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

Should you visit Marbella or Fez?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Fez, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Marbella

Marbella is a glamorous, fun-filled, and high energy resort town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Fez

Fez is a cultural, ancient, and winding 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.

Marbella and Fez: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marbella or Fez?

You'll generally find more things to do in Fez than Marbella. Fez is bigger than Marbella, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Fez is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Marbella is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Marbella is more touristy than Fez and is known for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. Fez is well known for its ancient medina, gorgeous riads, and amazing local dishes. Also, Fez is famous for the Chouara Tannery.

The Chouara Tannery

How is Marbella different from Fez?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Fez and Marbella. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Marbella or Fez?

Fez is very popular for its museums and history. However, Marbella does not have 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.

Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Fez is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Marbella area. The area is filled with tourists, so finding an authentic dining experience can be difficult. Several favorite dishes include croquetas, boquerones, and pulpo.

Is Marbella or Fez Better for Nightlife?

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

Marbella is a world class party destination. European tourists flock to the town for its beaches and resorts. The town has a glamorous nightlife scene with exclusive clubs and ritzy cocktail bars, particularly in Puerto Banus and along the Golden Mile.

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 Marbella or Fez Better for Music?

Marbella is an excellent place to visit for its live music scene. However, Fez is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Marbella has diverse options. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Fez is not a live music destination.

Is Marbella or Fez Better for Resorts?

Marbella is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Fez is not a resort destination.

Marbella is a world class resort vacation destination. From luxury to family-friendly, this area has plenty of resorts to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include Marbella Club Hotel, Puente Romano Marbella, and Don Carlos Resort and Spa.

Fez is not a resort destination.

Is Marbella or Fez Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella is a must-visit destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Fez is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Marbella is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are more than 100 dive sights and endless snorkeling opportunities in the area. There are deep offshore reefs that you can explore as well as shallower wrecks and caves.

Fez is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marbella or Fez Better for Beaches?

Marbella is a must-visit destination for the beache. However, Fez is not a beach destination.

Marbella is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The area boasts some of the best beaches in Europe. They are hubs of activity with lots of energy, and there are more than 18 miles of sandy beach in the area. Popular options include Guadalmina Beach, San Pedro de Alcántara Beach, and Nueva Andalucía Beach.

Fez is not a beach destination.

Is Marbella or Fez Better for its Old Town?

Fez is very popular for its old town. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

Fez has a world-famous historical area. The walled medina offers a maze of streets that are lined with shops selling perfume, spices, street food, and trinkets.

Marbella offers a nice historic old town area. Head into the old town to explore a quaint area with small, meandering streets, churches, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Is the Shopping Better in Marbella or Fez?

Shoppers can find a variety of first-rate stores in both Marbella and Fez.

Known for shopping, Marbella draws large crowds to its stores. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

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.

Is Marbella or Fez Better for Families?

Marbella 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, Marbella is very family-friendly. The area has beautiful, family-friendly beaches and many resorts with pools that are great for kids.

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 Marbella or Fez Better for Couples?

Marbella is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Fez is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Marbella is a great resort town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The area has luxury resorts, nice beaches, water sports, golf, and water activities that are perfect for a honeymoon or a romantic weekend or a honeymoon.

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.

Is Marbella or Fez Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fez is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Marbella 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.

Marbella is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. There are a few good hostels in the area for backpackers who want to enjoy this part of Spain's cost. There's also a lively nightlife scene and plenty of opportunities to meet others.

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

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Marbella and Fez.

Public transit is mostly limited in Marbella. There is a bus system through the area, but most visitors prefer to get around by car.

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 Marbella or Fez a more walkable city?

Marbella and Fez are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Marbella is a very walkable resort town. The old town is particularly walkable and there are a number of hotels and nice resorts within a short walk of the town along a nice promenade.

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 Marbella Worth Visiting? and Is Fez Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fez or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or Fez?

In either Marbella or Fez, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Marbella has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Marbella than Fez. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Marbella, and 3-5 days is enough time in Fez.

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

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

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

With shopping and nightlife around the glamorous destination of Marbella, there's plenty to do. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

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.

A weekend in Marbella or Fez?

Many people visit Marbella for a weekend. With nightlife and live music around the glamorous resort town of Marbella, there's plenty to do. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

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.

Five days in Marbella or Fez?

With live music and food around the destination of Marbella, there's plenty to do. Many people spend five days here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

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.

A week in Marbella or Fez?

Marbella, a popular resort town, is full of activities for travelers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Morocco, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Marbella and Fez, we can see that Marbella is more expensive. And not only is Fez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Marbella is in Europe and Fez is in Africa, 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 Marbella would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Marbella 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 Marbella Expensive? and Is Fez Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Marbella or Fez?

Fez has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Marbella. When comparing the sizes of Marbella and Fez, 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.