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

Should you visit Fez or Mexico City?

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 Mexico City 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 busy, colorful, and cultural city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Mexico City

Mexico City is a colorful, cultural, 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Fez and Mexico City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fez or Mexico City?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mexico City than Fez, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Mexico City is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Fez is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Fez is popular for its ancient medina, gorgeous riads, and amazing local dishes. Mexico City is popular for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. It is also home to Zócalo.

How is Fez different from Mexico City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Mexico City on the map. The city is filled with historic buildings, fascinating museums, and interesting landmarks. At the heart of the city is Zócalo, where the country's constitution was signed. Nearby you'll find the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Templo Mayor. Other interesting museums in the city include the National Museum of Anthropology, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the National History Museum.

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

Both Fez and Mexico City offer a number of terrific 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 Mexico City, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city food scene is as diverse as the population itself. There are countless ways to experience the amazing street food, but there are also world class chefs working in award winning restaurants. Make sure you try the chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, and chiles en nogada.

Is Fez or Mexico City Better for Nightlife?

Mexico City is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. However, Fez is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

Mexico City is a world class party destination. It's a huge city, so of course there's no shortage of diverse nightlife activities. Some of the most popular neighborhoods for nightlife include the downtown, La Condesa, and Colonia Juárez. For upscale clubs head to Polanco and for trendy and eclectic venues check out Roma.

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 Mexico City Better for its Old Town?

Fez is very popular for its historic old town charm. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Fez has a world-famous historical 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 Mexico City to see the historical old town. Centro Historico spreads out from Zócalo Plaza, and has many buildings that date back as far as the Aztec period. Many tourists gather here to explore the history and wander down the pedestrian-only Calle Madero.

Is the Shopping Better in Fez or Mexico City?

Shoppers can find a variety of terrific stores in both Fez and Mexico City.

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.

Mexico City is a world class destination for shoppers. The city has everything from open-air bazaars (tianguis) to modern shopping malls. There are international brands as well as local art galleries, handicrafts, and retail outlets.

Is Fez or Mexico City Better for Families?

Mexico City 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, Mexico City is very family-friendly. It's a huge city, so there are enough diverse activities to keep everyone entertained. There's even a Six Flags. Popular museums for kids include Papalote Museo del Niño and Museo de Geología. There's also the Acuario Inbursa, and make sure you check out a Lucha Libre show.

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 Mexico City Better for Couples?

Fez is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Mexico City is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with parks where you can enjoy a picnic, museums that are fascinating to walk through, and cultural activities that are one-of-a-kind. You can ride on a gondola in Xochimilco or spend the day exploring the amazing food scene.

Is Fez or Mexico City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fez is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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 Mexico City. It's a big city with a wonderful atmosphere and many hostels. Backpackers who want to experience the culture, food, and personality of Mexico will love a visit here.

Is Fez or Mexico City Better for Students?

Mexico City 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 Mexico City. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.

Fez is not popular with students.

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

Mexico City is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Fez is lacking in options for its public transit.

Public transit in Mexico City can get you to some places easily. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.

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 Mexico City a more walkable city?

Fez is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Mexico City is lacking in options for its walkability.

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.

Mexico City is generally not very walkable. While you can walk within many neighborhoods, such as the historic city center, it's impossible to walk between neighborhoods and in many parts of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Mexico City or Fez?

How long in Fez or Mexico City?

In either Fez or Mexico City, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. You can fill a similar amount of time in either place. However, 3-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Fez than Mexico City. 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 Mexico City 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 Mexico City?

Fez is a cultural city where you can fill many days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With nightlife and food around the dynamic big city of Mexico City, 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 Mexico City?

Fez is a colorful big city where you can fill many days. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Many people visit Mexico City for a weekend. With food and shopping around the diverse city of Mexico City, there's plenty to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Fez or Mexico City?

Fez is a cultural city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

With shopping and museums around the big city destination of Mexico City, 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 Mexico City?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Fez. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

Mexico City, 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 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.

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

Which is Bigger, Fez or Mexico City?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Fez. When comparing the sizes of Fez and Mexico City, 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.