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

Should you visit Fez or Ravenna?

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 Ravenna 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. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Ravenna

Ravenna is a off-the-beaten-path, charming, and authentic town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Fez and Ravenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fez or Ravenna?

You'll generally find more things to do in Fez than Ravenna. Fez is bigger than Ravenna, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Fez is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Ravenna is more popular for its nightlife and small town charm. Fez is well known for its ancient medina, gorgeous riads, and amazing local dishes. Also, Fez is famous for the Chouara Tannery. Ravenna is well known for its many stunning mosaics which date back to the early Christian and Byzantine empires.

The Chouara Tannery

How is Fez different from Ravenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Fez is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Ravenna offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Most sights in town are centered around the the beautiful mosaics. Neonian Baptistery is a good place to begin your visit. Other highlights include San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo.

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

Fez is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Dining out in Ravenna is an experience not to be missed. The region is most known for its first course dishes, so pasta lovers will enjoy dining on homemade egg pasta dishes that are served with meat or cheese sauces. You'll also find lots of grilled meats and many great desserts.

Is Fez or Ravenna Better for Nightlife?

Ravenna is a town 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 Ravenna. You'll find most of the pubs and clubs in town around Marina di Ravenna. There are a couple of places that attract a crowd, but many are open only during the summer months.

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 Ravenna Better for its Old Town?

Fez is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

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.

Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Fez or Ravenna?

Fez is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

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.

Many visitors go to Ravenna to go shopping. There are some nice shopping streets in town where you can buy locally made mosaics. You'll also find art studios and artisan shops, as well as your typical souvenir shops and clothing stores. Via Cavour, via Diaz, and via Cairoli are some of the most popular shopping streets.

Is Fez or Ravenna Better for Families?

Ravenna 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, Ravenna is very family-friendly. In town you'll find mosaics, museums, and a charming town, and ten kilometers outside of town you'll find Italy's largest amusement park - Mirabilandia. The city is also filled with parks where kids can explore and learn, and the food, like any Italian city, is 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 Ravenna Better for Couples?

Both Fez and Ravenna 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 Ravenna frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Many visitors to Italy don't add this charming town to their itinerary, but for couples who want to experience a small town setting with beautiful art and architecture, then Ravenna is a great option. There are parks to explore and great restaurants to experience as well.

Is Fez or Ravenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fez is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Fez is extremely popular 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ravenna. It's a bit off-the-beaten path, so you won't find a large number of hostels or a lot of backpackers to hang out with. That doesn't mean it won't make a great addition to your itinerary though.

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

Ravenna is a town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Fez is lacking in options for its public transit.

Ravenna has some public transit options. Buses in and around town are managed by START ROMAGNA and offer access to many nearby towns.

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 Ravenna a more walkable city?

Fez and Ravenna 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.

Ravenna is a very walkable destination. There are care-free areas to the town that can only be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ravenna or Fez?

How long in Fez or Ravenna?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Fez or Ravenna to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Fez than Ravenna because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Fez, and 1-2 days is enough time in Ravenna.

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

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

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.

Ravenna is a small town with plenty to do. 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 Ravenna?

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 Ravenna for a weekend. Ravenna might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Fez or Ravenna?

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.

Because Ravenna is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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 Ravenna?

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.

Ravenna, a popular town, 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Fez or Ravenna?

Fez has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Ravenna. When comparing the sizes of Fez and Ravenna, 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.