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

Should you visit Fez or Zagreb?

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 Zagreb 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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Zagreb

Zagreb is a authentic, under-rated, and local city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Fez and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fez or Zagreb?

You'll generally find more things to do in Fez than Zagreb. Fez is bigger than Zagreb, 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 Zagreb is more popular for its nightlife. Fez is more touristy than Zagreb and is popular for its ancient medina, gorgeous riads, and amazing local dishes. Also, Fez is famous for the Chouara Tannery. Zagreb is well known for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options.

The Chouara Tannery

How is Fez different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Fez is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Fez are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Zagreb offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are many historical sights around town, particularly in the historic Upper Town. Make sure you visit the Zagreb Cathedral, the Museum of Broken Relationships, Lotrscak Tower, and the historic Stone Gate.

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

Fez is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Zagreb 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.

Zagreb has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food is heartier than you might expect with many recipes that involve stew or dumplings. Cheese and meat are common ingredients as well, with far less seafood than you'll find in the coastal cities. Popular dishes include Zagrebački odrezak (a rolled up ham, cheese, and veal sandwich), Štrukli (dough filled with cheese), and Ajngemahtec (vegetarian stew).

Is Fez or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Zagreb is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Fez is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

Zagreb has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. There are a huge number of live music venues, clubs, and bars around town where locals hang out late into the evening. The city's nightlife has a more local vibe than other Croatian cities, so you can party with the students and residents and get a true feel for the Croatian culture.

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 Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Fez is a must-visit destination for its old town. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Zagreb. The upper town is filled with charm, cafes, and historical landmarks such as St. Mark Church, Kamenita Vrata (the Stone Gate), and the cathedral.

Is the Shopping Better in Fez or Zagreb?

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

The abundance of shops in Fez make it a world-class shopping destination. 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 explore the shopping areas in Zagreb. The city has a huge number of shopping centers where you'll find retail shops selling international brands, clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Is Fez or Zagreb Better for Families?

Both Fez and Zagreb are notable 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 Zagreb. The city is filled with parks where kids can run around. There are also kid-friendly museums like the Museum of Illusions and markets that are fun for the whole family. While it doesn't have the coastal activities that many Croatian towns offer, this is a unique city in its own way.

Is Fez or Zagreb Better for Couples?

Fez is a great destination for its romantic activities. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Fez frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who like an adventure will enjoy soaking up the medina, visiting the gardens, and taking a trip into the countryside.

Zagreb is a good city for couples to visit. Filled with history and beautiful parks, this often overlooked Croatian city actually has a lot that couples can enjoy. The historical monuments offer a glimpse into the country's past and the markets let you experience a more authentic side to what has become a very touristy country.

Is Fez or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit 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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Zagreb. Because it's not the most touristy city, prices are reasonable. There are also a wide range of hostels in town where you can meet other backpackers and enjoy the fun environment.

Is Fez or Zagreb Better for Students?

Zagreb 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 Zagreb. There's an endless supply of bars and cafes where students hang out. This is a great student city that offers access to many beautiful parts of Croatia and Europe in general.

Fez is not popular with students.

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

Zagreb 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 Zagreb can get you to some places easily. The system includes trams, buses, and a funicular.

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 Zagreb a more walkable city?

Fez and Zagreb 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.

Zagreb is a very walkable destination. It's a city that lives outdoors. It's very walkable with many outdoor cafes and parks where you can take a stroll.

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

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Fez?

How long in Fez or Zagreb?

It's fun to spend time in either Fez or Zagreb. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Fez due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Fez, and 2-4 days is enough time in Zagreb.

Families should spend more time in Fez than Zagreb. 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.

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

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 nightlife and food around the beautiful destination of Zagreb, there's plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Zagreb?

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 Zagreb for a weekend. With food and shopping around the authentic city of Zagreb, 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 Zagreb?

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.

The destination of Zagreb offers shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Zagreb?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the busy 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.

Zagreb, 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 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.

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

Which is Bigger, Fez or Zagreb?

Fez has a larger population, and is about 38% larger than the population of Zagreb. When comparing the sizes of Fez and Zagreb, 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.