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

Should you visit Fez or Zaragoza?

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 Zaragoza 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 cultural, ancient, and winding city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Zaragoza

Zaragoza is a historical, compact, and authentic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Fez and Zaragoza: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fez or Zaragoza?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Fez than Zaragoza, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Fez is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Zaragoza is known for its nightlife. Fez is popular for its ancient medina, gorgeous riads, and amazing local dishes. It is also home to the Chouara Tannery. Zaragoza is popular for its grand landmarks, local cuisine, and rich cultural scene.

The Chouara Tannery

How is Fez different from Zaragoza?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Fez is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Zaragoza. For such a small city, it really has a large number of cultural and historical attractions. The Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar is the most recognizable sight, but there's also the Museum of the Roman Forum of Caesaraugusta, the cathedral of Zaragoza, and the Aljafería Palace, among others.

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

Fez is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Fez is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Zaragoza. There are authentic restaurants that cater to locals and tourists alike. You'll also find some interesting food tours around town. Tapas are popular, as is chocolate and fresh, traditional recipes.

Is Fez or Zaragoza Better for Nightlife?

Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza. The nightlife is at its best on weekends, when students and young locals head out on the town. Many evenings start with tapas and wine, but there are nightclubs and dancing as well.

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 Zaragoza Better for its Old Town?

Fez is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town.

Fez offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The walled medina offers a maze of streets that are lined with shops selling perfume, spices, street food, and trinkets.

Zaragoza is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is small but filled with monumental buildings and an authentic atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Fez or Zaragoza?

Fez is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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 Zaragoza. The city has many local shops selling locally produced items and interesting souvenirs. There are also boutiques, markets, and vintage shops that are fun to browse though.

Is Fez or Zaragoza Better for Families?

Both Fez and Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza. When your kids get their fill of architecture and history, you can head to the Zaragoza Aquarium. Also worth a visit is the Emoz Museum, which is an origami museum. And if you need a break from sightseeing, take a kayak out on the Ebro River.

Is Fez or Zaragoza Better for Couples?

Both Fez and Zaragoza are high quality 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 Zaragoza frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Filled with culture, beauty, and monumental buildings, this is a small and romantic city. It's particularly romantic at night when the streets are quiet and many of the buildings are lit up.

Is Fez or Zaragoza Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fez is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Zaragoza is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are enough hostels around town to choose from, and while it's not the backpacker haven that some Spanish cities are, it still sees a good number of young travelers.

Is Fez or Zaragoza Better for Students?

Zaragoza is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Fez is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Zaragoza. International students enjoy this small city because it has a local vibe where they can practice their Spanish and enjoy an authentic experience.

Fez is not popular with students.

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

Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza can get you to some places easily. There are buses and trams around the city.

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 Zaragoza a more walkable city?

Fez and Zaragoza are high quality 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.

Zaragoza is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Zaragoza or Fez?

How long in Fez or Zaragoza?

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

Families should spend more time in Fez than Zaragoza. 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 Zaragoza. 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 Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza?

Fez is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With nightlife and food around the historical destination of Zaragoza, 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 Zaragoza?

Fez is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Many people visit Zaragoza for a weekend. With food and shopping around the authentic city of Zaragoza, 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 Zaragoza?

Fez is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Fez, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The destination of Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza?

Fez is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Zaragoza, 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 Barcelona, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Fez or Zaragoza?

Fez has a larger population, and is about 49% larger than the population of Zaragoza. When comparing the sizes of Fez and Zaragoza, 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.