A Travel Price Comparison for Morocco Marrakech vs. Fez for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples

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Should you visit Marrakech or Fez?

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

Should I visit Marrakech or Fez? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Marrakech

Marrakech is a cultural, high-energy, and fascinating city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Fez

Fez is a busy, colorful, and cultural city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Marrakech and Fez: Pros and Cons

Marrakech
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Fez
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Cons
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Marrakech or Fez?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Marrakech. Although Marrakech and Fez are both popular with visitors, Marrakech has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Marrakech is more popular for its nightlife, while Fez is known for its museums, food, and impressive beauty. Marrakech is more touristy than Fez and is known for its colorful medina, festive night market, and beautiful palaces. It is also home to Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Fez is popular for its ancient medina, gorgeous riads, and amazing local dishes.

How is Marrakech different from Fez?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Marrakech
Fez

Fez is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Marrakech is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Fez has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Many visitors head to Marrakech specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. While wandering the medina is an attraction in and of itself, there are also several sights that you should specifically check out. The iconic Djemaa el-Fnaa, or the city's main square, is best visited as the sun goes down. Other notable landmarks include Koutoubia Mosque, Majorelle Gardens, and Medersa Ben Youssef.


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

Marrakech
Fez

Fez is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Marrakech is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Fez is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Marrakech makes for a great culinary experience. Moroccan food is amazing and you'll enjoy grilled meats, tagines, couscous, and more. The city is more touristy than some parts of Morocco so you'll find the quality of the food can vary a bit, but it's still a culinary delight. Marrakesh is also a great city for taking a cooking class.

Is Marrakech or Fez Better for Nightlife?

Marrakech
Fez

Marrakech 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 Marrakech. Although alcohol is hard to come by, you'll find it in most western style restaurants and high end hotel chains. The city has more bars and nightclubs than you'd expect. There's also a great nighttime energy with many locals heading outside in the evening. Jemaa el-Fnaa, the main square, comes to life with street vendors, performers, and people during the nighttime hours.

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 Marrakech or Fez Better for its Old Town?

Marrakech
Fez

It's fun to wander around the terrific old towns in both Marrakech and Fez.

With a famous historical old-town, Marrakech offers plenty to see. The historic medina is filled with spices, antiques, art, and pottery. The culture and experience of wandering the medina will have you feeling like you stepped back in time.

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.


Is the Shopping Better in Marrakech or Fez?

Marrakech
Fez

Shoppers can find a variety of terrific stores in both Marrakech and Fez.

Many people travel to Marrakech specifically to go shopping. Shop your way through the street stalls and sample perfumes, spices, produce, and more. You'll find everything from souvenir trinkets to local items and authentic antiques.

Fez is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

Is Marrakech or Fez Better for Families?

Marrakech
Fez

Marrakech 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, Marrakech is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy exploring a new culture and wandering through the medina. The food is very kid-friendly and during the evening the main square, Jemaa el-Fnaa, comes to life with street performers, vendors, and entertainment. Families can also take cooking classes or head into the desert for a camel trek.

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 Marrakech or Fez Better for Couples?

Marrakech
Fez

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

Marrakech is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. There are many wonderful restaurants and fascinating places for couples to explores. Wandering the medina or visiting the gardens make for a romantic and adventurous getaway.

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 Marrakech or Fez Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marrakech
Fez

Marrakech and Fez are both terrific destinations for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Marrakech, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city is very affordable and there are countless riads that are budget-friendly. There are enough backpackers around town that it's not hard to meet fellow travelers.

Fez is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

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

Marrakech
Fez

Fez is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Marrakech is lacking in options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly 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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Marrakech. While there are local buses, most people take taxis around town when they can't walk. Taxis are affordable and convenient.

Is Marrakech or Fez a more walkable city?

Marrakech
Fez

Marrakech and Fez are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Marrakech is a very walkable destination. The medina is the best area to walk around but it's very easy to get lost. Outside of the medina you'll want to keep your eyes open for motorbikes and the occasional donkey.

Fez is very walkable. 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.


Should I spend more time in Fez or Marrakech?

