer to/from Schiphol Airport: $309
- Rotterdam Cruise private Transfers: Hotel to Ship & Return: $144
- Private transfer from Schiphol airport to The Hague: $102
- Private departure transfer from Amsterdam to Schiphol Airport (AMS): $57
- Private Utrecht Transfer from Amsterdam: $153
- Private Transfer: Amsterdam to Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport (AMS): $75
- Private Transfer: Amsterdam City Center to Airport Schiphol (AMS): $37
- Private Transfer in Amsterdam : $125
Is it cheaper to fly into Fez or Amsterdam?
Prices for flights to both Amsterdam and Fez 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
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Food Meals for one dayFez $18Amsterdam $47
Typical Food Prices in Fez
For Fez, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Yogurt$0.60
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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 : $27
- Moroccan Cooking Class at a Riad in Fez: $29
- Baking Workshops at Fez Cooking School at Palais Amani: $41
- Cooking Class with Bread Workshop and Pastry in Fes: $43
- cooking classe in fes with ouliya: $43
- Cooking Class - Moroccan cuisine: $49
- Fes Family Cooking Class: $50
- Tour to Fez Morocco with Lunch or Dinner: $52
- Private 5 h Fez Cooking Class with a local family: $54
- The Best Cooking Class in Fez: $54
- Full Day Fes Cooking Class Experience: $59
- Traditional Moroccan Cooking Class: $60
Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:
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Afternoon Tea$6.50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amsterdam.
- Food Tour Amsterdam (Tip Based): $5.45
- Amsterdam Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood : $8.18
- Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood: $13
- Self-Guided Food Tour in De Jordaan Neighbourhood: $13
- Self-Guided Food Tour of Amsterdam's De Jordaan District: $14
- Exclusive Burger Dinner Cruise through Amsterdam: $31
- Pizza Cruise with Drinks: $40
- Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket with A GOLD MENU Hard Rock Dinner: $43
- Burger Dinner Cruise through the Amsterdam Canals: $43
- Food Tour Jordaan District: $51
- Food Tour Amsterdam's Jordaan District Self-Guided: $52
- Evening Canal Cruise with Pizza and Drinks: $53
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Fez $6.21Amsterdam $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Fez
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Fez's activities, tours, and tickets:
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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:
- 6 Hours Shared Guided Tour of Fes medina and Ramparts : $13
- Half Day Private Guided Fes Tour with Local Guide: $17
- Fez Rampart Tour Including Chouara Tannery: $18
- A FEScinating group tour : $20
- Fes walking Tour with a group : $21
- A group walking tour in Fes, Morocco : $21
- Fes Half Day Rampart Tour: $21
- Ancient Medina, Fes Morocco - Walking Tour - Private - Half Day: $21
- Private Fes Shopping tour : $21
- Half Day Fes Guided Tour : $21
- Half Day Tour in Fez Medina (private tour guide): $21
- Fes Culinary Adventure: $22
Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam
Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum$6.50
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Entry for two to the Anne Frank House$18
Tours and Activities in Amsterdam
Here are a few actual costs in Amsterdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Amstagram Tour & Moco Experience: $53
- Anne Frank Story & Neighborhood Walk Tour in Amsterdam: $46
- 1 Hour Private Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour : $109
- 1, 2 or 3-7 Days Nightclubs & Best Nightlife in Amsterdam Ticket: $14
- 1-Hour Canal Cruise in the Evening : $22
- 2 Hour Exclusive Canal Boat Cruise w/ Dutch snacks & Onboard Bar: $42
- 2 Hour Exclusive Canal Cruise: Including drinks & Dutch snacks: $63
- 2 Hours Canal Cruise to Amsterdam’s Hidden Gems: $84
- 2 Hours Private Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour: $213
- 2 hours Amsterdam City Tour in Pedicab: $218
- 2.5-Hour Amsterdam Sightseeing Tour by Bike: $192
- 3 Hour Self-guided Cocktail Walking Tour in Amsterdam by WOGO: $44
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFez -Amsterdam $26
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: $250
Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam
Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Amsterdam Private Self Guided Pub Crawl: $22
- Bar Crawl with Shots and Beer Maid Guide: $25
- Red Light District Pub Crawl: $27
- Central Pub Crawl and Nightlife Experience: $27
- Distillery Tour & Tasting at Spirited Union: $27
- Original Pub Crawl Party with VIP Entrance: $29
- Chateau Urban Wine Tasting and optional bites: $32
- Leidseplein and Red Light Pub Crawl: 2 Night Pass: $37
- Kings Night Ultimate Party Pub Crawl: $37
- Self-guided Red Light District Pub Crawl Mystery: $37
- Red Light District and Local Pub Tour: $39
- Dutch Cheese and Wine Tasting - Evening Cruise: $43
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fez and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Fez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Fez is in Africa and Amsterdam is in Europe, 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 Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam 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 Fez Expensive? and Is Amsterdam Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Fez or Amsterdam?
Fez has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Amsterdam. When comparing the sizes of Fez and Amsterdam, 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.