Which place is cheaper, Madrid or Fez?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Fez or Madrid?
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 Madrid 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. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.
Madrid
Madrid is a cultural, diverse, and compact 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 Madrid: Pros and Cons
Fez
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Scenic old town
- 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
Madrid
Pros- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
- Less museums and historical sights
Is there more to do in Fez or Madrid?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Madrid than Fez. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Madrid is very popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Fez attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Madrid is more touristy than Fez and is known for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. It is also well known for The Prado Museum. Fez is famous for its ancient medina, gorgeous riads, and amazing local dishes.
How is Fez different from Madrid?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Madrid 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 Madrid?
Fez
Madrid
Fez is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.
Travelers visit Fez from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.
Madrid offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of cultural sights in the city including Museo Nacional del Prado, the Royal Palace and Gardens, and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía.
Is the Food Better in Fez or Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Fez
Madrid
Both Fez and Madrid offer a number of world-class 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 Madrid, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city has a mix of flavors that come from all of Spain. There are amazing markets where you can grab a meal or snack. There are also many high quality restaurants around town where you're guaranteed a good meal. Local favorites include roast suckling pig, Spanish omelette, and meat and chickpea stew.
Is Fez or Madrid Better for Nightlife?
Fez
Madrid
Madrid is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Fez is lacking in options for its evening party scene.
Madrid has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Many tourists and international students hang out in the Huertas area, while Malasaña has a bohemian, hipster vibe with small clubs that play indie music. Chueca is a fun area that's known for being gay-friendly with many good bars. Finally, you'll find that the area around Avenida de Brasil is where famous DJs often perform.
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 Madrid Better for Music?
Fez
Madrid
Madrid 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 Madrid. Rock, jazz, and flamenco are all popular in the city. Some of the most well known music venues include Sala Caracol, Sala Clamores, and Costello Club.
Fez is not a live music destination.
Is Fez or Madrid Better for its Old Town?
Fez
Madrid
Fez is renowned for its historic old town. However, Madrid does not have a historic 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.
Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Fez or Madrid?
Fez
Madrid
Shoppers can find a variety of world-class stores in both Fez and Madrid.
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.
Madrid is a world class destination for shoppers. Gran Vía is a main thoroughfare in Madrid that is also popular for shopping. Calle Fuencarral is where you'll find the fashion shops and Calle Preciados is a fun pedestrian area to explore.
Is Fez or Madrid Better for Families?
Fez
Madrid
Madrid 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, Madrid is very family-friendly. Kids love splashing around at Madrid Río, taking a ride on the cable car (Teleférico), and exploring the city's many parks and playgrounds. There's even a maze at Sabatini Gardens. Restaurants around the city are also very kid-friendly.
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 Madrid Better for Couples?
Fez
Madrid
Both Fez and Madrid are great 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 Madrid frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Fun and romantic activities around town include taking a boat ride at Casa de Campo, riding a bike in one of the many parks, and enjoy dinner and show in the evening.
Is Fez or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Fez
Madrid
Fez is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.
Many backpackers frequent 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.
Madrid is a great city to visit for backpackers. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other travelers.
Is Fez or Madrid Better for Students?
Fez
Madrid
Madrid is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Fez is not popular with students.
Madrid is a very popular city for students. With several great universities, this city is popular with international and study abroad students. The city also has a diverse population and an active nightlife that appeals to students.
Fez is not popular with students.
Is Fez or Madrid Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Fez
Madrid
Madrid is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Fez is lacking in options for its public transit.
Madrid has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail 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 Madrid a more walkable city?
Fez
Madrid
Madrid 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 Madrid. Most tourists stay in the central part of Madrid where it's compact and relatively easy to walk to most tourist sights.
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 Madrid Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Madrid or Fez?
How long in Fez or Madrid?
In either Fez or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Madrid has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Madrid than Fez. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Fez, and 2-5 days is enough time in Madrid.
Families should spend more time in Madrid than Fez. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Madrid, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Madrid than Fez. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Madrid that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fez than Madrid 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.
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How many days in Fez or Madrid? Ideal Length of StayFez 3-5Madrid 2-5
One day in Fez or Madrid?
Fez is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 one day exploring.
With museums and nightlife around the diverse big city of Madrid, 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 Madrid?
Fez is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Many people visit Madrid for a weekend. With nightlife and live music around the diverse city of Madrid, there's plenty to do. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.
Five days in Fez or Madrid?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fez. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
With live music and food around the big city destination of Madrid, there's plenty to do. Many people spend five days here. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.