How long in Marrakech or Fez?

In either Marrakech or Fez, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Marrakech than Fez because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Marrakech, and 3-5 days is enough time in Fez.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fez than Marrakech 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.


  • How many days in Marrakech or Fez? Ideal Length of Stay
    Marrakech 3-7 
    Fez 3-5

One day in Marrakech or Fez?

When visiting Marrakech, people usually allow for lots of time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Fez. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Marrakech or Fez?

Many people visit Marrakech for a weekend. When visiting Marrakech, people usually allow for lots of time. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find museums and food around the busy big city of Fez. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Marrakech or Fez?

When visiting Marrakech, people usually allow for lots of time. Many people spend five days here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural city of Fez. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.


A week in Marrakech or Fez?

Marrakech, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Visiting the old town is also a must. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Fez is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Which place is cheaper, Fez or Marrakech?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Marrakech is $67, while the average daily cost in Fez is $52. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Marrakech and Fez in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Marrakech $45
    Fez $28
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Marrakech $90
    Fez $56
Compare Hotels in Marrakech and Fez

Looking for a hotel in Marrakech or Fez? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Marrakech


Hotels in Fez


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Marrakech Hotel Prices and Fez Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Marrakech $6.17
    Fez $4.85

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marrakech

Also for Marrakech, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • transfers from Marrakech to Fez Airport or city: $228
  • transfers from Marrakech to Fez (Airport or city/Door to Door): $228
  • transfer from Marrakech to Fez Airport or city: $228
  • private transfer from Marrakech city to Menara Airport: $11
  • airport transfers: $22
  • VIP Transfer From Casablanca To Marrakesh: $363
  • VIP Private Transfer Marrakesh Menara Airport: $22
  • Try find your better than us!Airport transfer service in Marrakesh HTL-APT (RAK): $36
  • Try find your better than us!Airport transfer service in Marrakesh APT-HTL (RAK): $36
  • Transfert de l'aéroport de Marrakech à la ville: $22
  • Transfert From Marrakesh To all the cities of Morocco: $32
  • Transfert Departure Marrakech City to Casablanca Airport: $265

Typical Local Transportation prices in Fez

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Fez:


  • Taxi Ride
    $1.95

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fez

Also for Fez, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • transfers from fez to the Airport of fez saiss (Door to Door): $14
  • transfers from fez to Tangier Airport, port or city (Door to Door): $141
  • transfers from Tangier to Fez (Airport-port-city city/Door to Door): $145
  • transfers from Fez to the Airport fez saiss (Door to Door): $14
  • transfers from Fez to Tangier (Airport or city/Door to Door): $141
  • transfers from Fez to Tanger Airport or city: $141
  • transfers from Fez to Marrakech Airport or city: $228
  • transfers from Fez to Marrakech (Airport or city/Door to Door): $228
  • transfers from Fez to Chefchaouen (one way): $100
  • transfers from Fez to Chefchaouen (Door to Door): $100
  • transfers from Fez to Casablanca Airport or city (Door to Door): $141
  • transfers from Chefchaouen to Fez (one way): $106

Is it cheaper to fly into Marrakech or Fez?

Prices for flights to both Fez and Marrakech change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Marrakech $12
    Fez $18
Typical Food prices in Marrakech

For Marrakech, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Orange Juice on the Square
    $0.29
  • Breakfast
    $1.17
  • Dates
    $0.59
  • Olives
    $0.88
  • Sandwich
    $1.26
  • Souvenir Spices
    $6.05

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marrakech

For Marrakech, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Dinner In Agafay Desert & Camel Ride with lovely Sunset : $12
  • Live show and Dinner in Agafay Desert: $14
  • Magical Dinner in Marrakech Desert and camel ride at sunset with Transportation: $15
  • Dinner and Camel Ride under the Starry Sky of Agafay Desert: $16
  • Online Moroccan Cooking Class: $17
  • Typical Moroccan Dinner at the inhabitant in Marrakech: $22
  • Dinner at Sunset & Camel ride in Marrakech desert Agafa: $22
  • Magical Dinner in Marrakech Desert with Transportation: $22
  • Dinner and Sunset Camel Ride at desert Marrakech Agafay : $22
  • Marrakech Magical Dinner in Desert Agafay at the Sunset: $23
  • Marical dinner and camel ride at sunset in Desert of Marrakech: $24
  • From Agafay Desert Sunset Dinner & Camel Ride: $25

