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

Should you visit Fez or Florence?

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 Florence 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. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Florence

Florence is a historical, artistic, and iconic city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Fez and Florence: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore)


Is there more to do in Fez or Florence?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Florence than Fez. While Fez is larger than Florence, Florence has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Florence is better known for its nightlife, while Fez is more popular for its shopping and big city activities. Florence is more touristy than Fez and is known for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. Also, Florence is famous for The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Fez is well known for its ancient medina, gorgeous riads, and amazing local dishes.

How is Fez different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Fez
Florence

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Fez and Florence.

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.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Florence on the map. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.


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

Fez
Florence

Both Fez and Florence offer a number of first-rate 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 Florence, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

Is Fez or Florence Better for Nightlife?

Fez
Florence

Florence is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Fez is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Florence. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into 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 Florence Better for its Old Town?

Fez
Florence

Both Fez and Florence have first-rate historic old towns worth visiting.

The rich history of Fez can be explored in its historical center. The walled medina offers a maze of streets that are lined with shops selling perfume, spices, street food, and trinkets.

Florence has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.


Is the Shopping Better in Fez or Florence?

Fez
Florence

Fez is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Florence 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 Florence. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

Is Fez or Florence Better for Families?

Fez
Florence

Both Fez and Florence 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 Florence. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

Is Fez or Florence Better for Couples?

Fez
Florence

Florence is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Fez is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Florence is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

Couples visit Fez frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who like an adventure will enjoy soaking up the medina, visiting the gardens, and taking a trip into the countryside.


Is Fez or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fez
Florence

Fez and Florence 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.

Florence is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.

Is Fez or Florence Better for Students?

Fez
Florence

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

Florence is a very popular city for students. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

Fez is not popular with students.

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

Fez
Florence

Florence 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.

Florence has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system.

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 Florence a more walkable city?

Fez
Florence

Florence 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 Florence. Most people explore the city 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 Florence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Florence or Fez?

How long in Fez or Florence?

Both Fez and Florence have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Florence than in Fez. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Fez, and 2-7 days is enough time in Florence.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Florence 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 Florence.


  • How many days in Fez or Florence? Ideal Length of Stay
    Fez 3-5 
    Florence 2-7

One day in Fez or Florence?

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 nightlife and food around the alluring destination of Florence, 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 Florence?

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 Florence for a weekend. With food and shopping around the historical city of Florence, 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 Florence?

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 shopping and museums around the destination of Florence, 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 Florence?

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.

Florence, 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Florence or Fez?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Fez is $53, while the average daily cost in Florence is $165. 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 Florence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fez $28
    Florence $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fez $56
    Florence $186
Compare Hotels in Fez and Florence

Looking for a hotel in Fez or Florence? 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.

Hotels in Fez


Hotels in Florence


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 Florence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fez $4.95
    Florence $23
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Fez

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Fez:


  • 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 Florence

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Florence:


  • Taxi Ride Within City
    $8.57
  • Taxi from Airport
    $27
  • In City Parking (Full Day)
    $32
  • Bus Pass (Full Day)
    $5.36
  • Bus From Airport
    $5.36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florence

Also for Florence, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from Florence to Arezzo with a stop at The Mall Outlet: $153
  • Transfer Florence - Bologna with stop at the Barberino Outlet: $142
  • Transfer Between Florence and Rome with Sightseeing Stop: $1,176
  • Private transfer: $256
  • Private arrival OR departure transfer in Florence (hotel OR airport pick-up): $85
  • Private arrival OR departure transfer in Florence: $114
  • Private Transfer: Florence to Florence Firenze-Peretola Airport (FLR): $153
  • Private Transfer: Florence City Center to Peretola Airport (FLR): $63
  • Private Transfer from Ulignano to Pisa (PSA) Airport: $251
  • Private Transfer from Scandicci to Firenze (FLR) Airport: $110
  • Private Transfer from San Casciano in Val di Pesa to Firenze (FLR) Airport: $292
  • Private Transfer from SMN Train Station to Florence: $51

Is it cheaper to fly into Fez or Florence?

Prices for flights to both Florence 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Fez $18
    Florence $38
Typical Food Prices in Fez

For Fez, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Yogurt
    $0.60
  • 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 Florence

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Florence:


  • Panini Sandwich
    $6.96
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Florence

For Florence, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Florence Street Food Tour: Market & City Center: $23
  • Hard Rock Cafe Florence with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
  • Virtual Live Cooking Class What Do You Have in Your Pantry: $35
  • Virtual Cooking Class: Bruschetta & Tiramisù: $35
  • Italian Fresh Pasta Private Virtual Cooking Class: $40
  • Street Food Tour with Local Expert Guide: $41
  • Street Food Tour and Sightseeing with Local Expert Guide in 2.5 hours : $41
  • Florence Food Tour: Home-Made Pasta, Truffle, Cantucci, Olive Oil, Gelato: $41
  • Food Tour in Santo Spirito: $47
  • Walking Food Tour at Sunset with Tastings: $47
  • Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine: $61
  • Pasta Cooking Experience in Florence: $62

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fez $6.21
    Florence $32
Typical Entertainment Prices in Fez

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Fez's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • 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 Florence

For Florence, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Admission to Uffizi
    $12
  • Phone Booking Fee for Uffizi
    $4.29
  • Firenze Card (for Two)
    $107
  • Audioguides at Uffizi (for Two)
    $21
  • Giotto's Tower Entrance Fee
    $6.43
  • Boboli Gardens Entrance Fee
    $7.50

Tours and Activities in Florence

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Florence.

  • Best of Florence walking tour & Accademia Gallery- monolingual small group tour: $92
  • Florence FoodTour with Local Guide: $191
  • Florence-Private bike tour: $98
  • From Sunset Panoramic e-Bike or Classic Bike tour : $38
  • Semi-Private Uffizi Gallery Guided Tour: $71
  • Tour Private of Florence in electric car : $41
  • VIP Uffizi Gallery Tour: $75
  • "Good Morning Chianti Classico" - Tour in 2 wineries with lunch: $196
  • 1-Hour Experience with Brunello. Visit to the Vineyard and Cellar: $35
  • 1-Hour Golf Cart Private Tour through the Center of Florence: $49
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Tour: Uffizi Galleries for Families: $38
  • 2-Hour Guided Tour to Uffizi Gallery and its Symbols: $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fez -
    Florence $20

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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Florence

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florence from other travelers:


  • Glass of Chianti
    $4.50
  • Bottle of Wine
    $8.04

Sample the Local Flavors in Florence

Also in Florence, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine Tasting by CarusVini in San Casciano in val di Pesa: $16
  • Great wine tasting at Tenuta Moriano: $25
  • Biodynamic Wine Tasting with Producer in Vinci: $28
  • 3 Types Tuscany Wine Tasting with Local Appetizers: $29
  • From Florence to Chianti Rufina: Wine Tasting Experience: $32
  • Classic Wine Tasting in Montalcino: $33
  • Discover Artimino wine tasting, a few steps from Florence: $33
  • Three Types of Tuscany Wine Tasting with Local Appetizers: $37
  • Wine Tasting and Paring Class Guided Tour in Florence: $42
  • Chianti Wine Tour: Tuscan Reds : $43
  • Wine Tasting and Pairing Class Guided Tour in Florence: $43
  • Wine Tasting and Pairing Class Guided Tour in Florence: $43


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


Which is Bigger, Fez or Florence?

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