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

Should you visit Fez or Milan?

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 Milan 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. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Milan

Milan is a trendy, chic, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and food.

Fez and Milan: 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
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • 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
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Fez or Milan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Milan than Fez, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Milan is more popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Fez is known for its museums. Fez is popular for its ancient medina, gorgeous riads, and amazing local dishes. Milan is popular for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. It is also home to Piazza del Duomo.

How is Fez different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Fez
Milan

Fez is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Milan is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Fez has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Milan. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.


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

Fez
Milan

Both Fez and Milan 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 Milan, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city has a mix of traditional dishes combined with modernized, trendy restaurants. You can try a new dish by a groundbreaking chef, or sample a long running favorite like risotto alla Milanese.

Is Fez or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Fez
Milan

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

Milan is a world class party destination. The city has a huge number of students and young professionals, which make it a fun place with an active nightlife. There are cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and relaxed pubs that you can chose from.

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 Milan Better for Music?

Fez
Milan

Milan 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 Milan. The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.

Fez is not a live music destination.


Is Fez or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Fez
Milan

Both Fez and Milan have world-class 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.

Milan has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Known as the Centro Storic, this area is the most popular with tourists. It's where you'll find the most historic buildings and beautiful sights in the city.

Is the Shopping Better in Fez or Milan?

Fez
Milan

Shoppers can find a variety of world-class stores in both Fez and Milan.

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.

Milan is a world class destination for shoppers. Famous as the fashion capital of Italy, shopping is the thing to do here. There are many streets that are lined with the biggest designers in fashion. Make sure you check out Via Monte Napoleone, Via Della Spiga, and Corso Buenos Aires.

Is Fez or Milan Better for Families?

Fez
Milan

Both Fez and Milan are good 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 Milan. The city has a science museum and a children's museum, MuBa, that is great for the kids. There are also a number of parks to explore as well as playgrounds where the kids and get out their energy.


Is Fez or Milan Better for Couples?

Fez
Milan

Both Fez and Milan 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 Milan frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many beautiful buildings, excellent shopping, and romantic restaurants that make for a wonderful couple's getaway.

Is Fez or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fez
Milan

Fez is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Milan is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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 Milan. While not as popular with backpackers as some Italian city's, there are a number of hostels and great activities that are fun for visitors.

Is Fez or Milan Better for Students?

Fez
Milan

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

Milan is a very popular city for students. It is one of the more popular city's for international students in Italy. It is very livable with a lot of culture and a fun nightlife, so you're sure to have the experience of a lifetime.

Fez is not popular with students.


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

Fez
Milan

Milan is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Fez is lacking in options for its public transit.

Milan has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

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 Milan a more walkable city?

Fez
Milan

Milan 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 Milan. In particular, the city center is walkable.

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 Milan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milan or Fez?

How long in Fez or Milan?

In either Fez or Milan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Milan has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Milan than Fez. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Fez, and 1-5 days is enough time in Milan.

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


  • How many days in Fez or Milan? Ideal Length of Stay
    Fez 3-5 
    Milan 1-5

One day in Fez or Milan?

Each neighborhood in Fez has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

With museums and nightlife around the trendy big city of Milan, there's plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A weekend in Fez or Milan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fez. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Many people visit Milan for a weekend. With nightlife and live music around the trendy city of Milan, 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 Milan?

Fez is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Fez has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

With live music and food around the big city destination of Milan, 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 Milan?

