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

Should you visit Fez or Montpellier?

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 Montpellier 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. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a historic, vibrant, and bustling city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Fez and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fez or Montpellier?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Fez than Montpellier, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Fez is more popular for its museums, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Montpellier is known for its nightlife and beaches. Fez is popular for its ancient medina, gorgeous riads, and amazing local dishes. It is also home to the Chouara Tannery. Montpellier is popular for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality.

The Chouara Tannery

How is Fez different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Fez is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Fez on the map. 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.

Montpellier offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

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

Fez is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Montpellier 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Montpellier. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.

Is Fez or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

Montpellier 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 Montpellier. The weather is mild, making for a nice evening out. The population is also young, so you can expect a lot of activity during the evenings, particularly in the area around Place Jean Jaurés. Make sure you enjoy local wine and champagne while you're in town.

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 Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is an excellent place to visit for the beache. However, Fez is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Montpellier attract visitors from all over. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.

Fez is not a beach destination.

Is Fez or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Both Fez and Montpellier have fantastic 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.

Montpellier has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

Is the Shopping Better in Fez or Montpellier?

Fez is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Fez is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Fez or Montpellier Better for Families?

Both Fez and Montpellier 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 Montpellier. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.

Is Fez or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Both Fez and Montpellier are very good 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 Montpellier frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

Is Fez or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fez is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Fez is a very popular city to visit 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.

Montpellier is very popular with the backpacker crowd. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Is Fez or Montpellier Better for Students?

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

Montpellier is a very popular city for students. Montpellier is a popular university town that is home to many trendy university students. It's also where you'll find the youngest population of any city in France.

Fez is not popular with students.

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

Montpellier 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 Montpellier can get you to some places easily. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

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 Montpellier a more walkable city?

Fez and Montpellier are very good when it comes to walkability.

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.

Montpellier is a very walkable destination. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

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

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Fez?

How long in Fez or Montpellier?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Fez and Montpellier. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Fez than in Montpellier. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Fez, and 1-3 days is enough time in Montpellier.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fez than Montpellier 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 Montpellier?

Fez is a ancient 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 beautiful destination of Montpellier, there's plenty to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Montpellier?

Fez is a winding 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 Montpellier for a weekend. With food and shopping around the historic city of Montpellier, 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 Montpellier?

Fez is a winding 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.

The destination of Montpellier offers shopping and museums. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Montpellier?

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.

Montpellier, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Fez or Montpellier?

Fez has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Montpellier. When comparing the sizes of Fez and Montpellier, 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.