Typical Food prices in Fez

For Fez, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Yogurt
    $0.59
  • Dinner for 2
    $11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fez

For Fez, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Lunch/Dinner with Moroccan family : $16
  • Cooking Class - Moroccan cuisine: $40
  • Baking Workshops at Fez Cooking School at Palais Amani: $41
  • Fez Souk 4-Hour Traditional Home Cooking: $42
  • Cooking Class with Bread Workshop and Pastry in Fes: $43
  • Moroccan Cuisine Fez Cooking Class : $43
  • Unforgettable Cooking Class in Fez : $46
  • Cooking class and Cultural Encounter with a Family in Fez: $46
  • Private 5 h Fez Cooking Class with a local family: $54
  • Cooking Local Tajine Class in Fez: $54
  • The Best Cooking Class in Fez: $54
  • Moroccan Cooking Workshop in Fez: $54

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Marrakech $6.86
    Fez $6.08
Typical Entertainment prices in Marrakech

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Marrakech's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Palace Tickets
    $1.95
  • Golf at Atlas Golf
    $55

Tours and Activities in Marrakech

For Marrakech, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Nights Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour: $460
  • 3 Day Private Desert Tour From Marrakech To Merzouga Dunes With Camel Trek: $271
  • 3 Day Sahara Desert Tour From Marrakech ending in Fez city: $249
  • 3 Days 2 Nights tour from Marrakech to Marrakech via Merzouga Sahara Desert: $1,028
  • 3 Days Luxury private Desert Tour From Marrakech To Fez: $591
  • 3 days Private Tour in Marrakech Chigaga Desert: $487
  • 3 days from Marrakech Multi-day to Merzouga Shared group Experience : $400
  • 3Days sahara Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert luxury camp: $141
  • 4 Day Trip All inclusive Sahara Desert Tour From Marrakech: $425
  • 6 days tour from Marrakech to Sahara desert & Atlantic coast Essaouira: $1,001
  • Agafay Desert: Three Valley Guided Tour From Marrakech : $39
  • Atlas Mountains Horseback Ride Day Tour From Marrakech : $50

Typical Entertainment prices in Fez

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Fez's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Granary Fee
    $1.95

Tours and Activities in Fez

For Fez, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Days Desert Tour in Fes: $206
  • 2-Day Private Tour Fez Casablanca and Chefchaouen: $460
  • 3-Days Morocco Tour : Sahara Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech: $500
  • 4 Days Sahara Desert Tour from Fez to Marrakech: $1,243
  • A Unique Experience In Fes With A Guide And A Driver (Full Day): $195
  • Fes to Marrakech via Desert Tour 2 Days 1 Night : $105
  • Fez day Tour with Local Guide & driver : $71
  • Private Day Tour Fes - Meknes - Volubilis and Moulay Idriss: $54
  • Private Morocco Imperial Cities Tour from Fez: $1,948
  • Private Tour with official guide & Driver for Fez city: $195
  • Shared small a group day trip From FES to CHEFCHAOUEN BEST experience ever : $38
  • Tour in The Most Beautiful Spots: $211

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Marrakech $14
    Fez -

Sample the Local Flavors in Marrakech

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Marrakech:

  • Moroccan Wine tasting from Marrakech at Atlas Mountains & Desert and Camel ride: $108

Sample the Local Flavors in Fez

Also in Fez, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Full-Day Boutique Winery and Wine Tasting Tour from Fez: $198

How are these travel costs calculated?

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

Which is Bigger, Marrakech or Fez?

Fez is bigger, and its population is about 15% larger than the population of Marrakech. When comparing the population of Marrakech vs. 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 and the activities that interest you.

Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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Marrakech vs. Fez Travel Comparison

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