You'll find food and shopping around the winding big city of Fez. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Milan, 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Milan 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 Milan is $180. 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 Milan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fez $28
    Milan $104
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fez $56
    Milan $208
Compare Hotels in Fez and Milan

Looking for a hotel in Fez or Milan? 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 Milan


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 Milan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fez $4.95
    Milan $38
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 Milan

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Milan:


  • Train to Airport
    $7.58
  • Malpensa Airport Train (for Two)
    $24
  • Taxi From Airport
    $97
  • Public Transit Day Pass
    $4.87
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $7.72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Milan

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

  • taxi / transfer service to and from airports: $240
  • Zurich : Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $856
  • Zug : Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $684
  • Vitznau : Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $695
  • Varese : Private Transfer to/from Rho Fiera: $171
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Milan HTL-APT (MXP): $185
  • Tremezzo: Private Transfer to/from Milan Malpensa Airport: $246
  • Transfer from Milano or Linate: $136
  • Transfer from Milan to Ravenna Cruise Port with stop in Verona: $256
  • Transfer from Milan to Milan Malpensa: $185
  • Transfer from Malpensa Airport to Milan city center: $12
  • Transfer Milan city center - Malpensa airport: $12

Is it cheaper to fly into Fez or Milan?

Prices for flights to both Milan 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
    Milan $42
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 Milan

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


  • Snack at Train Station
    $9.32
  • Restaurant Pizza
    $7.15
  • Casual Cafe Lunch (for Two)
    $30
  • Three Course Dinner (for Two)
    $70
  • Cappuccino
    $1.77

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Milan

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

  • PYT Milano Dinner Show with Live Music and DJ Set: $21
  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $29
  • Milan Gourmet Food Tour and Sightseeing with Local Guide: $38
  • Gourmet Street Food Tour with Sightseeing and Tasting: $45
  • Eating Milan Street Food Tour with Guided Tasting and Sightseeing: $46
  • Tasty Milan Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $46
  • Delicious Milan Street Food Tour Tasting and Sightseeing with Local Guide: $46
  • Devour Milan Street Food Tour and Sightseeing: $46
  • NO DIET CLUB - Best Food Tour in Milan !: $59
  • NO DIET CLUB - Best Food Tour in Milan !: $60
  • Local Market and Cooking Class with an Italian Chef: $70
  • Italian Cooking Class with Food and Wine: $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fez $6.21
    Milan $33
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 Milan

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


  • Stairs to Duomo Rooftop
    $7.58

Tours and Activities in Milan

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

  • Lake Como trekking private guided tour, from Milan or Como: $174
  • Milan Highlights semi-Private Walking Tour: $43
  • Milan Urban Wonders Small Group Tour: $53
  • Gallery Tour, Terraces of the Duomo & Cathedral: $36
  • Skip-the-Line Duomo Cathedral Tour : $54
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Milan: $6.53
  • "Milano Style: Your Italian Fashion Experience": $164
  • 1 hour Italian Food Experiences in Milan: $39
  • 1.5-hour The Last Supper and Church of San Maurizio tour in Milan - small group: $85
  • 2 Hours Guided La Scala Theatre Tour in Milan: $125
  • 2-Hour Milan by Night Walking Tour: $156
  • 2-Hour Private Guided Tour of Milan by Electric Scooter: $133

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fez -
    Milan $26

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 Milan

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Milan:


  • Cocktail at a Bar
    $9.10
  • Beer
    $3.63

Sample the Local Flavors in Milan

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Milan:

  • Wine Tasting Experience in the City Centre: $43
  • Wine Tasting Experience in Milan city centre: $44
  • Milan Wine Tasting Experience: $52
  • Italian Wine Tasting in Milan: $53
  • Milan Wine Tasting Aperitivo: $56
  • Milan Wine Tasting with Italian Sommelier: $86
  • Private Food and Wine Tasting Experience in the Center of Milan: $87
  • Wine Tasting with an Italian Sommelier: $93
  • Best of Guided Tour with Duomo, Food & Wine Tasting: $159
  • Food and Wine Tasting enjoying the New Milan: $164
  • Brescia & Franciacorta Guided Tour with Wine Tasting: $181
  • Brescia and Franciacorta winery area. Cultural and wine tasting small group tour: $184


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


Which is Bigger, Fez or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Fez. When comparing the sizes of Fez and Milan, 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.