A week in Fez or Madrid?
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful big city of Fez. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
Madrid, 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 Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFez $53Madrid $146
The average daily cost (per person) in Fez is $53, while the average daily cost in Madrid is $146. 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 Madrid in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFez $28Madrid $83
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFez $56Madrid $166
Compare Hotels in Fez and Madrid
Looking for a hotel in Fez or Madrid? 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 Madrid Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Fez $4.95Madrid $20
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 Madrid
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Madrid are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Madrid
Also for Madrid, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Vehicle transfer with driver included in Madrid: $142
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Madrid HTL-APT (MAD): $61
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Madrid APT-HTL (MAD): $61
- Transfer to Madrid, travel calmly and comfortably: $144
- Transfer to Barajas Airport from Madrid: $76
- Transfer in private vehicle from Madrid City - Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD): $61
- Transfer in private minivan from Madrid City - Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD): $75
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD) - Madrid City: $61
- Transfer from Barajas Airport to Madrid: $95
- Segovia: Full-Day Tour with Transfer to and from Madrid: $449
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Madrid Airport (MAD) - Madrid City: $149
- Round Trip Transfer from Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid by Sedan: $77
Is it cheaper to fly into Fez or Madrid?
Prices for flights to both Madrid 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 $18Madrid $36
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 Madrid
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Madrid:
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Coffee$2.14
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Ice Cream$3.21
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Kebabs (for 2)$17
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Croissant$1.61
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Lunch at Airport (for 2)$17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Madrid
For Madrid, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Tipsy Tapas Food Tour with Drinks and Food: $27
- Drunken Tapas Food Tour with Dinner in Madrid: $33
- Tapas Dinner Party Food Tour with Guide: $33
- Tapas Crawl Food Tour with 6 Tapas and 4 Drinks: $35
- Madrid Tipsy Tapas Guided Food Tour with Dinner: $42
- Madrid Tipsy Tapas Tour with Dinner and Drinks: $43
- Madrid Tapas Dinner Party with Guide: $43
- Paella and Sangria Workshop with Dinner and Drinks: $47
- Skip the Line: Flamenco Show with Dinner and Workshop in Madrid Ticket: $49
- San Miguel Market and Street Food Tour: $52
- Traditional Paella & Sangría Workshop & Spanish Dinner in Madrid: $53
- The Authentic Morning Madrid's Food Tour: $59
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Fez $6.21Madrid $36
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
Tours and Activities in Madrid
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.
- Private Combo Tour Prado Museum and Reina Sofia: $222
- Toledo with Cathedral from Madrid Full Day Tour: $134
- Ávila & Segovia Day Tour from Madrid: $97
- "Prado Museum" Tour A Treasure of World Art: $65
- 1 Hour Private Tuk tuk Tour in Madrid: $98
- 1 hour tour in Madrid in Tuk Tuk through the best of the city: $136
- 1-Hour Madrid Segway Tour: $32
- 1-Hour Private Flamenco Class in Madrid Experience: $45
- 2 Hour Madrid Walking Tour : $4.36
- 2 Hours Private Tuk tuk Tour in Madrid: $164
- 2.5-Hour Evening Tapas Tour through Madrid: $37
- 3 Hours Private Madrid City Tour Guide: $53
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFez -Madrid $21
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 Madrid
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Madrid are as follows:
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Beer$5.36
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Drinks and Tapas (for 2)$14
Sample the Local Flavors in Madrid
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Madrid:
- Pub Crawl with Tapas and VIP Club Entry: $9.62
- Madrid Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entrance: $11
- Visit to the Winery with Wine Tasting and Appetizers in Navarra: $12
- Pub crawl & Party Tour Madrid: $14
- Pub Crawl Madrid Running since 2005 Bar Exploration: $16
- Guided Pub Crawl Madrid Experience and Club Entry: $16
- Pub Crawl Madrid-The Original since 2005-Shots-Fun-Clubs-Dance: $16
- Pub Crawl Madrid: $19
- Wine Tasting near Plaza Mayor: $22
- Wine Tasting Experience with 4 Spanish Wines: $26
- Wine Tour with tasting in the Natural Park of La Mata: $38
- Wine Tasting Experience: $49
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fez and Madrid, we can see that Madrid 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 Madrid 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 Madrid would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Madrid 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 Madrid Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Fez or Madrid?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Fez. When comparing the sizes of Fez and Madrid, 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.