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

Should you visit Fez or Barcelona?

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 Barcelona 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 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.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a cultural, friendly, and high energy 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 live music, food, and beaches.

Fez and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fez or Barcelona?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Barcelona than Fez. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Barcelona is very popular for its nightlife, music, beaches, and big city activities, while Fez attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Barcelona is more touristy than Fez and is popular for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. It is also well known for Basilica Sagrada Familia. Fez is famous for its ancient medina, gorgeous riads, and amazing local dishes.

How is Fez different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Barcelona 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 Barcelona?

Fez is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Barcelona. Architecture and history all contribute to the city's impressive sights and museums. Famous landmarks include the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Casa Milà, and the Palace of Catalan Music. In addition to Casa Milà, there are several other landmarks that are designed by Gaudi. You can expect a crowd outside any of his creations.

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

Fez is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good 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.

Barcelona has a huge number of terrific restaurants. With easy access to fresh produce, there are many food markets around town. You'll also find great fresh local dishes at the many restaurants. While some restaurants are more touristy, particularly along Las Ramblas, there are also many local options that offer higher quality dishes. Make sure you try the paella, croquettes, and jamon iberico. Many visitors enjoy taking a cooking class while they're in town as well.

Is Fez or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

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

Barcelona is a world class party destination. The city offers an amazing nightlife at a much more affordable price than many places in Europe. There are beach parties, boat parties, and bars that stay packed late into the night. The city also hosts many street fiestas and music festivals.

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 Barcelona Better for Music?

Barcelona 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 Barcelona. Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

Fez is not a live music destination.

Is Fez or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

Barcelona 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 Barcelona. The city features long sandy beaches where you can soak up the Mediterranean sun right in the heart of town. Many of the beaches can get crowded during the warmer months, but if you're looking for a party, then this is the place. These are urban beaches, so don't expect the pristine coastal setting that you might find in a more remote areas. Popular beaches include Bogatell Beach, Barceloneta Beach, and Nova Icària.

Fez is not a beach destination.

Is Fez or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

Fez is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good 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 Barcelona. Dating back 2,000 years the Gothic Quarter remains a hub of life and activity. It's fun to explore the wandering streets or people watch in one of the plazas. There are also many fascinating boutique shops and restaurants. Many people consider the Gothic Quarter to be one of the best parts of Barcelona.

Is the Shopping Better in Fez or Barcelona?

Shoppers can find a variety of world-class stores in both Fez and Barcelona.

Known for shopping, Fez draws large crowds to its 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.

Barcelona is a world class destination for shoppers. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.

Is Fez or Barcelona Better for Families?

Both Fez and Barcelona are nice to visit with kids.

Fez is a family-friendly 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Barcelona. The city has a bit of a party vibe, but there are also kid-friendly activities everyone. With a number of museums, an aquarium, and lots of parks, the whole family can stay entertained. There's also a playground with a great view right by Sagrada Familia. Also make sure you check out the Magic Fountain Show near Plaça d'Espanya, wander through the aquarium, or sample some chocolate at the Chocolate Museum.

Is Fez or Barcelona Better for Couples?

Fez is a well-known place for romance. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good 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.

Barcelona makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's an active city with a party atmosphere, so young couples will enjoy their time here. Couples can take a sunset cruise or enjoy a Flamenco show. There are also many great viewpoints around town.

Is Fez or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fez and Barcelona are both world-class 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.

Barcelona is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. There are many hostels around town, each with its own personality. Many of the hostels also organize activities or dinners for guests so it's easy to meet other travelers. Backpackers will also appreciate the young vibe and late night party venues that keep the city fun and entertaining.

Is Fez or Barcelona Better for Students?

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

Barcelona is a very popular city for students. This is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find international students from around the world. It's a beautiful city with plenty to see and do. It's also a lively city, but do expect the price tag to be higher than other Spanish cities.

Fez is not popular with students.

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

Barcelona 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 Barcelona can get you to some places easily. There's a metro, bus, and tram system that navigates the city. It's a huge city, and while many places are accessible by public transit, sometimes the trip can be hot and frustrating.

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 Barcelona a more walkable city?

Fez is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Barcelona is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

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.

Barcelona is generally not a very walkable city. The city is more spread out than many other major European cities and you'll find wide roads with lots of car traffic. There are some neighborhoods and plazas that are fun to explore on foot and the city has designed "superilles," which are areas where car traffic has been directed around pedestrian-friendly plazas so visitors can explore, relax, or play.

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

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Fez?

How long in Fez or Barcelona?

Both Fez and Barcelona have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Barcelona than in Fez. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Fez, and 3-7 days is enough time in Barcelona.

Families should spend more time in Fez than Barcelona. 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 Barcelona. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Fez that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Barcelona than Fez 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 Barcelona.

One day in Fez or Barcelona?

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 museums and nightlife around the colorful big city of Barcelona, 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 Barcelona?

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 Barcelona for a weekend. With nightlife and live music around the historic city of Barcelona, there's plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Fez or Barcelona?

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 live music and food around the big city destination of Barcelona, 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 Barcelona?

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.

Barcelona, 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 Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fez and Barcelona, we can see that Barcelona 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 Barcelona 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 Barcelona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Barcelona 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 Barcelona Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Fez or Barcelona?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of Fez. When comparing the sizes of Fez and Barcelona, 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.