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

Should you visit Fez or Bari?

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 Bari 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 winding, busy, and colorful 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.

Bari

Bari is a local, cultural, and authentic port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Fez and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fez or Bari?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Fez than Bari, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Fez is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bari is known for its nightlife and beaches. Fez is more touristy than Bari and is known for its ancient medina, gorgeous riads, and amazing local dishes. It is also home to the Chouara Tannery. Bari is popular for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic.

The Chouara Tannery

How is Fez different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Fez is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port 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.

Bari offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

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

Both Fez and Bari offer a number of fantastic restaurants to choose from.

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.

Eat your way through Bari, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

Is Fez or Bari Better for Nightlife?

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

Bari has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

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 Bari Better for Beaches?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Bari. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Fez is not a beach destination.

Is Fez or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Fez is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its historic old town.

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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Bari. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

Is the Shopping Better in Fez or Bari?

Fez is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for shopping.

Many people travel to Fez specifically to go shopping. 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.

Bari is a great destination for shopping. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Is Fez or Bari Better for Families?

Bari 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, Bari is very family-friendly. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

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 Fez or Bari Better for Couples?

Fez is a great city for couples. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port 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.

Bari is a nice destination for couples. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is Fez or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fez is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Bari. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

Is Fez or Bari Better for Students?

Bari is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Fez is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Bari. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

Fez is not popular with students.

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

Bari 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.

Bari has some public transit options. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

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 Bari a more walkable city?

Fez and Bari are very good when it comes to walkability.

Fez is a very walkable 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.

Bari is a very walkable destination. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

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

Should I spend more time in Bari or Fez?

How long in Fez or Bari?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Fez and Bari. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Fez than in Bari. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Fez, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bari.

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

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

Fez is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With nightlife and food around the cultural destination of Bari, there's plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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.

A weekend in Fez or Bari?

Fez is a fun place to experience. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many people visit Bari for a weekend. With food and shopping around the local port city of Bari, there's plenty to do. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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 Bari?

Fez is a colorful big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

The destination of Bari 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 food. 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.

A week in Fez or Bari?

The cultural city of Fez offers museums and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Bari, 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Morocco, The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Fez or Bari?

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