Which place is cheaper, Budapest or Fez?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Fez or Budapest?
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 Budapest 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 colorful, cultural, and ancient city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.
Budapest
Budapest is a historic, authentic, and bustling 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Fez and Budapest: 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
Budapest
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
- Less popular for food
Is there more to do in Fez or Budapest?
You'll generally find more things to do in Budapest than Fez. Budapest is bigger than Fez, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Budapest is better known for its nightlife and big city activities, while Fez is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Budapest is more touristy than Fez and is known for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. Also, Budapest is famous for The Hungarian Parliament Building. Fez is well known for its ancient medina, gorgeous riads, and amazing local dishes.
How is Fez different from Budapest?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Budapest 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 Budapest?
Fez
Budapest
Fez is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.
The museums and tourist attractions in Fez are world-renowned. 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 Budapest can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.
Is the Food Better in Fez or Budapest? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Fez
Budapest
Fez is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination 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.
Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.
Is Fez or Budapest Better for Nightlife?
Fez
Budapest
Budapest is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Fez is lacking in options for its evening party scene.
Budapest has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.
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 Budapest Better for its Old Town?
Fez
Budapest
Fez is terrific for its old town. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.
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 go to Budapest to see the historical old town. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.
Is the Shopping Better in Fez or Budapest?
Fez
Budapest
Fez is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.
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.
Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Budapest. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.
Is Fez or Budapest Better for Families?
Fez
Budapest
Both Fez and Budapest are notable 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 Budapest. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.
Is Fez or Budapest Better for Couples?
Fez
Budapest
Both Fez and Budapest are superb 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 Budapest frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.
Is Fez or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Fez
Budapest
Fez and Budapest are both amazing 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.
Budapest is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.
Is Fez or Budapest Better for Students?
Fez
Budapest
Budapest is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Fez is not popular with students.
Budapest is a very popular city for students. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.
Fez is not popular with students.
Is Fez or Budapest Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Fez
Budapest
Budapest is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Fez is lacking in options for its public transit.
Budapest has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.
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 Budapest a more walkable city?
Fez
Budapest
Budapest 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 Budapest. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.
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 Budapest Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Budapest or Fez?
How long in Fez or Budapest?
In either Fez or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. You can fill a similar amount of time in either place. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Fez, and 2-5 days is enough time in Budapest.
Families should spend more time in Fez than Budapest. 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 Budapest. 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.
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How many days in Fez or Budapest? Ideal Length of StayFez 3-5Budapest 2-5
One day in Fez or Budapest?
Fez is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
With shopping and museums around the historic big city of Budapest, 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 Budapest?
Fez is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
Many people visit Budapest for a weekend. With museums and nightlife around the cultural city of Budapest, 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 Budapest?
Fez is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Fez, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
With nightlife and shopping around the big city destination of Budapest, 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 Budapest?
Fez is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.
Budapest, a popular 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 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFez $53Budapest $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Fez is $53, while the average daily cost in Budapest is $89. 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 Budapest in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFez $28Budapest $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFez $56Budapest $98
Compare Hotels in Fez and Budapest
Looking for a hotel in Fez or Budapest? 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 Budapest Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Fez $4.95Budapest $10
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 Transfer from Fes to Casablanca: $294
- Private Transfer from Meknes to Casablanca (CMN) Airport: $291
- Private Transfer Casablanca - Fes / Fes - Casablanca: $291
- One-Way Transfer from Fez to Marrakech: $274
- Fes to Chefchaouen: Private Transfer (English Speaking Driver): $244
- Transfer Fes to Agadir: $241
- transfers from Fez to Marrakech (Airport or city/Door to Door): $230
- One-Way Transfer from Fez to Tanger via chefchaouen : $219
- private one-way transfer from Fes to Marrrakech: $218
- One Way Private transfer from Fes to Chefchaouen: $213
- Private one-way transfer Fes to Marrakech : $209
- Transfer from Fez to Casablanca (private): $202
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budapest
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Budapest:
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Short Taxi Ride$6.91
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Metro Pass$3.79
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budapest
Also for Budapest, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Vienna to Budapest: $706
- T72 Tank Driving with Hummer Transfer: $1,581
- Speed boat cruise on Budapest Danube river and private airport transfer package: $91
- Private transfer from Budapest to Zagreb: $930
- Private transfer from Budapest to Vienna: $588
- Private transfer from Budapest to Prague: $1,059
- Private transfer between Budapest and Vienna: $471
- Private Transfer: Budapest to Budapest International Airport (BUD): $44
- Private Transfer in Budapest: $76
- Private Transfer from Budapest to Vienna with 2h of Sightseeing, Local Driver: $235
- Private Transfer from Budapest to Vienna with 2h of Sightseeing: $217
- Private Transfer from Budapest to Liszt Ferenc Airport: $74
Is it cheaper to fly into Fez or Budapest?
