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

Should you visit Messina or Fez?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Messina and Fez 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.

Messina

Messina is a bustling, local, and historic port 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

Fez is a ancient, winding, and busy city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Messina and Fez: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Fez?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Fez than Messina. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Fez is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Messina attracts visitors for its nightlife and beaches. Messina is famous for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry. Fez is famous for its ancient medina, gorgeous riads, and amazing local dishes. It is also well known for the Chouara Tannery.

The Chouara Tannery

How is Messina different from Fez?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Fez is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Fez that are not to be missed. 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.

Messina offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of historic sights around town including the Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo, the Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock, Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, and the Regional Museum. There are also many ornate fountains around town.

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

Fez is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Fez have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Messina has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city's cuisine is a mix of the cultures that have influenced Sicily over the centuries. The city has a longstanding fishing industry and one of the most popular dishes are swordfish rolls. Also try the pidone (similar to calzones with different fillings), and the focaccia (a local bread).

Is Messina or Fez Better for Nightlife?

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

Messina has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the old town and you'll find a mix of locals and tourists hanging out in pubs and bars. During the summer months there are often free outdoor concerts to enjoy.

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 Messina or Fez Better for Beaches?

Messina is a decent place to visit for the beache. However, Fez is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Messina. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.

Fez is not a beach destination.

Is Messina or Fez Better for its Old Town?

Fez is renowned for its historic old town. However, Messina does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Fez is one of the most recognized in the world. The walled medina offers a maze of streets that are lined with shops selling perfume, spices, street food, and trinkets.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Fez?

Fez is renowned for shopping. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Messina. The best shopping is around Piazza Cairoli with the main shopping streets being Viale Europa and Viale San Martino. There are many small boutiques that have cheaper prices than some of the more upscale Sicilian towns.

Is Messina or Fez Better for Families?

Messina 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, Messina is very family-friendly. There are a number outdoor activities that kids will enjoy including Parco Avventura Dei Peloritani, which has ropes and obstacle courses. There's also the Karting Center, which is fun for the whole family, or a small aquarium in town. If you're looking for an excursion outside of town, head to Cascata Cataolo waterfall, which 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 Messina or Fez Better for Couples?

Fez is well known for romance. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Messina makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors see the city as an arrival or departure point for Sicily, but those couples who linger will appreciate a number of historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Is Messina or Fez Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fez is renowned for backpackers. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Messina. If you're traveling by train or ferry, you'll likely arrive or depart from this city. There are a number of hostels and cheap guesthouses around town that offer affordable accommodation.

Is Messina or Fez Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Messina. There are a few study abroad opportunities that bring international students to town. The city also have good transportation connections and a friendly atmosphere that is welcoming to students.

Fez is not popular with students.

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

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

Messina has some public transit options. If your legs are tired then there's an efficient bus system that you can use.

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 Messina or Fez a more walkable city?

Messina and Fez both are great when exploring on foot.

Messina is very walkable. Most of the city's attractions can be reached on foot and the port is a ten to fifteen minute walk from Piazza del Duomo.

Fez is a very walkable port 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Fez or Messina?

How long in Messina or Fez?

In either Messina or Fez, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Fez than Messina because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Messina, and 3-5 days is enough time in Fez.

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

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

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

With nightlife and food around the historic destination of Messina, there's plenty to do. 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.

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.

A weekend in Messina or Fez?

Many people visit Messina for a weekend. With food and shopping around the local port city of Messina, there's plenty to do. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

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.

Five days in Messina or Fez?

The destination of Messina offers shopping and museums. 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.

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.

A week in Messina or Fez?

Messina, a popular port city, 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, 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 Messina and Fez, we can see that Messina is more expensive. And not only is Fez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Messina 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 Messina would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Messina 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 Messina Expensive? and Is Fez Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Messina or Fez?

Fez has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Messina. When comparing the sizes of Messina 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.