A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Fez vs. Houston for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Fez or Houston?

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 Houston 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. 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.

Houston

Houston is a southern, one-of-a-kind, and diverse city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and food.

Fez and Houston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fez or Houston?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Fez than Houston. While Houston is larger than Fez, Fez has more sights and attractions for tourists. Fez is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Houston is more popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities. Fez is more touristy than Houston and is popular for its ancient medina, gorgeous riads, and amazing local dishes. Also, Fez is famous for the Chouara Tannery. Houston is well known for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA.

The Chouara Tannery

How is Fez different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Fez is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Houston 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.

Houston offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's Museum.

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

Fez is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Fez, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Houston is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.

Is Fez or Houston Better for Nightlife?

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

Houston has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.

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 Houston Better for Music?

Houston is a city with good options for its live music scene. However, Fez is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Houston. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Fez is not a live music destination.

Is Fez or Houston Better for its Old Town?

Fez is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Houston does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Fez is revered around the world. The walled medina offers a maze of streets that are lined with shops selling perfume, spices, street food, and trinkets.

Houston does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Fez or Houston?

Fez is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Houston 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.

Houston has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.

Is Fez or Houston Better for Families?

Houston 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, Houston is very family-friendly. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.

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 Houston Better for Couples?

Fez is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Houston is a good city for couples to visit. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

Is Fez or Houston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fez is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Fez. 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.

Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Fez or Houston Better for Students?

Houston is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Fez is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Houston. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.

Fez is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Fez and Houston.

Public transit is mostly 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.

Is Fez or Houston a more walkable city?

Fez is well known for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

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.

Houston is generally not a very walkable city. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Houston or Fez?

How long in Fez or Houston?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Fez and Houston. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Fez than in Houston. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Fez, and 2-3 days is enough time in Houston.

Couples should spend more time in Fez than Houston. 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 Houston 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 Houston?

Because Fez is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With museums and nightlife around the diverse big city of Houston, there's plenty to do. 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 Houston?

Because Fez is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Many people visit Houston for a weekend. With nightlife and live music around the sprawling city of Houston, there's plenty to do. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Fez or Houston?

Fez is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Fez has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The big city destination of Houston offers live music and food. It offers something for everyone. 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 Houston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fez. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Fez. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Houston, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

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

Which is Bigger, Fez or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Fez. When comparing the sizes of Fez and Houston, 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.