Prices for flights to both Budapest 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 $18Budapest $23
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 Romantic Dinner in Fez: $33
- Baking Workshops at Fez Cooking School at Palais Amani: $41
- Private Home hosted Experience in Morocco with Dinner Included: $43
- cooking classe in fes with ouliya: $44
- Cooking Class with Bread Workshop and Pastry in Fes: $44
- Cooking Class - Moroccan cuisine: $49
- Fes Family Cooking Class: $50
- Tour to Fez Morocco with Lunch or Dinner: $52
- The Best Cooking Class in Fez: $55
- Private 5 h Fez Cooking Class with a local family: $55
- fez cooking tour: $57
Typical Food Prices in Budapest
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Budapest:
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Lunch$3.37
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Budapest
For Budapest, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Downtown Budapest Cruise with Pizza and Beer: $45
- Pizza & Beer Downtown Budapest Cruise: $46
- Vegan Hungarian Food Tour (full meals): $51
- Medieval Dinner Show with Drinks: $52
- Vegan Hungarian Food Tour / Local delights: $57
- Private Street Food Tour: $59
- Danube Cruise with Hungarian Dinner and Live Music: $74
- Budapest Danube Cruise with Buffet Dinner, Performances and Music: $75
- Evening Cruise and Dinner with Champagne: $86
- Lángos (Hungary’s nr1 streetfood) cooking class: $87
- Candlelit Dinner River Cruise with Live Music: $91
- Budapest Danube River Candlelit Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $93
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Fez $6.21Budapest $22
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:
- 2Days Share Tour From Fes To Marrakech Via Sahara Desert Morocco: $133
- Tour in The Most Beautiful Spots: $212
- walking Tour in the oldest part of Fez (3-4 hours): $33
- 2 Days / 1 Nights, Fes To Fes Desert Tour: $277
- 2 Days Desert Tour From Fez To Merzouga Dunes & Camel Trek and back to Fez: $291
- 2 Days Luxury Tour to Merzouga Desert from Fez with Small Group: $251
- 2 Days Tour From Fes To Marrakech Via Merzouga Desert: $153
- 2 days Fes to Fes desert tour via Merzouga Sahara: $240
- 2-Day Merzouga Desert Tour from Fez: $185
- 2-Day small group desert tour from fes: $185
- 2D/1N Private Desert tour from Fez to Fez(Including luxury tent): $272
- 3 Days 2 Nights Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech via erg Chebbi: $207
Typical Entertainment Prices in Budapest
For Budapest, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Entrance to the Baths for Two$6.77
Tours and Activities in Budapest
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Budapest.
- Danube Bend Private All Day Tour with Lunch, with entrance fees and cruise: $164
- Private Budapest city tour with a daytime Danube river cruise: $240
- 101 things you have to see in Budapest - Full Day Tour with Lunch & Dessert: $186
- 10PM Budapest Danube Cruise with Live Music & Food or Drinks : $20
- 2 Hour Budapest Market and Tasting Tour: $57
- 2 Hours Buda Castle Walking Tour - Walk with a Historian: $38
- 2 Hours Budapest Walking Tour with A Private Guide: $130
- 2 Hours Jewish Heritage Walking Tour - Walk with a Historian: $49
- 2-Hour Private Budapest Castle Walking Tour: $127
- 22 Dog-statues in Budapest - an unusual tour: $25
- 3 Hours Budapest Segway Grand City Tour Buda, Margaret and Pest: $93
- 3-Hour Jewish Quarter Walking Tour in Budapest with Historian: $55
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFez -Budapest $18
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: $251
Sample the Local Flavors in Budapest
Also in Budapest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- 5-Hour Pub Crawl through Ruin Bars: $21
- The Original Budapest Pub Crawl - One Hour Open Bar + Free Shots: $22
- Ultimate Budapest Pub Crawl: $23
- Ultimate Budapest Pub Crawl: $23
- Bingo Bar Crawl: $25
- Ruin Bar Pub Crawl with Entry Tickets: $29
- Detective Pub Crawl Game by App: $38
- 8-Tier Hungarian Wine Tasting in a Cozy Downtown Wine Bar: $38
- Drunken History Bar Crawl Tour with Local Drinks: $42
- Tipsy Tour Fun Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $42
- Private Wine Tasting in Budapest: $50
- Hungarian Wine Tasting (with Cheese and Charcuterie) in Budapest: $50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fez and Budapest, we can see that Budapest 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 Budapest 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 Budapest would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Budapest 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 Budapest Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Fez or Budapest?
Budapest has a larger population, and is about 76% larger than the population of Fez. When comparing the sizes of Fez and Budapest, 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.